Abstract: A set of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) for a resource-limited environment are disclosed. The APIs provide a mechanism for a computer application to interface with various components and modules of an operating system for a resource-limited environment. The APIs further provide a mechanism to interface with input/output devices commonly found in embedded systems running in a resource-limited environment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for administering a personal interactive voice response service. A personalized greeting is retrieved that is associated with a calling party and with a called party. The calling party's response to the greeting is received, and stored information is retrieved that is associated with the calling party's response and with the called party. The stored information is presented to the calling party.

Abstract: An apparatus that process framed audio data to add fade-in and/or fade-out effect with low computing speed and small memory. The apparatus includes a deframer for taking an original value of a first gain parameter from an input audio frame, a first gain parameter adjuster for adjusting the first gain parameter based on the original value for a preset duration, and a framer for generating an output audio frame, which has the adjusted value for the first gain parameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward a networked grain aeration control system. For example, the system can provide centralized monitoring of the aeration of a number of grain storage facilities, thereby improving the management of stored grain. The networked grain aeration control system can allow the custodian of the system to offer an aeration service. Farmers, or other individuals, cooperatives, or companies can purchase the aeration service at a cost proportionate to the amount of stored grain to be aerated and the duration of storage. In this manner, the purchaser of the aeration service can avoid relatively high fixed costs that can be associated with various aeration hardware.

Abstract: A method, executed by a server, for providing answers on one or more topics from a set of experts on each topic to questions posed by users. Users can direct questions to one or more specific experts, who in turn can answer the questions, refer the questions to other experts, or both. The server automatically organizes and stores questions and answers in various fora. An administrator can take advantage of the design of the system to create or change a forum without having to write or change low-level code.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for selecting a target group of consumers from a larger group of consumers in a computer database. Thus, for a given brand and marketing objective, the systems and methods provide for identifying the dimensions that define a relevant attitudinal consumer segment (or segments). In addition, the systems and methods select consumers, from an in-house or third party database containing appended variables, who are most attitudinally aligned with the target segment definition(s).

Abstract: An electronic fund transfer system is disclosed wherein commissions for point-of-sale purchase transactions are determined and distributed to members of an organizational network for promoting use of a non-cash payment device for effecting purchase transactions. Purchase data is electronically transmitted from the point-of-sale to an automated clearing house for effecting fund transfers to prepare the purchase, and also to a commission management system. The commission management system maintains an electronic database reflecting the structure of the organizational network, and further determines the distribution of purchase commissions according to a predetermined schedule of proportions relating to the position and business volume of each member of the network. The commission management system further comprises a payment processor for effecting commission payments to the members or to a designated sponsor on a scheduled basis.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral buyer-driven commerce. The present invention allows prospective buyers of goods and services to communicate a binding purchase offer globally to potential sellers, for sellers conveniently to search for relevant buyer purchase offers, and for sellers potentially to bind a buyer to a contract based on the buyer's purchase offer. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller which receives binding purchase offers from prospective buyers. The controller makes purchase offers available globally to potential sellers. Potential sellers then have the option to accept a purchase offer and thus bind the corresponding buyer to a contract. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony.

Abstract: A system and method for providing services to users in vehicles based on radio broadcasts received by a vehicle's radio receiver. The system includes a computer-based vehicle unit located in a vehicle, a gateway configured to wirelessly send and receive information to and from the vehicle unit, and a computer-based server in communication with the gateway over a network. The vehicle unit includes a user interface component that presents the received content and radio broadcast and records user requests. The server processes the requests and sends confirmation messages back to the unit via the gateway when a request is completed or other information needs to be sent to the unit. The vehicle unit wirelessly receives a radio broadcast from a radio station, transmits user requests and vehicle information to the server via the gateway, and receives content back from the server.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for conducting an auction of a plurality of heterogeneous items. The method comprises making, by offering parties, offers to potential accepting parties for the heterogeneous items. The making begins at a specified time with at least some of the potential accepting parties and at least some of the offering parties represented by software-based agents hosted on terminals connected via a communication network. Any acceptance by any accepting party of any offer from any offering party is binding on the offering party immediately, but is not binding on the accepting party until the auction closes. The method also comprises accepting, by an accepting party, a first offer from a first offering party for the heterogeneous item only if the first offer provides a surplus of at least a minimum surplus amount for the heterogeneous item.

Abstract: An electronic marketplace system embodies various inventions for assisting users in listing products for sale, locating the listings for a product, and performing related actions. A user wishing to sell a product can browse to an existing description of the product in an electronic catalog and then select an option to create a corresponding listing. If the user previously purchased the product via the system, the user may alternatively select the product from a personal purchase history. To create the listing for the selected product, the user preferably specifies the product's condition and a selling price. The pending listings for a product are preferably displayed or summarized on the product's detail page in the catalog. When no such listings exist, an option to preorder the product from an unspecified seller may be provided. In one embodiment, the electronic catalog also serves as a retail sales catalog of a merchant.

Abstract: A system for distributing files containing digital data, by using a telematic network, allows the remote booking of a plurality of files, through a personal computer (12) or a cellular phone (10), the choice of a support (16) onto which said files are to be recorded, and the subsequent collection of the support at a chosen point of sale (8). Moreover, the system guarantees the quality, the origin, the safeguard of the copyrights related with the files recorded onto the support and delivered to the client, and the protection of the material against any duplication until the production and delivery of the support to the client to which the material is destined.

Abstract: A user at a grid client enters at least one bid criteria for a particular grid job intended for submission to an external grid environment. The grid client automatically selects at least one grid provider for the external grid environment to query for availability to process the particular grid job to meet the criteria for the particular grid job. The grid client automatically distributes the criteria in a bid request for the particular grid job to the selected grid providers. The grid client stores bid responses received from the grid providers, and responsive to reaching a deadline for return of responses for the bid request, the grid client selects a winning bid response from the particular grid job from among the received responses. The grid client automatically distributes the particular grid job from the grid client system to the grid provider submitting the winning bid response.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for an airline to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented service is operated that delivers to a customer an option to fly on up to n of m selected flights, where m and n are whole numbers and n<m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen flights, whereby after each of the n chosen flights is defined, the customer can fly on said chosen flight. The information pertaining to said defined flights is recorded in a data store.

Abstract: This is a system to assist shoppers through a handheld wireless communications device which is Bluetooth-enabled (as an example) (a registered trademark), connected to a barcode reader to scan Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes on items in the store. The shopper is required to login to the store's shopping system using this device once a personal account has created. While shopping, scan the items, view their prices and running total and finally complete the purchase. This system is also capable of (as an example) consolidating a personal shopping list created remotely through vendor's web site or stored on the personal communication device and the shopping cart to help and enhance the shopping experience.

Abstract: A method and system for creating and ordering from a Custom Catalog via an Internet catalog website is disclosed. A customer who is interested in only certain products included in a company's Internet product catalog can create a Custom Catalog that includes information about only those products in which the customer is interested. The customer provides certain identifying information, including the customer's e-mail address and a password that is linked to the e-mail address. Once the Custom Catalog is created, the customer can browse the company products displayed at the website and add them to his Custom Catalog. The purchaser can select products in the Custom Catalog and view detailed images of the selected products that include pricing and purchasing information for the products. The customer can also delete from his Custom Catalog those products no longer of interest.

Abstract: In an e-commerce context, a method and system are provided for exchanging documents in transactions between partners. The partners are joined in an exchange network and are communicating with each other via a hub entity. The documents are transformed from one partner's native format to another partner's native format via an interim standard document to which a common process is applied. The common process applies partner-specific rules to the standard document.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for creating a holistic representation of a portfolio. The model graphs diversification and explains diversification as symmetry. The model can facilitate active management of a portfolio, communication of complicated investment concepts and lucid, holistic portfolio representation. The model, normally depicted in three dimensions may provide a platform to perform portfolio analysis and manage investments. The invention embodies custom efficient portfolio creation, and diversification quantification via the intra-portfolio correlation. Portfolio creation gives the user freedom to select user-defined variables that are modeled as axes. Assets are graphed on the basis of their relationship or correlation with all the other assets in the determined asset universe. More attractive assets are graphed furthest from the origin. Thus the efficient allocation is determined using volume attribution for the assets comprising the surface of the model.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for data interchange provides a universal transaction mechanism for translating and sharing data, particularly financial data, thereby streamlining the exchange of financial information and approvals typically utilized in many brokerage transactions, including the verification of free funds through an electronic Letter of Free Funds in compliance with Regulation T and related government-mandated rules and requirements.

Abstract: A method of protecting at least a portion of an initial investment value of an investment made by an investor including the steps of: registering a C-corporation; electing the C-corporation to be treated as a regulated investment company; holding positions using the C-corporation in a set of put-option based instruments having a first underlying reference and a set of call-option based instruments having a second underlying reference, the first underlying reference being the same as or substantially correlated to the second underlying reference, so that the sets of put-option based instruments and call-option based instruments provide the at least a portion of the initial investment value at maturity of the investment; and making available the at least a portion of the initial investment value to the investor upon the maturity of the investment.

Abstract: A trading process having a trading methodology selected by a user is operative to interact with market processes having respective market methodologies. The trading process and the market processes are supported on a platform that also supports platform processes for providing services to the trading processes and market processes. The trading processes interact with each other and with external markets through the market processes.

Abstract: A system and method for offering a financial product to a customer in real-time while the customer is conducting a transaction over a network. In response to received identification information regarding the customer over the network, the present system and method retrieves data related to the identification information, determines if the customer qualifies to receive an offer of the financial product in response to the retrieved data, and then offers the financial product to the customer if the customer qualifies. If the customer accepts the offer of the financial product, the financial product is made immediately usable by the customer. This entire process is performed while the customer is conducting a transaction on-line or via telephone. In other words, the process is conducted in real-time. Because the determination of the qualification for an offer is conducted in real-time, the back-end process required to re-check the customer's credit data before approving the offer is eliminated.

Abstract: A loan origination system interface module for processing loan applications from a user through a lender web site is described. The loan originator accesses a lender web site to perform loan processing procedures. The module is included on the lender's web page through a standard object reference in HTML specification. The module contains information unique to that lender, and the lender's identification number as well as desired data format. Once the loan originator decides to transfer a loan application or supplemental data to the lender, the module examines the loan origination software pipeline and presents a selection of loan products to the user. Once the user makes a selection, the module extracts loan information stored in the loan origination software by conducting a search for each required data field, relates that data to the specific field in the vendor application format, and packages the data in a format acceptable to the lender.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a higher credit limit to a credit customer is provided. The method includes opening a credit account for a customer. The method also includes determining a first credit limit for the credit account using a credit rating of the customer. The method also includes determining a second credit limit for the credit account using credit information concerning a guarantor. The second credit limit is higher than the first credit limit and coexists with the first credit limit. The method also includes forming an agreement with the guarantor that the guarantor is responsible for paying a portion of an unpaid balance of the credit account that exceeds the first credit limit.

Abstract: The present invention includes a virtual customer database system for delivering personalized services to a consumer operating a communication device. The virtual customer database system includes an administrator and a distributed database. The distributed database may be selectively loaded by the administrator with customer related information extracted from participating businesses. The distributed database includes secure databases associated with each participating business and a public participant database. The administrator may process push and pull service requests by selectively querying the distributed database. Sensitive customer specific information may remain with each corresponding participating business while responses to the requests may include personalized customer specific information provided via a common interface standard.

Abstract: A method of conducting a monetary transaction and system for providing and utilizing a money order device is provided. The method and system utilize a vended money order device that is vended during a vending operation. The money order device is then utilized in a merchant transaction operation. The method and system utilize identity verification information that is transmitted to a clearinghouse during at least one of the vending operation and the merchant transaction operation.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling use of detailed consumer profiles for the purposes of targeted information delivery while protecting these profiles from disclosure to information providers or hostile third parties are disclosed herein. Rather than gathering data about a consumer in order to decide which information to send her, an information provider makes use of a client-side executable software module called a negotiant function. The negotiant function acts as a client-side proxy to protect consumer data, and it also directs the targeting of information, requesting items of information from the information provider that are tailored to the profile provided by the consumer.

Abstract: A node participating in a network of nodes that solve a distributed constraint problem. The nodes have mutually constrained sub-problems of the constraint problem. The node receives values or decisions from neighbor nodes. Those values or decisions allow the sub-problems of the neighbor nodes to be solved. Some received values or decisions correspond to a first ordering of the nodes, and some received values or decisions correspond to a second ordering of the nodes. Attempts are made to solve the sub-problem of the node as constrained by the values or decisions of the neighbor nodes. Results of the attempts are communicated to neighbor nodes, where for a given value or decision the node to which the corresponding attempt result is communicated depends on which of the orderings the given value or decision corresponds to. An attempt for one context can be affected by attempts in another context.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for classification of incoming text messages into categories. An initial set of categories is created and populated with a set of initial messages in each category. Incoming messages are assigned to a category based on text analysis of the incoming message and analysis of dissimilarities and differences between the message and messages already in the category. A set of unclassified messages is also maintained for incoming messages that do not fit an established category. Periodically, unclassified messages are reassigned to one of the established categories or to new categories created based on analysis of the unclassified messages.

Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for training machine learning systems. Many cost functions are not smooth or differentiable and cannot easily be used during training of a machine learning system. The machine learning system can include a set of estimated gradients based at least in part upon the ranked or sorted results generated by the learning system. The estimated gradients can be selected to reflect the requirements of a cost function and utilized instead of the cost function to determine or modify the parameters of the learning system during training of the learning system.

Abstract: A plurality of neural networks or other models can be used in employee selection technologies. A hiring recommendation can be based at least on processing performed by a plurality of neural networks. For example, parallel or series processing by neural networks can be performed. A neural network can be coupled to one or more other neural networks. A binary or other n-ary output can be generated by one or more of the neural networks. In a series arrangement, candidates can be processed sequentially in multiple stages, and those surviving the stages are recommended for hire.

Abstract: A system and method for inquiry of option and/or stock status and for processing trades made pursuant to stock option and purchase plans is provided. Participant information is stored and transmitted to a finance system. Rules may be enforced for stock option and stock purchase plans with the finance system. Participants are provided with incentive compensation that can be utilized in a simplified, user friendly, streamlined process.

Abstract: A forecasting apparatus for predicting future events includes a forecast processing data configuring section for configuring a data matrix including previously accumulated historical data and unknown forecast data, the data matrix having the unknown forecast data as missing elements, and a forecast processing section for estimating values of the missing elements representative of the unknown forecast data by performing singular value decomposition of the data matrix configured by the forecast processing data configuring section.

Abstract: A real-time on board engine component performance tracking system for deriving high fidelity engine models capable of providing a reference level from which performance changes can be trended with reduced operating cost, increased safety, and increased reliability while minimizing memory requirements and maximizing speed.

Abstract: An extended state machine that makes use of an inference engine as the infrastructure for adding inferential capabilities to the state machine's execution. The result is a state machine that may operate on partial or disordered information, inferring intermediate states that have yet to be formally traversed. In addition, controls such as state timeouts and transition priorities allow for finer control of the state machine's execution, particularly in unexpected circumstances.

Abstract: Targeted delivery of items with inventory management using a cluster-based approach or a rule-based approach is disclosed. An example of items is advertisements. Each item is allocated to one or more clusters. The allocation is made based on a predetermined criterion accounting for at least a quota for each item and possibly a constraint for each cluster. The former can refer to the number of times an item must be shown. The latter can refer to the number of times a given group of web pages is likely to be visited by users, and hence is the number of times items can be shown in a given cluster. The invention is not limited to any particular definition of what constitutes a cluster or item.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for registering rules for attributes of an entity with an entity validation and inference unit. The entity validation and inference unit can further validate input values for an entity and/or infer attributes of an entity using the associated registered rules. The entity validation and inference unit can also provide information regarding attributes, relations, and behaviors of an entity using the associated registered rules in response to a query. The present invention also provides a mechanism for a user to query an entity or the entity validation and inference unit regarding valid values for an entity. The mechanism also allows the user to query the registered rule associated with the entity.

Abstract: A method and system of associating product codes with product characteristics, and using those product codes to send and receive information about those characteristics to destinations on a network when the values of those characteristics change.

Abstract: Records in a secure database include attributes. A query homomorphically encrypts indices identifying one record and attribute. A secret key is generated at a certain query count and is divided into randomly generated key shares. A key share sequence is homomorphically encrypted. A table is formed by encrypting the indices, secret key and attributes. The key shares are decrypted sufficient to recover the secret key subject to a non-inference enabling query. In a further embodiment, a query count is maintained. Records in a secure database include attributes, with an attributes set forming inference channels. A data structure includes ciphertext keys. A pseudorandom function seed and non-malleable encryption secret key are chosen. A query provides indices identifying one record and attribute. A secure function evaluation is executed. A table combines the attributes with the pseudorandom function applied to the seed and indices. A table entry for the indices is provided.

Abstract: A safety PLC 1 serving as a master and a safety slave 2 are connected through a safety network 3 to constitute a network system. The safety slave has non-safety information storing unit 26 for storing individual information and a state information of the connected safety device, the state information monitors a state of the operating safety device and a stored content is updated based on its monitored result. Then, when the non-safety information satisfying a fixed condition, at least the non-safety information satisfied the condition is transmitted to the safety PLC. That processing is performed by an MPU 23. Thus, unnecessary non-safety information is not transmitted.

Abstract: Integrating the partitioning of physical design structures with the physical design process can result in more efficient query execution. When candidate structures are evaluated for their relative benefit, one or more partitioning methods is associated with each structure so that the benefits of various partitioning methods are taken into consideration when the structures are selected for use by the database. A pool of partitioned candidate structures is formed by proposing and evaluating the benefit of candidate structures with associated partitioning on a per query basis. The selected partitioned candidates are then used to construct generalized structures with associated partitioning methods that are evaluated for their benefit over the workload. Those generalized structures are added to the pool of partitioned candidate structures. From this augmented pool of partitioned candidate structures, an optimal set of partitioned structures is enumerated for use by the database system.

Abstract: A method for collecting statistics associated with data in a database are disclosed. The method comprises determining an amount of memory needed to collect statistics for data associated with a defined data type in a relational database. The defined data type is based upon a mark-up language using a tree structure with one or more root-to-node paths therein. The amount of memory is allocated as determined for collecting the statistics for the data of the defined data type. A statistics collection is performed for the data of the defined data type in a single pass through the database and within the amount of memory which has been allocated. The performing includes at least determining a total number of instances of at least one path-identifier associated with a given value within a given set of documents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing temporal data. A spatial query is received specifying a mapping function that identifies a set of temporal values for one or more objects. Geographic positions are automatically extracted from each set of temporal values for each of the one or more objects. Point objects are generated from the geographic positions. One or more spatial objects are generated from the point objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable searches of social networks by acting as a “compass” that assists users in navigating the social network. Individual user participation is not required in response to queries from other users. The systems and methods offer navigational assistance or information as opposed to a traditional search which returns requested information, thus currently acceptable social mechanisms for arbitrating trust can be exploited. As a result, users do not make their personal information publicly searchable, while at the same time, they are protected from potential misrepresentations of facts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the provision of information additional to reproduced information and use of a program loaded in an arithmetic unit (1) for reproduction of information, whereby the program contacts at least one data bank (6 to 10), which may contain logical additional information to the information reproduced by the program. Should there be additional information for reproduced information in the data bank (6 to 10), the program marks the information and links the information Lu the additional information, whereby the marking of the information may be activated such that the additional information can be displayed. The invention further relates to a computer (1) provided with such a program.

Abstract: A distributed query engine pipeline architecture comprises cascaded analysis engines that accept an input query and each identifies a portion of the input query that it can pass on to an execution engine. Each stage rewrites the input query to remove the portion identified and replaces it with a placeholder. The rewritten query is forwarded to the next analysis engine in the cascade. Each engine compiles the portion it identified so that an execution engine may process that portion. Execution preferably proceeds from the portion of the query compiled by the last analysis engine. The execution engine corresponding to the last analysis engine executes the query and makes a call to the next higher execution engine in the cascade for data from the preceding portion. The process continues until the results from the input query are fully assembled.

Abstract: Front end preprocessing modifies queries to get them in better form for presentation to a variety of data sources. The queries are modified by grouping terms as phrases, correcting spelling errors, and augmenting the query with category terms that trigger query execution on certain data sources. Context information about a particular user as well as information about previous queries by other uses are also used to modify the query to better reflect the user's intent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining the scope of a search is described. In one embodiment, user input is received, and the scope is defined, based on the user input, for a search of free-form text for information from any random rows within a tabular structure of source data. In one embodiment, the search is intended for finding, in the free-form text, a sub-set of data fragments that matches information from any single row within the tabular structure of the source data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment receive a keyword from a client, create search results for the keyword via an index. Context information is determined from the search results using a file name and a topic name as a key. A context tag is then created in a search-results page. The context tag includes the context information. When the context tag is interpreted at the client, it causes the context information to be displayed after the search results are selected. In this way, a user may more easily determine the relevant search results.

Abstract: A method to process database queries are disclosed. One embodiment comprises receiving an abstract query against a database having a multiplicity of data records. The abstract query identifies a model entity that defines a focus of the abstract query. The method further comprises receiving a limitation request configured to restrict a result set for the abstract query. The limitation request specifies a limitation on data records that are returned for one or more instances of the underlying model entity. From the abstract query, an executable query capable of being executed by a query engine is generated. The executable query is modified on the basis of the limitation request. The modified executable query is executed against the database to obtain the result set, whereby the result set is restricted as requested by the limitation request.