Abstract: Techniques are described for using predictive pricing information for items to assist in evaluating buying and/or selling decisions in various ways, such as on behalf of end-user item acquirers and/or intermediate item providers. The predictive pricing for an item may be based on an analysis of historical pricing information for that item and/or related items, and can be used to make predictions about future pricing information for the item. Such predictions may then be provided to users in various ways to enable comparison of current prices to predicted future prices. In some situations, predictive pricing information is used to assist customers when purchasing airline tickets and/or to assist travel agents when selling airline tickets. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically pricing perishable goods. The objective is to sell all items before any remaining items become worthless. The method comprises: monitoring a time parameter T corresponding to period T0 to Tn; if T<Tn, periodically updating current price Pcurrent for an item; in response client's interest, offering a temporarily fixed price Pfreeze=Pcurrent for a freeze period ?Tfreeze; updating Pcurrent in response to offering the fixed price Pfreeze; accepting a purchase order for the item at Pfreeze if purchase order received within the freeze period ?Tfreeze; rejecting the purchase order after the freeze period ?Tfreeze; updating Pcurrent in response to receiving an accepted and/or rejected order; and repeating at least some of the above acts until T equals maximum time Tn.

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: The invention relates to a method for optimizing the consumption of telecommunications services in user groups. The method allows analyzing in real time the effectiveness of the multiple attributes of the commercial products associated with telecommunication services offered on a telecommunications network without excess calculations having to be generated, and at the same automatically acting accordingly on those attributes, optimizing the objective functions established by the telecommunications operator in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: A normalized caching system may receive a data request from a requestor, the request associated with a requested service. The normalized caching system may generate a normalized request by modifying one or more parameters of the request. A normalized response is typically useful for servicing a wider range of subsequent requests than is a non-normalized response. The system may then check whether an entry is cached for the normalized request. If no cached entry is found, the normalized request may be submitted to the requested service, and response received in return. The normalized response may be cached using the normalized request. The response may be denormalized in order to generate a response which is provided to the requestor. When a subsequent request is received, if that subsequent request normalizes to the same normalized request, it may be fulfilled using the response stored in cache, rather than using the requested service.

Abstract: A diamond appraisal system and method is described that allows a user select a diamond to be appraised. Based on characteristics of the appraisal diamond, comparison diamonds are selected from one or more market databases. The comparison diamonds are associated with historical or current actual market prices, which reflect actual sale prices or proposed sale prices for each of the comparison diamonds. Premium and discount weights are applied to these actual market prices to generate an estimated market price for the appraisal diamond. By computing the estimated market price of the appraisal diamond relative to the actual market prices of other diamonds, the diamond appraisal system and method determines the monetary value of the appraisal diamond relative to changing market conditions.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for generating a double-probability-weighted discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) for an asset to be valued. Selections of parameters associated with the asset to be valued and of representative assets for which price data is available are received. A mean and standard deviation of marketing periods associated with the selected parameters and of price volatilities depicted by the price data are calculated. A statistical modeling application generates probability distributions based on the means and standard deviations of the marketing periods and of the price volatilities. DLOMs are calculated for each combination of marketing period and price volatility. The DLOMs are weighted based on the probabilities depicted by the probability distributions and summed to provide the double-probability-weighted DLOM, which is presented to the user via a user interface.

Abstract: A railcar asset management system proactively issues an alert or task when a pre-determined event occurs. The system may receive information regarding the location and status of a railcar from sensors on the railcar that may include a telematics sensing unit. A database in the railway telematics system stores the data regarding the railcar location and status information. The system determines whether an event has occurred and issues the proactive alerts and/or task. The system may communicate the proactive alert via e-mail, paging, PDAs or by cell phone and may provide interactive preconfigured web pages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting power consumption by a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) subsystem of a building are shown and described. A feedback controller is used to generate a manipulated variable based on an energy use setpoint and a measured energy use. The manipulated variable may be used for adjusting the operation of an HVAC device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of implementing comparison of cloud service provider package offerings comprises a plurality of operations. An operation of creating a cloud services architecture specification defining a cloud infrastructure that supports deployment of an application thereto is performed. An operation of determining a cloud services offering price for each one of the plurality of cloud service offerings to characterize implementation of the cloud infrastructure using cloud services thereof on a basis of pricing of such cloud services is performed. Determining the cloud services offering price for a particular one of the cloud service offerings includes mapping the cloud services architecture specification to cloud service pricing information for the particular one of the cloud service offerings.

Abstract: Systems, computer-readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods are provided to determine the relative market value of a sale group and to generate a genetic merit scorecard. Such systems, computer-readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods utilize the genetic merit estimates of relatives of a sale group, along with associated economic weighting factors to determine the relative market value of the sale group. The genetic merit scorecard reflects the relative market value of the sale group, as compared to the industry.

Abstract: Provided is a system for estimating price sensitivities and determining aggregate price adjustments for a population of items, the population comprising a plurality of sub-populations.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide for a cloud computing system with cloud services provided by several cloud service providers. Cloud service data is collected from sensors within each cloud service provider's service, and system models are developed based on the collected cloud service data. The user provides configuration data that is related to performance and cost objectives for the cloud computing system. Performance and cost predictions for the cloud computing system are generated based on the system models and the user configuration data; and then processed to provide a set of attributes and parameters for the cloud computing system. The set of attributes and parameters for the cloud computing system are presented to the user for selection. Based on the set of attributes and parameters, the cloud computing system operates by employing selected attributes and parameters from within a set of differing cloud service providers.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes systems and methods to create an integrated centralized database that aggregates repair material and labor cost data by geographic area in real time and provides a repair cost estimating platform based on data collected from various data sources including directly from roofing contractors who have recently performed repairs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an automated virtualized signal marketplace or exchange for signals from distributed data sources that are controlled by a multiplicity of signal sellers or signal owners. Signals are indicators of data that are derived from data sources and abstracted to protect the underlying data. Each entity that sells data in the virtual marketplace first converts data into a “signal” or indicator that represents the data without disclosing it or providing it. Signal sellers determine if they wants share signals based upon buyer, price, and other rules, including limitations on signal use. Signal buyers determine signal value based upon their objectives.

Abstract: A method of dynamically re-pricing items, comprising: a) Receiving from a seller a sale policy for one or more items offered for sale by one or more plurality of vendors. b) Creating a state machine to execute the sale policy by adjusting a price of the one or more items. c) Collecting commerce information by monitoring in real time a plurality of prices given to the one or more items by the one or more vendors. d) Dynamically adjusting a plurality of price setting rules according to analysis of said commerce information. e) Executing the state machine to select one or more of the plurality of price setting rules and modifying the price according to one or more selected price setting rule.

Abstract: A method includes identifying, for a specified vehicle, a competitive set of other vehicles based on input from a user. The method also includes receiving from the user one or more parameters to be used in pricing the specified vehicle. The method further includes identifying a recommended price for the specified vehicle using the competitive set and the one or more parameters. The one or more parameters could include a selection or definition of multiple pricing formulas to be used to identify the recommended price. Different pricing formulas can be associated with different lengths of time that the specified vehicle is available. A first of the pricing formulas can be used to identify a first recommended price for the specified vehicle and, after a specified amount of time has elapsed, a second of the pricing formulas can be used to identify a lower second recommended price for the specified vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for providing vehicle market analysis. An example method may include receiving vehicle data associated with a vehicle and determining, based at least in part on the vehicle data, wholesale market data and retail market data associated with the vehicle. The method may also include determining, based at least in part on the wholesale market data and the retail market data, one or more price recommendations for the vehicle. The method may also include determining, based at least in part on the wholesale market data and the retail market data, one or more location recommendations for the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-based integrated advertising management platform implements ad pricing options via a Business Rules Management System configured to enable rules-based pricing while avoiding large, multi-dimensional sets of rate tables that must be stored to cover all possible combinations of options. A user makes selections on an ad booking form, pricing rules are checked in the background, and the remaining options and current price displayed to the user are updated. The Rules Engine incorporates an integrated third-party Drools BRMS. Client applications access BRMS functions through a “BRMSEngine” abstraction layer, which preloads rules in compiled binary form to build a rules cache for best performance.

Abstract: A system and method for providing model-based promotion and price computation is described in which promotional offers in the form of promotion information from a manufacturer are combined with price determination parameters from the retailer to calculate a final retail price. The system prevents fraud by eliminating the heavy dependence on unverifiable trust between the retailer and manufacturer and by assuring that the consumer will receive the benefit of the promotions intended by the manufacturer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a method includes a establishing a communication connection with each of multiple electric resources connected to a power grid, receiving an energy generation signal from a power grid operator, and controlling a number of the electric resources being charged by the power grid as a function of the energy generation signal.

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: Embodiments of systems and methods for the aggregation, analysis, display and monetization of pricing data for commodities in general, and which may be particularly useful applied to vehicles are disclosed. Specifically, in certain embodiments, historical transaction data associated with a particular vehicle configuration may be obtained and processed to determine pricing data associated with the vehicle configuration. The historical transaction data or determined pricing data may then be presented in an intuitive manner.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for systems, computer program products, and methods for a face retirement tool that allows a user to help plan for retirement. The face retirement tool receives an image by capturing an image of the user. In some embodiments the person takes an image of the user's face using an interface in the face retirement tool. The face retirement tool ages the image of the user's face into one or more separate images illustrating the user's face at different ages at points of time in the future. The face retirement tool further provides retirement tools to the user through an interface, in order to assist the user in planning for retirement. The retirement tools may be accessed through links in the face retirement tool or the retirement tools may be included as part of the face retirement tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for the aggregation, analysis, display and monetization of pricing data for commodities in general, and which may be particularly useful applied to vehicles are disclosed. Specifically, in certain embodiments, historical transaction data associated with a particular vehicle configuration may be obtained and processed to determine pricing data associated with the vehicle configuration. The historical transaction data or determined pricing data may then be presented in an intuitive manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic computing system, comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having encoded thereon computer executable instructions for providing pricing information to a requester via a presentation layer, a valuation engine comprised of computing code capable of executing rules that generate at least one value for at least one food item responsive to at least the supply information and customer information accessed from at least one network, and a data layer capable of receiving at least the supply information and the customer information, and communicatively connected to said valuation engine, and further comprising food offering information for the requester for presentation to the requester via said presentation layer, wherein the food offering information comprises at least one offer price for the at least one food item.

Abstract: A method for provisioning content to users, including for each of a plurality of items of media content, maintaining information about one or more owners of the item of media content, and maintaining information about one or more providers of the item of media content, for each of a plurality of users, maintaining information about items of media content acquired by the user and about player devices owned by the user, for each of a plurality of time periods, maintaining a history log of items of media content played by one or more of the plurality of users during the time period, receiving a request from a user to play a designated item of media content on a designated player device, during a current time period, identifying an appropriate provider of the designated item of media content, according to a location of the user and according to the designated player device, causing the identified provider of the designated item of media content to transmit the designated item of media content to the user's design

Abstract: A method and system for setting the optimal price for a hotel property are described. The method includes the steps of receiving electronic data having marketing information, including, for example, the customers won and lost by competitors. One or more price sensitivity coefficients are calculated based on the market data. The price sensitivity coefficients are used to calculate a predicted share value representing the probability that a next customer will book a property at the subject hotel at a particular price. The price sensitivity coefficients are also used to calculate a price elasticity value representing the responsiveness of demand for the hotel property to a change in the price of that property. The price of the hotel property is set at a point where the price elasticity value is substantially equal to ?1.0.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can provide consumers with an effective tool for evaluating the negotiability of prices for vehicles in the marketplace. The tool may include a negotiability index which determines flexibility in vehicle pricing. Specifically, a method may obtain data from multiple sets of vehicle models, construct a price flexibility model to estimate an average price range for each set of models, determine a negotiability index using the average price range, and generate an interface to present the negotiability index. In one embodiment, the price flexibility model incorporates a plurality of factors.

Abstract: A method is provided for enterprise management and bundling of inventory to maximize revenue on perishable products. An electronic data-mart collects factors for the probability and price sensitivity of a buyer. The data-mart also collects rules for inventory scaling, available inventory to sell, budget (goal) information, advertiser payment history, and station performance data to feed to a scenario planner. Once three or more variables exist, algorithms create scenario plans to present the most profitable bundle of offerings. The scenarios are typically pre-approved although presented to local business units for an abnormality failsafe. Once processed by local business units, the scenarios are presented to the buyer. Negotiations typically cause the process to restart.

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: Systems and methods for self-service recycling are provided. In particular, some embodiments include graphical user interfaces and backend systems that allow users to identify the market for used automotive parts. For example, each car in a self-service automotive recycling (SSAR) facility may be tagged with a bar code or QR code which identifies the vehicle. When the user scans the QR code, a determination is made regarding which parts are currently needed for by register members of the system, recent prices for individual parts, and/or a list of vehicles which can use these parts. This information is presented to the user. Using this information, the user can determine if any of the identified parts remain on the vehicle and may purchase the parts from the SSAR facility for resale. The system then assists the user in creating descriptions for postings on the Internet and/or otherwise connecting the user with potential purchasers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for price point analysis which identifies dynamic root dimensional causes and enables identification of opportunities. Price point analysis includes analyzing transactions to generate a data set of transactions, identifying a primary waterfall cause of the data set, and lastly generating a discrete root dimensional cause classification by setting the primary waterfall cause as a dependent variable and all other dimensions as independent variables, and clustering the transactions into segments along dimensional boundaries that best explain the primary waterfall cause, thereby identifying the root cause and its location. In some embodiments, the transactions may be pre-processed before analyzing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for waterfall adjustment analysis which identifies continuous root dimensional causes and enables identification of opportunities. Waterfall adjustment analysis includes analyzing transactions to generate a data set of transactions, and then generating a continuous root dimensional cause classification by setting recoverable lift as a dependent variable and selected dimensions as independent variables, and clustering transactions into segments along dimensional boundaries that best explain the primary waterfall cause, thereby identifying the root cause and its location. In some embodiments, the transactions may be pre-processed before processing to allow for the examination of adherence to specific business hypotheses.

Abstract: Techniques pertaining to automatically pricing a service involving multiple data points are disclosed. A server including a processing component hosts and manages an application. The application may receive multiple data points from a client computer device over a network connection, the multiple data points comprising pricing proposal data for a service to be provided. Multiple pricing points may be determined including a base cost pricing point. The base cost pricing point may be calculated from the multiple data points and indicative of the minimum cost to provide the service. The application may create an interactive graphical representation of the multiple pricing points. Thereafter, the application may receive input from the client computer device indicative of a target cost savings and calculate a target savings pricing point.

Abstract: Embodiments provide consumers browsing and shopping online for durable goods such as new vehicles with out-the-door prices for user-specified vehicle configurations. A vehicle data system can obtain automotive registration data from various sources, identify true taxes versus fees, process them into separate groups, associate them to vehicle configurations, and persist the associated taxes and fees in a database. This backend process can be done offline, independent of a frontend process that services user requests in real time. A user request containing a user-specified vehicle configuration may be received by the vehicle data system through a website. The vehicle data system may determine an out-the-door price for the user-specified vehicle configuration, the out-the-door price representing a final amount that a consumer is to pay a dealer for the user-specified vehicle configuration and including applicable taxes and fees retrieved from the database.

Abstract: A method for using a fuel distribution network. The method including receiving a fuel reservation request (FRR) from a fuel network user interface module (FNUIM), obtaining a physical location of the FNUIM, determining a user associated with the FRR, and obtaining a list of fuel stations using the physical location and information associated with the user. The method further includes sending, to FNUIM, a list of fuel stations, receiving, from the FNUIM, a selection request specifying a fuel station from the list of fuel stations and a fuel reservation amount specifying an amount of fuel, sending a backend service provider (BSP) reservation request to the fuel station, where the BSP reservation request comprises the fuel reservation amount, and sending a confirmation message comprising a reservation expiration time to the FNUIM.

Abstract: A self contained, mobile assay facility built in a modified armored truck is completely equipped to smelt and assay precious metals, particularly gold and silver. An induction furnace melts the metal that is then poured into an ingot. The ingot is weighed and analyzed using an XRF alloy analyzer and the percentage of gold and/or other metals recorded. The value of the gold at current market prices is calculated and the assay and the value of the ingot is printed and given to the seller. The seller may opt to receive the ingot and pay the assayer an assay fee. Alternately, the seller may ask to be paid cash or by wire transfer that may be initiated and confirmed from within the mobile assay facility. The ingots may be safely stored or shipped directly from the mobile facility to a wholesaler for further processing.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing a near-real-time pricing index associated with user interactions within a social media environment. A first and second set of social media data, respectively associated with a first and second set of social media interactions, are processed to generate a first and second set of social network advocacy (SNA) data in near-real-time. The resulting first and second sets of SNA data are then processed to generate a first and second set of social pricing index data, which respectively indicate a near-real-time measurement of sentiment and advocacy related to the pricing of a target product. The first and second sets of social pricing index data are then processed to generate a set of social pricing index differential data, which indicates a corresponding improvement or decline in sentiment or advocacy related to the pricing of the target product.

Abstract: A system is configured to receive a task. The task is received over a first network, includes authentication credentials, and is processed using an application. The system is further configured to send the authentication credentials to a licensing server. The authentication credentials are sent over a second network, and are sent prior to processing the task using the application. The system is also configured to receive an authorization. The authorization is received over the second network, and authorizes the application to process the task.

Abstract: A system with a dynamic temporal dimension for monitoring and control of contact centers, comprising: a scalable simulation service configured with a virtual environment that replicates and is maintained in synchrony with a production contact center environment; an analysis manager; a persistent query service; and a visualizer. The persistent query service receives data from contact center systems and updates virtual tables based on the updates; the analysis manager, sends real-time updates to the visualizer, and the visualizer updates a visualization provided to a user by displaying the real-time updates as a set of past states; and the scalable simulation service performs a time-warped simulation to compute at least a future state of one of the virtual environments and sends a second plurality of updates to the visualizer, and the visualizer updates the visualization provided to the user by displaying the second plurality of real-time updates as a projected future state.

Abstract: A system that determines markdown pricing for a plurality of items over a plurality of time periods receives a non-linear time-dependent problem, where the non-linear time-dependent problem comprises a demand model. The system determines approximate inventory levels for each item in each time period and, for a plurality of pair of items in a product category, determines coefficients for a change in demand of a first product at each of the plurality of time periods when a price of a second product is changed using initial prices and initial approximate inventory levels. The system generates an approximate MILP problem comprising a change of demand based on a sum of the determined coefficients. The system then solves the MILP problem to generate revised prices and revised inventory levels. The functionality is repeated until a convergence criteria is satisfied, and then the system assigns the revised prices as the markdown product pricing.

Abstract: A method for providing a quote for alternative products is disclosed. The method includes identifying key features associated with a first product and identifying alternative products different from the first product based on the key features and on information managed by a CRM system. The method also includes determining an alternative product configuration associated with the first product that includes at least one alternative product and, as a whole, includes the plurality of key features. A pricing matrix associated with the alternative product configuration is generated and includes information identifying the at least one alternative product, and pricing information associated with the at least one alternative product and/or a total price associated with the alternative product configuration. A quote that includes the pricing matrix is then generated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for determining the vertical alignment of an infrastructure corridor having a certain horizontal alignment involve using a processor to model the cost of constructing the infrastructure corridor as a function of cost variables that vary with the vertical alignment of the infrastructure corridor. The processor looks up the cost variables at vertical offsets corresponding to certain vertical alignments of the infrastructure corridor and determines the cost of constructing the length of road at elevations located between pairs of the vertical offsets by interpolating from the cost variables at the vertical offsets; the interpolation may be linear. The processor determines, subject to infrastructure corridor design constraints, the vertical alignment of the infrastructure corridor from the cost of constructing the infrastructure corridor at the vertical offsets.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores therein a charge calculating program that causes a computer that manages a database of different data items to execute recording for each data item, information indicating the number of clients that receive the data item; extracting from the information recorded at the recording and for each data item to be received by a given client, information indicating the number of clients receiving the data item; calculating charges for the given client, based on the extracted information; and outputting the calculated charges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that allow sellers to offer goods and services at prices that vary depending on what transpires during the event or service. The final price is determined after the event or service based on the occurrence of certain pre-selected attributes. Candidate attributes are potentially associated with the event or service but the outcome or occurrence of the attribute is not knowable by the buyer and seller with certainty at the time of the original purchase. Using the outcome-based pricing (OBP) and settlement system the seller can set prices to minimize significant deviation from a pre-determined revenue plan, or alternatively build-in an increase or even decrease in gross revenues. The present invention allows for the order, payment and final settlement of the purchase transaction, automatically. The preferred embodiment for the OBP pricing and settlement system is via a computer network that includes the Internet.

Abstract: Uncorrelated data from a variety of sources, such as consumer panels or retailer points of sale, are combined with maximal coverage of a universal data set for a population in a manner that permits useful inferences about behavioral propensities for the population at an individual or household level.

Abstract: The number of users viewing a given variable directly affects the rate of change and/or outcome of said variable. In the case of eCommerce, pricing of products and/or services is based upon a user accessing a website on which products and/or services are for sale. An initial price indicia associator associates initial price indicia with the products and/or services files. The initial pricing can be based upon historical indicia or the engine itself. Thereafter, a price indicia adjuster adjusts the pricing responsive to user access of the website or related website. A user interface meter shown on the website indicates to potential buyers how much interest there is in the product and/or service being sold so that peer activity is exhibited to potential buyers to encourage sales and impulsive buying behavior. Pricing is dynamic and adjusts in real-time at a rate determined by the amount of users accessing the website.

Abstract: A transformation engine for transforming a legacy IT infrastructure into an on-demand IT infrastructure in a financial services enterprise, the transformation engine comprising: a determiner component for determining a current status of the legacy IT infrastructure; a comparator component for comparing the determined current status to an idealised set of outcome parameters to determine a set of deviation parameters; and the determiner component determining at least one control point within the set of deviation parameters which require enterprise wide governance.