Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for competitive simulations and, more particularly, to systems and/or methods in which users build stock portfolios that compete against each other, with the performance of each user's stock portfolio being based on one or more stock market related metrics (e.g., price per share, market capitalization, volume of trade, etc.). A user's portfolio may be formed and/or reformed so as to comply with certain predefined criteria (e.g., company traded on a particular exchange, company belonging to a particular market sector, etc.). The performance of each team/portfolio may be depicted using sports-related imagery (e.g., as teams on a football field, a basketball court, around a baseball diamond, etc.).

Abstract: A browser operation and control method is provided for a server and a client having a browser. The server receives a query request message from the client, and the query request message contains a character string converted by the client from voice information inputted by a user of the client. The server obtains control information for operating the browser based on the character string in the query request message, and the control information indicating one of a plurality results provided by the server including a direct URL based on the character string, a direct operation command based on the character string, and a search result page based on the character string. The server sends a query response message containing the control information to the client such that the client operates the browser based on the control information in response to the voice information inputted by the user.

Abstract: A method and computer system for determining a reputation threshold requirement for participating in a collaboration session. A determination is made whether a reputation of a user satisfies the reputation threshold requirement for the collaboration session. Access to the collaboration session is enabled if the reputation of the user satisfies the reputation threshold requirement for the collaboration session. Access to the collaboration session is disabled if the reputation of the user fails to satisfy the reputation threshold requirement for the collaboration session.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for distributed discussion collaboration is provided. The computer-implemented method includes selecting a featured discussion item for each of one or more collaborators based on information associated with each respective collaborator. The method also includes providing selected featured discussion items for display to respective one or more collaborators. The method further includes receiving voting information for the featured discussion items displayed to the respective one or more collaborators. In another embodiment, a system for distributed discussion collaboration includes a selection module configured to select a featured discussion item for each of one or more collaborators based on information associated with each respective collaborator. The system also includes a view controller and a voting module.

Abstract: A method using a field-accessed database system identifies an object by a data identifier, and stores and/or retrieves object data using the associated data identifier. In one mode of operation, a field terminal uploads to a database object-based data and employs the associated data identifier to group the uploaded object data with object data relating to other objects having substantially similar data identifiers. In another mode of operation, the system identifies one or more data products stored in a database and previously grouped according to an identified object's data identifier, and a field terminal downloads from database one or more data products related to the identified object and processes downloaded data products for user access.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for optimizing different amounts of output products derived from an initial biomass material. The method includes obtaining economic data of costs and availability of raw materials and resources, and prices that would be paid for output products derived, performing calculations to determine an optimum amount of each of the output products; and controlling processes that generate the output products. In some embodiments, the processes convert initial biomass materials into intermediate and output products, an economic engine that obtains economic data relating to costs of initial materials and prices that would be paid for output products derived from the raw materials, and performs calculations to determine an optimum amount of each of the output products, and valves that are controlled by the economic engine to route variable amounts of the initial biomass materials to the processes to obtain a mix of output products that provides an optimum profit.

Abstract: One feature pertains to a computer-readable storage medium having instructions for generating group solutions stored thereon, the instructions when executed by at least one processor causes the processor to receive a plurality of solution statements from a plurality of users, determine that two or more solution statements of the plurality of solution statements are positively and significantly correlated with each other, and generate a group solution that includes the two or more solution statements determined to be positively and significantly correlated with each other. The two or more solution statements having the positive and significant correlation tending to be included concurrently in the plurality of solution statements received from the plurality of users.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing integrated circuits (“ICs”) is disclosed. The method pertains to providing third-party technology in the form of an IC design library to foundry customers for designing IC products using alternate rule sets. Aggressive rules pertaining to IC layout are used to reduce device size, resulting in more device per wafer for the customer. The method includes a library creator creating a slim cell library, a slim cell library being provided to a customer to enable the customer to generate a slim IC design; an IC fabricator charging the customer a per-wafer premium to fabricate the slim IC design; the IC fabricator providing a first portion of the premium to a first entity, wherein the first entity is a contributor of technology for enabling creation of the slim cell library; and the IC fabricator providing a second portion of the premium to the library creator.

Abstract: A method of aiding creation of a service offer associated with a Service Delivery Framework (SDF) includes providing a plurality of reusable Application Objects (AOs) that may be associated with an Interactive Development Environment (IDE). The AOs are prototype customer facing service offers that include standardized functions supporting ordering, billing, management and monitoring. The AOs also include standardized event formats and configurable attributes that affect the behavior and pricing of service offers derived from the AOs. A Services Marketplace facilitates reuse of AOs and supports relationships between customers, application creators, service providers and OSS/BSS providers. A computer-readable medium includes instructions that when executed by a computing device aids in creation of a service offer associated with a SDF by providing a plurality of reusable Application Objects (AOs) in the context of a services marketplace.

Abstract: A verticalized collaborative network system for eliciting collaborative participation for a project that includes a communications module to establish communications with verified collaborators and candidate collaborators, a collaborative tagging module to process project and candidate collaborator information identifying potential participants corresponding to the project and their respective contact information, and one or more storage devices configured to store attributes of the project and contact information.

Abstract: A computer implemented system and method used to facilitate the upload, evaluation, and submission of a script is disclosed. The system and method include a first server, the first server configured to receive a script uploaded by a user, and a processor, either associated with the server or operably connected to the server, the processor adapted to review the script, wherein the processor reviews the script: automatically in comparison to a master script including benchmark data associated therewith, and/or manually, wherein one or more users of the system review the script via the processor; and/or manually, wherein one or more industry users of the system review the script via the processor.

Abstract: A system and a method for discovering and ranking trending links about topics are presented. The method comprises steps of receiving a plurality of messages from a social networking server, identifying a plurality of trending objects from the plurality of messages, generating at least one trending score for each trending object of the trending objects, and presenting a list of the trending objects based on the trending scores.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computer-implemented collaboration platform comprising: means enabling an initiator (158) to create a message (168); means enabling the initiator (158) to invite a group of first degree partners (160, 162, 164) to respond to the message (168); means enabling a first degree partner (162) to create a sub-message (170, 172); means adapted to automatically create a link between the sub-message (170) and the message (168), or between the first degree partner (162) and the initiator (158), or between collaboration spaces established for the sub-message (170) and the message (168); and means enabling the first degree partner (162) to invite a group of second degree partners (176) to respond to the sub-message (170) while concealing identities of one or more first degree partner (158, 160, 164) for the group of second degree partners (176), and/or vice versa concealing identities of one or more second degree partner (176) for the group of first degree partners (158, 160, 164).

Abstract: The current method and system utilize crowdsourcing for content generation and production of multimedia through online collaboration. The current method not only creates a platform for online content providers to gain exposure and get feedback, it uses these broad powers of the crowd to select, refine and produce media that enables broader production and reward of partial contributions and serves a larger audience with self-selected interests.

Abstract: A system facilitates collaborative communications and information sharing in a network defined by a model. The model and a portion of the system are stored on a storage component coupled to a terminal. The system captures context information and user-defined data, the user-defined data provided during user interaction of the user in a first domain of the network, and dynamically stores the context information as metadata associated with the user-defined data, the user-defined data and the metadata stored on the storage component; a tracking component for tracking a change of the user from the first domain to a second domain of the network and dynamically updating the stored metadata based on the change, where the user accesses the user-defined data from the second domain; and an interface to the system that permits the user to create and view the user-defined data according to the model of the network.

Abstract: Among other things, contributors (also called teammates) can form teams to cooperatively create original media using electronic communication with a server. The cooperative creation of the original media occurs as a project and as working sessions within a project, defined within a user interface accessible to each of the contributors of the team. The contributors can communicate through the user interface. Security is provided against access by any other party to the original media and the process of cooperatively creating it.

Abstract: A collaboration system includes a banker collaboration platform offering a first degree of access, and a vendor collaboration platform that offers a second degree of access to the banker collaboration platform. Vendors are not allowed to directly contact bankers and bankers' identities are maintained secret from the vendors. The two platforms can be part of a network site hosted on one or more server machines in a network environment.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a crowd-sourcing invention development system (CIDS) and methods associated with the system to aid inventors, at no cost or at minimal cost, to develop their ideas and to file patent applications based on their ideas. According to embodiments of the invention, CIDS facilitates investment in an inventor's invention by exposing potential investors to inventions at preliminary stages of invention development, allowing investors to fund activities such as searching and patent application drafting and filing. Investors may continue to invest after patent application drafting. According to an embodiment of the invention, CIDS users may assist invention development or prior art searching by submitting relevant information via the CIDS website. A submitter may be rewarded by being granted rights or credits to be exchanged for rights in an invention submitted to the CIDS website.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes allowing a first user to initiate a design of an image product on a first device, allowing the design of the image product to be shared to mobile devices operated by second users, receiving personalized messages comprising a plurality of pixels from the first user or the second users by a network-based image service system, storing personalized messages from the first user or the second users in different layers at a data center in the network-based image service system, concurrently broadcasting changes in values of the pixels to the first device and the mobile devices to allow an overlay of the personalized messages on the first device or the mobile devices, and incorporating the personalized messages into the design of the image product by the network-based image service system.

Abstract: When a service is requested at a platform in a collaborative services environment, a service orchestration engine accesses a service definition from a repository and schedules a number of tasks at a number of end points in accordance with a number of end point profiles and a number of policies associated with the end points.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for generating customer solutions using real-time information for new customer sales and/or current customer support. In one implementation, technical infrastructure data for a provider network is retrieved from one or more databases. The technical infrastructure data represents network assets and capabilities. Location information is obtained for at least one customer site. A product selection including a set of design attributes for one or more telecommunication products is received. A network access point for providing the one or more telecommunication products is determined based on a correlation of the technical infrastructure data with the location information. A configuration for the at least one customer site is generated based on the product selection. A design is generated based on the network access point and the at least one configured customer site.

Abstract: Techniques for enforcing data sharing policies on a collaboration platform are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for enforcing data sharing policies on a collaboration platform including a communication module configured to capture a subscription request from a first user to follow a second user in a collaboration platform. The system may also include an asset and profile module including at least one computer processor configured to determine authorization classification associated the first user and the second user. The system may further include an enforcement module including at least one computer processor configured to determine whether to approve the subscription request based at least in part on the authorization classification associated with the first user and the second user.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for internet-based commercial trade in collaboratively created secondary digital media programs The method comprises accessing data comprising a primary program generated using an authoring tool, enabling acceptance of a channel of a secondary program, each channel of the secondary program comprising a set of rich metadata associated with the primary program, from a user of the primary program other than the original creator of the primary program and storing the channel in association with the primary program in a database of rich metadata for access by other users of the primary program. The method further comprises enabling access, upon request, to the channel in association with the primary program via a playback tool.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for developing an asset by competition includes specifying standards for an asset, receiving from potential contestants indicia of interest in participating in an asset development competition in which the contestants compete to develop an asset, and determining an estimated likelihood that the asset development competition will result in an asset that meets the minimum standards based on historical information about the performance of the contestants from whom the indicia of interest were received. Steps may be taken to increase the estimated likelihood of success, upon a determination that the likelihood is less than desired. Steps may be taken to prevent registration by additional participants, upon a determination that the estimated likelihood is at or above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for discontinuing the following of records in an on-demand database service environment. In one embodiment, one or more records are identified according to one or more designated criteria. The records are stored in a database. The records are being followed by one or more users in an on-demand database service environment such that updates to the records are capable of being stored as feed items in one or more feed tables in the database. The feed items are capable of being published in an information feed displayed on one or more devices associated with the one or more users. The following of the identified one or more records by the one or more users is discontinued.

Abstract: A collaboration platform employs collaboration objects to automatically construct virtual groupings of individuals sharing a common interest, thereby promoting collaboration. The collaboration platform includes a collaboration engine in communication with business object(s) (e.g. a purchase order document) of an application layer. Based upon masterdata (e.g. a product name) compiled from the business object(s), the collaboration engine creates collaboration object data structures that include information relevant to collaboration. Such collaboration objects may link particular individuals to relevant masterdata. According to one example, an engineer creates a new bill of material in the system which includes a specific product. This product is subject of a purchasing order created by purchasing agent. From the collaboration object(s), the collaboration engine may automatically construct virtual groupings of individuals (e.g. the engineer and the purchasing agent) sharing a common interest (e.g.

Abstract: Computer based systems and methods allow designing (e.g., customization) of consumer products, such as articles of footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, etc., by users.

Abstract: A method and system for users to concurrently edit a digital file to achieve a predetermined goal. Each iteration creates a copy of the digital file for each user; enables the users to create an altered digital file by making a change having a magnitude within predetermined limits; creates a voting set containing a plurality of digital files, the plurality of digital files including at least one altered or unaltered digital file; enables the users to cast votes in relation to the digital files in the voting set; repeats the steps of creating a voting set and enables the users to cast votes until one of the digital files in one of the voting sets receives a number of votes above a predetermined voting threshold; and includes in the next iteration the digital file which received a number of votes above the predetermined voting threshold.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product are provided for scoring of crowd-computing inputs. A group of data is provided to crowd-computing participants and the participants are requested to provide candidate members or the group of data. The computer-implemented method performed includes: receiving an input by a participant, wherein the input is a candidate member; counting multiple inputs of the same candidate member by participants; validating a candidate member; rewarding the participants inputting the candidate member, with a higher reward for participants who input the candidate member earlier than other participants; and supplying the rewards to participants once the candidate member has been validated.

Abstract: A method of managing content is disclosed. Data which is associated with an activity of a business process is obtained. Said activity is external to an automated business process of an electronic collaboration tool. The automated business process corresponds to the business process. It is determined if the data has a unique identifier associated therewith, indicative of the automated business process. The data is associated in a computer memory device with the automated business process if the data has the unique identifier associated therewith.

Abstract: A collaborative platform for the procurement and creation of digital media is disclosed. The platform includes methods and systems that provide a collaborative framework for collaborative digital media, connecting government/military, industry/freelancers and academia through a common, secure cloud service. This unique solution enables a common platform for collaboration and digital media production and delivery using a secure network and data model. This framework provides a turnkey technical, creative and purchasing and procurement solution for a diverse array of organizations.

Abstract: A web-based collaborative product development system for facilitating collaborative development of a product by multiple user entities. The collaborative product development system includes a collaborative product development site and user entity terminals. The collaborative product development site includes an invitation component that allows an originating user entity or entities to invite other user entities to create a product based on consumer preferences, a reception/verification component that enables the originating user entity or entities to accept bids from other user entities in response to the invitation and select a winner or winners as collaborators, and a collaboration component employed by the user entities to jointly develop the product. The user entity terminals provide access to the collaborative product development system via an internet or intranet connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing spontaneous collaboration between a shopper and consultants concerning a shopping goal derives information about the shopper's physical or logical proximity to a particular product category, combined with the current contents of his or her shopping cart is used to determine one or more shopping goals; as well as information about each potential consultant, including physical proximity, willingness to consult, areas of expertise and recent experience is used to rank each consultant in terms of relevance to one or more shopping goal.

Abstract: An industrial social media platform facilitates sharing of design, maintenance, and operational information relating to a planned or installed industrial control system. The industrial social media platform shares information between personnel involved in the design and testing of the control system, including plant engineers, original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, maintenance personnel, and equipment operators. The industrial social media platform creates an industrial social media page for a new control system prior to or during the design phase. Subscribers to the industrial social media page can share relevant information during design and testing of the industrial system, including design specifications, preferred engineering standards, schedules, acceptance test results, etc. After the industrial control system is deployed, the industrial social media page can be re-configured to share data relating to operation and maintenance of the system.

Abstract: A method for handling the automated transferal of project level data to the various entities involved in such project which may be one of several projects within the control of each entity. Project level data may be coded, extracted and conveyed to one or more of several entities involved in a project in a format permitting notification of upper levels of management of each specific entity or summarization within the hierarchy of projects within the enterprise structure of each specific entity. Similarly, project level data may be imported and sequestered within the database for the project such that such data may be used for calculations or reports relating to that project without permitting unauthorized access to such data to the entities involved in the project.

Abstract: A method for generating website feature requirements includes receiving a screen capture image including a website. The screen capture image is matched to one or more known website features listed within a database of website features. A website features requirements specification is generated based on the results of the matching. One or more recommendations for modifying the website features requirements specification is automatically generated based on considerations of cost or complexity of implementation. The website features requirements specification is updated based on the one or more recommendations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide a software system for managing innovation. The system may be used by managers in organizations to guide and monitor the innovation process and to manage innovation projects. The system may comprise major elements, namely strategy system, portfolio system, process system, culture system and infrastructure system. Information prepared in each system may automatically populate the other systems. Strategy system tools may be employed for strategic planning. Portfolio System may track the innovation projects and investment and may be sorted by risk/reward level. Further, process system may collect ideas from users of the system. Furthermore, culture system may include role definitions and checklists for Leaders, Champions, and Geniuses and may aggregate information from all systems. The infrastructure system may include tutorials for users. Further, information from all the major elements may be accessible via a dashboard system.

Abstract: A method for generating website feature requirements includes receiving a screen capture image including a website. The screen capture image is matched to one or more known website features listed within a database of website features. A website features requirements specification is generated based on the results of the matching. One or more recommendations for modifying the website features requirements specification is automatically generated based on considerations of cost or complexity of implementation. The website features requirements specification is updated based on the one or more recommendations.

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

Abstract: A platform for hosting virtual events includes a user interface module generating a user interface for accessing a virtual event; a conferencing module providing conferencing between participants of the virtual event; a virtual environment module generating a virtual environment for interaction between participants of the virtual event; and a payment processing module collecting payments from participants of the virtual event and distributing payments to an event planner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for service configuration management. One embodiment of the present invention includes providing a configuration question and capturing an answer to the question. The embodiment also includes linking the answer to a requirement, tracing the requirement to a potential solution, and storing integrated information. Further, the integrated information of the embodiment includes the requirement, the potential solution, and a link between the requirement and the potential solution.

Abstract: Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system for using a structured analytical process to model, analyze, plan and improve anticipated flows of information across agencies, department, companies etc. and across different disciplines and jurisdictions. The method includes a structured process for improving the flow of information through need-based communication planning. The method identifies the need for information, describes its availability and specifies the restrictions on its dissemination. It then uncovers information sharing opportunities, generates communication plans, discovers preventable communication breakdowns and prioritizes their remediations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computer-implemented collaboration platform comprising: means enabling an initiator (158) to create a message (168); means enabling the initiator (158) to invite a group of first degree partners (160, 162, 164) to respond to the message (168); means enabling a first degree partner (162) to create a sub-message (170, 172); means adapted to automatically create a link between the sub-message (170) and the message (168), or between the first degree partner (162) and the initiator (158), or between collaboration spaces established for the sub-message (170) and the message (168); and means enabling the first degree partner (162) to invite a group of second degree partners (176) to respond to the sub-message (170) while concealing identities of one or more first degree partner (158, 160, 164) for the group of second degree partners (176), and/or vice versa concealing identities of one or more second degree partner (176) for the group of first degree partners (158, 160, 164).

Abstract: A method for facilitating the creation of a digital communications network by collaborative interaction among users at computer interfaces, the method comprising, at a terminal in a digital communications network: receiving question data; collecting answer data, collaboration data, and selection data relating to the terminal; transmitting the collected answer data to at least one first remote terminal; receiving answer data from the at least one first remote terminal responsive to identical question data as the received question data; receiving collaborative data from the first remote terminal; one or more of storing and displaying the question data and responsive answer data; and displaying answer data from the at least one first remote terminal in accordance with whether the at least one first remote terminal is assigned to a same predetermined first-tier group as the terminal in an answer data driven device hierarchy. A terminal, system and computer-readable medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an information technology solution. A system for generating a runtime model is provided, comprising: a system for selecting a business pattern; a system for providing a management integration table, wherein the management integration table includes a plurality of cells, each representing at least one management application pattern; and a system for generating a runtime model from the selected business pattern and management integration table, wherein the generating system supplements the business pattern with additive patterns, bridge patterns, and management application patterns in order to generate the runtime model.

Abstract: A business-to-business relationship portal (e.g., a web site or the like interface to a network or web-based computer system) facilitates the communications and activities of individuals and entities in collaborative business environments. Preferably, a network-based portal is provided that supports large-scale, e.g., global, needs. The portal preferably provides a community of stakeholders with a set of core capabilities beneficial to support business objectives. The most preferred embodiments of the invention are employed in an exemplary environment pertaining to launch centers for new business, companies or entities, which can be particularly advantageous to a launch center community of stakeholders such as: launch centers; venture capitalists; consulting companies; market units; prospects; marketing and public relations; and/or service providers.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer implemented, internet website based method for idea development and subsequent sharing, networking, and best practices dissemination through a unique segregation method; construction of which is specifically intended to maximize, streamline, and expedite communications and transparency by and between individual members of governmental boards and commissions subject to locally implemented public record and open meeting laws, while at the same time preventing users from violating such existing laws which could lead to criminal prosecution and incarceration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for providing integrated management of a workflow for moving industry quotes. A processor can be configured to execute workflow management software to manage a plurality of moving industry quote workflows. Each moving industry quote workflow may correspond to a move transaction. The moving industry quote workflows may correspond to a plurality of workflow types, and each workflow type may comprise an associated plurality of interrelated tasks for different aspects of managing a moving industry quote workflow. Users can interact with a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) to perform the interrelated tasks.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero.