Abstract: A method is described with which to detect and model a person's temporal activity patterns from a record of the persons computer activity or online presence. The method is both predictive and descriptive of temporal features and is constructed with a minimal amount of beforehand knowledge. Activity related data is accumulated from a mechanism that is involved in the activity of a person. Significant inactivity features are identified within the activity data. These inactivity features are characterized so as to project the temporal activity of the person. Real-time activity of the person is then detected and inactivity periods are checked for likelihood of belonging to a previously characterized significant feature. The resulting information is formatted and made available to individuals having a need for the information.

Abstract: A method of providing communication services from retail business locations. The method comprising providing wireless transceiver devices to customers of the retail business, wherein the wireless transceiver devices are configured to receive at least one of a variety of different communication services. Contracting for the plurality of different communication services from a network system by the retail business. Contracting with a wireless service provider for wireless network services to exchange the plurality of different communication services between the retail business and the wireless transceiver devices. Receiving in at least one location of the retail business, the plurality of different communication services from the network system and providing at least one of the plurality of different communication services from the retail business location to the wireless transceiver devices via a wireless network.

Abstract: A method of assisting a loved one of a deceased in planning a funeral or other service which memorializes the deceased. The method may be initiated with the “planner,” i.e. a funeral director or computer and software, querying the loved one as to various aspects of the life of the deceased. Then, based on the loved one's responses to the queries, a theme is selected, from a menu of themes, for a vignette to be incorporated into the funeral or other service. Finally, within the selected theme, one or more memorial items are selected from a menu of memorial items to be utilized in the vignette. Alternatively, the queries can be dispensed with, and the loved one can immediately select a vignette theme from the menu of themes (assisted by either the funeral director or via interactive software running on a computer). Then, as before, one or more memorial items within the selected theme are chosen from a menu of possible memorial items, and are utilized in the vignette in the funeral or other memorial service.

Abstract: A system for soliciting donations via the World Wide Web or Internet. A donor may, if desired, be an individual or an individual representing an organization with a particular interest in a charitable organization. The charitable organization is a nonprofit organization that has a presence or website on the Internet. The system is integrated with the charitable organization's website. The charitable organization has cataloged on the system's database particular items or assets as gifts to the donor based on the contribution area of interest of the donor. The donor, in communication with the charitable organization, selects a donation by activating a hyperlink to the system's website. Transparent to the donor, the system is now in communication with the donor and the charitable organization. The system facilitates the donation process, the selection of gifts, the implication and effect of the tax deduction, and the delivery of the selected gifts.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a computerized method for addressing client service outages of a client includes receiving a plurality of predefined parameters of a client service outage, storing the predefined parameters in a central repository, receiving information regarding the client service outage, determining that the client service outage is of a particular severity level in response to the received information, and automatically sending at least some of the information to one or more employees of a service company in response to the determination.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for designing an architecture for e-business solutions. A business description of the e-business solution is developed. The business description describes each actor and each business function in the e-business solution. The business description further describes each interaction among one or more actors and one or more business functions. A pictorial representation of the business description is developed. Business pattern(s), integration pattern(s), composite pattern(s), and application pattern(s) that are identifiable within the pictorial representation are established. Each business pattern is indicative of each grouping of one or more actors and one or more business functions based on a nature of the interaction among the one or more actors and the one or more business functions. Each integration pattern is indicative of an integration of two or more business patterns.