Abstract: A system and method for computer based assessment in which at least one question prompt is displayed and means for a user to enter at least one search query is provided. Potential answers that are deemed relevant to entered search queries are displayed to the user and may be selected to form all or part of the user's answer. Because users select pre-determined potential answers, rather than construct answers, appropriate feedback and a mark score can be determined simply and unambiguously. Because potential answers are only displayed in response to a relevant search query being entered, users cannot simply recognize a potential answer as being correct without first having actively searched for it, and the set of potential answers for a question can be relatively large as only the subset that are relevant to a search query are displayed for selection at any one time.

Abstract: An application integration system includes multiple aspect task tracking. Such tracking may include an external identifier aspect of tracking tasks by highly configurable external identifiers. Another aspect, an error aspect, includes tracking errors that occur as the target systems attempt to execute tasks, and categorizing those errors into groups. The multiple aspect tracking provides detailed insight into the status of each task, helping to solve the technical problem of implementing orderly execution of complex product requests while maintaining a transparent view of execution status at each stage of task execution. The multiple aspect task tracking features also eliminate the burden of manually searching through complex log files to determine task status. Furthermore, the distinction of errors into groups facilitates customized handling of different types of errors. Accordingly, the system may implement different error resolution paradigms responsive to the error group assigned to an error.

Abstract: A location associated with a computing device is determined. Browser history information is retrieved from a storage device. The browser history information is sorted based upon the determined location. The sorted browser history information is presented to a user of the computing device.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying changes to a data set, such as data within a mailbox, and performing actions based on the identified changes is discussed. In some examples, the system receives an indication of a change to a mailbox, creates a change journal entry for the change, and identifies data to be copied via the change journal entry. In some examples, the system leverages the change journal to associate messages with changes to a mailbox.

Abstract: A method for searching a bill of materials (BOM) in a data processing system, a data processing system configured to perform a corresponding method, and a computer program product encoded with instructions for performing the method. The method includes retrieving BOM data in a data processing system, and forming a wavefront queue of a plurality of proto lines corresponding to the BOM data. The method also includes determining the cumulative geometric bounds of multiple ones of the plurality of proto lines and performing a geometric bounds test on the cumulative geometric bounds of multiple ones of the plurality of proto lines. The method also includes producing a BOM line to each proto line that passes the geometric bounds test, and adding the produced BOM lines to a candidate results list stored in the data processing system.

Abstract: A message broker system is described that allows exchanging data reliably through a firewall without introducing firewall exceptions. The message broker system uses a broker running on each side of the firewall and a database. The sending broker creates a localized transaction between the local sender and the database. The sending broker then submits the message into the database. The sending broker also creates a state for the message that indicates the progress of the message through the process of delivering it to the recipient. On the other side of the firewall, the receiving broker pulls the data from the database, changing the state of the message to a pending and/or retrieved state. The receiving feed then creates a localized transaction with the local destination. After that transaction completes, the receiving broker marks the state of the message completed in the database.

Abstract: A single universal reporting pixel is embedded in a web page. The web page may contain one or more advertisements. One or more third-party reporting pixels are associated with the universal reporting pixel. Upon serving the web page, the universal reporting pixel causes each of the active and qualifying third-party reporting pixels associated with the universal reporting pixel to send a report to the third party associated with the third-party reporting pixel. The third-party reporting pixels associated with the universal reporting pixel may be changed at any time. A user interface may be provided to associate and disassociate third-party reporting pixels to a universal reporting pixel.

Abstract: A system and method for managing research produced by outside research vendors includes a storage unit, data repository stored on the storage unit, and a processing unit in communication with the storage unit and data repository. The processing unit may be configured to collect first research reports from first and second research vendors, where the first and second research reports have first and second formats, respectively. The processing unit may further be configured to reformat the first research reports from the first format into a third format, reformat the second research reports from the second format into the third format, store the reformatted first and second research reports in the data repository, and provide access to the first and second research reports in the third format to members of the organization.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for user interface diagnostic activity logging. Parameter data is first acquired corresponding to selected data acquisition parameters. Sequence data is then acquired corresponding to instructions for control of the document processing device via an associated user interface. The sequence is acquired in accordance with the acquired parameter data and stored in an associated storage. Next, event data is acquired corresponding to an occurrence of a selected event by the document processing device. The acquired sequence data is then communicated to an associated administrator upon receipt of event data.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for providing mapping of application components to a set of resources in a distributed environment using capacity driven provisioning using a layered approach. By way of example, a method for allocating resources to an application comprises the following steps. A first data structure is obtained representing a post order traversal of a dependency graph for the application and associated containers with capacity requirements. A second data structure is obtained representing a set of resources, and associated with each resource is a tuple representing available capacity. A mapping of the dependency graph data structure to the resource set is generated based on the available capacity such that resources of the set of resources are allocated to the application.

Abstract: A system and method for media enhanced messaging. A message from a message sender to be delivered to at least one message recipient is received over a network. The message comprises at least one delivery criteria and at least one content criteria. When it is determined, via the network that the delivery criteria of the message has been satisfied, a query is formulated based on the content criteria so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data that is available via the network and relates to the content criteria and to media files so as to identify at least one media file that is relevant to the content criteria. The media files are inserted into the message and the message is transmitted over the network to the recipient.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the three-dimensional location of a mobile wireless device. In one implementation, the device is a cellular telephone making a 911 call from one floor of a multi-story building. An embodiment of the method of the invention includes establishing a database that associates transmission metrics with altitudes of x-y coordinate locations having more than one altitude at which the mobile wireless device could be located, receiving a communication from the mobile wireless device, determining an x-y coordinate location of the mobile wireless device, measuring a transmission metric of the mobile wireless device, and consulting the database to determine the altitude from the x-y coordinate location and the measured transmission metric. The transmission metric could be, for example, the transmission time or angle of arrival of a wireless signal received from the mobile wireless device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for automatic geotagging are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a camera for capturing an image and for generating image data, a location information module for determining location information of the mobile terminal, and a controller configured to concurrently operate the camera and the location information module in response to a user input and to store the location information with the image data.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing data, the apparatus connectable to another apparatus via a plurality of paths over a network, includes: a plurality of ports each of which is connectable to one end of each of the paths; a memory for storing information of the plurality of paths to the another apparatus; and a processor for executing a process including: monitoring throughput of each of the plurality of paths by receiving a message from the another apparatus indicative of an amount of data successfully received at an interval, determining at least one of the ports for transmitting data on the basis of the monitored throughput, and transmitting data from the determined port to the another apparatus.

Abstract: A method of generating a file at a header metadata creator apparatus, the method including: generating, at the header metadata creator apparatus, a file, the file including: a file header, a file body, and a file footer, wherein the file header includes at least KLV encoded header metadata, the KLV encoded header metadata including at least a universal label, length data and variable length data, the variable length data including a plurality of KLV encoded metadata sets, each one of the KLV encoded metadata sets includes a predetermined universal label, essence length data and a plurality of KLV encoded metadata items, and each KLV encoded metadata item includes at least an item universal label, variable item length data and item value data.

Abstract: A system and method for managing computer operations according to stored user preferences is disclosed. The system includes a calendar module for scheduling an event and centrally storing the user preferences regarding the computer operations during the event, and a controller module for retrieving the user preferences centrally stored in the calendar module and centrally controlling the computer operations according to the user preferences during the event.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a contact list within a business process automation tool. The method includes identifying an active task of a user within the business process automation tool. The method also includes identifying a plurality of roles associated with the active task. Each of the roles is associated with corresponding contact information. The method also includes generating a contact list of the roles and the corresponding contact information.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, can provide flexible integrated access to media content. A method includes receiving a request for access by a user to media content via a first delivery mechanism of multiple delivery mechanisms. The delivery mechanisms include one or more delivery mechanisms operable to deliver an audio rendering of the media content and one or more delivery mechanisms operable to deliver a visual rendering of the media content. The user is provided with access to the media content via the first delivery mechanism. A request is received from the user for access to the media content via a second delivery mechanism and the user is provided with access to the media content via the second delivery mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for ordering content in social networking applications are described. A plurality of shared content pieces are received, that are viewable and accessible by at least one viewer. The shared content pieces are displayed in an initial order, wherein the displayed shared content pieces are accessed in a viewer order determined by an individual viewer. The viewer order and the identity of the individual viewer are received and stored in a data store, and the initial order is changed based at least in part upon at least one of the viewer order and the identity of the individual viewer, thereby providing an adjusted order.

Abstract: A dynamic media object management system that communicates media objects such as imagery with source media modalities including medical imaging systems and media archival, review, and analysis workstations, among other types of systems. The system includes a management console with a user interactive subsystems controller that may include one or more parameter databases populated via the user interactive subsystems controller with media tag transfer syntaxes, media format mapping protocols, compatibility matrices, and media processing rules that may include technologist reviewer routing rules, communication schedules, and other types of predetermined and, or predefined parameters. The system may also include, among other components, a modality services subsystem that can communicate media objects within and outside the system.

Abstract: A user can share media content with others by defining one or more groups, where each group includes members who may access a set of user's content item on the online service or on user's local device. Item information is generated for content items to be shared and indicates where the content item can be accessed. The item information is provided to the members of the group that was selected to share the content item. The user can conveniently configure or update the group to share the user's content items. The content items to be shared can be located on an online service or on the user's local device.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking, controlling, optimizing, and otherwise managing the delivery of perishable and time-sensitive goods such as newspapers, periodicals and promotional materials to consumers, both subscribers and non-subscribers, and to retail outlets. One exemplary arrangement includes a web server, a database server, and handheld computers. A database including at least route delivery information may be created and at least portions of the database may be communicated to respective handheld devices for display. Time-sensitive goods such as newspapers or periodicals may be delivered based at least in part on the information displayed on the handheld devices, which are also used to collect information during said delivery. The collected information is communicated to the database for billing, reporting and analysis.

Abstract: Methods according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, methods of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.

Abstract: Methods according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, methods of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.

Abstract: In order to reduce a period of time required for a database operation and maintenance job, provided is a database management method in a database management apparatus that manages a database stored in a storage apparatus including: executing load processing of storing data which is read from the storage apparatus in a memory; executing job processing by reading and writing the data which is stored in the memory; executing unload processing of writing the data which is stored in the memory in the storage apparatus; and executing maintenance processing for the database using the data which is stored in the memory at timing for executing at least one of the load processing and the unload processing.

Abstract: A method and system for managing redirection for use with a system. The system includes a first webpage and a second webpage. The first webpage is operable to redirect a browser to the second webpage and subsequently, the second webpage is operable to redirect the browser to the first webpage by using a first pre-determined identifier associated with the first webpage. A second identifier associated with a component of the first webpage is assigned. In response to the second webpage redirecting the browser to the first webpage by using the first pre-determined identifier, the first pre-determined identifier is compared against the second identifier to determine whether the second identifier is different from the first pre-determined identifier. In response to a determination that the second identifier is different from the first pre-determined identifier, the browser is redirected to the component of the first webpage by using the second identifier.

Abstract: Methods, software and apparatus are described which enable users to share and exchange clips from broadcast media using their mobile devices. Whilst watching broadcast media, a user can cause their mobile device to capture a clip, for example by pressing a button. The capture of the clip enables the user to show and share the clip with friends as part of a system of exchange.

Abstract: A method of accessing digital rights management (DRM) files and non-DRM files in a mobile device includes providing an intermediate interface between one or more application modules of the mobile device and a file system of the mobile device, and providing a DRM module between the intermediate interface and the file system. The method further includes determining if the file is controlled by DRM through the intermediate interface when a selected application module sends a file request to the file system to access the file, processing the file request using the DRM module to verify if the file is controlled by DRM, and returning a processed result to the selected application module.

Abstract: A method of virtualizing an application to execute on a plurality of operating systems without installation. The method includes creating an input configuration file for each operating system. The templates each include a collection of configurations that were made by the application during installation on a computing device executing the operating system. The templates are combined into a single application template having a layer including the collection of configurations for each operating system. The collection of configurations includes files and registry entries. The collections also identifies and configures environmental variables, systems, and the like. Files in the collection of configurations and references to those files may be replaced with references to files stored on installation media. The application template is used to build an executable of the virtualized application.

Abstract: Registration and classification of non-textual information, such as digital images and video is described. Image searching and comparison of the images is also described. The digital images are indexed (i.e., each image is assigned a unique numerical parameter and/or a plurality of numerical parameters). The resulting index files are stored in a database that can be quickly searched because the index files are universal numerical files that are significantly smaller in size than their source images. Image search queries are also indexed to generate an index file, which is then compared with the stored index files. A similarity score is also calculated to rank the similar images based on the index file-to-index file comparison.

Abstract: A method for underwriting an insurance policy includes sending an electronic query from an insurance company to a central vehicle operator rating agency. The method further includes receiving at the insurance company an electronic response to the query from the central vehicle operator rating agency. The response includes data maintained by the central vehicle operator rating agency with respect to a vehicle operator. The data reflects a vehicle operating record of the vehicle operator. The vehicle operating record is a collation of data concerning vehicle operation activities of the vehicle operator over a period of at least two years. The method further includes routing the received data to an underwriter in the insurance company. The underwriter determines whether to issue or renew or adjust an insurance policy that covers the vehicle operator or an employer of the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A real-time interactive system and method for updating infrastructure information, and using the same to implement new changes to the infrastructure, can utilize a wireless enabled portable data collection device for capturing infrastructure information in the field at an access interface; an infrastructure information database containing previously recorded infrastructure information, if any; a remote server communicating with the portable data collection device and the infrastructure information database; wherein infrastructure information is wirelessly communicated to the remote server and the remote server controls a real-time interactive session with the portable data collection device to verify previously recorded infrastructure information, update the infrastructure information database with the current infrastructure information, and facilitate making the new changes using updated infrastructure information.

Abstract: A method of generating an event log of game events associated with elements in a sporting event. The method includes tracking, within a sequence of video images, image features which correspond to respective elements in the sporting event and selecting, from the tracked image features, a first image feature which corresponds to one of the elements so as to designate that element as a selected element. The method further includes selecting a game event from an event list of possible game events for association with the selected element, and associating the selected game event with the selected element so as to generate the event log.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to column based data encoding where raw data to be compressed is organized by columns, and then, as first and second layers of reduction of the data size, dictionary encoding and/or value encoding are applied to the data as organized by columns, to create integer sequences that correspond to the columns. Next, a hybrid greedy run length encoding and bit packing compression algorithm further compacts the data according to an analysis of bit savings. Synergy of the hybrid data reduction techniques in concert with the column-based organization, coupled with gains in scanning and querying efficiency owing to the representation of the compact data, results in substantially improved data compression at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems.

Abstract: A tokenization platform and method is described for accurately tokenizing character strings, including but not limited to non-delimited character strings of the type commonly used in Internet domain names and computer filenames, to accurately identify words and phrases occurring therein. In one embodiment, a phased tokenization approach is used in which the final phase is a lexical analysis-based tokenization using a dictionary. The dictionary may be advantageously created and updated based upon one or more query logs associated with respective information retrieval systems, thereby ensuring that the dictionary accurately reflects currently-used terminology and captures alternative spellings and presentations of words and phrases submitted by users.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for assisting managers in managing invoices received from providers, and in particular for providing assistance to managers in identifying elements of invoices which are likely to be disputed, and assisting managers in disputing elements of invoices which are desired to be disputed by managers. The system may further embody features for assisting managers in managing accounts associated with invoices.

Abstract: A system, comprising a processor, a database, a memory, and a communications interface, all operationally coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive data associated with a unique data value representative of an identification of a first service provider, and multimedia data, associated with the unique data value, confirm that the service provider identified by the unique data value is a registered service provider, and store the data in the database for later access by a consumer.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a geographic position of a wireless device. Data input by a user while the user is located at the geographic position of the wireless device is received. The data is associated with a landmark at the geographic position. The data is provided to a database based on the geographic position. A wireless device includes a transmitter configured to transmit a geographic position of the wireless device to a database. A receiver is configured to receive data input by a user of the wireless device while the user is located at the geographic position of the wireless device. The data is associated with a landmark at the geographic position of the wireless device. The receiver is configured to automatically receive information associated with the landmark from the database.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for traversing a process tree in a digital video editing system. A process tree is loaded into a digital video-editing system. The process tree has parent nodes that are dependent on output data from child nodes. Each parent node and each child node represents a digital video processing task to be performed during a traversal of the process tree. Each parent node declares a data definition and data default values. The data definition defines a structure of the data used by that parent node. For each parent node processed, a determination is made regarding whether the data definition for the output data received from a dependent child node is compatible with the data definition declared for that parent node. If the data definition is incompatible, the parent node utilizes the data default values.

Abstract: A device, method, system and computer readable medium for the protection of private data while permitting the monitoring or tracking of electronic devices that are shared for both business and private purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods provides the ability to accurately track all equipment used in a surgical suite through the use of RFID tags.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for performing a user search query are provided. A search definition profile having one or more domain constraints and one or more vertical constraints, specified by a site owner, is obtained. A first search for documents is executed with the search query for a first search result. The first search result is constrained to documents in a search engine index that satisfy a collective domain constraint imposed by the one or more domain constraints. Without user intervention, a second search for documents is executed with the search query for a second search result when a relevance condition of the first search result, specified by the site owner, is not satisfied. The second search result is constrained to a collective vertical constraint imposed by the one or more vertical constraints. An output search result that is combination of the first and second search results is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows for the seamless integration of the sending mechanism with the media acquiring mechanism of a portable device. In this manner the end-user has instant access to media sharing with complete control over how the media is shared. This integration is accomplished by presenting to the user a series of screens that are available directly from the media creation applications (e.g. cameras or audio recorders) and media viewing applications (e.g. photo galleries or screen savers) on the device. When a photo (or other media) is captured or viewed, a series of pre-established processing options, including on-device uses for the media, internet services and accounts, email addresses and/or phone numbers to which the media can be sent are presented to the user. Some options require no further user interaction.

Abstract: An information management and entertainment system (1) comprises user terminals (2), and a switching system (5, 40-43) having interfaces (21, 23, 31) for receiving media streams and for routing the streams to the terminals. The system (1) comprises at least one management server (15) for routing control signals to components of the system. The server (15) and the terminals (2) execute a middleware engine (65, 70) for communication within the system. The middleware engine comprises a services processor (65) executing on a server (15) and functions executing on the terminals (2) for controlling provision of information management and entertainment services to users via the terminals (2). The system further comprises at least one vending machine (16) for vending user cards for usage of services.

Abstract: A message publishing system operative to process a message from a sender in a first format has a central processor; at least one sender account, at least one storage area configured to store at least a first portion of the message, and software executing in the central processor. The processor is configured to identify the sender of the message as an authorized sender based on information associated with the message in comparison to data in the sender account, wherein the identification is dependent upon the first format. The processor is configured to convert at least a second portion of the message from the first format to a second format. The processor is also configured to publish the converted second portion of the message so as to be viewable in the second format only if the sender has been identified as an authorized sender.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for resolving location information to a network identifier. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving information identifying a geospatial query region. The method also includes generating a query message including an outside-scope, unicast identifier identifying a zone corresponding to a zone region at least partially present in the query region. The method also includes sending the query message to a border node having an outside network interface for receiving the query message and an inside network interface in a network path including a network interface in the zone. The method also includes receiving a response identifying a node having a network interface in the zone.

Abstract: A network element comprising a storage configured to maintain downloaded service profiles; a data base configured to maintain a list of identifiers of downloaded service profiles; and a correspondence processor configured to check the availability of a downloaded service profile by referring to the list of identifiers.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for compiling a stored procedure in a database. The compiling includes the steps of invoking the stored procedure, the stored procedure comprising one or more statements, substituting run-time values for one or more variables in the statements, and creating an access plan for the statements having the substituted run-time values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system of generating declared patterns from components of a sentence. Parts of speech in the sentence are tagged for identifying parts of speech of each word and phrase in the sentence. Sentence chunking is then performed using the identified parts of speech of each word and phrase to generate pattern units. A first dictionary and a database of equivalent pattern specification sets are then applied to identify grammatical roles and senses of the generated pattern units. A second dictionary and a conceptionary are then applied to identify an equivalent name set for each of the generated pattern units. The declared patterns are then generated for the sentence using the identified equivalent name set for each of the generated pattern units.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to monitor and control electronic communications. A processor is in operable communication with processor readable media, and a user interface is provided by the processor over a communication network that is operable to send, receive and report communications from a plurality of users. A database is provided on the processor readable media and accessible by the processor. A centralized messaging center is operable to receive from the processor the communications, to print the communications, to image the communications and to store the communications in a database.