Abstract: In an example embodiment, a submission of confidential data is received from a user. A first service is queried using an identification of the user to obtain a member profile corresponding to the user in a social networking service. One or more primary attribute values are identified from the member profile. The one of the primary attribute values are used to query a second service to obtain a derived attribute value corresponding to the one or more primary attribute values. The confidential data, one or more of the primary attribute values, and the derived attribute value are stored in a first submission table in a confidential information database. Then the one or more of the primary attribute values and the derived attribute value are used to classify the user into one or more slices.

Abstract: An effective dater provides effective dating to object in a runtime environment. The effective dater identifies an access to a first field of a first object during runtime of a program. The first object is not effective date enabled. The effective date of determines whether the effective dating is to be applied to the first field. In response to determining that effective dating is to be applied to the first field, the effective dater redirects the access to a second object. The second object is effective date enabled. The effective dater then accesses the effective dated value in the second field of the second object according to an access context.

Abstract: A system and method for providing career-related information. An example method includes acquiring user information, wherein the user information includes an indication of a target career position or opportunity; obtaining aggregated information pertaining to workers who have attained the target career position; and employing the user information and the aggregated information to provide career-related information pertaining to one or more career paths. In the example method, a user questionnaire is employed to facilitate acquiring the user information. The step of obtaining aggregated information includes collecting anonymous information from profiles of the workers. The profile information may be retrieved from a Human Capital Management (HCM), performance management system, social network system, or other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system component of an organization.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for deconstructing, cutting, shredding or disintegrating a mattress, sofa, car seat or similar items with steel or metal sub frames by the use of high pressure water jets whereby the mattress, sofa, car seat or the like is compressed and then deconstructed while compressed by the use of high pressure water jets.

Abstract: A method for navigating in a record list is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method is performed at a terminal device having one or more processors and memory for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors. The method includes detecting operational information of a user when the user operates the terminal device to navigate in the record list that is displayed in a user interface of the terminal device. The method also includes estimating, based on the operational information of the user, location information of a target record in the record list. The method further includes updating the user interface of the terminal device by introducing, based on the location information of the target record, a record access tool in the user interface of the terminal device. As a result, the user can accelerate access of the target record using the record access tool.

Abstract: A computer system includes a memory that stores two lists of electronic data transaction requests. Stored and received data transaction requests are associated with a size value and a counter-size requirement value. When data transaction requests are received they are added to one of the two lists and list to which the data transaction request is added is set to a working side. A working order is selected from the working side and a first sum of size values of data transaction requests is calculated from the working side. A second sum of size values is calculated from the non-working side from data transaction requests that have a counter-size requirement value that is less than the first sum. If the counter-size requirement value is less than or equal to the second sum, the electronic data requests from the respective lists are matched.

Abstract: A search request may define a minimum value and a maximum value for a numerical parameter of the search. A plurality of binary searches may identify a minimum entry and a maximum entry, each binary search comprising selecting a single entry and using at least one analytical model to generate a score for the single entry, wherein the score of the minimum entry corresponds with the minimum value and the score of the maximum entry corresponds with the maximum value. The at least one analytical model may be used to generate a score for each of a set of entries between the minimum entry and the maximum entry while ignoring entries outside of the set of entries between the minimum entry and the maximum entry. Entries responsive to the request may be identified within the scored set of entries.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving from a client device of a first user of an online social network a partial query input including a first character string. The method may determine one or more predicted queries based on the partial query input. The method may generate one or more search results for each of the predicted queries. The method may send, in response to receiving the partial query input, one or more of the search results to the client device for storage in a cache of the client device. The method may also retrieve, in response to receiving a completed query input from the first user, one or more of the search results from the cache of the client device for display. The completed query input may include a second character string, where the second character string may include at least the first character string.

Abstract: A rewards management system is configured to facilitate the redemption of loyalty benefits at a financial institution and apply credits, payments, debits, and/or the like associated with the loyalty benefit to transactions that are characterized by a set of predetermined rules (e.g. an item purchased during a particular transaction, the merchant from whom the transaction originated, the vendor who manufactured the item). The system provides real-time management of the loyalty account so that the loyalty benefit can be used to offset the liability associated with a particular eligible transaction. The system may also be configured to allow a user to satisfy various obligations to the financial institution (e.g. a minimum payment associated with a statement from a transactions account). As such, the system allows the loyalty account provider or the financial institution to provide a customizable rewards program that allows loyalty benefits to be used for any type of transaction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system that enables a single software application instance to support multiple tenants, wherein each tenant is associated with a separate database. First, the software application instance receives an input, wherein the input requires an operation to be performed on a database of one of the supported tenants. Next, the software application instance identifies the tenant with which the input is associated. The software application instance then obtains a context associated with the tenant. From the context, the software application instance obtains a service object. Finally, the software application invokes a method provided by the service object's class. This enables a data access object, which is encapsulated within the service object, to perform the operation on the database.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and computer readable media for setting a benchmark conversion rate. An example method comprises accessing user search data, the user search data generated by a user interacting with a promotion and marketing service to identify a requested promotion, generating an identification pair for the search data, the identification pair comprising an identification of a promotion tuple and a geographic subdivision, generating a search velocity based on the generated identification pairs, accessing a conversion rate for the promotion tuple in a plurality of geographic subdivisions and setting a benchmark rate for a promotion tuple, the benchmark rate corresponding to the conversion rate of a subdivision of the plurality of subdivisions based on the subdivision satisfying at least one of a search velocity threshold, a prime merchant metric threshold or a conversion rate threshold.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage media storing executable instructions, for providing dynamic identity profiles are described. A dynamic user identity may be generated and updated in real time according to a user's interactions, interests, and various other suitable parameters. Contextual information, geo-fencing, beacon transmissions, and various other features may be used to acquire information that is included in the dynamic user identity and to provide more effective and intelligent interactions of the user with other devices based on the dynamic user identity.

Abstract: A system for exchanging various forms of information between computer-executable agents. A computing device is configured to determine semantic data associated with each data object (DO) of a plurality of DOs. Each DO is associated with a location, and the semantic data describes the content of the associated DO. The computing device receives, from a first user computing device, a request for DO information and, in response to the request, provides DO information including the locations and the semantic data associated with the retrieved DOs to the user computing device by (a) transmitting the locations and the semantic data to the first user computing device, and/or (b) instructing the first user computing device to request the DO information from a second user computing device to which the locations and the semantic data were previously transmitted.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for gathering user-related tax data for use with tax preparation software includes a computing device executing a data capture utility configured to connect to one or more remotely located data sources, wherein the data capture utility captures user-specific tax data from the one or more remotely located data sources and stores the captured data in a data store. The computing device executes a tax logic engine configured to read data from the data store and determine the completeness of the data contained within the data store. The computing device communicates a message to the user regarding the level of completeness of the data contained within the data store.

Abstract: Apparatus for stimulating trading in a limited-liquidity financial instrument are provided. One the method may include receiving a trade of liquidity for the limited-liquidity financial instrument. The receiving may include receiving a first order. The first order may correspond to a price and volume associated with a pre-determined bid-offer spread. The order may be executable only in conjunction with a counterorder that trades with the first order and includes a commitment to make a two-way market in the financial instrument at the predetermined bid-offer spread. In certain embodiments, when the first order is received from a first entity and the counterorder is received from a second entity, the method may also include receiving a bid price and an offer price from a second entity. The method may also include receiving an instruction from the first entity to select one of the bid and the offer and to execute a trade therewith.

Abstract: A system for detecting gas leaks and determining their location and size. A data gathering portion of the system utilizes a hub and spoke configuration to collect path-integrated spectroscopic data over multiple open paths around an area. A processing portion of the system applies a high resolution transport model together with meteorological data of the area to generate an influence function of possible leak locations on gas detector measurement paths, and applies an inversion model to the influence function and the spectroscopic data to generate gas source size and location.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for performing configuration management functionality on hierarchically-organized unstructured data using associative templates. Such methods, computer program products, and computer systems include identifying a node in the associative template and setting a configuration parameter to a parameter value, based on a template association. The node in the associative template is a node in a hierarchy of an associative template. The identifying indicates a template association between the node in the associative template and a node in a hierarchy of hierarchically-organized unstructured data (HOUD). The parameter value is maintained in the node in the associative template, and the node comprises the configuration parameter.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing charged battery units into a tank of an electrically powered apparatus. The dispenser comprises a dispensing container for accommodating a plurality of charged battery units, and a conduit having a first end coupled to the dispensing container and a second end adapted to be coupled to a tank to be filled. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing battery units to the tank through said conduit, the dispensing mechanism comprising a metering unit for monitoring and controlling the number and or state of battery units dispensed.

Abstract: A remote server is capable of acquiring income distribution of a fishing ground. The remote server receives information on positions of a fishing boat, information on operating days of the fishing boat, and income and fuel consumption of the fishing boat on each operating day or at each position of the operating day. The remote server outputs the income and the fuel consumption for each operating day and makes an income distribution map expressing distribution of corbiculae. The remote server outputs the number of times of receipt of the information on the positions on each operating day on the map and makes a collection spot distribution map expressing distribution of the collection spot by the fishing boat.

Abstract: A production plan for a second base is generated that is suited to the circumstances of the second base while making use of a first base's know-how about adjusting a production plan. A storage unit is configured to store plan adjustment knowledge regarding a plan adjustment that has been made to a production plan for the first base. A generation unit is configured to generate production adjustment knowledge regarding a production adjustment that has been made at the second base, which has a production management level different from that of the first base, based on production capacity and production performance of the second base. A planning unit is configured to generate a production plan for the second base based on the plan adjustment knowledge stored in the storage unit and on the production adjustment knowledge generated by the generation unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to generate a color palette with color combinations based on human color preferences. One or more input colors can be used to determine affiliated colors based on the presence of colors in color palettes that have been voted on and/or ranked by a community of users. Each affiliated color can be weighted, normalized, and ordered based at least in part on the level of preference for the color palette to which it belongs and the relative popularity of the input colors. A color from the ordered affiliated colors can be selected and added to the custom palette of colors. With the addition of a color, the ordered affiliated colors can be updated to further present colors for inclusion in the custom color palette.

Abstract: Briefly, embodiments disclosed herein may relate to formulating recommended search queries. Search query recommendations may be based, at least in part, on multiple user searches performed at least in part in response to consumption of publicly available content, for example.

Abstract: A system that facilitates the negotiation of a standard for inter-enterprise collaboration between trading partners includes a set of meta-model elements. Each element in the set can be negotiated by enterprises and incorporated into a negotiated meta-model that describes an agreement between the enterprises as to collaborations between the enterprises. Each element in the set describes a portion of a potential standard for collaboration between enterprises. The system also includes a meta-model negotiation service that receives an indication that enterprises wish to negotiate a standard for collaborations between the enterprises and provides access to the set of elements and receive selections of one or more of the elements for negotiation and incorporation into a negotiated meta-model. The negotiated meta-model describes an agreement between the enterprises as to collaborations between the enterprises.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an onboarding dashboard and methods and system thereof for transitioning candidates into welcomed and engaged workers. In an online services exchange medium, clients find and hire freelancer candidates “on demand” to get projects done quickly and cost effectively. A client is able to use the onboarding dashboard to configure onboarding tasks for each individual or group of candidates the client hires. The candidates, once engaged with the client, are able use the onboarding dashboard to view the onboarding tasks established for them by the client. The onboarding dashboard provides complete visibility of the onboarding progress to both the client and the candidates, enforcement of step dependencies and management of documents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, a computer program product, and a computer system for extracting natural language relations between entities. A computer receives a configuration for associating one or more natural language questions with one or more entities and identifies the one or more entities annotated within a document. The computer answers the natural language questions associated with the identified one or more entities based on context surrounding the identified one or more entities. The computer may further transmit the natural language questions associated with the identified one or more entities and the surrounding context to a question and answer service, then receive answers to the natural language questions from the question and answer service. The computer may further determine whether the received answers correctly describe the relation between the identified one or more entities and other entities within the extracted surrounding context.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for constructing a complementary calendar and/or a shadow calendar. A user may maintain a primary calendar within which the user may schedule user specified tasks and/or meetings, but may inadvertently omit other entries. Accordingly, a complementary calendar may be constructed based upon inferences derived from user signal data (e.g., information used to identify/infer activities of the user, such as social network profile information, messages, temporal information, locational information, documents, etc.). The complementary calendar may be automatically populated with entries corresponding to inferences derived from user signals and/or real-time conditions (e.g., weather, store hours, traffic conditions, etc.). The primary calendar and the complementary calendar may be merged to create a shadow calendar.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for adjusting a data query. These mechanisms and methods for adjusting a data query can enable more relevant query results, increased efficiency and revenue, optimized customer interaction, etc.

Abstract: Provided is a computer implemented method for a vehicle used in a car share journey to access priority parking spaces in a carpark. The method includes the step of obtaining location and time data for a mobile electronic device of a user/driver of the vehicle and for a mobile electronic device of at least one other user. From this data, it is determined that the two devices are in close proximity to each other for a predetermined time and/or over a predetermined distance thereby inferring that the two users are sharing the vehicle. When one or both of the devices are detected as having reached a location on or within a boundary of a geo-fence associated with the carpark, data is communicated to a system or device of a third party associated with the carpark to alert the third party and/or provide the third party with data indicative of an identity of the vehicle and/or its driver to enable the driver to access carparking spaces allocated to car share vehicles.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture to monitor media presentations are disclosed. An example method includes providing a software development kit (SDK) to an application developer. The SDK is to enable the application developer to create a monitoring enabled application. A panelist identifier is transmitted in response to a request from a registrar executed by the media device. The request includes demographic information associated with a user of the media device. The panelist identifier is stored in a shared memory of the media device and is accessible to the monitoring enabled application. The monitoring enabled application is to collect data if the panelist identifier is in the shared memory and to disable collection of the data if the panelist identifier is not in the shared memory. The data is collected from the monitoring enabled application.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a networked storage system are provided. One method includes assigning by a processor executable management module a service level objective (SLO) for a workload, where the SLO is allotted a plurality of performance parameters for tracking performance of the workload for storing data in a networked storage environment; tracking historical performance of the workload to determine a duration when SLO allotment defined by the plurality of performance parameters is being under-utilized; adjusting automatically the SLO allotment for the workload during the duration when the SLO allotment is under-utilized; and re-allocating automatically the available performance capacity of a resource used by the workload to another workload whose assigned SLO is not being under-utilized.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of storage drives configured to store data associated with at least one of homogeneous and heterogeneous applications running in containers; and a controller configured to balance workloads of the containers by grouping the containers based on characteristics of the workloads of the containers.

Abstract: There is provided a method for component correlation of an integrated service, comprising: receiving, at a central server, a selection of a certain integrated service including hardware and software components, each respective integrated service associated with an offering inventory representation including a description of the hardware and software components; receiving, from the client, a message including the inventory description of the automated home environment; correlating the inventory description of the home inventory with the certain integrated service offering inventory, to identify a subset of hardware and software components already installed within the automated home environment that correspond to hardware and software components of the certain integrated service, wherein the inventory description and the offering inventory are based on a common data format; and presenting, to the client, a modified version of the certain integrated service based on the identified subset.

Abstract: In representative embodiments, a system and method to recommend improvements to a security reliance score is illustrated. Individual cryptographic key material has an associated security reliance score that is calculated based on attributes of associated with the cryptographic key material. The system identifies an improvement goal and evaluates a selected cross-section of key material and their associated scores. Based on the evaluation, the system creates an exemplary model having attributes to use as the basis of improvement. This model is then used to calculate improvement potential for a selected cross-section of scores by calculating the improvement that would occur if changes were made in the selected cross-section to match the model. Based on the improvement potential, the system can then automatically initiate action(s) to improve scores or present options for action(s) to a user for selection and initiation.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition based on commodities.

Abstract: Computer networks for secure demand-driven file distribution are described. In one example, a client device receives a notification to check in for updates. In response, the client device checks in with a device services computing device on a computer network. The device services computing device determines a path list to certain cache computing devices on the computer network for receipt of the files, builds a markup file including the path list to the files, and transmits the markup file to the client device. The markup file can also include unique identifiers of the files and an encryption key for secure distribution of the files. Using the markup file, the client device can request the files, and the computer network is physically and logically arranged to distribute the files among the cache computing devices and to the client device in a secure and demand-driven manner.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for facilitating synchronized delivery of shipments/items scheduled to be delivered to multiple serviceable points located nearby one another. Various embodiments identify nearby serviceable points based on an identification of serviceable points within a common delivery density area. In various embodiments, serviceable point data identifying a serviceable point cluster are stored for a plurality of serviceable points. Shipping data for a first shipment to be delivered to a first serviceable point is then received, and a determination is made whether a second shipment is scheduled to be delivered to a second serviceable point within the same cluster as the first serviceable point. Historical delivery activity is identified for the serviceable point cluster, and is compared with a threshold frequency.

Abstract: Approaches to sharing information about third-party data sets in the context of an application. A computing device may be used to determine the context of an application that is executing on the computing device and searching an index that includes entries representing publisher data sets. The computing device may search the index for entries that are associated with the context of the application. In response to finding such an entry, the computing device displays information about the publisher data set that is associated with the entry.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for assigning metadata candidates to a commercial by performing image analysis on a plurality of the video frames to identify video frames that include one or more of identifiable product-related logos, brand-related logos, product-related text, or brand-related text which appear in the video frames, performing audio analysis on the commercial to identify audio associated with one or more identifiable products or brands in the commercial, comparing the products and brands identified by the image analysis with the products and brands identified by the audio analysis, and identifying similar products and brands; and assigning to the commercial a product or brand as a primary metadata candidate when a similar product or brand is identified by the image analysis and the audio analysis.

Abstract: Efficient system construction is enabled even when components (objects) of a system include such a setting item whose setting value is determined by an environment of a destination of construction during deployment. In a deployment device (100), a setting information storage unit (120) stores setting information indicating a referencing relation among setting items of a plurality of objects included in a system and a dependent item which is a setting item whose value is determined during deployment in an execution environment among the setting items of the plurality of objects. A deployment sequence determination unit (140) determines a sequence in which the plurality of objects are to be deployed in the execution environment, based on the setting information. A deployment execution unit (150) deploys each of the plurality of objects in the execution environment in accordance with the deployment sequence.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for calculating an average time people spend at a particular location, such as a store. A plurality of entrance times is identified, where each entrance time corresponds to when one or more objects entered the particular location. A plurality of exit times is also identified, where each exit time corresponds to when one or more objects exited the particular location. An average entrance time is determined based on the plurality of entrance times. An average exit time is determined based on the plurality of exit times. An average time people spend at the particular location is determined based on a difference between the average exit time and the average entrance time.

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: Methods and apparatus for mediating user access to services over a network are described. Access is provided by a service network host to a plurality of connectors providing access to a plurality of services over the network. The services are provided by entities independent from the service network host. The connectors including a first connector are configured to communicate with a first service using a first format to retrieve or modify data associated with the first service. The first connector is further configured to identify one or more methods or data fields of the first service. The service network host is further configured to provide, to a computer associated with a user over the network, one or more directions for using the first connector to display and/or modify data from the first service over the network.

Abstract: Data processing systems and methods, according to various embodiments are adapted for efficiently processing data to allow for the streamlined assessment of the risk level associated with particular privacy campaigns. The systems may provide a centralized repository of templates of privacy-related question/answer pairings for various vendors, products (e.g., software products), and services. Different entities may electronically access the templates (which may be periodically updated and centrally audited) and customize the templates for evaluating the risk associated with the entities' respective business endeavors that involve the relevant vendors, products, or services.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for inspecting the cosmetic and operational features of electronic devices, including computing and telecommunications devices. The cosmetic inspection system includes an image capture unit for capturing the images of the electronic devices, and a user interface for processing the captured images and providing relevant information to the user of the system. Images of the external components such as external casing materials or touch screens of electronic devices are captured and the cosmetic inspection system uses baseline images to make determinations to identify defective components of the electronic devices. Based on these determinations, the system may conclude which, if any, replacement components of the devices are needed to restore the electronic device. In one embodiment, a user of the system may then be provided with information through a user interface about defective components and options for ordering replacement components.

Abstract: A semantic search engine is enhanced to employ user preferences to customize answer output by, for a first user, extracting user preferences and sentiment levels associated with a first question; receiving candidate answer results of a semantic search of the first question; weighting the candidate answer results according to the sentiment levels for each of the user preferences; and producing the selected candidate answers to the first user. Optionally, user preferences and sentiment levels may be accumulated over different questions for the same user, or over different users for similar questions. And, supplemental information may be retrieved relative to a user preference in order to further tune the weighting per the preferences and sentiment levels.

Abstract: A computer system is configured to enable users to maintain a facility. The computer system includes a computer server configured to communicate across a computer network with a plurality of mobile devices, where each mobile device is pre-configured for one of a plurality of different facilities, and a database configured to store facility data about the facilities identifying sets of equipment within each facility that a user is required to perform a maintenance check on, and parameter data associated with the equipment that is set by a user through a given one of the mobile devices during the maintenance check. The computer server enables the mobile devices to read data from the database or insert new data into the database in response to requests received from the mobile devices.

Abstract: A method and system applies analytics models to a tax return preparation system to determine a likelihood of qualification for an earned income tax credit by a user, according to one embodiment. The method and system receive user data and applying the user data to a predictive model to cause the predictive model to determine, at least partially based on the user data, a likelihood of qualification for an earned income tax credit for the user, according to one embodiment. The method and system display, for the user, an estimated tax return benefit to the user, at least partially based on the likelihood of qualification for the earned income tax credit exceeding a predetermined threshold, to reduce delays in presenting estimated earned income tax credit benefits to the user during a tax return preparation session in a tax return preparation system, according to one embodiment.

Abstract: In representative embodiments, a digital assistant provides actionable information to a user regarding one or more vehicles owned by a user. Actionable information is typically provided in a “tip” which is a mechanism for presenting information to a user and may be presented in text, audible, or other form. The tips provided by the digital assistant are directed to helping the user with tasks associated with vehicles such as knowing when to obtain service such as oil changes, tire inflation, light replacement, brake replacement, fluid level check/fill, or other service. The digital assistant can utilize user information to automatically book service appointments, recommend times for service or other vehicle actions, route changes and so forth. Tips can also include links to a marketplace where recommended services can be obtained.

Abstract: A user device which can provide information related to text, which is input into a messenger, on a background screen of the messenger, and a method for providing information in the user device are provided. The method includes displaying a conversation exchanged through a messenger, detecting text related to a content in the conversation, displaying a content image matched to the content on a background of the conversation, and providing information related to the content in response to selection of the content image.

Abstract: Data sharing between devices in a network is described. User data associated with a user device is identified, and a location of the user device is determined. A potential contact device located within a proximity range relative to the location of the user device is identified. Communications are sent between the user device and the potential contact device to initiate data sharing. In response to the communications, data is exchanged between the user device and the potential contact device by sending the user data to the potential contact device, and sending contact data associated with the potential contact device to the user device to modify contact information stored in association with the user device. The data sharing can also initiate a chat session and/or generate a display.