Abstract: A system and method of planning the movement of plural trains over a network of track by simulating the movement of the trains over the network of track.

Abstract: A method for scheduling broadcast commercials includes receiving a plurality of scheduling criteria, and automatically scheduling a plurality of commercials based on the received criteria.

Abstract: A method of operating a computer system includes storing, in the computer system, a database containing performance measure data regarding performance measures of a plurality of items. The method further includes inputting into the computer system a plurality of performance measure constraints. The method also includes modeling the performance measure constraints with a set of equations. The equations include a plurality of variables. Each of the variables corresponds to a respective one of the items. Each variable is, for example, to be assigned either the value “1” or the value “0”. The value “1” may represent a recommendation to take an action relative to the corresponding item in the portfolio and the value “0” may represent a recommendation to take another action. The computer system is used to solve the set of equations to generate one or more solutions that satisfy the performance measure constraints.

Abstract: A system and method of planning the movement of plural trains over a network of track by simulating the movement of the trains over the network of track.

Abstract: A method of operating a computer system includes storing, in the computer system, a database containing performance measure data regarding performance measures of a plurality of items. The method further includes inputting into the computer system a plurality of performance measure constraints. The method also includes modeling the performance measure constraints with a set of equations. The equations include a plurality of variables. Each of the variables corresponds to a respective one of the items. Each variable is, for example, to be assigned either the value “1” or the value “0”. The value “1” may represent a recommendation to take an action relative to the corresponding item in the portfolio and the value “0” may represent a recommendation to take another action. The computer system is used to solve the set of equations to generate one or more solutions that satisfy the performance measure constraints.

Abstract: A method for scheduling broadcast commercials includes receiving a plurality of scheduling criteria, and automatically scheduling a plurality of commercials based on the received criteria.

Abstract: A gateway for securely connecting arbitrary devices and service providers. A request handler receives activity requests from a device and a service provider. An authenticator and access authorizer permit the device and service provider to interact with each other. An activity manager manages the activities between the device and the service provider. A response component forwards the response to either the service provider or the device. The gateway device is suitable for use in remote monitoring and diagnostics of industrial and commercial equipment as well with the monitoring and maintenance of consumer products.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting the timing and costs of future service events. A scheduler determines a list of future service events for the product. A simulator simulates each of the listed future service events for the product and predicts the costs associated with the events. The list of the future service events and the total of the predicted costs are aggregated into a prediction that may be used in offering long term service agreements to maintain the product.