Abstract: A computer system displays a first object that includes at least a first portion of the first object and a second portion of the first object and detects a first gaze input that meets first criteria, wherein the first criteria require that the first gaze input is directed to the first portion of the first object in order for the first criteria to be met. In response, the computer system displays a first control element that corresponds to a first operation associated with the first object, wherein the first control element was not displayed prior to detecting that the first gaze input met the first criteria, and detects a first user input directed to the first control element. In response to detecting the first user input directed to the first control element, the computer system performs the first operation with respect to the first object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring and benchmarking dealer service retention values, and generating improvement guidance. The method facilitates analyzing and improving dealer service retention. A method provides a more granular measure for actual service retention value focusing on key performance categories and provides a benchmarked service retention value that controls for environmental factors outside of the dealer's control. The method enhances efforts of dealers to improve their service retention through comparing the dealer's actual service retention value to the benchmarked service retention value, prioritizing the performance categories by an amount of room for improvement in service retention, quantifying impact of controllable factors on an optimized service retention value, and prioritizing controllable factors by amounts by which of the factors would most efficiently increase the optimized service retention value per dollar invested for each particular dealer.

Abstract: A method for analyzing performance of a manufacturing system includes constructing a descriptive representation of the manufacturing system, selectively binding the descriptive representation to an analytical module using a software isolation layer, invoking the analytical module, and utilizing an output of the analytical module using an end-user application program configured to utilize the output.

Abstract: A method for analyzing performance of a manufacturing system includes constructing a descriptive representation of the manufacturing system, selectively binding the descriptive representation to an analytical module using a software isolation layer, invoking the analytical module, and utilizing an output of the analytical module using an end-user application program configured to utilize the output.

Abstract: A software tool for manufacturing system performance analysis includes modeling and analysis functions. A modeling isolation layer provides user access to the analysis capabilities through object-based model building and analysis invocations. Various model, performance and higher level analyses are performed through analysis modules kept separate from any end-user application programs by the modeling isolation layer.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically creating an image. In one non-limiting embodiment, the image is created for an advertisement that may be targeted to an individual. The method includes identifying image input parameters that the image will be based on, such as a particular product to display, a specific viewer of the image, etc. The method selects image elements from a database of image elements, such as backgrounds, messages, animation, etc., based on the image parameters. The method then creates the image using the image elements where the design and creation of the image is subject to certain rules and constraints that must be followed, such as font size, color schemes, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for visualizing the trade-off between overall production and/or sales of a portfolio of products and a resulting aggregate contribution margin (ACM). The method includes solving an optimization model, or other suitable operation, that has an objective function that describes the ACM across a portfolio of products to determine the price, sales and production levels of the products that maximize the ACM for a particular set of constraints. The optimization model is solved for increasing aggregate sales levels for those constraints. The relationship between the aggregate sales level and the aggregate ACM is then graphed, and the optimization model is solved for different sets of constraints and increasing sales. The resulting graphs are analyzed to determine which constraints maintain sales volume while maximizing ACM, maintain ACM while maximizing sales volume, maximize ACM and maximize sales volume regardless of impact on ACM.

Abstract: A method for automatically creating personalized ads to target a specific individual. The method includes first identifying a potential customer who may be interested in a particular product. An automated process then learns about and understands the customer based on his location and how that person interacts with the particular medium on which the ad is going to be presented. Once the information about the customer is developed, an advertisement is created that includes a collection of ad components that identify parts of the ad that may be of interest to the customer based on the learned information. The ad components are selected from a database of available components. The advertisement is then scheduled and placed in the medium and its measure of effectiveness is determined based on the customer's reaction thereto. These measures of effectiveness are used to further refine parameters in understanding the customer and designing the ad.

Abstract: A power-actuated closure system is disclosed. The system includes a power-actuated closure panel having a leading edge. One or more non-contact optical sensing system(s) is/are affixed to the power-actuated closure panel. The sensing system is adapted to detect the presence of an obstruction in proximity to and in advance of the leading edge of the closure panel. The system also includes a control system that selectively controls the motion of the closure panel in response to signals received from the sensing system.