Patents by Inventor Tuomas Sandholm

Tuomas Sandholm has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11373111
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a system including, but not necessarily limited to: a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and computer readable program executable by the processor and configured to: receive, for one or more edges, testing data; store, for the one or more edges, testing data; create, by preferring successful edges over untested edges, an exchange plan, wherein, the exchange plan comprises one or more edges. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Tuomas Sandholm
  • Publication number: 20180032688
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a system including, but not necessarily limited to: a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and computer readable program executable by the processor and configured to: receive, for one or more edges, testing data; store, for the one or more edges, testing data; create, by preferring successful edges over untested edges, an exchange plan, wherein, the exchange plan comprises one or more edges. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Tuomas Sandholm
  • Publication number: 20140278509
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a system including, but not necessarily limited to: a processor; a memory in communication with the processor; and computer readable program executable by the processor and configured to: receive, for one or more edges, testing data; store, for the one or more edges, testing data; create, by preferring successful edges over untested edges, an exchange plan, wherein, the exchange plan comprises one or more edges. Other aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Tuomas Sandholm
  • Patent number: 8732047
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of contract execution, data about contracts is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor of a computer along with data about a procurement plan and data about a purchase request that includes information about a first quantity of at least one good or service. The processor determines a second quantity of the one good or service and a second contract against which to complete the purchase request based on the procurement plan, the data about the contracts, at least one purchase made against one of the contracts, a trigger condition and associated effect, and the quantity of at least one good or service. In response to the second contract and the second quantity being approved, the processor causes a purchase order for the second quantity of the one good or service to be placed to the supplier associated with the second contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: SciQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David C. Parkes, Craig E. Boutilier, Subhash Suri, Jason J. Brown, Luc H. Mercier
  • Publication number: 20140058872
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes, in one aspect, accessing historical purchase data that is indicative of items that have been purchased and prices at which each of the items are purchased; for each of the items specified in the historical purchase data, fitting a customer valuation model to a portion of the historical purchase data that pertains to the item, with the customer valuation model specifying purchase preferences, and with a purchase preference specifying a probability a customer will purchase a specific item at a specific price; based on fitted customer valuation models for the items in the historical purchase data, identifying a priceable bundle, with the priceable bundle including at least two of the items specified in the historical purchase data; and applying updated prices to one or more of (i) the priceable bundle, and (ii) the items included in the priceable bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, Michael Benisch
  • Publication number: 20130311304
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Boutilier, George L. Nemhauser, David C. Parkes, Tuomas Sandholm, Robert L. Shields, JR., William E. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20130304636
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of conducting expressive payment reconciliation, a purchase transaction is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor. The processor identifies a contract against which the purchase transaction is made and a first payment amount for the purchase transaction. Contract data is stored in the computer storage and the processor determines a second payment amount for the purchase transaction based on at least one good or service associated with the purchase transaction and the data about the contract. In response to a difference in the first and second payments, the processor either stores computer storage a modified invoice with a modified payment amount, stores in the computer storage a reconciliation payment equal to the payment difference; outputs over a computer network an explanation of the modified payment; or outputs over a computer network a dispute notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David C. Parkes, Craig E. Boutilier, Subhash Suri, Jason J. Brown, Luc H. Mercier
  • Patent number: 8515814
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Boutilier, George L. Nemhauser, David C. Parkes, Tuomas Sandholm, Robert L. Shields, Jr., William E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 8494935
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of conducting expressive payment reconciliation, a purchase transaction is stored in a computer storage accessible to a processor. The processor identifies a contract against which the purchase transaction is made and a first payment amount for the purchase transaction. Contract data is stored in the computer storage and the processor determines a second payment amount for the purchase transaction based on at least one good or service associated with the purchase transaction and the data about the contract. In response to a difference in the first and second payments, the processor either stores computer storage a modified invoice with a modified payment amount, stores in the computer storage a reconciliation payment equal to the payment difference; outputs over a computer network an explanation of the modified payment; or outputs over a computer network a dispute notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David C. Parkes, Craig E. Boutilier, Subhash Suri, Jason J. Brown, Luc H. Mercier
  • Publication number: 20130024309
    Abstract: Provided is a system, method and program product for facilitating multiple barter transactions between users. Embodiments provide barter chains that begin and end with different participants. Embodiments provide a participant in the barter chain may an altruistic donation expecting nothing in return. Embodiments provide that multiple items of varying value comprise a barter transaction. Embodiments provide that the barter market operator can be a participant and seed the barter chain with one or more items. Embodiments provide that a participant can sell items received or donate them altruistically to start a new barter chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Tuomas Sandholm
  • Patent number: 8195524
    Abstract: In a combinatorial exchange, rules can be input for processing bids and a desired exchange objective can be defined. A subset of the rules can be used to determine if an allocation of the bids exists that is optimal for the type of exchange being conducted. If the desired exchange objective is not satisfied, new allocations can be determined using different subsets of rules each time until the desired exchange objective is satisfied. At least one of the bids can include a reference ratio; a discount; a price associated with a quantity Q1 of a first item; a price associated with a quantity Q2 of a second item; and a rule that causes said discount to be applied to an average price of Q1 and an average price of Q2 for each instance of the allocated quantity Q1 over the allocated quantity Q2 that equals the reference ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David L. Levine, David C. Parkes, Subhash Suri, Vincent Conitzer, Robert L. Shields, Yuri Smirnov
  • Patent number: 8190490
    Abstract: In a combinatorial exchange, a set of rules can be input for processing of bids received in connection with the exchange. At least one bid can be received from each of a plurality of exchange participants and a desired exchange objective can be defined. A determination can be made as a function of a subset of the rules if an allocation of the bids exists that is optimal for the type of exchange being conducted. If the desired exchange objective is not satisfied, the step of determining an allocation is repeated utilizing a different subset of rules each time until the desired exchange objective is satisfied. It can be determined if the exchange is overconstrained and, if so, rules can be relaxed. Also or alternatively, the demand for a quantity of an item can be increased or decreased based on the average cost of the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David L. Levine, David C. Parkes, Subhash Suri, Vincent Conitzer, Robert L. Shields, Yuri Smirnov
  • Patent number: 8190489
    Abstract: In a combinatorial exchange, rules can be input for processing bids and a desired exchange objective can be defined. A subset of the rules can be used to determine if an allocation of the bids exists that is optimal for the type of exchange being conducted. If the desired exchange objective is not satisfied, new allocations can be determined using different subsets of rules each time until the desired exchange objective is satisfied. Trigger bid groups and/or rules associated with trigger values can be used to determine whether to apply modification or discounts to bids. Item and bid groups can be partitioned into groups for the purpose of smoothing requirements. Trigger bid groups, rules associated with trigger values, item groups, and bid groups can be used for adjusting or constraining bids based on triggers, logical connectives, and adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David L. Levine, David C. Parkes, Subhash Suri, Vincent Conitzer, Robert L. Shields, Yuri Smirnov
  • Patent number: 8165921
    Abstract: In a live, expressive combinatorial exchange, each of plural bidders can submit a bid. Based on the submitted bids, an allocation of the bids is determined that is optimal for the type of exchange being conducted. At least a portion of each bid of the allocation is displayed to each bidder of a first subset of the bidders that has at least one bid that is not included in the allocation. Each bidder of a subset of the first subset of bidders can then amend one or more of their existing bids or submit a new bid that is considered the next time the allocation is determined. The process of feeding back at least a portion of each bid of the allocation, submitting new bids or amendments to existing bids, and determining a new allocation based on all of the submitted bids continues until a predetermined condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, David L. Levine, Subhash Suri, Robert L. Shields, Christopher Cole, Richard James McKenzie, Jr., David C. Parkes, Vincent Conitzer, Benjamin Schmaus
  • Patent number: 8060433
    Abstract: In an apparatus and method of solving a combinatorial exchange, a plurality of candidate allocations of input bids is determined from input bids and a set of bid vectors is formed from the input bids. A probability value, representing how likely the bids of a bid vector will comprise the bids from which a final allocation is determined, is associated with each bid vector. A mapping is then determined between each bid vector and at least one of the candidate allocations based on a set of objectives and a set of constraints. A candidate allocation is selected as a final allocation based on a comparison of another set of bids that define an exchange event bid vector with at least one of the bid vectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Conitzer, Tuomas Sandholm
  • Publication number: 20100312663
    Abstract: A method of determining a winning allocation in an auction or exchange includes receiving at least one buy bid that includes a price-quantity demand curve and/or receiving at least one sell bid that includes a price-quantity supply curve. The received curves are utilized to determine clearing prices therefor that maximize a clearing surplus. A winning allocation is determined based on the clearing prices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: COMBINENET, INC.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, Subhash Suri
  • Patent number: 7783529
    Abstract: A method of determining a winning allocation in an auction or exchange includes receiving at least one buy bid that includes a price-quantity demand curve and/or receiving at least one sell bid that includes a price-quantity supply curve. The received curves are utilized to determine clearing prices therefor that maximize a clearing surplus. A winning allocation is determined based on the clearing prices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, Subhash Suri
  • Patent number: 7742971
    Abstract: In determining a winning allocation in a forward auction, reverse auction or an exchange, a plurality of allocations are defined wherein each allocation defines a trade between one or more potential buyers and one or more potential sellers. At least one potential buyer is queried regarding at least one preference of the buyer about at least one allocation or a bundle associated therewith. The buyer's reply or intimation to the query is received and, based on the reply or intimation, each allocation that is either not feasible or not optimal is eliminated from consideration as the winning allocation. This process is repeated until a predetermined criteria is met whereupon one of the remaining allocations is selected as the winning allocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, Wolfram Conen
  • Publication number: 20100121671
    Abstract: In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: COMBINENET, INC.
    Inventors: Craig E. Boutilier, George L. Nemhauser, David C. Parkes, Tuomas Sandholm, Robert L. Shields, JR., William E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 7716110
    Abstract: In a multi-unit combinatorial auction, reverse auction, or exchange, a number of bids can be received, with each bid including one or more items and for each item a desired quantity thereof. Each bid also includes a price. A number of unique combinations of bids can be formed from the received bids, and the one combination of bids which represents the best value in terms of an auction setting, a reverse auction setting and/or an exchange setting can be determined. Thereafter, the bids forming this combination can be declared the winning bids of the auction, reverse auction or exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: CombineNet, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuomas Sandholm, Subhash Suri