Abstract: A terminal and system for sampling and ordering items of playable content prior to potential purchase, the terminal being preferably located at a retail site, comprising input means for inputting selection information, and reproduction means for replaying parts of selected items, the terminal being arranged to determine a characteristic of a particular item in dependence on local factors such as factors relating to the site in which the terminal is located.

Abstract: Biographic data associated with a user is received. Biometric data associated with the user is also received. External data associated with the biographic data and the biometric data is received and a determination is made as to a level of access to grant the user based on the external data. One or more settings associated with a smartcard are configured based on the level of access.

Abstract: An operations instance is created in an operations environment, and an activity item is created related to the operations instance. An initialization level for the activity item is identified and one or more parameters associated with the activity item are initialized based on the initialization level, wherein one of the parameters comprises an escalation parameter. An escalation report is generated based on the escalation parameter.

Abstract: Predictive cost reduction based on a thermodynamic model, in which parameters associated with a process are accessed. The parameters include a quantity of units of work-in-process at first and second times, and first and second constants respectively indicative of growth between the first and second times, and of a translated reduction of the work-in-process to a reduction of cost. A thermodynamic model is applied to the accessed parameters, and a predictive cost reduction associated with an improvement of the process based on applying the thermodynamic model is output.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for processing a sales transaction, an un-audited sales transaction is received from a sale generator, and temporarily stored in a memory location and forwarded to a transaction auditor to audit the sales transaction and to a plurality of backend processors to begin processing the sales transaction. An audited sales transaction is received from the transaction auditor, where the audited sales transaction is an audited version of the un-audited sales transaction. The audited sales transaction is correlated with the un-audited sales transaction using the temporarily stored un-audited sales transaction, and a resultant sales transaction that includes information from the audited sales transaction is generated. The resultant sales transaction is transmitted to the plurality of backend processors to continue processing the sales transaction.

Abstract: One or more classification algorithms are applied to at least one natural language document in order to extract both attributes and values of a given product. Supervised classification algorithms, semi-supervised classification algorithms, unsupervised classification algorithms or combinations of such classification algorithms may be employed for this purpose. The at least one natural language document may be obtained via a public communication network. Two or more attributes (or two or more values) thus identified may be merged to form one or more attribute phrases or value phrases. Once attributes and values have been extracted in this manner, association or linking operations may be performed to establish attribute-value pairs that are descriptive of the product. In a presently preferred embodiment, an (unsupervised) algorithm is used to generate seed attributes and values which can then support a supervised or semi-supervised classification algorithm.

Abstract: One or more classification algorithms are applied to at least one natural language document in order to extract both attributes and values of a given product. Supervised classification algorithms, semi-supervised classification algorithms, unsupervised classification algorithms or combinations of such classification algorithms may be employed for this purpose. The at least one natural language document may be obtained via a public communication network. Two or more attributes (or two or more values) thus identified may be merged to form one or more attribute phrases or value phrases. Once attributes and values have been extracted in this manner, association or linking operations may be performed to establish attribute-value pairs that are descriptive of the product. In a presently preferred embodiment, an (unsupervised) algorithm is used to generate seed attributes and values which can then support a supervised or semi-supervised classification algorithm.

Abstract: “Context” of an environment or area is considered to be one or more characteristics of the environment or area, manifested by the presence of various types of equipment or devices. Detection of various types of devices and equipment in a localized area is by way of short-range wireless signals over which data about the devices is transmitted to one or more subscriber units. The subscriber units can forward context-determinative data and information to a service provider which can vicariously use the equipment or devices in the area via the subscriber device.

Abstract: A system and method for the preparation of data into an organized and effective methodology provides users with a data modeling tool. Data is confirmed and baseline calculations, event extraction, key performance indicator calculations and the production of event outputs are performed. Analytical tools can then be used to visualize patterns, trends and relationships in the data.

Abstract: A method of retrieving product information and ordering products is disclosed. A consumer observes a product in its real world usage context and scans an RFID tag embedded in the product. A mobile terminal is used to transmit the RFID tag to a computer connected to a computer network. The computer transmits product specification information to the mobile terminal. The consumer may also be given the option of purchasing the product in real time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.