Abstract: Techniques enabling an end-user to specify complex concepts consisting of code abstractions, design abstractions and architectural abstractions in rule form are disclosed. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface is provided to guide a user through the process of entering concept specification information in order to define concepts, including the provision of one or more code snippets that are subsequently analyzed to assist the user in specifying the concept. The resulting rules or concept signatures are evaluated by a rule engine to determine the degree to which the underlying concepts are reflected in a given set of code. Recommended measures that need to be taken for transforming code to satisfy a concept may be provided subsequent to the analysis of the code. In this manner, code quality may be improved through systematic analysis of targeted code to demonstrate adherence (or non-adherence, as the case may be) to user-defined concepts.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to online information analysis. In general, in one implementation, a system includes a collection engine configured to accumulate document information retrieved from publicly accessible network resources according to predefined subjects, and an analysis engine configured to analyze the accumulated document information to identify change over a time period in general discussion of a topic within a selected subject of the predefined subjects, the analysis engine further configured to normalize the identified change over the time period based on change in a total number of documents found for the selected subject during the time period.

Abstract: An account management system has been developed that enables customer or client-related information to be stored, viewed and manipulated in a manner that reflects the relationship among different customers. The account management system includes an account data structure that defines accounts and relates customers to accounts so that the accounts include a group of related customers. In addition, a method of managing an underwriting account for an insurance policy has been developed. In particular, a method comprises the steps of establishing a plurality of participants; assigning each participant of the plurality of participants to an account; establishing business rules at an account level; and providing an underwriting decision for an account based upon the business rules.

Abstract: Apparatuses, computer media, and methods for determining a value of a forest factory. A stump land value component and a biomass component of a forest factory are determined. A value of the forest factory is obtained by combining the components. The stump land value component may be normalized by a crop rotation time period. A carbon value component of a forest factory may be determined and the value of the forest factory adjusted. A land parcel may be partitioned into land partitions, in which forest parameters are associated with each land partition. A stump land value component, a biomass fuel value component, and a carbon credit value component may be determined from the land partitions. The carbon credit value component may be determined a percentage of coniferous trees, deciduous trees, and corresponding constant values of oxygen generation.

Abstract: A method and system for simulating a plurality of devices are disclosed. A simulator configured to simulate a plurality of devices may output simulated device data for the plurality of devices, where the output of the simulated device data may be performed based upon execution of commands by the simulator. The commands may be received from a device abstraction layer in response to a request from the simulator for any commands associated with the plurality of devices. Additionally, the simulated device data may be communicated to a component coupled to the simulator, where a result of the processing of the simulated device data by the component may be used to analyze the performance of the component. Further, other commands may be executed by simulator for changing the frequency at which simulated device data is output, for performing another operation defined during configuration of the simulator, etc.

Abstract: A method, system and graphical user interface for configuring a simulator. A graphical user interface may be used to define a configurable device profile, where a large number of devices for simulation by a simulator may be created based upon the configurable device profile. Once created, the devices may be individually configured and/or configured in groups. Additionally, the configuration of the devices may determine how the simulator generates and/or outputs simulated device data for the devices. For example, an attribute may be associated with a device which defines a format of the simulated device data, a rate at which the simulated device data is output, a range of values for the simulated device data, or an operating parameter of the device. An attribute specifying the communicative coupling of the devices may also be defined. Further, the simulated device data may include a data value.

Abstract: The enhanced distribution of digital content, in which a digital content distribution process is dynamically modeled, the digital content distribution process is invoked, and a serviced digital copy is provided to a recipient. Invoking the digital content distribution process further includes ingesting digital content, further including storing a digital master of the digital content in a digital vault, and servicing the digital copy of the stored digital master based on a servicing request received from the recipient.

Abstract: A method and software tool are provided for evaluating portfolio management. During an interview with an industry expert, weightings of evaluation categories and responses to evaluation questions are collected from the industry expert. The weightings and responses are then input into the software tool during the same meeting with the industry expert. The software tool analyzes the inputs and generates a report that is reviewable by the industry expert during the same meeting in which the weightings and responses are collected.

Abstract: A method for an operator to deploy tariff and/or billing configurations represented by computer program code, the deployment being effected by operation of a user interface, the method including the steps of the operator identifying at least one configuration to be deployed, selecting the at least one configuration by use of the user interface, and associating the at least one configuration with at least one environment in which the computer program code representing the configuration must be executed to effect the configuration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system can include a centralized storage module, for example a database, that stores data relating to petroleum, natural gas and other related products taken from several different sources and entities. The entity storing and maintaining this data can be an entity independent from the operators, producers and/or other working interests. This system can use automated techniques to reconcile distributions to all entities associated with a well due to the removal of a mineral, for example, petroleum, natural gas and/or other related products, from that well, on a periodic basis. These automated techniques include, for example, reconciling all agreements associated with the well, reconciling the amount of mineral removed at the well, reconciling the spot market price associated with the well at the time of removal, automating approval by the removing entity, automating payment and the like.

Abstract: Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: The shared user interface surface system is a simple and lightweight collaboration tool that is accessible simultaneously by multiple users through multiple sources. The shared user interface surface system provides a way to share a user interface surface and corresponding shared surface object, and coordinates local manipulations of respective local representations of the shared user interface surface and corresponding shared surface object, and updates the respective local representations with a group representation. The system accommodates diverse collaboration requirements including mixed written and spoken languages, utilization of the accessibility layer for physically disabled and disparate computing resources.

Abstract: The performance of a network can be managed by receiving a set of key quality parameters, wherein a key quality parameter represents a characteristic associated with at least one network component; identifying a service quality mapping module based on one or more network components associated with providing an end customer service, wherein the service quality mapping module corresponds to at least one service instance and defines a correlation between the set of key quality parameters and a set of customer quality parameters; applying the service quality mapping module to the set of key quality parameters to generate the set of customer quality parameters; and outputting a signal representing at least one customer quality parameter included in the set of customer quality parameters. Further, the service quality mapping module can define a linear dependency between a customer quality parameter and at least one key quality parameter.

Abstract: Methods for efficiently publishing electronic versions of traditionally paper-based government forms and utilizing the electronic forms for web-based transactional services are disclosed. Standard paper-based government forms are automatically converted to XML format, including data fields for entry of information by customers. Multiple electronic forms are accessible to the customer at a single access point, such as a web site. At the web site, the customer selects a form for filing with any of a plurality of government agencies. When presented to the customer, the selected form is presented with some of its data fields being pre-populated according to information retrieved from a database and specific to that customer. The customer completes the form, and a back-end system integrated with the web site handles the completed form, determines the appropriate government agency for filing the form, and transmits it as a transaction to the determined government agency.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses support data entry and aggregate work entries for an account. Different work codes are mapped to different categories for an account. Work entries are aggregated for the different categories in a report or in an invoice for the account. A worker may be mapped to client, which may further include a client region, when aggregating work entries to different categories for an account. A data structure is formed to include account information. The data structure can assume different structure types, including a data cube having three or more dimensions. A spreadsheet file may be linked to the data structure, and the contents a database may be synchronized to the spreadsheet file. The contents of the database may be categorized, analyzed, and aggregated, in which the contents are exported to provide a report on a worker and/or account.

Abstract: A reverse rating system determines the duration for which a phone call or other transaction may continue, given an account balance on a pre-paid customer account. The duration may take into consideration multiple time bands, applicable discounts, rating plans and other characteristics of the customer account and telecommunications service. The telecommunications service provider may employ the duration information to determine when to disconnect an ongoing transaction. As a result, the telecommunications service provider avoids substantial revenue loses from continuing to allow a pre-paid customer to continue their transaction longer than their account balance will support.

Abstract: Computerized techniques, systems, and computer program products for a structured, hierarchical model for capturing, aggregating, and/or visualizing structural data of architectures of technical equipment (e.g., IT architectures). The techniques, systems and/or computer program products may include at least one data capture engine adapted to capture and aggregate data based on a structured, hierarchical model; a display engine to generate a plurality of different displays of the captured data in dependency of the structured hierarchical model, where the data capture engine includes at least one database to store the data according to the structured, hierarchical model.

Abstract: A technique for evaluating insurance claim management may determine a target value for average loss costs per claim in a given planning period based on a regression analysis of average loss costs per claim in a predetermined base period. In addition, a performance indicator indicative of the performance of insurance claim management may be determined based on a difference between the determined target value and actually achieved average loss costs per claim in said planning period. Related apparatuses, systems, articles of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A method and system for digitally capturing polling data for one or more candidate options is provided wherein a voter is provided with a physical ballot form (30), and ballot data is digitally captured by analysing a digital record to determine the location of one or more marks on the form, such as to associate them with corresponding one or more selected candidate options. The data may be captured using a digital pen (2) as the marks are made. A method and system for analysing such ballot data is also disclosed.

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.