Abstract: A computer-implemented method for gathering information is described. The computer-implemented method includes generating an information request responsive to input from an information buyer. The computer implemented method also includes providing the information request to a user. Moreover, the computer-implemented method includes receiving information from the user responsive to the information request. The computer-implemented method further includes assessing quality of the information received from the user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for obtaining information is described. The computer-implemented method includes receiving an information request for a qualified business opportunity from a user. The computer-implemented method also includes providing the information request to an information source. Moreover, the computer-implemented method includes receiving the qualified business opportunity from the information source. The computer-implemented method further includes sending the qualified business opportunity to the user. Furthermore, the computer-implemented-method includes awarding compensation to the information source.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is described. The computer-implemented method includes receiving an information request at a first server. The computer-implemented method also includes determining the information request type. Moreover, the computer-implemented method includes transmitting the information request from the first server to a remote interface. The remote interface associated with a web page provided by a second server. The computer implemented method further includes awarding compensation for a response to the information request transmitted to the remote interface.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining a seed vigor index for a lot of seeds by analysis of a scanned image of a plurality of seedlings grown from lot of seeds, including automatically separating and analyzing overlapped seedlings. According to one aspect of the current invention, seedling analysis software is used to analyze an image of seedlings. The seedling analysis software preferably analyzes both hypocotyl and radicle lengths and thus determines the separation point between the two for each seedling. The seedling analysis software also preferably separates overlapped seedlings, preferably using a simulated annealing technique. According to another aspect of the present invention, a low-cost scanner placed in an inverted configuration in a scanner enclosure is used to generate high-quality, reproducible images of seedlings. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using ordinary germination boxes, i.e.

Abstract: An online information marketplace allows users to buy and sell information, such as contact information. Information received from one or more information sources are provided to users. The received information may include information entered via freeform data entry. A subset of the information is provided to a user. The information sources who provided the information that was provided to the user is awarded compensation. The amount of compensation may be based on the number of information sources who provided the information, which information source provided the information first, and/or the order in which the information sources provided the information.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining a seed vigor index for a lot of seeds by analysis of a scanned image of a plurality of seedlings grown from lot of seeds, including automatically separating and analyzing overlapped seedlings. According to one aspect of the current invention, seedling analysis software is used to analyze an image of seedlings. The seedling analysis software preferably analyzes both hypocotyl and radicle lengths and thus determines the separation point between the two for each seedling. The seedling analysis software also preferably separates overlapped seedlings, preferably using a simulated annealing technique. According to another aspect of the present invention, a low-cost scanner placed in an inverted configuration in a scanner enclosure is used to generate high-quality, reproducible images of seedlings. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using ordinary germination boxes, i.e.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining a seed vigor index for a lot of seeds by analysis of a scanned image of a plurality of seedlings grown from lot of seeds, including automatically separating and analyzing overlapped seedlings. According to one aspect of the current invention, seedling analysis software is used to analyze an image of seedlings. The seedling analysis software preferably analyzes both hypocotyl and radicle lengths and thus determines the separation point between the two for each seedling. The seedling analysis software also preferably separates overlapped seedlings, preferably using a simulated annealing technique. According to another aspect of the present invention, a low-cost scanner placed in an inverted configuration in a scanner enclosure is used to generate high-quality, reproducible images of seedlings. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of using ordinary germination boxes, i.e.