Abstract: A method and system are provided for comparing a focal product with several comparison products. First, selecting a focal product and several attributes relating to the focal product and the comparison products, standardizing and weighting the attributes, and determining for each weighted attribute an attribute score. Next, based on the attribute score, calculating a total score for each comparison product, and based on the total score, presenting to a user or purchaser the comparison products most relevant to the user's criteria.

Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical media using an interconnected central server, through an Internet Service Provider. The central server has databases and processing capabilities and is connected to a credit verification system. The databases collect inventory administration information and customer data (e.g., credit card information and email addresses) from the kiosks. The central server initiates credit verification, sends receipts to customers via email and maintains databases for remote inventory-control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk may identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. The kiosk may provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisements. The kiosk preferably includes a rotatable carousel with a selection of DVDs. A digital camera captures a digital image of a disk barcode and internal software rotates the image to “read” the barcode, to control inventory and access issues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for batching items (9, 11) of non-uniform weight into batches fulfilling certain weight criteria. The items (9, 11) are conveyed across a scale (10) registering the weight of each item individually, and subsequently, the items (9, 11) are combined into batches. In particular, the invention relates to a method of analyzing process deviations in a batching process, e.g. to detect faults in a batching system or in order to improve a batching process flow. One sophisticated application of the invention is to include a simulation of the batching process to accurately predict the results for the pack-sizes on demand and recommend the optimal ones to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a digital scale interface in a global communications shipping management environment so that a shipping management system resident on a server computer device remote from a user client computer device, receives and recognizes a weight of a parcel from the digital scale configured with the remote user client computer device.

Abstract: A financial services outsourcing method or system facilitates a direct service provider's ability to outsource financial services to numerous ultimate clients. The financial services are outsourced to an outsourcing group abroad. Ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials are loaded onto a remotely accessible part of a host server located in the United States. The host server provides access to a remote client computer of information concerning the ultimate client specific financial files and corresponding reference materials. The access may be limited to limited screen shot access. Outsourced personnel are retained to perform financial service projects (e.g., prepare individual tax returns) for ultimate clients of direct financial services firms. The outsourced personnel perform the financial service projects while located outside the United States. The status of the financial service project is monitored and reported.

Abstract: A process for providing a year-round tax monitor whereby baseline tax data and current year-to-date tax data for a user is obtained. Data representing current tax year directives made by the user, and/or data representing tax related choices made by the user in the current tax year to date, and/or data representing tax related events associated with the user in the current tax year to date is also obtained. Using the baseline tax data, and/or current year-to-date tax data, and/or the data representing current tax year directives made by the user, and/or the data representing tax related choices made by the user in the current tax year, and/or the data representing tax related events associated with the user for the current tax year, an estimate and/or projection of tax liability for the current tax year is calculated and a projected tax refund that will be owed to, or a tax liability that will owed by, the user for the current tax year is estimated.

Abstract: Data of a preset separation mark is inserted between journal data of one transaction held in an electronic journal file and journal data of one transaction next made. Journal data items which are accumulatively held in the electronic journal file are displayed on a display unit. Data of a separation marks inserted before and after journal data specified among the journal data items displayed on the display unit are searched for. Journal data lying between the searched separation marks is extracted from the electronic journal file.

Abstract: A complex order processing system is implemented in an architecture that allows customer service representatives and customers to access the customer's accounts, service profiles, quotes, and orders. Account information can be entered and updated. Quotes can be generated for various configurations of products and services having different types of charges including one time fees, recurring fixed fees, and usage-based fees. The quotes can be saved, and later updated by the customer or by the system to reflect changes in the configuration of a product or service that is included in the quote. The quote can be converted to an order, and pending orders can be modified. Before allowing modification of a quote or order, the requested future state of a product or service is created by applying the prior active and unprocessed orders to the product or service. The portion of the product or service currently selected is also applied to the product or service, and the user can then reconfigure the product or service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that includes identifying an inventory item corresponding to a product configuration. The product configuration is defined using a feature map. The inventory item is also defined using the feature map. Each entry of the feature map corresponds to one of a number of features of a product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for electronically inventorying an electronically locked and unlocked toolbox before and after RFID (Radio Frequency IDentified) tagged tools are accessed by an authorized user. A record is generated and stored of tools added and/or removed along with the identity of the accessing user. At anytime it is desired, a record may be generated of tagged tools in the toolbox or, alternatively, a list of tagged tools missing from assigned positions in the toolbox.

Abstract: The inventive method uses data received concerning the status of various tables in the establishment, the criteria provided by the customer as well as the status of the meals being prepared in a variety of courses for customers already seated to best determine how much time a new customer will have to wait before a suitable table is available where the customer may be seated. When a customer enters the restaurant, they provide information to the hostess or host including the party size and various table preferences. The host or hostess enters this information into a computer using a keyboard touch screen input or a wireless remote device. Based upon the preferences chosen by the party, the system assigns the most predictable table and periodically scans each existing table to determine that table's status. The method gains additional accuracy by obtaining detailed kitchen status information concerning meals being prepared for each table.

Abstract: A binary tree structure for detecting inventory problems. A first embodiment detects on-hand inventory problems. A second embodiment detects inventory requirements problems. Both embodiments use a binary tree whose nodes store time values and delta values. The delta values represent inventory consumers or producers. The time values of trees used for inventory requirements problems are shifted in accordance with build-ahead times.

Abstract: An automated accounting and reporting system supports flexible assignments of accounting objects to financial statements. At a reporting time, financial statement items may be generated from accounting objects by surveying the stored accounting objects and copying and aggregating key figures from the accounting object to the financial statement items. The financial statement items form the basis of the financial statements. The copying and aggregating may occur as specified in a plurality of rule sets. To change assignments between the accounting objects and financial statements, it is sufficient to provide a replacement rule set that specifies different copy and aggregation operations.

Abstract: A binary tree structure for detecting inventory problems. A first embodiment detects on-hand inventory problems. A second embodiment detects inventory requirements problems. Both embodiments use a binary tree whose nodes store time values and delta values. The delta values represent inventory consumers or producers. The time values of trees used for inventory requirements problems are shifted in accordance with build-ahead times.

Abstract: A system for managing account receivables is provided. The system comprises a rules module or engine for receiving at least one encounter from a first party and for assessing the at least one encounter based on rules associated with a payer; and a transactions module or engine for outputting at least one claim to the payer based on the rule module's assessment of the at least one encounter.

Abstract: A binary tree structure for detecting inventory problems. A first embodiment detects on-hand inventory problems. A second embodiment detects inventory requirements problems. Both embodiments use a binary tree whose nodes store time values and delta values. The delta values represent inventory consumers or producers. The time values of trees used for inventory requirements problems are shifted in accordance with build-ahead times.

Abstract: A pharmacy supply container tracking system that automatically detects and tracks a pharmacy supply container within a pharmacy is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the system also detects and tracks prescription orders of customers, and automatically verifies that the correct pharmacy supply is used to fill a particular prescription order. One disclosed system includes using tags, such as Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tags, and their related readers to locate objects through electromagnetic interrogation of a spatial region to determine the presence of an object within that special region.

Abstract: A revenue balancing method and computer program that more quickly, accurately, and easily reconciles or balances revenue contained in cash drawers at the end of cashiers' shifts or breaks while at the same time building or constructing new cash drawers for new shifts. The method permits cash drawers to be constructed and/or replenished with coins from a perpetual inventory of loose coins rather than requiring the use of rolls of coins.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a build set and a BOM from user-selected options from a single master source model.