Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving from a client device a request for content. A geolocation for the client device is identified. The delivery of the content to the client device is metered to form a metered content value. License terms for consumption of the content at the geolocation are identified. A licensing fee is computed based upon the metered content value and the license terms for consumption of the content at the geolocation.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) type model helps application designers create error free graphical user interface applications (GAPs). The GUI type model provides a reference set of GUI element types. The application designer assigns a selected GUI element type to each GUI element in a GAP design. The GUI element types help ensure consistent and proper treatment of the GUI element types at every stage in the development of the application, from initial planning and design, to compilation and execution.

Abstract: A system includes a receiving module to receive a purchase inquiry for a cloud computing service from a consumer in a first currency. A pricing module is used to price-out the cloud computing service from a provider where the cloud computing service is provided in a second currency. A reconciliation module reconciles the purchase of the cloud computing service in the consumer's geographical location and currency with the provider's location and currency.

Abstract: Various tools, strategies and techniques are provided for evaluating the condition of one or more commodities in one or more regions of interest. Collection of image data associated with the commodities can be facilitated through use of an aircraft traveling a predetermined travel route over the regions of interest. The collected image data may be analyzed to evaluate the condition of the commodities, forecast commodity production, and/or to perform other tasks.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving sensor data from multiple sensors associated with multiple persons; for each of the sensors, identifying the person associated with the sensor; determining whether the sensor data are valid; and, for the sensor data that are valid, aggregating them based on the associations of their sensors with the persons and routing them to one or more sensor-application-service providers based on associations of the persons with the sensor-application-service providers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, two or more links, coupled to a first service provider (SP) that charges a price for utilization of services according to a first pricing structure, are combined to form a single virtual combined link. Each of the two or more links of the virtual combined link and one or more other links, coupled to a second SP that charges a price for utilization of services according to a second pricing structure, are monitored to obtain link data. The link data for the two of more links of the virtual combined link is merged to form link data for the virtual combined link. Data distribution among the virtual combined link and the one or more other links is optimized to distribute data among the virtual combined link and the one or more other links in a manner that minimizes cost.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and an image processing apparatus implementing the method for color pixel counting in documents by integrating color detection and counting. The method determines if pixels are neutral (e.g., gray) or non-neutral (i.e., color). Windows are used to analyze the pixels. For each window, a number of pixels with at least one color plane ON are counted, as well as a number of ON pixels in each color plane. The windows are determined to be neutral or color. A billable count of color pixels is determined based on the neutrality of the windows. Based on the billable count of color pixels, a bill for outputting the document is determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to provide communication connections for partners based on communication references assigned to entities maintained by the partners. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving from a partner contact information of an entity; providing the partner with a real-time communication reference usable to at least initiate a request for a communication connection; and in response to receiving a request initiated via the real-time communication reference, providing a real-time communication connection between a requester and the entity using the contact information received from the partner.

Abstract: A method and/or computer system dynamically manages screen real estate of a remote computer's display. A first computer receives an initial state of screen real estate of a remote second computer's display on a portable computing device, where the initial state describes information displayed on the remote second computer's display. The first computer detects a change to an external physical environment of the remote second computer's display from one location to another location within a same building. The first computer then adjusts the initial state of the screen real estate in order to remotely create an adjusted state of the remote second computer's screen real estate, where the adjusted state comports with the change to the physical location of the remote second computer's display, and where the adjusted state alters an appearance of the information displayed on the remote second computer's display.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device for measuring a dimension of an object to be measured in a low-load calculation processing. A handy terminal includes a depth map sensor block for generating a depth map of an object to be measured by use of a depth map sensor, and a coordinate transformation/side length calculation unit that measures a dimension of the object to be measured based on the depth map. The handy terminal may further includes a delivery fee calculation unit that calculates a delivery fee of the object to be measured based on the dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data of a document using an apparatus. The processor determines pixel classifications and counts for each classification, classifies the image, selects a billing tier for which to bill the image, determines counts of pixels for marking to output the image (e.g., in device dependent space), and then can adjust from the selected billing tier to a different billing tier based on the image classification (e.g., and/or using determined counts of pixels for each classification and determined counts of pixels for marking). Counts of pixels can be adjusted using an offset, or calculated using a combination of the determined counts (e.g., combining counts from both independent and dependent spaces). By adjusting the tier at which to bill data, more accurate billing can be implemented for documents with contone or grayscale image data, for example, with greater customer satisfaction.

Abstract: A system generates a plurality of price master data lookup procedures that are capable of being executed in parallel. The plurality of price master data lookup procedures is stored in a repository in an in-memory system. The in-memory system includes a parallel processor. The system accesses the repository of price master data lookup procedures, and retrieves price master data in parallel using the price master data lookup procedures. The system then calculates a price using the price master data retrieved from the price master database in the in-system memory.

Abstract: A user interface of a wireless user terminal provides a forecast of a future rate discount that may apply at a future time and/or at a possible future location of the wireless user terminal. The forecast may be displayed as a map and/or as textual or graphical information, and may be provided in response to a user request, in response to receipt of a message from the wireless network and/or automatically at a given time. Related systems, methods and devices are described.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for rapid scalable unified infrastructure system management platform are disclosed by discovery of compute nodes, network components across data centers, both public and private for a user; assessment of type, capability, VLAN, security, virtualization configuration of the discovered unified infrastructure nodes and components; configuration of nodes and components covering add, delete, modify, scale; and rapid roll out of nodes and components across data centers both public and private.

Abstract: A server for image forming apparatuses which calculates charges reasonable to both a service manager and a user, and a control method thereof is provided. The server for image forming apparatuses includes a server input unit to receive charging criteria of image forming apparatuses and a charging criterion of a virtual image forming apparatus, a server communication unit to receive information regarding output amounts from the image forming apparatuses, and a server control unit to generate the virtual image forming apparatus and to calculate charges of the image forming apparatuses according to the charging criterion of the virtual image forming apparatus, when the output amounts of the image forming apparatuses are less than basic output amounts of the charging criteria of the image forming apparatuses, thereby being capable of calculating charges reasonable to both the service manager and the user.

Abstract: There is provided a data server capable of improving a quality of a spectacle lens as a finished product and reducing a cost, even if a semi-finished lens having a complicated shape is used, the data server including: a specification data acquisition unit configured to acquire specification data of a semi-finished lens transmitted from a first terminal; a specification data storage unit configured to store the specification data acquired by the specification data acquisition unit; and a specification data output unit configured to output the specification data stored in the specification data storage unit, to a second terminal.

Abstract: A service governance framework may provide a platform for development and hosting of virtual service offerings and generation of interfaces to operations thereof, dependent on configurable functional parameters and/or non-functional aspects associated therewith. Virtualization techniques may be applied at an endpoint level, binding level, message level, operation level, and/or service level at design time, and supported with corresponding changes at runtime. Users having various roles may access the framework to specify operations of services provided by computing service sources to include in a virtual service offering, specify configuration parameter values associated with them, and/or specify a contract of non-functional aspect clauses for the virtual service offering. The framework may produce the interface by modifying an interface provided by the computing service sources (e.g., a WSDL).

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for maximizing the utility of data obtained from multiple intersecting data structures and stored in a multi-dimension information space. The method includes the steps of generating a rigid mathematical structure within the multi-dimensional information space; dividing the rigid mathematical structure into segments, each segment having a volume determined by a time of access to the segment relative to an event, a duration of access to the segment and a quantity of data in the segment; and determining a sellable price point for each segment of the rigid mathematical structure based on the volume of the segment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, two or more links, coupled to a first service provider (SP) that charges a price for utilization of services according to a first pricing structure, are combined to form a single virtual combined link. Each of the two or more links of the virtual combined link and one or more other links, coupled to a second SP that charges a price for utilization of services according to a second pricing structure, are monitored to obtain link data. The link data for the two of more links of the virtual combined link is merged to form link data for the virtual combined link. Data distribution among the virtual combined link and the one or more other links is optimized to distribute data among the virtual combined link and the one or more other links in a manner that minimizes cost.

Abstract: Document processing devices and account manager systems are presented which verify validity of pairings of installed consumables and document processing devices for permissive enablement of document processing functionality based on validity of the pairings.

Abstract: Methods for competitive pricing are implemented in software for commerce in an electronic marketplace. A vendor may identify rivals: competitors against which the vendor most directly competes by dint of having similar reputation and market positioning. Using specified pricing models applied to filtered price data periodically gathered by spider-crawling competitors on the Internet, a vendor may adjust product prices to match rivals while accounting for overall marketplace price trends.

Abstract: A service broker is described that performs orchestration of services to enable compilations of multiple applications for a single call or session. In particular, the service broker is extended with charging orchestration which allows the service broker to receive a single charging event and to orchestrate between activation of multiple charging services in response to the charging event.

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: A configuration engine traverses sequential levels of a decision tree in order to iteratively refine a configuration for a solar power system. At each level of the decision tree, the configuration engine determines the outcome of a design decision based on computing the result of a value function. The configuration engine explores configurations that optimize the value function result compared to other configurations, and may also discard less optimal configurations. When a current configuration is considered less optimal than a previous configuration generated at a previous level, the configuration engine discards the current configuration and re-traverses the decision tree starting with the previous configuration.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a locomotive (or other rail vehicle) owned by a first entity when borrowed and operated by a second entity. The locomotive includes an operating control system having a first mode and a second, different mode of operation, the first mode including settings configured for the first entity, the second mode including settings configured for a second, different entity. The method includes enabling the first mode and disabling the second mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the first entity, and enabling the second mode and disabling the first mode of the operating control system when the locomotive is operated by the second entity.

Abstract: A system, method and interface for compiling literary works from specialized databases and/or from unique interfaces is provided, including a custom database compiled from plural existing literary indexes, wherein a master index is harmonized from said existing indexes according to common terms (e.g., book, chapter and verse for biblical indexes) with deleted duplicates. In exemplary embodiments, the master index is also augmented by ingestion of additional literary works in digital form that are chopped up based on said common terms (e.g., book, chapter, verse) extracted from the literary work.

Abstract: A method for managing printing a hard copy of a work from a digital copy of the work, including the steps of a content provider of the digital copy of the work dynamically generating a standardized two-dimensional barcode when the digital copy of the work is produced for a user acquiring rights to the digital copy of the work, the barcode containing a unique URL of the content provider and being embedded in a portion of the digital copy of the work where digital rights management protection is omitted; and a print shop scanning the barcode from the digital copy of the work provided by the user to be readily linked to the content provider, and obtaining authorization and royalty information for printing the hard copy of the work for the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting a vehicle owner in making decisions regarding when to replace a vehicle by determining a vehicle owner's satisfaction with the vehicle relative to the cost of owning the vehicle. In one embodiment, a system is configured to provide a model for owner satisfaction which is based on historical vehicle replacement information, but is tailored to a particular owner according to user input. An owner satisfaction curve is produced from this model and is compared to a cost-of-ownership curve that is tailored to the vehicle and possibly also the user. The owner satisfaction curve is compared to the cost-of-ownership curve to enable the user to determine where the cost of ownership exceeds the owner's satisfaction, and the vehicle should be replaced.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to systems, methods and computer readable media for determining compliance with recommendations. The systems and methods may involve generating a vehicle recommendation; transmitting the vehicle recommendation to at least one output device, wherein the at least one output device communicates the vehicle recommendation to one or more users; collecting vehicle telemetry data from a vehicle sensor device located in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle sensor device is coupled to one or more vehicle sensors; and determining compliance data based on the vehicle recommendation and the vehicle telemetry data, wherein the compliance data indicates compliance with the recommended vehicle action. The compliance data may be used to determine service rates and/or service level coverage for users.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for determining costs of vehicle repairs and times to major repairs. In one embodiment, a system includes a computer processor, a data storage device, and an output device. The processor receives information from a user identifying a vehicle of interest. The processor retrieves repair data items that have characteristics common to the vehicle of interest from a database stored in the data storage device. The processor determines repairs that are expected to be necessary for the vehicle of interest based on the retrieved repair data items, and determines the costs associated with the identified expected repairs. The processor provides output to the user indicating the repair costs and/or the times at which the repairs are likely to be necessary. The output may be in graphical and/or numerical form.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing Policy and Charging Control (PCC) for packet core networks. One embodiment comprises a PCC architecture that includes an online charging system (OCS). The OCS receives a request for charging rules for an initial data service from a PCRF. The request from the PCRF includes a service indicator for the initial data service. The OCS selects a charging method for the initial data service based on the service indicator, and transmits a response to the PCRF that includes the selected charging method. The PCRF may then make a PCC decision based on the charging method selected by the OCS, and a PCEF may enforce PCC rules for the initial data service. If there is a service changing during a data session, the OCS selects a charging method for the new data service, and the PCRF updates the PCC rules accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for facilitating consistent application of price polices on every sales transaction supported through a customer relationship management system, in order to identify price exceptions in violation of stated corporate pricing objectives. Having such capabilities coupled with a customer relationship management system enables embodiments of the present invention to reduce the time to identify and evaluate price exceptions that impact revenue and margin. Agents responsible for sales interaction with customers can immediately identify violations of price policies. Those responsible for authorizing exceptions can easily determine the effect of those exceptions upon impacted markets.

Abstract: A system according to certain aspects of the disclosure provides drug pricing information from multiple PBMs to users. For example, the system may obtain, calculate, and/or estimate drug prices that are available under contracts or agreements between PBMs and various pharmacies. These prices may be prices of drugs for purchase at the various pharmacies. In response to requests for prices of particular drugs, the system can display relevant prices. For example, the system displays a price for each pharmacy chain and/or displays prices for a particular geographical area. The users can compare the prices for a particular drug and determine which pharmacy they would like to purchase the drug from. The system can provide a discount coupon that allows the users to purchase the drug at the price listed by the system at the selected pharmacy.

Abstract: A system includes circuitry configured to identify an accumulated amount of service that has been provided by a service, and determine whether to restrict access to a software resource provided by the service based on the accumulated amount of service.

Abstract: A computing device receives, over a network, information regarding word phrases (e.g., search terms) and determines longevity values associated with content built around the word phrases. The computing device selects, based on the longevity values, a first phrase from the word phrases. Content is built or created around the first phrase, and the built or created content is presented or published over a network such as the Internet.

Abstract: A method for calculating a support material volume, the method comprising generating a grid of cells for a tree data structure of a digital part, where the cells define a plurality of cell arrays, and pinging the cells of one of the cell arrays until a cell containing a subset of the tree data structure is reached or until each cell in the cell array is pinged, where if a cell containing the subset of the tree data structure is reached, then designating the reached cell and all remaining unpinged cells in the cell array as filled. The method also includes repeating the pinging step for each remaining cell array to determine a total filled volume, and subtracting a volume of the digital part from the total filled volume to determine a support material volume.

Abstract: A novel electronic information transport component can be incorporated in a wide range of electronic information products, for example magazine collections, to automate the mass distribution of updates, such as current issues, from a remote server to a wide user base having a diversity of computer stations. Advantages of economy, immediacy and ease of use are provided. Extensions of the invention permit automated electronic catalog shopping with order placement and, optionally, order confirmation. A server-based update distribution service is also provided. In addition, an offline web browser system, with hyperlink redirection capabilities, a novel recorded music product with automated update capabilities and an Internet charging mechanism are provided.

Abstract: A method performed by a wireless node including receiving charging policies for data offloading; performing data offloading with respect to a user data flow; generating charging information associated with data offloading based on the charging policies; and sending the charging information to at least one of an on-line charging function or an off-line charging function.

Abstract: A method and system for managing driving patterns by charging a variable incentive and/or disincentive based on individual driving behaviors. Distances detected between a vehicle and other vehicles are detected within a time period. N tailgating incidents are identified based on the detected distances being less than a threshold value for distance. A variable toll is determined by evaluating a function of a base amount and N. The driver of the vehicle is charged the variable toll. Charging the variable toll provides an incentive to the driver to encourage driving that does not include tailgating or a disincentive to the driver to deter tailgating.

Abstract: A postage evidencing meter system is disclosed. The system comprises an authorization database for storing parameters for at least one user, wherein the parameters limit the at least one user's ability to evidence postage using the meter. The parameters include a maximum postage amount that the at least one user is allowed to use on the meter to evidence postage. The parameters may alternatively or also include a period of time during which the user is allowed to use the meter to evidence postage or a maximum amount of postage that can be used during a period of time. The postage evidencing meter further comprises a user interface, a printer, and a security module. In alternative embodiments, the authorization database is stored on a removable storage device and/or is coupled to the meter via a communication link to a remote postage information system.

Abstract: Techniques for intelligent service deployment are provided. Cloud and service data are evaluated to develop a service deployment plan for deploying a service to a target cloud processing environment. When dictated by the plan or by events that trigger deployment, the service is deployed to the target cloud processing environment in accordance with the service deployment plan.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an obtaining unit, a first storage unit, and a usage value converter. The obtaining unit obtains, from a service provider, fourth information including first to third information pieces. The first information indicates a type of the service, the second information identifies a user, and the third information indicates a usage situation of the service. The first storage unit stores therein fifth information indicating a type of an output format of the third information associated with each piece of the first information. The usage value converter converts the third information included in the fourth information to a usage value indicating a usage frequency of the service based on the fifth information corresponding to the first information included in the fourth information and associates the first and second information pieces included in the fourth information with the usage value to register them in a second storage unit.

Abstract: A home remodeling cost estimator tool is used to create a cost breakdown for use when remodeling a house or a room, based on user interaction with photos, for example from such sites as Houzz.com and other proprietary data sources. For any photo in a photo database for such design sites, a user can work with the estimator to generate a price estimate and a breakdown for a building project.

Abstract: A system and method for pricing software service requests is provided. The method includes entering input details corresponding to a clients' software service usage data. The method further includes calculating a cost per ticket for each severity level of the software service request. A margin for each severity level is assigned to each severity level in the order of increasing severity. Thereafter, a price per software service request is calculated for each severity level using the corresponding margin. Additionally, the method includes determining an optimal staffing scheme corresponding to one or more software services.

Abstract: A system for managing merchant payment transaction processing accounts is provided. The system includes a merchant initialization system that receives merchant account data from a user, such as to provide a quote to the merchant for payment processing. A transaction pricing system receives the merchant account data and provides transaction pricing data for payment transaction processing in response to the merchant account information. User access to one or more merchant account pricing algorithms that are used generate the merchant account pricing data in response to the merchant account data is restricted to a predetermined set of users, so as to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining access to the merchant account pricing algorithms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a cost for moving fuel. A group of vehicles for moving the fuel from a starting location to a destination location is formed using user input. Operations for moving the fuel from the starting location to the destination location are identified using the user input. A set of additional vehicles for the group of vehicles is identified to form a current group of vehicles. Personnel for the current group of vehicles are identified. The cost for moving the fuel from the starting location to the destination location is identified using the current group of vehicles and the personnel.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal fare for a trip comprising a departure location, an arrival location, the method comprises the following steps: sending a request for the trip wherein the request comprises a departure location, an arrival location and a corresponding fare for the trip; automatically modifying the request by searching in a predetermined database to determine a set of additional requests wherein each comprises at least one of the departure location, the arrival location or one or more additional locations which may form at least a part of the requested route wherein the predetermined database comprises said additional requests and a corresponding fare for each additional request; selecting one or more additional requests to form one or more alternative requests which include at least on of the departure location or the arrival location as the request; calculating the up to date fares for each alternative request in order to determine a resulting fare for each alternative request; comparing t

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for filtering of a mail item addressed to a recipient. In accordance with an embodiment, preference information about mail items form the recipient is obtained. The preference information is compared with information on the mail item and based on the comparison, it is determined whether the mail item should be delivered. The preference information may include at least one of a size of the mail items, a type of the mail items, a classification of the mail items, a weight of the mail items, and preference information about senders. In accordance with another embodiment, the preference information of a recipient may be provided to a sender so that the sender can determine whether the recipient wants mail items from the sender.

Abstract: An information management device has a provision condition storage unit in which, for each sensor, provision condition information of sensing data generated by a sensor is registered in association with identification information of the sensor, a use condition storage unit in which, for each application that requires use of the sensing data, use condition information of the sensing data required by an application is registered in association with an address of a transmission destination of the sensing data, a sensing data acquisition unit that acquires through communication the sensing data generated by the sensor registered in the provision condition storage unit, and a specification unit that specifies the provision condition information matched with the use condition information by searching the provision condition storage unit for each piece of the use condition information registered in the use condition storage unit.

Abstract: A manufacturer server 110 that calculates an invoice amount for an inkjet printer has a billing status acquisition unit 342 that acquires billing status information including actual print volume PV, which is the amount of ink used for actual printing not including maintenance during a specific period L1; an actual print volume calculation unit 343 that determines if actual print volume PV is less than or equal to a specific volume V1; and an invoice amount calculation unit 344 that calculates an invoice amount. When actual print volume PV is less than or equal to the specific volume V1, a first invoice amount, which is a fixed amount, is calculated as the invoice amount, and when actual print volume PV exceeds the specific volume V1, a second invoice amount is calculated based on the actual print volume PV as the invoice amount.