Abstract: A retail terminal includes a voice generating device. The retail terminal also includes a processing unit electrically coupled to the voice generating device. Moreover, the retail terminal further includes a memory device electrically coupled to the processing unit.

Abstract: A technique for efficiently and accurately minimizing costs associated with services provided by a plurality of service providers (SPs) that bill for their services based on a tiered cost structure. Target tiers are generated based on the utilization of the SPs' services and the SPs' cost structures. Utilization of the SPs' services is monitored. A momentary target utilization rate (MTUR) is generated for each SP based on the cumulated utilization of the SP's service and the SP's target tier. Utilization of the SPs' services is distributed based on the generated MTURs in a manner that minimizes cost. If the utilization of the SPs' services indicates the MTURs have been exceeded, new target tiers and MTURs are generated and utilization of the SPs' services is redistributed among the SPs in a manner that minimizes cost.

Abstract: Price elasticity of sales of an item of commerce is estimated. Based on the price elasticity, a maximum gross margin for the item is determined. The maximum possible gross margin is then used in connection with setting or evaluating markdown scenarios for the item.

Abstract: A presentation device, such as a personal video recorder or a digital audio receiver, and a method for saving alternative presentation data for possible future presentation. According to the method, a broadcast stream is received on a selected channel. The broadcast stream includes a plurality of programming media segments and at least one rich media segment associated with the alternative presentation data. The at least one rich media segment and the associated alternative presentation data are embedded within the plurality of programming media segments. Presentation of the at least one rich media segment commences on the selected channel. If presenting the at least one rich media segment on the selected channel is interrupted prior to completely presenting the at least one rich media segment on the selected channel, the alternative presentation data associated with the at least one rich media segment is saved for possible future presentation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for suitably using a method for collectively receiving at a high voltage and distributing at a low voltage in collective housing. In this method for collectively receiving at a high voltage and distributing at a low voltage to a plurality of users, a distribution control part for collectively receiving power and distributing the power at a low voltage includes a server 12 and a control device 131 for controlling information on power consumed by the users. The control device 131 and the server are connected via a network. The server 12 grasps a maximum current capacity necessary for each user, determines a contracted current depending on the grasped maximum current capacity, and distributes power to each user.

Abstract: A postage metering system includes a computer, an authentication unit, a printer and a control system. The control system is in operative communication with the computer, the authentication unit and the printer. The authentication unit and the printer are both in operative communication with the computer. The printer includes an unsecure print head and a secure print head. The control system: (i) executes a transaction session between the computer and the authentication unit to generate postal data to be included in a postal indicium where the postal indicium includes non-authorization data; (ii) initiates a print request to print the postal indicium; and (iii) controls the unsecure print head to print the non-authorization data and the secure print head to print forensic evidence of the authenticity of the postal indicium.

Abstract: A method of operating a postage metering system for printing a postage indicium for use with a business reply mail piece. The method includes the step(s) of: (i) transmitting a registration ID number to a data center, the registration ID number being associated a particular mail campaign of which the business replay mail piece is a part; (ii) receiving postage indicium information from the data center, the postage indicium information including delivery address information generated using the registration ID number; and (iii) printing the postage indicium on the business reply mail piece using the postage indicium information.

Abstract: A control server includes a device information database storing device characteristic data constituting the air conditioning equipment, a fuel/power rate database storing price and rate data regarding gas, oil, power and the like, a device characteristic and price database, an air conditioning equipment simulator for calculating running costs by using the data stored in the fuel/power rate database, and communication portion for performing communications through a network. The control server, and an air conditioning management controller for managing and controlling the air conditioning equipment provided with the communication portion for performing communications through the network, are connected to the network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for service providers to provide hosted enterprise solutions to businesses, allowing these businesses to collaborate with other business partners or clients, via the Internet. Under such systems and methods, service providers would allow clients to decide which partners to invite to enroll in subscription plan in order to share and minimize the cost to the clients without having the clients incur a cumbersome approval process from all their partners.

Abstract: A server apparatus and a transit control method allow a noise countermeasure to be determined efficiently and conveniently in designing electronic circuits. A registered noise countermeasure information storing unit stores noise countermeasure list information requested for registration by a registration terminal in the registration terminal connected via a network. A circuit information acquiring unit acquires circuit information from a user terminal connected via the network, which can use the registered noise countermeasure information. A noise countermeasure list information generating unit generates noise countermeasure list information based on the registered noise countermeasure information and the circuit information, and transmits the generated noise countermeasure list information to the user terminal.

Abstract: Upon the sale of merchandise by a vending machine, encrypted point information expressing prescribed points is presented to a user. The user transmits the presented point information, together with identification information for the user, to a center device by means of the user's portable telephone set. The center device decrypts the transmitted and encrypted point information, stores and manages points corresponding to the point information for the user, and offers prescribed service to the user based on the points stored and managed for the user.

Abstract: A data service system includes a server system. The server system includes a request processor that schedules external requests to be serviced by the server system based on classification information contained in a tag of each of the requests. An application system is coupled to the server system. The application system includes an application engine that performs a transaction requested by an external request and provides response to the request to the server system. The application system also includes a business rule engine that stores business rules regarding classification for various transactions. The business rule engine also uses the business rules to analyze the response to the request. A tag generator is provided in the application system that generates the tag based on the analysis of the business rule engine.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a software license management system (SLMS) utilizing a web-based interactive database to automate a software management process (SWMP) for managing software assets, measuring compliance requirements, and tracking/reporting status as necessary to assure proficiency and adherence to implementation requirements of the software management process. The SWMP is a process consisting of five different phases. The five steps of the SWMP involve identification of various solution alternatives, acquisition, deployment, maintenance and software retirement. The SWMP establishes high-level software management process to avoid litigation and penalties, maximize software asset utilization through tighter inventory control, and capitalize on the software procurement process.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method of delivering goods from a plurality of suppliers to a plurality of buyer utilizing a system having a plurality delivery agents, a plurality of stores, a plurality of good brands, and a plurality of buyers, wherein the delivery agents, stores, and suppliers are linked to a communications network. The method comprises the steps of; each store communicating order information to a logistics intermediary; the logistics intermediary communicating invoice information from the order information to any one of the delivery agents based on an Internet based electronic manifest; the delivery agent noting exceptions and communicating the exceptions to the logistics intermediary; the logistics intermediary communicating exceptions to the supplier and to the store from which the goods were ordered; and, after shipping the goods the delivery agent communicating the status of the shipped goods to the logistics intermediary.

Abstract: A method is provided of restricted substance management and recycling in a manufacturing environment. The method includes the steps of inputting restricted substances and recycle content data of parts supplied by a supplier for a vehicle into a computer system of a vehicle manufacturer. The method also includes the steps of reviewing the inputted data and determining parts with banned or recycled content or substances over predetermined thresholds. The method further includes the steps of reporting the determined parts to the supplier and vehicle manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for online creation and integration of service of process functions is provided, for use in conjunction with paper or electronic filing of court papers. By logging on to a web page, the user can access a rules and decision matrix database providing the rules and requirements for process service by jurisdiction and type. Such rules can be incorporated into process requests using online tools and document management software. Once entered, the requests are compiled in a database, and a system controller coordinates with affiliated process servers to procure process service in the desired jurisdiction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic regulatory compliance system and method that permits a regulatory agency to efficiently and accurately monitor thousands of environmental equipment installations, such as homeowner wastewater treatment plants, for compliance with regulatory requirements. The environmental equipment installations may be installed at different locations, operating on different inspection schedules, with different service companies, different owners, of different types, and be of different processing capacity. A personnel detector is preferably utilized to verify the actual physical presence of service personnel. In accord with the invention, each environmental equipment system is connected to a network that logs and time-stamps events that occur at each of the plurality of environmental equipment systems related to compliance with environmental regulations.

Abstract: An on-line VBI printing system that includes one or more cryptographic modules and a central database. The cryptographic modules are capable of implementing a variety of required security standards. A client system provides a user friendly GUI for facilitating the interface of the user to the system. The GUI system includes wizards that help the user step-by-step with processes of installation, registration, and printing In one aspect, the invention describes an on-line system for printing a value bearing item (VBI) that includes a client system for interfacing with a user comprising; a GUI for installing software for printing the VBI; a GUI for registering the user in the system; and a GUI for managing the printing of the VBI; and a server system capable of communicating with the client system over a computer network for authorizing the client system to print the VBI.

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: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of compiling and providing business data in a distributed computer system, preferably the Internet or any other type of computer linked network system. The present invention also provides a computer program product that contains business data compiled from files containing business data located in a distributed computer system. The present invention to provide a cost-effective method for automatically compiling a business data as well as an automated method for refreshing business data so as to keep it current. The advantage of the present invention is that it enables one to compile business data from files in a distributed computer system in a cost effective and time effective manner taking advantage of the large number of data that is available in a distributed computer system. Another advantage is that the present invention enables one to quickly update business data to stay current.