Abstract: To prevent a single bidder from profiting by submitting multiple false-name bids, an auctioneer: sets a threshold price r; determines the ranking i of the minimum value equal to or larger than r in a buyers' evaluation value sequence sorted in decreasing order and the ranking j of the maximum value equal to or smaller than r in a sellers' evaluation value sequence sorted in increasing order; if i=j, allows first to i-th buyers and sellers to trade at the price r; if i>j, allows first to j-th buyers and sellers to trade at a trade price of the (j+1)-th buyer's evaluation value for the buyers and at the threshold price r for the sellers; and if i<j, allows the first to i-th buyers and sellers to trade at the threshold price for the buyers and at a trade price of the (i+1)-th seller's evaluation value.

Abstract: A system for coming up with policies of behavior for various agents engaged in a task. These policies consider costs and benefits of actions and outcomes, and uncertainties. The system utilizes limited neighborhoods of agents for expedited computing in large arrangements. Also sought are local and global optimums in terms of selecting policies.

Abstract: To prevent a single bidder from profiting by submitting multiple false-name bids, an auctioneer: sets a threshold price r; determines the ranking i of the minimum value equal to or larger than r in a buyers' evaluation value sequence sorted in decreasing order and the ranking j of the maximum value equal to or smaller than r in a sellers' evaluation value sequence sorted in increasing order; if i=j, allows first to i-th buyers and sellers to trade at the price r; if i>j, allows first to j-th buyers and sellers to trade at a trade price of the (j+1)-th buyer's evaluation value for the buyers and at the threshold price r for the sellers; and if i<j, allows the first to i-th buyers and sellers to trade at the threshold price for the buyers and at a trade price of the (i+1)-th seller's evaluation value.

Abstract: A copying apparatus comprises a document table disposed on the top of a housing and having a glass platen on which an original document is to be laid, the glass platen being movable between a first position to cover the top of the housing and a second position to open the top over the length and breadth thereof, a copying mechanism disposed inside the housing to reproduce on a sheet of copying paper an image of the original document laid on the glass platen, and a protective member attached to the housing for covering the opening of the housing, having openings and being able to move between a third position and a fourth position. The protective member covers the upper portion of the copying mechanism while staying in the third position and the protective member exposes the upper portion of the copying mechanism while staying in the fourth position when the glass platen is in the second position.