Abstract: A system and method for data gathering system, comprising a data-aware knowledge base storing knowledge on relative costs of obtaining various data items; and a data retrieval decision-making processor operative, when an individual data element is sought to be retrieved, to determine whether or not to retrieve the data element by comparing at least one parameter representing need for the data element, also termed herein a utility value, with at least one parameter, retrieved from the data-aware knowledge base, which represents relative cost of obtaining the data element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a set of paintable pieces with display faces. The pieces are configured to be assembled together such that the display faces can be arranged side-by-side to form an artwork canvas. The method includes: (a) positioning a canvas piece against an inside surface of one portion of a mold; (b) securing a second portion of the mold to the first portion to form a mold cavity containing the canvas piece; (c) feeding a molten polymer into the mold cavity such that the polymer fills the mold cavity and solidifies to form a paintable piece with the canvas piece forming the display face; (d) separating the portions of the mold and removing the paintable piece from the mold cavity; and (e) repeating steps (a) through (d) a plurality of times to manufacture a set of paintable pieces. Paintable pieces and kits containing paintable pieces are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting a dialog with a user of at least one computerized enterprise system, the apparatus comprising an ontological topic definer using at least one ontological entity to define user dialog topics, each topic including an item, a block identifying executable computer code operative to resolve the item; and at least one input parameter passed to the block; and a dialog server operative for conducting a dialog with a user of at least one computerized enterprise system about an individual topic from among said user dialog topics.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning relative scores to various possible intents on the part of a user approaching a virtual agent, the method comprising predicting priority topics, including gathering first data and employing the first data to discern and seek user confirmation of at least one possible intent on the part of the user; and subsequent to receipt of the confirmation, gathering second data and employing the second data to provide service to the user to suit the user's confirmed intent.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting a dialog with a user of at least one computerized enterprise system, the apparatus comprising an ontological topic definer using at least one ontological entity to define user dialog topics, each topic including an item, a block identifying executable computer code operative to resolve the item; and at least one input parameter passed to the block; and a dialog server operative for conducting a dialog with a user of at least one computerized enterprise system about an individual topic from among said user dialog topics.

Abstract: A system and method for data gathering system, comprising a data-aware knowledge base storing knowledge on relative costs of obtaining various data items; and a data retrieval decision-making processor operative, when an individual data element is sought to be retrieved, to determine whether or not to retrieve the data element by comparing at least one parameter representing need for the data element, also termed herein a utility value, with at least one parameter, retrieved from the data-aware knowledge base, which represents relative cost of obtaining the data element.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning relative scores to various possible intents on the part of a user approaching a virtual agent, the method comprising predicting priority topics, including gathering first data and employing the first data to discern and seek user confirmation of at least one possible intent on the part of the user; and subsequent to receipt of the confirmation, gathering second data and employing the second data to provide service to the user to suit the user's confirmed intent.

Abstract: A transceiver card for a personal computer includes a single circuit board that plugs into the personal computer and that is coupled to exchange data via an industry-standard bus in the personal computer. Radio frequency modulation circuitry on the circuit board receives the data and transmits radio frequency signals responsive thereto. Receiver circuitry receives radio frequency signals and converts the received signals to data for transfer via the bus. In an alternative configuration, the transceiver includes two circuit boards coupled to a USB bus within an external box. Data is exchanged with the computer through a USB port in the computer.