Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for determining optimum routing of vehicles based on historical information as well as user preferences and current travel conditions. Historical data is compiled and statistically analyzed to determiner characteristics of each possible route between two points. The characteristic information is then used along with user preference information and current travel condition information to determine an optimum route between the two points. These characteristics provide an indicator to a traveler of the most probable experience they will encounter when traveling along a route under various conditions. Thus, a more complete determination of an optimum route may be determined in view of preferences of a user and experiences of other travelers, than the mere determination of shortest route or shortest travel time as in the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a datamining service vendor to provide subscribing power customers with electrical consumption data services. The system and method provide a mechanism by which electrical consumption is measured at the point of consumption over incremental periods of time. Customers can subscribe to a datamining service vendor which monitors and collects customer electrical consumption data at each addressed location within the customer's electrical network and provides the customer with a detailed report of power consumption statistics and trends. This allows the customer to make informed consumption choices resulting in cost savings to the customer and conservation of power generation resources.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method and computer program product for aggregating multiple marketplaces is provided. The apparatus, system, method and computer program product provide a mechanism by which users may obtain information regarding various goods and services suppliers registered with various marketplaces from a central location. The apparatus, system, method and computer program product further provide a uniform interface through which users may place orders for goods and/or services, obtain information from goods and services suppliers, and otherwise interface with goods and service suppliers. In so doing, the search time for searching for desired goods and services, transaction costs, and time and money spent on activities such as monitoring, maintaining, and coordinating bids and offers is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a utility or a service vendor to provide electricity via a class of service. The system and method provide a mechanism by which power is supplied to customers via prioritized classes of importance wherein the point of utilization communicates with the electrical power supply network and provides information for the utility to determine whether or not power needs to be supplied to a specific outlet or appliance during various electrical demand or rate periods.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that reduces the taxpayer's burden of tax preparation and provides greater accuracy in the calculation of tax return figures. The invention provides for a centralized data repository service which collects tax information on behalf of the citizenry (a financial recording service provider), indexes the data by a personal identifier, and allows the taxpayer to either recall the data for use on yearly income tax returns or enables the government or a third party to access the data, prepare the taxpayer's tax return and file the tax return with the appropriate governmental taxing authority.

Abstract: A system and method for bettering the life of disabled persons whose mobility is impaired by using communication technology. Such technology allows the disabled control of his/her surrounding. The system and method comprises a wireless communication device associated with a wheelchair, or bed, and remote devices in the surroundings of the disabled person controlled by the wireless communication device. The present invention further provides for a standard protocol, such as Bluetooth, or IrDA for communication, and a selection policy for selecting a specific piece of device to communicate with.