Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a software tool used to convert text, speech synthesis markup language (SSML), and/or extended SSML to synthesized audio. Provisions are provided to create, view, play, and edit the synthesized speech, including editing pitch and duration targets, speaking type, paralinguistic events, and prosody. Prosody can be provided by way of a sample recording. Users can interact with the software tool by way of a graphical user interface (GUI). The software tool can produce synthesized audio file output in many file formats.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving speech and non-speech communications of natural language questions and/or commands, transcribing the speech and non-speech communications to textual messages, and executing the questions and/or commands. The invention applies context, prior information, domain knowledge, and user specific profile data to achieve a natural environment for one or more users presenting questions or commands across multiple domains. The systems and methods creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context of the speech and non-speech communications and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.

Abstract: A third party verification system, method, and computer readable medium comprising a response unit in communication with at least a first party, said response unit configured to automatically elicit information in the form of a dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) response from the at least first party providing evidence of consent granted by the at least first party to enter into at least one transaction with at least a second party, and a print server in communication with said response unit, said print server configured to receive and store said information to provide a record for third party verification that the at least first party consented to enter into the at least one transaction with the at least one second party.

Abstract: A method including displaying content on a display of a device, receiving a speech input designating a segment of the content to be excerpted and transferring the excerpted content to a predetermined location for storage and retrieval.

Abstract: A method for implementing at least one rule for an application is described. The method includes receiving an input rule. Based on the input rule, a program executable code is generated. The generated program executable code can then be associated with the application.

Abstract: Technologies for transferring Near Field Communications information on a computing device include storing information corresponding to services in a database on the computing device, receiving a voice input corresponding to a name of a requested service, and retrieving the information corresponding to the requested service from the database. Such technologies may also include loading the retrieved information corresponding to the requested service into a Near Field Communications tag emulated by the computing device and transferring the retrieved information to a portable computing device in response to the Near Field Communications tag being touched by a Near Field Communications reader of the portable computing device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for suggesting a phrase for performing a voice action. The methods, systems, and apparatus include actions of classifying a received phrase as an incomplete phrase for performing a voice action based at least on determining that (i) the voice action requires a parameter, and (ii) that no term of the phrase corresponds to the parameter. Additional actions include, in response to classifying the phrase as an incomplete phrase, generating a prompt for entry of the parameter, and in response to the prompt, receiving data indicating an entered parameter. Further actions include providing, for output, a suggested complete phrase for performing the voice action using the entered parameter.

Abstract: A content processing service may analyze an item of original content and identify several objects, attributes of those objects, and relationships between those objects present in the item of original content. The content processing service may also analyze a source graph, such as a social graph or supplemental graph, and identify several objects, attributes of those objects, and relationships between objects present in the source graph. The content processing service may customize the item of original content by selecting an original object and selecting a source graph object. One or more of the attributes or relationships of the selected original object in the item of original content may be replaced by one or more of the attributes or relationships of the selected source graph object. To customize items of audio content, audio content associated with the source graph object may replace audio content associated with the target graph object.

Abstract: A coding apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate first coding information used for first coding of a first audio signal and second coding information used for second coding of a second audio signal, and generate third coding information used for the first coding of the second audio signal and fourth coding information used for the second coding of a third audio signal; a first coding unit configured to generate first data and second data; a second coding unit configured to generate third data and fourth data by performing the second coding on the third audio signal; and a multiplexing unit configured to generate a stream of the first audio signal and a stream of the second audio signal. The third data is decoded in place of the second data in a case where a loss or an error has occurred in the stream of the second audio signal.

Abstract: A method, medium, and apparatus encoding and/or decoding a multichannel audio signal. The method includes detecting the type of spatial extension data included in an encoding result of an audio signal, if the spatial extension data is data indicating a core audio object type related to a technique of encoding core audio data, detecting the core audio object type; decoding core audio data by using a decoding technique according to the detected core audio object type, if the spatial extension data is residual coding data, decoding the residual coding data by using the decoding technique according to the core audio object type, and up-mixing the decoded core audio data by using the decoded residual coding data. According to the method, the core audio data and residual coding data may be decoded by using an identical decoding technique, thereby reducing complexity at the decoding end.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a mobile robot and a remote control station. The mobile robot is controlled by the remote control station and includes a robot monitor, and a robot camera that captures a robot image. The system also includes a medical image device that can be coupled to the robot. The remote control station includes a camera that captures a remote station image, and a monitor that displays the robot image captured by the robot camera in a robot view field, displays the remote station image in a station view field. The robot transmits the robot and medical images to the remote control station such that a larger portion of a network bandwidth is allocated for the medical image than the robot image.

Abstract: A robotic system that is used in a tele-presence session. For example, the system can be used by medical personnel to examine, diagnose and prescribe medical treatment in the session. The system includes a robot that has a camera and is controlled by a remote station. The system further includes a storage device that stores session content data regarding the session. The data may include a video/audio taping of the session by the robot. The session content data may also include time stamps that allow a user to determine the times that events occurred during the session. The session content data may be stored on a server that accessible by multiple users. Billing information may be automatically generated using the session content data.

Abstract: A remote medical assessment and therapy management apparatus comprising a center user interface, a center computer coupleable with the center user interface. The center computer displays information via the center user interface for use in developing a therapeutic prescription and receives therapeutic control inputs from a user. A remote device includes a medical diagnostic instrument for acquiring biophysical data from a patient, a medical therapeutic instrument that provides a therapy to the patient, and a remote computer that receives diagnostic signals from the diagnostic instrument and transmits therapeutic control signals to the therapeutic instrument. A network interface is connected between the first center computer and the remote computer and transmits diagnostic signals from the remote computer to the center computer and control signals from the center computer to the therapeutic instrument via the remote computer.

Abstract: In an example, a medical device includes a physiological data monitor (PDM), a memory, and a processor. The PDM is configured to monitor a physiological data parameter. The memory circuit is configured to store data collected by the PDM. The processor is configured to detect a data capture event and capture a first segment of physiological data associated with the data capture event. The processor is also configured to determine an amount of memory storage space available and determine a first priority level for the first segment of physiological data. The processor is further configured to determine a second priority level for a second segment of physiological data stored previously and select a processing scheme using the first and second priority levels. Finally, the processor is configured to process, using the processing scheme, the first and second segments of physiological data and store the first segment of physiological data.

Abstract: Receipt insurance systems and methods provide protection to consumers against losses which may result from failure to possess a physical receipt or proof of purchase for retail purchase transactions. In one embodiment, a third party receipt insurer insures or guarantees consumers or purchasers of benefits associated with having possession of a receipt or other proof of purchase for a retail purchase without the need for possession of a physical or paper receipt. A receipt insurance agreement between a receipt insurance provider and a consumer protects the consumer against a loss of consumer rights or personal property insurance rights resulting from a lost receipt by electronically storing for retrieval, if necessary, an electronic record of all of the receipt information.

Abstract: A coverage management system is described herein that enables an insurance agent and an insured party to engage in a streamlined insurance procurement process. The coverage management system facilitates generation of interactive insurance-related documents, provides mechanisms to interact with the documents, and optimizes agent-insured interaction via the insurance-related documents.

Abstract: A system and method for selling, provisioning, transacting, fulfilling, delivering and supporting simple and complex business and technical professional services in an on demand fashion for various service industries based specifically around the life cycle development relative to the specialized industry. The on demand selling, fulfillment and delivery of business and technical professional services is accomplished through a previously unused system which allows services to be administered from a plurality of specialized consultants to end clients via a ‘retail type’ framework which is built upon a converged Internet, call center, telecommunications and ancillary software platform.

Abstract: An event recording is received. The event is associated with an event entity and occurs over an event duration at an event location. A tag is received responsive to user interaction with a communication device. The tag is associated with at least one of the particular entity associated with the event entity, a particular time period associated with the event duration, and a particular location associated with the event location. Additional information associated with the event recording is received, and the tag is matched with at least a portion of the event recording based on at least one of the particular entity, the particular time period, and the particular location associated with the received tag. The portion of the event recording matching the received tag is presented for review along with the received additional information associated with the event recording.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computerized method for dispatching energy from distributed resources in a discharge event so that the energy stored in individual devices is levelized, or so that an operator request is met. Evaluation of event parameters may be deferred. The method may be utilized to dispatch energy from plug-in electric vehicles. Systems and methods to account for electricity dispatched to or from electric vehicles are disclosed. Systems and methods for incentivizing consumers to participate in a dispatch event or curtail energy use are disclosed.

Abstract: A computer identifies an available task assignment, which is location independent for completion, and determines if an assignee is available to perform work on the task assignment. The assignee's availability is based in part on information received from a mobile device of the assignee. When a change in availability is determined by the mobile device, the mobile device sends the assignee's availability information to the computer, indicating the change. If the computer determines that the assignee is available, then the computer sends the task assignment information to the mobile device of the assignee. If the computer determines the assignee is not available, then the computer sends the task assignment information to a delegate of the assignee. The computer monitors the completion of a task assignment. If the computer determines that a task assignment has not, or can not, be timely completed, then the task assignment is reassigned to a delegate.

Abstract: An appointment tracking and dynamic modification system is provided that is associated with an appointment scheduling application. A registered attending client/customer is assigned an appointment with a service provider and appointment data associated with the assigned appointment, including data indicating the location of the appointment and the time of the appointment, is obtained. The physical location and/or status of the registered attending client/customer, and/or service provider, is then monitored to calculate an estimated arrival time, and/or availability, of the registered attending client/customer, and/or service provider, at the appointment time and location.

Abstract: A system and method for aircraft maintenance planning according to which an optimized bill of work is generated for a line maintenance station at which one or more airplanes are parked or are expected to be parked.

Abstract: Systems and methods that implement interactivity as part of a workflow itself. Data is passed in and out of the workflow to form an interactive workflow, via employing an interactive activity component. Such interactive activity component models suspension points within a workflow definition, wherein user input and associated interaction can be supplied to the workflow during various interactivity breaks that request user input. Such an arrangement enables a controlled/synchronous data exchange between the workflow and a host application associated therewith.

Abstract: A method of registering a partner for an advertising program is described. The method includes receiving advertising partner information and creating a partner web page having a format for the partner in accordance with the advertising partner information. The creating may include presenting a plurality of partner web page formats to the partner and receiving a selection of the format from the plurality of partner web page formats.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for performing online data queries and purchasing advertisements associated with business listings. The system for performing online data queries is a distributed computer system with a plurality of server nodes each fully redundant and capable of processing a user query request. Each server node includes a data query cache and other caches that may be used in performing data queries. The data query, as well as request allocation, is performed in accordance with an adaptive partitioning technique with a bias towards an initial partitioning scheme. Generic objects are created and used to represent business listings upon which the user may perform queries. Various data processing and integration techniques are included which enhance data queries. An update technique is used for synchronizing data updates as needed in updating the plurality of server nodes.

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for communicating location-based promotional messages to a mobile communication device. The method may include receiving a request associated with a mobile communication device. In response to the request, the method may include determining a location of the mobile communication device and a potential interest of a user of the mobile communication device. Based on the location of the mobile communication device and the potential interest of the user, the method may include identifying a promotional message from among other promotional messages. Upon identification, the method may include communicating the promotional message to be displayed at the mobile communication device.

Abstract: An energy efficient cloud-based environment includes multiple users requesting delivery of cloud-based services from a cloud service provider. Each user provides inputs for the delivery of one or more specific cloud based services. The inputs include the type of service, time frame for using the service, and either an energy efficiency level or a performance level pertaining to the service's delivery. The service provider allocates different resources to the users for delivering the requested services, and calculates an actual price and an operating energy cost for delivering the requested services to each of the users. The profit of the service provider due to users is calculated. An overall profit of the service provider associated with delivering the cloud-based services is calculated, and a fraction of the overall profit is distributed as an incentive among the users. The incentive of each user is proportional to the profit contribution of that user.

Abstract: A platform service that is used by an application may be linked to an advertising service. A cost of using the platform service may be reduced based on the linking.

Abstract: Data is received from an activity tracking device. The received data indicates an amount of movement of the activity tracking device. The received data is associated with an account of a user of the activity tracking device. Feedback is generated for the user based on the amount of movement of the activity tracking device as indicated by the received data. The feedback is presented on a website with an indication of points accumulated by the user for the amount of movement of the activity tracking device over time.

Abstract: A server exchanges information between one or more wireless devices to complete a transaction. The server receives second device identifier information from a first wireless device using a wide area network. The second device identifier information was previously provided to the first wireless device using short range wireless communication. The server then uses the second device identifier information to determine additional information concerning an entity or object located in proximity to the second device, and then the server delivers information to the first wireless device based at least in part upon both (a) the second device identifier and (b) a current step in a multiple step process for an ongoing electronic commerce transaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system, method, and article of manufacture for targeting ad impressions. A list of customer records may be transmitted to a service provider system that identifies a matched customer and installs a cookie on a web client associated with the matched customer. The system may further receive a campaign request from a merchant and transmit the campaign request to the service provider system which may add a flag to the cookie based on the campaign request as well as instruct a media buyer system to bid on an ad impression for the matched customer based on the flag. The system may further receive an expenditure associated with the matched customer who received the ad impression and compare the expenditure to an expenditure associated with a customer who did not receive targeted ad impression but fits parameters associated with the campaign request.

Abstract: An information distribution system including an image data processing device, a server, and a portable telephone unit having an image data acquisition unit that acquires image data with a destination address attached thereto and a display unit that displays the image data. The image data is distributed from the image data processing device to the portable telephone unit, and advertisement information based on user information is extracted from an advertisement information storage unit and appended to image/text data by an advertisement information appending unit provided in the server.

Abstract: In a video game session supporting a set of gamers participating in the game from a variety of different locations, an opportunity to provide an advertisement is presented. The content of the advertisement is chosen based upon specific criteria such as data relating to one of the gamers, for example, the location of the gamer. The chosen content of the advertisement is provided within an advertising spot of the video game.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a utilization request for one of plural services provided by a computer; a service attribute information storage unit configured to store service attribute information of each of the services, the service attribute information including information indicating a type of the service and information indicating an evaluation of a content of the service; and a service recommending unit configured to search the service attribute information storage unit for the service attribute information corresponding to the type of the requested service, and determine a utilization-recommended service based on the evaluation information in the service attribute information retrieved from the service attribute information storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for managing transactions in which an order is specified online and payment is received at a point of sale (POS). Methods are disclosed for managing payment for such transactions at a POS, including transactions involving payment for both in-store purchases and online orders. Methods are also disclosed for managing inventory and price changes for such transactions where payment can occur at any time in a pay period following order creation. Also disclosed are methods for processing refunds for online orders for which payment was made at a POS. Finally, methods for preventing fraud and abuse as well as restricting the availability of this payment method for certain items are disclosed.

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. Transactions may be tracked using addresses in a communications network. Address identifiers may be used to reduce the size of the addresses.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for facilitating the use of wireless smart devices to purchase goods or services that are not available at a purchaser's location are provided. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a method for facilitating the use of a wireless smart device to purchase goods or services is provided. The method includes providing a smart poster that advertises a good or service and is locatable in an area that is accessible by a potential purchaser of a good or service. The method includes directing, using a mechanism in or on the smart poster, the wireless smart device to access a section of an merchant's website specific to the good or service in response to the wireless smart device interfacing with the smart poster. The method further includes providing, via the wireless smart device, an option for the potential purchaser to purchase the good or service in a manner that bypasses a payment register in a retail location of the merchant.

Abstract: A shopping system and method for assisting consumers with budgeting and taking advantage of time-sensitive pricing offers. The system comprises a handheld wireless device capable of capturing images of quick response (QR) codes and scanning linear image indicia; a remote pricing information provider; and a personal computer. Pricing information about specific products or a category of products is downloaded from a pricing information provider either directly to the wireless device or to a personal computer and then transferred to the wireless device. The consumer then scans a QR code associated with a time-sensitive offer to update the pricing information stored in the wireless device. When the consumer goes shopping, he scans the barcodes of products for purchase and the associated pricing information is accessed by the device to create a summed total of scanned products. Consumers can use the system to maintain their budget and take advantage of store discounts.

Abstract: A system and architecture for enhancing search results generated by an Internet search engine, so that those search results include enhanced buyer-oriented information, is disclosed. According to one aspect, a list of search results generated by an Internet search engine comprises one or more search results that are associated with one or more URLs in a set of URLs. For each such URL, seller-specific information, which may be based on and/or comprise ratings that are associated with registered selling entities that are associated with that URL, is presented in association with that URL's corresponding search result in the list of search results. A user who submitted query terms, based upon which the list of search results was generated, can use the presented rating information to determine which of the search results to investigate further.

Abstract: A method for customizing a device during order fulfillment is described. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag of an electronic device is wirelessly loaded with customization information at an order fulfillment center without disturbing packaging surrounding the electronic device or without powering up the electronic device.

Abstract: An information system environment is described that, among other things, facilitates integration of electronic commerce and physical store front retailer selling channels. In some realizations, the system includes a shopper accessible kiosk co-located with a physical store front retailer and an electronic commerce information service accessible from locations external to the physical store front retailer. Both access inventory information supplied from a suitable information service. The shopper accessible kiosk allows a user thereof to access inventory information particular to the physical store front retailer, while the electronic commerce information service allows a user thereof to order items from out of stock of the physical store front retailer.

Abstract: A method for making purchases with a mobile device at a physical location is described. A service provider receives information about an item available for purchase, and this information is projected on a surface. A user in the vicinity of the surface views the projected information and provides input through the user's mobile device. The projected information changes based on the input. The user selects an item for purchase and pays for the selected item through the mobile device.

Abstract: A graphic user interface is disclosed that combines a traditional trading, bookkeeping system or clearing system window with a detailed margin and/or collateral asset calculation analysis window on a single screen. The disclosed GUI provides the flexibility to analyze any combination of products or instrument classes such as single stock futures, futures (of all types), options (of all types), forward contracts, security options, securities and cash-based assets. Conventional systems merely block entry of orders beyond a predetermined credit limit or display clearing/bookkeeping information on all types of portfolio or accounts.

Abstract: An exchange computer system creates, trades and/or otherwise manages basis derivative contracts. At maturity, a basis derivative contract may have two components. A first component may require a party to the basis derivative contract to make or take some type of delivery related to a particular subject matter. A second component may require the basis derivative contractee to accept a further obligation under one or more derivative contracts related to the subject matter.

Abstract: A transaction terminal system for a card-based purchase communicates with a host system to provide dynamic currency conversion. The transaction terminal system can select one of a number of different rate request messages according to various local factors in order to obtain a currency conversion rate for dynamic currency conversion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments contemplate a computer-implemented method of enabling a value exchange between users of a SNS which functions within the confines of the SNS. Certain embodiments comprise an application which creates at least an interface to the value exchange system, a means for registration to enable users to register with the value exchange system, a means for receiving at the value exchange system, a value exchange transaction between a first user and a second user, wherein the users are members of a same internet-based social network and the value exchange system makes use of the internet-based social network account identifiers of the respective users to enable the communication of value exchange transactions between the users. The application may also create a value exchange means for debiting from or crediting to the value exchange system account of first and second users.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity, and are compensated through settlement for their functional participation in the electric power grid.

Abstract: A system and method for network file filtering to prevent identity theft or misuse by restricting access to files likely to contain sensitive data is disclosed. The file filtering process includes scanning at least one data file for density of a selected pattern. Files identified as containing the selected pattern may be further analyzed to determine the likelihood of the presence of sensitive information. The process may also include restricting access to files that are identified as likely to contain sensitive information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for upgrades and synchronization of applications installed on a device, such as a mobile device. In one embodiment, a device may include applications purchased and downloaded via a content management system. The device maintains a list or database of applications that are authorized for each device. This list is also replicated in a remote cache that is maintained by an archive host. The device may then synchronize and upgrade these applications across multiple platforms, such as one or more computers that can be coupled to the device or the archive host. The archive host allows for files of the application be provided back to the device. Upon installation, the device can then confirm the authorization and identity of the newly installed application.

Abstract: A system for securing patient medical information for communication over a potentially vulnerable system includes separating patient's medical file into a demographics layer and a data layer, separately encrypting the demographic layer and data layer using different encryption keys, and providing servers in a communication and processing system with a decryption key for the layer processed by such server. Medical file data may be separated into more than two layers. Users accessing the system are authenticated using standard techniques. By separately encrypting different parts of a patient medical record, processing and communication of patient medical files by intermediary servers is enabled without risking disclosure of sensitive patient information if such servers are compromised.