Abstract: A method and system that includes a microprocessor device with memory adapted to receive input corresponding to a report at an instant of time of an amount of product in a product display in a business, and further adapted to store the data in the memory. The method and system also include a central computer for receiving and processing the data from the microprocessor device so that the computer is configured to create a planogram which optimizes the display of the product by maximizing the amount of desired product and minimizes the amount of undesired product to be displayed. The central computer further contacts product suppliers so that the quantity of supplied product always meets the requirements of the planogram.

Abstract: A method is provided for enterprise management and bundling of radio, outdoor and entertainment inventory to achieve maximum revenue on perishable products. An electronic data-mart 110 or central information storage and data processing system is established to collect influencing factors for the probability and price sensitivity of a particular advertising buyer 120. The data-mart 110 also collects business rules for inventory scaling, available inventory to sell, budget (goal) information, advertiser payment history, and station performance data to feed to a scenario planner 130. Once three or more variables exist, inventory and pricing fuzzy logic algorithms create scenario plans to present the most profitable bundle of offerings. The scenarios are typically pre-approved although presented to the local business units 150 for an abnormality failsafe. Once processed by the local business units 150, the scenarios are presented to the advertising buyer 120.

Abstract: A collaborative system for monitoring imported and exported goods comprises a database (22), a database server (2) connected with the database, and a web server (4) for exchanging information between users and the database via an electronic communications network (7). The database server is electronically connected with an internal system (8) of a corporation, and automatically obtains information related to all import and export business activities including purchase, production, storage, sales and declarations for import and export. A user sends a query to the web server through a client computer (6). The web server transforms the query into a predetermined format, and transmits the transformed query to the database server. The database server automatically searches the database to obtain a query result, which is then transmitted to the web server. The web server transforms the query result into another predetermined format, and transmits the query result to the client computer.

Abstract: Integrating event-based production information with financial and purchasing systems in product manufacturing. Some of the disclosed embodiments include a method of tracking production information, a method of analyzing event-based production information to provide financial reports, a method of adapting an online production documentation system to provide financial report data, and a production documentation system. Also disclosed are computer-readable media for storing a data structure representing an event-based delay or waste record populated during manufacturing, and a method of automatically generating an alert and providing an associated financial report in a process for manufacturing a product associated with an event-based information system.

Abstract: A membership information integrated management system comprising a target server, and a membership server that is connected to the target server and that requires a membership registration, wherein

Abstract: The present invention provides a parts processing stage control method and a parts processing stage controlling program by which the progress in parts processing can be instantly recognized. In accordance with the method and program of the present invention, a control computer records the starts times and the end times of pre-processing, main-processing, and post-processing, in a performance time memory unit in a parts processing operation. Based on a performance report as to each storage box, the control computer also records the completion time and the produced quantity for each storage box through the reading of the bar code on the packaging card attached to each storage box. The control computer further records a defect occurrence time when a defect occurrence report is made, in a defect occurrence information memory unit, as well as the contents of the defect.

Abstract: A remote network based job accounting system and method. The inventive system includes a memory for providing an accounting database; a controller for processing information stored by and retrieved from the database; a network for coupling the machine to the controller; and an interface coupled to the network for providing user input and output. In a specific implementation, the machine is a copy machine equipped with a mechanism for transmitting information to the database via the controller relating to usage of the machine in connection with a predetermined job. In the illustrative embodiment, an authentication database is operationally coupled to the controller. In the best mode, the network is implemented via the Internet. However, the invention is not limited thereto. The inventive system may be implemented in an Intranet environment. In the illustrative embodiment, the user interface is housed within the copy machine. However, the user interface may be implemented separate from the copy machine, i.e.

Abstract: An aggregated display process includes a display process for displaying, in a multicolumn format, an entry for a specific security that is sought for purchase or offered for sale by a market participant on a securities market. These entries, which can be bid-side entries or ask-side entries, each include a market participant identifier, a lot size, and a bid or ask price. The display process includes a tabular display process for simultaneously displaying multiple entries in a table. An aggregate calculation process generates an aggregate value for a specific entry. This aggregate value is equal to the lot size of the specific entry summed with the lot sizes of all preceding entries included in the table.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to securities and in particular the creation and execution of sale plans regarding securities. More specifically, restricted stock information corresponding to a restricted stock is maintained in a database. A sale plan template is provided to the sale plan initiator in response to receiving from the sale plan initiator a request to create a sale plan. If the sale plan initiator is actually the broker acting on behalf of the holder, the sale plan is subsequently provided to the holder upon request for review and modification if necessary. The sale plan is subsequently provided to the broker for review. Following a review, the broker forwards the sale plan to the corporate counselor. If the corporate counselor does not find any problems, the sale plan is sent back to the broker for possible acceptance. An authorized person within the broker then accepts the sale plan following a final review if no problems are found.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer products are provided for risk evaluation. A computer may assign a risk to an object which has an object estimation-value. The computer may also receive a risk estimation-value for the risk. The computer may re-calculate the object estimation-value based on the risk estimation-value.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing multiple investor accounts by rapidly computing and displaying the potential tax and gain/loss implications of proposed buy and sell transactions involving a single security. The invention allows users to identify criteria including tax selection liability rules and gain/loss rules for the proposed trades, and generate a trading (“What-If”) report identifying the tax lots in each account that would satisfy the selection criteria. A failure report identifying tax lots that do not satisfy the selection criteria allows the user to either transfer such tax lots to the trading report or defer trading using messages transmitted in the future as a reminder to review the proposed transaction at a more appropriate time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for instantly quoting a two-sided market. Using these systems and methods, a trader can use various trading interfaces to initiate two-sided market orders based on a value submitted and a pre-set spread amount as configured by the trader.

Abstract: A method of administering a composite commodity financial product involves the identification of a portfolio of component financial products. A number of component financial products are selected from the portfolio of component financial products, and a composite commodity financial product comprising the selected financial products is formed, with the product having a fixed termination date. A baseline figure or value for the composite commodity financial product is set, and derivative products based upon the product are traded during a predetermined period of time until the fixed termination date. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the baseline value is redesignated based upon the change in value of the selected financial products.

Abstract: A trading partner conversation management method and system. A trading partner conversation manager (TPCM) manages conversations between a first enterprise and a second enterprise. The TPCM polls a workflow server and determines whether a service type is a send message or a receive message. When the service type is a send message, the TPCM retrieves a service definition, retrieves an XML template, prepares an XML response, and sends the XML message. When the service type is a receive message, the TPCM retrieves a service name and XQL queries, parses the request and extracts data, starts a service and passes the data to the service, obtains service results, retrieves an XML template, prepares an XML response, sends the XML response, and returns control to the workflow server.

Abstract: A method of establishing auditable records of the process of agreement of contract by multiple participants in a service which operates 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, includes providing a contract manager which monitors communications between the parties relating at least to the contract formation phase of the transaction, and keeps auditable records of the negotiations so as maintain an independent record of the agreed contract.

Abstract: A system and method for managing inventory dynamically. The system includes personal computers (10), a central server (11), a central database (12), a web server (13), a carrier information system (14), and branch servers (15). The personal computers are located in various departments of a manufacturer and linked to the central server, for users to obtain and manage inventory information. The central database is linked to the central server for storing inventory information. The web server is linked to the central database, for relevant personnel of clients and carriers to obtain real-time inventory information. The carrier information system is linked to the central server, for transmitting information on in-transit inventory to the central server during transportation. The branch servers are located in overseas hubs/factories of the manufacturer and linked to the central server, for sending information on any changes in inventory in the hubs/factories to the central server.

Abstract: A securities order execution process includes an aggregated display process for displaying one or more groups of shares of a specific security that are traded on a securities market within a desired price range. A user selection process allows a market participant to select one or more of these groups of shares, thus generating a group of selected shares. A user order execution process executes an order concerning the group of selected shares.

Abstract: A multi-mechanism order scanning process includes a first interface process for monitoring the trading activity of securities traded on a first trading platform. A second interface process monitors the trading activity of securities traded on a second trading platform. A summarized display process, which is responsive to the first and second interface processes, provides a summarized display that itemizes at least a portion of the trading activity monitored on the first and second trading platforms.

Abstract: A method and system for granting access by all the users who logon to a website so long as the website has not reached a predetermined capacity of use but however, denying access to such a user if the capacity of use of the website has reached a predetermined level unless the user is in possession of a valid website pass and allowing any user not having such a pass the ability to acquire the same at a predetermined price or alternatively to bid for a pass by a different amount. When a user having a valid website pass logson and the website is beyond the predetermined capacity, that user is allowed immediate access and a user who is logged on but does not possess a valid website pass is automatically removed from the website.

Abstract: A system and method for the exchange of an asset, preferably a leisure asset is disclosed. The system allows a user and/or an artificial intelligence module to search an asset database containing information about a number of assets other users have listed for an acceptable asset to exchange. Once a potential exchange asset is identified, the user makes an offer. If the offer is accepted, a validity checker validates the parties' rights ownership, exchange and use rights. Because the validation of ownership and use rights occur only after an exchange offer has been accepted, and is performed as of the time of utilization (and not simply the time the information is entered into the database), the quality of the information contained in the proposed exchange is greatly enhanced and the likelihood of fraud is greatly reduced. At any time until the completion of a proposed exchange, the users may amend or remove the asset from the asset database.

Abstract: A method, system, and software program manages a home equity loan to a borrower by way of channeling annuity proceeds to the monthly payments of the home equity loan. The equity in a borrower's home is determined, and if the loan-to-value is below a certain threshold, the loan is granted. An escrow account is established, and the proceeds of the loan are used to purchase a commercial annuity. The proceeds of the commercial annuity in turn are used to satisfy the monthly payments on the home equity loan. Moreover, current and future debts of the borrower can also be satisfied by way of the proceeds of the loan. The present invention assumes a periodic increase in the future debts of the borrower.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems providing a voice-based interface to credit report retrieval systems allowing users to order credit report data using a telephone or similar device. The present invention provides novel functionality and process flows directed to handling a request from a caller for a credit report, while providing a secure and easy-to-use voice interface. In one embodiment, the functionality associated with the present invention allows a customer to access his/her credit score via a telephone or other suitable voice-based device, and have a credit report mailed to his/her address. The use of a voice interface, instead of a traditional graphical user interface associated with web-based services accessible over a client computer, marks a departure from traditional credit reporting product channels and provides an opportunity to access a large market of consumers who do not regularly access the Internet.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing a marketing application using a store card as a Reward Card, Rebate Card, Pre-paid Script Program Card, Incentive Card, and/or Gift Card, as well as a Frequent Shopper Card. A card provided in association with an initial credit is also associated with an identification and account stored in a computer database memory, and the identification in the card enables the retailer to subsequently allow the consumer to use the card for additional computer based marketing, debit, and credit activity.

Abstract: According to the invention, a process for facilitating payment between a buyer and a seller with an online money transfer performed over a wide area network is disclosed. In one step, login information relevant to a vending site is received. The login information is associated with the seller. Listings at the vending site associated with the seller are automatically determined. A number of snippets of HTML code are generated for the listings, wherein each snippet includes a link. One of the plurality of snippets is automatically inserted into each of the listings. Activation of the link points a web browser to a payment enabler that can transfer money from the buyer to the seller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transmission of an electronic sum of money from a credit reserve of a money transmitter to a credit reserve of a money receiver, by means of a telecommunication and data network in real time. The transmission of the necessary data occurs by reference to a transaction number (TAN).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for allowing a cash adjustment, relating to a purchase transaction, between a first payment system in a first communication network and a second payment system, the first payment system having an associated purchaser and the second payment system having an associated vendor. The first payment system charges the purchaser and produces a first data record which relates to the purchase transaction and whose structure corresponding to data records which are used in telecommunication networks for billing for telecommunication connections. The second payment system credits a vendor account associated with the vendor and produces a second data record. The data records are then transmitted to a billing center provided for the purpose of billing for telecommunication services between telecommunication networks.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (12) is operative to conduct transactions in response to HTML documents and TCP/IP messages exchanged with a local computer system (14) through an intranet (16), as well as in response to messages exchanged with foreign servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 96) in a wide area network (18). The banking machine includes a computer (34) having an HTML document handling portion (76, 80, 82). The HTML document handling portion is operative to communicate through a proxy server (88), with a home HTTP server (90) in the intranet or the foreign servers in the wide area network. The computer further includes a device application portion (84) which interfaces with the HTML document handling portion and dispatches messages to operate devices (36) in the automated banking machine. The devices include a sheet dispenser mechanism (42) which dispenses currency as well as other transaction devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a way for a network provider to assume the processing for the usage of software products that are offered via a network. The network provider can offer this processing as a service for the provider of software products, who wishes to “outsource” these tasks.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic ticket system in which right information on a ticket is purchased via communication means, and a writable storage medium of the right information is used, thereby granting admittance into an event facility.

Abstract: A certification apparatus stores personal information certified to a user to register the user. When a user presented password sent from a portable telephone coincides with a password stored as a part of the personal information and the user who is operating the portable telephone is specified to be the same person as the registered user, adult certification data certifying the user being an adult on the basis of the personal information is sent to the portable telephone. Consequently, it becomes possible to make a portable terminal acquire certification information certifying personal information, and to prevent unfair use of the certification information by a third party almost surely. Thereby, a certification system capable of preventing unfair use by the third party almost surely can be achieved.

Abstract: A system for selling personal information through a trusted third party. An owner of the personal information provides policy governing the sale of the owner's personal information and authorizes information sources to provide the personal information to the trusted third party. The trusted third party provides for validation of the personal information and sells it to requesters in accordance with the policy, and provides payment or credit to the owner as compensation for the sale.

Abstract: A computer program is provided for developing component based software capable of facilitating insurance-related negotiation. The program includes a data component that stores, retrieves and manipulates data utilizing a plurality of functions. Also provided is a client component that includes an adapter component that transmits and receives data to/from the data component. The client component also includes a business component that serves as a data cache and includes logic for manipulating the data. A controller component is also included which is adapted to handle events generated by a user utilizing the business component to cache data and the adapter component to ultimately persist data to a data repository. In use, the client component provides a plurality of data fields relating to an insurance-related negotiation. In addition, a plurality of rules are provided which dictate events to be raised based on data in the data fields. The user is then able to input data into the data fields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of encoding digital samples of a set of data representing physical quantities, the encoding including the determination (S51) of a path among the samples of the set, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

Abstract: The invention provides a method of charging for a confederated network, such as the Internet, by the user terminals connected to the network. The network provide generates a tariff code, which is multicast to the user terminals. The user terminals then translate the tariff code to automatically generate a meter rule set that can be used to configure a network traffic meter.

Abstract: A neural network system includes a feedforward network comprising at least one neuron circuit for producing an activation function and a first derivative of the activation function and a weight updating circuit for producing updated weights to the feedforward network. The system also includes an error back-propagation network for receiving the first derivative of the activation function and to provide weight change data information to the weight updating circuit.

Abstract: A course authoring system may include an author station to create a course, a content management system to store content and structure associated with the course, a learning management system to determine learning content to present to the learner based on a learning strategy applied to the content and the structure, and a communications link to transfer the course from the author station to the content management system. The author station may include an author tool configured to add structural elements to the course. The structural elements may include one or more of a course, a sub-course, a learning unit, or a knowledge item. The author tool is configured to associate the content with the structural elements. The course and its structural elements do not enforce a sequence of the content associated with the structural elements that a learner should use to traverse the course.

Abstract: A method is provided for auditing the configuration of an enterprise comprising the steps of: collecting information relating to the configuration of the enterprise, analyzing the configuration information based on expert knowledge; and providing the result of the analysis in the form of reports, and other results of the analyses.

Abstract: A software product and a method for automatically updating non-image data stored at a first storage location using a first image application. The non-image data being associated with a digital image of a user. The method includes providing new information with respect to the digital image in a second image application and automatically updating the non-image data at the first storage location with respect to the information.

Abstract: The present application provides for a virtual scratch card-like system in a wireless network environment. The virtual scratch card system allows for receipt of token-based payments, the redemption of those payments, and for the exchange of token-based payments for smaller denominations of token-based payments.

Abstract: A profile management system, for use with information processing applications which retrieve information on behalf of a user. The system comprises a profile generator which generates default user profiles. The profile generator can identify user-specific information from, for instance, an organisation chart such that new members of an organisation are automatically assigned a profile. This enables information processing applications to provide new members with information that is relevant to their role within an organisation.

Abstract: A document partitioning (flat clustering) method clusters documents with high accuracy and accurately estimates the number of clusters in the document corpus (i.e. provides a model selection capability). To accurately cluster the given document corpus, a richer feature set is employed to represent each document, and the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) together with the Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm is used to conduct an initial document clustering. From this initial result, a set of discriminative features is identified for each cluster, and the initially obtained document clusters are refined by voting on the cluster label for each document using this discriminative feature set. This self refinement process of discriminative feature identification and cluster label voting is iteratively applied until the convergence of document clusters.

Abstract: An e-commerce search directory provides an easy and quick way for associated users to find e-commerce sites. The e-commerce search directory provides a search area, a content area and sign up area. The directory always presents data in a way that optimally displays chosen company characteristics within the criteria of the content area. Listings are presented in four (4) equal columns on the display screen. Data is presented and integrated with search criteria allowing for quick and easy retrieval of presented data, which allows data to continuously be changed.

Abstract: A method for implementing software by providing a data structure, providing a set of executable code components, incorporating a combination of the executable code components into the data structure by reference, and processing the data structure to implement a function defined by the incorporated combination of software components. For example, the invention may be implemented through a database for maintaining records and a set of executable code components that are located inside or outside the database. In addition, the data components may be expressed in a form in which each data component has an unambiguous meaning and cannot be subdivided without losing the entirety of the meaning of the original data. Similarly, the executable code components may be expressed in a form in which each executable code component cannot be subdivided without losing the entirety of the useful functionality of the original code.

Abstract: A method and system for resource management. In particular, a resource management system adapted to manage the resources, both machine and human, in call centers. The system calculates and displays statistics continuously which relate to both resources, machine and human, and objects, such as incoming calls, requiring resources. The statistics displayed are user configurable. Moreover, the system detects and warns a user upon a statistic exceeding a user defined threshold. The resource management system allows users to associate a resource to an object requiring resources. In so associating, the resources of the call center are reconfigured. Moreover, the statistics displayed and the method of display by the system are user configurable.

Abstract: In a file structure, it is possible to properly assist a user of a computer to operate a file without the use of an extension of the file and overcome some problems caused by the difference of the development time between an operating system and application programs in the computer. In the file structure, a file comprises file content information formed of a program code or data processed by the computer and a management program code performing processes for assisting the user to operate the file corresponding to the file content information. Unlike conventional file creation and display methods depending on the extension, it is possible to properly aid user's file operations such as a file selection by calling the management program code from the operating system.

Abstract: A system, method, and processor readable medium for processing data in a knowledge management system gathers information content and transmits a work request for the information content gathered. The information content may be registered with a K-map and assigned a unique document identifier. A work queue processes the work requests. The processed information may then be transmitted to another work queue for further processing. Further processing may include categorization, full-text indexing, metrics extraction or other process. Control messages may be transmitted to one or more users providing a status of the work request. The information may be analyzed and further indexed. A progress statistics report may be generated for each of the processes performed on the document. The progress statistics may be provided in a record. A shared access to a central data structure representing the metrics history and taxonomy may be provided for all work queues via a CORBA service.

Abstract: In a case where application data stored in a PC database 300a are edited by a PC 300, and the edited contents are to be reflected to contents of the memory of a terminal database 200a, PC 300 refers to a synchronization profile SP including item IDs and ID numbers of a most recent synchronization communication and communication time information of the synchronization communication, thereby detecting which items have been edited at a time subsequent to completion of a most recent synchronization communication.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first network on which a file server and an access point are connected via a first communication link and a second network on which the access point and a terminal are connected via a second communication link. The terminal establishes a connection with the access point to access the file server. The file server stores a file to be downloaded. The terminal accesses the file server through the access point to request the file. The terminal then selects a download process from one of a foreground process, background process and postponement process, and executes the download process to download the file from the file server.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and methods that facilitate efficient querying of tables referencing spatial object types. The methods enable meaningful indexing of the tables as well as rewriting of queries with respect to the spatial structures. Dynamic schema extraction using efficient proper coloring algorithms for large sets of spatial objects is disclosed that structures the data in such a way that complex spatial queries and grouping of objects is replaced with traditional relational joins. This enables a relational database system to harness its entire query optimizing capability when querying tables referencing spatial objects.

Abstract: Date and time information concerning image files included in the folder is obtained, a time range from the oldest image to the newest image is calculated, and the time range is displayed with folder information. For example, data on shot dates and times recorded as associated information concerning the images or time stamps of the files are used to calculate the time range, and the date range is displayed on a folder icon or on a tab portion of the folder icon. Moreover, a file list displayed last time is stored, the stored file list is compared with a current file list, and only if the both file lists are different from each other, the date and time information is obtained for a different file to recalculate the time range. Thus, the user can infer images included in the folder to some extent and easily retrieve a desired image.