Abstract: A method for reducing a risk associated with a commodity. The method is implemented at least in part by a computer and includes offering to supply the commodity to a commodity consumer. The offer includes an obligation to supply a first quantity of the commodity at a first price during a first period of time, an obligation to supply a second quantity of the commodity at a second price during a second period of time, and an obligation to supply a third quantity of the commodity at a third price during a third period of time. The second price is within a first price band defined by the first price, and the third price is within a second price band defined by the second price.

Abstract: A computer program for strategic planning and optimization allows a user to model an enterprise to visualize an effect of a strategic constraint on a primary goal of the enterprise. The primary goal is represented by a primary objective function which, in turn, depends upon a set of operational variables. The strategic constraint is represented by a constraint function that depends upon a subset of the operational variables. An effective objective function is constructed by combining the primary objective function and the constraint function, and the effective objective function is optimized over a range of target values for the constraint function. An outcome of the primary objective function is determined for each target value, and a graphical view of the outcome for each of the target values is presented. The graphical view provides a visualization of the effect of the strategic constraint on the primary goal for managing the enterprise.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining carbon emission reduction credits and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General 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 method for selling lighting solutions includes installing a lighting system and measuring the amount of lumens emitted and/or measuring the changes in light spectrum. The method also includes determining a fee based on the amount of lumens emitted and the changes in light spectrum. The fee may also be calculated based on the services rendered for the installation and the maintenance of the lighting system. A lighting solutions system may include means for measuring the light output and means for determining a fee based on the light output. The lighting solutions system may also include means to allow the customer control of the lighting solutions system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for determining anticipated profit from facilities such as electrical power generation facilities, for determining values for assets based on profitability of facilities, and for determining optimal operational scheduling options for facilities. Methods and systems are provided which utilize a dynamic programming algorithm and a decision tree based model in which one or more operating constraints are implicitly modeled, facilitating computational tractability. Additionally, methods and systems are provided that utilize a dynamic programming algorithm and a decision tree based model that accounts for a combined effect of price paths with specified uncertainty as well as operational constraints. Furthermore, methods and systems are provided that address profitability, valuation, and scheduling in relation to a group, or portfolio, of facilities, accounting for liquidity factors as well as group, or global, constraints.

Abstract: A method for forming a plurality of stores into a plurality of clusters is provided. Store specific information is collected. Optimized combinations for each individual store are provided based on the store specific information. Clusters are created based on the closeness of the optimal combinations.

Abstract: A manufactured article treatment processing method and system includes reading out from a manufactured article being subjected to treatment information of component parts of the article and specific properties of the component parts, extraction of the component parts to be separated on the basis of predetermined specific properties serving as information for detachment and specific properties of the component parts, and treatment of the component parts to be separated and other components parts through different processes, respectively.

Abstract: A logistics management system is described that includes a host computer that performs logistics management tasks for shipment items, and a user interface module that presents a user interface for the host computer. The user interface module generates a user interface having windows for performing the logistics management tasks. The user interface module generates each of the windows to include an item selection region to receive criteria for selecting one or more of items associated with the freight shipments, one or more activity regions to receive activity data for the activities, and an action input region to receive action input specifying one of the logistics management tasks. The host computing system processes the activity data captured with a single window to complete the specified logistics management task in response to the action input received from a user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for increasing and/or for monitoring a party's compliance with a schedule for taking medicines. In a first embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving information regarding whether at least two medicine containers were able to communicate during a pre-determined time period, and determining a level to which the party complied to a medicine schedule based on the information. The method further includes rewarding the party based on the party's level of compliance. Systems, apparatus and computer program products are provided for carrying out the above-described embodiments and numerous other embodiments.

Abstract: A method for routing an object in a transportation network is provided. The method includes obtaining at a first point a first address and a first functional property code associated with an object to be routed. The method also includes storing at a data base a second functional property code, a second address, and a third address associated with a second point. The method further includes sending the first address and the first functional property code from the first point to the data base and determining at the data base if the first address is compatible with the second address. The method additional includes determining at the data base if the first functional property code is compatible with the second functional property code if the first address is compatible with the associated second address and sending the third address to the first point if the first functional property code is compatible with the second functional property code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for resolving energy imbalance in a real-time manner is disclosed. A plurality of market user interfaces are coupled to an imbalance engine which determines optimal dispatch requirements corresponding to supply and demand requirements of the market participants. The imbalance engine resolves in a real-time manner the dispatch requirements while considering the transmission limitations, ramping limitations, transmission facilities, and price data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for optimizing security constrained unit commitment in the day ahead wholesale electricity market using mixed integer linear programming techniques. The wholesale electricity market uniquely requires the submission of offers to supply energy and ancillary services at stated prices, as well as bids to purchase energy, and known operating and security constraints. The present invention address the above noted needs by providing a SCUC engine to support and implement the requirements via a computer system implementation.

Abstract: A system for providing a service through a non-contact communication unit such as a wireless communication unit is disclosed. Specifically, an electronic ticket is communicated between a so-called mobile terminal and the non-contact communication unit equipped in a ticket examiner. The ticket examiner comprises a stocker for storing magnetized slips, roll paper or plastic slips, and a shaper for cutting the magnetized slip or the roll paper into a proper size. The ticket examiner confirms the validity of the electronic ticket for issuing a ticket.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for optimizing security constrained dispatch and pricing for the wholesale energy trading market. The imbalance market uniquely requires a real-time market for bidding and for providing the energy generation adjustments required to satisfy the imbalance. The present invention address the above noted needs by providing a real-time imbalance engine to support and implement the equitable imbalance requirement via a computer system implementation. Additionally, the present invention allows the market generators and loads to provide electronic bids for resolution while considering constraints on the demand and supply system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a process of determining individual skin structure and function at a point in time for the purpose of determining and formulating skin care products that remedy the deficiencies observed in the skin. Objective and repeatable dermal biometric instrumentation techniques can be used to measure skin moisture content, sebum content, firmness and elasticity properties, skin thickness, transepidermal water loss, skin pH and to perform a photo analysis of the face with UV and visible light. By customizing the skin care products, the individually added active ingredients can be controlled, the diluents can be modified, dermal penetration rates can be controlled, the surfactant systems can be adjusted, and the stability of the product can be controlled. To prevent the loss of active materials in the product, the skin care product is manufactured for an individual consumer and is only sold in a quantity of a three months supply.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for optimizing security constrained unit commitment in the day ahead wholesale electricity market using mixed integer linear programming techniques. The wholesale electricity market uniquely requires the submission of offers to supply energy and ancillary services at stated prices, as well as bids to purchase energy, and known operating and security constraints. The present invention address the above noted needs by providing a SCUC engine to support and implement the requirements via a computer system implementation.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for optimizing security constrained unit commitment in the day ahead wholesale electricity market using mixed integer linear programming techniques. The wholesale electricity market uniquely requires the submission of offers to supply energy and ancillary services at stated prices, as well as bids to purchase energy, and known operating and security constraints. The present invention address the above noted needs by providing a SCUC engine to support and implement the requirements via a computer system implementation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for usage based billing are described. In one aspect, a method for operating a computer to facilitate the transmission, receipt and validation of meter data is described. An exemplary embodiment of the method includes the steps of transmitting meter data related to equipment usage, receiving the meter data and applying validation rules to the meter data, and generating an error report identifying meter data that violates at least one of the validation rules. The error report is exchanged with the dealer, for example via the Internet, to ensure accurate and correct data is used in generated invoices. The data correction is an iterative electronic process to facilitate timely and accurate invoicing. In another aspect, a method for operating a computer to facilitate the issuance of invoices and reconciling open payables records is described.

Abstract: A method that enables the recipient to receive notification of the letters, flats and/or packages (mail) that the recipient is going to receive prior to the delivery of the mail. The recipient is then able to inform a post or courier i.e., Federal Express®, Airborne®, United Parcel Service®, DHL®, etc., of the manner in which the recipient would like the mail delivered. The post and courier hereinafter will be referred to as “carrier”. The invention also allows the carrier to uniquely identify each piece or parcel of mail (even if they are from the same sender to the same recipient on the same day) so that the mail may be more easily identified by the carrier, sender and the recipient.

Abstract: A proactive call center which detects problems, resolves the problems, and then contacts the customers before customers initiate calls themselves. In the present invention, the workflow process is monitored to ensure that a transaction is completed without problems. If a problem occurs, a call center agent is notified of the problem. The call center agent can then take immediate steps to research the problem, fix the problem, or otherwise find alternative solutions to help ameliorate the problem. The call center agent then contacts the customer to explain the problem and what steps were taken to address the problem. By proactively taking steps to address problems as they occur rather than in response to customer complaints, businesses can maintain goodwill.