Abstract: Acoustic models for speech recognition are automatically generated utilizing trained acoustic models from a native language and a foreign language. A phoneme-to-phoneme mapping is utilized to enable the description of foreign language words with native language phonemes. The phoneme-to-phoneme mapping is used for training foreign language words, described by native language phonemes on foreign language speech material. A new phonetic lexicon is created containing foreign language words and native language words transcribed by native language phonemes. Robust native language acoustic models can be derived utilizing foreign language and native language training material. The mapping may be used for training a grapheme to phoneme transducer (i.e., foreign language to native language) to generate native language pronunciations for new foreign language words.

Abstract: An information system includes an output section to read a character string in received contents aloud, and a memory section to store a rule set to convert input contents to modified contents adapted to text reading. An optimizing section is arranged to covert the input contents to the modified contents according to the rule set, and to cause the output section to read out the modified contents.

Abstract: A technique for producing speech output in a text-to-speech system is provided. A message is created for communication to a user in a natural language generator of the text-to-speech system. The message is annotated in the natural language generator with a synthetic speech output style. The message is conveyed to the user through a speech synthesis system in communication with the natural language generator, wherein the message is conveyed in accordance with the synthetic speech output style.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for determining and using interaction models. Discourse functions, prosodic features and turn information are determined from the speech information in a training corpus. Statistics, decision trees, rules and/or various other methods are used to determine a predictive interaction model based on the discourse functions, the prosodic features and the turn information. Predictive interaction models are optionally determined for individual users, genres, languages and/or other characteristics of the speech information. The predictive interaction model is useable to predict turns in a dialogue based on the discourse functions and prosodic features identified in the speech information. Speech information is presented and/or received based on the predictive interaction model.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating appropriate confirmatory prompts in a speech-enabled, interactive computer system. The method can be incorporated in an interactive voice response system that includes receiving an input audio stream over a voice channel from a users, performing keyword recognition on received input audio as subsequent input audio is being received, and prompting the user with an acknowledgement of the keyword or keywords as subsequent input audio is being received. In another aspect of the method, the volume of the speech input can be continuously monitored. In a further aspect of the method, recognition results and associated confidence values can be combined to select different confirmatory prompts, and the volume is tailored to be the same as, louder than or quieter than the volume of the speech input, so that different types of confirmation can be automatically generated to produce a natural speech-enabled interface.

Abstract: A voice activated camera is described which allows users to take remote photographs by speaking one or more keywords. In a preferred embodiment, a speech processing unit is provided which is arranged to detect extended periodic signals from a microphone of the camera. A control unit is also provided to control the taking of a photograph when such an extended periodic component is detected by the speech processing unit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a customer contact 100 in which a agent service function 136 to collect predetermined types of information regarding the contact and/or the contact center 100 and interface with the contact. The interface can include presenting service options to the contact. A mood detector 152 can be used to collect information about the customer's state of mind.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized environmental attributes is disclosed, including a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a suitable model to determine the approximate change in the environmental attribute as a result of a human-caused change. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize the environmental attribute. Standardized environmental attributes may be compiled for trade and other standardized environmental attributes are placed in reserve.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for presenting rates for travel services using dynamic pricing bands. The dynamic pricing bands represent approximate rates for travel services relative to available rates during or close to the proposed dates of travel, or at or near the proposed travel destination. Each dynamic pricing band is keyed to a particular color, intensity, pattern, sound, or other graphical and/or audio characteristic, thereby providing the consumer a sense of the seasonal, regional, day of week, or other variability of rates for travel services without having to compare actual numbers. The dynamic pricing bands are applied to an interactive presentation of rates for travel services to allow the consumer to explore possible rate variations for particular travel services in a manner that provides a birds-eye view, is intuitive and user-friendly.

Abstract: Resupply, recycling and exchange of consumption items of office apparatuses made by two or more manufacturers can be facilitated by a customer support center, a supply center, office systems and customer support terminals connected via a communication network, wherein an apparatus management database, a cost and supply information database, an analysis database, and a supply management database are installed at appropriate locations, each associated with functional units such as a data acquisition unit, a data analysis unit, a report generating unit and the like for issuing purchase orders, recycling orders, exchange orders and office system improvement proposals.

Abstract: A method for managing a plurality of fabrication facilities comprises the steps of: identifying a proposed new or modified fabrication method, evaluating the fabrication method against decision criteria based on use of the fabrication method to fabricate a first product at a first one of the fabrication facilities, verifying the fabrication method against the decision criteria, based on using the fabrication method to fabricate a second product at a second one of the fabrication facilities, and adopting the fabrication method as a best known method among the plurality of fabrication facilities, if the fabrication method satisfies the decision criteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for predicting the likelihood of materialization of pending reservations for the purchase of perishable commodities. Details pertaining to perishable commodities for which reservations for purchase have been made in the past, are gathered and analyzed as are details pertaining to perishable commodities for which reservations for purchase are currently pending. Based upon the analysis, the likelihood that a particular pending reservation will actually be purchased or “materialize” is determined and this information is utilized for yield management.

Abstract: Method, procedure, algorithm, system, and computer program for improving and attempting to optimize the performance of messaging campaigns, particularly to marketing campaigns in which advertisements or other messages are distributed over an interactive measurable medium such as the Internet. A goal is to allocate the message alternatives to the customer population to optimize business objectives. The includes reading prior stage message state data pertaining to a prior stage including a cumulative number of trials and a cumulative number of successes for a particular message. Message performance results representing message trials and message successes from the previous stage based on the prior-stage state are then read, and a current message state is computed. A current message allocation is generated based on the current message state. Desirably the cumulative number of trials and the cumulative number of successes are discounted based on the age of the information.

Abstract: A method, system, server architecture and/or tangible medium determines and/or transmits and/or establishes communication with a mobile device user. The method includes, for example, receiving a communication from and/or transmitting a communication to, an event customer, and optionally updating a database to reflect the communication. The method also includes obtaining at least one mobile address, e.g., a telephone number and a communication network used thereon by the event user and building a data address therefrom to establish the communication with the event user. In one embodiment, the method does not require the event user to provide a bbnetwork address associated with the mobile contact address. Various optional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. It is arranged for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer. For example, a subsidy provider may offer to apply a subsidy amount to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of the task by the customer. It is also arranged for the customer to provide a security deposit. Based on the performance of the task by the customer, it is arranged for the security deposit to be returned to the customer.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method including delivering an initial promotion to a customer, determining a status of the initial promotion delivered, selecting a related promotion based on the status of the initial promotion determined, and delivering the related promotion to the customer. The related promotion is selected based on the status of the initial promotion determined by selecting a predetermined related promotion associated with the status of the initial promotion determined. Moreover, the initial and related promotions may be delivered through an electronic or hard delivery medium, and the status of the initial promotion delivered may be determined by determining a status of the initial promotion based on electronic feedback from the customer or based on predetermined status criteria assigned to the initial promotion.

Abstract: A method and structure for performing a negotiation on a computer network, including initiating an auction and determining whether a Pareto-Optimal point is satisfied for the auction.

Abstract: A method for processing meat for a customer that includes receiving a selected specification for a meat product from a buyer device via a communication network. The method includes the step of processing the meat that is responsive to instructions from the seller device to provide a meat product having the selected specification.

Abstract: Communications between participants over a communications link are proxied by an intermediary, such as an Integrated Order Mechanism (IOM). Participants interact with each other through the IOM. The IOM may be transparent to the participants such that they are not aware that the IOM is involved in processing communications. For example, in the context of a transaction by a customer making a purchase from a merchant over the Internet, the IOM facilitates the processing of transactions by processing requests from both the customer and the merchant. Neither the customer nor the merchant may be aware that the transactions are being handled by the IOM. Navigation objects may be provided for the communications over a network. For example, a navigation bar may be included on a merchant web page to provide the customer with a link back to a shopping application provided by the IOM.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: A system for validating service bills includes a first monitoring subsystem associated with and under the control of a service user for determining user generated fee values associated with the amount due a service entity for service usage over a predetermined billing period. A second monitoring subsystem communicating with the first monitoring subsystem is associated with and under the control of the service entity for determining service generated fee values associated with the amount due the service entity for the service usage over the predetermined billing period. One of the monitoring subsystems compares the user and service generated fee values and thereupon validates the amount due determined by one of the user and service generated fee values if such fee values are within a predetermined threshold amount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for the electronic trading of financial instruments, and in particular, a system and method for the receipt, combination, and evaluation of equity portfolios for possible simultaneous execution by a sponsor at passively determined prices. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for trading securities portfolios includes receiving a first intended portfolio trade having an associated specified commission, evaluating a combination of the first intended portfolio trade and a second intended portfolio trade for possible execution; and transmitting a decision on whether to execute the combination of the first intended portfolio trade and the second intended portfolio trade.

Abstract: A method and a system for evaluating at least one of a risk, safety and efficiency property of a portfolio belonging to a class of one of a probability density and a probability distribution, for a given time frame are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a financial analysis for enhanced wireless communication services provides a financial analysis for a service provider or another user interested in the provision of enhanced wireless communications services. The method includes accepting user input related to an existing wireless communications service and a proposed enhanced wireless communications service. A reference database is accessed for reference to general market data related to the proposed enhanced wireless communication service and a standard adoption curve for adoption of the enhanced wireless communication service. The standard adoption curve is adjusted to obtain an adjusted adoption curve based on the accepted user-specific input. A graphical depiction of a financial analysis is presented to the user based on an evaluation of the adjusted adoption curve and the general market data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quotation mechanism for service environments where the service level is negotiated. A client makes a request for a type, quality or volume of service. The service provider provides a response in the form of a quote. A quote binds the service provider to providing a service at a specified price. The quote also contains parameters of type, quality, or volume of service that the service provider can provide at that price. The client, after evaluating the quote, can either accept or reject a quote. The client can also obtain quotes from multiple service providers and enter a service contract with the service provider of its choice. This choice will not be based solely on price, but also on the levels of service quoted, since the service provider might not be able to supply the service at the requested level.

Abstract: The present invention provides an economical, high performance, adaptable system and method (designated “the OpenBook system”) for conducting an auction of debt securities to institutional and individual investors on the Web. In the OpenBook system auction: (1) Bidders are rewarded for anonymously revealing their bids early; (2) All winners pay a single market-clearing price that sells out the securities; and (3) All participants can monitor the auction in real time. The OpenBook system thus creates a transparent and low-cost new issue market; offers all bidders equal access to securities; and gives both investors and issuers a “seat on the syndicate desk.

Abstract: A business development process utilizing a business development database comprises collecting data for ideas from a plurality of sources. One type of collected idea data from said step of collecting is filtered in order to identify potential business opportunities. An opportunity analysis is then performed on said identified potential business opportunities to determine valid business opportunities. Resources are committed to the valid business opportunities, a business proposal is developed. This developed business proposal to a potential buyers. Success of the submission is determined and the business opportunity is executed if the submission is a success.

Abstract: A system for a personal intelligence network provides informational and transactional data. Data distribution servers provide e-mail and other messages of topical interest to a subset of the subscribers. The content may be generated by an On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) based channel database system, and the output may also be communicated to individuals via spreadsheet programs data, pager, telephone, mobile phone, fax, personal digital assistants, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) e-mail and other formats, including a workbook file attachment. Reports generated may enable a subscriber to act upon the content within the report, thereby providing an interactive component to the report. Subscriber actions or inaction to the report and content may be obtained and analyzed, including analysis in connection with the other informational and transactional data.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and computer program product to control the access, copying, and/or transfer of a digital asset by mobile, wireless devices using a digital voucher. The digital voucher references a primary content that contains all of the expression for that particular asset and a secondary content that contains information that can be distilled out as a preview. The information in the primary content can be limited to a specified duration or a specific number of viewings. The author, owner, or possessor of the digital asset specifies the terms and conditions for distribution of the digital asset. The digital voucher authorizes the mobile, wireless device to access a specified primary or secondary content that may be located elsewhere in the network. The mobile, wireless device can download a copy of portions or all of the content depending on the terms specified in the voucher.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed to provide secure key selection using a secure device in a watercrypting environment. A license containing a product key of a watercrypted content and a client identifier is transmitted to a secure device for storage. An entitlement control message containing multiple content keys associated with the watercrypted content is further transmitted to the secure device, together with a request to provide a session content key from the multiple content keys, the session content key to be used to decrypt the watercrypted content. Finally, the session content key is received from the secure device in response to the request.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically printing a hard copy of transaction information relating to a transaction conducted electronically between a user-side and a supplier side. A control apparatus performs an operation of identifying a selected aspect of information regarding the electronic transaction to thereby generate a print apparatus which is sent to a printing apparatus which prints transaction information in response to said print request. In addition, a printer for use with the method and system is provided.

Abstract: Money transfer system authorizing an escrow agent computer electronically by touch-tone telephone, computer modem, P.O.S.(point of sale) terminal, live operators, to send cash transfers from a sender's account such as their credit, debit, bank, or ATM card, or a bank account, to a recipient who accesses the money at any remote ATM type location or P.O.S.(point of sale) terminal by using cards such as a specialized magnetic cards, credit cards, debit cards, and automated teller machine(ATM) card, at anytime and anywhere. Senders can authorize the transfer by touch-tone and PIN(personal identification number) secure codes. The system can operate without pre-existing relationships, and monitor transactions and take surcharges based on transfer amounts, and use a cards tethered to ATM machines and be used with double magnetic sided cards.

Abstract: An online card-present transaction system facilitates card-present type transactions with a merchant over a public network. A host system is configured to accept authentication data from a user via an authentication device. The host system, after authenticating a user is configured to retrieve the user's account information from a user database system and translate a user account number into a temporary transaction number. The temporary transaction number is then transmitted directly from the host system to the merchant, thereby eliminating the need for the user to send to the merchant over the internet, the user's transaction account number.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solving a constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) defined by one or more variables, constraints and probabilistic requests (PRs) are provided. In one embodiment, each PR is mapped onto a set of constraints that implement the PR. The CSP solver then finds a series of solutions to the CSP. For each solution, if a constraint associated with a PR is satisfied, then a success counter for that PR is incremented; else a failure counter for that PR is incremented. If the constraint was not considered for the purpose of solving the CSP, then the failure counter for the PR associated with the constraint is incremented.

Abstract: A two-class analysis system for summarizing features and determining features appropriate to use in training a classifier related to a data mining operation. Exemplary embodiments describe how to select features which will be suited to training a classifier used for a two-class text classification problem. Bi-Normal Separation methods are defined wherein there is a measure of inverse cumulative distribution function of a standard probability distribution and representative of a difference between occurrences of the feature between said each class. In addition to training a classifier, the system provides a means of summarizing differences between classes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for solving optimization problems without the need to build mathematical models or rules. The inventive method combines the structure of a single-loop feedback control system and optimization search engine mechanisms. Running in real-time, a Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) optimizer can automatically search for the optimal operating point for a dynamic system when a parabolic relationship exists between the input and output. The MFA optimizer comprises a user-selected Min/Max setter to define the searching objective, a process acting-mode search engine to determine if the process is running in direct-acting or reverse-acting mode, a maximum search engine and a minimum search engine to find the maximum or minimum. This apparatus and method is useful in fuel-and-air ratio optimization for combustion processes, yield optimization for chemical or biological reactors, and operating efficiency optimization for coal or ore ball mills.

Abstract: A system for developing and implementing empirically derived algorithms to generate decision rules to determine participant noncompliance and fraud with research protocols in clinical trials allows for the identification of complex patterns of variables that detect or predict participant noncompliance and fraud with research protocol, including performance and enrollment goals, in the clinical trial. The data may be used to overall predict the performance of any participant in a clinical trial, allowing selection of participants that tend to produce useful, high-quality results. The present invention can also be used to monitor participant compliance with the research protocol and goals to determine preferred actions to be performed. Optionally, the invention may provide a spectrum of noncompliance, from minor noncompliance needing only corrective feedback, to significant noncompliance requiring participant removal from the clinical trial or from future clinical trials.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for processing input data provided in multiple formats to generate output data in a standardized, common format. To facilitate processing of the input data, a set of rules can be defined that describe processing for various types and formats of input data. The rules can be maintained separately from the processing component, such that the rules can be updated without necessitating modification of the processing component. Subsets of the rules can be retrieved and utilized to process specific input data. Errors within the input data can be identified and automatically corrected based upon previous input data sets. In addition, rules can be automatically generated based on previous input data and user feedback.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a system determines a solution based on received data. An intake component receives an incomplete data set from one or more sources. A recommendation system transforms the incomplete data set into a semantic data set via latent semantic indexing, classifies the semantic data set into an existing cluster and provides one or more solutions of the existing cluster as one or more recommendations.

Abstract: A centralized personal data base is disclosed that is accessible through the Internet and secured by a combination of identification numbers, including a basic, a primary and a secondary number. The secure personal data base is accessible to the user by the combination of the basic and a primary number. The secure personal data base is accessible to others who have been supplied with a primary and a secondary number.

Abstract: A cyclic referencing management method and apparatus, a parsing method and apparatus, and a computer readable recording medium storing a program to implement the methods are provided. The method for managing cyclic referencing that may occur by mutual references of assets in a file provided to control assets in a multimedia application environment, includes: detecting an asset generating cyclic referencing; and ignoring the asset generating cycling referencing. According to the methods and apparatuses, cyclic referencing that can occur in a file to control assets can be detected and processed such that the system can be prevented from entering an indefinite loop or causing an erroneous operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing systems and techniques for traversing a hierarchical layout template to accelerate a constraint-driven backtracking search for a solution of the layout template. In general, in one implementation, the techniques include identifying a shared content element constraint that defines a content requirement common to all layout structures possible in a choice substructure in a hierarchical layout template, and associating the shared content element constraint with a root node of the choice substructure in the hierarchical layout template.

Abstract: An automated system and method for predicting a future resource utilization tendency by analyzing a change in resource usage on the basis of a real operation condition in a computer system. A CPU utilization estimating unit acquires a resource log and a transaction log, and estimates utilization for each transaction, and information on the number of executions for each transaction, a processing amount predicting unit performs a statistical time-series analysis on the basis of time-series data of the number of executions for each transaction included in the transaction log and predicts an amount of processing for each type of a transaction, and a resource utilization predicting unit predicts the computer resource utilization or demand on from the estimated resource utilization for each transaction and the future predicted amount of processing for each transaction.

Abstract: Allocation performance is enhanced by optimizing queries associated with the allocation. A sparse definition space for a calculation is translated into a dense space for performing the calculation for efficient resource utilization. A calculation expression is symbolically analyzed to determine a relationship between non-zero calculated results and non-zero cells in the input data. From this relationship the regions on which the calculated results are non-zero are obtained by examining the input data. The calculation space is thus reduced to a smaller one. The resulting calculation space is no longer sparse and enables efficient performance of allocation.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for triggering an update of statistics data used by a query optimizer of a relational database management system for determining an optimal execution plan for executing a received query request on a relational database is provided. A system dependent nominal performance value for executing the query request on a database system is determined. Additionally, an average actual performance value is determined by processing the query request. If a comparison between the average actual performance value and the system dependent nominal performance value yields a result which is greater than a first threshold value, an update cost value and a cost saving value are determined. If a comparison between the cost saving value and the update cost value yields a result which is greater than a second threshold value, the statistics data is updated.

Abstract: Actual caller identification is provided. Biometric information is collected from a calling party. For example, retinal scan or facial recognition information is collected from a calling party. An element of a communications network receives the biometric information and uses the biometric information to determine the identity of the calling party. For instance, the biometric information is used to generate an index or key into an identity database. The index or key is used to retrieve identity information associated with a record including matching biometric information. The identity information is transmitted, for example, to user equipment of a called party.

Abstract: In one approach disclosed herein, a cache is used to provide cursor isolation. The cache is used to cache data that is updated in a query. Specifically, when a query is initiated, one or more caches may be instantiated in respect of the cursor. When data is updated during the query, the updated data is stored in the cache. By storing the updated data in the cache, the updated data is isolated from other users, from other sessions and from other queries by the same user.

Abstract: Methods and computer systems are provided for updating structured data. In one implementation, a system is provided that comprises a database with a set of data stored therein, at least one host computer connected to the database via a database interface, an application program adapted to be run on the host computer and interacting with the database, and a search engine connected to the application via an application program interface. The search engine may include a main memory for storing a subset of data of the set of data as an initial load. Further, the system may include a recording element to retain a record of any changes to the subset of data occurring in the database since the storing of the subset in the main memory as initial load, wherein the record of changes serve as a basis for updating the initial load.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scoping a search. When a content index for electronic data is built, one or more scope restrictions are included in the content index. The scope restriction may be, for example, a root folder identifier, a mailbox identifier, or a Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Because the scope restriction is included in the content index random access of the property store to determine the scope is avoided. Rather, the scope restriction is implicitly added to a search that uses the content index. By including a scope restriction in the search query, the search results identified from the content index are limited to results that match the scope restriction. Advantageously, the effect of including the scope restriction in the search is ignored if the search results are relatively small or when including the scope restriction provides little benefit.

Abstract: A method to generate best matching search keywords is disclosed. After running an Internet search engine, a user selects links. From the links, common keywords are extracted and sorted based on the number of times that the common keywords appears in the contents of the links. The search engine runs searches based on a few of top ranked keywords, generates best matching search keywords, and provides the selected links as well as more links that relates to the best matching search keywords.