Abstract: A method and apparatus for interactive language instruction is provided that displays text files for processing, provide key features and functions for interactive learning, displays facial animation, and provides a workspace for language building functions. The system includes a stored set of language rules as part of the text-to-speech sub-system, as well as another stored set of rules as applied to the process of learning a language. The method implemented by the system includes digitally converting text to audible speech, providing the audible speech to a user or student (with the aid of an animated image in selected circumstances), prompting the student to replicate the audible speech, comparing the student's replication with the audible speech provided by the system, and providing feedback and reinforcement to the student by, for example, selectively recording or playing back the audible speech and the student's replication.

Abstract: A system for converting stored electronic content (such as email) to an audible speech signal which is then transmitted such that the content can be received by a receiving device and output as intelligible synthetic speech. A second embodiment of the device allows for a graphic/video element to be included in addition to the audio component.

Abstract: A system for generating an audio message over a communications network that is at least partly in a voice representative of a character generally recognizable to a user. Either a voice message or text based message may be used to construct the audio message. Specific recordings of well known characters is stored in a storage means and background sound effects can be inserted into the audio message which are stored in database. The audio message is constructed by any one of the processing means and transmitted to a recipient for play back on a processing terminal.

Abstract: A method for inserting a watermark into an audio signal comprising substituting a noise-like signal portion with a replacement noise-like signal portion, and the replacement noise-like signal portion is modulated with watermark data. In a preferred embodiment Perceptual Noise Substitution is used to locate those portions of the audio signal which are noise-like and which may be replaced by synthetic noise modulated with watermark data.

Abstract: A system and method for use in computing systems that employ speech recognition capabilities. Where recognized speech can be dictation and commands, one or more buttons may be used to change modes of said computing systems to accept spoken words as dictation, or to accept spoken words as commands, as well as activate a microphone used for the speech recognition. The change in mode may occur responsive to the manner in which a button is pressed, where the manner may include such depressions as taps, press and holds, thumbwheel slides, and other forms of button manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention, in its broadest expression, includes (a) the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) table of emotions that makes it possible (b) to convert emotion terms to their respective PAD values, (c) a formula for working back from any specific set of PAD values to derive a single emotion term that best fits that particular combination of PAD values, (d) a formula for calculating the distance between a preselected set of PAD values and the closest emotion term that matches those PAD values, (e) a method for calculating the average emotional response of a group to any situation or stimulus, thereby permitting the derivation of a single emotion term that best represents the average emotional experience of the group. (f), a generic procedure for deriving emotion terms from multidimensional statistical models. The present invention finds use as an emotion simulator, particularly in the field of closed and open loop systems, such as a heating system, in order to represent how the system is performing.

Abstract: To reduce the error rate when classifying emotions from an acoustical speech input (SI) only, it is suggested to include a process of speaker identification to obtain certain speaker identification data (SID) on the basis of which the process of recognizing an emotional state is adapted and/or configured. In particular, speaker-specific feature extractors (FE) and/or emotion classifiers (EC) are selected based on said speaker identification data (SID).

Abstract: An audio player includes a memory storing one or more audio data files and at least one personalized audio profile comprising for each ear a map of amplitude audio frequency profile. A file selector permits a user to select one or more of the stored audio data files and at least one of the personalized profiles. A data processor accesses the selected files and profiles from the memory and processes the selected files with the profile to generate a processed audio signal for each ear. An actuator reproduces the audio information stored in the processed audio signal as sound for each ear. Personalized profiles are produced by monitoring and storing the responses of users to audible signals having different frequencies.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention comprises a compressed domain universal transcoder that transcodes a bit stream representing frames of data encoded according to a first compression standard to a bit stream representing frames of data according to a second compression standard. The method includes decoding a bit stream into a first set of parameters compatible with a first compression standard. Next, the first set of parameters are transformed into a second set of parameters compatible with a second compression standard without converting the first set of parameters to an analog or digital waveform representation. Lastly, the second set of parameters are encoded into a bit stream compatible with the second compression standard.

Abstract: A system and method for compressing data into a single integrated strand of data is disclosed. The system includes an encoder, sequencer, compression engine, protocol stack and a broadcaster for use over existing networks and wireless systems. Using compression and encoding techniques, multiple strands of data are taken and compressed into a single integrated continuous or block stream. The data comes from multiple sources, such video, audio, or data, such text.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing, verifying and updating the shipping of a product using packing slip data that is scanned onto a server where the data can be accessed via the Internet at both the supplier and purchaser locations. The method comprising the steps of inputting packing slip data for a product to be shipped onto a server that is connected to the Internet, storing the information contained on the packing slip onto the server, comparing the information from the stored packing slip to a supplier database on the server, updating the stored packing slip information based on the comparison to the supplier database, printing the updated packing slip from the server, attaching the printed packing slip to the product to be shipped. Once the product is delivered to the purchaser, the purchaser verifies the printed packing slip to the shipped product and inputs exceptions and notations onto the server.

Abstract: An electronic services modeling tool for composite e-services and functionality, where a composite e-service is an e-service defined by composing other basic or composite e-services. Implementation of an e-service for composing e-services into a composite e-service. Characteristics of composite e-services and of their differences with respect to traditional workflow-like composition. Definition of a composition model suitable for e-services. Description of a prototype implementation, showing an approach that can be Ad reused for implementing composition on top of any E-Services Platform. Providing composition functionality as an e-service, to be used not only by the owner of the ESP, but also by any designer-user. A specific type of e-service, meta-service, called Composition E-Service, allows the definition, execution, management, and monitoring of composite e-services. A language used for specifying the composition. Architecture and implementation of the CES to deliver the service on top of an ESP.

Abstract: A system is provided in which first data associated with a user and owned by a first data owner is received, second data associated with the user and owned by a second data owner is received, and a service to provide to the user is determined based on the first data and the second data. As a result, a seller may spontaneously offer an appropriate service to a user, thereby increasing both the user's satisfaction with the seller and the seller's chance of profit.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling distribution and brokering of content information are described. A request to download data is transmitted to a server. Information on multiple content providers storing data obtained from the server is received. Finally, identification information for one content provider, which allowed the download of data, is transmitted to the server along with payment for the download of data.

Abstract: A purchase item and inventorying system for garage sales is disclosed. The system includes a set of pricing labels for affixing pricing information including a monetary value denomination to articles available for sale, all of the pricing labels being individually removably affixed to a backing board. During use, remaining pricing labels are instantaneously viewable for determining inventory and aggregate pricing value of articles available for sale or sold. Each set of pricing labels is uniquely color coded for use by an assigned entity, group or family participating in the garage sale.

Abstract: A method and computer program for estimating project costs and time factors and facilitating project management, wherein the project concerns remodeling or construction or a similar endeavor, and the management thereof involves estimating material and labor costs for each phase of the project; contract generation incorporating the estimate, special terms or conditions, and standard contract language; and procurement of materials and services, including subcontractor services, and scheduling of deliveries and labor, including hourly workers. The computer program comprises a number of cross-platform, fully-integrated subprograms and databases, including an Estimator Subprogram; a Materials Database; a Contract Subprogram; a Production Subprogram; a Worker Database; a Subcontractor Database; and a Vendor Database. Each subprogram is operable to, as needed import and incorporate data entered into or generated by the other subprograms and databases.

Abstract: A computer system and method for automatically determining a customer price permit a customer price for an order with order parameters to be determined even if such an order has previously not been made by the customer. For this purpose, a similar order is determined from a customer history and the customer price for the new order is determined on the basis of the deviation of the earlier similar order from a standard price.

Abstract: A method of distributing electronic content such as music or books via the internet involves transmitting licence data with the content. The licence data includes status information indicative of whether the licence is a full licence for content purchased from a content distributor, or temporary for content passed from a full licence owner to a new consumer who has not yet paid for the content. License status data is transmitted with or without content from one consumer to another. Connection to the internet allows the content management program to connect to the content distributor and transmit all stored licence status information. Detection of temporary licences by the content distributor triggers a request for payment of the content, and payment results in transmission of replacement licence data having a full licence status back to the consumer.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling an instance neutral process step allows creation of process templates that categorize various documents, actions, data, dependencies relating to a process step and associating them in a step of a process model, condensing the diverse set of attributes into one cohesive structure. After a process step is fully modeled by configuring the various attributes, processing engines use these attributes to perform various end-user tasks such as viewing input/output data, generating reports, accessing information, and making annotations. Display attributes are specified; knowledge resources, input/output data and runtime behavior are specified and associated with a process step and later accessed by users. For each attribute that is identified, a mechanism is specified for defining and accessing the information in a step-specific manner.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for reproducing a plurality of object streams having predetermined information severally, which apparatus is provided with an IPMP information extraction circuit (54) for extracting hierarchical management information for controlling the permission and inhibition of the usage of each object from input data, a usage status check circuit (56) for judging whether the usage of an upper level object of a subjected object is prohibited or not in accordance with the IPMP information extracted by the IPMP information extraction circuit (54), and a control information extraction circuit (58) for controlling the data processing apparatus to prohibit the usage of the subjected object if the usage of the upper level object of the subjected object is prohibited in accordance with a judgment result by the usage status check circuit (56).

Abstract: A central system can quickly pass on job requests intended for remote systems with minimal costs and delays. When a job request for a remote system is received, the central system initiates a conventional telephone call to the remote system. At the remote system, a communications terminal logs the incoming call without allowing it to be completed. When the call is refused, the central system terminates the call attempt. The remote system analyzes the logged call information to determine whether the call originated with the central system. If it did, the remote system, generates an HTTP request which is transmitted to the central system via a public computer network such as the Internet. The central system responds to the HTTP request by retrieving the job request from storage and passing it on to the remote system via the public computer network in the form of an HTTP response.

Abstract: The present invention comprises and discloses an integrated care management modules that, using a global computer network (the “Internet”) and/or other communication devices, provides for the scheduling, dispatching and tracking of communications between a clinician (doctor, internist, etc.) and a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking whether a contract on a telemedical healthcare service can be effected between a service provider of the telemedical healthcare service and a customer. In the course of the method, a data processing device (4) of an agent undertakes inquiries with a customer in relation to a telemedical healthcare service. Thereupon, the data processing device (4) makes contact with a first database (5), which includes information on service offers from service providers of telemedical healthcare services, and checks whether a substantially corresponding service offer of a service provider can be assigned to the inquiry.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, databases, and software code for generating a customizable body report. The software allows an operator to customize a report layout and to customize a decision tree or logic steps that allow the operator to specify what fixed information and patient information can be incorporated into the body report. Exemplary methods are for customizing a lung report.

Abstract: A method and system for electronically maintaining medical records and to facilitate availability and use of information relating to patients, as well as other information used in the operation of a medical facility. The system stores information such as patient charts, medical histories of patients, insurance information, including documentation requirements of insurance companies, timelines for calendaring events, and dictionaries of commonly or repetitively used information. The system permits inputting of information relating to a patient encounter or appointment with a patient and inputting information on business related contacts, including information on patients, pharmacies, physicians and insurance companies. The system further facilitates tracking of patients and their medical status, prescription writing, printing of reports, and preparation of insurance forms, including electronic claim forms.

Abstract: A method 10 for displaying warranty information by use of a display of indicators 72, 74 having one of a variety of colors. Various item function groups 68, 70 are created and each function group has a certain indicator 72, 74. The color of each indicator 72, 74 is based upon the number of warranty claims received for the unique function group 68, 70 to which each indicator 72, 74 respectively pertains. These selectively colored indicators 72, 74 allow a user of the methodology 10 to be quickly and efficiently warned of the existence of an undesirably high amount of warranty claims.

Abstract: An insurance claim processing system and method which provides a plurality of prime movers such as insurers, intermediates, and risk managers and a plurality of suppliers including claim service providers, other professionals and vendors with the ability to simultaneously access, modify, and enhance a claim file remotely over a communications network. The claim processing system allows prime movers to select, interact with, assign tasks to, monitor, and evaluate claim service suppliers. As selected suppliers completed their assigned tasks, the suppliers are able to electronically attach electronic report documents to the claim file. Once all the tasks are completed, the prime mover associated with the claim file is notified and reviews the progress of the claim. Any additional tasks can be assigned and the claim adjustment can be completed.

Abstract: A system for generating automobile insurance certificates from a remote computer terminal connected by a computer network to a central computer, wherein an expiring automobile insurance policy is identified by viewing on the remote computer terminal data, stored on the central computer, relating to expiring policies and an automobile insurance certificate relating to the expiring policy is ordered electronically, in response to such identification, from the remote computer terminal.

Abstract: Modern medical practitioners face a real risk from frivolous lawsuits initiated by overly litigious patients. Even if innocent of any malpractice, a doctor subject to such lawsuits may experience personal stress and extended periods of time diverted from practice in addition to greatly increased insurance premiums. This patent describes a database system that allows medical professionals to gauge the legal risk presented by new patients, giving them the opportunity to avoid medical involvement with those individuals most prone to engaging in unwarranted legal actions. Other applications of the present system pertain to insurance companies, legal services and other professional service providers.

Abstract: With a two-unit area placement planning device, the distance between left and right galvano units (unit interval value) A is optimized so that the number of beam scanning and the number of moving the stage are minimized. With an area placement planning device, the area position is optimized so that the number of areas is minimized. With a stage/galvano path planning device, the distance of moving the stage and the distance of scanning by the galvano scanner are shortened by solving a traveling salesman problem. Thus, the working time with a laser drilling machine is shortened.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for providing a hardware configuration module for generating revenue. A customer design specification for a configurable hardware device is sent to a contractor. The contractor analyzes the design specification. The contractor generates at least one hardware configuration module based on the design specification. The contractor compiles the modules into a file. The file is sent to the customer. The customer is charged an amount of money.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for eliminating redundant execution sequences that appear in workloads during workload simulation on an e-business application server. The invention eliminates redundancy by creating command patterns for commands that recur. This use of the command patterns permit execution of commands without having to rewrite the software code necessary for implementing the command every time there is a necessity to use the command in a workload. By building a reference workload and cloning the command patterns for each workload, redundancy can be eliminated among the workloads.

Abstract: A method of tracking and assigning personnel in real-time via a wireless communication network includes receiving a request, via the wireless communication network, to perform a task. The method further includes searching a database to identify personnel to perform the task, verifying the availability of identified personnel, assigning available personnel to perform the task, communicating assignment of personnel via the wireless communication network, and updating the database to reflect the assignment.

Abstract: Demanufacturing workload is forecast based on anticipated volumes of equipment to be disassembled and/or salvaged, as well as equipment complexity factors determined by disassembly prototyping. Staffing requirements are unique for each customer and are based on the number of pounds needed to be worked during each month and the associated complexity (work content multiplier) for that customer's typical or expected returns.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for managing a food and beverage supply chain utilizing a network. A network is utilized to receive data from a plurality of food and beverage outlets of a food and beverage supply chain in which the data relates to the sale of food and beverage by the food and beverage outlets. An electronic order form is generated based on the data for ordering food and beverage from a food and beverage distributor of the food and beverage supply chain. The data is transmitted via the network to the food and beverage distributor of the food and beverage supply chain. The data is also transmitted to a food and beverage supplier of the food and beverage supply chain utilizing the network. Additionally, activity in the food and beverage supply chain is forecast utilizing the data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system is capable of evaluating the net present value (NPV) of a product development program having a number of strategic alliance components, such as guaranteed research payments, royalty payments, milestone payments, and the like. The evaluation system is iterative in nature—it calculates an overall NPV for each simulation iteration and generates statistical distributions that reflect the mean and median NPVs. The evaluation system allows the end user to designate specific deal structure terms prior to the simulation. Alternatively, the evaluation system can generate default or suggested development and/or sales assumptions based on historical or empirical clinical data related to actual product development programs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for computing payment discounts awarded to winning agents in an exchange, said method comprising computing a Vickrey discount to each said winning agent as the difference between available surplus with all agents present minus available surplus without said winning agent, and computing said payment discounts by adjusting said Vickrey discounts so as to constrain said exchange to budget-balance.

Abstract: An E-Commerce system using modeling of inducements to customers. A potential user is interfaced with a commerce site to receive information therefrom during a commercial transaction. A commerce model of a commerce system is provided that predicts as an output a defined commercial result as a function of information related to the user when in the commerce transaction and also as a function of inducements that can be provided to the user during the commerce transaction. The inducement input to the commerce model is varied to vary the predicted output of the commerce model in a predetermined manner until a desired predicted output of the commerce model is achieved. This varied inducement is then provided to the user during the commercial transaction.

Abstract: A process for evaluating a current technological strategy for an organization is disclosed. The process examines the current technological strategy for potential threats and opportunities based on a landmark technology identified during a technology scan. The potential threats and opportunities are evaluated to develop a proposed strategy indicative of the current technological strategy integrated with the landmark technology. A pilot study is performed on the proposed strategy to render a recommendation on whether the proposed strategy should be adopted or rejected by the organization. Based on the recommendation, the proposed strategy may be either implemented or saved for future reference and re-evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel business method for evaluating prospective commercial retail sites. The present invention assists in the evaluation and assessment of prospective sites by forecasting revenues and assessing impact on existing retail establishments. The present invention is also adaptable to forecasting the effects of closing a remotely located retail store based upon on the revenues of another existing store. The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art more accurately correlating syndicated panel data to larger population groups.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product market quality analyzing back up apparatus which can contribute to improve and realize a betterment of market quality of a product in the market, quick close of the quality trouble, a prevention of recurrence, and prevention of occurrence in advance. The product market quality analyzing back up apparatus accesses to a maintenance record information storing device 1 in which the maintenance record information on the product delivered to customers is stored; extracts a market quality information which relates to the market quality of the product in the predetermined period of term from the maintenance record information based on a product item of the product; processes the extracted result of market quality information to analyze; and displays a market quality transition situation on a display screen 3a.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering specialized business solutions is provided that includes six phases. The first phase is the business analysis phase during which an Internet consultant (IC) and/or host establishes rapport with a prospective client and creates an Internet business strategy. The second phase is the functional design phase during which the IC gathers the client's information to create a network website. The third phase is the building phase of the website during which coding and database integration for the website are produced in accordance with the functional design phase. The fourth phase is the testing phase during which the functional requirements of the website are tested. The fifth phase is the launching phase which places the website live on a server and registers the website. The sixth phase is the managing phase during which the IC and client meet at regular intervals to review website issues.

Abstract: A data management system for use in a consumer product development process comprises a computing device with a memory having a plurality of data bases including at least one database for each of a plurality of business units involved in the product development process. An application program, for execution in the computing device, interfaces with at least one user to retrieve initial product information, to thereby produce a first product record in one of the plurality of databases. A sharing engine interacts with each of said databases to generate product records for each database using product information from said first product record, wherein each of said product records is organized by requirements from the database for which said product record is generated.

Abstract: Providing an allowance calculation program, which is processed to compute the allowance by matching a value calculation processing operation to the total allowance and taking not only the pertinent term valuation but also the past valuation result into considerations so as to stringently relate stringent personal valuation result to the corresponding value and be able to obtain the valuatee's agreement.

Abstract: A system for permitting a voter to make an educated choice among candidates that includes a single database that is partitioned into a first section, a second section, a third section, a fourth section, a fifth section, and a sixth section. The first section includes how laws are made. The second section includes bulletins and reports related to making the educated choice. The third section includes resumes of the candidates. The fourth section includes past and present performance of the candidates. The fifth section includes bills introduced by the candidates. The sixth section includes tracks of the bills introduced by the candidates. The system further includes first, second, and third apparatuses for allowing presentation, selection, and viewing of sections by the voter, respectively.

Abstract: A facility for transmitting a ballot choice selected by a voter is described. The facility encrypts the ballot choice with a first secret known only to the client to generate a first encrypted ballot component. The facility also encrypts the ballot choice with a second secret known only to the client, the second secret chosen independently of the first secret, to generate a second encrypted ballot component. The facility then generates a proof demonstrating that the first and second encrypted ballot components are encrypted from the same ballot choice. The facility sends the first and second encrypted ballot components and the proof to a vote collection computer system.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a product sampling program includes a system for performing the steps of determining offers for retailers to participate in a sampling program, transmitting the offers to the retailers, receiving from various retailer computer systems consumer profile data comprising CIDs of customers of the retailers, which data may be in various formats, determining CIDs associated with data meeting consumer profile criteria, and communicating instructions for delivering sample products to consumers associated with selected CIDs.

Abstract: A method for generating customer traffic into a retail establishment utilizing an award program wherein a student accompanied by a parent or guardian delivers the student's grade report sheet to the establishment. The grades from the grade report sheet are mapped to corresponding numbers representing purchase credits, which are subsequently converted to a cash equivalent amount. The cash equivalent amount is credited to the purchase of a product by the student or the guardian when the purchase credits are redeemed in person by an adult at the retail establishment.

Abstract: A method and implementing system are provided in which a user processing device, which includes input means and display means, is selectively operable to enable users to scan or otherwise identify products being offered for sale or lease. When a selected product is scanned or otherwise identified by a user input, the product code is transmitted by the processing device to a server which, in turn, provides a listing of all available coupons and other special offers available for the identified product or type of product. The user is then enable to select, from among the displayed coupons, which coupons the user wishes to redeem. The listing is displayed on the user's processing device and the user is enabled to select the particular coupon or offer desired. In a first example, the user's processing device is a portable device while in another example, the user's processing device is in the form of a kiosk.

Abstract: The systems, methods and programs of the present invention enable personal information of a user to be controlled, by the user, in a network environment. A client machine, having stored personal information of a user, receives a request from a first network entity to send the stored personal information to a specified list of other network entities. The request may include a financial incentive in the form of a discount or coupons for specified goods or services. The specified list is presented to the user at the client in a selectable manner thereby enabling one or more of the network entities to be selected by the user. The personal information can be separately edited for each of the selected network entities. The personal information, as edited, is sent to the selected network entities from the client machine with a copy to the requesting first entity. The requesting network entity may send a remuneration to the user for further distributing the user's personal information to other network entities.