Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to relationship information in a social network are described. One described method comprises receiving a request from an observer for relationship information indicating at least a first relationship between a target in a social network and a second entity in the social network, identifying at least a first privacy rule for the first relationship, and outputting at least part of the relationship information to the observer if the first privacy rule is satisfied.

Abstract: Systems and techniques, including computer-implemented techniques, can be used to receive a base schedule that includes multiple rotations that each include one or more segments. A set of itineraries can be generated based upon the segments in the base schedule, and each itinerary can include an origin, a destination, and one or more segments linking the origin and the destination. The set of itineraries can be automatically analyzed to identify one or more valid itineraries within the set of itineraries, such that each valid itinerary complies with one or more constraints.

Abstract: Collaborative agents for simulating teamwork (CAST) are provided with a recognition-primed decision (RPD) model, thereby enhancing analysis through linking and sharing information using knowledge and experience distributed among team members. The RPD model is integrated within a CAST architecture to the extent that agents can proactively seek and fuse information to enhance the quality and timeliness of the decision-making process. The approach, which is applicable to both human assistants and virtual teammates, can approximately track human's decision-making process and effectively interact with human users. A disclosed example relates to teams of agents analyzing terrorist activities.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software are disclosed for capturing and/or importing and processing media items such as digital images or video (202) associated with a sporting event such as a marathon or bicycle race (FIG. 3). The media items are processed, including bib number or facial recognition if necessary (204, 206, 504), to associate them with an individual participant. Other input sources may include spectator uploads (506), external web sites and media sharing (508) or soda! networking (510) services. The system (500) aggregates, organizes and generates content, and distributes it (580) via various output channels, which may include event web sites (256), personal feeds (250), and other output channels (260, 254, 252, FIG. 4). Preferably, selected content is associated with at least one individual participant in the event, and that content is automatically distributed to channels that are associated with that individual participant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a services architecture design that provides enterprise services having foundation layer functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to relationship information in a social network are described. One described method comprises receiving a request from an observer for relationship information indicating at least a first relationship between a target in a social network and a second entity in the social network, identifying at least a first privacy rule for the first relationship, and outputting at least part of the relationship information to the observer if the first privacy rule is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to presenting customer service representatives to a virtual universe client. A method for presenting a customer service representative (CSR) to a virtual universe client includes obtaining a preference(s) of the virtual universe client, and then presenting a virtual universe customer service representative (CSR) to the virtual universe client, based on the preference that was obtained. The invention allows virtual universe clients (“clients”), or customers, to experience consistent interaction quality with virtual universe CSR's, based on the client's stated preferences and/or interaction history in immersive support centers. This provides for consistency in the CSR experience for the client in that a virtual universe CSR may be staffed by varying human presences “behind” the avatar.

Abstract: A method to align and effectively apply business practices or culture within the business units in one or more business entities is provided. In the first phase, a practices charter defining future state business practices is developed. A practices charter is developed from an initial set of differing alternatives statements regarding future business practices, in view of a right-versus-right spectrum. A practices charter is an output of the reconciliation of differing alternatives statements in right-versus-right spectrums. In a second phase, a practices charter is applied to hypothetical issues to develop realistic outcome narratives describing hypothetical situations and dilemmas. In a third phase, discrepancies between outcome narratives and a current state of business practice are identified, and a prioritized action program is developed to address identified discrepancies.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a real estate property index uses real estate data including price data, property data and time of sale data that are entered into a computing apparatus. The time of sale data is manipulated to provide consecutive triple times giving two consecutive time periods (e.g., March, April, May 2007 and April, May, June 2007). A transform function, preferably a log function, is generated with two time dummy variables, and the coefficients of the two time dummy variables are extracted and added to generate a transformed growth rate. The reverse transform function, preferably an anti-log function, is generated to provide the desired untransformed growth rate.

Abstract: A method of providing user participation in a social broadcast environment is disclosed. A network communication is received from a user of a broadcast that includes a preference data indicating a preference of the user that a promoted content be included in the broadcast. Via a responsive network communication, a feedback data is provided to the user that includes a predicted future time at which the promoted content may be included in the broadcast.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for displaying to each of a plurality of users, upon each user's request, as to each particular parcel to be shipped by each user, the carriers that provide delivery notification service options, including electronic mail delivery notification and verbal delivery notification, wherein each user accesses the present invention over a global communications network using a client computer device, and wherein each user has an individual electronic connection to the global communications network.

Abstract: One implementation provides a method for providing a solution to a problem durring an interaction. In this implementation, the method includes displaying to the user a first question and possible answers to the first question in a graphical user interface (GUI) upon identification of the problem. Each possible answer to the first question is associated with an electronic document stored in a first knowledge base. The method further includes receiving input from the user selecting one of the displayed answers to the first question during the interaction. In response to receiving this input, a name of the electronic document is displayed within the GUI. The electronic document whose name is displayed is associated with the selected answer to the first question and that provides a solution to the problem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate a system and method for building a green community construction. The system and method may comprise preparing a site for green community construction, acquiring housing for the site, wherein the housing is acquired below assessed value, moving the housing to the site, and remodeling the housing at the site to form the green community.

Abstract: A client-server architecture provides appraisal services between licensed appraisers and customers. The server includes an appraiser database having a plurality of records, and a query engine for searching the database. Each record corresponds to a licensed appraiser, and includes contact information and information regarding one or more locations in which the appraiser has expertise. An appraiser-client is accessible to the server through contact information stored in the appraiser database. The server includes a web hosting module that interfaces with the query engine. A customer-client communicates with the server, and orders a valuation of a residence. Videos, photos and architectural plans may be attached to the order. The query engine searches the appraiser database for an appraiser-client whose location information matches the address of the residence.

Abstract: A content creation, monitoring and selection system establishes social networks for members such as content creators that generate creative content that may be placed in a content pool. The system assigns a profile for each member and provides social network services based on the profile. The system may also establish a content market. Creative contents may be placed in the content market with an asking price and prospective buyers may bid for ownership. Owners of content submissions may share the ownership by dividing up ownership rights and sell a portion of the ownership rights on the content market. By injecting market like mechanisms, the system may reduce risks associated with uncertainty of new products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to interview a candidate.

Abstract: A ranking method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, business requirements and associated weighting factors. The computing system receives a list of software/hardware products and associated assessment data. The business requirements are associated with product features of the software/hardware products. The computing system calculates total requirement weighting factors for the product features. The computing system stores the total requirement weighting factors.

Abstract: A method and system for integrating imaging printing and communication service in a subscriber service plan. A service provider, such as a wireless carrier, will establish for a subscriber an integrated service plan that entitles the subscriber to engage in a designated quantity of communications on a recurring time period basis, such as monthly, and to also have a designated quantity of images printed on the recurring time period basis, for a designated fee. The integrated service plan will then be used as a basis to authorize communication service to the subscriber and further as a basis to authorize image prints requested by the subscriber.

Abstract: A method to be performed in a procedure of manufacturing a product includes receiving, in a computer system, a request to initiate a manufacturing procedure including at least a first physical operation modeled as a manufacturing-type operation in the computer system and a second physical operation modeled as a warehouse-type operation in the computer system. Information to be used in the manufacturing procedure, identifying the manufacturing-type operation and the warehouse-type operation, is generated in response to the request. Using the information, the manufacturing procedure including the first and second physical operations is initiated. A post-manufacturing procedure for a product can include a manufacturing-type operation and a warehouse-type operation. A computer system includes an operation management module for managing a manufacturing-type operation and a warehouse-type operation. The computer system includes initiation components for initiating the operations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for updating mailing address or other contact information using service disconnect and connect information, such as for telephone, utility, or other service, is described. Electronic information about service disconnect requests and service connection requests is received and compared to identify requests that are linked to the same individual, household, or other entity. A confidence assessment module may produce an indicator, such as a score, of a confidence level in a correct matching of a disconnect and a connect request, based at least in part on similarity of names or other account information, proximity of addresses, and proximity of effective dates associated with potentially matching service connect and disconnect requests. In some embodiments, service disconnect and connect records from a plurality of services are used.