Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, that reduce latency using pre-aggregation data processing techniques are described. In one aspect, a system includes a first data processing apparatus that extracts, from multiple data sources, data related to segments and generates, for each segment, data set(s) that include data specific to the segment, each data set for a segment including data for one or more particular data dimensions. A second data processing apparatus accesses the data sets and processes a set of rules to aggregate the data. The aggregating can include, for each of multiple data dimensions that include a set of corresponding data items, identifying time periods for which to aggregate data for the data dimension and, for each time period, identifying, for aggregation, data sets that correspond to the data dimension and to a segment that departed during the time period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, that enable operators to initiate segments. In one aspect, a method includes providing, to an electronic device of a third party operator, an interface that enables the operator to provide features of a segment that the operator is willing to operate for a segment provider that provides segments for clients. Data specifying the features of the segment is received from the electronic device. A determination that the features of the segment include a departure code, a destination code, a departure date, and a jet for the segment is made. A distribution output is calculated based at least on the features of the segment. An interface is updated to present the distribution output to the third party operator. The segment is created in response to detecting interaction with the interface control that confirms the segment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling creation of client-initiated segments. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining historical data about previous segments and accessing a set of rules for the candidate segment. A determination of a baseline amount is made based on the set of rules for the candidate segment and the historical data. The baseline amount is adjusted based on current factors including current availability of other segments having attributes matching the set of attributes of the candidate segment. An updated amount required for creation of the candidate segment is generated for each day within a specified period. Interaction with a client-initiated segment control corresponding to a particular route is detected. A user interface is updated to include the updated amount. The client-initiated segment is created based on submission of the updated amount required.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, that reduce latency using pre-aggregation data processing techniques are described. In one aspect, a system includes a first data processing apparatus that extracts, from multiple data sources, data related to segments and generates, for each segment, data set(s) that include data specific to the segment, each data set for a segment including data for one or more particular data dimensions. A second data processing apparatus accesses the data sets and processes a set of rules to aggregate the data. The aggregating can include, for each of multiple data dimensions that include a set of corresponding data items, identifying time periods for which to aggregate data for the data dimension and, for each time period, identifying, for aggregation, data sets that correspond to the data dimension and to a segment that departed during the time period.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enabling creation of client-initiated segments. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining historical data about previous segments and accessing a set of rules for the candidate segment. A determination of a baseline amount is made based on the set of rules for the candidate segment and the historical data. The baseline amount is adjusted based on current factors including current availability of other segments having attributes matching the set of attributes of the candidate segment. An updated amount required for creation of the candidate segment is generated for each day within a specified period. Interaction with a client-initiated segment control corresponding to a particular route is detected. A user interface is updated to include the updated amount. The client-initiated segment is created based on submission of the updated amount required.

Abstract: The method and computer implemented system for social decision making is disclosed. The method commences with a decision maker working interactively with a computer system via the Internet. Decision maker identifies a topic for discussion and the initial pros and cons factors pertinent to a topic; each pro and con factor is attributed by a set of values and criteria. Decision maker then uses a set of social collaboration tools to gather opinions of the others. The others agree or disagree with a set of values and criteria attributed to initial cons and pros. The others can also submit their opinions in a form of the pros and cons pertinent to a topic each attributed by a set of values and criteria. The data is being stored in a machine readable format on a facilitator's server. A computing algorithm then calculates the sets of values, prioritizes criteria, and analyzes the data.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeiting mark is formed on a surface of an object, preferably by engraving with a laser at the point of manufacture. The mark includes a padlock symbol visible to a person without magnification for informing the person that anti-counterfeiting techniques are in use. The mark also includes a microscopic pattern. Preferably, the microscopic pattern is varied from object to object for uniqueness. The microscopic pattern must be magnified to properly discern its intricacies. The mark further includes a bar code containing data relating to the microscopic pattern. The microscopic pattern may be compared against the data stored by the bar code to verify authenticity.

Abstract: The laser marking device of the present invention utilizes a networked distributed scalable architecture for high-speed simultaneous or sequential marking on a plurality of stationary or moving objects. A plurality of marking units and a controller are connected with one another through a network interface. The controller generates commands and data for the entire marking process and performs general flow control.