Abstract: A process for modification of ad content to be displayed in a particular geographic location is “localized” to include content modified to fit the particular locale. A remote Ad Player is linked through a wired or wireless connection or network (LAN, MAN or WAN) to a central Ad Server that knows the location of each such device. A plurality of ads created as a combination of digital files are stored in a database associated with the Ad Server. Each ad includes a control file and a list of components, and for each component, a localization table identifies location specific modifications of at least some of the components. Since the Ad Server knows the location of each Ad player, it can localize an ad before it is sent to a particular Ad Player, or alternatively, the Ad Server can send the ad file package and the appropriate component files to the remote Ad Player and allow the Ad Player to perform the localization function as it assembles the ad.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated touch-screen kiosks capable of receiving electronic payment in fast food restaurant for self-service customer ordering. The present kiosk system enhances customer satisfaction, lowers operation costs and increases sales and profits by facilitating easy use of credit card/debit card in the traditional cash only environment of fast food restaurant. Smart card reader can also be standard in the present touch-screen kiosk, thus enabling the application of smart card technology in fast food restaurant. The present system further promotes sales by giving customers suggestive sales appropriate to their orders through a rules-based software engine.

Abstract: A digital image receiving apparatus includes a media drive (11) for reading image information from a storage medium (M1), an image information processing unit (22) for processing the image information to display a plurality of images in the image information read by the media drive, in thumbnail image form on a display (12), an order information processing unit (24) for creating order information including which images to be printed from a printing order given by a customer for each thumbnail image displayed on the display (12), a thumbnail image determining unit (22c) and a thumbnail image creating unit (22d). The thumbnail image determining unit (22c) determines whether thumbnail image data included in the image information is appropriate as thumbnail image data for display on the display (12).

Abstract: A system and a method for operating information terminals is described, in which a system user provides a plurality of information terminals for customers. Each information terminal has a playback station and a scanning device. The scanning device is used to scan a product identification applied to a data carrier product. The information terminal requests information on the scanned product identification from a local data processing apparatus. A remote central station is connected to the local data processing apparatus. The remote central station has an archive. The central station provides the information destined for playback from the archive to the local data processing apparatus. Data for at least one commercial spot are provided from the central station, such that the commercial spot in addition to the information on the data carrier product is run for the customer at the playback station.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of procuring and managing professional services includes the steps of prompting a service provider to complete an online service order which identifies estimated time to deliver the services, the estimated cost of the services and the predicted results. The client or customer then stores the estimates in a computer memory. When complete, the service provider completes a completion order which is compared to the service order to calculate the variance or otherwise compare the estimated information to the actual results. Database tools may be used to analyze the data collected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing interactive assistance on purchase decision-making are provided. These systems and methods are preferably adapted to enable a purchase decision to be made by preferably interactively assisting the purchase decision-making process until a final purchase selection is made or indicated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing purchase incentives to printing device replaceable component customers, the purchase incentives being based on a printing device usage rate for the customer. A replaceable component vendor maintains a page count over a time period for each replaceable component customer. A printing device usage rate is calculated from these values. When a new replaceable component is ordered, a vendor system calculates the printing device usage for the customer and refers to a pricing table to determine the price. When a replaceable component with component memory is returned to the vendor, a page count is read from the component memory and is added to the page count for the customer for use in determining a price discount.

Abstract: Online shopping including purchasing an electronic item from a merchant web site, wherein the purchasing is carried out by use of a client shopping cart, wherein the client shopping cart further comprises a merchandise pickup facility installed on a client, wherein the client is coupled for data communications to the merchant web site; downloading, to the client, the electronic item through the merchandise pickup facility to the client; and installing the electronic item through the merchandise pickup facility on the client.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for using the stock of one physical store, selected from among many physical stores, for the purpose of making a delivery of a product purchased through a virtual store. The appropriate physical store is selected based upon proximity to the customer and availability of the desired product as indicated by the computerized inventory maintained by the store. Once the store is selected and the customer selects local delivery, the order is sent to the store and a delivery request is sent to a local delivery service that services the store.

Abstract: A method for ordering parts for a machine being serviced within an e-commerce environment transmits diagnostic data from a local computing device at the machine to a host computing device via a network. A part to be replaced within the machine is identified as a function of the diagnostic data. A part identifier is determined as a function of the part and retrofit information stored on the host computing device. The part identifier is transmitted from the host computing device to an order processing device.

Abstract: A real-time electronic business transaction system and method is proposed, which is capable of reporting STFC (Ship To First Commitment) and FCT (Factory Cycle Time) data in real time to a customer in response to an electronic purchase order from the customer. The proposed electronic business transaction system comprises an EDI (Electronic Data Exchange) platform, a SAP (Service Advertising Platform) platform, an SQL(Structured Query Language) server, and a WWW (World Wide Web) server. The EDI platform is linked to a customer-site workstation and is used to receive any electronic purchase order from the customer. The SAP platform is used to perform a predefined FCT computation procedure to compute for a set of FCT data based on the received electronic purchase order; while the SQL server is used to perform a predefined STFC computation procedure to compute for a set of STFC data based on the received electronic purchase order.

Abstract: The system is designed to cover about 30 steps of purchasing for the buying company, using a single document which moves electronically through these steps to accomplish the necessary action, in a tracked system. This is done without human intervention except for preparation of the document, acknowledging receipt of the merchandise, and having spot security and audit checks of its performance. An electronic program extends the system to deposit the payment due, into the bank account of the vendor. Electronic signatures and/or the invoice number assigned and inserted in the document by the vendor, are required to prove completion of each key step in the process. Control is shifted to the buyer paying from the one page document, and not from vendors' invoices and statements which require verification. Benefits result from the elimination of conventional purchase requisitions, purchase orders, shipping documents, vendors invoices, vendors statements, and payment checks.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a method for capturing a 3-dimensional data set of an object furnished by a consumer and then producing an art object from the data set using 3-dimensional imaging technology. A consumer enters a studio with an object to replicate. The studio captures a 3-dimensional image or data set of the object. A 3-dimensional imaging machine is then used to replicate the data set as an art object. The object is then delivered to the consumer.

Abstract: An e-payment method for purchase, which applies to a shopping through a merchandise provider and telecommunication service provider connected with each other. First, a user has to apply to become a member of the telecommunication service provider and get a transmission number offered by the telecommunication service provider. The user can send the transmission number to the telecommunication service provider when the user selects products or services offered by the merchandise provider. Then telecommunication service provider will send a confirmation briefing to a display interface of the user's bidirectional wireless communication equipment after receives the user's transmission number. The user checks the confirmation briefing and sends a re-confirmation message back to the telecommunication service provider. The telecommunication service provider will list the cost of the selected product or service in a phone bill and complete the whole e-payment process.

Abstract: A complete internet shopping and buying system allows a customer to configure a vehicle of their choice by selecting options and creating and viewing a graphic model, locate a dealership, select a payment option, locate a specific vehicle and purchase the vehicle. The shopping process is divided into non-sequential phases including general information, a virtual vehicle showroom, a vehicle configurator, a dealership locator and payment options. The buying process is divided into sequential phases including customer profile, vehicle configurator, payment options, vehicle location and reservation, and confirmation.

Abstract: A method and a system for processing a return product are proposed, in which the system for processing a return product allows a manufacturer to inquire return product data through a browser of a terminal device and a network communication system. If a return product is tested to function properly by the system, the return product can be packed for exportation if necessary. If a return product does not function properly and is disassembled for obtaining useful assemblies, semi-fabricated products are re-assembled with the useful assemblies to be ready for exportation. If a return product not properly functioning is not disassembled, the return product can be replaced for its unuseful assemblies by useful assemblies, so as to be ready for exportation. This therefore effectively utilizes useful assemblies of return products, and shortens the production time, as well as avoids repetition in work.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interacting with recipients. The systems can be computer controlled and provide audio and/or textual output to a recipient. In some cases, the audio output is created by accessing an audio file on the system, converting the audio output to an audio signal, and providing the audio output to the recipient. In various cases, a user selects the appropriate output from a subset of possible outputs provided via the system. The methods include various ways for directing a pseudo-conversation with a recipient via a conversation control system.

Abstract: A list of several publications is presented to the user, who makes a selection indicating one of the publications. A list of issues of the selected publication is presented to the user, who selects an issue. A table of contents of the selected issue is sent to the user, who selects an article listed in the table of contents. The user pays for the selected article. The selected article is sent to the user.

Abstract: A method for placing and handling an order via a data network, such as the Internet, inter alia comprising the steps of

Abstract: A system employs a code reading wand or digital pen to order items from a catalog employing item-identifying indicia which are preferably position-indicating indicia. The catalog includes items provided by plural suppliers. A single catalog order may be issued and distributed to plural suppliers by access to supplier information in a database. The catalog may be distributed with the code reading wand to promote initial use of the code reading wand and thereby aid in establishment of the technological infrastructure through immediate use of the wand. The catalog may include additional services to encourage the use of the catalog, thereby increasing catalog orders. The catalog service may be funded by charging suppliers a per order or inquiry, or periodic fee, based upon orders placed.

Abstract: A method for pricing a product by a wholesaler. The method comprises providing a master database of product information to a distributor, receiving a selection of products from the distributor, wherein the distributor chooses the selection from the master database and provides a variable margin amount for the products to the wholesaler. The wholesaler associates a customer category with the variable margin amounts, and then assigns the customer category to one of the products. Finally, the wholesaler calculates a variable price for the products, based on provided variable margin amount and transmits the calculated variable price for the products to the distributor.

Abstract: A system and means for facilitating transactions between central and remote facilities utilizes electronic communications devices, and computing equipment for concurrently or nonconcurrently transmitting voice, music, audio, data, images, video, optic information, and/or signals. Such systems are used to market, sell, finance, and insure goods and/or services. A study of these systems shows that they fall short because none of them take all types of customer personalities into consideration. A system is needed which provides the customers with more latitude and fewer limitations in shopping for goods and services, or for engaging in business transactions. Such a system and means are provided herein, which meet the needs and desires of independent customers, more dependent customers, and a third, or passive, group of customers. All customer types can at anytime request help from a centrally staffed live attendant.

Abstract: A method for marketing real estate includes classifying the real estate for sale, photoing the real estate for sale, and establishing a data base with the photos of the real estate for sale for searching purposes. The buyers may obtain the required information or photos or recorded tapes via the internet system and with the personal computer, without going out to see every interesting buildings or houses. The maps or the quotations or the nearby streets around the real estate for sale may further be photoed or tape recorded or supplied in the internet system.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method for aiding a consumer's purchasing decisions related to grocery products. In particular, a display and an input interface are provided at a point-of-sale location. A processor is provided to prompt a user for input parameters related to consumer recipe preferences via the display. The processor receives the input parameters from the input interface. The processor queries a recipe database utilizing the input parameters. The processor identifies grocery products of a recipe identified by the database query. The processor further obtains and provides price information related to the grocery products to the consumer.

Abstract: A server system comprises a database storing a list of disabled client device features authorized-to-be-enabled and an authorization client. The authorization client is communicatively coupled to the user database and to a client device. Further, the authorization client is capable to search the database to determine if a disabled feature is authorized to be used, and to send, to the client device, a command to enable the disabled feature if the client is authorized to use the feature.

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

Abstract: A method of forecasting the demand for components used to manufacture a plurality of different devices is presented. The method determines a production quantity of each of the devices planned to be manufactured, analyzes each of the devices to produce exploded lists of components required to manufacture each of the devices and device assemblies, multiplies the list of components required for each device by each the production quantity to determine a total volume of each component required to manufacture the devices, identifies components as ones having a level of supply insufficient to meet demand and having no available substitute components, and calculates a volume of each critical component required to manufacture the devices based on the total volume of each component.

Abstract: A distribution management system in which a host server and portable terminals are arranged in such a manner as to be able to exchange information with each other. The host server has a section for receiving information relating to distribution from each of the portable terminals, and a section for transmitting, to each of the portable terminals, predetermined information such as information indicating a distribution state or history of a distribution article. This makes it possible to transmit, in real time, predetermined information such as information indicating a distribution state or history of a distribution article from the host server to a transmission source portable terminal.

Abstract: A system and a corresponding method for the logistic management of supply chains of digitally networked suppliers, wherein supply chain participants that are linked directly within the supply chain are identified and grouped, and wherein, on the side of each of the grouped supply chain participants, logistic requirements for fulfilling local supply activities to the other supply chain participant of the group are determined, logistic information between those two supply chain participants exchanged, and the local logistic requirements on the side of each of the grouped supply chain participants dependent on the contents of the exchanged logistic information controlled. The invention enables decentralized management with considerable less efforts than conventional approaches, wherein collaboration and replenishment between collaborating suppliers are accomplished using a network like the Intranet or Internet.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer implemented accounting system which executes accounting transactions and creates and stores posting lines based upon the executed accounting transactions.

Abstract: An expense management method for controlling a budget of each department in an organization is provided in an operational environment which includes a plurality of terminal units electrically connected to a host via an electronic communications network. Firstly, a user stores a total budget of a department in the host. Secondly, a user sends a purchase requisition of the department from a terminal unit of that department to the host via the network. Thirdly, the host calculates a budget balance of the department according to the total budget and a history of expenses of the department that is stored in the host. Finally, the host determines if a total cost of the purchase requisition exceeds the budget balance of the department. If the total cost is within the budget balance, the host sends purchase order to an appointed supplier. Otherwise, the host sends an alarm to the user.

Abstract: A payroll system and method for determining compensation of employees for work during a pay period on one or more projects. The invention utilizes minimum employee compensation amount and the unit rate compensation amount for each employee, and compares the difference between these amounts for each employee with the outstanding debit account amount for that employee, and then determines the employee's pay for the pay period and whether the employee's debit account amount should be adjusted. Additional modules are provided for another employer business operations.

Abstract: The present technique is associated with financial analysis of a transaction for medical resources. The technique allows a client to interact with a remote financial analysis system via a network interface, and to enter and transmit client data associated with a desired transaction to the financial analysis system for a transaction analysis. Accordingly, the client receives multiple transaction options tailored to the desired transaction and the client data.

Abstract: An entity engaging in one or more activities within an electronic commerce system supplies data such as an entity identification to an anonymity service. In turn, the anonymity service splits the entity identification into a plurality of secret shares that are thereafter provided to a corresponding plurality of shareholders. Information regarding the specific activity(ies) is associated with each secret share of the plurality of secret shares used to memorialize the entity's identity. Over time and multiple activities conducted by multiple entities, each secret share has associated therewith a set of activities corresponding to a plurality of entities. To generate recommendations for a given entity, an intersection of the sets of activities associated with that entity's secret shares is provided as an estimated activities list. The recommendations are thereafter derived based on the estimated activities list.

Abstract: A lease payment plan for leasing property such as a motor vehicle for a specified lease period is determined, by setting a shorter period shorter than the lease period, from a partial cost to be recouped within the shorter period and an entire cost to be recouped over the entire lease period. The partial cost is calculated in accordance with an initial value of the property and a first residual value at the end of the shorter period. The entire cost is calculated in accordance with the initial value of the property and a second residual value at the expiration of the lease period.

Abstract: A commerce system comprises a plurality of entities each having an associated entity identity that is stored as a plurality of secret shares among at least a first portion of a plurality of shareholders. A method for estimating activities of a first entity of the plurality of entities for use in the commerce system is disclosed. The method includes associating, for each entity of the plurality of entities, at least one activity conducted by the entity within the commerce system with each of the plurality of secret shares used to store the entity's identity. The method also includes associating, for each entity of the plurality of entities, at least one tag with at least one activity for each tag-holding share, wherein the at least one tag is based at least in part upon information associated with the entity.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing an open services market platform in a public or private electronic marketplace. The open services market platform includes a layered architecture that accelerates the development and customization of applications in a given marketplace and accommodates integration between multiple marketplaces and/or business partners. The open services market platform includes a collaboration layer and a service coordination layer. The collaboration layer facilitates multi-party collaboration and provides tools that permit business partners to define relationships among various programming interfaces. The service coordination layer enables business logic to be rapidly customized to meet an organization's evolving needs and facilitates in the selection of an optimal trading partner for a given task. Therefore, electronic marketplaces built with the open services market platform are easily developed and customized to meet the evolving needs of participants within the marketplace.

Abstract: An entity initiates a transaction with a provider by sending an entity identification to a first anonymity service. In response, the entity receives a transaction identification, based on and uniquely associated with the entity identification, from the first anonymity service. Thereafter, the entity initiates acquisition of goods associated with the transaction by sending an acquisition request and the transaction identification to a second anonymity service. In this manner, enhanced security and privacy is achieved.

Abstract: A computer is used to perform the calculations of obtaining: a required capital composition (an optimum debt/equity ratio) of an invested capital with a corresponding default probability based on a probability distribution of a return on investment; a weighted average cost of capital based on the capital composition, a borrowing cost, and an equity cost; a market efficiency value added from the weighted average cost of capital based on a net operating profit after tax; a socio-environmental value added that represents, in value terms, a social contribution of an enterprise not directly listed in financial statements; and a future inspiration value by adding the socio-environmental value added to the market efficiency value added. This allows business performance to be evaluated appropriately and adequately.

Abstract: A system for assessing and improving individual customer profitability for a profit-making organization, comprising: a central database; means for collecting and identifying data elements relevant to customer profitability and quality from a plurality of sources, and inputting data into the central database; means for performing segmentation of customers to form a reasonable number of distinct groups of customers; means for building a mathematical model; and means for calculating the relative profitability/quality values of the customers in said organization, obtaining and maintaining for the organization a set of optimal marketing strategies to match the customer's needs.

Abstract: A data processing system for creating and administering a bond issue by a bond manager for a municipal taxing authority of a community. The apparatus includes a database configured to store for retrieval selected information regarding creation and administration of the bond issue, an element for storing and processing data representing information needed to determine bond utilization in the community governed by the municipal taxing authority, and an element for storing and processing data representing information about a specific real estate purchaser, the real estate to be purchased, the use to which the real estate will be put, and projected purchaser income and income growth to predict whether participation in a primary bond issue would be financially beneficial to the purchaser.

Abstract: A bond to be issued by bond issuers for the purpose of acquiring private funds to be invested in public works such as infrastructure improvement projects wherein the bond is constituted to include wordings that a national or local government warrants the bond issuers' principal and interests repayment liabilities to certain limits. Thus the invention provides a bond issued for the purpose of acquiring private funds to be invested in public works such as infrastructure improvement projects in order to promote improvements of infrastructures even under a tight financial condition.

Abstract: A voting system and technique is disclosed for determining a selected subset of participants from a plurality of candidates wherein each of the participants receive an equitable ownership interest of an item in exchange for a contribution. According to the present invention, the voting system and its method is used to select investors to participate in an investment vehicle, wherein the investment vehicle characteristically has a potentially high venture capital-type ROI (“return on investment”). The system and method optimizes asset diversification to meet the needs of holders of large blocks of private equity.

Abstract: A system and method to provide financial products throughout the life of a customer. The present invention determines the life status of a customer. The life status is determined by analyzing the customer information from a variety of sources. This information is filtered or inputted into an algorithmic model to identify appropriate financial products to offer to the customer. In addition, the customer's creditworthiness is used to determine or optimize the financial product offered to the customer.

Abstract: A financial asset manager peer group information dissemination method, system and computer-readable medium therefor is provided. The method includes accessing a database, entering asset manager data in a section of an asset manager questionnaire, the asset manager questionnaire including a plurality of sections. The method further includes sorting, in the database, entered asset manager data from the questionnaire, comparing asset manager data with data of at least another asset manager, and generating a manager report of the compared data corresponding to the plurality of sections for the asset manager and the at least another asset manager.

Abstract: An entity acquiring a digital product from a provider supplies acquisition-related data such as an entity identification as well as information identifying a provider of the product and, if applicable, a price of the product to an anonymity service. In turn, the anonymity service splits each of these pieces of information into a plurality of secret shares that are thereafter provided to corresponding sets of shareholders. The anonymity service retains a transaction identification and identities of the shareholders, but does not store or otherwise retain the secrets, i.e., the acquisition-related data. When needed, the anonymity service reconstructs the secrets by requesting the secret shares from the shareholders such that it can anonymously fulfill the acquisition of the product. If later required, the anonymity service may reconstruct the secrets for the purposes of auditing, legal investigations or the like. In this manner, retraceable anonymous electronic transactions are made possible.

Abstract: A substantial amount of publicly available and private information pertaining to buildings in an area 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: Resource allocation techniques for determining an allocation of investment funds among a set of at least two asset classes for a period of time which maximizes return on the investment funds over the period of time. In one aspect of the techniques, the return on the investment funds is determined using real options. In another aspect of the techniques, reliability of return is used to quantify the effects of the diversification resulting from the use of different classes of assets (203). The reliability of return is then used as a constraint on the maximization of the return. The reliability of return is determined (205) by establishing correlations between the asset classes with regard to risk, using the correlations with the standard deviations for the asset classes to determine covariances between the asset classes, and using the covariances to determine the standard deviation for the risk for the entire set.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium and method for processing usage rights is disclosed. The medium includes information that identifies a secret share of a finite set of secret shares, the secret share being a member of at least one set of secret shares, the finite set of secret shares collectively defining an entity identification associated with an entity. The medium further includes at least one voucher associated with the secret share, the at least one voucher corresponding to the entity and the at least one voucher comprising at least one usage right. The disclosure further includes a commerce system that makes use of the method for processing usage rights.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for proposal reporting utilizing a supply chain graphical user interface. A proposal is identified utilizing a graphical user interface. A plurality of components of the proposal are then indicated utilizing the graphical user interface. The selection of the components is subsequently allowed utilizing the graphical user interface so that a proposal can be created utilizing the selected components.