Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
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Publication number: 20040088175Abstract: A method and apparatus for digital-rights management is provided herein. Various forms of authorization are allowed, with each form of authorization being dependent upon an action taken on the digital content. In particular, when server-based authorization is unavailable, less-risky operations are allowed by performing an internal authorization scheme. Thus, higher security offered by a server-based DRM is required for risky actions, yet non-risky actions on the digital content may still be taken when the server is unavailable.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Thomas Messerges, Ezzat A. Dabbish
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Publication number: 20040088176Abstract: The invention is a system and method of automated licensing of an appliance or an application. The method includes obtaining for a customer a customer identification (23); obtaining for the customer the license entitlement (23′) for the appliance or the application; providing (56) from the customer to a licensing client associated with the appliance or the application the customer identification and the license entitlement; producing with the licensing client a validation key to identify an entity associated with the appliance or a host of the application; transmitting (58) the validation key, the customer identification and the license entitlement to a licensing server; processing (62) the validation key, the customer identification and license entitlement at the licensing server to determine if the validation key, the customer identification and license entitlement are verified, and generating (26) with the licensing server a license key.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Balaji Rajamani
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Publication number: 20040088177Abstract: A performance management system for identifying, differentiating, and rewarding performance of an employee, comprising: means for communicating performance status to the employee; means for communicating to the employee differences between the communicated performance status and a performance standard associated with the employee; and means for developing a prescriptive path for the employee to adjust the communicated performance status in response to said performance standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Electronic Data Systems CorporationInventors: Karma S. Travis, Edward Thomas Eves, Jay Russell Bourdette, Samantha A. Varjian
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Publication number: 20040088178Abstract: A printer comprising one or more consumables and a network connection searches a network connected via the network connection for pricing for the one or more consumables. A user is notified when pricing below a user-specified amount is found.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Wendy L. Zerza, Vincent C. Skurdal, Boyd Wilkes
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Publication number: 20040088179Abstract: A computer-based method that includes receiving verified emission reductions (VERs) associated with emission reduction projects (ERPs) and converting the VERs into mutual portfolio units (MPUs) based on predetermined factors. An emissions reduction portfolio database of MPUs is created.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Jack D. Cogen, Fiona Kathryn Gadd
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Publication number: 20040088180Abstract: A system that downloads device drivers for peripheral devices to a media client device includes, among other things, a memory with logic, and a processor configured with the logic to download a peripheral device driver to a media client device in response to a peripheral device interfacing with the media client device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Glendon L. Akins,
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Publication number: 20040088181Abstract: A method and system for processing real estate transactions utilizing a remotely accessible site on a computer network for the transfer of data, information and documents between a purchaser and a vendor. In the preferred embodiment a web site provides a generally accessible portion which allows a purchaser to retrieve unrestricted documentation and/or data relating to the real estate transaction generally, and a plurality of password-protected portions each of which can be accessed only by a purchaser's lawyer or other representative having a preset password and allows same to retrieve purchaser-specific documentation relating particularly to the respective purchaser's unit. In the preferred embodiment the method and system of the invention also monitors when documents have been downloaded by each purchaser and flags the vendor's lawyer if any particular purchaser has not retrieved their documents by a preset time before the closing date.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Maurizio E. Romanin, Jian Zhang
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Publication number: 20040088182Abstract: This RPA explains this tools scientific background and purpose and it outlines the historical and personal scientific paths that led to the necessity for this invention. It rests on this scientific requirement: True science requires one place where all scientists can meet to disagree on an equal basis. Such a place can exist in theory as described in the “theoretical Premise” section. The RPA outlines the reasons establishments and insiders have resisted such an idea and how they go about it. The RPA shows that mankind has unconsciously been trying build such a place by our building of more and more sophisticated marketplaces. The RPA describes this tools requirements, specifications, advantages, embodiments, and implications; which explain how and why a universal scientific information exchange must work, in order to identify all questions and disagreements about anything exchanged through the Interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Daniel B. Alter, Margaret Milanowski
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Publication number: 20040088183Abstract: A user carries out charging processing at the time when he/she downloads or outputs a content, and also carried out the charging processing in accordance with the size, resolution, output method, etc. of the content when the charging is carried out.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Naoya Nakanishi, Yuichi Toyota
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Publication number: 20040088184Abstract: The present invention is related to a knowledge system for providing a configurable service to a customer, said knowledge system being compiled on a computer environment or stored on a memory carrier and comprising: —a knowledge base comprising—representations of a number of business elements involved in the providing of said service, including representations of actors, of predetermined relations between said actors, of processes input/output specifications for said processes, andType: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: William Derk Nijdam, Huub Zabel, Jeroen Heidenis
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Publication number: 20040088185Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a system for evaluating the customer equity of products and services provided by a company, with consideration of customer-purchase trends, and to provide a means for evaluating the ratio of repeat customers and the customer-equity growth ratio by store, region, and/or customer group, and to provide data for establishing an optimal plan for increasing sales. A system 100 for evaluating customer equity according to the present invention comprises a computer system 2 for conducting sales management for a company, and an evaluation computer 10 connected to the computer system 2 via a communications line 5. The evaluation computer 10 comprises a Web server 11, a communications controller 15, an application server 12, and a database 14 for recording purchase records received from a company or store.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: DENTSU TEC INC.Inventors: Koji Watarai, Tetsuya Kawai
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Publication number: 20040088186Abstract: A common communications services platform, and concomitant methodology, provides communication services to a variety of service operators irrespective of the network media and protocols utilized. The platform is composed of: (1) a plurality of geographically-dispersed convergent services nodes, one of the services nodes serving the service operator; (2) a communications network connected to the nodes; and (3) a database, connected to the communications network, containing information about the service operator, the subscriber, and the communications service provisioned by the platform, the database storing information for at least one of the service nodes to configure the communications service provisioned by the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Dinesh Kashinath Anvekar, Bhaskarpillai Gopinath, Atul Gupta
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Publication number: 20040088187Abstract: A system and method for optimized management of pharmacy workflow, specifically, workflow associated with fulfillment of prescription orders for medications and health-related products in a pharmacy environment. A computer-controlled system coordinates and controls pharmacy workflow to sequence prescriptions for fulfillment in a most efficient path thereby minimizing a cost function associated with fulfillment of the prescription order. The system coordinates and controls prescription order fulfillment from automated and non-automated storage locations and can be easily adapted to the specific layout and level of automation desired by the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Duane S. Chudy, David A. Schultz
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Publication number: 20040088188Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reconciling mismatches in data in a hospital computer system by selectively preventing editing of data entered at a first location at a second location, and providing for re-mapping of data acquired in an incorrect data structure to a corrected data structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Mohamed Ali Hamadeh, Stephanie A. Short, Sundar Swamy, Anil Issac, Renuka Uppaluri, Lloyd W. Ison, Renaud B. Maloberti, Jianqing Yao
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Publication number: 20040088189Abstract: A system and method for treating a biological fluid unit wherein the system ensures proper execution of the treatment by coordinating cooperation among a plurality of components operably connected to the system. The system components include a processor communicating with a memory, a unit identifier, at least one blood component treatment process, and an illumination instrument. The system includes a database stored in and accessible from the memory. The database retains information associated with a blood component, an illumination instrument, and treatment of the blood component utilizing the illumination instrument. A user interface operably connected to the processor includes a graphical screen and a data entry device for communicating information related to the blood component treatment to and from the operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Edmond A. Veome, Christophe Vermeiren, Chris Noel Fredericks, Samira E. Johnson, Lori Rabe, Savvas Merkouriou, Karen Berthiaume
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Publication number: 20040088190Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of pharmacy transactions. A health care organization's individual health care facilities are linked to a prescription processing center of a publicly-held corporate pharmacy (“PCP”) organization, preferably by means of an electronic communications network. The processing center collects, organizes and correlates patient census data from the health care facilities and transaction data from the pharmacies with existing contract data. The collected and organized data forms a dataset that may be used to determine and allocate the charges. Further, the patient and transaction data may be utilized to generate various reports in an electronic format related to the patients, facilities, and pharmacies.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Gina L. Timmons, Kevin D. Heltsley
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Publication number: 20040088191Abstract: A genetic banking system allows the ability to securely store genetic profile data while allowing access to individuals authorized to access the profile for authorized purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Arthur L. Holden
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Publication number: 20040088192Abstract: An electronic medical records and medical office management system includes electronic storage, retrieval, analysis, and transmittal of patient records, and is integrated with office scheduling and billing. One embodiment of the record-keeping and office management system further includes an electronic encounter feature that integrates with billing, generates referrals, orders labs and tests, allows for medications to be prescribed, and directs for a follow-up visit, as needed; automatic electronic notification; integrated appointment scheduling; preventive care profile integration with the electronic encounter; history and exam findings entry, wherein data convert to text; note creation, which draws from a patient record, encounter data and events triggered, and patient history and exam findings; and electronic document management, including incoming mail.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Tim W. Schmidt, Joseph A. DiPoala
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Publication number: 20040088193Abstract: A medical image photographing system includes: a medical image generating apparatus for photographing a patient to generate image data of the patient; an information management apparatus for generating photographing order information including patient identification information of the patient to be photographed and/or a photographing condition for the patient, the information management apparatus being allowed to transmit the generated photographing order information through a network to another apparatus; one or more control apparatuses that are connectable to the information management apparatus through the network to obtain the generated photographing order information; and one or more portable terminals that are connectable to at least one of the control apparatuses to obtain the photographing order information from the control apparatus connected thereto and display the obtained photographing order information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Naoto Moriyama, Wataru Motoki, Takao Shiibashi, Mamoru Umeki
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Publication number: 20040088194Abstract: A medical image terminal device capable of performing radiography efficiently and preventing medical radiographing errors by setting correspondence of a patient to radiographing order information accurately and easily. The medical image terminal device has: a receiving section to receive identification information of a patient to be radiographed and radiographing order information including information regarding radiography; a storage section to store the radiographing order information received; an input section to input the identification information of the patient in; and a display control section to obtain the radiographing order information stored in the storage section based on the identification information of the patient input and display the radiographing order information on a display section.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Naoto Moriyama
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Publication number: 20040088195Abstract: Methods, systems and carrier media for modifying business rules are disclosed. Components of the business rules may be stored as entries in one or more database tables. A rule editor may access business rule components and assemble the components to form a graphical display of a business rule. The graphical display may allow the user to view, edit and/or create business rules. Modifications to business rules may be stored in one or more database tables.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Allen B. Childress, Allison W. Spann
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Publication number: 20040088196Abstract: Methods, systems and carrier media for viewing business rules are disclosed. Components of the business rules may be stored as entries in one or more database tables. A rule editor may access business rule components and assemble the components to form a graphical display of a business rule. In various embodiments, the graphical display may allow the user to view, edit and/or create business rules.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Allen B. Childress, Allison W. Spann
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Publication number: 20040088197Abstract: Methods, systems and carrier media for viewing business rules are disclosed. Components of the business rules may be stored as entries in one or more database tables. A rule editor may access business rule components and assemble the components to form a graphical display of a business rule. The graphical display may allow the user to view, edit and/or create business rules. In some embodiments, one or more human language translations of one or more business rule components may be provided. A human language translation may be substituted for a business rule component in the graphical display.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Allen B. Childress, Allison W. Spann
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Publication number: 20040088198Abstract: Methods, systems and carrier media for viewing business rules are disclosed. Components of the business rules may be stored as entries in one or more database tables. A rule editor may access business rule components and assemble the components to form a graphical display of a business rule. The graphical display may allow the user to view, edit and/or create business rules. The system may track changes made to a business rule. For example, the system may store a log file of changes made. The system may delay implementing the modifications until the modifications are approved by a user having appropriate authority.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Allen B. Childress, Allison W. Spann
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Publication number: 20040088199Abstract: Methods, systems and carrier media for forming business rules are disclosed. Components of business rules may be stored as entries in one or more database tables. A rule editor may access business rule components and assemble the components to form a graphical display of a business rule. The graphical display may allow the user to create new business rules. A new business rule formed in the graphical display may be stored in one or more database tables as one or more business rule components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Allen B. Childress, Allison W. Spann
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Publication number: 20040088200Abstract: A water supply insurance method and system for providing an emergency water supply in a severe water shortage includes the steps of securing water rights to a water source and initiating discussion with a water-using client for issuing of a water supply insurance policy, including information pertaining to expected water needs, term of insurance and cost of water supplied. An insurance rate for the water-using client is calculated based the information and premiums are collected. When the normal water supply is significantly interrupted, emergency water is provided in the amount specified in the water supply insurance policy until the crisis is over, and then collection of premium payments from the water-using client is resumed to ensure future supply of emergency water so long as the water supply insurance policy remains in force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Tyran Adams
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Publication number: 20040088201Abstract: A method and system for financing future intentions of a first party (1, 15) pursuant to a first contract (4, 18) with a Second Party (2, 16) for a specified monetary sum in which a second contract (5, 19) involving a variable annuity is obtained from a Third Party (3, 17).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Alan J. Lang
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Publication number: 20040088202Abstract: An insurance policy and insurance method for providing financial assurance for decommissioning a nuclear power plant using insurance is described. In one embodiment, a financial product, such as a decommissioning insurance policy, provides financial assurance for the decommissioning of a nuclear power facility, and provides, in exchange for payment of a premium, for an insurer to pay actual decommissioning expenses for the nuclear power facility between a policy inception date and a policy termination date. In another embodiment, the insurance policy includes a premium that is based on an adjusted sum of costs and expenses that is equalized over a plurality of scenarios, where each scenario is based on the decommission starting, e.g., in a different year.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Kenneth Radigan
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Publication number: 20040088203Abstract: An insured warranty system 2 for performing processing by using a computer, wherein a part or all of insurance premiums paid to a guaranty company 6 by a client 3 who got a loan from a financial company 4 is paid to a nonlife insurance company 8 as insurance money by said guaranty company 6; when said client 3 becomes unable to work for more than one month and not more than seven months, a monthly repayment amount by the client 3 to the financial company 4 during the period of being unable to work is paid by said nonlife insurance company 8 as insurance money in accordance with a period obtained by subtracting one month of an exceptional period from the actual period of being unable to work; when said client 3 is unable to work for more than seven months, said guaranty company 6 pays as guarantee a remaining repayment amount until the end of the period of being unable to work after exceeding the seven months, besides payments by said nonlife insurance institution 8.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicants: HIDEYUKI KAKUWA, HIKARI HOSHO CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideyuki Kakuwa, Tatsuya Ogishi
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Publication number: 20040088204Abstract: The present invention is a computer-implemented method of retrieving raw data from a database that stores data pertaining to multiple travel transaction records and travel documents. That is, the raw data stored in the database includes the information found on a travel document. A summary of the travel transaction record is based on information in the supporting documents. The computer implemented method includes the step of retrieving the raw data and dynamically creating a summary of a travel transaction record concerning all related documents. Moreover, the computer-implemented method further includes the step of dynamically creating a document image of such supporting documentation using the raw data stored in the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Christopher Plum, Michael Dubois, Wayne Polk, Mark Diskin, Rebecca Briggs, Bruce Berndt, Keith Venzke, Tom Cooper
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Publication number: 20040088205Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
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Publication number: 20040088206Abstract: The invention is concerned with a work allocation system having a plurality of agents that bid for work in accordance with preferences and behaviour of resources corresponding thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Simon G Thompson, Thomas J Stark, Paul J Kearney
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Publication number: 20040088207Abstract: A system is provided to allow for planning and scheduling the work flow for reconfigurable production systems having a plurality of modules, which may have alternative capabilities. The system includes a system controller, at least one planning function for planning the production of work units without utilizing off-line modules, and at least one scheduling function for scheduling the production of work units without utilizing off-line modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventor: Markus P.J. Fromherz
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Publication number: 20040088208Abstract: Automated interaction sequences for interactions with a target group during a marketing campaign are created and monitored using a graphical user interface. A received user input graphically creates an interaction sequence that has one or more actions associated with a target group. The interaction sequence is executed to cause performance of the actions in an automated manner. Responses to the actions are automatically processed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Bernhard M. H. Runge, Melissa Hostetler, Deborah Rodgers, Elizabeth Bacon
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Publication number: 20040088209Abstract: A business method which is to sell a papermaking machine or part of a papermaking machine which has value added features which maximize the capability in terms of machine speed and paper quality, at the price of a basic machine without the value added features, and to allow the purchaser of the papermaking machine to selectively enhance machine performance by the activation or enablement of the value added features in return for additional payments to the supplier of the papermaking machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Tatu Pitkanen, Petteri Lannes
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Publication number: 20040088210Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for integrating human channels and electronic channels. To facilitate such integration user-intent is determined based on user interaction with a human-channel and an e-channel. Information for the user is tailed tailored based on the determined user-intent.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Igor Tsyganskiy
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Publication number: 20040088211Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a demand forecasting process are described. In accordance with a demand forecasting monitoring method, a measure of forecast error variability is computed at each period of a selected time frame, and an indicator of forecast bias is computed at a given period within the selected time frame based on forecast error consistency over periods of the selected time frame prior to the given period. A computer program for implementing the demand forecasting monitoring method is described. A system for monitoring a demand forecasting process that includes a graphical user interface configured to display a measure of standard deviation of percent forecast error at each period of a selected time frame also is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Steve Kakouros, Dorothea Kuettner, Marguerita Sasser, Nicole Smith
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Publication number: 20040088212Abstract: An online audience measurement system provides analysis of the composition, size and behavior of an online audience. The invention can enable monitoring and analysis of audience characteristics and behavior for content displayed by a computer system. The invention allows the linking of audience profile information, such as demographic characteristics to audience behavior and content preferences. The invention allows the creation of a statistically accurate sample of virtually any computer content audience and can report on the attractiveness of various content offerings to specific audience groups over time, providing a dynamic view of the use of a content site.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Clarke R. Hill
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Publication number: 20040088213Abstract: In an examination conduct information storing unit, examination conduct information, which is information occurring by conducting an examination in a medical institution, is stored, each time the examination is conducted. A totaling unit calculates a total amount of time required for conducting the examination, which is indicated by the examination conduct information stored in the examination conduct information storing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Ryoichi Hosoya
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Publication number: 20040088214Abstract: Systems and techniques to gather feedback or other information using a multi-dimensional voting system. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes presenting a voting space having multiple dimensions including a first dimension associated with a first proposition and a second dimension associated with a second proposition. A voter is enabled to select a location within the voting space, the selected location representing a unique combination of a first proposition value and a second proposition value. A record is made of the first proposition value as a vote relative to the first proposition and the second proposition value as a vote relative to the second proposition. Optionally, enabling voters to select a location in the voting space and recording the corresponding votes may be repeated. A distribution of the recorded proposition values in the voting space subsequently may be displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Joerg Beringer, Michael Hatscher, Dennis B. Moore
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Publication number: 20040088215Abstract: An employee awards system is provided. In an examplary embodiment, the awards system includes a database having a plurality of active server pages stored therein. The active server pages include at least an awards request form. The awards request form includes a field for entry of a reason for an employee award and a recommended award amount. The system further includes a server coupled to the database. The server is programmed to process data and selections made via the active server pages. The server is further programmed to generate at least two e-mails upon submission of the awards request form. A first of the e-mails generated is directed to a nominator of an award and a second of the e-mails generated is directed to a manager of a nominee of an award.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Sallie Jean Rochelle, Ronny Leu, James A. Robinson, Louis Sterio
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Publication number: 20040088216Abstract: A computer-implemented method for conducting an electronic commerce transaction between a buyer and a seller is disclosed. The electronic commerce transaction is conducted via a telecommunication network. The method includes receiving identity information pertaining to the buyer and ascertaining a set of financing terms associated with the buyer. The set of financing terms includes at least a first interest rate, a triggering condition, and a second interest rate lower than the first interest rate. The triggering condition pertains to at least one parameter associated with the electronic commerce transaction. The method also includes ascertaining whether the electronic commerce transaction satisfies the triggering condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Rajesh N. Bangalore
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Publication number: 20040088217Abstract: Systems and methods for providing advertising in a public educational system configured for children. Revenue is generated by selling advertising space within the system. The advertising space takes the form of, but is not limited to, letters (“C” is for car and is sponsored by the Larry Anderson Pontiac dealership), three-dimensional modular elements, (“H” is for house where a play house element is sponsored by a real estate agent Guy Haslem), large iconic three-dimensional features (“P” is for the Indiana Pacers with a large basketball icon), or the co-sponsorship of the theme and/or the location. Sponsorship supports the costs of the education zone equipment, location in shopping center, and maintenance of the location, as well as a remunerating and profiting investors and owners. Accordingly, the education zone provides a method for advertising by allowing businesses to sponsor different modular elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: J. Brad Knight
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Publication number: 20040088218Abstract: An electronic Storefront (website approach) provided through the Internet, where specific brands or advertisers are provided proprietary departments (Stores) to promote any variety of product incentives, i.e. coupons, rebates, discounts etc . . . to specific regions. These all-electronic transactions and communication are maintained in the Storefront's proprietary database provide tracking and identification of selected incentives, printed out and redeemed, as well as any rebates automatically provided through the proprietary software program utilizing indigenous tracking numbers or household identification number to every transaction. All of this is accomplished in a redemption-based remuneration approach.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Daniel M. Abraham, Bernard J. Stutsky
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Publication number: 20040088219Abstract: A system and method for providing incentives to consumers to share their consumer information with third parties is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided which includes the steps of: accepting consumer information; storing the consumer information; requesting permission from the consumer to share their consumer information with a third party; and offering the consumer a selected incentive in exchange for their permission to share their consumer information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: First USA Bank, N.A.Inventors: Shelley F. Sanders, Theodore Bowers, Dean Ilijasic
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Publication number: 20040088220Abstract: Systems and methods for providing advertising in a public educational system configured for children. Revenue is generated by selling advertising space within the system. The advertising space takes the form of, but is not limited to enclosed display cases, experimental play areas, two-sided screen televisions and banners. Sponsorship supports the costs of the education zone equipment, location in shopping center, and maintenance of the location, as well as a remunerating and profiting investors and owners. Accordingly, the education zone provides a method for advertising by allowing businesses to sponsor different modular elements. The cost of sponsorship depends on the size and/or utility of the sponsored item. Toys displayed or used in the experimental zone can be purchased on site from vending machines, ordered on-line at computers located on site, or purchased from catalogs also offered in racks on site.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: J. Brad Knight, Michael Perog
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Publication number: 20040088221Abstract: The invention provides a system, computer program, and database for the accurate determination of customer loyalty by using a combination of shopping history data, household personal data, and demographic data (114a, 116). The invention defines a set of detailed measures of customer loyalty and computes values for those measures using unique combinations of data to provide better understanding of their customers shopping behavior (301,302, 303,304, 305.306,307), as a basis for rewarding or effectively incentivising desired behavior (416).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Gary M Katz, Joni Elmore, Laura Rangel
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Publication number: 20040088222Abstract: A Web server determines whether or not there is a request of new group registration from a user's client computer on a shopping site managed by the Web server (step S200). When there is a request of new group registration, a group member registration form is sent to the client computer of the user (step S205).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventors: Junji Suzuki, Hironori Yoshizaki
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Publication number: 20040088223Abstract: A system and method of initiating an online auction. The system receives a request to acquire at least one line item using the online auction from a buyer and presents a data collection template to the buyer, where the data collection template is being used to collect data having a plurality of attributes relating to the line item being auctioned in the online auction. The system also generates, in response to at least one of the attributes of the data collected from the buyer, a report showing the data including at least one of the attributes relating to the line item and transmits the report to at least one supplier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Michael D. Bryson, Chris Harrington, Jack Allamon
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Publication number: 20040088224Abstract: Consumers request a delivery company to regularly deliver commodities at predetermined intervals by utilizing the Internet. The consumers can appropriately change the delivery intervals by utilizing the Internet. Prices of commodities can be lowered by utilizing a home delivery service system and limiting delivery units. The consumers can purchase an appropriate quantity of commodities that matches with their amount of consumption by adjusting the delivery intervals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Syunichi Mukai