Abstract: A construction machine management system includes a receiver provided at a remote location from a plurality of construction machines, which receives information related to the lengths of operating time of the construction machines individually transmitted from the construction machines and a decision-making device that makes a decision as to whether or not there is any over-operated construction machine based upon the operating time information that has been received.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for behavioral simulation of consumers in a virtual market (MV). It consists in: setting up (A) a consumer agent behavioral model (MCCj) for each consumer based on behavioral primitives (PCj,n) and setting up (B) a supplier agent behavioral model (MCFk) for each supplier based on behavioral primitives (PCk,n). The supplier behavioral primitives (PCk,n) enable to generate stimuli (Sk) or factual (Fr) variables addressed to each consumer agent behavioral model (MCCj) which deliver, from decisional variables (Dj,k) , dedicated decisional variables (DDj,k) in the context of the virtual market. The dedicated decisional variables (DDj,k) are represented (C) in the form of behavioral trends. The invention is applicable to all types of market research.

Abstract: Methods of machine vending with a third party are disclosed. The third party issues an authorization code that prevents a computerized vending machine ("CVM") from being shut down automatically, or a de-authorization code that causes the CVM to be at least partially shut down. Use of such codes makes it more prudent for parties to enter into contracts that were previously impractical or susceptible of abuse by dishonest vending machine operators.

Abstract: A method and system for interactively comparing extended warranty products of various providers. Initially, the system receives and saves extended warranty product information relating to at least two competing extended warranty products. Upon receipt of a user request to compare extended warranty products for a particular application, the system receives test case product data. The system then analyzes the received test case product data and retrieves, from the saved extended warranty product information, the particular extended warranty cost information that corresponds to the received test case product data for each of the at least two competing extended warranty products. The system then identifies the extended warranty product having the lower cost for the particular test case application. This information is then displayed to the user.

Abstract: A computer system for optimizing a specification of a vehicle to meet the needs of customers is provided. The system comprises a customer database for storing one or more factors associated with the needs of customers for the vehicle and a specification optimizing engine. The specification optimizing engine analyzes the factors in the customer database to determine whether the vehicle meets the needs of customers. The specification optimizing engine extracts the needs of customers from the customer database if it is determined that the vehicle does not meet the needs of customers and determines a specification optimized to meet the extracted needs of customers. The needs of customers may include a desired specification item that customers desire for the vehicle and an undesired specification item that customers do not desire. The determined specification may be adjusted to meet the requirement of a vehicle supplier. Thus, the optimized specification of the vehicle is automatically generated.

Abstract: A system is designed to process manufacturer and client data in an exhibition site and is formed of one or more client servers, one or more manufacturer servers, and a site server. The client servers comprise a client data input-output device for a direct or indirect transmission of data via a client signal transmission device. The manufacturer servers comprise a manufacturer data input-output device for a direct or indirect transmission of data via a manufacturer signal transmission device. The site server comprises a site signal transmission device, one or more site input-output devices, a central processing unit, and a storage unit. The site signal transmission device is linked directly or indirectly with the client signal transmission device, the manufacturer transmission device, and the central processing unit, thereby enabling the central processing unit to transmit or receive the data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing personal needs are provided. In particular, the present invention relates to an personal assistance program enabled via a communication network. An individual's needs are fulfilled via a customized Resource Center created in response to the individual's inquiry. The Resource Center may be in the form of a personalized web page created for the individual by a specialist in response to the inquiry. The Resource Center may contain specific educational materials relating to the particular need in question, as well as personalized referral information relating to providers qualified by the specialist for the individual. The specialists are provided to assist individuals with virtually all aspects of daily life, including but not limited to child care, pet care, education, employee benefits, health care, elder care, pregnancy, finance, personal problem solving, time management, or the like.

Abstract: A method for managing the absence of an employee is disclosed. The method includes generating an incident case related to the absence, defining portions of the incident case, and integrating the portions such that the incident case is accessible by one or more entities involved with managing the absence.

Abstract: A method for defining a storefront for showing to a customer a product set including a digital image product for being ordered by the customer, wherein the storefront has storefront-related data including first data defining the digital image product and second data selected from the group of payment data and shipment data, the method including (a) defining a hierarchical configuration of partners, wherein the partners include a first partner and a second partner, different from the first one; (b) defining the first data by the first partner; and (c) defining the second data by the second partner

Abstract: A portal site for serving data monitored and observed, which can not only act for monitoring and observing services, instead of a facility owner, but also process the data into economically valuable data with the use of the result of monitoring and observation, is connected to a computer network so as to gather sequential data which is observed in time series by a not less than one sensor as to an operation running condition of a facility belonging the facility owner, and event data monitored invariantly, and incorporates a function of obtaining a data disclosure profile for designating a degree of disclosure of the data, from the facility owner, and a function of onerously serving an item of secondary data obtained by processing the data in a range satisfying the data disclosure profile, to a data user different from the facility owner.

Abstract: A network based method for facilitating providing a customer with a quote for at least one of a manufactured product and a service includes receiving data relating to at least one of a customer desired product and a customer desired service, providing the customer a budgetary quote based on the received data, receiving a customer response based on the budgetary quote, and providing the customer a contractual quote based on the received customer response.

Abstract: An electronic system is featured to enable a radiological image archiving system supplier to provide a customer with economic data regarding a supplier's radiological image archiving system. The system is operable to direct a query page to the customer via an electronic communication system. The query page provides the customer with at least one question. The at least one question is designed so that the answer(s) to the at least one question enables the system to establish expected cost reductions resulting from the use of the supplier's radiological image archiving system over the use of the customer's existing archival system. The answer(s) also may be used to enable the system to establish a recommended radiological image archiving system for the customer.

Abstract: A method of operating a health care services savings plan without a monthly fee that highlights a savings. Data is entered, published and updated on the plan owner's advertised web site identifying the health care provider entities for each medical specialty, the provider's regular price and discounted price for each treatment type of health care service and the service fee percentage charged by the plan. Users access the data, select health care provider, present plan cards to the selected entities and receive health care. The plan bills the user the regular price, issues a credit for the savings difference and bills separately for the administrative charge debit calculated by applying published service fee percentage of between twenty-five and thirty-three percent to the savings difference. Billing is electronic and triggered when the health care provider bills the plan by computer and the plan electronically bills the health care consumer's credit card.

Abstract: A health care services savings plan highlights a savings. Data is entered, published and updated on the plan owner's advertised web site identifying provider entities per specialty, their regular and discounted price for each treatment type and the service fee percentage charged by the plan. Users access the data, select health care provider, present plan cards to the selected entities and receive health care. The plan bills the user the regular price, issues a credit for the savings difference and bills separately for the administrative, charge debit calculated by applying published service fee percentage of between twenty-five and thirty-three percent to the savings difference. Electronic billing triggered when the health care provider bills the plan by computer and the plan electronically bills the consumer's credit card. A prescription patient profile database is maintained and updated by a data source including information about all prescription medication of the health care consumer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing researchers to obtain well characterized, high quality patient samples and/or associated clinical information are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for renewing prescriptions is provided. Visitors to a web site, who may or may not register, are given the opportunity to request renewals of drug prescriptions on the web site. Visitors are prompted to enter information relevant to the renewal. The web site in one alternative maintains a database of visitors medical and/or contact information and issues a membership ID or Plan ID. In an alternative the web site may offer an opt-in buyer's club for obtaining discounts or information about prescriptions. The web site, in one alternative, maintains a database of information about doctors who are registered with the web site. The visitor may then select a doctor from a list and use the site to request a prescription renewal from that doctor. The web site uses information entered by the visitor, or information previously provided by the visitor accessed from the web site's database, to format a fax or email to the doctor requesting a renewal of the visitors prescription.

Abstract: To provide a preventive health care plan for a group of people, where the health care plan evaluates the generally un-sick health status of the members of the group and develops a personalized preventive health care plan that when followed substantially reduces or postpones major illness of those engaging in the personalized health care plan thereby reducing health care costs and employee absenteeism due to major illnesses.

Abstract: A blood component collection system with data manipulation and/or optimization capabilities. In one embodiment, process parameters are derived from an input and/or configured predetermined blood component yield and which is based upon the maximization of at least one process parameter. Thereafter, the blood component separation and collection procedure is performed with these derived process control parameters. In another embodiment, process parameters are derived from an input total procedure time from a maximized value for at least one of the other process control parameters so as to maximize blood component yield in this fixed time. Thereafter, the blood component separation and collection procedure is performed with these derived parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide a comprehensive assessment and planning system. Methods and systems consistent with the present invention employ a preventive approach to predicting the likelihood of an entity entering a degraded future state by computing a risk value that reflects that likelihood. An embodiment of the present invention applies to a comprehensive healthcare treatment and planning system. This healthcare system employs a preventive approach to healthcare by basing healthcare decisions on a multi-factorial computation of risk. The risk value is computed by evaluation of a finction that considers a variety of historic, environmental, and systemic behaviors and conditions. In addition to considering a risk value, a treatment plan developed in accordance with the healthcare system considers symptoms and objectives of the treatment from the perspective of both the patient and the provider.

Abstract: A wireless handheld device (WHD) is provided and capable of providing a real-time, persistent, live wireless connection with functionality provided by, and/or information maintained or stored within a health care information system (HCIS). A real-time, live wireless connection with the HCIS allows the user to perform many or all of the same tasks as the users of workstation-based client applications with full access to the HCIS, including modifying information within the HCIS (and a patient health record repository(ies) located therein), and accessing functionality (health care applications) provided by the HCIS.

Abstract: A method and system for managing the collision repair process after a vehicle has been damaged in a collision. The system includes a single point of contact that handles the auto insurance claims and manages the repair work to improve the entire claims handling process, from the initial claim to the final repair work.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention features a system and method for (1) receiving one or more reservations for use of at least a first subset of a plurality of computing resources of a distributed computing system, wherein each of the one or more reservations specifies a period of time for use of the computing resources, (2) allocating the first subset of the computing resources for use in accordance with the one or more reservations, (3) receiving one or more requests for use of at least a second subset of the plurality of computing resources of the distributed computing system, wherein each of the one or more requests specifies a period of time for use of the computing resources, (4) determining whether a sufficient amount of one or more unallocated computing resources are available to fulfill all of the one or more requests, wherein the one or more unallocated computing resources comprises the computing resources of the distributed computing system that are not allocated in accordance with said one or more

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling outsourced production is provided. The system includes an order generating module (111), a consignee assigning module (121), a consignee operating module (131), a data processing module (112) and an order canceling module (113). When there is a demand for outsourcing, the order generating module (111) generates a consignment order. Then the consignee assigning module (121), according to the content of the consignment order, determines a consignee. After the consignment order is fulfilled, the data processing module (112) guides a consignor to inspect the products based on the consignment order. If the consignment order is decided to be canceled, the order canceling module (113) can do so before a consignee is assigned.

Abstract: A tradeshow attendee information system for capturing and manipulating tradeshow attendee information is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes: a plurality of transponders for transmitting tradeshow attendee information, each transponder adapted to be carried by a tradeshow attendee, a first reader antenna for capturing tradeshow attendee information from transponders within wireless communication range of the first reader antenna, a first reader in communication with the first reader antenna for receiving captured tradeshow attendee information, and a first host in communication with the first reader for storing and manipulating the captured tradeshow attendee information. A method for capturing tradeshow attendee information during a tradeshow and manipulating the information to analyze tradeshow attendee behavior is also provided. Additionally, a method for capturing sales lead information during a tradeshow is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for processing a job in a workflow environment. A signal is generated when status for the job is changed from a first status to a second status. A work process associated with the second status is notified that one job had its status changed to the second status in response to the signal. The work process processes the job that had its status changed from the first status to the second status and modifies the status of the job after completing the processing of the job.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling providing an Internet-based calendar for use by a number of people, where each user has a personal calendar which is associated with the user through user identification data to permit users to automatically receive updates of events which have been posted by one or more other users to appear on the receiving user's calendar, with each user being able to post events on the user's own calendar and delete events on the user's own calendar whether or not the event to be deleted has been posted by another user or the deleting user.

Abstract: A method and system useful in creating long-term job opportunities for disabled and blind individuals who wish to work on a government contract that will be, or has been, awarded to a private sector company includes providing a not for profit staffing service with a work force performing direct labor that includes at least seventy-five percent disabled or blind individuals. The not for profit staffing service is informed either directly or through the NIB or NISH agencies of various types of potential job opportunities for the future or of actual, current job opportunities involving work to be performed under the government contract. The not for profit staffing service then informs disabled and blind individuals of the potential or of the actual job opportunities and accepts their applications.

Abstract: This present invention provides an efficient method and system to manage service requests across multiple service request systems. This management method involves merging all service requests from multiple systems into standard system, sorting the request according to some standard and presenting a display list of all of the requests having a common characteristic to a technician or requester. Service requests are gathered from many different backend-ticketing systems and presented to the technicians in a single logical view. Service requests gathered from each backend ticketing system are packaged in an XML document format. The efficient use of a common XML format is an efficient way to manage all service requests from all backend-ticketing systems. These service requests can be sorted by ticket open or close date/time, status, severity of problem, etc. in ascending or descending order and be presented to the technicians in a single logical view.

Abstract: An online method and system for issuing vehicle repossession assignments to vehicle repossession contractors. The invention includes at least one server computer configured to host a secure online account for a vehicle repossession contractor. The online account is remotely and securely accessible by the contractor and maintains at least one vehicle repossession assignment assigned to the contractor. Vehicle repossession agents access the server computer, define contractor profiles and assign new vehicle repossession assignments to contractors via the contractor's online accounts. Contractors remotely access their online accounts to receive new repossession assignments, accept or reject the assignments, and input feedback regarding a completed repossession assignment. Server computer may be additionally configured to page or otherwise initiate notification to a contractor that a new repossession assignment is pending at the contractor's online account.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides systems and methods for selling goods and services in conjunction with the Internet. The system receives session information on a customer's website session from the enterprise's website and may also receive customer information on the customer from the enterprise. The system determines from the received information whether the customer represents a sales opportunity, based on a set of rules of engagement for the enterprise and whether the customer wants or could use assistance from a sales associate. The system further produces a ranked list of sales associates matched for each sales opportunity. A customer queue is created for each sales associate that has the sales opportunities matched with the sales associate.

Abstract: A computer-based method and apparatus for the analysis, specification and support of work processes. The system is designed to support multiple interdependent decisions, at least some of which require collaboration among multiple participants (116). Work processes are modeled using an application framework (99) used to develop abstract, decision (100) process models. The decision (100) process models are used as a pattern to instantiate concrete process models that incorporate the work defined by the abstract process. The process model is then used to instantiate project models that incorporate the required work from the process. The project models are used to direct and guide the behavior of the participants (116) in the work process.

Abstract: Employers, referral agencies, consultants and independent contractors need each other. Employers outsource sign language interpreting, spoken language interpreting, court reporting, real time captioning and other support personnel services. Consultants and contractors provide information regarding their services and certification, degrees and experience through a subscription service allowing them access to a computerized scheduling, billing, and record keeping system. Referral placement agencies utilizing the environment post information concerning their respective services, fees, policies and the consultants or independent contractors available through such entities. Outsourcing companies search a database containing Agency's information to determine which entity meets a particular search criterion. Selected agencies receive job assignment information in a job request template. Agency representatives prepare a bid that is sent to the outsourcing companies for review.

Abstract: A system for managing service provider agreements, the system comprising a server, an agreements database accessible by the server, the agreements database having stored thereon contracted performance data indicative of minimum service performance required by at least one service provider agreement, a user preferences database accessible by the server, the preferences database having stored thereon user preference data indicative of a user specified maximum allowable deviance from the minimum service performance, a performance measurement module in communication with the server; the performance measurement module gathering actual performance data indicative of actual service performance and a variance calculator in communication with the server, the variance calculator determining agreement conformity status by determining whether the actual system performance indicated by the actual service performance data corresponds with the minimum service performance indicated by the contracted performance data within t

Abstract: A facility for conducting a coercion-resistant electronic collection is described. The facility receives from the voter a first voter conformation value. At a later time, the facility receives from the voter an encrypted ballot and a second voter confirmation value. Without regard for the value of the received second voter confirmation value, the facility adds the received ballot to a publicly-available list of cast ballots. After the addition, members of the public are able to verify the addition of the received ballot to the list without being able to determine whether the ballot will be counted. The facility counts the ballot if and only the second voter confirmation value received with the ballot matches the received first voter confirmation value.

Abstract: A promotional scheme involving the design, distribution and redemption of electronic coupons involves defining the structure of a promotional offer to be made to customers, in which the offer has associated parameters, one or more of which are unspecified or variable. The offer is targeted to customers, and one or more of the unspecified or variable offer parameters associated are finalised, either before or after distribution.

Abstract: The current invention provides that data sent from a source computer to a recipient's computer can be selected in real time according to at least one characteristic of the recipient which can be kept in a profile. Information such as the recipient's position, preferred websites, browsing history, content a visited website, information from a third party, or the recipient's response to a question posed also could be included in the profile, and various ways to obtain this information are disclosed. A pricing method values an advertisement sent over the Internet according to the time the recipient viewed the advertisement, or whether the advertisement resulted in an inquiry or sale. The advertisements can be selected in real-time and displayed with the requested web page.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for tracking the buying and selling of a manufacturer's goods or products where the manufacturer may receive an incentive from the sale of the manufacturer's goods or products by other sellers. A manufacturer may have one or more incentive programs that may apply to goods sold or otherwise transferred. The method and apparatus may determine the incentive program that may apply and determine the incentive due the manufacturer.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying updated, targeted, and/or alternately formatted advertisements to a consumer. The invention may use targeted ads in conjunction with consumer profile information to reach interested consumers. The invention may further detect stale advertisements and replace them with updated advertisements having timely information. The updated advertisements are displayed in place of the stale commercials. The invention may also display alternately formatted advertisements in place of speeded-up advertisements during a fast-forward operation on a personal video recorder. Reward-based content may also be provided, wherein the content is viewable only after one or more advertisements are viewed at normal playback speed. All of these functions are operable with a personal video recorder.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention enable a computing system to determine whether a user may purchase a first product. Further, a marketing value associated with the user is determined that reflects a likelihood of the user purchasing a second product which is comparable to the first product. Based on the marketing value, the computing system may generate an offer associated with the second product that and provide the offer to the user, wherein the offer includes a purchase incentive associated with the second product which may not otherwise be available to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a video promotional message relating to a specific product at the location of the retail outlet where such product is displayed. A video monitor is disposed in the field of vision of a product type and displays a recurring video promotion. The video monitors each preferably include a wireless receiver adapted to receive a signal containing at least one video promotion transmitted directly to the monitor, or from a server and/or other local distribution equipment preferably located in a non public area of the store. The promotional messages are preferably distributed to the monitors, written into a memory and repeatedly played in a recurring fashion.

Abstract: The Food and Drink Order Automation System is an improvement to the existing restaurant order taking/placing system. The restaurant staff can communicate remotely without walking to the kitchen, bar or central station. The Food and Drink Order Automation System attempts to eliminate the walking time between the customer table and kitchen, bar and central stations. The wait staff can select and submit food and drink orders using the PDA handheld device(s) with a stylus by checking food and drink selection boxes displayed in a graphical user interface format. Any special requirements made by the customer can also be specified in text form in the table number comment's section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a distribution system, apparatus, distribution method, program and recording medium used buy a seller and buyer when distributing digital contents such as music, and more particularly to a distribution system, apparatus, distribution method, program and recording medium that is capable of promoting the sale of the contents. The invention provides a distribution system, apparatus, distribution method, program and recording medium that is capable of increasing the advertisement and promotional effect, relieving concentrated ordering of popular contents and increasing sales. In order to accomplish this, the invention provides a distribution system, apparatus, distribution method, program and recording medium comprising a contents memory unit stores a container that contains the received contents, and a distribution log data area that stores distribution log data capable of specifying the distribution route of the contents.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of the processing of silver and/or digital images in an environment of mobile or portable terminals. The present invention relates more particularly to a process and a system that enables a user-customer to order, from a mobile terminal, photographic work in a reliable and simple way, while minimizing manual transactions that may generate risks of errors. The customer is provided with a mobile terminal and with at least one photographic support including photographic images. The customer uses an order station which interacts functionally with the photographic support, and, by way of a peripheral network comprising the communication links with the mobile terminal and a processing unit. The interaction enables the customer to send, remotely, a purchase order for photographic work corresponding to the photographic images to a processing unit.

Abstract: A server side software program that uses both ASP and Sequel technology, and allows sellers and buyers to easily enter and bid on items in an online auction. There are management techniques included that allow the sellers to generate sales reports, create buyers reports, generate shipping information and track particular items.

Abstract: An interactive system and method for shopping is disclosed that separates the shopping process from the buying process. In one embodiment, the system includes an in-store/in-mall computer system and a plurality of handheld scanners configured to scan product information and upload that information to a central database. The system further includes an interactive Web site that is in communication with the database. The system allows a user to scan items for a wish list at participating stores before or after creating an account with the system. The system also allows buyers to easily shop for others by searching for a user's wish list and personal preferences at the system Web site. Furthermore, the system allows the user to select one or more buyers from an address book and notify the selected buyers of a specific wish list via e-mail.

Abstract: Incorporated in data is a price tag including price information about one or more service/product for trading by a customer. A charging agent associated with one or more network operators servicing the customer reads the price tag and if warranted, charges or credits the account(s) of the customer with the network operator(s) in accordance with the price information. In some cases the traded product(s) includes at least part of the data in which the price tag is incorporated.

Abstract: A method of operating a service over a computer network which has a customer and a vendor which negotiate during a contract formation phase of a transaction and in which a product or service is supplied to the customer during a contract execution phase of the transaction, there being a customer interface between the customer and the network to enable messages transmitted on the network according to a network protocol to be utilised by the customer, and to enable messages originating from the customer to be transmitted onto the network according to the network protocol, and a vendor interface between the vendor and the network to enable messages transmitted on the network according to a network protocol to be utilised by the vendor and to enable messages originating from the vendor to be transmitted onto the network according to the network protocol, and wherein the method includes differentiating messages relating to contract formation and contract execution phases of the transaction, messages relating to the

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to verify information, including a method of verifying information comprising receiving user-supplied information from a user interested in obtaining services or products wherein the user-supplied information includes a user government identification number containing decipherable information regarding the identity of the user, and additional user identifying information. A method further including analyzing the government identification number including determining the issuing jurisdiction of the government identification number, deciphering information from the government identification number, and verifying the validity of the government identification number. A method also including retrieving confirming-information from a database relevant to the user-supplied information, comparing the confirming-information to the user-supplied information to verify the accuracy of the user-supplied information, and permitting or denying access to the user for the user-desired services or goods.

Abstract: A method for conducting an electronic commerce transaction between a customer and a merchant, the transaction using customer information stored in a customer device and transaction information both stored and entered into a merchant device, the method including the steps of: providing an entity for collecting the customer and transaction information from the customer and merchant devices and for generating a transaction identification number for the transaction, wherein the transaction identification number includes a unique personal account number (PAN) for identifying the entity; sending the transaction identification number from the entity to the customer and/or customer device to commence the transaction by the customer providing the transaction identification number to a point-of-sale device; detecting the transaction identification number at an acquirer device, being in communication with the point-of-sale terminal, to identify the entity; requesting the customer and transaction information from the ent

Abstract: The present invention discloses a communication method for use between a first computer node (2) with pre-stored first computer node information and a plurality of other computer nodes (M1, M2, Mn), the first computer node and the other computer nodes being connected by a distributed electronic network, the method comprising the steps of providing an information request and the first computer node pre-stored information to at least one of the other computer nodes, and the at least one other computer node adaptively providing the first computer node with information in response to the information request according to the first computer node pre-stored information; in which the first computer node pre-stored information is in addition to the first computer node internet protocol address. A corresponding computer system is also disclosed.