Abstract: In one aspect, a system may include a receiver configured to receive a message including a hierarchy identifier, an action, and a task indicator. The system may include a task information processor configured to determine a date range for the task and obtain a metric associated with the task. The system may include an action validator configured to identify one or more nodes within the hierarchical plan based at least partially on the location. The action validator is configured to obtain a date range and a metric for the one or more nodes. The action validator is configured to compare the task date range to node date range(s) and to compare the task metric with to node metric(s). The system also includes a hierarchy manager configured to permit the action based at least partially on the comparison of the date ranges and the comparison of the metrics.

Abstract: A method of providing physical escrow of assets includes receiving a request for escrow of an asset from a securing party computer, creating a record of the asset in the vault computer, receiving the asset at a vault storage, receiving a verification of the asset and updating the record with the verification, providing the verification of the asset to the securing party, receiving a notification of a completed transaction at the vault computer, and updating the record to reflect a new owner of the asset.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the way fruit, vegetable and flower gardens are planned, designed, and implemented. The present application discloses systems and methods to simplify gardening, as well as improve the overall yield while mitigating such problems as over-planting, over/under irrigating, and poor maintenance. Systems and methods are described for an application utilizing a database to provide an interactive garden design, planning and implementation process.

Abstract: A method of providing physical escrow of assets includes receiving a request for escrow of an asset from a securing party computer, creating a record of the asset in the vault computer, receiving the asset at a vault storage, receiving a verification of the asset and updating the record with the verification, providing the verification of the asset to the securing party, receiving a notification of a completed transaction at the vault computer, and updating the record to reflect a new owner of the asset. A method of providing a secured asset system includes receiving notification, at a vault computer, of at least one available asset from an owner computer. A record of the asset is created in the vault computer, a verification of the asset is received at the vault computer and the results are added to the record. Information with regard to the asset and the verification are published to at least one interested party computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressing portions of a digital image, transmitting the compressed portions over a network, receiving them, decompressing them, and progressively displaying an image representing the original image. An encoder selects an interlaced portion of the original image based on a resolution factor and compresses each line of that portion by selecting the most efficient of multiple compression methods, including Group 3 and modified Group 4 coding schemes. Compressed portions of the original image are transmitted in successive stages, decompressed, and interlaced with the previously transmitted portions of the image, resulting in progressive enhancement of the transmitted, displayed image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressing portions of a digital image, transmitting the compressed portions over a network, receiving them, decompressing them, and progressively displaying an image representing the original image. An encoder selects an interlaced portion of the original image based on a resolution factor and compresses each line of that portion by selecting the most efficient of multiple compression methods, including Group 3 and modified Group 4 coding schemes. Compressed portions of the original image are transmitted in successive stages, decompressed, and interlaced with the previously transmitted portions of the image, resulting in progressive enhancement of the transmitted, displayed image.