Abstract: A system and method for generating a user profile for a user based on a static profile and a dynamic profile of the user. The static profile includes factual user information. The dynamic profile includes dynamic rules which correspond to transactional information of the user. The method and system compresses the dynamic rules into aggregated rules so that the user can view a comparatively small number of the aggregated rules and select the desired rules from the aggregated rules based on user-desired criteria. The dynamic rules associated with the particular user are matched to the selected desired aggregated rules to generate the dynamic profile. The static and dynamic profile are then combined to form the user profile. The system and method can be used in conjunction with a Personal Shopping Assistant system and a Personal Intelligent Digital Assistant system.

Abstract: In a manufacturing line having a plurality of production jobs performed on a plurality of production units in a plurality of processing areas, a method and related system for selecting a number of production units to be sent to a designated process area other than the plurality of processing areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create billing records in a rating engine. The method comprising the steps of assembling one or more sets of subscriber information; assembling a rating plan; associating a rating procedure with a rating engine; calculating billing records with the rating engine through the rating procedure using the rating plan and the subscriber information. The method and apparatus are applicable to any service where a subscriber is billed by the usage of a service or where the subscriber is billed a periodic basis for the service.

Abstract: A method for redeeming collectible points using on-line bidding for promotional items. Promotional points are collected by consumer purchases of products associated with the points or other consumer behavior. Consumers accumulate the points and then redeem them by bidding on promotional items posted for fixed periods of time on an internet site. The method provides for fixed promotional inventory costs as well as the timely collection of consumer preference information. One embodiment of the invention also provides for parental approval of a minor's participation.

Abstract: An electronic gift certificate system is disclosed which distributes electronic gift certificates in the form of e-mail documents that include hyperlinks for automating the redemption process. When a gift certificate recipient selects such a hyperlink, the recipient's computer automatically transmits a claim code to the merchant's Web site, and the site responds by automatically crediting the recipient's personal account with the gift certificate amount. When the recipient subsequently makes a purchase from the merchant's Web site, the recipient's account balance is automatically applied to the purchase price.

Abstract: A service contract system for providing a service includes a communication network, a plurality of parties coupled to the communication network and a service contract specifying unambiguous rules of interaction for the parties during transactions for the service. A method for managing service transactions between a plurality of parties coupled to a communication network, includes the steps ofjointly developing a service contract having unambiguous rules of interaction between the plurality of parties regarding a service, registering the service contract in each of the plurality of parties and generating, from the service contract, enforcer modules consistent with the rules of interaction for managing transactions of the service.