Abstract: After an insurance application is made from a user, an insurance provider examines the application and makes an insurance contract. The insurance provider sends a transaction monitoring program (BTM) to the user, and the user installs this. Transaction data which the user communicates with a transaction party are monitored by the BTM and recorded in a transaction record. If the user incurs loss or damage, the user sends the transaction record to the insurance provider, and the insurance provider then analyzes this to verify the cause of the loss and pays insurance money.

Abstract: A system for determining benefit eligibility of a patient/participant in a dental plan by a dental care provider, for determining plan design by a dental care provider and for recording benefit utilization by a dental care provider for a patient/participant. The system comprises one or more computers, an eligibility determining member and a service performance member. Each such computer includes at least one data storage member, at least one input member, and least one output member. Where multiple computers are utilized the computers are linked to define a network. At least one of the computers includes participant data stored on the data storage means pertaining to a participant. The eligibility determining member determining the eligibility of a participant relative to a contemplated dental procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display for presenting rental car data. The display is an interactive display that presents data in a matrix of rows and columns. Column identifiers and row identifiers are provided to indicate both a rental car company and a vehicle class with which the individual data elements are associated. Each data element represents a rate that corresponds to a type of vehicle offered by a particular rental car company. The data elements are hypertext links to at least one or more web pages that provide additional information about the particular rate represented by the data element.

Abstract: A portal architecture system and method is provided that includes a central content management system that communicates destination driven and travel information for mobile clients (i.e., individuals) through a plurality of interfaces. The interfaces comprise an in-flight Internet portal where the mobile client can access information regarding his/her destination or a specified destination in addition to other more general information while in-transit; a customer interface where the mobile client can access airline specific travel information; and a ground Internet portal where the mobile client can perform extensive travel planning while in-transit. Further, the mobile client can customize the interfaces according to personal preferences, and the resulting personal profiles are coordinated across all interfaces by the content management system.

Abstract: A method for providing a user of a mobile terminal device with information using the mobile terminal device and a processing apparatus, wherein an action schedule representing an order of a plurality acts to be performed by the user is predetermined, includes the steps of the processing apparatus receiving execution information which specifies one of the plurality of acts from the mobile terminal device; the processing apparatus specifying an act, scheduled to be performed by the user after the act specified by the execution information, as a subsequent act; the processing apparatus acquiring related information relevant to the subsequent act; and the processing apparatus transmitting the related information to the mobile terminal device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for evaluating a success of a promotion utilizing a network-based supply chain management framework. Data from a plurality of stores of a supply chain is received utilizing a network. This data relates to the sale of goods by the stores. A time frame of a plurality of past promotions is identified and the data for each of the past promotions is analyzed utilizing the associated time frame. The resulting analyses of the past promotions are then compared.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for normalizing data in a supply chain management framework. A plurality of data types are defined with each data type including parameters. Data is received utilizing a network from a plurality of point of sale outlets of a supply chain that relates to an amount of goods sold by the point of sale outlets. A format of the data is verified against the parameters of the defined data types and any discrepancies between the format of the data and the parameters of the defined data types are corrected for facilitating an analysis of the data.

Abstract: A rules-based printing device component management system and methods for use are described that allow a printing device component vendor to monitor printer component conditions in multiple organizations. The printer component conditions are compared with one or more rules defined for the printer and its components to determine if a printer component requires replacement. The rules may be defined by the organization or the vendor and may be stored at a vendor site to efficiently manage replacement of depleted or broken printer components.

Abstract: A method of determining the behavioral outcome resulting from a business rule includes the step of defining at least one player, business rules, and an environment that defines actions that the player can take in accordance with the business rules. The definitions are translated into a codified script. The behavioral outcome resulting from player-selected actions during execution of the codified script are determined.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a production unit, which unit is a unit or a group of units in a papermaking, cardboard, or converting process. The method comprises the steps of analyzing the initial production features, determining the objectives of the production performance, determining the means for upgrading production and determining the upgrade package composition making an agreement with the customer for the means for upgrading production whereby the agreement comprises a step of the customer paying an investment fee (SP) of the upgrade package and a cumulative fee Pcum covering the rest of the payment to the vendor.

Abstract: An enterprise strategy management system includes a first software module adapted to formulate a strategy description based on an assessment of environmental data, a second software module adapted to align the strategy description with available enterprise resources and deploy strategy implementation responsibilities, and a third software module adapted to measure the execution of the strategy and identify opportunities to optimize strategic performance. The first, second and third software modules are adapted to implement a continuous strategy management cycle, and may be executed in any order. In one embodiment, the first software module is an STRATEGY FORMULATION module, the second software module is an STRATEGY ALIGNMENT module and the third module is an STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION module. The STRATEGY FORMULATION module includes software components for assessing environmental data, formulating and analyzing strategic alternatives and determining and approving a final strategy description.

Abstract: An enterprise strategy management system includes a first software module adapted to formulate a strategy description based on an assessment of environmental data, a second software module adapted to align the strategy description with available enterprise resources and deploy strategy implementation responsibilities, and a third software module adapted to measure the execution of the strategy and identify opportunities to optimize strategic performance. The first, second and third software modules are adapted to implement a continuous strategy management cycle, and may be executed in any order. In one embodiment, the first software module is an STRATEGY FORMULATION module, the second software module is an STRATEGY ALIGNMENT module and the third module is an STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION module. The STRATEGY FORMULATION module includes software components for assessing environmental data, formulating and analyzing strategic alternatives and determining and approving a final, multi-level strategy description.

Abstract: A method and computer program product are presented for selecting and arranging an appropriate combination of network components, or elements, in a communications network. The selection of network components is done in a manner that maximizes the net present value of cash flow resulting from the provision of communications services between nodes of the network. The method comprises the steps of receiving information that constrains network design and price establishment, and then using the constraint information to select a combination of network components for each link in the communications network. According to the invention, the selection of network components is performed for each of several successive time periods, effectively planning the evolution of the network. The selections are made so that the network components satisfy demand over time while maximizing the net present value of the cash flow that results from the provision of communications services.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for assessing the overall risk in at least part of an information technology system includes inputting into a risk assessment database a plurality of identified risks in a system; associating the risks to at least one severity band in a risk echelon; assigning a value to each risk; multiplying each risk value by a coefficient factor; and summing the factored risk values to determine the overall risk. The method preferably includes modifying the security implementation of the information technology system and determining the modified overall risk. The system preferably includes an automated vulnerability detection scanner to gather risk information, which is stored on a database and used in calculating the overall risk.

Abstract: A substantial amount of publicly available and private information pertaining to buildings is inputted into a computerized data base programmed to produce statistical standards (norms) which can then serve as a basis for subsequent comparison with particular, selected, structures. The information is organized and formatted to facilitate the analysis of various income and expense items (including the taxes) pertaining to selected structures. Various special screens (forms) are used to aid in entering data pertaining to selected buildings and portfolios of buildings into the computerized data base and to interactively assist in the analysis of the data entered in view of the information contained in the computerized data base including the generation and display of significant statistical information regarding the selected properties and the generation of various reports.

Abstract: System and method for asynchronous distributed optimization of an enterprise. The system includes multiple computer systems coupled over a network, which store and implement multiple models, including one or more dynamic models representing respective sub-systems or processes of the enterprise. At least two of the models are interdependent. The system also includes an optimizing system that includes multiple optimizers, at least two of which are interdependent, and constraints and/or objectives, and is operable to receive information related to the enterprise from multiple information sources, and use one or more of the plurality of models to generate a solution subject to the one or more constraints and/or objectives, which is usable in managing the enterprise. Some or all of the system operates in an asynchronous manner. Various portions of the system, e.g., the models, data sources, optimizers, constraints and/or objectives, etc., may be updated, e.g., asynchronously, as desired.

Abstract: A method of selecting media for a print job on a document production system. The method includes creating a reduced paper catalog from a complete paper catalog. Each available media in the complete paper catalog and the reduced paper catalog is associated with the attributes for the available media. The reduced paper catalog includes less available media compared to the complete paper catalog. The method also includes selecting the media for the print job from the reduced paper catalog.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of factory automated components with a unique identifier containing status information, for example, component source address information, vendor site address information, component type information, component version information and component health information. Each component will periodically send status message across a network to the supplier or vendor to an address set by the supplier or vendor or a service supplier. The receiving site will compare the component information against its database and be able to recognize whether product upgrades are available, whether maintenance should be scheduled, or that there might be a safety issue or application solution or opportunity that might be helpful to the customer.

Abstract: A carrier selection system and method assesses carriers based on lane-specific factors, such as carrier performance on the lane and carrier capacity to serve the lane.

Abstract: A web-based project management system that includes a network-accessible computer server and clients is disclosed, which provides a universally accessible, web-based, shared member workspace for a number of project team members to collaborate on one or more projects. The system does not require a particular software to be used by the team members to access the member workspace and the system's functionality has been designed to be intuitive and easy enough to use so that even the most inexperienced user will find it immediately useful.

Abstract: A method of compiling data about the use of programs being used on a computer system by at least one user is disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for assessing market trends in a supply chain management framework. A network is utilized to receive data that relates to the sale of goods by a plurality of stores in a plurality of regions. The received data is tagged with a date on which it was collected and then organized by region and dates. Market trends are then assessed utilizing the organized data.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a value proposition for a company in an industry is provided. Specifically, under the present invention, operational metrics and possible solutions are identified for the industry. Then, the impacts of the solutions on the operational metrics are assessed. Once the impacts have been assessed, a current operational performance of the company is compared to an operational performance of one or more companies within the industry to expose performance gaps. Then, a value proposition is generated by identifying a solution based the impacts to address the exposed performance gaps.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing demographic data accuracy from third party data vendors is provided. Third party demographic data is compared to self-reported demographic data; hence compared to data presumed to be accurate. Analysis is done on the comparison to determine the accuracy of the data and if bias exists in the results for a particular demographic population or geographic region. Demographic data from many third parties can be analyzed in the same way, and the results can be compared to each other to determine which third party has the most accurate demographic data elements.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating available payload inventory are provided. An advertisement delivery system generates a set of atomic market segment arrays from target market criteria for one or more advertisement campaigns to be served. The set of arrays is incremented corresponding to advertisement requests matching the target market criteria. The atomic market segment is processed to select an advertisement and to predict future capacity and manage inventory.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for delivering market research services. A graphical user interface is provided which enables the creation of a customized questionnaire via a network. A database of survey templates accessible over the network via the graphical user interface are provided for use in creating the customized questionnaire. At least one question template for each survey template is provided. The question templates are also accessible over the network via the graphical user interface for use in creating customized questions for the customized questionnaire. Means for distributing the customized questionnaire to desired recipients are provided.

Abstract: An improved method for product planning including the steps of displaying information about proposed product(s) to a subject, requesting the subject to make a predetermined commitment relating to the proposed products, presenting benefits related to making such commitment, profiling the subject and analyzing the commitment decisions made, compiling a report of the analysis, and making strategic product planning decisions related to the products based on the report. Finally, the commitments made by the subject are fulfilled and commitment and benefit fulfillment is tracked and analyzed. The method for strategic product planning facilitates monitoring, tracking and analysis of new product demand data, and makes strategic product planning more suited for delivery over the internet, whereby commitment transactions and the provision of related benefits can be completed automatically and the results can be monitored, tracked and analyzed online.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining and improving a performance level of an agent performing a plurality of tasks. The method includes the steps of providing a performance threshold for each task of the plurality of tasks, measuring a performance parameter of the agent in completing each of the plurality of tasks and training the agent when the measured performance parameter of the agent in performing a task exceeds the respective performance threshold of the task for each task of the plurality of tasks.

Abstract: A work managing system for managing B-to-B work wherein the reliability in control and the ease of operation are remarkably improved over the past. For this, the work managing system has a plurality of different work executing sites 4 for executing work assigned to them for an order received from an orderer 3 and a work control site 2 for instructing the progress of work to the plurality of work executing sites 4 and monitoring its progress while linking them with each other, where the work control site 2 and the work executing sites 4 exchange between those managing information relating to the instructions and monitoring of work through a communications network 5.

Abstract: A system and method for anonymous message forwarding architecture is presented. A voter sends a vote selection to a mail forwarding server that removes the identity of the voter. The mail forwarding server has administrative options given to it by the receiving server. Administrative options include the ability to manage who is authorized to vote, how often an individual is allowed to vote, and confirmation of accepting a vote from an authorized user, or confirmation of rejecting a vote from an unauthorized user. The mail forwarding server sends the anonymous vote selection to the receiving server for vote calculation. The mail forwarding server also has the ability to perform vote selection calculation and may send a single, compiled file to the receiving server.

Abstract: A toll charging system responsive to a traveling length and the method for operating the same are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of control path units, a user mobile communication unit, at least one mobile communication unit, and at least one financial unit. The method comprises the step of identifying a vehicle by a vehicle identification devices in outlet and control path unit. Then a signal emitting device transfers vehicle and location information to a mobile communication base unit. Then, the mobile communication device transfers a message of user's financial account and vehicle information to a mobile communication base unit. The signal emitting device transfers information to the mobile communication base unit. The mobile communication device again transfers a message of user's financial account and vehicle information. Then, a central processing unit calculates a toll responsive to received information; and paying the toll to a financial unit.

Abstract: A method and computer-based system for providing an automobile concierge service to a client as an incentive for the client to enter into a business relationship such as an employment agreement, a landlord-tenant arrangement and a term-parking agreement include receiving a client's request for an automobile service, coordinating with an automobile service provider to schedule the requested service, transporting the client's vehicle to the service provider to perform the at least one scheduled automobile service, and returning the vehicle to the client after the service is complete. The method additionally includes receiving a client's request to acquire an automobile and locating an automobile acquisition opportunity that best satisfies the client's request.

Abstract: A method and system for selling a plurality of items through an electronic retailer is disclosed. The method includes steps of enrolling a group as a group membership or partnership entity, providing the group with various Internet-related services, and embedding in the group Web site a hyperlink to an electronic retailing system including an electronic store, so that members of the group can visit directly the electronic retailer and electronically order products or services, while enjoying the Internet services provided by the electronic retailer. A computer system for conducting these business activities is also disclosed, which generally includes an Internet service providing system for providing Internet-related services to the groups, an electronic retailing system for electronically selling products and services to the potential purchasers, and a database for storing information and data relating to the above business processes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing advertising on the Internet in which the advertiser can target particular users, and while maintaining a high degree of privacy. The system and method provides Internet advertising that is tailored to the user without creating a profile of the user, and can provide context sensitive promotion based on text contained in an Internet browser to maximize the amount of application intelligence on the client end. The system incorporates a server that maintains a database of promotional heuristics, behavior graphics, sponsorship authentication data, and usage statistics, and specialized applets. The system uses a servlet, which facilitates communication between specific applets and the server, and a web server, which provides the applets to the client browser. The system and method provide a simple and quick way for an advertiser to change the audience that is exposed to their advertisement.

Abstract: This invention comprises (a) generating a request for said character set by a client of a character-generating server, (b) sending said request by said client to said character-generating server, (c) generating a pseudo random number required by said character generator; (d) sending said pseudo random number to said character generator; (e) generating a character for said character set by said character generator, (f) sending said character set along with a related key by said character-generating server to said client; (g) sending said character set along with said related key to a target server, said target server connecting to said character-generating server through said network interface, (h) sending said related key to said character-generating server by said target server; (i) recreating said character set from said related key by said target server; and (j) sending said character set along with said related key to said target server.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering multimedia content and advertising provides a remote user with the ability to order customized media and advertising via a physical media or broadband network. The price of a media selection may be reduced by the inclusion of the advertising. The system provides remote users with access to a database of media content and the ability to interactively search that content. Remote users may also order content and advertising organized under special interest groups or in niche categories that the user identifies. Users may also specify a delivery format for their ordered media and advertising.

Abstract: A method for updating audio advertisement that a caller may hear while using an Internet telephone service. The updating of the audio ads can occur in a dynamic fashion for the effective targeting of consumers with an appropriate advertisement, promotional offer, and/or other marketing technique. The present invention allows custom audio ads to be played at the beginning and/or end of the Internet call. The audio ads may be played to the user as part of a predefined sequence, frequency, and/or rotation of audio ads.

Abstract: A system and method for the preparation and administration of advertisements for electronic and print publishing, and other advertising media is provided. The present system and method is directed to an interactive network-accessible computer-assisted cooperative preparation of advertisements governed by business rules provided by both a Company advertiser and a media Publisher. Using the system and method of the invention Companies and Publishers are able to cooperate (1) in the joint creation, editing, and arrangement of text, images, audio, animation, and video for inclusion in a publication's advertising media spaces and (2) in the joint administration of the advertisement preparation process. The invention has application in any visual, audio, electronic and print media that can support perusing of ads by potential purchasers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using remote monitoring of customer equipment to generate product sales offers includes an equipment database storing parametric data information related to the operating parameters of the equipment and a product database storing product information related to a plurality of devices and service offered by the service company performing the monitoring. The product information includes limits that are compared with values of the parametric data information in an offer generator to generate a sales offer when the value and the limit have a predetermined relationship. The offer is transmitted to the customer on a web page, by regular mail or e-mail, or by a sales staff of the service company.

Abstract: The present invention resides in apparatus, and software, and a related method for a marketing system which connects advertisers, manufacturers, retailers and customers through coupon incentives and game prizes. A shopping cart return monitoring system issues electronic coupon cards through which customers can purchase discounted items and win prizes and through which manufacturers can attract new customers and sales. System operators are paid by advertisers in return for access to the system and the customers.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and data processing system for providing telephone call minutes as an incentive for participating in commercial transactions is disclosed. An amount of telephone minutes commensurate with a transaction (e.g., a number of minutes per dollar spent at a store) is crediting to a user's pre-paid telephone account in response to entering into a commercial transaction with an organization offering the incentive.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method determines which products are to be advertised as specials on web pages or in another form of advertisement, based on comparing scores generated for each product within a number of products offered for sale to predict the profit potential of the product. Preferably, the score is generated by multiplying a profit factor, indicating a profit for each sale, by a sales factor, determining the likelihood of selling the product, and by an inventory factor, which is included to prevent the advertisement of a product for which an inadequate inventory is held as a special. Preferably, web pages are automatically generated at a predetermined time with products having the best scores being advertised as specials.

Abstract: A method and system for providing incentive award information to a customer are disclosed. Initially, customer information of a customer is obtained from an input device. The customer information is then transmitted to a remotely located host computer. In response to the customer information at the host computer, the host computer retrieves incentive award information associated with the customer information and then transmits the retrieved information to the input device. The incentive award information is subsequently displayed on the input device. In response to scanning of a product on the input device by the customer, the product having an associated award, incentive award information of the customer is updated with the addition of the new product code. The updated incentive award information is then displayed on the input device. The customer is alerted when the updated incentive award information reaches or falls within a predetermined threshold from an award plateau.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for providing targeted advertising focused on an advertising target's directional movement towards a specific advertiser location, taking into consideration information pertaining to the travel path (e.g., road) on which the potential customer is traveling, the directional movement of the advertising target on that path, and the traffic patterns of the path and intersecting paths, among other criteria. Location-based advertising is focused on specific segments of paths leading up to a particular advertiser location. The direction of travel by advertising targets equipped with GPS-enabled personal display systems along these path segments is determined and advertising is broadcast only to travelers along the path within a specific segment and moving in a direction which will bring them to the particular advertiser's location.

Abstract: An autonomous correlation system correlates user data from a content provider and advertising view data from an advertising provider, wherein the user data is present on one autonomous system and the advertising view data is present on another autonomous system distinct from the one autonomous system, the systems being autonomous in that each is normally secured against unconstrained access by another.

Abstract: A method of producing an animated electronic message in which at least a portion of a fee associated with producing the animated electronic message is paid for by a sponsor. The method comprises the steps of a user accessing a database which includes at least one sponsor message and software for producing the animated electronic message; the user using the software to produce the animated electronic message; the user agreeing to use the sponsor message which will provide a credit for some of the fee for producing the animated electronic message; and attaching the sponsor message and the animated electronic message which is sent to one or more recipients. In a further embodiment, a sponsor coupon is distributed with the sponsor message and the animated message. In a still further embodiment, the sponsor message is animated. In yet a further embodiment, the credit for some of the fee is paid by the sponsor to a service provider or to the user.

Abstract: An ordering of advertisements requested by an ad consumer is based on scores generated for the ads. In each case, a score may be a function of at least one performance parameter associated with the ad and/or a price parameter associated with the ad. The ad consumer may generate presentation information (e.g., a Web page) including advertisements and non-advertisement content (e.g., search results) by (i) accepting the non-advertisement content and advertisements, each of the advertisements including a score, and (ii) combining the non-advertisement content and the advertisements such that relative placements of the advertisements are based on their associated scores.

Abstract: A system and method of broadcasting information to consumers in public areas (billboards, malls, transit shelters, sports venues) via a network of interlinked outdoor displays (outdoor broadcasting networks “OBNS”), whereby content delivery is remotely controlled from a central location.

Abstract: A method of creating a customized award-based incentive program to improve performance of at least one program participant includes: displaying a plurality of industries to the user; in response to the selection by the user of a particular industry from the displayed plurality of industries, displaying a plurality of focus areas for the selected industry; in response to the selection by the user of a particular focus area from the displayed focus areas, displaying a plurality of objectives for the selected focus area; in response to the selection of a particular objective, displaying a plurality of program intensity options in the form of text descriptions of market conditions, and accepting a selection of program intensity; allowing the user to select team or individual award-earning mode; cueing the user to input demographic information about the program participants, and accepting the input budget information and demographic information; and displaying to the user the rules structure for at least one recom

Abstract: A process, for providing a content distribution service using a terminal device including an acquisition section for acquiring a state of the terminal device and a processing device for transmitting data to the terminal device, includes the steps of the processing device acquiring content data representing a prescribed content; the processing device acquiring attribute data which specifies a condition regarding the state of the terminal device and a presentation form of the content corresponding to the condition; and the processing device transmitting the content data and the attribute data to the terminal device.