Abstract: In various implementations, a digital media recording is received from a user for conversion into an authenticated instrument of an oral agreement. The digital media recording is embedded into an electronic agreement document that is configured to represent an instrument of the oral contract terms between two or more contracting parties. The digital media recording forms a content portion of the electronic agreement document, which is reviewed by each of the contracting parties. A playback status associated with the content portion is monitored to determine that each of the contracting parties have substantially reviewed the terms of the agreement. Upon determining that the content portion has been substantially reviewed by all parties, the contracting parties are requested to electronically sign the electronic agreement document.

Abstract: A method of operating a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) having at least one of an aerobic digester (AD) and a membrane bioreactor (MBR) is described. The method of operating AD is comprised of monitoring and controlling AD in real-time using an online extended Kalman filter (EKF) having a online dynamic model of AD. The EKF uses real-time AD measured data, and online dynamic model of AD to update adapted model parameters and estimate model based inferred variables for AD, which are used for AD control by AD control system having supervisory and low-level control layers. The method of operating MBR is similar to that of AD. The supervisory control ensures the WWTP satisfying the effluent quality requirement while minimize the operation cost. A WWTP having at least one of AD or MBR is disclosed. The method of operating a WWTP can be implemented using a computer.

Abstract: A cooling tower simulation system may receive a measurement from a cooling tower sensor and generate a predicted output of a cooling tower system based on a model of the cooling tower system. The simulation system may generate an estimated output using an extended Kalman filter with the measurement and the predicted output as inputs, wherein the estimated output represents a characteristic of the cooling tower system.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, data associated with the operation of a desalter vessel (150), adapted to receive a raw crude input and a water input and facilitate creation of a desalted crude output and a salt water output, may be stored in a computer storage device (630). A computer processor (610) may determine at least one parameter associated with the data in the computer store. The computer processor (610) may then automatically calculate, based on the determined parameter and a physics-based dynamic desalter model (400), an adjustment value for a second parameter associated with operation of the desalter vessel. Using the automatically calculated adjustment value, the computer processor (610) may automatically generate and transmit an indication of the adjustment value so as to improve operation of the desalter vessel (150).

Abstract: In various implementations, an electronic signature platform implements an electronic signing workflow that includes receiving, from a signer device, annotations made by a signer role to an electronic document in response to a request to sign the electronic document. A reply is received, from an advisor device, is made by an advisor role and is responsive to the annotations. Based on providing the reply to the signer device, an electronic signature is received that is provided by the signer role in response to the request to sign the electronic document. An audit trail is maintained that includes descriptions for events associated with the electronic signature, and timestamps associated with the events. The annotations and the reply are recorded by one or more of the events.

Abstract: Improved document processing workflows provide a secure electronic signature framework by reducing attack vectors that could be used to gain unauthorized access to digital assets. In one embodiment an electronically signed document is removed from an electronic signature server after signed copies of the document are distributed to all signatories. The electronic signature server optionally retains an encrypted copy of the signed document, but does not retain the decryption password. This limits the amount of data retained by the electronic signature server, making it a less attractive target for hackers. However, the electronic signature server still maintains audit data that can be used to identify a signed document and validate an electronic signature. For example, a hash of the document (or other document metadata) can be used to validate the authenticity of an electronically signed document based on a logical association between an electronic signature and the signed document.

Abstract: A method utilizes event-driven reoptimization to reallocate one or more logical partitions within a pool of logically-partitioned data processing systems in a logically-partitioned computing environment in response to detection of a system event that is likely to increase or decrease the collective resource demands of logical partitions resident in a logically-partitioned computing environment. The reoptimization may be used to consolidate logical partitions on fewer processor nodes to improve the potential for powering down hardware resources and thereby reduce power consumption.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include approaches for selecting a routing path of a data set from its source to its destination on a network and allocating a network cost for delivering the data set. The approaches include collecting traffic information on the network, determining one or more routing paths from the source to the destination, computing network cost(s) associated with the routing path(s), selecting a routing path based on the associated network costs, a flow value associated with the data set, and the collected traffic information, and allocating the network cost to network users in accordance with a cost policy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically matching a plurality of resistors to a sensor are disclosed. In the method and apparatus, a switching block of a plurality of switching blocks receives a plurality of selection signals. The switching block is coupled to a resistor array having a plurality of resistors that are coupled in series and arranged in a closed loop. Each two resistors are coupled to each other by a respective resistor node of a plurality of resistor nodes. The switching block of the plurality of switching blocks has a plurality of input nodes and an output node, where the output node is coupled to the respective resistor node of the plurality of resistor nodes. In the method and apparatus, the switching block couples an input node of the plurality of input nodes to the output node based on the selection signals.

Abstract: The invention addresses these and other problems associated with the prior art by providing an apparatus and program product that utilize event-driven reoptimization to reallocate one or more logical partitions within a pool of logically-partitioned data processing systems in response to detection of a system event that is likely to increase or decrease the collective resource demands of logical partitions resident in a logically-partitioned computing environment. In some instances, for example, the reoptimization may be used to consolidate logical partitions on fewer processor nodes to improve the potential for powering down hardware resources and thereby reduce power consumption.

Abstract: Improved document processing workflows provide a secure electronic signature framework by reducing attack vectors that could be used to gain unauthorized access to digital assets. In one embodiment an electronically signed document is removed from an electronic signature server after signed copies of the document are distributed to all signatories. The electronic signature server optionally retains an encrypted copy of the signed document, but does not retain the decryption password. This limits the amount of data retained by the electronic signature server, making it a less attractive target for hackers. However, the electronic signature server still maintains audit data that can be used to identify a signed document and validate an electronic signature. For example, a hash of the document (or other document metadata) can be used to validate the authenticity of an electronically signed document based on a logical association between an electronic signature and the signed document.

Abstract: An E-signing workflow enables an E-document to be signed by multiple parties including a document signer and a third-party, such as a guarantor. The E-signing workflow employs various online detours that enable addition of third parties to an E-document. The E-signing workflow enables a complete audit trail to be easily and automatically developed for a document sender and signers, and associated with a particular E-document. Privacy concerns are addressed by way of secure electronic communications that take place between the parties within the E-signing workflow. The E-signing workflow reduces reliance on e-mail for document execution insofar as most if not all relevant activities in the E-signing workflow take place within the workflow and result in storage of the E-document and all relevant information within the E-signing solution itself.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a sensor; and a resistor array comprising a set of resistors; wherein on a first cycle: at least one first of said resistors is configured to provide a first resistance value; and on a second cycle: at least one second of said resistors is configured to provide said first resistance value.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described to dynamically adjust a session detection time defined by a timer in accordance with a bidirectional forwarding detection (BFD) protocol. The techniques utilize existing hardware and BFD software infrastructure. An example network device includes a memory, programmable processor(s), and a control unit configured to execute a timer, receive one or more packets provided by the BFD protocol, detect, based on the received one or more packets, a congestion condition associated with a link via which the network device is coupled to a network, adjust, based on the detected congestion condition, a session detection time defined by the timer, and in response to a failure to receive a packet provided by the BFD protocol within the session detection time defined by the timer, detect a failure associated with the link.

Abstract: A method utilizes event-driven reoptimization to reallocate one or more logical partitions within a pool of logically-partitioned data processing systems in a logically-partitioned computing environment in response to detection of a system event that is likely to increase or decrease the collective resource demands of logical partitions resident in a logically-partitioned computing environment. The reoptimization may be used to consolidate logical partitions on fewer processor nodes to improve the potential for powering down hardware resources and thereby reduce power consumption.

Abstract: An electronic signature comprises an authenticated audio and/or visual recording of a spoken assent that conforms to a pre-established phrase. Alternatively, an electronic signature comprises an authenticated visual recording of a series of physical gestures that conforms to a pre-established sequence. Rules are established with respect to how the assent is to be recorded and authenticated. These rules, as well as the document itself, are provided to a document recipient. If the document recipient assents to the document, an audio and/or visual recording of the assent is generated. Location information that defines or approximates the geographical location where the document recipient recorded the assent is also optionally recorded as well. Once recorded, the assent can be authenticated using any of a variety of suitable authentication processes. An authenticated assent can be considered a legally binding electronic signature that forms a part of, or is otherwise associated with, the document.

Abstract: In various implementations, an electronic signature platform implements an electronic signing workflow that includes receiving, from a signer device, annotations made by a signer role to an electronic document in response to a request to sign the electronic document. A reply is received, from an advisor device, is made by an advisor role and is responsive to the annotations. Based on providing the reply to the signer device, an electronic signature is received that is provided by the signer role in response to the request to sign the electronic document. An audit trail is maintained that includes descriptions for events associated with the electronic signature, and timestamps associated with the events. The annotations and the reply are recorded by one or more of the events.

Abstract: In various implementations, a digital media recording is received from a user for conversion into an authenticated instrument of an oral agreement. The digital media recording is embedded into an electronic agreement document that is configured to represent an instrument of the oral contract terms between two or more contracting parties. The digital media recording forms a content portion of the electronic agreement document, which is reviewed by each of the contracting parties. A playback status associated with the content portion is monitored to determine that each of the contracting parties have substantially reviewed the terms of the agreement. Upon determining that the content portion has been substantially reviewed by all parties, the contracting parties are requested to electronically sign the electronic agreement document.

Abstract: Improved workflows allow delegation of authority to electronically sign a document according to a delegation rule. The delegation rule specifies a document criterion and a delegate who is authorized to sign documents meeting the criterion. The criterion may be based on subject matter, document originator, or receipt time. Delegation rules can also be invoked in response to specified conditions or events, such as receipt of an automated out-of-office notification, or failure to receive any response to a signature request within a certain time. When an electronic signature system processes a document meeting the specified criterion, or detects one of the specified conditions or events, the document is sent to the delegate for signature instead of the originally intended signatory. The workflow initiator and delegator are optionally notified of such delegation before the document is sent to the delegate, thus giving him/her a degree of control over the delegation.

Abstract: Improved workflows allow delegation of authority to electronically sign a document according to a delegation rule. The delegation rule specifies a document criterion and a delegate who is authorized to sign documents meeting the criterion. The criterion may be based on subject matter, document originator, or receipt time. Delegation rules can also be invoked in response to specified conditions or events, such as receipt of an automated out-of-office notification, or failure to receive any response to a signature request within a certain time. When an electronic signature system processes a document meeting the specified criterion, or detects one of the specified conditions or events, the document is sent to the delegate for signature instead of the originally intended signatory. The workflow initiator and delegator are optionally notified of such delegation before the document is sent to the delegate, thus giving him/her a degree of control over the delegation.