Abstract: A system for classification of a test object using a training set comprising a plurality of objects, each of which is assigned as a member of a class. Collectively, the objects in the training set are members of at least two classes. A computer system is configured as a probabilistic classifier. The classifier estimates the probability of the test object being a member of each of the classes in the training set. The probabilistic classifier estimates the probability with reference to the class assignments of the objects in the training set which are neighbors to the test object within a defined region within the training set. The probabilistic classifier takes into account the situation in which there is an imbalance in the number of objects in the different classes in the training set. Additionally, the probabilistic classifier does not require any knowledge of the probability distribution function of the classes in the training set.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically generating new concepts based on existing ontologies are provided. The system creates new concepts in existing ontologies based on new concept descriptions expressed in a natural language format, and comprises: a normalizer for receiving and parsing the new concept descriptions so as to transform them into normalized one and output them, wherein said normalized concept description includes one or more description part(s) having kernel concepts, said description parts can only contain the terms which can be identified in said existing ontologies, and each of said kernel concept contains a headword and zero or more property(s); and a new concept factory for, based on the normalized description of the new concept, identifying the kernel concepts in each normalized concept description part, and extracting the identified kernel concepts, related properties, and the relations among the kernel concepts for a user to create new concepts according to existing ontologies.

Abstract: Techniques are described providing mediated information about a current state that is modeled with multiple state attributes. In some situations, the providing includes receiving from a first source an indication of a first value for an indicated one of the state attributes of the modeled current state, receiving from a second source an indication of a second value for the indicated state attribute, and, after an indication from a client for a value for the indicated state attribute, sending to the client a mediated value for the indicated state attribute that is produced by mediating between available values for the indicated state attribute including at least the first and second values.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implementing Q&A function for an electronic document, a method for computer-aided authoring, a method for browsing an electronic document, a computer-aided authoring apparatus, a browser capable of providing Q&A function, a method for providing Q&A service utilizing computers and a system for providing Q&A service. Said method for implementing Q&A function for an electronic document includes: when the writer is writing an electronic document, generating Q&A information used for Q&A function so that the reliability of the generated Q&A information is ensured by the writer; saving said Q&A information in correspondence with said electronic document; and using said Q&A information for providing Q&A function.

Abstract: A knowledge generation machine (KGM) that collects information of varying types from a plurality of different sources is provided. Because information about a software component may come from third parties or external information, the KGM is configured to find and store the new information from these sources. The KGM detects this new information quickly and automatically, and extends a knowledge model using this new information. The KGM generates a knowledge model that expands and adapts as new information is acquired, without the need for manual intervention.

Abstract: A scheduling system and method for moving plural objects through a multipath system described as a freight railway scheduling system. The scheduling system utilizes a cost reactive resource scheduler to minimize resource exception while at the same time minimizing the global costs associated with the solution. The achievable movement plan can be used to assist in the control of, or to automatically control, the movement of trains through the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inference machine which is used to answer questions relating to predetermined data with the aid of an ontology, which is used to structure data, and a declarative system of rules, which reproduces additional knowledge. During the evaluation of a query, inference protocols, relating to the instantiation of the regulations which appear during evaluation, are read in an evaluation unit associated with the inference unit. Explanations relating to the evaluation of the rules are generated in the evaluation unit according to the inference protocols. A logical derivation of the answer becomes transparent. The system can answer technical questions and can carry out and explain technical considerations.

Abstract: An automated facilitator for use in structuring a group decision process using end user collaboration units through which corresponding stories are entered and feedback is provided, the facilitator including at least one database which stores models for problem solving; and at least one automated facilitation server which receives information on a problem to be resolved, receives the stories from the collaboration end units relating to the problem to form a story matrix, translates the story matrix into an influence diagram and/or decision tree displayed on the end user collaboration units using the stored models, provides alerts of divergences to be resolved by the end user collaboration units to resolve the problem according to the stored models, updates the displayed influence diagrams and decision trees according to feedback received from the user collaboration units due to the alert using the stored models, and provides a best solution based upon the updates which indicates a sensitivity of the solution

Abstract: A method of testing changes to externalized rules is provided. The method comprises using a rules change management engine and receiving from it a test request for a rules change for a rule. Further, the method comprises providing regression test buckets for testing a version of a rule against each of a plurality of exploiting systems that exploits the rule, and determining for the test request for the rules change received, which of the regression test buckets should be executed against which of the plurality of exploiting systems that exploits the rule and running, using a test rules management system, the regression test buckets that are determined should be executed. The method further comprises reporting results of the regression test buckets that are run to the rules change management engine, such that the rules change management engine is able to determine whether or not to implement the rules change.

Abstract: A solution advisor tool for designing an information technology (IT) solution, comprising: (1) a knowledge management system for generating and storing information in a hierarchical format, wherein the knowledge management system includes: (a) a first knowledge base of characteristics; (b) a second knowledge base that manages relationship information regarding the interactions of characteristics and defines all valid characteristic combinations, wherein each valid characteristic combination forms a network unit; (c) a third knowledge base that manages information regarding the interconnectability of network units, wherein a valid combination of network units comprises a configuration; and (d) a fourth knowledge base that manages information regarding sets of possible configurations that can fulfill a predetermined function, wherein each set comprises a cloud; and (2) a design interface system for generating the IT solution.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for servicing a request for a web page from a user over a worldwide computer network using a portal management system. A user transmits a request for a web page with one or more portlets to a portal web server. The portal web server communicates with one or more web providers to obtain content for any portlets on the web page. Each web provider may communicate with one or more content retrievers, or access pre-rendered web pages generated by a performance engine, to retrieve content necessary to render the web page. Each content retriever may communicate with a content provider to obtain content. The portal web server assembles the requested web page using stored information and the appearance and operation of the web page and content supplied by the web provider.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a dynamic expert system comprising a control database, a master rules database, an operations database, an initialization module, a dynamic knowledge module and an application of knowledge module. The control database comprises a plurality of available data structures. The master rules database comprises one or more of the available data structures populated with a plurality of rules. The initialization module causes one or more of the available data structures and corresponding rules to be copied, as a project/product database, to the operations module. The dynamic knowledge module provides for modifying the data structure, rules and/or operating parameters to be captured of the project/product database. The application of knowledge module provides for applying the modifiable project/product database to the project, product or the like.

Abstract: An annotating system aids a user in mapping a large number of queries to tasks to obtain training data for training a search component. The annotating system includes a query log containing a large quantity of queries which have previously been submitted to a search engine. A task list containing a plurality of possible tasks is stored. A machine learning component processes the query log data and the task list data. For each of a plurality of query entries corresponding to the query log, the machine learning component suggests a best guess task for potential query-to-task mapping as a function of the training data. A graphical user interface generating component is configured to display the plurality of query entries in the query log in a manner which associates each of the displayed plurality of query entries with its corresponding suggested best guess task.

Abstract: A primary graphical input device such as a scroll bar or slider is displayed in order to allow graphical input and adjustment of at least one parameter, such as the page number of a displayed document in a word-processing program or a range value in a data visualization routine. Whenever a user activates the graphical input device, the user may set and change the parameter not only purely graphically, as in conventional applications, for example by dragging some portion of the primary device by moving a mouse, but also by entering a specific value into the secondary graphical input device, for example, via a keyboard. The invention thus provides an intuitive way for a user to quickly and easily navigate graphical objects not only by using pointing devices, but also by entering alphabetic or numeric input, all while maintaining the inherent advantages of “point and click” graphical displays.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize an in-home network system that is capable of smoothly controlling an appliance even when a new kind of appliance that has not been obtained conventionally is connected to an in-home network or even when an unusual, special use form is set in a network. A controller of the present invention compares a device type of an appliance connected to an in-home network with a skeleton stored in a skeleton DB. When a skeleton rule in accordance with the appliance type is not stored in the skeleton DB, a request for acquisition of the skeleton rule of the appliance is transmitted to a service agent. In addition, when the location of an appliance is moved, the controller sends a request for transmission of a new rule format to be added due to the movement to the service agent.

Abstract: In a learning system, a learning method, and a robot apparatus, the name of an object is obtained from the user through a dialog with the user. The object is identified based on the detection results of the predetermined plural different features of the object and the learning results of the respective features of the known object previously stored. If it is determined that the above object is a new object based on thus obtained name of the above object, the recognition results respectively based on the respective features of the above object and relation information in that the name of the known object previously stored is connected with the recognition results of the respective features of the known object respectively, the learning of the needed feature of the above object is performed, and relation information on the above object is newly stored.

Abstract: A system and method for recognizing a goal of an actor in an environment by considering hypothesized unobserved actions. The method includes providing a plan library that includes a list of possible goals and corresponding plans. Actions of the actor are observed, and the occurrence of hypothesized unobserved actions are considered. Finally, one or more plans consistent with the observed actions and the consideration of hypothesized unobserved actions are identified.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating, modifying, categorizing, modeling, distributing, purchasing, selling, and otherwise using themes and theme-related information. Themes can represent various types of contextual aspects or situations, and can model high-level concepts of activities or states not reflected in individual contextual attributes that each model a single aspect of the state of a user, their computing device, the surrounding physical environment, and/or the current cyber-environment. Such themes specify inter-relationships among a set of contextual attributes, and can have associated theme-related information such as theme-specific attributes, theme layouts used to present information and functionality, CSes that provide theme attribute values, and CCs that process theme information. Disclosed techniques can identify one or more themes that currently match the modeled context, select one of the matching themes as a current theme, and provide an appropriate response (e.g.

Abstract: System and method for evaluating an information aggregate. A metrics database stores document indicia including document attributes, associated persons and age of creation. A query engine responsive to a user request and the metrics database aggregates documents having same, unique attributes and calculates therefrom, or from meta data defining the aggregate, an age value of the aggregate. A visualization engine visualizes age values for a plurality of aggregates at a client display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a neural network for computer-assisted knowledge management, based on a neural network (1) that is formed by a computer in its memory location. The invention method and neural network are especially for use in a decentralized, computer-assisted patent system that can be used via the Internet system, in the broad sense. The neural network (1) forms a system of artificial intelligence (KI), covering a fundamental knowledge base in the form of computer-readable texts. The neural network (1) consists of elements (2) that are associated with each other and weighted in relation to each other so that the sets of knowledge available can be managed and analyzed in relation to each other by computer means.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is represented with multiple attributes. In some situations, the providing includes a first computer receiving indications of multiple characterization modules, each characterization module executing on a computer to model an aspect of a current state related to that computer; receiving an indication of one of the multiple attributes of the represented current state; determining multiple of the characterization modules whose modeled aspects are related to the indicated one attribute; and gathering information about the modeled aspects related to the indicated one attribute from the determined characterization modules so that a value for the indicated one attribute can be generated based on the gathered information.

Abstract: Information in a database collection of knowledge resources is evaluated by collecting a plurality of documents having non-unique values on a shared attribute into an information aggregate; assigning to each document an usefulness value; and calculating and visualizing the acceleration of the aggregate as a ratio of a sum of the usefulness values for documents recently included in the information aggregate to a sum of the usefulness values for all documents in the aggregate.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating, modifying, categorizing, modeling, distributing, purchasing, selling, and otherwise using themes and theme-related information. Themes can represent various types of contextual aspects or situations, and can model high-level concepts of activities or states not reflected in individual contextual attributes that each model a single aspect of the state of a user, their computing device, the surrounding physical environment, and/or the current cyber-environment. Such themes specify inter-relationships among a set of contextual attributes, and can have associated theme-related information such as theme-specific attributes, theme layouts used to present information and functionality, CSes that provide theme attribute values, and CCs that process theme information. Disclosed techniques can identify one or more themes that currently match the modeled context, select one of the matching themes as a current theme, and provide an appropriate response (e.g.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is modeled with multiple state attributes. In some situations, the providing includes receiving from a module a request related to the modeling of the current state with the multiple state attributes. In such situations, the providing further includes, without further intervention related to the request by the module, determining that the request cannot currently be satisfied, and indicating to the module that the request cannot currently be satisfied, monitoring at later times after the indicating to determine whether the request can be satisfied, and indicating to the module that the request can be satisfied if it is determined at one of the later times that the request can currently be satisfied.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is represented with multiple attributes. In some situations, the providing includes a first computer receiving indications of multiple characterization modules, each characterization module executing on a computer to model an aspect of a current state related to that computer; receiving an indication of one of the multiple attributes of the represented current state; determining multiple of the characterization modules whose modeled aspects are related to the indicated one attribute; and gathering information about the modeled aspects related to the indicated one attribute from the determined characterization modules so that a value for the indicated one attribute can be generated based on the gathered information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and mechanism for using rules metaphors to implement rules and ruleflows. Examples of such rules metaphors include decision tables, trees, scoreboards, state transition diagrams, and questionaires. By providing a choice of different rules metaphors, a rule developer can advantageously tailor the framework by which rules are created and accessed to more closely match the specific processes or task being addressed.

Abstract: A system and method for representing and incorporating available information into uncertainty-based forecasts is provided. The system comprises a new class of models able to efficiently and effectively represent uncertainty-based forecasts with a wide range of characteristics with greater accuracy. Further, methods provide for selection of a most appropriate model from the class of models and calibration of the selected model to all available data, including both directly relevant historical data and expert opinion and analysis. An output is a model that can be used to generate an uncertainty-based forecast for a variable or variables of interest accurately and efficiently. In addition, methods for refining input data and testing and refining the output representation of the uncertainty-based forecast are provided.

Abstract: A facility for exchanging context attributes is described. A characterization module receives an invocation request to provide an attribute value that was generated by a requesting attribute consumer. The received invocation request identifies the attribute whose value is to be provided. In response to receiving the invocation request, the characterization module provides a value for the identified attribute to the requesting attribute consumer.

Abstract: A method for computerized industrial process control provides computers networked to communicate with one another. Each computer active in the system is responsbile for at least a portion of the process and at least one decision for a process to be controlled and having an output. All activities are characterized by type, the types of activities forming a universal set including sensing facts, linking facts into a meaningful context, and evaluating meaning to formulate a decision. An entity responsible for an assigned decision conducts a series of activities selected from the three types, which may be applied recursively. Decisions are communicated between computers through the system to control the process. Producing output from the process follows according to a combination of decisions reported from each computer corresponding to a responsible person or other entity.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring sell bids. The system and method use rules and inference engines in order to configure sell bids in view of Request for Quotes (RFQs). The system and method include a data aggregator that integrates data from two or more enterprise data sources into an aggregated enterprise database and a knowledge base database. A bid configurator constructs one or more sell bid candidates for one or more target RFQs by using at least one inference engine and the extracted facts and rules from the knowledge database.

Abstract: A dynamic business process management system and method is disclosed for providing using a least commitment planner to better handle the changes and uncertainties that inevitably occur in the real-world. An embodiment of the invention provides a dynamic business process management system using partial-order planning. An additional embodiment of the present invention includes an intent interpreter module that supports the implementation of intelligent decision support functionality in a corporate information management interface.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for a web based knowledge management tool. A knowledge management tool enables one to interact with a knowledge base and enable distributed collaboration between parties. Users may create and customize portlets to interact with the knowledge base in a variety of formats, such as, e.g., a survey and a FAQ. The information describing the appearance and operation of the portlets is stored within a database coupled to a portal database server, which is a component that provides content pertaining to a portal web site to one or more web browsers 101. Graphical based reports based upon user activity may be dynamically generated and subsequently displayed through portlets as well.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and retrieving knowledge includes a natural language parser, a knowledge research agent, and a directional (compass) search agent. Methods for storing and retrieving knowledge can include directional searching which combines a query text with a relationship to search, and automated knowledge model construction based upon contents of an existing knowledge model and external information searches.

Abstract: Computerized training apparatus which combines electroencephalograph (EEG) based biofeedback attention training with behavior modification support, coaching support, or both.

Abstract: A Collection Knowledge System provides context-sensitive knowledge delivery services to application programs, thereby enabling application programs to effectively support variant computational processes. In operation, a Collection Knowledge System receives knowledge requests from application programs, performs local and remote lookups into structured trees of knowledge, and returns requested knowledge to requesting application programs. Collection Knowledge Systems can manage knowledge for entire variant computational processes, thereby enabling application programs to calculate and execute many variant computational processes in fully automated, scalable ways that were not previously possible. As a consequence of automated process construction and execution, associated human labor costs are effectively reduced to zero.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus identifies content owner of a Web site. A collecting step or element collects candidate names from the subject Web site. For each candidate name, a test module (or testing step) runs tests that provide quantitative/statistical evaluation of the candidate name being the content owner name of the subject Web site. The test results are combined mathematically, such as by a Bayesian network, into an indication of content owner name.

Abstract: A computer system, method and computer program product for enabling data analysis is provided. An analytical engine, executable on a computer, provides a plurality of knowledge elements from one or more data sources. The analytical engine is linked to a data management system for accessing and processing the knowledge elements. The knowledge elements include a plurality of records and/or variables. The analytical engine updates the knowledge element dynamically. The analytical engine defines one or more knowledge entity, each knowledge entity including at least one knowledge element. The knowledge entity, as defined by the analytical engine, consists of a data matrix having a row and a column for each variable, and the knowledge entity accumulates sets of combinations of knowledge elements for each variable in the intersection of the corresponding row and column.

Abstract: The method and system for extracting information from a plurality of articles and for storing the extracted information in a knowledge-based information store. The method and system identify a plurality of articles from which information is to be extracted. The method and system identify and assign a plurality of information extractors for extracting information from the plurality of articles. The method and system receive information extracted by an information extractor from an article assigned to the information extractor. The method and system enable a content reviewer to review the extracted information received from the information extractor and the content reviewer identifies errors associated with the extracted information. If the error count is above the threshold level, the article may be reassigned for information extraction. If the error count is equal to or below the threshold level, the content reviewer may change the extracted information to correct the errors.

Abstract: A system and methods providing for the evaluation of transaction data records to first determine forward link associations between items as reference and related items identified by corresponding “expert” users as a basis for establishing expert database item association rules. The forward link associations are then evaluated to identify back link associations between reference and related items. Back link weights, corresponding to the respective back link associations reflecting the depth and strength of the back linked associations are determined and associated with the forward link associations to provide an augmented basis for subsequently evaluating the association rules collected into an expert database.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and tools to aggregate information stemming from a plurality of different classification tools and supportive evidential information to arrive at a unified classification estimate. The information fusion system according to the present invention has a plurality of sensors associated with the system, where each sensor is related to at least one class of the system and is data-related to the at least one class. A plurality of classification tools are each designed to receive selected and pre-processed outputs from the sensors and to generate classification outputs representing a state of at least one class of the system. An information fusion tool is configured to receive the outputs of the classification tools as well as evidential information as inputs, and has an hierarchical architecture which manipulates the inputs to generate an output of aggregated fused information for a particular class of the system.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the graphical entry of knowledge information in Task-Method-Knowledge (TMK) notation into a computer system. The system comprises methods for entering the TMK hierarchy, defining new tasks 510, methods 512, procedures 522, and subtasks 518. Defined elements may be reviewed, modified, or deleted. Inputs to the tasks may be defined and the outputs of methods and procedures may be assigned. The hierarchy may be processed towards a solution. The entered hierarchy is displayed with visual clues as to the state and progress of the solution process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for maintaining a knowledge base. The method taking as input, text examples that are tagged with a structural markup language; and maps knowledge nodes in the knowledge base with the tagged examples to determine: (1) the knowledge nodes that best match the tagged examples, and (2) the knowledge nodes that are best connected to the tagged examples. The results are displayed to the user, who verifies that the tagged examples match the selected knowledge nodes. Based on the user response, indices of the knowledge nodes are updated. The method may further include determining discrepancies between the existing knowledge base and the tagged examples, and further displaying the discrepancies to the user. The user can update the missing information in the knowledge base to remove the discrepancies in the existing knowledge base.

Abstract: A method and system for the analysis of biological, medical and/or biochemical data having values for each of a plurality of attributes, having a receiving portion for receiving the data and entering it into a storage arrangement like a relational database in accordance with the values and attributes of the data; a calculating portion for determining discrete bins for at least one of the attributes for the data in accordance with the values of the data entered in the storage arrangement; a re-organizing portion for re-organizing the data in the storage arrangement in accordance with the discrete bins; a data mining portion for mining the organized data in the storage arrangement to determine sets of applicable logical rules; and a processing and presenting portion for logical rules or groups of logical rules. The processing portion further involves the application of at least one operator to create a subset of rules in an iterative manner.

Abstract: A method of generating language specific code comprising the steps of extracting neutral code from a knowledge base, preprocessing the neutral code, providing a code generator with the preprocessed neutral code and a target language in to which the preprocessed neutral code is to be translated, and processing the preprocessed neutral code by translating the neutral code into a target language code.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing whether a patient has a disease comprising interpreting the results of an immunoassay, wherein the immunoassay is viewed as a series of separate tests performed in parallel. The immunoassay can be a Western blot and the disease can be Lyme Disease.

Abstract: A system and method for automated message response within a system for knowledge management is disclosed. The method discloses the steps of: identifying a set of information resources; profiling the information resources; monitoring a transmitted message; scoring the monitored message with respect to the information resource profiles; querying an information resource with content from the monitored message, if that information resource's score exceeds a predetermined threshold; receiving a set of query responses from the information resources; generating a response to the monitored message from the query responses; and responding to the monitored message with the message response. The system of the present invention, discloses means for implementing the method.

Abstract: A learning model is initiated during start-up learning to activate operation of a decision system. During operation of the decision system, data is qualified for use in online learning. Online learning allows a system to adapt or learn application dependent parameters to optimize or maintain its performance during normal operation. Methods for qualifying data for use in online learning include thresholding of features, restriction of score space for qualified objects, and using a different source of information than is used in the decision process. Clustering methods are used to improve the quality of the learning model. Using the cumulative distribution function to compare two distributions and produce a measure of similarity derives a metric for learning maturity.

Abstract: A method, system and program product 100 usable by domain developers having any experience level in creating domain models. A representation of domain model knowledge is derived from a domain specification. The domain specification includes multiple potential domain objects, e.g., tables of APIs functional arguments, and each of the potential domain objects include one or more attributes. Potential domain objects are selected one at a time 102 from the specification and offered to the developer. The developer decides 104 whether or not to include the potential domain object in the domain model. If the developer decides to include the potential domain object 106, then the system provides a default name 108, i.e., the table name or argument name, and allows the developer to rename the selected domain object 110. Then, after having selected the object, potential attributes 112, e.g., table columns 1122, are selected from the object and offered to the developer 116.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus identifies content owner of a Web site. A collecting step or element collects candidate names from the subject Web site. For each candidate name, a test module (or testing step) runs tests that provide quantitative/statistical evaluation of the candidate name being the content owner name of the subject Web site. The test results are combined mathematically, such as by a Bayesian network, into an indication of content owner name. The determined indications of content owner name correlated with respective Web site are stored in a database or other storage means.

Abstract: A knowledge acquisition and retrieval apparatus and method that emulate the human brain and comprise at least one first memory segment, and a distinct second memory segment, wherein elements of the at least one first memory segment are reciprocally associated to elements of the second memory segment, and vice-versa. The at least one first memory segment comprises categorized data from the physical world, known as representational data, while the second memory segment contains abstract or conceptual data, otherwise known as consciousness data. Physical data comprises auditory data, language data, visual data, motion data, and sensory data, and each element of the at least one first memory segment is identified as auditory data, language data, visual data, motion data, or sensory data. By reciprocally associating the physical (representational) and conceptual (consciousness) data, a hierarchical structure is created that allows information retrieval by traversing the reciprocal associations.