Abstract: A system and method for forecasting future retail performance are described herein. The system includes a storage device that stores a sales history database, a weather history database, and a weather forecast database. An analyzer determines the extent to which past retail performance of a plurality of products at a plurality of locations was affected by weather using the sales history database and the weather history database. A configurator, coupled to the analyzer, estimates expected future retail performance of the products at the stores for a plurality of future time periods using the weather forecast database and results produced by the analyzer. A graphical user interface, coupled to the analyzer and the configurator, enables users to view and manipulate results produced by the analyzer and the configurator to thereby forecast future retail performance of the products at the locations.

Abstract: In a sales management apparatus, control programs necessary for operating in different modes are stored in respective mode keys and any desirable control program is loaded by using a corresponding mode key to realize saving in memory capacity of the apparatus. A sales management apparatus having a memory for writing and reading a control program, a mode key having a memory for storing a control program, means for registering a person in charge according to data provided from the mode key and means for transmitting the control program from the mode key, which can switch a control program to another, e.g., registering, setting, checking or exact calculation program by replacing a mode-key by another.

Abstract: Distributed electronic commerce is conducted over a network by substantially separating transaction functionality from merchant content. Electronic commerce transaction functionality is provided by a commerce server having a commerce database. The commerce server stores merchant and purchaser profile data and merchant content summaries on the commerce database. The purchaser browses and searches for product and merchant information using the commerce server, and is provided with more detailed information stored at a separate merchant content server system. The purchaser selects products to purchase, and a purchase order is sent to the commerce server. The commerce server initiates the settlement of accounts between the merchant and purchaser, and initiates order fulfillment for the selected product.

Abstract: A method of automatically selecting a securities portfolio from a plurality of securities includes selecting investment characteristics and investment limits considered important for investment objectives; selecting a safety level for the portfolio; constructing a matrix having entries corresponding to (a) the selected characteristics and limits, and (b) the candidate securities; establishing an objective function corresponding to the constructed matrix; and determining the securities portfolio based on the matrix and the objective function. The investment characteristics may include dividends, rate of growth of earnings, financial strength, safety, predictability of earnings, and performance rankings provided by an advisory service. The safety level may be provided as a number of stocks to include in the portfolio. The selected investment limits may relate to limitations on the amount of investment in each candidate security.

Abstract: Methods and systems are offered to create, eliminate and/or modify trade channels. These can utilize a variety of communication media, including computer networks and the network of interconnected machines known as the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for managing a request queue for a jukebox system. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for managing a queue of a jukebox. The method includes the step of arranging a set of service identifiers in a queue based upon a time of receipt corresponding to each service identifier. The method also includes the step of receiving a request to expedite an identified service corresponding to one service identifier in the queue. According to the method, payment is then received for the request to expedite the identified service. The method further includes the steps of rearranging the plurality of service identifiers in the queue, thereby causing the identified service to be expedited, and performing the service.

Abstract: A distributed budgeting and accounting system is designed to operate with secure token devices. The secure token devices serve both as electronic currency purses and as secure vehicles for authorization. The distributed budgeting and accounting system allows a budget to be defined for an organization. The budget is implemented via the secure token devices by transferring electronic currency tokens representing portions of the budgets to secure token devices associated with different portions of the organization. The funds may be transferred down a hierarchical organization by transferring funds between respective pairs of secure token devices. Once the budget has been fully distributed, members of the organization may spend electronic currency tokens on their secure token devices to cover the cost of using resources. Each card holder of the secure token device may only spend up to the amount provided on the associated secure token device.

Abstract: Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Abstract: A computer implemented system awards promotional incentives. A participant in the awards system calls or connects to an interactive platform for registering and/or redeeming credits preferably described in uniquely identified certificates. In a telephone environment, the interactive platform is connected to a toll free telephone number where a participant's call is handled by a computer controlled voice response unit. In a computer network environment, a computer user connects to the interactive platform over the network. The participant receives awards credits based on the unique identification of certificates. Award credits for a participant are accumulated in a stored record associated with the participant until redeemed. Award credits can also be acquired as an instant winner based on a random or algorithmic selection of callers to receive such credits. Awards include electronic prizes such as free long distance telephone time, electronic cash and/or service credits.

Abstract: A system for exchanging data between a portable payment terminal and a stationary base terminal in communication with a payment center. The portable terminal and the base terminal each include a central unit and a radio transmit-receive module. Each central unit is adapted to generate/read binary messages transmitted/received in the form of radio waves by the transmit-receive module. The portable payment terminal or the stationary base terminal include means for storing the binary messages and means for deactivating the central unit such that the radio transmit-receive module is operable only when the central unit is deactivated.

Abstract: A notice board business system database stores therein collectively the contents of all the data heads relating to a series of business processes, and is held in common in the form of a notice board through clients by all the related persons in charge of the tasks. A status change rule sets the data head in which the data input should be completed with respect to each of the task processes. A status watcher refers to both the notice board business system database and the status change rule to make the task process change from the current task process to the next task process when the predetermined data input has been completed in the process in task so as to inform the related client of that the status change has occurred. In addition, the status watcher refers to a status change limit rule for setting the data input completion due date for each of the task processes so as to inform, when the processing due date is drawing near, the related client of that the processing due date is drawing near.

Abstract: The dynamic linking of supplier web sites to reseller web sites in the context of electronic commerce, for example, over the Internet. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method. A plurality of items to be purchased is selected on a supplier's web site. A list of reseller's web sites is dynamically generated from a database and displayed. One of the reseller's web sites is linked to, such that information is transmitted to this reseller's web site regarding the plurality of items to be purchase.

Abstract: A centralized automated apparatus for lending institutions to initiate, report and confirm insurance coverage on buildings used as collateral for construction loans under a single builder's risk policy provided by an insurance provider with the lending institution named as the named insured and the borrower/builder named as additional insured. Coverage rates are computed for construction loans added to the system by the lending institution using rate information provided by the insurance provider. Premium payments are transferred from the lending institution to the insurance provider for active loans from escrowed construction loan proceeds. The apparatus provides management reports for the lending institution and the insurance provider of new loans, active loans, funds transfers for reconcilation, premium payments and repayments for closed loans, and loss evaluations.

Abstract: An online centralized financial products exchange system. The invention is a system, method and computer program product that creates a “marketplace” for end-to-end financial products life cycle transactions. More particularly, the invention provides a centralized exchange system for the trading of loans. The system includes a plurality of Web servers for receiving and providing loan information from and to subscribers on several Web clients and a database server for searching the pre-set rules to match potential buyers with sellers. The system also includes a database for storing information relating to negotiations (i.e., bidding) for the sale of loans and for storing pre-set rules for pre-registered buyers and sellers. The system further includes a database and server for storing risk/return information that is made available to subscribers for analysis.

Abstract: A method of implementing non-numerical spread sheets for the medical and legal domains using a computer-assisted iterative problem solving technique which starts from initial non-numerical data and develops possible solutions within a framework of an interrelation ship among pre-selected non-numerical data which are divided into a plurality of mutually exclusive categories differentiated according to readiness for decision making, including the steps of: displaying on a video display, a work sheet having a plurality of cells each corresponding to one of said mutually exclusive categories for displaying the non-numerical data; entering initial non-numerical data into respective cells in the work sheet; selecting a query designating at least a first cell in the work sheet with the initial non-numerical data as an input and requesting related non-numerical data for at least one cell of the plurality of cells in the work sheet; identifying non-numerical data for the at least one cell that is related to non-numeri

Abstract: A computer-implemented process simulation method or tool that uses a software engine that calculates resources required to complete a project based upon contents of user-defined benefit-trade matrices associated with substeps of the project and design requirement priority values and a sample design whose process is to be simulated. Design requirement priority values and the sample design are input. Each substep is defined using a benefit-trade matrix that comprises a multiple variable lookup table that embodies history data relating to the substep. Each matrix includes relative weights of schedule, cost and risk elements for the substep and user-input rating values corresponding to the importance of each element. A logical equation is defined for each substep that computes the time required to complete the project, required resources for the project, and cost of the project based upon data input thereto.

Abstract: A computer-based system for determining a set of opening prices for a number of series of options traded on an options exchange and for allocating public order imbalances at the opening of trading. Market makers input a current position, a desired target position and market maker orders for options series from market maker terminals. An order entry system receives public orders for options series. A controller determines a set of implied volatilities (prices) for each options series that will maximize a weighted volume of trades across all option series at the opening. Contra orders that can be matched at the opening price are then executed. If there is a residual imbalance of non-executed public orders, the residual imbalance of non-executed public orders is assigned to individual ones of the plurality of market makers so as to minimize a cumulative measure of deviation between the desired target position and the current position of each market maker.