Abstract: A computer-based knowledge management system (10) includes a database (4, 30) that contains a knowledge item (8) and an activity record (32, 34, 36) that is associated with the knowledge item (8). An accessor (14) accesses the knowledge item (8) and, in response, communicates feedback information (2) concerning the knowledge item (8). A knowledge office (18) receives the feedback information (2), generates an incentive (72) in response to the feedback information (2), and stores the incentive (72) in the activity record (32, 34, 36).

Abstract: The invention includes a method for error proofing shipments where users are presented with the options of parts marking, parts verification or pack verification using an output device. A user option choice is received using an input device. If the user chooses the parts making option, then a first part number is received from the user and causes the printing of a first quantity of labels in response to the first part number. If the user chooses the parts verification option, then a second part number is received from the user, an identification symbol is scanned using a scanner to identify an identification number associated with the identification symbol, and the identification number is then compared to the second part number. An indication is provided to the user if the identification number and second part number do not match. If the user chooses the pack verification option, then a third part number and quantity is received from the user.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting fade transitions in a digital video signal made up of a series of video images is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the invention, a plurality of the video images are segmented into a number of cells wherein each cell comprises a number of pixels having a pixel intensity value representing the intensity of that pixel. A plurality of cell intensity vectors each associated with one of the video images is generated wherein each element of the cell intensity vector is associated with one of the cells and comprises a value proportional to the average of the pixel intensity values for that cell. A fade detect is generated for a particular video image in response to the cell intensity vector for that image.

Abstract: A method of modeling an enterprise so that its policy changes as well as its current components and operations are represented in a database (11), and a method of using a computer to query the database. The enterprise is modeled using classes of objects and associated methods. During operation, a query about data in the database (11) is received from a user, with the query calling for the use of at least one method to answer the query. The database (11) is accessed to determine whether the method is affected by a policy change, where different policies are represented by policy objects. If so, the user is provided with policy choices. A policy selection is received, and the query is answered, using an implementation of the method based on the policy selection (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A process and system for predictive resource planning to allow a service provider to meet a customer's predicted technical resource requirements. The process involves determining (11) a service provider's technology baseline, determining (12) a customer's technology direction, and storing the data representing the technology baseline and the technology direction in a data base repository. Based on the technology direction of the customer, the customer's technical resource requirements are predicted (13) and stored in the data base repository. The service provider then documents (14) the skill levels of its candidate employees and selects (15) candidates to meet the predicted technical resource requirements.

Abstract: A knowledge worker productivity assessment system (10) includes a database (12, 14, 16) containing survey data (15) generated using a knowledge worker productivity assessment framework (2). A benchmark database (18) contains benchmark values. A retriever (20) is coupled to the databases (12, 14, 16, 18) to retrieve selected survey data (15) and benchmark values. A calculator (38) is coupled to the retriever (20) and generates a comparison value (39) using the selected survey data (15). A relator (40) compares the comparison value (39) to a selected benchmark value to generate a knowledge worker productivity assessment.

Abstract: An object oriented system for accessing an external relational database from within the object oriented system. The system creates an object and fills it with data values retrieved from the database. References from the object to other objects include pointers to preexisting objects or pointers to placeholder objects. Later retrieves fill in the placeholder objects, eliminating the need to reset the pointers. Caching, utilizing static data and static functions, is performed by each class of objects. Sub-objects are used to create different logical views of data from the database, and query access to the database is provided by a query engine which builds query language statements on demand.

Abstract: A system (100) for monitoring and assessing the performance of a project includes a computer (120) and a software program associated with the computer (120), with the software program and computer (120) operable in combination to receive project task data from a project management software file, determine current earned value (EV) information from the project task data, and graphically displaying the earned value information. A method for monitoring and assessing the performance of a project may be accomplished by entering task data for each task of the project in a project management software file; obtaining (158) the task data from the project management software file; calculating (160) a current earned value position; obtaining (182) historical earned value positions if any exists; and displaying (162, 184) the current earned value position and any historical earned value positions.

Abstract: An abstract manager system (12) and method for managing an abstract database (40) are provided. The abstract manager system (12) may be implemented using a computer that includes a mass storage device (44) and a processor (34). The processor (34) is responsive to one or more computer files stored in the mass storage device (44) such as an abstract manager program (32). The processor (34) is responsive to generate an abstract manager input form (96) and to receive input abstract information in the abstract manager input form (96). The processor (34) is also responsive to generate a record in an abstract database (40) that includes the input abstract information and to generate a file, such as an abstract file of abstract files (42), that includes the input abstract information.

Abstract: A method for composing electronic data is provided. The method includes creating a document map (56) having a common data format. A driver map (58) of processor operating commands is also created for reading the data in a data file (16) having an original data format. The driver map (58) is then used to convert the data file (16) into a new data file (24) having the common data format in accordance with the document map (56).

Abstract: A remote command execution system (26) is provided for remotely executing commands at a computer. The remote command execution system (26) includes a client (12) using a web browser (32) and a remote Internet server (15) having a mass storage device (44), for storing computer files, and a processor (42). The processor (42) is responsive to one or more of the computer files of the mass storage device (44). The processor (42) is responsive to communicate a command input form to the web browser (32) of the client (12) and to receive an input from the client (12) that includes a command to be executed by the remote Internet server (15). The processor (42) is further responsive to process the input, execute the command, and generate an output including the results of executing the command. The remote Internet server (15) then provides the output to the web browser (32) of the client (12) for displaying.

Abstract: An automated system (30) is provided for managing work in a computing application. The system (30) includes an interface (32, 38) which can receive inventory information (11) for the computing application. The interface (32, 38) also may receive a work order configuration. A memory (36), which is coupled to the interface (32, 38), stores the inventory information (11). A processor (40) is coupled to the memory (36) and the interface (32, 38). The processor (40) automatically generates a work order (28) in response to the work order configuration, such work order (28) specifying at least a portion of the inventory information (11). The processor (40) tracks the work order (28) as actions are taken pursuant to the work order (28), thereby managing work in the computing application.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a system (10) for confirming authorization for the allocation of an item of business property is coupled to a business database (44) containing business data for the item. A translate module (30) receives allocation data (14) for the item and generates query data that represents a first portion of the allocation data (14). A query module (32) coupled to the translate module (30) generates a query using the query data for submission to the business database (44). A transaction database (34) coupled to the translate module (30) and the query module (32) stores at least a portion of the allocation data (14) and a query response received from the business database (44). A confirm module (100) accesses the query response and the stored allocation data (14) to confirm authorization for the allocation.

Abstract: A system (10) is provided for associating a physical application (22) to a business operation. The system (10) includes a first database (30, 34, 38, 42) operable to store information relating to at least one physical application (22). An interface (46) receives information relating to at least one business requirement (24) of the business operation. A relator (48), which is coupled to the first database (30, 34, 38, 42) and the interface (46), generates linking information (52) to associate the business requirement (24) to the physical application (22). A second database (50) is coupled to the relator (48). The second database (50) stores the business requirement information and the corresponding linking information (52) to associate the physical application (22) to the business operation.

Abstract: A security system includes a base station that reads a first tag and a second tag, each tag associated with items, persons, and/or containers. Upon reading the tags, the base station determines whether the removal of the items, persons, and/or containers is authorized. If the removal is not authorized, the base station may activate an alarm, lock the exit, and/or generate a message for delivery to a remote site. The security system may also be integrated with an inventory control system to monitor the location and status of the items, persons, and/or containers.

Abstract: A data storage system (12) may include a plurality of source systems (14) and a common database server (16). Each source system (14) may include a source database (20), an extraction engine (24) and a transformation engine(26). At least two of the source systems (14) may have source databases (20) that store data in disparate formats and file structures. The extraction engine (24) may extract data from the source database (20). The transformation engine (26) may transform data extracted from the source database (20) into a common format and file structure. The common database server (16) may include a common database (32), a common database controller (34) and a load engine (48). The common database controller (34) may receive data transformed by the transformation engine (26). The load engine (48) may load the data received by the common database controller (34) into the common database (32).

Abstract: A method for securely accessing information from disparate data sources through a network is provided. The method includes requesting a logon menu from a network server using a client and receiving a logon menu. The method further includes communicating a logon input to the network server which then communicates the logon input to a database server. Next, the method includes verifying the logon input at the database server and generating and storing a unique session identification number at the database server in response. The method continues by communicating the session identification number and a portion of the logon input to the client and storing, and communicating a menu to the client prompting the user to perform at least a first function requiring access to a first type of disparate data source.

Abstract: An automated system (10) for matching an item of business property to a recipient includes an inventory database (32) containing inventory data (34) concerning the item. A match module (30) is coupled to the inventory database (32) and receives allocation data (14) for the item. The match module (30) generates match data (180) for the item and associates the match data (180) with the inventory data (34). The match module (30) receives an item request (33) containing request data (152) and matches the item to the recipient associated with the item request (33) using the match data.

Abstract: A method and a system (10) are provided for generating source code (28) for relating a dialog interface with a business object in a computing application. The system (10) includes a memory (14, 18) operable to store an attribute definition file (16). An interface (12) is coupled to the memory (14, 18). The interface (12) allows a user of the system (10) to create an application configuration file (19) from the attribute definition file (16). A processor (24), which is coupled to the memory (14, 18) and the interface (12), automatically generates source code (28) in response to the application configuration file (19) to relate the dialog interface with the business object. The method is performed on a computer system, such as the system (10) of the present invention. The method includes receiving configuration information specifying a relationship between at least one interface object and at least one business object which is represented by the interface object.

Abstract: A system (10) for maintaining current status for employees in a work force is provided. The system (10) includes a server system (12) providing an operating environment for a database (14). The database (14) stores and providing access to a plurality of records (16) that hold status information for employees. The system also includes a plurality of client systems (20) connected to the server system (12), each client system (20) providing an operating environment for a locator application (22). The locator application (22) is operable to: provide a user interface and receive user input; store information in and retrieve information from the database (14), change an employee's status information, and locate and display an individual employee's status information. The status information held by the records (16) in the database (14) thereby provides current status for employees in a work force.