Abstract: An electronic device including a processor configured to execute a program stored in a memory, in which the processor executes input-screen display processing of causing a display to display an input screen, in order to accept input of data for a certain item, executes, when the input of the data for the certain item is accepted by a first method during display of the input screen, default-value setting processing of setting the data as a default value for the certain item, and executes data processing with the data, and executes, when the input of the data for the certain item is accepted by a second method during display of the input screen, default-value non-setting processing of not setting the data as the default value, and executes the data processing with the data.

Abstract: Any number of distinct dependent dimensions, associated with different object types, can be created and applied to accounting transactions. The distinct dependent dimensions can be used in generating reports, for example to provide insight into particular categories of transactions. Dimensional data can be captured along with transactional data, and subsequently used for categorizing and reporting on transactions. The distinct dependent dimensions can be organized in a hierarchical manner, for improved flexibility and functionality in categorizing and reporting on transactions. In addition, the dependent dimension structure can be used when generating and presenting user interface components, so that they properly restrict dimension data picklist values and prevent inconsistent dimension value selections.

Abstract: A utilizing function apparatus include at least one processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to, based on an operation, set one of at least one function temporarily unable to be executed, when it is detected that the utilizing function apparatus is connected to an external device after setting the one function temporarily unable to be executed, acquire information about an area of the memory of the utilizing function apparatus, as first information, when it is detected that the connection with the external device is released, acquire the information about the area of the memory, as second information, and when the acquired first information and second information are different, set the one function back able to be executed.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting statistical variations and public opinion. The system comprises a respondent interface subsystem for capturing respective opinion values of a set of respondents in relation to a subject matter, said opinion values having respective validity periods associated therewith. The system further includes a database subsystem for storing the respective opinion values corresponding to each respondent and to said subject matter. The system further includes a statistical processing subsystem for calculating successive values of a collected opinion value by selecting respective subsets of said respective user opinion values according to said respective validity periods and calculating said successive values of a collective opinion value over said corresponding subset.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides computational device that comprises a processor for performing mathematical computations, and a user interface. The user interface comprises a display and a plurality of functional buttons each associated one of a plurality of variables in a mathematical equation defining a relationship among those variables. In response to the selection of any of the buttons by a user, the processor effects presentation of one or more prompts in the display to invite the user to enter values for variables associated with buttons other than that selected by the user, and upon entry of the last variable value, the processor calculates a value for the variable selected by the user and presents said calculated value in the display.

Abstract: A method for calculating coordinate points corresponding to a segment of a circle for arch construction includes entering a desired width dimension of a desired arch, entering a desired height dimension of a desired arch, and calculating coordinate pairs corresponding to a previously defined coordinate system, wherein the resultant coordinate pairs correspond to points defining an arc, wherein the arc is the arc corresponding to the width and height dimensions of the desired arch.

Abstract: Embodiments herein select performance indicators from raw data and measure the indicators over at least one time period to extract a time series of data for each of the indicators. The method determines a time order among the correlated indicators and determines a causal direction among the correlated indicators based on which of the correlated indicators occurs first in time so as to identify relative leading indicators among the correlated indicators. The processes of determining the time order and determining the causal direction can comprise applying Dynamic Time Warping and/or Granger Causality techniques to the time series of data.

Abstract: A method for estimating a used vehicle's market value is disclosed. The method searches for a set of comparable vehicles in an existing historical database of used vehicles. Estimations of the used vehicles are established based on each comparable vehicle (neighbor) in the set of comparable vehicles by adjusting their resale value in accordance with the individual differences found between the neighbor(s) and the used vehicle whose market value is to be estimated/predicted (the target vehicle). Finally, a distance-weighted average of all such estimations is calculated to arrive at a market value estimation for the target vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for providing a business logic framework. In some implementations, a method includes identifying an event associated with business logic of an application framework. The application framework is associated with method framework logic and the business logic. One or more business objects are identified in accordance with the business logic. The business logic is executed using the identified one or more business objects independent of the method framework logic.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides computational device that comprises a processor for performing mathematical computations, and a user interface. The user interface comprises a display and a plurality of functional buttons each associated one of a plurality of variables in a mathematical equation defining a relationship among those variables. In response to the selection of any of the buttons by a user, the processor effects presentation of one or more prompts in the display to invite the user to enter values for variables associated with buttons other than that selected by the user, and upon entry of the last variable value, the processor calculates a value for the variable selected by the user and presents said calculated value in the display.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides computational device that comprises a processor for performing mathematical computations, and a user interface. The user interface comprises a display and a plurality of functional buttons each associated one of a plurality of variables in a mathematical equation defining a relationship among those variables. In response to the selection of any of the buttons by a user, the processor effects presentation of one or more prompts in the display to invite the user to enter values for variables associated with buttons other than that selected by the user, and upon entry of the last variable value, the processor calculates a value for the variable selected by the user and presents said calculated value in the display.

Abstract: A consumption investment system permits consumers to deposit value corresponding to their consumables in an investment consumable account as principal, and accrue benefits based on the principal. As with a bank account, the accrued benefits may be based on an interest rate or market valuations, and the consumer may withdraw the accrued benefits based on terms of a contract. Many types of consumable investment instruments may be used much like other types of investments. For example, mutual consumable funds may be established where values of consumables of many participants are pooled, and participants may receive benefits based on corresponding contributions. Consumers that invest in a particular fund (or other consumable investment such as a bank consumable account) may build natural interest and loyalty to the particular fund such as occurs with financial mutual funds.

Abstract: Share of Wallet (“SOW”) is a modeling approach that utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a consumer's spending capability, tradeline history including balance transfers, and balance information. These outputs can be appended to data profiles of customers and prospects and can be utilized to support decisions involving prospecting, new applicant evaluation, and customer management across the lifecycle. The likelihood of default determined by the SOW model, when applied to a loan portfolio, can reduce the amount of credit enhancement required for an asset-backed securities rating.

Abstract: An electronic spreadsheet or hand user calculator consists of an array of cells some containing formulas some into which a user enters stair dimension values such as total rise and run. After the user has entered such values the formulas proceed to other stair dimension calculations; then results are displayed on the spreadsheet. The system provides a facility not available on conventional electronic stair calculator spreadsheets: the first column provides results corresponding to initial values entered by the user and a second column, next to the first, allows to compare stair dimensions when the user plugs a different number of steps. For example an entered total rise of 111? and run of 10.5? will give, in the first column 14 steps each having a rise of 7.4?. Using a second column to compare stair dimension results for 15 steps shows a rise of 6.94?.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention are directed to portfolio optimization and related techniques. For example, the invention provides a method for multi-objective portfolio optimization for use in investment decisions based on competing objectives and a plurality of constraints constituting a portfolio problem, the method comprising: generating an initial population of solutions of portfolio allocations; performing a first multi-objective process, based on the initial population and the competing objectives, to generate a first interim efficient frontier; performing a second multi-objective process, based on the initial population and the competing objectives, to generate a second interim efficient frontier; and fusing the first interim efficient frontier with the second interim efficient frontier to create an augmented efficient frontier for use in investment decisioning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a structural model of credit risk that incorporates the short-term uncertainty inherent in default events is disclosed. The model is based on the assumption of incomplete information, taking as premise that bond investors are not certain about the true level of a firm's value that may trigger default. In addition, the coherent integration of structure and uncertainty is facilitated with compensators. Compensators form the infrastructure of a class of credit models that is broad enough to include traditional structural models, intensity-based models, and a great deal more. Several empirical examples are provided that compare default probabilities and credit yield spreads forecast by the incomplete information model to the output of a Black and Cox (1976) model. It is found that the incomplete information model reacts more quickly and, unlike traditional structural models, forecasts positive short-term credit spreads for firms that are in distress.

Abstract: Internet-based business system and management programs therefor, and more particularly to financial investment management characterized by a unique system of attracting and identifying the Best Investors, including offering, facilitating and managing performance-based investment competitions based on model (virtual) investment portfolios, creating actual portfolios for the identified Best Investor, creating and operating actual mutual funds based on the identified Best Investors as fund managers, and providing a full suite of related subscriber and investor services associated therewith as a fund supermarket. The invention includes facilitation of daily feedback of one or more significant and appropriate financial performance metric(s), preferably the NAV (iTAV), of identified stocks and funds. Performance ranking of advice is provided so that the investor knows the track record (ranking), on an ongoing basis, of a particular advisor, thereby establishing credibility of comments.

Abstract: Methods for facilitating pipeline management, systems, and software, are provided. A method can include forming digitized map segments to provide for display of a geographical relationship between terrain featured in the map segments and a pipeline network, forming pipeline equipment records to provide for detailed engineering analysis on associated pipeline equipment, functionally linking each digitized map segment and each pipeline equipment record to at least one pipeline operational area geographically associated therewith, at least one pipeline geographically associated therewith, or both, and spatially displaying a pipeline equipment work location in relation to one of the map segments.

Abstract: A strategic management tool that derives relevant business processes. The tool provides a set of business processes based on information from at least one of a market force and an industry trend and applies a method to identify a subset of the business processes. The method is selected from at least one of transformational strategy method, a business goals and objectives method and a program solutions method.

Abstract: A novel calculator and methods for using same for calculating tips with ease and without requirement for knowledge of necessary tip calculating formulas. Three groupings of buttons provide buttons for entry of the check amount, calculation of the tip amount, and calculation of individual share to contribute to the bill and tip if there is more than one person being presented with a check. Pre-programmed calculating functions make tip calculation easy and convenient for anyone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for managing accounting information of entities having different fiscal calendars. A memory stores accounting data for at least two entities, each of the entities maintaining the accounting data according to a different fiscal calendar. A user interface enables a user to request consolidated accounting information for the entities. Accounting data and/or calendar information of the entities is mapped to a base calendar maintained in the computer system. A processor is provided for accessing the accounting data according to the base calendar instead of the entity calendars to recover, for a specified time period, accounting information responsive to a user request entered via the user interface. The processor consolidates the accounting information for the different entities according to said base calendar.

Abstract: A convenient hand-held calculator includes a program stored in association with a processor for execution on the processor to compute building requirements for wooden structural supports, such as beams, headers, joists, and rafters. The program defines a series of input prompts displayed on a compact display of the calculator that lead a user through a natural sequence for acquiring information needed to perform the computations. The compact display provides the user with a constant reminder of the user-defined and calculator-generated premises upon which the computations will be made and provides a means for displaying the computed result. When the user is prompted for a numerical value input, the display indicates the expected units of the numerical value and a proposed numeric value. The proposed numeric value can then be approved by pressing an enter key of the calculator or changed by entering the desired value using numeric keys of the calculator.