Abstract: A print controlling apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives input data including: gloss control plane data indicating a surface effect type to be achieved on the recording medium with certain density information; and table identifying information for identifying a surface effect selection table indicating a corresponding relation between the surface effect type and the density information used to generate the gloss control plane data; an acquiring unit that acquires an independent data portion indicating a portion corresponding to the surface effect type capable of being achieved independent from competence of the printing apparatus, out of the surface effect selection table identified by the table identifying information included in the input data from an external device; and a generating unit that generates the clear toner plane data using the independent data portion acquired by the acquiring unit.

Abstract: A printing apparatus, when a sheet is fed from a sheet feeding unit in a state where size information indicating the size of sheets stacked in the sheet feeding unit is not stored in a storage unit, detects and stores the size of the sheet during conveyance. The printing apparatus controls the execution of the print processing, without using size information in a case where a print instruction is received in a state where the size information is not stored, and using the size information in a case where the print instruction is received in a state where the size information is stored. Furthermore, the printing apparatus clears the size information stored in the storage unit when a particular key is operated in a state where the size information is stored while print processing is not being executed.

Abstract: A print control device, printing system, and print control method can reliably execute desired operations according to the status of the printer. A print data receiving unit 81 receives print data including mode information from a host 20; a status acquisition unit 82 gets the status of a printer 32; a decision unit 83 determines if the mode information and the status of the printer 32 meet an execution condition; and a printer control unit 84 changes the printer 32 to a specific mode and sends commands generated from the print data to the printer 32 when the decision unit 83 determines the execution condition is met.

Abstract: A metal transaction card is provided having a metal core layer with metal cladding layers connected thereto on opposing sides thereof. The metal core layer may have a density and/or thickness that is significantly greater than the density and/or thickness of the metal cladding layers. The density of the metal core layer may be at least 2.5 times greater than the density of the metal cladding layers. The density of the metal core layer may be at least 7.5. The outward facing lateral surface of one or both of the metal cladding layers may be anodized, or anodized and colorized. The anodized lateral surface(s) may be coated to increase the performance of a one or more hot-stamped elements attached to the coated surface(s).

Abstract: A logo-added two-dimensional code creation device determines the color of a two-dimensional code to be superimposed on a logo image by adjusting the L value indicating the color lightness, whereby a logo-added two-dimensional code readable regardless of influence of post-printing processing and/or ambient light can be created. The logo-added two-dimensional code has smaller cells superimposed on the tiger character that can easily lose the design integrity than the cells superimposed on the background part, ensuring the design integrity of the logo image without impairing the readability of information.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable of communicating information to a magnetic stripe reader. Information used in validating a financial transaction is encrypted based on time such that a validating server requires receipt of the appropriate encrypted information for a period of time to validate a transaction for that period of time. Such dynamic information may be communicated using such an emulator such that a card may be swiped through a magnetic stripe reader—yet communicate different information based on time. An emulator may receive information as well as communicate information to a variety of receivers (e.g., an RFID receiver).

Abstract: An RF tag includes an inlay comprising an IC chip and an antenna, a planar auxiliary antenna laminated on the inlay in an insulating state to the inlay, and a substrate on which the inlay and the auxiliary antenna are laminated. The auxiliary antenna is formed into a rectangular planar shape including long sides each having a length of substantially ¼ of a wavelength of a radio wave frequency of the inlay, and has a cutout part which divides one of the long sides into two parts each having a length of substantially ? of the wavelength of the radio wave frequency of the inlay. The cutout part is formed into a concave shape which is opened in an edge portion of the one of the long sides and has a predetermined width and depth to allow the IC chip of the inlay to be disposed therein.

Abstract: A dynamic time-evolution Boltzmann machine capable of learning is provided. Aspects include acquiring a time-series input data and supplying a plurality of input values of input data of the time-series input data at one time point to a plurality of nodes of the mode. Aspects also include computing, based on an input data sequence before the one time point in the time-series input data and a weight parameter between each of a plurality of input values of input data of the input data sequence and a corresponding one of the plurality of nodes of the model, a conditional probability of the input value at the one time point given that the input data sequence has occurred. Aspects further include adjusting the weight parameter so as to increase a conditional probability of occurrence of the input data at the one time point given that the input data sequence has occurred.

Abstract: A synapse for a neuromorphic network is provided. The synapse includes a time-delay portion having a first end and a second end, a first actuator located at the first end and in operational contact with the time-delay portion, and a second actuator located at the second end and in operational contact with the time-delay portion. The time-delay portion is formed from a phase change material wherein a change in the material of the time-delay portion alters a propagation time of a signal transmitted from the first actuator to the second actuator.

Abstract: A method of classifying an input pattern and a pattern classification apparatus are provided. The method includes enabling an artificial neural network to learn based on learning input data received by an input layer of the artificial neural network, determining classification of an input pattern received by the input layer of the enabled artificial neural network according to an output value obtained from an output layer of the artificial neural network, the obtained output value being based on the input pattern, updating connection intensities of a plurality of connection lines of the enabled artificial neural network to output a result value indicating the determined classification from the output layer when the input pattern, and determining updated classification of the input pattern according to an updated output value obtained from an output layer of the updated artificial neural network, the obtained updated output value being based on the input pattern.

Abstract: Automated feature construction for algorithm portfolios in machine learning is provided. A gray scale image is generated from a text representing a problem instance. The gray scale image is rescaled or reshaped to a predefined size that is smaller than an initial size of the gray scale image. The rescaled gray scale image represents features of the problem instance. The rescaled gray scale image is input as features to a machine learning-based convolutional neural network. Based on the rescaled gray scale image, the machine learning-based convolutional neural network is automatically trained to learn to automatically determine one or more problem solvers from a portfolio of problem solvers suited for solving the problem instance.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for producing and distributing at least one product from at least one plant to at least one customer where discretized plant production data, filtered customer sourcing data, forecasted customer demand data, and forecasted plant electricity pricing data are input into a modified genetic algorithm and an electronic processor solves the modified genetic algorithm and outputs the solution to an interface. The system and method is flexible and can incorporate data as it becomes available to yield intermediate solutions for quick decision making.

Abstract: In an exemplary method, a media content recommendation system interfaces with a knowledge graph system to access knowledge graph data that represents a knowledge graph relationship between a subject and a media program in a knowledge graph, generates, based on the knowledge graph data, a media content recommendation that includes recommendation content indicating the media program and the knowledge graph relationship between the subject and the media program, and outputs the media content recommendation for presentation to a user by a user computing device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for hardware-accelerating various data quality checking operations. Incoming data streams can be processed with respect to a plurality of data quality check operations using offload engines (e.g., reconfigurable logic such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)). Accelerated data quality checking can be highly advantageous for use in connection with Extract, Transfer, and Load (ETL) systems.

Abstract: A system for selecting diversion techniques includes a memory storage device and a processor. The processor is configured to, for each of several well characteristics, assign a weight to each of the several well characteristics, where the weight is indicative of the importance of the well characteristic to the selection of a diversion technique, and where not all of the weights are the same. The processor is further configured to calculate a desirability of each of several diversion techniques based upon, at least partially, the weights and the several well characteristics, and select a diversion technique based upon, at least partially, the calculated desirability of the several diversion techniques.

Abstract: Quantum processor architectures employ unit cells tiled over an area. A unit cell may include first and second sets of qubits where each qubit in the first set crosses at least one qubit in the second set. Angular deviations between qubits in one set may allow qubits in the same set to cross one another. Each unit cell is positioned proximally adjacent at least one other unit cell. Communicatively coupling between qubits is realized through respective intra-cell and inter-cell coupling devices.

Abstract: A terminal device includes an acquisition unit, an accumulation unit, a communication unit and a prediction unit. The acquisition unit acquires local information of a present location at a present time. The accumulation unit accumulates the acquired local information for a period of time. The communication unit transmits, to an information processing device, the accumulated local information. The communication unit also receives, from the information processing device, parameters of a statistical model which are learned using local information acquired from a plurality of other terminal devices. The prediction unit predicts local information in relation to an arbitrary time and location using the received parameters of the statistical model.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a machine learning model for predicting one or more metrics is run in a network which includes a centralized controller device interconnected with a plurality of edge devices. A batch version of the machine learning model that operates in batch mode is hosted at the centralized controller device. Then, an incremental version of the machine learning model that operates in incremental mode is pushed to an edge device of the plurality of edge devices, such that the incremental version of the machine learning model is hosted at the edge device. As a result, the batch version and the incremental version of the machine learning model run in parallel with one another.

Abstract: A method for recommending choices to a user comprises receiving data. A first set of recommendation choices based on the data is derived using a first model that models a user's subconscious reactions (i.e., intuition) to the data, and a second set of recommendation choices based on the data is derived using a second model that models the user's consciousness. The first and second sets of recommendation choices are blended using a blending function based on characteristics of a domain of the data to create a third set of recommendation choices that are arranged in an order, which is presented to the user. A conscious decision of the user and subconscious reactions of the user are monitored, and data representing the subconscious reactions of the user and data representing the conscious decisions of the user are appended to a first and second memory space, respectively.

Abstract: Optimization of machine intelligence utilizes a systemic process through a plurality of computer architecture manipulation techniques that take unique advantage of efficiencies therein to minimize clock cycles and memory usage. The present invention is an application of machine intelligence which overcomes speed and memory issues in learning ensembles of decision trees in a single-machine environment. Such an application of machine intelligence includes inlining relevant statements by integrating function code into a caller's code, ensuring a contiguous buffering arrangement for necessary information to be compiled, and defining and enforcing type constraints on programming interfaces that access and manipulate machine learning data sets.

Abstract: A system for monitoring use of a tool. The system may include an RFID tag coupled to the tool. A collar may be removably coupled to the tool and configured to be de-coupled from the tool prior to the tool being used. An RFID reader may be coupled to the collar and configured to transmit a first alert signal when the RFID reader is out of transmission range from the RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods automatically determine responses to intention-focused content based on semantic analysis, natural language analysis, token analysis, social network analysis and influence ratings. The systems and methods identify relevant queries for product support, purchase or advocacy from multiple communications channels and further separate the high-value conversations and individuals from the low value conversations and individuals in an efficient manner. Described herein is a system and method to use the identification of important individuals and the context of their conversations to appropriately route content items and messages and subsequent responses in such a way as to allow an efficient interaction to occur.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a financial instrument impairment calculation business object.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods directed toward monitoring transactions between computing resources of a computing system. A transaction agent may monitor transactions between computing resources and generate transaction log information corresponding to the transactions. A current transaction rate for a current time period and a previous transaction rate for a previous time period may be automatically obtained based on transaction log information. The current transaction rate may be compared to the previous transaction rate, and a transaction rate alert may be generated responsive to determining that the previous transaction rate exceeds the current transaction rate. A current and previous transaction latency average may also be obtained based on transaction time information of the transaction log information.

Abstract: A service method and associated system is provided. The method includes generating event types for events and services associated with the events. Virtual or physical machines associated with the services are provisioned and a message associated with a first event is published. The message is routed to a queue of a second service and the second service is notified of the message. The services are enabled and a selection for a sub-set of the services is received. The selection is enabled.

Abstract: An approach is provided for scheduling work order tasks based on an optimization of available resources and an assessment of cost penalty functions for missing work order deadlines, including determining an estimated work order completion time for processing a plurality of tasks associated with a work order on one or more resources, scheduling the plurality of tasks in a processing queue based on the estimated work order completion time, and determining a value of a penalty function for violating a work order deadline.

Abstract: For migrating process instances, first input information describing changes between a first process template and a second process template is received. Second input information describing grouping of said changes is also received. A set of combinations of the first process template and the second process template is determined by applying the changes to the first process template in complete groups as defined by the second input information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated scheme for generating and verifying a three-dimensional (3D) representation of a target space. In one embodiment, the automatic generation of a 3D representation of a target space includes receiving target space data from one or more mobile data capture devices and generating a local point cloud from the target space data. In one embodiment, the local point cloud is incorporated into a master point cloud. In one embodiment, a polygon mesh is generated using the master point cloud and the polygon mesh is rendered, using a plurality of visual images captured from the target space, which generates the 3D representation. In one embodiment, the automatic verification includes comparing a portion of the 3D representation with a portion of an approved layout, and identifying one or more discrepancies between the portion of the 3D representation and the portion of the approved layout.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customer service to a website user online, includes downloading a user-state-monitoring object and a user profile from a website to a client site when a website user loads up any web page through the website, wherein the user-state-monitoring object is configured to monitor and analyze the website user's behavioral patterns in real time by comparing the user's actions to a set of pre-defined business rules, and utilizing the user-state-monitoring object to notify an available customer service representative and enable communication between the customer service representative and the website user.

Abstract: Methods are provided for managing a multitude of objects displayed on a touch screen by selectively associating objects using free-form input gestures. A method comprises displaying a plurality of objects on the touch screen, identifying a first free-form input on the touch screen overlying a first object of the plurality of objects, and identifying a second free-form input gesture on the touch screen overlying a second object of the plurality of objects. The first object and the second object are associated when the first free-form input and the second free-form input each substantially correspond to the same input gesture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method, apparatus and computer program for deriving overlay information from a user input for a base message schema associated with a node in a message flow. The base message schema is presented to the user and has at least one variable portion. A user selection of a variable portion of the base schema is received. The user is then provided with possible overlay schema information for the selected variable portion. A user selection of the schema to be overlaid on the selected variable portion is received. The selected overlay schema is associated with the base schema.

Abstract: A method, a system and a computer program product of transmitting availability information in an electronic mail system are disclosed. The system includes a first system including a sender, the first system is adapted to activate an availability indicator having a start date, wherein the activation is performed by the sender and extract availability indicator metadata from the availability indicator. The availability indicator metadata includes the start date, an end date, and at least one availability indicator message. If an e-mail has not been sent to a receiver since activation and if a current date is prior to the start date, the first system is further adapted to attach the availability indicator metadata to the e-mail, and send the e-mail to the receiver. The electronic mail system further includes a scheduling system functionally coupled to the first system, and is adapted to define the availability indicator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a mobile terminal by use of messages received to the mobile terminal are provided. The mobile terminal locating method may include creating at least one location related candidate for the mobile terminal by use of a message that is received to the mobile terminal, and determining a location of the mobile terminal by matching the created location related candidate to stored place information. The current location of the mobile terminal may be recognized by simply analyzing the received messages without the need for installation of additional device on the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for location tracking and filtering or hiding electronic communications. In one implementation, a method is provided for location tracking for electronic communications. The method includes receiving a location ID for a location from a user who desires to follow the location within a social networking environment, and associating the location ID with the user. The method also includes providing instructions to display a representation of the location in a list of the user's contacts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to mechanisms for the estimation of location privacy risk, comprising: building one or more trajectory models from auxiliary information (e.g., one or more maps, one or more routes); capturing common behavioral patterns (e.g., shortest route(s),/fastest route(s)); identifying, given unlinked trajectories for a plurality of users, most likely linkages using the trajectory model(s); eliminating one or more unlikely linkages based on deviation from the shortest route(s) and/or the fastest route(s); measuring privacy as the percentage of linkages correctly identified; and outputting the measured privacy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are concerned with processing data relating to calendar entries. In one embodiment processing includes detecting a correspondence between a telephone number and at least one characteristic of a calendar workspace item, and processing data relating to a communications event identified by the telephone number on the basis of the detected correspondence. The processing may include triggering a notification for an incoming communications event, such as a telephone call or text message, that is received by a telephony device. In another embodiment processing includes detecting a correspondence between at least one characteristic of a stored communications event workspace item and at least one characteristic of a calendar workspace item, and processing data relating to the communications event on the basis of the detected correspondence. This processing may include filtering a plurality of communications event workspace items, and displaying one or more of the filtered items.

Abstract: A system for determining presence of and authorizing a quorum to transact business over a network includes a first set of machine-readable instructions resident on a digital medium accessible to a computing machine, the instructions causing the machine to monitor a network for active presence of individual ones of communications devices associated with members of an authorized team of individuals from which the quorum may be determined, a second set of machine-readable instructions resident on the medium for causing the computing machine to make a confirmation of the quorum against a set of rules, and to authorize one or more of the individual communications devices making up the quorum to perform one or more tasks based on quorum consensus, and a user configuration, scheduling, and notification application resident on the digital medium for enabling a user to configure, schedule, and notify team members of a pending quorum event.

Abstract: After loss of communications between a cash handling device and a financial institution, transactions may continue to be processed. In one configuration, the transactions may be processed up to a predefined transaction limit. Transaction limits may be defined by a number of transactions, a dollar amount transacted or to be transacted, an amount of time and/or combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the transaction limit may be specific to one or more types of transactions. Transaction data may be stored in memory until communication has been re-established, at which time the data may be transmitted to the financial institution for processing.

Abstract: A method for using a smartcard is provided. The smartcard may include a microprocessor chip, a button, a dynamic transaction authorization number, a Bluetooth low energy (“BLE”) device, and a battery. The battery may power the BLE and the microprocessor chip. The smartcard may also include memory. The memory may store the dynamic transaction authorization number. The smartcard may also include a dynamic magnetic strip. The dynamic magnetic strip may include a digital representation of the dynamic transaction authorization number. The method may include pressing the button. The method may also include transmitting an instruction to a smartphone for a request for a dynamic transaction authorization number. The transmission of an instruction may be in response to the pressing of the button. The method may also include receiving a dynamic transaction authorization number from a smartphone.

Abstract: A point-of-sale (POS) system with a display viewing angle adjustment device includes an adjustment device securely mounted on a rear cover of a display and pivotally connected with a support arm of a base. The adjustment device includes a support plate and a fixing plate securely mounted on the rear cover of the display. The support plate has two side legs, and the fixing plate has two slide slots for the side legs of the support plate to slidably mount through the slide slots, such that the support plate can be moved up and down and is mounted between the screen and the fixing plate. The side legs of the support plate are pivotally connected with the support arm of the base. Because of the support of the support plate and the slide slots of the fixing plate, the screen can be moved up and down to conveniently adjust a display viewing angle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for shelf life expiration date management for smart refrigerators. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for shelf life expiration date management for smart refrigerators is provided. The method includes identifying a consumer during a point of sale transaction for purchasing different food items by a point of sale computer system, for example by scanning a bar code or reading a magnetic strip of a loyalty program card or reading a radio frequency identification (RFID) dongle. A list of the different food items can be provided to the smart refrigerator, for example from storage in the loyalty program card or RFID dongle, or as transmitted from the point of sale computer system to the smart refrigerator over a computer communications network. Finally, expiration dates can be determined for the food items in the list and stored in the smart refrigerator.

Abstract: A printing device runs a process that uses resources efficiently and is compatible with configurations having multiple reception units. The printer 11 has a first immediate execution command manager 202 that monitors if an immediate execution command was stored in a first receive buffer 24, and if an immediate execution command was stored, reads and runs the immediate execution command; and a second immediate execution command manager 203 that monitors if an immediate execution command was stored in a second receive buffer 26, and if an immediate execution command was stored, reads and runs the immediate execution command.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system and method for providing simplified checkout are provided. In example embodiments, an identifier that corresponds to a payment account of a user is received at a payment provider system. Account information from the payment account of the user is retrieved from a payment data storage of the payment provider system. The account information is used in a payment transaction involving a merchant system. A payment interface having transaction fields populated with the account information retrieved from the payment account of the user is presented to the user while the user maintains a presence on a webpage of a merchant system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating electronic transactions on a user device are described. User-friendly graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are provided with minimal text and more pictures and images. The GUIs detect or receive various gesture inputs, such as swiping, tapping, and dragging and dropping, and display a corresponding screen or page. The gesture inputs allow a user to select or specify payers/payees, transaction amounts, and funding sources, without having to type numbers or letters.

Abstract: The use of gestures on a user device to interact with and obtain functionality from remote communication hub devices is disclosed. A user device includes an accelerometer or other motion detection device and a wireless communications capability. The device is small enough to be placed conveniently about the person and communicates with a communication hub device to perform context-dependent actions. A user makes a gestural command to the device. The device interprets the gesture and undertakes activity. The gestural sensing device may be a motion switch, a multi-axis accelerometer, a video camera, a variable capacitance device, a magnetic field sensor, an electrical field sensor etc. When combined with business logic running on a remote computer system, the device can be used to implement a range of applications and services.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for chopping up a gift card/code into smaller multiple gift card/codes. The system receives a request from a user to convert a closed-loop card/code having a value amount into two different closed-loop cards/codes and divides (or “chops up”) the closed-loop card/code into a first closed-loop card/code having a first value amount and a second closed-loop card/code having a second value amount, wherein the first value amount and the second value amount add up to no more than the value amount. The system offers the first closed-loop card/code and the second closed-loop card/code to one of the user and a third party.

Abstract: A user enables a communication, such as through a tap, between an NFC-enabled payment or funding card and a mobile device. Card information, such as the card number, type, and expiration date, are read by the mobile device. The user is then authenticated through the user device, such as by entering a CVV code, a PIN for the card, a cardholder name, and/or a billing address for the card. If confirmed, the card is added to the user's mobile/cloud wallet.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system comprises a plurality of data centers communicatively coupled by a network. The data centers include an assigned data center and a second data center. The assigned data center receives a request for a session, determines the session passes authentication, and communicates session information to the second data center indicating the session passes authentication. The assigned data center also receives a first message comprising a first portion of transaction information and communicates synchronization data for replicating the first portion of transaction information at the second data center. The second data center receives a second message comprising a second portion of transaction information. The system facilitates a financial transaction in real-time based on the first portion and the second portion of transaction information.

Abstract: A device with one or more processors, memory, and two or more communication capabilities obtains, from a payment module, an authorization request via a first communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth). The device sends, to a server, the authorization request via a second communication capability distinct from the first communication capability (e.g., cellular or WiFi technology). In response to sending the authorization request, the device obtains, from the server, authorization information via the second communication capability. After obtaining the authorization information, the device detects a trigger condition to perform a transaction with a payment accepting unit associated with the payment module. In response to detecting the trigger condition, the device sends, to the payment module, at least a portion of the authorization information via the first communication capability.

Abstract: A system for processing feedback entries received from software provided by a vendor to an end user machine. The end user machine includes the software, a feedback module, and a database. The feedback module: establishes a secret key k(0) and a secret key n(0; generates an identification tag FE(0); generates a secret key s(0); generates an encryption Ek0 of the identification tag FE(0) using the secret key k(0) where Ek0=E(k(0),FE(0)); generates a parameter Hn0 using the secret key n(0) where Hn0=Hash(n(0)?Ek0); generates a parameter Hs0 using the secret key s(0) where Hs0=Hash(s(0)?Ek0); sends Ek0, Hn0, and Hs0 to the database; and sends Ek0 and Hn0 to the vendor.