Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized carbon emission reduction credits is disclosed. General regional data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.

Abstract: A system and method manage delivery of energy from a distribution network to one or more sites. Each site has at least one device coupled to the distribution network. The at least one device controllably consumes energy. The system includes a node and a control system. The node is coupled to the at least one device for sensing and controlling energy delivered to the device. A control system is coupled to the node and distribution network for delivering to the node at least one characteristic of the distribution network. The node for controls the supply of energy to the device as a function of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: In a power system stabilization system for stabilizing a small-scale electric power system to which electric power generated by a rotating power generator is supplied, an electric water heater receives electric power from the electric power system and heats water, a system frequency measuring device measures system frequency of the electric power system, and a hot water controller increases the power consumption of the electric water heater when the system frequency exceeds a reference frequency, and decreases the power consumption of the electric water heater when the system frequency is less than the reference frequency.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention provide for a system and method for simultaneous price optimization and asset allocation to maximize manufacturing profits. In one embodiment, a set of price points for the item and a set of expected demand values for each price point are determined. A supply-side constraint which models inventory, replenishment, and capacities associated with replenishment and a joining constraint, which requires that the set of expected demand values be equal to a planned supply of the item, are determined. A demand-side constraint is determined. Further, an objective function to maximize profits is determined, based on the set of price points, the set of expected demand values, and subject to the supply-side, joining, and demand-side constraints. Based on the objective function, an optimal price profile for the item is provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a plurality of connections couple to a plurality of service providers (SPs) that each provide services at a cost. The cost of the services of each SP is determined according to a tiered pricing structure that includes one or more tiers. Each tier correlates a particular amount of data transferred with the SP to a particular cost. A data collector collects measurement data that indicates an amount of data transferred with each SP. A processor selects a target tier in the tiered pricing structure of each SP based on the measurement data. The processor also generates a momentary target utilization rate (MTUR) for each SP based on the target tier for the SP and the measurement data. The processor then distributes utilization of services among the SPs based on the MTUR and tiered pricing structure of each SP to minimize the cost of the services provided by the SPs.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating information technology integration costs. Capital data, staffing data, and integration goal data associated with a target enterprise are recorded. Capital data includes at least one of infrastructure data, computer data, network element data, and retail store data. Staffing data includes information technology staff data, employee data, and contractor data. Recorded data includes the capital data, the staffing data, and the integration goal data. A back office cost, a retail cost, an infrastructure cost, and a computer cost are estimated based on the recorded data associated with the target enterprise. The back office cost, the retail cost, the infrastructure cost and the computer cost are combined to produce an information technology integration cost. The information technology integration cost is output by an output device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to create and customize a version of media content based on semantic criteria is provided. Based on semantic criteria, the media content management application may use editing/assembly software packages to construct a version of the media content for an intended audience. In addition, the media content management application uses semantic criteria to provide the user with options for optimizing the cost of the version of media content, options for delivering the version of media content, and/or options for delivery mediums to transmit the version of media content.

Abstract: A system and method for instantly printing PC postage before establishing a postage meter account. The method includes the steps of a meter vendor obtaining a first meter license from the Post for a first meter; loaning the use of a first meter licensed in the customer's zip code to a customer; requesting a second meter license for the customer; initializing the first meter for use by the customer; and transferring the first meter to the Customer's meter license when the second meter license is received. Alternatively, when the second meter license is received a second meter is assigned to the customer and the first meter is reassigned to the meter vendor.

Abstract: A system and program product for determining a price “P” to bill a customer for a resource. Amounts “U” and “Ci” of the resource provided and committed, respectively, to the customer during the billing period are determined. The price P=F(Ci)+G (U?Ci) is determined and billed to the customer, where “F” and “G” are price functions for the resource. Determined is the number of requests for the resource made by the customer during the billing period in excess of “Ci” which were denied. If the number of denied requests exceeds a predetermined threshold, the amount “Ci” for determining the price “P” is increased during a subsequent billing period. The price “P” is billed to the customer for the subsequent billing period based on the increased amount “Ci” and the value “U” during the subsequent billing period, and the functions “F” and “G”.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: Methods, data structures, and systems by which entities can efficiently discover, extend, validate and establish business relationships over a digital network are disclosed. A transitive trust system can be utilized by any number of interconnected entities in which at least two of the entities are capable of sharing information. One or more entity trust lists contain, for at least two of the entities, at least one characteristic. Each characteristic can, for example, describe or pertain to the actual or perceived dependability, reliability and/or credibility of an entity. The system also includes at least one transactional trust list that contains at least one parameter relative to an exchange between at least two of the entities through at least one degree of separation between the entities. The transactional trust list can, for example, be a listing of any type of parameters that define or describe business exchanges within a particular industry segment.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to create and customize a version of media content based on semantic criteria is provided. Based on semantic criteria, the media content management application may use editing/assembly software packages to construct a version of the media content for an intended audience. In addition, the media content management application allows a user to generate the version of media content suitable for a website and allows a user to receive feedback from the website. Based on the feedback from the website, the media content management application may select one version of the media content from a plurality of content, adjust the placement of the media content prior to broadcasting the media content, and/or customize the media content prior to broadcasting the media content.

Abstract: A multi-utility energy and facility automation control system has control center computer(s) connected to various utility consuming systems and software that formats pertinent systems' energy data, stores, retrieves, diagnoses and acts in response to changes and includes a multi-utility master meter device and a plurality of sensors for utilities and other facility operational data. The system includes at least one dashboard screen as a control screen, and a plurality of interconnected gateways for selection of separate networks for various utility-facility related subscreens. The sensors monitor consumption of a plurality of different utilities and other pertinent data and, using the presentation of the facility information as processed by the computer and presented on the dashboard, exercise c control of the facility to optimize performance and reduce the cost of purchased utilities and other facility operations.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying and reducing costs of information technology actions in real time. Initiation of an information technology (IT) action by a user is detected. An actual cost to perform the IT action is determined in real time prior to a completion of the IT action. A target cost (e.g., average cost) to perform the IT action is obtained. The actual cost is determined to be greater than the target cost. Recommended actions for reducing the actual cost are obtained. A notification is presented to the user in real time and prior to the completion of the IT action. The notification includes a description or a link to a description of the recommended actions.

Abstract: Systems and methods that make use of acknowledgments in the charging of users for data reception. Certain of these systems and methods additionally consider quality of service.