Abstract: Provided are a system and method for calculating and selecting a convergence path based on cost. In one example, the method includes identifying multiple geometric convergence paths that each provides a convergence solution from a defined bottom hole assembly (BHA) location to a target path. A total monetary cost is calculated for each of the geometric convergence paths using an offset cost based on a distance of the geometric convergence path from the target path, a curvature cost based on an amount of curvature of the geometric convergence path, and a time cost based on an estimated amount of time needed to drill the geometric convergence path. The total monetary costs of the geometric convergence paths are compared and one of the geometric convergence paths is selected based on the total monetary cost of that geometric convergence path relative to the total monetary costs of the other geometric convergence paths.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for managing fuel costs. Fuel-related data, including a request for authorization of a fuel transaction, is received from a fuel-related data source via a communications network. A fuel-related score is computed based on the fuel-related data and a predetermined weighting factor. The fuel-related score is presented through a user interface. In one example aspect, a fuel-related notification is generated for the fuel transaction based on the fuel-related score and a predetermined alert rule stored in an alert rule database. The predetermined alert rule is one of a plurality of sets of predetermined alert rules stored in association with a plurality of corresponding fleets, in another example.

Abstract: A system providing a marketplace wherein professional goods and creators of the professional goods are organized and ranked to allow a user of the system. The system is configured to allow the creators to control access to their goods made available to consumers via the marketplace. The consumers may use the access to determine a value of goods and directly compensate one or more of the creators for an increased level of access, which may include one or more incentives to gain additional access, for instance, if the consumer shares the good. The system is configured to generate a suggested payment price based on value rating and highest payment data associated with each of the goods, which may be based on feedback from one or more of the consumers. The goods and the creators are organized and ranked by assigning a variable weight to value metrics based on the feedback from the consumers or other action or behavior of the consumer detected by the system.

Abstract: A system that determines promotional pricing for a product and for an objective function receives a non-linear time-dependent optimization problem for the product, where the non-linear problem includes a demand model and a plurality of constraints, and the constraints include a price ladder that includes a plurality of time periods and a non-promotional price for the product at each time period. For each of the time periods, the system determines a change in the objective function when the price at that time period includes a promotional price and all other prices on the price ladder are set to the non-promotional price to generate coefficients. The system determines a maximum value of the coefficients at each time period, and generates an approximate Mixed Integer Programming (“MIP”) problem based on the coefficients. The system determines a Linear Programming (“LP”) relaxation of the MIP problem, and solves the LP relaxation.

Abstract: A method of generating fuel price data for a retail fuel site. The method comprises receiving relationship data indicating a relationship between the retail fuel site and a competitor retail fuel site and receiving fuel price data for the competitor retail fuel site. The fuel price data for the competitor retail fuel site is processed to generate estimated fuel price data for the competitor retail fuel site and the fuel price data for the retail fuel site is generated based upon the relationship data and the estimated fuel price data.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for generating cost values for a plurality of braking events of an aircraft, where each cost value is based on an expected wear of the wheel-and-brake assembly of the aircraft during the respective braking event. The systems and techniques may take into account data representative of conditions during the respective braking event of the aircraft to generate the cost values.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to network-implemented methods and systems for providing dynamic product pricing to a seller, using a self-updating database.

Abstract: A method for systematically determining a pricing strategy based on one or more of a business insight, a price perception model and a surprise model.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and system and computer management for regulating an on-line sale through a communication network. With the present invention, the seller is able to present their product at an optimum price and gradually decrease that price at the pre-arranged published “price drop” levels until the product sells or is removed from the on-line sale. These “price drop” levels can be set as uniform decreases or can be set individually by the seller. Purchasers can also place advanced future “reserve” commitments to purchase at pricing below the current asking price for a particular item.

Abstract: When a consumer selects and checks out merchandise at a point of sale of a merchant, price matching is automatically performed for the selected merchandise and the merchant has the opportunity to price match competitors' prices. The price of the merchandise is automatically adjusted based on the merchant's price matching policy. Thus, the customer may receive the benefit of price matching automatically during the checkout process. Further, prices offered at the merchant and at the competitors are continuously monitored for a period of time after purchase. When lower prices are found during the period of time, the purchase price is automatically adjusted and the amount difference between the purchase price and the lower price is automatically refunded to the customer's payment account.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an optimized price schedule that controls the simplicity of a price schedule while maintaining efficiency in terms of welfare. A welfare function and a simplicity metric representing a simplicity of price schedules are determined. A full objective, corresponding to a comparison of the welfare with respect to the simplicity of each price schedule is determined and an optimized price schedule, representing the schedule having the highest computed full objective, is output.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for predicting the extent and cost of repair resulting from a vehicle accident. The estimates can be based on one or more of in-vehicle sensor measurements during the accident, external observations such as weather and traffic and road conditions and manually or digitally input accident reports. The gathered information is compared to information in a database from historical accidents and the resulting damage and costs for those. The information is classified according to impact force, direction and location along with the specific type of vehicle. Maintaining and refreshing the information and predictive models in the system is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A method for costing a web service operable for querying one or more data sources, the method including calculating the cost of operating the web service, measuring web service usage data using one or more service metrics, wherein the one or more service metrics include at least one derived service metric, choosing at least one service metric from the one or more service metrics, wherein one or more of the at least one chosen service metrics is a derived service metric, calculating the cost of the web service based on the at least one chosen service metric, and charging for usage of the web service based upon the calculated cost of the web service.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture to generate sales proposals, by determining, for a customer, a level of preference for each of a plurality of items of inventory, classifying each item of inventory into one of a plurality of categories, determining, for the customer, a price range for each item of inventory, computing a demand for each of a plurality of items of media content, selecting a subset of the items of advertising inventory based on: (i) the demand for each of a plurality of programs, (ii) the level of preference for each of the plurality of items of inventory, and (iii) the classification of each of the plurality of items of inventory, and computing: (i) a total cost for the proposal, and (ii) a cost for each item of inventory in the subset.

Abstract: A method and system for predicting the impact of replenishment levers on product service level, lost sales, and on-shelf availability for a retailer. The method and system models cost and revenue elasticity curves for a product or group of products and analyzes the cost and revenue elasticity curves, measures the impact of tuning the replenishment levers on inventory cost and sales revenue, and identifies values for the product replenishment levers to optimize replenishment system policies and product profitability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to method and apparatus for pricing at least one of a new product, service or solution. The method comprises launching the new product, service or solution at an initial price, iteratively varying the initial price corresponding to quantities demanded based on a real time feedback, generating a demand schedule by capturing the quantities demanded and correspondingly varying prices, tracing a demand curve based on the demand schedule in real time, determining a demand function and a corresponding demand equation based on the demand curve and repeating step b to reach a point on the demand curve at which the profit margin is a maximum.

Abstract: A request for a simultaneous retail and transfer price optimization is received. The request includes a mutual optimization goal of each of at least two participants of a supply chain. Simultaneous optimization input constraints are selected based upon the mutual optimization goal. The requested simultaneous retail and transfer price optimization is performed using the selected simultaneous optimization input constraints. A set of optimized values of the mutual optimization goal is determined, based upon the simultaneous retail and transfer price optimization, using the selected simultaneous optimization input constraints. Each value of the set of optimized values is associated with one of the at least two participants of the supply chain. Output is generated that identifies the determined set of optimized values of the mutual optimization goal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forecasting prices of products are provided. A method for forecasting prices of products, comprises obtaining a time series history of a price of a product, imputing a state indicator value for each price data from the time series history, wherein a state is one of a promotional price state and a regular price state, extracting a first price time series for the price data in the promotional state and a second price time series for the price data in the regular state, extracting a promotion duration time series from the time series history, obtaining respective point forecasts for the extracted first price time series, the second price time series and the promotion duration time series, and combining the point forecasts for the extracted first and second price time series and the promotion duration time series to obtain a final price forecast.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that allow sellers to offer goods and services at prices that vary depending on what transpires during the event or service. The final price is determined after the event or service based on the occurrence of certain pre-selected attributes. Candidate attributes are potentially associated with the event or service but the outcome or occurrence of the attribute is not knowable by the buyer and seller with certainty at the time of the original purchase. Using the outcome-based pricing (OBP) and settlement system the seller can set prices to minimize significant deviation from a pre-determined revenue plan, or alternatively build-in an increase or even decrease in gross revenues. The present invention allows for the order, payment and final settlement of the purchase transaction, automatically. The preferred embodiment for the OBP pricing and settlement system is via a computer network that includes the Internet.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates subscription based electronic book reading platform for mobile devices. In embodiments, the reading platform may provide recommendations of electronic books to users based on a user's behavior. In embodiments, the reading platform may provide for methods which determine lifetime value of books and payment to content providers within a subscription based electronic book service model. The reading platform may also restrict user access depending on user location or connection.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates subscription based electronic book reading platform for mobile devices. In embodiments, the reading platform may provide recommendations of electronic books to users based on a user's behavior. In embodiments, the reading platform may provide for methods which determine lifetime value of books and payment to content providers within a subscription based electronic book service model. The reading platform may also restrict user access depending on user location or connection.

Abstract: After a telecommunications interaction apparently concludes between first and second parties to the interaction, an automated means for detecting the termination of the interaction jumps in and presents at least one of the parties with an opportunity to participate in a survey (an instant survey) relating to the just-terminated interaction. In one embodiment, the interaction is between a prospective consumer and a lead buyer (or an agent of the buyer) and the instant survey queries the buyer or agent regarding immediate impressions of the quality of the purchased lead that brought the prospective consumer and the lead buyer (or agent) into contact with one another. In one embodiment, results of instant surveys feed into a ranking system that ranks the quality of leads provided through a specific sponsor and remuneration to the sponsor is automatically adjusted according to instant survey results collected for that sponsor.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel system and method for automatically determining the price to offer to purchase a valuable object, for example, jewelry or watches, and then an automated system to enter into a binding purchase agreement and to fulfill the purchase with an insured shipment of the object to the buyer.

Abstract: A method for operating a restaurant and/or bar by charging patrons based on market pricing of actual food and beverages ordered and a seating charge per unit of time. A computer including memory, processor, and visual display mechanism is used to display the then current market prices for food and drinks, wherein a visual update of the market prices of specific food and drink items is provided. The market pricing is tied to the pricing of the food and/or beverages that the restaurant pays to its suppliers and/or to a market exchange. The bill for food and beverages includes an initial seating fee, which is a set price per patron per unit of time, and then an additional time seating fee is charged for any time after the initial unit of time expires. Seating charges depend upon time of day, day of week, season, and proximity to event or Holiday.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data of a document using an apparatus. The processor determines pixel classifications and counts for each classification, classifies the image, selects a billing tier for which to bill the image, determines counts of pixels for marking to output the image (e.g., in device dependent space), and then can adjust from the selected billing tier to a different billing tier based on the image classification (e.g., and/or using determined counts of pixels for each classification and determined counts of pixels for marking). Counts of pixels can be adjusted using an offset, or calculated using a combination of the determined counts (e.g., combining counts from both independent and dependent spaces). By adjusting the tier at which to bill data, more accurate billing can be implemented for documents with contone or grayscale image data, for example, with greater customer satisfaction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing retroactive document retention service. In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes: a computing platform including a processor and a storage device, a database comprising rules relating to maintenance of information stored in an archive, a software module stored in the storage device comprising executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to: (a) identify one or more data items in the one or more databases having a retention date prior to a date of enrollment into the document retention service; (b) retroactively apply the document retention service to the one or more data items by modifying a retention time for each of the one or more data items, wherein the retention time is extend for a predetermined time in accordance with one or more terms of the document retention service.

Abstract: A system and related method are disclosed for pricing a lease allowing multiple vehicle exchanges, using a computer or similar device. The method involves accepting lessee data including the lessee driving record, and desired lease terms, vehicles, and vehicle exchanges, and combining it with other data such as initial values of vehicles, depreciation over the term and mileage of the lease, and the history of interaction between the lessee and lessor. The calculated price is published via the system display. The method may be practiced by a server, mobile device, or payment processing machine belonging to the lessee or lessor.

Abstract: A system containing an integration of a cost savings tracker and spend analyzer for calculating actual effective savings of a spend category in a procurement cycle is described. The system includes a cost savings tracker module and spend analyzer module. The cost savings tracker module facilitates computation of actual effective cost savings of a spend category and thus facilitates tracking of the cost savings of a spend category, while a cost component model of the spend analyzer module is intended for spend analysis that facilitates analysis of the procurement cost in relation to market indices of the underlying commodities.

Abstract: A crowd pricing system and method having tier-based ratings includes a pricing table hosted on a memory. The pricing table has a plurality of pricing tiers, wherein the pricing table is correlated to at least one downloadable media item. A download popularity value is calculated based on a quantity of downloads of the at least one downloadable media item within an evaluation period, wherein a position of the at least one downloadable media item is movable between the plurality of pricing tiers based on the download popularity value, wherein position movement of the at least one downloadable media item is regulated by at least one control factor. A ratings designation is paired with each of the plurality of pricing tiers, the ratings designation having a cumulative user ratings score calculated by the processor, wherein the cumulative user ratings score provides an indication of cumulative user rating of the at least one downloadable media item.

Abstract: A system and method for providing model-based promotion and price computation is described in which promotional offers in the form of promotion information from a manufacturer are combined with price determination parameters from the retailer to calculate a final retail price. The system prevents fraud by eliminating the heavy dependence on unverifiable trust between the retailer and manufacturer and by assuring that the consumer will receive the benefit of the promotions intended by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for computing an estimation of maximum total sales over streaming items. Each item having an associated value is designated as an item value pair. Value ranges are established to place the item value pairs. The value ranges are distinct. Each of the item value pairs is added into the value ranges according to each of the associated values for the item value pairs. Repeated item value pairs are removed that are in the same value ranges. A number of the item value pairs is reduced in each of the value ranges respectively based on an error factor, by randomly selecting the item value pairs to remove from each of the value ranges. An estimate of a total maximum value of the bids for the item value pairs in all of the value ranges is computed based on a scale factor.

Abstract: A method of Demand Response (DR) utilizing a Load Control Transponder (LCT) installed at the location of an electricity consumer. A DR program, in conjunction with the LCT, allows a consumer to determine, in advance, when they will reduce their demand on an electricity supply system. The consumer is informed of price points at which the cost of energy increases due to overall demand. The consumer then determines if, and when, they will reduce their demand on the system when a price point is reached. In addition, when an unplanned, critical event occurs, the method enables the utility to bypass any intermediate consumer established settings and immediately and directly drop the level of energy consumption to the consumer's lowest selected level for continuing service thereby to shed sufficient load on the system to maintain an adequate level of electricity supply. Once the event has been resolved, the method enables the utility to restore the consumer's previous level of usage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products for determining an optimal price recommendation. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor configured to: (a) predict one or more values of relative strength index based on one or more price changes; (b) determine a curve for predicted relative strength index as a function of price change; (c) use elasticity models to determine values of market share based on the predicted values of relative strength index to thereby determine a market share as a function of price change curve; (d) determine a curve for total revenue as a function of price change curve; (e) determine an optimal price or an optimal price change for the entity based at least partially on a value associated with a peak of the curve for total revenue as the function of price change.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a system and method to provide price benchmark for a bundled product consisting of two or more components, with particular application in telecommunications products/services. Benchmarking bundled services usually revolves around choosing a price distribution quantile of (near) identical bundled transactions. Historical transaction data lacks sufficient volume to extract reliable statistical information to price benchmark bundled telecommunications services of “similar” nature (typically includes triplets of access, port/plug and CustomerPremisesEquipment). An alternative, Component Based Model (CBM), approach sums the price quantile of each component in the bundle. The advantage of CBM is that price data by network element is more abundant providing acceptable statistical reliability. The drawback is that the sum of quantile values usually underestimates the quantile of the sum.

Abstract: A network based construction project management system. The system includes network accessible databases of project information including drawings and specifications. The system allows for varying amount of access for various user including general contractors, subcontractors, architects and project owners. The system allows for the effective creation, management and long term accessible storage of project submittals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products for determining a competitor's pricing strategy. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor configured to: (a) receive information identifying pricing strategy for each of the plurality of entities, where the pricing strategy comprises at least one variable for a price selection method; (b) randomly generate initial values for the at least one variable for the price selection method to thereby generate a plurality of pricing strategies; (c) determine a value of fitness for each of the plurality of pricing strategies; (d) select pricing strategies from among the plurality of pricing strategies having a value of fitness that satisfy a predetermined criteria; (e) use a genetic algorithm to randomly modify a portion of the initial values for the at least one price selection method; and (f) determine that the plurality of pricing strategies is satisfactory.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products for determining competitor prices. In one embodiment, a system comprises a processor configured to: (a) receive information identifying pricing strategy for each of the plurality of entities, where the pricing strategy comprises at least one variable for a price selection method; (b) randomly generate initial values for the at least one variable for the price selection method to thereby generate a plurality of pricing strategies; (c) determine a value of fitness for each of the plurality of pricing strategies; (d) select pricing strategies from among the plurality of pricing strategies having a value of fitness that satisfy a predetermined criteria; (e) use a genetic algorithm to randomly modify a portion of the initial values for the at least one price selection method; and (f) determine that the plurality of pricing strategies is satisfactory.

Abstract: Automated return machines may receive items to be returned to an electronic marketplace by a customer, or repurchased by the electronic marketplace, within one or more designated chambers. The machines may gather one or more attributes of the item and utilize such attributes to confirm an identity of the item or to evaluate its condition, and to generate an offer for the repurchase of the item based on an anticipated demand for the item as well as a strategy or plan to distribute the item, either directly from the automated return machine or from a facility designated by an electronic marketplace. If the offer is declined, the item may be returned to the customer. If the offer is accepted, a credit for the item may be remitted to the customer, and the item may be added to the inventory at the electronic marketplace and made available for resale to other customers.

Abstract: A product evaluation system and a product evaluation method allow people to quickly, inexpensively, and accurately evaluate large amounts of products including those that do not have information attached in advance in the manufacturing stage. The system comprises an I/O component that functions as a product identification mechanism that identifies product type including at least one of product, product group, product brand, or product category, a characteristic acquisition mechanism that acquires characteristic information of the product, an evaluator that performs authentication and value estimations of products, and a data store that stores information related to the product.

Abstract: A method for automatic, pre-sale price matching performed by a computing device includes receiving a first price established by a first vendor for at least one of a good and a service. The method includes retrieving information including a second price, the information associated with an offer for sale, by another vendor, of the at least one of the good and the service. The method includes identifying at least one parameter of the offer. The method includes recalculating the second price using the parameter. The method includes determining that the first price is higher than the recalculated second price. The method includes automatically modifying the first price to be substantially equal to the recalculated second price. The method includes publishing the modified first price so a user may acquire the at least one of the good and the service at the modified first price from the first vendor without negotiation.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods and systems for providing comprehensive cloud network resources to subscribing users comprising the acts of: providing a cloud network server including at least one data storage unit and at least one processor; providing at least one user device for accessing the cloud network server, the user device being communicatively coupled with the cloud network server; wherein the user device displays a menu including at least one menu item; and wherein the menu item is language irrelevant, wherein the language irrelevant menu item is identifiable without reference to written language. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the cloud server stores user data; and generates a menu responsive to the stored user data, including past menu selections by the user. Where stored user data includes geographic data; the cloud server generates dynamic information responsive to the user geographic data and responsive to past menu selections.

Abstract: A request for a simultaneous retail and transfer price optimization is received. The request includes a mutual optimization goal of each of at least two participants of a supply chain. Simultaneous optimization input constraints are selected based upon the mutual optimization goal. The requested simultaneous retail and transfer price optimization is performed using the selected simultaneous optimization input constraints. A set of optimized values of the mutual optimization goal is determined, based upon the simultaneous retail and transfer price optimization, using the selected simultaneous optimization input constraints. Each value of the set of optimized values is associated with one of the at least two participants of the supply chain. Output is generated that identifies the determined set of optimized values of the mutual optimization goal.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product assist an airline in determining if a lower fare exists for a trip among fares already proposed by the airline or other airlines. A set of tables, each associated with particular departure and arrival locations, may be created in an encompassing request database based upon results identified for requests sent from one or more clients, travel agents or airlines to a production traffic engine. The encompassing request database may then be queried by an airline to determine whether a lower fare exists for the trip.

Abstract: A system and method for auditing and verifying that a buyer is being charged a correct price for a good by a distributer before the distributer transports the good to the buyer. The system reviews a proposed invoice at an individual good level and reviews the transportation cost associated with each good. If a variance between an expected cost and a proposed invoice cost is determined, the audit system automatically generates electronic exception files detailing the variance for transmitting to the distributor. The system also provides for post-invoice auditing of the price paid for both a good and transportation costs associated with the delivery of the good to verify that the cost charged to the buyer was correct.

Abstract: A system and method that establishes and maintains pricing for participating vendors and an authorized buyer using a metadata-software application that provides a useful history of purchases and discounts for audit records. The system provides base prices and price discounts based on the average actual sale price of an item or service over a period of time. The terms of the averaging procedure, and the mathematical algorithms utilized to calculate “average” can differ from contract to contract and are defined in a way that buyers perceive as fair, reasonable and transparent, and vendors find acceptable. Using the system will confirm that the price paid for a commercial good or service is market-based, and that terms and conditions of the sale leverage volume-buying power, ensuring the best possible price and the best possible terms for all commercial transactions in today's marketplace.

Abstract: Methods for competitive pricing are implemented in software for commerce in an electronic marketplace. A vendor may identify rivals: competitors against which the vendor most directly competes by dint of having similar reputation and market positioning. Using specified pricing models applied to filtered price data periodically gathered by spider-crawling competitors on the Internet, a vendor may adjust product prices to match rivals while accounting for overall marketplace price trends.

Abstract: A top-down and bottom-up approach that decomposes product bundles to components, classifies them into different groups corresponding to a component similarity measure, and detects their inherent values. The bundles are reassembled and characterized by several key attributes according to their component inherent values, and classified into segments. A normalized utility model is constructed for each product bundle segment, taking into account the additive effect among different commodity types and product families. The goodness of fit of the top-down and the bottom-up model may be validated. The model may be applied in an RFQ pricing environment.

Abstract: A top-down and bottom-up approach that decomposes product bundles to components, classifies them into different groups corresponding to a component similarity measure, and detects their inherent values. The bundles are reassembled and characterized by several key attributes according to their component inherent values, and classified into segments. A normalized utility model is constructed for each product bundle segment, taking into account the additive effect among different commodity types and product families. The goodness of fit of the top-down and the bottom-up model may be validated. The model may be applied in an RFQ pricing environment.

Abstract: In a store providing system, an action history recording device records the action history of a user. A product information acceptor accepts information to identify content to be sold in a store. Here, the product information acceptor accepts the information to identify content included in the action history of the user in the action history recording device. A content disposing section disposes accepted information relating to content in the store. A target sales holder holds a target number of sales of content and a content price holder holds the price of the content. A price decider increases the price of the content if the counted number of sales is equal to or larger than the target number of sales, and decreases the price of the content if the counted number of sales is smaller than the target number of sales.