Abstract: Approaches presented herein enable measuring an impact on performance metrics of shifting a performance focus based on an assignment of communications to a resource based on a performance area in a customer support environment. Specifically, resources, each with several performance area attributes, are assigned performance scores. A performance focus manager selects a shifting performance area of focus and assigns communications to the resources based on the selected performance area. A history manager maintains a set of feedback performance metrics in a selected performance category, including a subset of metrics establishing a baseline for the category. The feedback performance metrics may be queried to determine how a shift in performance focus impacts a performance category and if the performance metrics of the category are within a tolerance.

Abstract: A computer method and system provide means for identifying influential organizations in a business network. The system comprises a database of business relationships between organizations. The system applies algorithms to determine which organizations are influential to others. In response to a user searching for a product, service or organization, the system determines which product, service or organization are recorded in the database as connected to an influential organization.

Abstract: A multi-chat monitoring and auditing system and method are disclosed. The system and method may be used to simultaneously monitor, audit, and manage online, text-based chat interactions between a plurality of customer service representatives and a plurality of users. Chat streams are monitored through the use of flags that may be customized based on the preferences of the system operators. The system and method may also audit chat interactions through data collection and through a dashboard that aggregates and analyzes key performance indicators. A supervisor's dashboard may also be utilized to manage and oversee the chat interactions of a plurality of customer service representatives.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and computer program products provide for a comprehensive quality assurance platform for automatically assessing the quality of work performance of associates. The described quality assurance system/module that can be implemented in conjunction with the work allocation system described herein or the system can operate as a standalone quality assurance system/module. The quality assurance system provides for automated collection and tracking of quality metrics and automated quality calibrations (i.e., automated and random selection of work assignment/transactions for comparison to standards). Additionally, the quality assurance system provides for validating the quality assurance work by random sampling and quality assurance assessment of the auditor's work and an associate improvement plan, whereby quality assurance metrics may be systematically adjusted and/or sampling sizes increased for associates with quality scores that dictate a need for improvement.

Abstract: A system, method and program product are provided for calculating a customer lifetime benefit (CLB) metric. A system is disclosed that includes: a communication system that provides a communication link to a plurality of CLB compatible products; an event processor that detects and processes events occurring on the plurality of CLB compatible products; a response engine that determines an appropriate action from a set of possible actions to take in response to event data detected on a CLB compatible product, wherein the set of possible actions includes triggering a corrective action on the CLB compatible product; and a lifecycle benefits analyzer that calculates a CLB metric based on operational compliance data of the CLB compatible product and resolution data resulting from corrective actions taken by the response engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for estimating an ability of a worker in a process for integrating work results of multiple workers for the same task includes acquiring, for each of one or more tasks, a work result of a preceding-stage worker and a work result of a succeeding-stage worker that works based on the work result of the preceding-stage worker. The method also includes estimating multiple parameters of a probability model in which an ability of the succeeding-stage worker conditioned by a quality of the work result of the preceding-stage worker is introduced as a conditioned ability parameter, based on the multiple work results obtained for each of the one or more tasks.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform operations including: receive information describing an issue requiring assistance by one or more service providers; generate a work activity based on the received information, the work activity including a standard format populated with at least a portion of the received information; generate a notification schedule, the notification schedule being an ordering of a subset of qualified service providers of the one or more service providers in which the subset of qualified service providers are to be notified of the work activity; and notify one or more service providers of the subset of qualified service providers of the work activity, the one or more service providers of the subset of qualified service providers selected according to the notification schedule is shown.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods to provide a project structure map are described herein. In one aspect, a description of a project defining activities of the project is received. Insights associated with the activities are determined based on the received description and are displayed in a focus of a first circular disc on a GUI. A predefined number of nodes representing a first level of activities of the activities are displayed on the first circular disc. Upon receiving a selection of a node on the first circular disc, a predefined number of nodes representing a second level of activities associated with a first level of activity corresponding to the selected node are displayed on a second circular disc concentric to the first circular disc. Insights of the first level of activity corresponding to the selected node are displayed in the focus of the first circular disc.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a software system in a central computer that facilitates scheduling of a high volume of meetings among a wide array of individuals and companies with important secure methods for managing documents requiring a notarized signature or third party document exchange. The schedule is run from a central location where individual notaries attend signing appointments and closings. Important convenience features are included that facilitate the volume of meetings and the accuracy needed to transfer signed legal documents to the correct authority in a timely manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filtering and displaying different scenarios are provided. Gantt charts illustrating multiple scenarios for performing projects are generated by a computer system. The projects shown in the Gantt charts are filtered by the computer system so that only projects which exhibit differences between the multiple scenarios are displayed. The computer system may display projects with differences that exceed a threshold. Gantt charts may be displayed by computer systems along with risk matrices describing the risks involved in one or more of the projects. Risk matrices plot risk values associated with projects. Computer systems may group projects with similar risk values into bins.

Abstract: A scheduling apparatus comprises a server computer and a first set of instructions executable on the server computer configured to receive availability and unavailability data from one or more users. The first set of instructions are further executable to present a display to each of the one or more users of a calendar displaying a shift schedule for each of said users. The first set of instructions are further configured to receive a request from a first of the one or more users, and transmit to a second of the one or more users, a request to cover a shift from said shift schedule of said first user. The first set of instructions are further configured to receive a confirmation message from the second user to transmit to the first user reflecting that the second user will cover the first user's shift. The first set of instructions are further configured to change the display of the calendar of the first user to reflect that the second user will cover the first user's shift.

Abstract: Example methods and systems are directed to a managed inventory. A database may store information regarding items owned by a user. The information regarding an item may include a quantity owned and one or more triggering events. Based on the occurrence of a triggering event, an order for the item may be placed without user intervention. Data to the database may be provided by one or more sensors. Triggering events may be defined in terms of sensor data. The triggering event may be defined by a user or through machine learning. The order may be placed using a predetermined modality or a dynamically-determined modality based on one or more criteria, such as price, shipping speed, and the urgency of the order.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to a store intelligence system can include a plurality of end-point devices associated with a product shelf configured to display product, and a plurality of hubs each positioned adjacent to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices. One or more of the plurality of end-point devices can be configured to detect and transmit inventory information to a predetermined adjacent hub of the plurality of hubs or to receive and display price information or product information from a predetermined hub of the plurality of hubs. Each of the hubs can be configured to receive inventory information from one or more of the plurality of endpoint devices, provide alerts, transmit inventory information to a network, receive price information and product information, and transmit the price information and product information to one or more of the plurality of end-point devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to sensor-equipped display management systems. In one aspect, the systems and methods may be utilized to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. In another aspect, the systems and methods may be utilized to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system.

Abstract: 3D glasses having an RFID tag (embedded in one or more temples) are rented to theater or other venue operators. The glasses are shipped to a venue for distribution to patrons and collected from patrons in the trays. Inventory and other measures are implemented by RFID scanning while the glasses are in the trays (e.g., upon delivery to a theater, on collection from the theater, upon inspection at the 3D rental company, etc). Data gathered from RFID scanning and inspections allows the rental company to properly allocate rental costs to various venues based on shrinkage which includes, for example, extraordinary wear of the glasses, breakage or theft, which is attributable and traceable to the specific venues. The theater or venue may also independently scan the trays upon delivery and pick-up to maintain their own records. The invention includes 3D glasses with RFID, a washing rack, and rental systems.

Abstract: A system and method for logistics verification are disclosed. In the logistics verification system, an identification information distribution center generates a pick-up code and pick-up verification information corresponding to the pick-up code, a sign-for code and sign-for verification information corresponding to the sign-for code. A logistics terminal sends the pick-up code to the pick-up terminal, the sign-for verification information to a delivery terminal. A supply terminal provides the goods after verifying the pick-up code according to the pick-up verification information. A pick-up terminal picks up the goods at the supply terminal depending on the pick-up code. A delivery terminal transports the goods from the delivering origin to the destination and verifies the sign-for code according to the sign-for verification information. Finally, a client terminal receives the goods at the destination depending on the sign-for code.

Abstract: A business system generating and utilizing trust linkages and professional linkages between members for the synthesis of economic value in business entities.

Abstract: According to embodiments illustrated herein, a method is provided for designing an image-analysis task. The method includes receiving one or more first target values of one or more output parameters of the image-analysis task from a requester through a GUI. Thereafter, one or more first values of one or more input parameters, associated with the image-analysis task, corresponding to the one or more first target values are determined based on the one of more first target values and a model. The model corresponds to a relationship between the one or more input parameters and the one or more output parameters. Further, the one or more first values of the one or more input parameters are presented to the requester through the GUI. The requester at least provides one or more second target values of the one or more output parameters through the GUI, based on the presentation.

Abstract: A method and associated systems for real-time continuous realignment of a large-scale distributed project. A project-management system, consisting of a computer system, a data warehouse, and remote data-aggregation subsystems, receives project artifacts that describe goals, scope, contractual obligations, and other characteristics of a large-scale project. The distributed system extracts from the artifacts baseline values of benchmarks that measure project progress. Project workers located at multiple sites continuously feed the project-management system, via the data-aggregation subsystems, data describing actual progress on the project. The baseline values and actual-progress values are imported into the data warehouse in a compatible format. The data-warehouse data is then used to generate recommendations intended to resolve problems indicated by the current-progress values, which are then communicated to project managers, who implement them as action plans.

Abstract: Disclosed is a program and project assessment system. The program and project assessment system typically includes a processor, a memory, and a program and project assessment module stored in the memory.

Abstract: In response to a data input of a title text string that indicates a title of a person for a job within an organization, title scores are generated for predefined titles in proportion to strength of match to the title text string. A predefined title having the highest title score is selected as a matching title for the title text string input. A person score is generated from the title score of the matching title as a function of other title scores of the predefined titles matched to the person. An organization score is generated as a function of the person score and an occurrence frequency of the matching title associated with the organization. Classification of the matching title within a classification database is updated as a function of one or more of the organization score, the title score and the person score.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for human resource management in an organization. A graph, representative of relationships between employees, job openings, and candidates applied for the job openings, is generated. The graph is transformed to generate a graph matrix deterministic of a mapping of nodes depicted in the graph, in a predetermined dimensional space. Further, a first distance between nodes corresponding to the candidates and a node corresponding to a job opening is determined based on the graph matrix. A list of ranked candidates, based on the first distance, is presented over a display associated with a hiring manager, allowing selection of a set of candidates. Additionally, a second distance between nodes corresponding to the candidates and between each node corresponding to a candidate and each node corresponding to an employee, is determined, based on which a set of candidates for a team are selected.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically generating a company profile in a social network are described. A profile generation module can access employment data from a member profile in a social network. Additionally, the profile generation module can determine an employer based on the accessed employment data. Furthermore, the profile generation module can verify that the determined company does not have an existing entity profile in the social network. Moreover, the profile generation module can authenticate the verified employer based on member data from the social network. Subsequently, the profile generation module can generate and post the entity profile on the social network.

Abstract: A computer system and method for managing access to a resume database. For each skill or experience-related phrase in a resume, the system computes a term of experience based on an experience range associated with a contextual use of the phrase in the resume. The term of experience for a phrase that occurs multiple times in the resume is the summation of the term of experience for each occurrence of the phrase associated with a different contextual use. The system stores each phrase and the term of experience in a parsed resume. The resume database also stores job descriptions that include required phrases and a required term of experience for each required phrase. The job descriptions also store a required level of education or field of specialization, and a required salary range. A recruiter searches the resume database to find matching resumes that satisfy a job description.

Abstract: Techniques for assisting a user in conducting an online job search for online job listings are described. According to various embodiments, a user specification of a job search query including at least one user-specified job search query term is received. Values for one or more member profile attributes of the user are then accessed. Thereafter, the job search query is modified based on the accessed values for the member profile attributes of the user, the modifying comprising inserting job search query terms corresponding to the values for the member profile attributes into the job search query. Search results corresponding to job listings posted on the job search engine are then generated, based on the modified job search query. Further, one or more of the search results may be displayed, via a user interface.

Abstract: Process for analyzing the geolocalization data of the work sites, the employees' or the candidates' place of residence (current or future) for one or several companies in order to calculate the travel time (for several modes of transportation) and the distance between each location, based on several search criteria. The invention allows one or more users to view the travel time and/or distance in relation to a worksite at the time of selection of a candidate or an employee for a given job. It may also allow an employee to find a job that matches a specific travel time. Employees could also find a home that is located within a specific travel time from their current or future place of work. Currently, the travel time cannot be included into massive calculation when decision analyses are needed for these types of choices. The present invention allows the integration of such options.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically processing events based on automatic detection of time conflicts are disclosed. An example method includes accessing first time and date information from a user schedule, the user schedule including a scheduled item; sending a request for second time and date information associated with a first event; generating a visual notification that the first event conflicts with the scheduled item, based on the second time and date information and the first time and date information; receiving third time and date information from a server, the third time and date information associated with an alternate event associated with the desired transaction; receiving travel information corresponding to the third time and date information from the server; facilitating a transaction based on the alternate event and the third time and date information; and updating the user schedule to include the third time and date information.

Abstract: It is necessary to effectively encourage the user to take an action without making the user feel inconvenience, regardless of the charge state of the device held by the user. A way of improved the inducement of user's conduct can be to retrieve information indicating a schedule or task of the user, to retrieve charge state information indicating a device held by the user, to determine a facility to which the user is to be guided, on the basis of the information indicating the schedule or task of the user and the charge state information, and to output information indicating the determined facility.

Abstract: A computational method for performing a data transformation process for use in Engineering Asset Management on an industrial scale is described, The method and associated integration environment includes a transformation engine or module to map model elements and data items from a first information system, for example a procurement and construction database that records the thousands of individual components used to construct an industrial site, to a second information system. Such as an operation and maintenance database. The method uses a model transformation user interface using hierarchically linked layers to allow users to create, view and modify the transformation specification, as well as element terms and element relationships which define a transformation specification, without having to write the underlying code that performs the transformation.

Abstract: The process for facilities maintenance scheduling includes storing in a database at least one operational characteristic of at least one component requiring inspection over a service lifetime. The operational characteristic of the at least one component is monitored with a sensor and the status of the operational characteristic is communicated to the database over a communication network. The database updates the operational characteristic therein based on the status received from the sensor over the communication network, and adjusts an inspection schedule for the at least one component based on the status of the operational characteristic received by the database from the sensor over the communication network.

Abstract: Hardware and software application systems and associated methods for obtaining information from, evaluating, and pricing mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices for recycling and/or other processing are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic evaluator device that facilitates processing (e.g., purchasing at a consumer-operated kiosk) a target device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using an app on the evaluator device to obtain information from the target device, identify the target device, evaluate the target device, price the target device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for facilitating transactions across multiple transactional domains. For example, a first committer stores first data according to a first transactional domain (e.g., communication protocol data of a smart television) and a second committer stores second data according to a second transactional domain (e.g., communication protocol data of a mobile device). The first committer may commit to updating the first data from an old data state to a new data state (e.g., update from an unauthenticated protocol to an authenticated protocol). The first committer may instruct the second committer to perform a second commit of the second data to the new data state. If the second commit succeeds, then the first committer may utilize the new data state (e.g., utilize the authenticated protocol for communication) otherwise the first committer may utilize the old data state (e.g., utilize the unauthenticated protocol for communication).

Abstract: A system and method to associate an electronic gift certificate with a payment services account to cause presentation of the electronic gift certificate based on meeting a predetermined condition. A gift certificate is purchased on-line and associated with a recipient's payment services account by the electronic gift certificate purchaser. A graphical user interface representing the payment services account of the recipient is presented with a record of the electronic gift certificate in a hidden state within the payment services account. Determining the predetermined condition is met, unmarking the record of the electronic gift certificate and causing presentation of a gift certificate button within the user interface representing the payment services account.

Abstract: A system for exchanging/transferring money between individuals or groups through a social mobile device application. Based on a mobile social media platform between known parties for personal and business monetary exchanges and payment transactions. This system will be carried out on computers or mobile devices using an online currency called MyMoney. Users will be able to transfer/pay or exchange funds via this application using the common online currency that they will buy through this application. This system's secondary purpose will be to act as a social media application where users will be able to chat with each other individually, in a group, upload videos, pictures, communicate via voice calls and video call.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing media content and processing payments have been described. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises receiving a request to view a media asset. A trailer associated with the media asset is provided for display on a remote client. An interface is provided on the remote client for receiving a request to transfer money and information to the poster of the media asset.

Abstract: Methods and systems read a computer readable code on a printed vehicular violation using an optical sensor of a portable computing device and access a vehicular violation database to identify a registered vehicle corresponding to data in the computer readable code. The methods and systems retrieve a vehicular violation history for the registered vehicle. The vehicular violation history is a history of vehicular violations maintained by the vehicular violation database related to the registered vehicle, and includes a payment status of fines associated with the vehicular violations. The methods and systems therefore display this vehicular violation history and display an option to pay one or more of the fines on the graphic user interface. The methods and systems then receive payment information into the graphic user interface, and process the payment of one or more of the fines through the portable computing device, using the payment information provided.

Abstract: An online payment processing method, apparatus and system provide a simpler and less expensive online fund payment processing process. The method includes: sending a payment processing request from a merchant client to a payment request receiving server, the payment processing request carrying payment information; sending a uniform resource locator (URL) request to an open platform; processing payment by the open platform server based on the payment information obtained from the payment request receiving server and user information obtained from a user through a user client.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an online banking application for a computer or a mobile communication device that incorporates a human teller in the banking transaction using audio, video, and text communication between the customer and the banker.

Abstract: A check image generator application generates a remote deposit capture RDC compatible check image. The RDC compatible check image is sent from a sender mobile device to a recipient mobile device. The RDC compatible check image may pass through a server and may be encrypted. The recipient mobile device receives the RDC compatible check image and forwards it to a financial institution for deposit.

Abstract: A method and system for transferring media on demand to a mobile computing device of a consumer is presented. A sensor in a kiosk identifies a consumer by facial recognition algorithms or identification of the mobile computing device of the consumer. An interactive display presents media that is available for download by the consumer based at least in part on the identity of the consumer. The consumer touches their mobile computing device to a short range communications interface on the kiosk which transfers the media to the mobile computing device. The media can be streamed to the kiosk from a remote content server across a network. The kiosk can process the consumer payment for the downloaded media by sending payment transactions to a payment network.

Abstract: System and method for calculating and applying surcharges or payment type fees to payment transactions. A calculation device receives pricing and payment information for a transaction, such as a credit or debit card transaction, and calculates a surcharge or payment type fee based upon the transaction costs that will apply if the transaction is completed. The transaction costs may be estimated by the calculation device or received from a payment network.

Abstract: A transaction authentication system authenticates a transaction by determining whether a mobile device and POS device involved in the transaction are at the same location. A POS registry stores location data for POS devices. A PAN registry stores mobile device IDs corresponding to account numbers. A mobile device ID can be provided from the PAN registry in response to receiving an account number from a POS device. The mobile device ID can then be used to retrieve location information from a home location register maintained by a mobile service provider. The retrieved location data for a POS device and the retrieved location data for a mobile device are compared.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system includes a stand that supports a tablet computer. The tablet computer can run a merchant application to provide the typical functionality for a point-of-sale system. The stand can be rotatable to face either the merchant or the customer. The stand can incorporate a card reader. The tablet computer can be connected through a hub to other peripheral components, such as a controllable cash drawer, a printer and/or a bar code reader. The cash drawer can include a slidable drawer having sliding rails that are hidden from a top view of the drawer.

Abstract: Remotely authenticating an invoice amount for a sales transaction with a merchant through a mobile device of a user using a USSD session initiated by a telecom service provider. The provider receives a transaction request of at least a mobile phone number and invoice amount from a POS machine at the merchant. The provider identifies the user from the mobile number and generates a one-time purchase ID associated with the invoice and sends the purchase ID to the user through the mobile device. The provider initiates an interactive USSD session with the user through a gateway and sends a menu with transaction details and financial account list on the user's mobile device within the session including multiple financial accounts registered to the user. The provider receives a password from the user through the session and deducts the invoice amount from a user's account and transfers the funds to the merchant.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing security checks at a self-checkout kiosk in a retail store. The customers can create lists of items for purchase as they shop. When a customer is ready to pay, his list can be divided into sub-lists. Each sub-list can include items that require the same type of security check. The customer can then be provided with the sub-lists and an instruction for each sub-list that explains how the customer should arrange the items on the sub-list for a security check. After the customer has properly arranged the items on a sub-list, the relevant security check can be performed.

Abstract: A commodity sales data processing apparatus comprises an image capturing module which photographs a commodity and output the appearance image of the commodity; an extraction module which extracts barcode information from the appearance image of the commodity output from the image capturing module; an object recognition module which performs an object recognition processing on the appearance image of the commodity output from the image capturing module; an exclusion module which excludes, if barcode information is extracted from the appearance image of the commodity by the extraction module, the appearance image of the commodity from targets of the object recognition processing by the object recognition module; a determination module which determines the commodity to be sales-registered according to the result of the object recognition processing; and a sales registration module which carries out a sales registration of the commodity determined by the determination module.

Abstract: A tablet terminal is possible to select any one of a plurality of docking stations on the condition that it can be detached from the docking station. The tablet terminal sends printing data of a receipt to the selected docking station. When receiving the printing data of the receipt from the tablet terminal, the docking station outputs the printing data to a printer to issue the receipt.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining an actual geographic location of a payment transaction is provided. The method uses an actual geographic location analyzer computer device in communication with a memory. The method includes storing, in the memory, merchant data including a merchant physical address, receiving transaction data for a payment card transaction wherein the transaction data includes a merchant identifier, determining a merchant physical address associated with the merchant identifier, determining, by the actual geographic location analyzer computer device, an actual transaction location. The actual transaction location identifies where the payment card transaction was initiated. The method also includes determining, by the actual geographic location analyzer computer device, a locational difference between the merchant physical address and the actual transaction location.

Abstract: A consumer accesses a secure area of a transaction account website and provides their login information for retail websites. The transaction account issuer or a third party creates a script that logs in to the retail websites on behalf of the consumer and transmits transaction account information associated with the transaction account. The script sets the transaction account as the default payment method for the retail website. The transaction account information may be evergreen, such that whenever the transaction account information changes, the script updates the retail websites.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method to conduct a peer-to-peer transaction. A peer-to-peer transaction system receives a request for transaction approval from a merchant network device. The request includes user account information captured from a magnetic strip card encoded with the user account information and transaction information. The peer-to-peer transaction system determines that the transaction information is valid; transmits a request for authorization of the transaction to a user network device; receives an indication that the user authorized the transaction; transmits an approval of the transaction to a merchant network device; and conducts the transaction.