Abstract: The invention is a method for objects delivery at a location comprising the steps of using a mobile computer having a bar code reader, a display, an audio output device, a tactile input device, text to speech software, a voice recognition software, delivery system software, and radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein said mobile computer is adapted for communication between a delivery server system and a user and the delivery server system is adapted for communication between the mobile computer and at least one external computer system.

Abstract: A pricing model may be used by a decision maker in the evaluation of prices of numerous items to multiple customers. The present system and method facilitates targeted and strategic pricing decisions that increase profitability and avoid unnecessary risks in pricing changes. The method includes the analysis of three categories of information—sales volume, purchase frequency and gross profit percent.

Abstract: Energy consumption meters are associated with owners who hold accounts with a power supplier. The meters are assigned meter identifiers and identifiers for their respective owners. Such a meter may be a parent meter having associated submeters. In response to being plugged into a power source from the power supplier, such a meter reports its owner identifier and meter identifier to the supplier. Also, in response to being plugged into a power source supplied by one of the parent meters, a meter communicates with the parent meter. This establishes that the parent meter is associated with the submeter. The submeter measures energy delivered reports this to the power supplier. Also, the indicated association of the submeter to the parent meter is reported to the power supplier. The receipt of this information enables the power supplier to debit and credit owner accounts in a manner permitting temporary associations of meters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating a reconstruction cost for a building as well as for a designated area within a building. Reconstruction pricing data based on builder-supplied full reconstruction-cost data are stored in a database from which the data is accessed by geographic location, building-category and building-area type. The accessed data are used to produce the reconstruction cost estimate.

Abstract: A residual value of goods based on data is forecast based on a secondhand price database storing transaction data including the residual value of objects and age of the objects. A standardized forecast residual value is calculated for a prescribed future time based on the standardized residual value. The standardized residual value is calculated by modifying a residual value of the object included in the transaction data stored in the secondhand price database based on attribute values of a prescribed attribute of the object included in the transaction data. A non-standardized forecast residual value is determined by making adjustments corresponding to the attribute values of the object of which the residual value will be forecast.

Abstract: A franking machine has a housing with at least a first housing part which is configured such that a retrofittable weighing unit can be fitted therein. The first housing part defines a recess in the housing. The recess is configured such that the weighing unit can be inserted. Fastening devices are provided at the recess for fastening a second housing part which closes the recess.

Abstract: A method and system for computing a cost estimate for a company that may be the client of a supplier providing information system equipment and consulting. An estimate is calculated according to a model with input characterizing circumstances of the client. The program collects client profile information and costs that the client knows. Other costs that the client does not know are read from a local database storing costs known by other clients with similar profiles. A remote database accessible by any client is updated by cost estimate information at each new cost estimate execution by a client.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recording an extension of guarantee of print for a system for franking mailpieces, comprising a display of an indication of “end of initial guarantee” at the level of the franking system; comparing a remaining volume of ink with a minimum volume of ink beyond which printing of the mailpieces is prohibited; if the remaining volume of ink permits, a display of an indication of “offer of extension of guarantee” at the level of the franking system; if this offer is accepted by the user of the franking system, linking with a server of the franking system distributor; and recording of the extension of guarantee in the distributor's server. The indication of the end of initial guarantee corresponds to the franking of a predetermined number of mailpieces.

Abstract: Upgradable functions which are to be a target of trial are previously stored as software (program) or hardware in a storage section of a system. When a user desires to try out the functions, the user gives an instruction to do so to the system via a display panel or the like. The system, upon receipt of the instruction (including the start, termination, extension of a period, etc., of a trial), provides the target functions as required, thus providing the trial of a functionally upgraded, new system to users more easily and flexibly than ever before.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining one or more prices that maximizes revenue for a given demand curve. For determining a single price that maximizes revenue, a geometric analysis of the demand curve is used to find a price that gives a first angle that is equal to a second angle. The first [103] and second [104] angles are calculated using a tangent line that is tangent to the demand curve at the price and reference lines that pass through the demand curve at the price. When the first angle is equal to the second angle [105], the determined price optimizes revenue for the product represented by the demand curve.