Abstract: The disclosure relates to image-based characterization of implanted medical leads used for electrical stimulation therapy. Characterization of implanted leads may include determination of lead configuration and lead orientation. The lead characterization techniques may make use of two-dimensional (2D) lead imaging in combination with known three-dimensional (3D) lead configuration data for various lead types. Lead characteristics determined from 2D lead imaging may be compared to lead dimensions calculated from known 3D lead characteristics to characterize implanted leads in terms of lead configuration and orientation. The lead characterization may be used to automatically determine or verify led configuration and orientation, and to aid in programming electrical stimulation therapy parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for determining business partner value by creating weighted metrics for identifying, evaluating and selecting a business partner for a company; creating a business agreement and weighted metrics for evaluating the agreement; creating weighted metrics for ongoing management of the partner; and managing the partner by ongoing periodic evaluation of the weighted metrics for partner selection, agreement, and management. Both company and partners may participate in the evaluation on an ongoing basis (e.g., once per month or once per quarter) rather than an annual review. In one embodiment, weighted metrics of partner selection, agreement, and management are reported, charted and graphed providing for visual evaluation and side-by-side comparison of the perceptions of company and partner for optimization of the business relationship and prediction of future performance.

Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for automatically exchanging playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The automatic exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable tides, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.

Abstract: A tool for evaluating support services may correlate those services with an array of factors that define a business environment and then identify the business services that are most directly correlated to those factors. In exemplary embodiments, a tool may prompt a user for input concerning business issues and objectives; correlate those issues and objectives to a plurality of available software support services such as maintenance, optimization, architecture planning, implementation, administration and systems integration services; select the services that most directly address the particular needs and objectives identified by the user; and calculate a return on investment (ROI) associated with satisfaction of identified business objectives through implementation of the selected support services.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, article of manufacture and method for facilitating an automatic negotiation between a consumer and a vendor for purchase of an item is described. An electronic negotiation unit receives an offer to purchase the item, and automatically processes the offer. The processing is performed by a computer and includes accepting the offer if it is greater than a bottom line price for the item. The offer is rejected if the offer is below a negotiation range which extends below the bottom line price. If the offer is within the negotiation range for the item, the electronic negotiation unit automatically generates a counter offer price that is greater than or equal to the bottom line price. If the counter offer is within a final offer range the counter offer is designated as a final counter offer.

Abstract: Systems for negotiation support. First and second negotiation agent modules respectively receive multiple first proposals, calculate preference scores (PSs) for each first proposal using utility models and select a portion of the first proposals as second proposals in descending order according to the calculated PSs therewith. The negotiation management module receives the second proposals from the first and second negotiation modules, and generates third proposals according to the received proposals. The first and second negotiation agent modules respectively receive the third proposals, calculate PSs for received proposals using utility models, and arrange the third proposals in descending order according to PSs therewith to generate voting results. The negotiation management module receives the voting results, and generates a final agreement according to the received voting results.

Abstract: A system and method for determining business partner value by creating weighted metrics for identifying, evaluating and selecting a business partner for a company; creating a business agreement and weighted metrics for evaluating the agreement; creating weighted metrics for ongoing management of the partner; and managing the partner by ongoing periodic evaluation of the weighted metrics for partner selection, agreement, and management. Both company and partners may participate in the evaluation on an ongoing basis (e.g., once per month or once per quarter) rather than an annual review. In one embodiment, weighted metrics of partner selection, agreement, and management are reported, charted and graphed providing for visual evaluation and side-by-side comparison of the perceptions of company and partner for optimization of the business relationship and prediction of future performance.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention allows a merchant to obtain a request sent by an investigator for supporting documentation or information and reply with a scanned document in reply to the investigator's request. The investigator can then process the scanned document and/or merchant response and quickly and efficiently resolve a disputed payment transaction.

Abstract: System and methods resolving an electronic commerce dispute involving one or more parties by selecting one of two modes of resolving the dispute, the first mode being completely driven by an electronic agent and the second mode involving a human dispute resolution specialist; and presenting the resolution of the dispute to the one or more parties.

Abstract: System and methods resolving an electronic commerce dispute involving one or more parties by selecting one of two modes of resolving the dispute, the first mode being completely driven by an electronic agent and the second mode involving a human dispute resolution specialist; and presenting the resolution of the dispute to the one or more parties.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computerized method for addressing client service outages of a client includes receiving a plurality of predefined parameters of a client service outage, storing the predefined parameters in a central repository, receiving information regarding the client service outage, determining that the client service outage is of a particular severity level in response to the received information, and automatically sending at least some of the information to one or more employees of a service company in response to the determination.

Abstract: A system and method for travel management that utilizes multiple computer reservation systems (CRSs) for making travel related bookings. In one embodiment, a server provides access to a plurality of computer reservation systems (CRSs) for a client initiating a travel booking request. The client can book a travel item segment from any one of the accessible CRSs. CRSs for particular travel item segments are predefined for the client, along with particular conditions, prior to a travel booking request. The predefined CRSs are accessed to check the availability of travel items. The available travel items are displayed to the client for booking. When the client books a travel item, the booked travel item segment is stored in a super passenger name record (PNR). In some embodiments, the super PNR includes a CRS designation associated with each travel item segment.