Abstract: A method and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes allocating several memory locations within a phase change memory and switch (PCMS) memory to be utilized as a Random Access Memory (RAM) Disk. The RAM Disk is created for use by a software application running in a computer system. The method also includes mapping at least a portion of the allocated amount of PCMS memory to the software application address space. Finally, the method also grants the software application direct access to at least a portion of the allocated amount of the PCMS memory.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes allocating several memory locations within a phase change memory and switch (PCMS) memory to be utilized as a Random Access Memory (RAM) Disk. The RAM Disk is created for use by a software application running in a computer system. The method also includes mapping at least a portion of the allocated amount of PCMS memory to the software application address space. Finally, the method also grants the software application direct access to at least a portion of the allocated amount of the PCMS memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for directing a user request for content over a network to a given content server on the basis of one or more rules. The method of the present invention comprises receiving a request for content form a user, the request for content including a profile of the user identifying one or more characteristics associated with the user. One or more rules are retrieved for identifying a content server to which a request for content is to be delivered, the one or more rules including at least one of business rules, network rules, and user profile rules. The one or more retrieved rules are applied to the request for content to identify a content server to which the request for content is to be delivered and the request for content is delivered to the identified content server.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for optimizing inventory in a multi-echelon inventory distribution network having at least a first echelon and a second echelon.

Abstract: A system for determining an optimal forecasting hierarchy includes setting a plurality of hierarchies by setting each hierarchy in terms of a hierarchy structure. The system also includes generating top level forecasts for a training period and a testing period, each top level forecast being based upon an aggregation of the base forecast levels. The system further includes calculating a forecast error. An optimization routine includes determining an optimal hierarchy and an optimal base level, both being based upon a smallest associated forecast error. The optimization routine also includes calculating a deficiency ratio for each level within each hierarchy by comparing forecast errors associated with the optimal base level and the optimal hierarchy to forecast errors associated with each of the other base levels and hierarchies. The optimal forecasting hierarchy is determined by comparing the deficiency ratio to a significance level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, we describe a method that generates seasonality rules for anomaly detection for a hierarchical/tree based data structure. A new algorithm for processing nodes in hierarchy, as well as business rules for nodes, is described. Variations and examples are given to describe different scopes and embodiments of the invention. Exclusion criteria and children nodes are used as some examples for the implementations, with flow charts to describe the methods of application, as examples.

Abstract: A computer based method and system generates alerts based on the detection of an advanced scenario in a data set. The system and method may take data related to events and entities, transform the data, and apply advanced scenarios to the data to produce matches that reflect the occurrence of an advanced scenario and the behavior of interest. The advanced scenarios can be defined to cover specific product lines and services, lines of businesses, and combinations thereof. The advanced scenarios can be defined to be indicative of a behavior class, or a specific behavior which is part of a behavior class. Alerts produced by the system can be grouped, prioritized and routed such that the appropriate users are notified in a timely manner. The system and method can be applied to a variety of industries including financial and health care, and can detect both illicit and licit behaviors of interest.

Abstract: A transaction authorization system comprises an authorization engine (22) configured to perform an analysis in relation to a received request for authorization of an electronic payment transaction and determine an authorization output based on the analysis, wherein the analysis includes application of one or more checking rules of the if-then clause type comparing one or more transaction-related attributes to one or more predefined attribute threshold values.

Abstract: An inflatable bed is adapted for use with a sofa, and includes an upper inflatable pad unit disposed on and connected to a lower inflatable pad body, and having a bridging unit that is misaligned from the lower inflatable pad body in a vertical direction and that has a bottom surface adapted to face a seat surface of the sofa when the bridging unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa. Two auxiliary inflatable pad bodies are attached respectively on opposite lateral ends of the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit. Each auxiliary inflatable pad body is adapted to fill a space between the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit and a corresponding arm of the sofa when the bridging unit of the upper inflatable pad unit is disposed on the seat surface of the sofa.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for evaluating acquisition costs for a software product. A set of questions regarding the software product is presented. The set of questions are selected from a source. Costs for acquiring the software product are identified in response to receiving a user input to the set of questions. A report is generated using the costs, wherein the report is used to evaluate whether to acquire the software product in response to identifying the costs.

Abstract: A strategic management tool that derives relevant business processes. The tool provides a set of business processes based on information from at least one of a market force and an industry trend and applies a method to identify a subset of the business processes. The method is selected from at least one of transformational strategy method, a business goals and objectives method and a program solutions method.

Abstract: Developing decision-making skills of a user through practice in a simulated environment comprises defining a simulated situation to be influenced by the user including a set of objects that are represented by an attribute-characteristic representation, presenting information concerning a current state of the simulation, obtaining decisions from the user that at least partially determine object designs to be evaluated, evaluating an object design using a value function having multiple optima, updating the simulation with the results from the evaluation, and permitting continued practice by selectively repeating several of these steps. A system executes simulation software that simulates such a situation on a processor, and includes evaluation software for selecting and evaluating design objects by applying a value function having multiple optima. At least one terminal and communication links are provided for information transfer and implementation of the simulated situation.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for simulating and projecting future sales, inventory and gross margin are described. Some methods provide bottom-up item-by-item, per location simulation of unit inventory and unit sales. Notional deliveries and other features of simulations and projections are reflected in the detailed description, accompanying figures and claims.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for combining two or more risk models to create a risk model with wider scope than its constituent parts. The method insures that the newly formed risk model is consistent with the component models from which it is formed.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a customer in choosing among commodities based on a business profile of the customer that includes asking the customer for a definition of its business; searching a decision rules database and applying decision rules to the business definition; creating a set of business requirement questions based upon the applied decision rules database; answering the set of business requirement questions by the customer; implementing a business rule filter to the answers of the set of business requirement questions; recommending to the customer commodity types based upon the business rule implementation; and optimizing the recommended commodity types to find the best value commodity, which can be a product or service.

Abstract: A method of rule processing includes defining/entering attributes, enumerations, and/or relationships; packaging the definitions in a reduced canonical form suitable for propositional logic manipulation using zero-suppressed binary decision diagrams (Zdd) to produce a prime Zdd; and/or (iii) executing the rule by applying a series of user inputs to the prime Zdd to determine a result that preferably includes conflict and selection advice to guide the user to satisfaction. Elective events, such as but not limited to the display of messages or the performance of calculations, may optionally be packaged along with the prime rule or components thereof, and presented during execution to help guide the end user to satisfaction or compliancy when choosing among possible selections. The invention automates determination of a complex rule having a combinatorial exploded number of rule components, or a combinatorial number of possible outcomes, exceeding computational capacity of present day computing systems.

Abstract: A method for designing a knowledge portal for retrieving, organizing and delivering knowledge to a user belonging to an organization comprises identifying a community of users belonging to the organization characterized by a common interest with respect to the knowledge, and identifying business processes executed by the users in the community in accordance with strategies of the organization. The method then comprises analyzing the business processes to identify specific activities performed in executing the processes and patterns for performing the respective activities, and subsequently constructing the knowledge portal in accordance with the patterns. Analyzing the business processes to identify specific activities performed in executing the processes may be done by developing scenarios for using the portal in performing the respective activities and examining the scenarios to identify the patterns for performing the respective activities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for customizing business logic rules within a business process automation system and for processing business logic rules in a business process automation system are disclosed. The method for customizing business rules of a business logic application generally comprises serving a content page to a client browser of a client by a server that allows entering and modifying of data relating to a business logic rule, generating data by the server according to a predefined format such as a predefined XML format from information received via the content page, and automatically committing the generated data in the predefined format into a database. Preferably, a verification process such as by using DTDs (Document Type Definitions) is performed by the server prior to committing the data. The database stores data including data relating to business logic rules for implementing business logic as entries in the database and the generated data is committed into a corresponding entry in the database.

Abstract: A method and system for representing business processes such as in a workflow model. Each of a plurality of processes is defined as a 3-tuple including a noun, a verb and an attribute, and a selected process is displayed as a point in navigation space. In this manner, business processes are classified and organized in terms of a 3-dimensional process navigation space facilitating process identification, decomposition and definition by traversal of this space.

Abstract: A pattern solution set for paper roll trimming to fulfill orders is generated using constraint programming and a heuristic. For every pattern generated, an objective function is evaluated based on the sum of waste factor and the variance of the quantity ordered for all widths in that pattern. The pattern that has the least objective function is chosen with the maximum number of sets possible. Orders are updated with the quantities left over and then the process continues, forming a solution tree, which serves as an initial solution set. The initial solution set is checked individually against the average loss of the solution set. Nodes in the solution tree having trim loss greater than the average loss are identified. Branches of the tree emanating from its parent are explored for better patterns. The process continues until all patterns are below the initial average loss.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method of screening potential customers of chemical products for safe practices related to the chemicals that they wish to purchase or otherwise obtain from manufacturers and/or distributors. A customer may order chemical products on-line that may be are categorized based upon the degree of hazard they pose. The customer may be presented with a query form when the customer orders a chemical product for the first time. The query is designed to include allow the customer to provide information concerning the preparedness of the customer should an emergency with the product arise. Moreover, the customer may automatically affirm that the responses to the query form are true and correct. A reviewer may determine whether the product order should be approved or rejected. If approved, the order is finalized.

Abstract: A neural network based universal time series prediction system for financial securities includes a pipelined recurrent ANN architecutre having a plurality of identical modules to first adjust internal weights and biases in response to a first training set representing a nonlinear financial time series of samples of a financial quantity and a target value, and then determine and store an estimated prediction error of the ANN in order to adjust short time stock price predictions in accordance with the stored prediction error. The prediction system is also designed to output upper and lower prediction bounds within a confidence region.

Abstract: Data processing versatility increases for both other companies and a given company to which a user belongs, information simultaneity can be obtained inside and outside the given company, quick data processing can be performed, and knowledge work processing can be obtained. The data processing apparatus has a reception processing means connected to a network, transmission processing means connected to the network, self data group storage portion, reception data group storage portion, and transmission data group storage portion. The data structure of each storage portion is classified into organization, reference, and general control in the vertical direction and slip, book, and knowledge in the horizontal direction. Although data contents in the vertical direction are the same, they are defined as data having different meanings. Slips and books are managed using identification codes, and knowledge is managed using item data and knowledge table.

Abstract: The invention concerns an interactive method for communicating data to users (1) of a communication network (3). Each user (1) is provided with a computer equipment (2) connected to the electronic communication network (3). The method uses at least a virtual object (6).

Abstract: A new method for identifying a predetermined number of data points of interest in a large data set. The data points of interest are ranked in relation to the distance to their neighboring points. The method employs partition-based detection algorithms to partition the data points and then compute upper and lower bounds for each partition. These bounds are then used to eliminate those partitions that do contain the predetermined number of data points of interest. The data points of interest are then computed from the remaining partitions that were not eliminated. The present method eliminates a significant number of data points from consideration as the points of interest, thereby resulting in substantial savings in computational expense compared to conventional methods employed to identify such points.

Abstract: A web agent system automatically performs tasks for a computer user based upon the actions of the user. The web agent system includes a local assistant program stored on a user computer which performs various functions based upon rules and data. The local assistant program and rules are downloaded from a first local assistant server maintained by an application service provider. The data used with the rules by the local assistant program is downloaded from a second local assistant server maintained by an assisted merchant. The web agent monitors the user's actions and performs tasks related to the detected actions based upon the rules and data. The web agent also automatically updates the rules and data.

Abstract: A method for performing business training communications includes determining a targeted business and performing a needs analysis to determine a plurality of recipient events in accordance with the targeted business. A plurality of business training messages is determined in accordance with the plurality of determined recipient events. The method also includes providing an animation for each of the business training messages in accordance with the plurality of determined business training messages to provide a plurality of animation systems and providing the plurality of animation systems to a message user. A recipient event and a targeted message recipient are determined by the message user and an animation system of the plurality of animation systems is selected in accordance with the recipient event and the business training message of the selected animation system.

Abstract: A method, program and apparatus for rendering an image in an electronic document by means of a non-visual browser are provided. The invention comprises rendering an image area within a web page, wherein the image area is associated with a hypertext link to an image document which contains content for the image area. When the browser renders a requested web page containing the image area and/or receives a selection of the image area, it retrieves the header element of the image and non-visually renders the information contained within the header. This information might include a title and national language designation, as well as other information inserted into the header by the web author. Non-visual rendering may be audible or by means of tactile feedback. In addition, non-visual rendering methods may be used in conjunction with traditional visual rendering, depending on the needs of the user.

Abstract: A business method comprising the steps of offering patented subject matter for lease wherein the term of the lease expires concurrently with the patent wherein the lease by its terms reserves some or all of the intellectual property rights in the patented subject matter to the patentee (or assignee) and prohibits use of the leased patented subject matter in any fashion that develops, generates or invents new intellectual property.

Abstract: A learning network is formed that includes “competencies” as content objects in the network, in addition to learning objects and knowledge objects. The nodes forming the network for linked in an individual pattern for each user accessing the network, thus allowing the learning network to be used by both novices and experts. The network includes data retrieval utilities that are configured to continuously access external sources of information to update the content stored in the network. Each network access by a user creates an updated relational table between the nodes, forming a dynamic interconnection of nodes so that the learning network provides improved response to each user during each subsequent access.

Abstract: To transfer a quantity measured in a first unit used by a first entity to a second entity using a second unit, these units being associated with a respective parameter varying as a function of time, the system according to the invention comprises: a means for determining a first operation taking into account variations in the parameter associated with the first unit, in order to convert the latter into a reference unit associated with a constant parameter; a means for applying the first operation to the quantity to be transferred, and for sending the converted quantity to the second system; a means for determining a second operation for converting the reference unit into the second unit, taking into account the variations of the parameter associated with said second unit; and a means for applying the second operation to the quantity in reference units and for transferring the quantity converted in the second system.

Abstract: An employee enters data relating to the commuting aspects of his or her job, i.e. distance traveled, time traveled, vehicle maintenance, parking, clothing, etc. and this data is collected for analysis. An expert system uses the data to determine the financial costs associated with commuting to work and determines potential savings.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a user profile for a user based on a static profile and a dynamic profile of the user. The static profile includes factual user information. The dynamic profile includes dynamic rules which correspond to transactional information of the user. The method and system compresses the dynamic rules into aggregated rules so that the user can view a comparatively small number of the aggregated rules and select the desired rules from the aggregated rules based on user-desired criteria. The dynamic rules associated with the particular user are matched to the selected desired aggregated rules to generate the dynamic profile. The static and dynamic profile are then combined to form the user profile. The system and method can be used in conjunction with a Personal Shopping Assistant system and a Personal Intelligent Digital Assistant system.

Abstract: The software synthesis method and system of the present invention provides a problem solving environment for systems of partial differential equations (or other concise mathematical description), common in engineering, finance, and science, which automatically transforms a problem description into executable software code. The method and system uses a specification language to support a user's natural description of the geometry and mathematics of the problem and solution strategies. The natural description is concisely expressed using general coordinates and dimensionless parameters, using domain specific keywords as appropriate. The user's problem description is compared with the system's knowledge base to refine the problem—i.e., identifying constraints, applying heuristics and defaults, and applying elaboration rules.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A task management server includes a memory unit for memorizing task information containing constituents indicated by a task property of a supported task, an action entry comprising a task, an event rule and a main task and subtask structure, and each of a plurality of client machines includes a task information display/operation unit which enables each user to operate information during a task is executed. A task execution support system supports the user such that the user can execute a task while determining the contents of action and the procedure of action in accordance with a progress of a task without defining a series of action procedure from the start to end of a task with all sorts of actions in the task listed-up as a network type flow before a task to be supported is started.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and provides examples with process sensitive help that guides a student to intuitively develop the appropriate next step.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A decision support system for the management of an agile supply chain that provides an architecture including a server side and a client side. The server side includes a decision support system database that interfaces with a model engine that performs analysis of the data to support planning decisions. The server side includes a server manager that coordinates requests for service and information. The client side includes decision frames that present the various view points available in the system to the users. A frame manager coordinates the requests from decision support frames to access the needed data and models. The decision support frames provide a view into the supply chain and integrate analytical models responsive to the view point of a business process such as demand management. The frames include a supply management frame, a demand management frame, a vendor managed replenishment frame, a Planning, Sales and Inventory planning frame, and a distribution network design frame.