Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for determining fine-grained image similarity. In one aspect, a method includes training an image embedding function on image triplets by selecting image triplets of first, second and third images; generating, by the image embedding function, a first, second and third representations of the features of the first, second and third images; determining, based on the first representation of features and the second representation of features, a first similarity measure for the first image to the second image; determining, based on the first representation of features and the third representation of features, a second similarity measure for the first image to the third image; determining, based on the first and second similarity measures, a performance measure of the image embedding function for the image triplet; and adjusting the parameter weights of the image embedding function based on the performance measures for the image triplets.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing a super-resolution image, including: 1) reducing the resolution of an original high-resolution image to obtain an equal low-resolution image, respectively expressed as matrix forms yh and yl; 2) respectively conducting dictionary training on yl and yhl to obtain a low-resolution image dictionary Dl; 3) dividing the sparse representation coefficients ?l and ?hl into training sample coefficients ?l_train and ?hl_train and test sample coefficients ?l_test and ?hl_test; 4) constructing an L-layer deep learning network using a root-mean-square error as a cost function; 5) iteratively optimizing network parameters so as to minimize the cost function by using the low-resolution image sparse coefficient ?l_train as the input of the deep learning network; 6) inputting the low-resolution image sparse coefficient ?l_test as the test portion into the trained deep learning network in 5), outputting to obtain a predicted difference image sparse coefficient {circumflex over (?)}hl_test, computing

Abstract: A scanning device includes a base, an upper cover pivotally covered to the base, a motor mounted to the base, two roller assemblies, a sensor mounted in the first channel, and a card supporting mechanism. A first channel, a scanning channel and a second channel are formed between the upper cover and the base. The scanning channel has a scanning read line. The first channel, the scanning channel and the second channel are communicated with one another. The two roller assemblies are connected with and driven by the motor. The card supporting mechanism is mounted to the base. The card supporting mechanism includes a blocking board movably disposed behind the second channel along the longitudinal direction, and a front surface of the blocking board is parallel to the scanning read line and orthogonal to the second channel.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a head including a wire and performing recording on a medium by allowing the wire to strike the medium, a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the head, a driving circuit for driving the wire, and a control unit that controls an energization state of the driving circuit. The control unit switches the energization state of the driving circuit between an ON state and an OFF state at each time determined by the control unit, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit such that a current flowing in the driving circuit is kept constant, when the head performs recording on the medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus performs a first preparation operation in a full color mode when power is supplied. The apparatus performs, when an image formation request is inputted after the first preparation operation completes, a second preparation operation in a designated color mode in accordance with the image formation request. When an image formation request is inputted during the first preparation operation, the apparatus skips the second preparation operation and performs image formation after the first preparation operation completes.

Abstract: A communication apparatus transmits service information indicating a first service to be executed via an external apparatus and containing address information for communicating with the external apparatus, with the service information contained in information for handing over connection to a communication method different from a first communication method, to another communication apparatus by the first communication method, and executes the first service based on communication performed by a second communication method different from the first communication method and executes communication between the communication apparatus and the external apparatus.

Abstract: Advanced payment applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause an item purchased on credit to be paid via one or more user accounts (e.g., bank accounts) as soon as the next credit statement posts or becomes due. A user may decide to pay for an item when the next statement becomes due at a point-of-sale magnetic stripe reader by using an interface on a card to cause information to be communicated through the infrastructure indicative of a user's desire to pay the for an item when the next statement becomes due.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating representations of input sequences. One of the methods includes obtaining an input sequence, the input sequence comprising a plurality of inputs arranged according to an input order; processing the input sequence using a first long short term memory (LSTM) neural network to convert the input sequence into an alternative representation for the input sequence; and processing the alternative representation for the input sequence using a second LSTM neural network to generate a target sequence for the input sequence, the target sequence comprising a plurality of outputs arranged according to an output order.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cloud processing data streamed from a vehicle and a home associated with a user account. One method includes receiving a data stream from the vehicle entity, where the data stream from the vehicle entity includes metadata from one or more data producing objects of the vehicle entity. And, receiving a data stream from the home entity, where the data stream from the home entity includes metadata from one or more data producing objects of the home entity. The method includes accessing action conditions associated with a user account. The action conditions identify a position where at least one or more states of the metadata from each of the home entity and the vehicle entity intersect. And, each action condition identifies a type or types of control information to be processed. The method includes processing the received metadata from the vehicle entity and the home entity.

Abstract: Described is system and method for cognitive recognition. The system receives a multi-dimensional scene array as input data. A foveation module divides the multi-dimensional scene array into a plurality of sub-arrays and outputs contents of a currently selected sub-array. The contents are clustered with a hierarchical clustering module to generate a spatially invariant hierarchical cluster of the contents comprising a plurality of components which are based on a statistical distribution of co-occurrence of features across the currently selected sub-array. Task-relevant components are selectively gated and robustly maintained into a component memory location of a pattern bank with a working memory module with an input gating module. If the task-relevant components activate an abstract category module based on pattern matching, then a category recognition label is generated for the contents of the currently selected sub-array with an executive control module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forecasting wind farm power generation are disclosed. Via use of a support vector machine (SVM) enhanced Markov model, short-term wind power generation forecasts may be generated. Exemplary approaches accurately account for wind ramp-up and ramp-down, as well as diurnal non-stationarity and seasonality of wind power generation. Via use of the disclosed forecasting approaches, utilities and grid managers can make improved decisions relating to electrical power generation and transmission, thus reducing costs and reducing pollution.

Abstract: Computer implemented system and method for classifying users is provided. The method includes obtaining a data set from one or more sources corresponding to one or more users; segmenting the data set into segments, each segment comprising one or more data points, wherein each data point is specific and unique to a user; identifying difficult regions from one or more segments; computing a standard deviation of distances between the data points within each of the identified difficult regions for each of the identified difficult regions; selecting a radial basis function (RBF) kernel based on the standard deviation computed for each of the identified difficult regions; generating a support vector machine model on each of the identified difficult regions based on the selected RBF kernel to obtain a hyper plane comprising support vectors and weight assigned to the vectors; and classifying the users into a category based on the hyper plane.

Abstract: A method for managing inbound user traffic to a reservation system. The method includes receiving messages from one or more users and determining, by one or more computer processors, at least one of the one or more users is not a preferred user, based on the messages received. The method further includes sending the messages from the at least one user to a limiting component, wherein the limiting component slows the messages from the at least one of the one or more users to the reservation system.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating drivers to procure targets, such as automobiles. These targets are then transported to a desired drop-off destination. The entire system is automated, such that a requestor may hire drivers that are certified by the system and would satisfy requirements associated with the target, such as proper driver's license and location of the driver relative to the target. The system is powered by an internet based mobile application that is designed to match individual drivers to auto dealers, auction houses, driving transport companies and other businesses and individuals (“requestors”) seeking to move automobiles, goods, services, tasks, etc. from one location to another. The system has been designed to find, organize, and manage drivers and all aspects of the trip on a real time basis and reduce the cost of the existing system.

Abstract: A computer system comprises a display system and a workflow adapter in communication with the display system. The workflow adapter identifies an object within a network. The workflow adapter then received a selection of the object. In response to receiving the selection of the object, the workflow adapter creates a custom group that includes the object. The custom group is a loose association of objects within the network and does not exist as a separate object within the network. The workflow adapter then performs an operation on the group.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed associated with processing information and/or initiating workflow in a CRM, Sales Force Automation, time and expense reporting system or professional services provider management system, including aggregating, analyzing and/or otherwise processing data related to real world events. According to some embodiments, event data is classified and event data requiring user input is determined, notifications to provide user input for the event data may be transmitted, and/or various features of follow-on workflow or launching follow-on workflow may be initiated, facilitated or provided. Various implementations also relate to classification, splitting events, merging events, time extensions/exceptions for processing events, processing of corollary events and the provision of chronologically organized historical records of interactions between groups of users and individuals or companies.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for generating forecasts and replenishment plans. Some embodiments commence upon receiving point-of-sale data, then receiving distribution-level order data in a second data format. The first point-of-sale data comprises an item identifier and a first date or first date range, and the distribution-level order data comprises the item identifier and a second date or second date range. The originators of the order data are determined using address identifiers (e.g., network location identifiers). The received data is combined wherein at least a portion of the point-of-sale data is combined with at least a portion of the distribution-level order data to generate a combined forecast for the item. Further processing includes receiving an inventory model parameter and combining at least a portion of the first point-of-sale consumption data with at least a portion of the distribution-level order data to generate a replenishment plan for the item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for receiving objects into inventory are described. The objects are individually scanned to generate scan data. The scan data is processed to determine what the object is (and to add the object into inventory) and also to determine values for one or more additional attributes. The attribute values are stored in a data structure which may be analyzed to detect a change over time.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a shipment conveyance device, wherein the shipment conveyance device is a shipping container, pallet, or piece of luggage; a receiver; a global positioning device which is located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device and which determines a position or location of the shipment conveyance device; a processor which generates a message in response to an occurrence of an event or in response to a request for information regarding the shipment conveyance device, wherein the request for information is automatically received by the receiver, wherein the message contains information regarding a position or location of the shipment conveyance device; and a transmitter which is located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device and which transmits the message to a communication device associated with an owner of the shipment conveyance device or an individual authorized to receive the message.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention would project a route and a delivery schedule for relevant mail pieces and would monitor carrier-recorded tracking events for those mail pieces to determine whether or not actual tracking events are following the projected route and the projected schedule, and/or whether or not issues that might impact their delivery and/or their delivery schedule, may have arisen along their projected route; such exemplary embodiments would provide an alert to the relevant user(s) and/or other authorized parties and/or relevant carrier(s) and would facilitate user interaction by the relevant user(s) and/or parties to provide intercept and/or rescue and/or confiscation instructions; exemplary embodiments would facilitate automatic interfaces with the relevant carriers and delivery services for the subject mail piece to resolve rescue, item loss, insurance coverage, postage refund, intervention and/or confiscation instructions and issues.

Abstract: In some examples, a service provider may determine a courier placement location for a service area and a courier inventory for the service area. Based on the inventory, the service provider may order first items from a first merchant and second items from a second merchant. The service provider may dispatch a first courier to pick up the first items and a second courier to pick up the second items. Further, a third courier may go to a handoff location to receive the courier inventory made up of first items picked up by the first courier and second items picked up by the second courier. In some examples, the handoff location is determined dynamically based on the current locations of the first, second, and third couriers and predicted courier travel times. Additionally, or alternatively, the handoff location may be determined based in part on the courier placement location.

Abstract: A system is described for determining a relative location of a plurality of items upon a plurality of platforms. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store a first item, a second item, a first period of time and a second period of time. The interface may be operative to communicate with a user and an antenna. The antenna may be able to detect an item for a period of time. The processor may be operative to receive from the antenna, via the interface, the first item, the first period of time, the second item and the second period of time. The processor may determine whether the periods of time overlap. If the periods of time overlap the processor may communicate to the user that the items are upon the same platform, otherwise that the items are on consecutive platforms.

Abstract: An automated retail facility and system with accompanying methods comprising customer interfacing modules, payment receiving modules, product storage and distribution modules, and computer components in communication with device actors that automate connected components of the facility and system in an Internet of Things configuration. The configuration advantageously allows for remote operation of that facility, while maintaining required levels of customer service and supervisory actions within the facility, as needed. To service the system remotely or on location, a handheld inventory management device and inventory management vehicle are provided. To enhance available services, an automatic package receiver/distributor service module is integrated in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating an interaction request to initiate a first interaction session using a first interaction channel between a request recipient and a request service provider. The method includes determining an identifier of the interaction request to be generated, determining a task associated with the interaction request, obtaining context data of a plurality of other interaction sessions associated with the identifier, determining a subset of the context data of the plurality of other interaction sessions and generating the interaction request using the subset of the context data. The interaction request may be a modified version of an initial interaction request.

Abstract: Aspects include a method, a system and a computer program product. The method includes identifying, on an electronic platform providing for an exchange of messages among multiple participants, at least one open issue to be resolved. Data is collected from the exchanged messages to determine a participation interaction parameter and a solution quality parameter associated with at least one open issue. The participation interaction parameter includes an accountability dynamic factor and collaboration dynamic factor and the solution quality parameter includes a velocity factor, a dormancy factor, and an extinction factor. When a sum of the participation interaction parameter and the solution quality parameter is below a threshold value, at least one open issue participant is invited to the electronic platform. It is also determined when the at least one open issue becomes a closed issue.

Abstract: This disclosure details the implementation of systems, methods and apparatuses for providing an integrated process tracking and management. The disclosure provides solutions for initiating, tracking, correlating and managing complex processes. In particular, the disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for process tracking and management particularly suited to job listing matching and management. In an implementation, the system may be configured to receive and extract base data entry metrics from a user designated input, for example a user's resume or a user designated saved job listing. The base data entry metrics may be correlated with user correlation metrics to derive search parameters for identifying supplemental data entries for a particular user.

Abstract: Logic to register a personal point of sale (POS) device. Logic may communicate with the registration processor to establish a secure communication channel. Logic may access a basic input output system to obtain platform information. Logic may transmit the platform information to the registration processor to identify a certification associated with the device. Logic may communicate with a payment instrument via a card reader. Logic may transmit an encrypted message from the card reader to the registration processor to bind the payment instrument to the device. Logic may receive a communication from the device comprising platform information. Logic may perform a security protocol to establish a secure communication channel with the device. Logic may determine an existence of the certification for the device in the database based upon the platform information. And logic may register the platform in response to locating the certification of the platform.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a payment server, a request for a payment from a mobile communication device; and, generating, a request to verify the location of the mobile communication device. In response to receiving the location of the mobile communication device, determining whether or not to authorize the requested payment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for self-service checkout. In an embodiment, a mobile device processor of a consumer's mobile device receives input data of an item selected for a purchase transaction, displays information concerning the item on a display screen, and receives an indication from a consumer that shopping is completed. The method includes transmitting checkout data for the purchase transaction to a self-service checkout computer, receiving a transaction authorization message and merchant instructions from the self-service checkout computer, and then displaying on the display screen the transaction authorization message and the merchant instructions, wherein the merchant instructions direct the consumer to exit the particular merchant store in a particular manner.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment disclosed herein is an EMV certification system including a credit card simulator configured to program a probe with credit card data, a point of sale simulator configured to send transaction data to a payment terminal, a robotic arm configured to perform an action on the payment terminal, and a robot controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm. The robot controller is configured to instruct the robotic arm to perform the action. The EMV certification system further includes a test coordinator communicatively coupled to the credit card simulator, the point of sale simulator, and the robot controller. The test coordinator is configured to request the robot controller instruct the robotic arm based on reading a response from the payment terminal.

Abstract: A first command is sent from a payment terminal assembly to a payment device with an on-device balance to compute a cryptogram to complete a putative transaction. It is detected that the cryptogram is not received as expected. In response, an identifier of the payment device and transaction recovery data associated with the putative transaction are stored in a storage area of a terminal memory of the payment terminal assembly. The payment terminal assembly obtains the identifier of the payment device, upon re-presentation of the payment device. Upon such re-presentation, the payment terminal assembly compares the obtained identifier of the payment device to contents of the storage area. Conditioned at least upon the comparing yielding a match, a second command is sent from the payment terminal assembly to the payment device to instruct the payment device to re-produce the cryptogram to complete the putative transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mobile authentication for web payments are disclosed. In some implementations, a proxy server receives, from a computing device different from a mobile device, a request from a user to process a web payment via a payment account associated with the mobile device, the web payment being associated with an online merchant. The proxy server verifies that the mobile device is associated with the user. The proxy server transmits, to a commerce server of the online merchant, payment information for the web payment in response to verifying that the mobile device is associated with the user.

Abstract: A user traveling abroad may decide to make a purchase transaction from a merchant, or exchange cash to foreign currency, or withdraw foreign currency from a funding source of the user. A service provider server may determine exchange rates and transaction fees for different funding sources of the user and/or at different currency exchange locations. The service provider server may further suggest a particular funding source and/or a currency exchange location. The user may conveniently make an informed decision regarding which currency exchange location to go to and which funding source to use. After the trip, the user may have leftover foreign currency. The user may exchange the foreign currency for credit in a restricted account that can be used to make purchases but cannot be cashed out. The credit may be converted to domestic currency and may conveniently be used to make purchases.

Abstract: A method validates whether a component/device installed within an information handling system (IHS) is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) programmed device, by: reading identification (ID) data and an identifier code from the target device; generating a unique encrypted sequence using the ID data; providing a unique validation check code based on the ID data; generating a component validation code corresponding to the target device via a decryption process involving the unique encrypted sequence; and comparing the component validation code to the validation check code. The method further includes: in response to the component validation code matching the validation check code, identifying the target device as an OEM programmed device with a valid identifier code stored as the identifier code; and enabling certain processes reserved for only verified OEM programmed devices. The decryption process reverses an encryption process utilized when generating the unique OEM identifier code of the target device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating a social-networking community and enabling the social-networking community to interoperate with other social-networking communities within a network of social-networking communities. The method includes creating a core profile that links a user member's identify to plurality of social-networking communities of the network. The system enables user identity information, content, and friend information to be shared across social-networking communities of the network. The system also enables community content to be shared and tracked across social-networking communities of the network.

Abstract: The systems and methods may be used to recommend an item to a consumer. The methods may comprise determining, based on a collaborative filtering algorithm, a consumer relevance value associated with an item, and transmitting, based on the consumer relevance value, information associated with the item to a consumer. The method may further comprise generating a ranked list of items based upon a plurality of consumer relevance values, transmitting a ranked list of items to a consumer, and/or re-ranking a ranked list of items based upon a merchant goal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating revenue in an online game are presented. One method includes an operation for creating, in the online game, a first virtual currency and a game score, where the amount of the first virtual currency can be increased in exchange for real currency. The first virtual currency can be traded for advancement in the online game. Further, a game module, that is an autonomous game within the online game, is started, and a second virtual currency and a module score are created in the game module. The amount of the second virtual currency can be increased in exchange for real currency, where the second virtual currency can be traded for advancement in the game module and cannot be traded for advancement in the online game outside of the game module. Advancement in the game module increases the module score and does not increase the game score.

Abstract: An advertisement, including a description of a promotion and a link, are included in a shipment of a sales item to a buyer from an online shopping site. The promotion is crafted to entice the buyer to respond to the link and trigger a further shopping opportunity based on the initial purchase. Upon responding to the link, the buyer is presented with a further promotion that includes the most recent consideration of buying incentives which are based on knowledge of selling considerations such as inventory and the marketplace that a seller may use to generate enticing content in the promotion. The seller may also take advantage of knowledge about the shopping and purchasing history of the buyer at the online shopping site in tailoring the promotion.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for identifying optimal rewards programs. The method involves retrieving from one or more databases a first set of information comprising payment card holder transaction information including at least purchasing activities and optionally payment activities attributable to the payment card holder, and retrieving from one or more databases a second set of information comprising a plurality of rewards programs. One or more predictive behavioral spend profiles are generated based on the first set of information. The one or more predictive behavioral spend profiles and the second set of information are then analyzed to identify one or more correlations between the one or more predictive behavioral spend profiles and the plurality of rewards programs. Targeted information, based on the one or more correlations, is provided to one or more entities (e.g., payment card holder or merchant).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for automatically creating or updating predictive models, including digital marketing forecast models. A predictive model is updated in real-time or near real-time using a stochastic gradient descent optimization method based on one or more predictive values associated with an advertising impression that is won in an online advertising auction. Each predictive value, which is obtained from the predictive model, is encoded as an argument in a uniform resource locator (URL) corresponding to the ad impression being auctioned. If and when the ad impression is won, the predictive value(s) and other information can be tracked and immediately available for updating the model using information encoded in the URL.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a billing level for an advertisement provided to a user based on monitored user interaction with the advertisement are provided. A streaming component streams a media advertisement to a device in a format that allows user interaction with the media advertisement. A monitoring component monitors duration of user interaction with the advertisement, and an analysis component determines level of billing associated with the advertisement based at least in part on the monitored duration of user interaction with the advertisement. In an aspect, the analysis component determines a cumulative playing period of the advertisement based on the monitored user interaction and determines the level of billing based in part on the cumulative playing period.

Abstract: A media player is provided. The media player comprises a communications interface, a memory store containing a plurality of personalized advertisements, and a media playback component. The targeted advertisements are refreshed by receiving updates from the communications interface during some of the intervals when the media player is connected to a network. The targeted advertisements are indexed by a plurality of characteristics, the first characteristic being a creation date of the targeted advertisements. The media playback component is configured to play a media content, wherein the media content is stored separately from the targeted advertisements, and to play one of the targeted advertisements in the memory store selected based on the characteristics of the one of the targeted advertisements.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for incorporating user generated content into a web page are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of such systems and methods may incorporate user generated content into a web page such that the user generated content can be consumed by indexers associated with search engines in association with that web page. Additionally, embodiments may also provide a mechanism by which user generated content may be received and included in a web page when that web page is rendered. Using embodiments as disclosed herein user generated content may be exposed to a search engine indexer in a web page while still providing a mechanism for incorporating the freshest user generated content in such a web page.

Abstract: A mobile computing device includes a computing processor that displays an indication in association with a native application icon to indicate that an advertised state of the native application can be accessed by pressing and holding the icon. The mobile computing device receives a user selection includes a press-and-hold of the native application icon. In response to the user selection, the mobile computing device displays a preview of the advertisement state adjacent to the icon. An application launcher is configured to launch the native application into the advertised state upon receiving a user selection that includes a press of the advertisement preview. The computing processor launches the native application into the advertised state via an access mechanism associated with the advertised state upon receiving a user selection of the advertisement preview.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting advertisements is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having an inspection element that monitors packet traffic associated with an end user, and determines a behavioral profile of the end user from the monitored packet traffic, a publisher element that detects an end user visiting a website managed thereby, and generates an advertisement request associated with the website, and advertisement element that selects one or more advertisements according to the behavioral profile of the end user, and submits said one or more advertisements to the publisher element for presentation thereof to the end user. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for targeted advertising to specific consumers are disclosed. A system may include a memory storing instructions and at least one processor configured to execute the instruction to: receive, over a network, client-provided data from a client device; identify at least one consumer by comparing the client-provided data against consumer data recorded in an electronic consumer database; obtain at least one unique consumer identifier for the identified at least one consumer, the at least one unique consumer identifier not including personal identifiable information; generate a target audience pool based on the at least one unique consumer identifier; and deliver, over a network, the target audience pool to the client device to facilitate targeted advertising to specific consumers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer network implementable integration of promoted information with non-promoted content before a consumer interaction with the network, such that when the consumer interacts with the network, a consumer information interacts with this integrated content and delivers a message to the consumer such that the consumer visualizes this message as part of consumer experience without distracting from the network interaction task at hand. The integration is facilitated by semantic analysis and synthesis to naturally position the promoted content as close to the consumer interaction tasks as possible at that instant. This approach displaces the current practise of matching message to media placement while further enabling a promoter to evaluate and respond to feedback data depicting the efficacy of the sponsor message. The network in question is any computer network such as the Internet or intranet.

Abstract: Business rules can govern a single price or they can define relationships between different products involving two or more decision prices. One problem that retailers can face is that business rules are generally not codified and are rarely followed consistently, and thus it can be difficult to articulate existing business rules or generate new business rules. However, existing price information inherently contains industry knowledge and experience, even if retailers find it difficult to express that knowledge. The disclosed technology generates business rules by reverse engineering rule bounds and coefficients from existing price information. The reverse engineered rule bounds and coefficients can be used in price optimization to generate recommended prices for retail products that optimize revenue and profit while complying with a set of business rules.

Abstract: Automated workspace usage management methods and apparatus associate one or more users with membership plans for usage of at least one workspace resource. Workspace usage data is collected from the one or more automated monitoring devices for monitoring workspace resource usage by one or more users. The collected workspace usage data is first measured and then compared against the membership plans associated with the users. A billing- and/or reporting-related action is performed, according to the measurement of collected workspace usage data compared against the membership plan.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include communication using a payment processing device. Various other embodiments are described.