Abstract: A method for voice ordering utilizing catalog taxonomies and hierarchical categorization relationships in product information management (PIM) systems includes: prompting a user with a query to input speech into a speech recognition engine; translating the inputted speech into a series of words; querying a product information management component (PIM) based on the series of words; wherein the querying is performed as a matching algorithm against PIM category and attribute keywords; returning coded results to a voice synthesizer to produce at least one of: a voice response, and a text response to the user; and wherein in the coded results indicate one or more of: a not found message for zero matches, a confirmation of a suitable single match, a request for additional information in the event one or more of the following occurs: more than one matching item, category, and item attribute was found in the PIM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self check-out system which uses contact free tags embedded in a receptacle, e.g., a plate, glass, etc. The system relates the tag to a service area and uses that relationship to associate the receptacle with a charge to be made to a customer.

Abstract: A method for voice ordering utilizing catalog taxonomies and hierarchical categorization relationships in product information management (PIM) systems includes: prompting a user with a query to input speech into a speech recognition engine; translating the inputted speech into a series of words; querying a product information management component (PIM) based on the series of words; wherein the querying is performed as a matching algorithm against PIM category and attribute keywords; returning coded results to a voice synthesizer to produce at least one of: a voice response, and a text response to the user; and wherein in the coded results indicate one or more of: a not found message for zero matches, a confirmation of a suitable single match, a request for additional information in the event one or more of the following occurs: more than one matching item, category, and item attribute was found in the PIM.

Abstract: A method for the elimination of duplicate or multiple electronic mail (email) to one or more recipients, the method includes: generating table entries in a mail server that identify users of the mail server; receiving an email at the mail server; determining whether this is the first time the email is received at the mail server; wherein in the event this is the first time the email has been received: recording information about the email in the table; storing a copy of the email in a repository; forwarding the email to the intended recipients; and wherein in the event the email has been received previously: determining which of the intended recipients has not received the email; sending a copy of the email from the repository to the recipients who have not already received the email; and recording which of the recipients have now received the email in the table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self check-out system which uses contact free tags embedded in a receptacle, e.g., a plate, glass, etc. The system relates the tag to a service area and uses that relationship to associate the receptacle with a charge to be made to a customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self check-out method which uses contact free tags embedded in a receptacle, e.g., a plate, glass, etc. The method relates the tag to a service area and uses that relationship to associate the receptacle with a charge to be made to a customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self check-out system which uses contact free tags embedded in a receptacle, e.g., a plate, glass, etc. The system relates the tag to a service area and uses that relationship to associate the receptacle with a charge to be made to a customer.

Abstract: A method and system for providing, storing and managing a user profile. A user profile is originally stored in a central storage repository which can then be accessed by many different providers. After appropriate authentication the user profile can then be downloaded to the provider sites. This means a user does not have to enter their details many times when accessing and using different providers.

Abstract: A system and method for intelligent queue management uses a virtual destination locator to guide any queue members with pre-allocated final destination assignment. The guiding arranges the queue members into a sequence and then guides them to the final destination by moving the virtual destination location in accordance with the sequence.