39th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 57 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080235081 | Apparatuses and methods for wireless monitoring and control of supplies for environmental sampling and chromatographic apparatuses - Purchase orders for chromatographic columns and sampler tubing are entered into based on estimating usage for a year. An initial partial shipment is made of tagged columns or tubing as the tubing or columns are used. An RFID transmits trigger signals until an order point is reached at which time a new partial shipment is made. This process is repeated until the end of the year. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235082 | Integrated Automatic System For Managing the Access of Vehicles to Controlled Parking Areas - An integrated automatic system for monitoring and managing the access, transit and parking of vehicles in predetermined controlled traffic areas, in particular in parking areas equipped with a plurality of individual parking spaces comprises: an electronic vehicle identification device; an electronic vehicle detection device; at least one local data processing unit; at least one central data processing unit. The data transmitted by the electronic vehicle identification device are associated with the data relative to the electronic vehicle detection device and the result of this association is transmitted to one of the local data processing units. Furthermore, the data processed by the local units are transmitted to the central processing unit which generates a signal relative to the payment of a predetermined fee for the access and/or transit and/or parking of a vehicle inside the controlled area. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235083 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADDING ADVERTISING TAG LINES TO ELECTRONIC MESSAGES - A computer method and device for intercepting contracting client's sent electronic messages, scanning the message body content for key words, sending the key words to a remote central computer server which analyses the key words and enhances the message by attaching a relevant, contextual advertising tag line or image/banner/words/HTML/Flash etc to the electronic message, and transmitting the enhanced message to a receiver. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235084 | EMPLOYING MATCHING OF EVENT CHARACTERISTICS TO SUGGEST ANOTHER CHARACTERISTIC OF AN EVENT - A device, system, and method are directed towards determining a suggested characteristic for an event. At least two events are determined. In one embodiment, at least one characteristic is determined for one of the event. A plurality of other characteristics is determined for the other event. The characteristics of the two events may be determined implicitly from communications during the events or from user input. Based on a relationship between the determined characteristics, the suggested characteristic for the event is then determined. In one embodiment, the relationship is defined as a match of characteristics. The event may then be modified based on the suggested characteristic. For example, a suggested member may be invited to join the event, or the event's time, location, or name may be changed. If the other event is current or pending, the event and the other event may be combined. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235085 | VIRTUAL ADVERTISEMENT STORE - A method is described for obtaining selective criteria for use in selecting one or more advertisements from a plurality of advertisements for display with publisher content, including obtaining selective criteria to be associated with the content, wherein the selective criteria is separate from the content, and wherein the selective criteria is entered by the publisher of the content | 2008-09-25 |
20080235086 | Advertisement umbrella - An advertisement umbrella includes a central post, a runner, a crown, ribs and associated stretchers, a top sphere and a canopy. The canopy has a multiple layer structure including an outer layer and an inner layer between which an illuminant is installed. The central post includes a tubular member in which batteries are accommodated to supply electricity to the illuminant, allowing light from the illuminant to transmit through the canopy and present colorful advertisement frames consisting of different characters and patterns on the umbrella canopy. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235087 | System and method for presenting alternative advertising data - A computerized method for presenting an alternative advertising data item is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes receiving a primary advertising data item in a video data stream in an internet protocol television (IPTV) system; replacing a generic data of the primary advertising data item with alternative data to create the alternative advertising data item; and sending the alternative advertising data item to an end user device for presentation of the alternative advertising data item in place of the primary advertising data item upon occurrence of an end user event. A system is disclosed for performing the method. A data structure is disclosed for containing data embedded in a computer readable medium for providing a functional and structural interrelationship between a processor, the data structure and data stored in the data structure. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235088 | System for measuring web traffic related to an offline advertising campaign - A system is described for measuring web traffic relating to an offline advertising campaign. The system may include a processor and a memory. The memory may be operatively connected to the processor and may store an offline advertising campaign of an advertiser, a time period, a set of users and web traffic data. The processor may identify the offline advertising campaign, and the period of time the offline advertising campaign was available to a set of users. The processor may measure the web traffic related to the offline advertising campaign of the users during the time period. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235089 | SYSTEM FOR SERVING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON OFFLINE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - A system is described for serving an online advertisement based on an offline advertising campaign. The system may include a memory, an interface and a processor. The memory may be operatively connected to the interface and the processor and may store an offline advertising campaign of an advertiser, an advertising effect period, a set of users, and an online advertisement. The interface may be operatively connected to the memory and may be used to serve the online advertisement to the users in the set of users. The processor may be operatively connected to the memory and the interface. The processor may identify the offline advertising campaign and the advertising effect period, the period when the offline advertising campaign is capable of effecting the online behavior of the set of users. The processor may identify an online advertisement relating to the offline advertising campaign. The processor may serve the online advertisement, to the users in the set of users, via the interface, during the advertising effect period. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235090 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING PERSONALIZED ADVERTISEMENTS IN A TV SYSTEM - The invention discloses a method and arrangement of managing personalized advertisement in an TV system including an TV client ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080235091 | Cash in advance incentive and rewards program - An online cash back rewards system and a product consisting of a rewards card. Under the system presented herein, consumers are provided with a rewards card in advance of earning the rewards through online purchases. The rewards card may contain a fixed dollar value, expiration date, pre-printed web address and unique promotional code/integer identification number. The rewards card, once activated via the web address, is transformed into a digital token which is then passed to participating merchant websites when the consumer clicks through from the incentive site to create an online shopping transaction. The token is then reported back to the host server via electronic transaction reports from each of the online merchants. On the host server, the digital token is used to identify and credit transactions to the consumer's specific rewards account, debiting from the total variable pre-credited value. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235092 | METHOD OF ADVERTISING WHILE PLAYING MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - An advertising method and system displaying a context advertisement when the context advertising associated with a contents page which does not match with an advertising keyword or has no text, is provided. The advertising method which displays context advertising information includes: maintaining a context advertising database including the context advertising information; maintaining a user input keyword database including an input query set of keywords inputted by a user; and retrieving and displaying context advertising information associated with the input query set from the context advertising database, when the user visits a contents page which does not match with an advertising keyword or has no text. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235093 | MOBILE PHONE IMAGE PROCESSING FOR PROMOTIONAL ENTERPRISE - A promotional system initiated by capturing encoded images with mobile phones supports interactions between customers and vendors. A host site receives and decodes an information-bearing image captured with a customer's mobile phone. The image preferably appears on a vendor's product or place of business, such as a retail outlet. The host site also acquires information distinguishing the customer, such as the customer's telephone number or location. The information extracted from the information-bearing image is processed together with the information from the customer and a reply is sent to the customer to engage the customer in a promotion. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235094 | INTEGRATED CROSS CORPORATE BRANDING WITH GIVEAWAYS AND SWEEPSTAKES AND CONTESTS PROCESSES WITH ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES ON A HAND WIPE PRODUCT - The present invention provides systems, methods, and apparatus for integrated cross corporate branding using a hand wipe product. The invention includes advertising by producing a plurality of high quality, individually packaged, disposable hand wipes packaged in a wrapper, the wrapper including an indicia of a third-party and an indication of an online source for additional hand wipes, wherein the high quality of the hand wipes is such that the third party perceives that an association of the third party with the hand wipes reflects positively on the third party; distributing the plurality of hand wipes to target customers of the third party without charge to the target customers; and selling additional hand wipes to the target customers via the online source. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235095 | Gift card kiosk - A gift card kiosk is disclosed providing a method for selecting, customizing, and dispensing gift cards utilizing information provided by a purchaser about the intended recipient of the gift card in order to find the gift card with the most appropriate content and from the most appropriate retailer. A purchaser may customize the gift card with their own personalized message, picture, or other information. The gift card kiosk provides for the production of such customized gift cards from gift card blanks stored within the kiosk that are printed with appropriate information on demand, and are likewise activated by the kiosk through management of a listing and assignment of gift card activation numbers. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235096 | Interactive Internet Shopping and Data Integration Method and System - A method and system for interactively shopping for groceries, especially on an Internet web site, where the user may create a shopping list, shop for items from the list at a selected grocery store, arrange for pick up or delivery of the selected items, and provide payment. A user may also download a created shopping list to a handheld computing device (e.g., PDA) or print the list with reference to the layout of a particular grocery store. Users are required to register and provide specific demographic information (useful to manufacturers and stores) to be eligible to receive the benefits of use of the web site, such as menu creation, coupon downloads, menu planning, and recipe input. Shopping lists may be created from a single input screen using standard language text. Products may be automatically suggested to the user based on best regular price or retailer's specials. Recipes may be altered to meet numbers of servings or to comply with dietary requirements. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235097 | Restaurant System - A restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having opposed first and second sides. A first display is situated on the first side for use by the customer and a second display is situated on the second side for use by a bartender. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the first and second displays. A user may select between inputting ordering options, watching television/video, or allowing advertisements to be displayed on the first display. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. The system may include a remote headset for audibly assisting a bartender with drink orders and may include an electronic mixing tin and lighted pour spout. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235098 | Restaurant System - A restaurant system includes a lighted pour spout for use in dispensing liquid from a bottle. The pour spout includes a coupling portion for attachment to a bottle and an interior portion that extends into the bottle. The interior portion may include a light and a battery for illuminating the pour spout and bottle. The restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having a first display for use by a customer and a second display for use by a bartender or waiter. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the displays. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235099 | Restaurant System - A restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having opposed first and second sides. A first display is situated on the first side for use by the customer and a second display is situated on the second side for use by a bartender. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the first and second displays. A user may select between inputting ordering options, watching television/video, or allowing advertisements to be displayed on the first display. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. The system may include a remote headset for audibly assisting a bartender with drink orders and may include an electronic mixing tin and lighted pour spout. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235100 | Restaurant system - A restaurant system includes an electronic mixing tin having a waterproof double wall construction defining a mixing area. The mixing tin includes a display, a receiver, and a processor that is in data communication with the display and receiver. Data received by the mixing tin receiver may be sent to the mixing tin display. The restaurant system includes an electronic kiosk having a first display for use by a customer and a second display for use by a bartender or waiter. The kiosk includes a first input device for use by the customer. A processor is in data communication with the kiosk displays and the first input device to retrieve data from the first input device, such as a drink order, and actuate the displays. Drink recipes may be displayed on the second display or transmitted to the mixing tin to aid a bartender in mixing drinks. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235101 | System and method of presenting assets related to media content - In a particular illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed to present assets related to media content. The method includes receiving a request for an electronic storefront from a destination device, identifying media content received at the destination device based on the request, and generating an electronic storefront. The electronic storefront includes at least a first selectable indicator of a first asset and a second selectable indicator of a second asset. The first asset and the second asset are selected from a plurality of assets based on the media content. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235102 | SMALL FOOTPRINT SELF CHECKOUT SYSTEM - Aspects of a self checkout system are described. The system includes a product imaging scanner. Also included is a bag rack with scales substantially adjacent the product imaging scanner for holding a bag to receive imaged products. A computer system is coupled to the product imaging scanner and the bag rack for processing data from the product imaging scanner and the bag rack to ensure complete and secure product purchasing. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235103 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC VENDOR AND VENDOR OUTLET CLASSIFICATION - Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for dynamic classification of electronic vendors. Certain embodiments provide a method for dynamic vendor classification. The method includes analyzing a vendor based on a comparison of vendor features; categorizing the vendor based on the analysis; and permitting access to the vendor according to the categorization of the vendor. The categorization may include trusted, not trusted, or unsure, for example. Analysis may include comparing a first outlet of the vendor with a second outlet of the vendor, for example. Analysis may include comparing an outlet of the vendor with an outlet of a second vendor, for example. A vendor may be defined as a particular outlet for a vendor and/or all outlets associated with a vendor (a vendor entity). | 2008-09-25 |
20080235104 | System and method to promote electronic assets - A system and method of promoting electronic assets is provided. The method may include promoting a plurality of heterogeneous digital assets via a common electronic system. Each of the digital assets may have one of a plurality of asset types. The common electronic system may be accessible via a plurality of different types of access points. The different types of access points may include a wireless access point and an interactive television access point. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235105 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING AN APPLICATION-SPECIFIC USER INTERFACE ON A PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR CONDUCTING TRANSACTIONS WITH RETAIL DEVICES - Systems and methods for performing a consumer purchase transaction at a retail device are disclosed. According to one system and method, an identifier associated with the retail device is provided to a personal communication device. An application-specific user interface is associated with the retail device based on the identifier. A selection is received for the consumer purchase transaction made by a consumer interacting with the application-specific user interface executing on the personal communication device. The consumer purchase transaction is performed based on the received selection for the consumer purchase transaction made by the consumer interacting with the application-specific user interface. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235106 | Software and Method That Enables Selection of One of A Plurality of Online Service Providers - A novel electronic information transport component can be incorporated in a wide range of electronic information products, for example magazine collections, to automate the mass distribution of updates, such as current issues, from a remote server to a wide user base having a diversity of computer stations. Advantages of economy, immediacy and ease of use are provided. Extensions of the invention permit automated electronic catalog shopping with order placement and, optionally, order confirmation. A server-based update distribution service is also provided. In addition, an offline web browser system, with hyperlink redirection capabilities, a novel recorded music product with automated update capabilities and an Internet charging mechanism are provided. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235107 | Method and apparatus to search the web with dynamic guiding information and guide selections - A method and apparatus for searching a need on the internet or intranet allowing results to be dynamically updated using a backend process; the said results could include guiding information with guide selections allowing a user to make a knowledgeable buy at a reasonable price. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235108 | Electronic Secure Authorization for Exchange Application Interface Device (eSafeAID) - The electronic Secure Authentication for Exchange Application Interface Device (eSafeAID) invention provides a means for digital communication devices such as: high definition televisions, set-top boxes, television remote control devices, video remote control devices, Personal Computers, Notebook computers, cellular telephones, RFID Readers, Personal Digital Appliances, etc., to conduct ‘eCommerce—electronic digital shopping experiences and purchase transactions’ within a network environment (preferably an authenticated Secure Telecommunication Network) thereby facilitating customers to purchase, order, reserve products, locate products and services, or participate in auctions, or order, schedule, reserve, or purchase services, and or acquire product or service details, incentive offers, service offers, travel information, etc. while viewing media programming. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235109 | Automated sales support method & device - A system and method for notifying salespersons of customer communications including a target item is provided. Individual customers are mapped to one or more salespersons. Target items of interest to a salesperson are defined and a salesperson is associated with a customer. For each salesperson, on-line communication channels are monitored for the occurrence of a communications involving a customer associated with the salesperson and including a target item defined by the salesperson. When such an occurrence happens, a notification is directed to the salesperson. Salesperson access to the system and customer access to the on-line communication channels requires authorization. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235110 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LISTING MULTIPLE ITEMS TO BE POSTED FOR SALE - A method and system for listing multiple items to be posted for sale, comprising accepting a characterization of an item from a choice of selection controls describing the item on a web page; accepting additional information about the item, the information being accepted on the web page; displaying the characterization and the information about the item as an item listing on the web page; accepting a characterization of another item from a choice of selection controls describing the item on the web page; accepting information about the other item, the information being accepted on the web page; and displaying the characterization and the information about the one other item listing on the web page. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235111 | Internet Art Community - An internet-based system for making works of art accessible to a broad viewing public comprising a means whereby users may upload to an on-line database information describing individual works of art including information describing the accessibility of said works. Users may retrieve from said database information regarding artworks accessible in a specified location and time. Additionally users may upload information describing collections of artworks. Users may upload reviews of artworks and collections and also provide ratings of art works, of reviews, and of collections. Aggregated user ratings are visible by users of the system and thus serve several purposes including collaborative filtering and providing recognition of and reputation for individual artists, reviewers, collectors, artworks, reviews, and collections. Thus the present invention provides a means whereby artists, reviewers, collectors, and an interested public can interact without the intercession of limiting bodies. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235112 | Website, system for and method of providing marketing material for securities to authorized users & method of selling access to, including the right to copy and distribute copied marketing material - A website on a computer network that includes an electronic library containing marketing material concerning securities that only an authorized user can access. The marketing material has been pre-approved as complying with regulations governing the sale of securities. Data concerning the marketing material is tracked to enable reporting in compliance with these regulations. The website enables uploading by a Registered Representative, or another author, who is an authorized user of unapproved marketing material for review and approval by a compliance officer of a registered Broker/Dealer of the Registered Representative who is also an authorized user. When approved, this marketing material submitted by the Registered Representative, or another author, can be accessed over the computer network by any authorized user or only a limited number of authorized users. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235113 | ENHANCED CONTROL OF ON-LINE AUCTION - An online auctioning system that includes functions and features to help apply psychological tactics to increase sells, bidding activity and bid levels. The auctioning system allows and administrator to view items available for the auction, group them in a manner that may give the appearance of scarcity and/or may improve the relative worth of the items. One aspect of the invention is to provide a bidding/sell agnostic credit rating system that enables participants to qualify for a certain number of credits during the auction independent of what the particular items actually sell for during the auction. Each item in the auction may include a credit value and the credit values may also be used in grouping items to further create the appearance of scarcity and/or relative worth. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235114 | MATCHING THE FIT OF INDIVIDUAL GARMENTS TO INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS - A method and system for specifying the fit of garments and matching the fit of individual garments to individual consumers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes categorizing human body shapes based on dimensional and demographic body measurement data sampled from the human population, and statistically analyzing the measurement data to determine the appropriate number of discrete body shapes, as well as the range of measurement values characteristic of each body shape. The method includes assigning to each body shape a shape code, which is a unique name and/or symbol and/or curve representing that shape. In one embodiment, a recommendation engine is employed to specify and match the fit of individual garments to individual consumers. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235115 | System and method for hosting combined online and live auctions - A system for the hosting of a combined auction, with live bidders in physical presence at the auction site as well as online bidders being able to view the auction and bid over the Internet. Auction and bid processing are centralized on a central control system. A remote module is used at the actual physical site of the auction and provides site data to the central control system for handling and distribution to bidders. The technical requirements at the actual auction site are minimized by the centralization of the majority of auction processing, and high-speed network connectivity requirements between the auction site and the central processing system are minimized. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235116 | PROCESS AND METHOD FOR SYSTEMATICALLY EXCHANGING PRODUCT BETWEEN MANUFACTURER OF PRODUCT OR REPRESENTATIVE OF PRODUCT AND PURCHASER FOR AN ESTABLISHED TERM - There is provided by this invention a process that obligates and joins manufacturers and or distribution outlets with customers for a predetermined fee to provide and allow purchasers to exchange purchased products after a predetermined time for a new product. Manufacturers and or outlets assume responsibility to sell or if chosen re-exchange the returned product. The products may be the type that depreciates with age and use, such as automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, equipment, machinery, etc. Manufacturer and or outlet provides product at the established value level to the customer for a certain length of time. Customer uses the product for a determined length of time, for example one year, then returns and exchanges said product each year for new product throughout the term of the agreement, allowing customer to maintain new status and factory warranty and eliminating the hassles of selling the product. Manufacturer and or outlet markets and sells or begins another exchange process with returned product to a second customer through outlets and community database web sites. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235117 | Method of boxing fuel injectors - An efficient method of boxing fuel injectors with a good yield where a predetermined quality is secured in a predetermined number of fuel injectors forming a set for one engine, that is, a method of boxing fuel injectors, a first number of which are scheduled to be mounted in an engine, in a single box in a second number larger than the first number, provided with a step of measuring a characteristic value for the second number of fuel injectors, wherein when the first number of the characteristic values forms a set, the number of combinations of the characteristic values where a total value of this one set's worth of the characteristic values becomes a first management value or less when selecting one set's worth of the characteristic values from the second number of the characteristic values, is defined as the “number of good part combinations”, and the number of possible combinations of one set's worth of the characteristic values is defined as the “number of possible combinations”, the fuel injectors being boxed in a single box so that the number of the good part combinations becomes a rate of a fourth management value or more to the number of possible combinations. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235118 | Debt Monitoring System - A debt monitoring system for use by suppliers of a service such as child care centers which provide child care services to a number of users, the child care centres being provided with a computer having data recording means for recording data of each user of the service provided by that child care centre, the data including debt and payment records of the users and central data recording means which can upload the user data from the computer of each child care centre and analyse the data to determine users who default in payment to the child care centre. The debt monitoring system can also be applied to other suppliers of goods and/or services to a plurality of purchasers. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235119 | APPARATUS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR METERING AND ACCOUNTING FOR SERVICES ACCESSED OVER A NETWORK - Apparatus, methods and computer programs provided for metering and accounting in a commercial e-services infrastructure address the requirement for handling composite services in which higher-level services are built using simpler underlying services, each of which may be autonomously owned and operated. Metering records for each service underlying a composite service are correlated by a process associated with the composite service, and then sent to an accounting service where they can be aggregated. The correlation is performed in a distributed manner with correlated usage data provided on a per-request basis. Accounting services can take account of the usage and charges associated with the underlying services to provide accounting and billing on a per-request basis or per customer-provider pair for a billing period. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235120 | Bidder System Using Multiple Computers Communicating Data to Carry Out Selling Fixed Income Instruments - An electronic system, the system for selling fixed income instruments, the system including a second computer having an output device and at least one buyer's computer having an electrically coupled input device and a monitor, the buyer's computer and the second computer being respectively located, the computers being used in cooperation in a multiple computer system in electronically communicating data between the computers. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235121 | CURRENCY SYSTEM TO REWARD CONSTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR - A system is described for teaching users financial management using an online currency management system, including enabling an administrator to set up a financial account through a network. This step further includes assigning specific tasks for completion by one or more users, setting rules related to the management of play currency, and designating rewards that are earned by the one or more users through completion of the specific tasks. The system further includes providing a web-based interface for the one or more users to access and manage their own user account containing the play currency, and enabling the administrator to fund, with real currency, the purchase of the rewards by the one or more users with play currency. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235122 | MASTER GIFT CARD, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Stored value instruments and tools for their use and/or administration are disclosed. In an aspect, a stored value instrument is associated with a subaccount that has access to a portion of an amount stored value in a master account. There may be many such subaccounts associated with a master account, and each subaccount may have its own associated stored value instrument. Beneficially, this arrangement can allow a master account holder to assign a specific portion of the stored value in the master account for the use of each of the stored value instruments, while still maintaining the ability to administer the master account. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235123 | MICRO PAYMENTS - In one example embodiment, a system and method is shown that includes receiving financial data generated by a widget residing on a web page, the financial data including at least one of donation, or purchase data. The system and method may further include transmitting a display update to update the widget, the updating based upon the financial data. Some example embodiments may include, selecting a widget using an input device to generate data including at least one of donation or purchase data. Moreover, the system and method may include transmitting the at least one of donation or purchase data. Further, the system and method may include storing the at least one of donation or purchase data to a cookie. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235124 | Global method and system for providing enhanced transactional functionality through a customer terminal - A global customer activated terminal (CAT) that primarily serves traveling customers who require access to their accounts when they are away from their home financial institution and beyond their local regional financial area is provided. The system provides applications that permit users to access their accounts and utilize account profiles and transaction journals within a generic global system approach, and each transaction set provides access to the user's full account profile. The traveling customer is also provided with access to all their accounts linked (as they would locally) to a specific card. The hardware employed in the system supports encryption key downloading, personal identification number (PIN) unscrambling and PIN encryption, so that security is instituted at the hardware level. To provide the maximum flexibility at each regional level for product and services offered, regional front end processors (FEPs) and Hosts (small financial systems) are the arbitrators of each transaction . . . acceptance and fulfillment, rather than the CAT. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235125 | DYNAMIC PROPERTY BUYING AND SELLING SYSTEM - A Dynamic property buying and selling system is described. The system is comprised of networked hardware, software, processes and methods that enable an auction like system to inform buyers, sellers and interested third parties of current market information and dynamics. The described system may be used in real estate and other markets to complete early stages of a negotiation process as well as enable buyers and sellers to test for market information. Third party observers may use the system to investigate and report on market information and test economic theories regarding the market of interest. An integrated expert system is useful to buyers, sellers and third party observers in providing answers to queries regarding correlation of auction parameters and optimization of parameters for particular desired outcomes. Controls are integrated into the system to help ensure reliability and accuracy of the results and information by blocking observed detrimental activity. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235126 | SHARED ONLINE AUCTION PROVISIONING - A solution for conducting an auction, such as an online auction, is provided, which includes provisions for sharing with bidders a portion of a bid. A method for conducting the auction includes identifying an item for auction; receiving a first bid for the item placed at a first time; receiving a second bid for the item placed at a second time, wherein the second bid exceeds the first bid by a bid increment and the second time is different than the first time by a time increment; and assigning a portion of the second bid for distribution to at least one participant of the auction. In various embodiments, the portion may be assigned to all bidders, the winning bidders, only the non-winning bidders, and/or the like. The distribution of the portion may be time and/or bid amount related. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235127 | PARTICIPATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Techniques, including computer-implemented methods, systems, and apparatus, for establishing a contractual relationship between two parties based on a segregated contract participation unit. The techniques include offering to a set of potential investors, on an electronic exchange, a segregated contract participation unit to purchase an economic participatory interest associated with a specific aspect of an issuer operation, and upon purchase of the segregated contract participation unit by a specific investor of the set of potential investors, establishing a contractual relationship between the issuer and the specific investor that binds the issuer to execute a set of obligations according to terms specified in the segregated contract participation unit. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235128 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR INTEGRATING EXECUTION PLATFORMS WITH ORDER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for integrating an order management system with execution facilities. According to the invention, at least one trade in an order management system (OMS) is selected to be or otherwise made available to be worked in an execution platform (EP). Order information in the OMS, corresponding to the at least one trade, is sent from the OMS to the EP without committing the underlying shares for the trade. It is determined if the EP is attempting to generate, or has generated, an executable trade order corresponding to the order information received from the OMS. If the determining step is positive, the shares corresponding to the executable order are committed in the OMS | 2008-09-25 |
20080235129 | Educational Tuition Securities System - An educational tuition securities system is provided. An educational institution can securitize tuition or course credits into tuition shares. Tuition shares in an educational institution can be purchased for a student and redeemed for payment of tuition credits or education costs at the educational institution. Tuition shares for an educational institution can be traded for tuition shares of another institution. Redeemed tuition shares can be used to pay for undergraduate and graduate education costs, or could be redeemed for cash. The invention provides a mechanism for paying future education costs, as well as for investing in educational institutions. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235130 | System and Computer Program for Modeling and Pricing Loan Products - A computing system ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080235131 | Method and system for managing a mortgage rebate transaction card account - A method and system of managing a mortgage rebate transaction card account in which a transaction card provider computes a mortgage rebate amount based on the amount of charges incurred against the account and periodically arranges for application of the mortgage rebate amount against a mortgage loan balance for the cardholder. The account is provided by the transaction card provider in connection with either a pre-existing mortgage loan of the cardholder or a prospective mortgage loan of the cardholder. Further, the account can be provided in connection with a mortgage loan from any mortgage lender regardless of the existence or non-existence of an affiliation or association between the transaction card provider and the mortgage lender. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235132 | Transactional Device With Anticipated Pretreatment - The invention concerns a transactional device comprising a station ( | 2008-09-25 |
20080235133 | Native American Land Leasing - The present invention enables a tribe to bring in outsiders to build on its land and gain the benefits therein without losing the rights associated with the land. This enables tribes to expand their land use beyond casinos to create business parks, license banks, etc. Indian reservation can become high growth areas due to their low regulation and tax, becoming like Hong Kong and free trade zones. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235134 | Worldwide Money Express Service - Worldwide Money Express Service contemplated herein is a business method that provides a door-to-door cash delivery service to its Users through a network of independent licensed drivers who receive cash daily from the service provider and physically deliver the amount requested by the Users to them in person wherever they may be at any point in time and the service provider electronically or physically deducts the amount plus fees from the User's bank or other account before or after the cash delivery is completed. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235135 | Method and System for Restricting the Usage of Payment Accounts - A user's ability to spend and/or receive funds for payment accounts maintained in an electronic wallet are limited. These limitations include restrictions on where the user is able to spend the funds in a payment account (e.g., at which merchants the funds can be spent, whether the funds can be withdrawn from an ATM, etc.). These limitations may also include restrictions on what other payment accounts the user can receive funds from and/or transfer funds to, thereby limiting person-to-person fund transfers. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235136 | SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL AUTHORIZATION CONTROL FOR CARD TRANSACTIONS - An authorization system allows for cardholder-provided parameters to a personal authorization subsystem. The parameters can be selected by the cardholder to limit the authorizations that would otherwise be granted on the card. The parameters can indicate limits by frequency, dollar amount, merchant, geographic location, time of day, combinations thereof, or the like. Authorization for a given transaction, even where authorized by an issuer and a network operator, might be denied based on self-constraints set by the cardholder. In some variations, messages are sent to the cardholder based on constraints set by the cardholder and transactions might be approved and messaged, or denied and messaged. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235137 | Apparatus and method for the secure distribution of digital content to portable multimedia devices in an unsecured environment - The ability of retail stores to sell digital products through the secure distribution and delivery of digital video and/or audio content directly to a Portable Multimedia Device or a memory module that inserts into a portable media device. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235138 | Point Calculating Device and Point Assigning System - The present invention provides a point calculating apparatus capable of directing users to a particular transport mode among a plurality of transport modes. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235139 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTING DIGITAL CONTENT - An apparatus for distributing digital content, the digital content having associated therewith access information controlling access to the digital content depending on an action to be taken by a user, comprises an access controller for processing the access information; a digital content processor for using the digital content, the digital content processor being controllable by the access controller, wherein the access controller is operative to detect, whether the action has been taken by the user and to activate the digital content processor to process at least part of the digital content, when the user has taken the action, and wherein the action comprises one or more members of the group comprising copying the digital content at least one or more times, accessing a presentation material attached to a digital content, filling a questionnaire attached to the digital content, e-mailing the digital content to at least one or more e-mail addresses, putting the digital content on at least on or more websites or rendering an advertisement attached to the digital content. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235140 | Digital Rights Management Dongle - A dongle for digital rights management protection, in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology, includes a digital right management engine and an encryption/decryption engine. The digital rights management engine is adapted to port digital rights management rules of a source of content to digital rights management rules enforced by the digital rights management engine. The encryption/decryption engine is adapted to re-encrypting the source of content into a managed copy of the content, wherein the managed copy of the content is locked to the dongle. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235141 | License manager and schema - A license management system may have an adapter or interface that enables any type of licensed software or service to be managed through a common administrative view. The adapters may use a common schema that includes various parameters about a license as well as information that may enable a license management system to interact with a license vendor or license provider. The licenses may include locally operating software, software operating over a local area network, and various services that may be provided over a network including the Internet. The license management system may support many types of licenses and may be able to consolidate license management of many different devices and types of devices. The license management system may display the various licenses, as well as provide some other functions including alerting, usage monitoring, and managing licenses. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235142 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OBTAINING RIGHTS IN PLAYLIST ENTRIES - A method of obtaining digital rights management licensing information for content comprising obtaining identification information about a user and obtaining information about a device on which the content is to be played. A secure session is created with a service provider, and the service provider provides a URL to the content, along with digital rights management (“DRM”) licensing information if necessary. The DRM licensing information is stored in a manner that facilitates access by a browser. The browser then accesses the content via the URL, and presents a user interface through which the content can be controlled. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235143 | Real time data tunneling for utility monitoring web applications - A method and system to provide web-based real-time monitoring data from an electrical power system. An example method provides real-time data from an electrical power system via a web server to web based client. The web server is accessed to receive a webpage interface. Data is sensed via a monitoring device in the electrical power system. The sensed data is requested by the web-based client. The sensed data is transmitted over a network via an open port to the webpage interface of the web-based client. The sensed data is displayed on the webpage interface without reloading the webpage | 2008-09-25 |
20080235144 | Pre-authenticated identification token - An identification token such as a proximity payment device may be integrated with a wristwatch. For security purposes, the identification token may be disabled when removed from the user's wrist. The identification token may be re-enabled by interaction with a docking station or personal computer at the user's residence. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235145 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND STORAGE MEDIUM FOR PROVIDING WEB-BASED ELECTRONIC RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION FUNCTIONS VIA A DOCUMENT CREATION APPLICATION - An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for providing web-based electronic research and presentation functions via a document creation application. The method comprises scanning an active document on a computer device for identifying relevant keywords, and searching at least one database for reference materials relating to the relevant keywords. The active document includes data currently being entered or edited by a user on the computer device. Results relevant to the active document are automatically shown on the computer screen. The method also includes converting the reference materials if they are in a format different from the format used in creating the active document, and displaying the converted reference materials on the computer device. Embodiments of the invention also include a system and a storage medium. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235146 | System and method for affirming over the counter derivative trades - Methods and systems that provide a post-trade affirmation and messaging service. This service allows parties to affirm trades with their counterparties prior to processing. The addition of this affirmation layer helps ensure that all the key economic details of the trade including allocations, reference entity, payment dates etc. are agreed to between both counterparties immediately after execution. va-21 1431 | 2008-09-25 |
20080235147 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATION OF SHIPPING FROM MULTIPLE MERCHANDISE VENDORS - The invention relates to an improved system and method for providing a service that coordinates shipping from a plurality of merchandise vendors by combining the shipping requirements from a plurality of physical locations into one transaction. The present invention coordinates shipping from a plurality of merchandise vendors in order to streamline shipping, allowing shippers to make fewer trips by combining deliveries, thus reducing costs. In addition, this invention enables separating the cost of shipping from the cost of the product, allowing the consumer to be concerned solely with the product quality and price. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235148 | Online Dynamic Evaluation and Search for Products and Services - In one aspect, computer implemented dynamic evaluation is based on feature tags. As will be described in more detail below, a buyer may be interested in certain features of a product (e.g., color, material, design, lining, warranty, delivery terms, etc.) and the different features are described using feature tags. For custom products, the buyer's specification may be described at least in part by feature tags. Each feature tag may include one or more standardized keywords. The computer-based system can use the feature tag representation of a buyer's order to both search for appropriate products (i.e., appropriate sellers of the product requested by the buyer), and then subsequently to allow the seller to review the performance of the selected buyer. Over time, each seller will receive different reviews from different buyers. These reviews can be stored and the data used to better predict which sellers will be appropriate for a future buyer request. Buyers can also be evaluated and reviewed to allow similar screening by the sellers. The use of standardized keywords establishes a common vocabulary and rating system among the community of buyers and sellers. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235149 | Methods and Apparatus for Agreement-Based Automated Service Provisioning - Techniques are disclosed for automated provisioning of resources to fulfill a service agreement. For example, a technique for use by a service provider for automatically provisioning one or more resources based on at least one service agreement offer of a service client comprises the following steps/operations. The at least one service agreement offer is obtained. At least one implementation plan template is obtained. A provisioning description is then automatically derived in accordance with the service agreement offer and the implementation plan template, wherein the provisioning description is usable for configuring one or more resources such that a service may be provided to the service client. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235150 | MARKET ANALYTICS - Systems, devices, and methods for historical market analytics are disclosed. Regulatory investigators/analysts and people interested in analyzing markets and market trends may analyze archived market data for a particular historical timeframe in a plurality of levels. Examples of market analytics systems allow users to query archived data for a market of financial instruments. In response to a query, the market analytics system displays order information for a selected prior timeframe, including multiple levels of best bids/asks for a selected financial instrument. The historical market data may be displayed in a grid format to show how the displayed levels change over time during the timeframe. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235151 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RISK-HEDGING IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT - A computer program product stored on machine readable media including machine readable instructions for selecting a project portfolio from available projects, the instructions for implementing a method include inputting an investment cost and a return for each available project and user-specified constraints; creating a formulation, the formulation comprising the investment cost and the return for each available project, the constraints and variables, the variables comprising for each available project a threshold probability of success and a selection decision; solving the formulation to select the project portfolio and to determine the threshold probability of success for each available project; and outputting the project portfolio and the threshold probability of success for each available project. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235152 | ACHIEVEMENT AND PRESERVATION FUNDS - A computer-implemented method of locking-in investment gains can include initializing an investment fund having a net asset value per share. The investment fund can include assets allocated to at least a discount instrument and a derivative instrument, where the discount instrument provides a floor value of the net asset value per share. The method can further include selecting a target value for the investment fund. In addition, in some instances, the method can include reinitializing the investment fund in response to one or more of the following: (a) the investment fund at least achieving the target value and (b) expiration of an investment period of the investment fund. Reinitializing the investment fund can include rolling over the assets of the investment fund. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235153 | METHOD OF BUSINESS VALUATION AND DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM - A method for valuing a business based on the business generating an acceptable return to an owner during a defined investment period, the method including the steps of assessing the business background for the business to be valued, establishing value optimisation factors that determine business value in the light of the business background and the relevant industry of the business to be valued, establishing a business capitalisation rate (BCR) appropriate for the business and industry of the business to be valued, calculating a weighted average notional earning before interest and tax (WANEBIT) based on historical financial records of the business to be valued, and calculating the net business value using the WANEBIT and the BCF. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235154 | FINANCIAL ADVISORY SYSTEM - A financial advisory system is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, return scenarios for optimized portfolio allocations are simulated interactively to facilitate financial product selection. Return scenarios for each asset class of a plurality of asset classes are generated based upon estimated future scenarios of one or more economic factors. A mapping from each financial product of an available set of financial products onto one or more asset classes of the plurality of asset classes is created by determining exposures of the available set of financial products to each asset class of the plurality of asset classes. In this way, the expected returns and correlations of a plurality of financial products are generated and used to produce optimized portfolios of financial products. Return scenarios are simulated for one or more portfolios including combinations of financial products from the available set of financial products based upon the mapping. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235155 | Determining a Price Premium for a Project - In certain embodiments, a method for determining a price premium for a project includes accessing project information that includes values for one or more parameters of a project. The method further includes determining from the project information a project duration for the project, a time value of money for the project, a variability for the project, and an expected project price. A price premium for the project is generated according to the project duration, the time value of money, the variability value, and the expected project price, using an option-pricing mathematical model for financial instruments. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235156 | Color Coded Price Indicators - Create tiered price increments for goods and/or services, including information services, and communicate the tiered prices to potential customers through the use of color. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235157 | Method, System and Program Product for a Where-Used Costing Analysis - A method, system and program product for allowing an end user of a costing process to analyze assemblies in a manufacturing process which use common technology or parts. A computer database is maintained for storing bills of materials for manufacturing assemblies. A part is selected which is common to one or more manufacturing assemblies. Using where-used cost logic, the where-used cost of the selected part in the bills of materials is determined to provide the cost of the selected part where used in said manufacturing assemblies. The where-used costs are provided to the user for approval. The bills of materials are updated in the database with approved where-used costs of the selected part. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235158 | Processor, system and method for accommodating high priority print jobs - Disclosed herein is a production planning processor comprising an admissions control module in communication with a queue management module, the admissions control module calculating a proposed profit for expedited handling of a new print job, the queue management module determining a revised print job queue based upon data received from the admissions control module. A corresponding method of processing print jobs is also disclosed, along with a system and a method for determining the profitability of accommodating a rush print job. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235159 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRICING AND CAPACITY PLANNING UNDER COMPETITION, IN ON DEMAND E-COMMERCE SYSTEMS WITH QUALITY-OF-SERVICE (QOS) GUARANTEES - There are provided an apparatus, a method, and a computer program product for joint determination of price and capacity. The apparatus includes a price and capacity determination device for jointly determining a price and a capacity for a given item offered for sale by a given e-retailer, based at least upon market competition. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235160 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR JOINT PRICING AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION UNDER SERVICE-LEVEL AGREEMENT - There are provided an apparatus, a method, and a computer program product for joint determination of price and resource allocation. The apparatus includes a price and resource allocation determination device for jointly determining a price and a resource allocation for a given item or service offered for use or sale by a given e-retailer to optimize a pre-specified objective for the given e-retailer. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235161 | Method, means and a computer program product for managing online charging in a communications network - A method of online charging in a communication network. The method includes receiving a service request from a user, determining whether the service request is an access network session, a media network session or a service network session, determining if a type of charging model the user wants to use to provide the service request is an event based model, a volume based model, a time based model, an event based model or a combination of the models, determining which network element corresponding to the access network session, the media network session and the service network session in the communication network is responsible for providing the service request from the user, and provisioning identification rules for providing the service request to the network element that is determined to be responsible for providing the service request from the user. Further, the step of provisioning the identification rules comprises updating the rules when the access network session, the media network session and the service network session interact with each other in a charging transaction requested in the service request from the user. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235162 | ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM - An artificial intelligence system and method for interpreting input from a user and generating a response to the user. The input is converted into an array of concepts which are compared to a database of interrelated concepts. A response is generated based on the concepts in the database and their relationship to the concepts in the input array. The system and method may be implemented in a number of electronic or computer devices to interact with humans or computer systems. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235163 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE DUPLICATE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION IN A WEB CRAWLER - As part of the normal crawling process, a crawler parses a page and computes a de-tagged hash, called a fingerprint, of the page content. A lookup structure consisting of the host hash (hash of the host portion of the URL) and the fingerprint of the page is maintained. Before the crawler writes a page to a store, this lookup structure is consulted. If the lookup structure already contains the tuple (i.e., host hash and fingerprint), then the page is not written to the store. Thus, a lot of duplicates are eliminated at the crawler itself, saving CPU and disk cycles which would otherwise be needed during current duplicate elimination processes. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235164 | Apparatus, method and computer program product providing a hierarchical approach to command-control tasks using a brain-computer interface - Disclosed is a method, a computer program product, and a device that are responsive to detected mental states of a user to perform selection processes to execute a task. The method includes providing a hierarchical multi-level decision tree structure comprised of internal nodes and leaf nodes, where the decision tree structure represents a task. The method further includes navigating, using information derived from detected mental states of the user, through levels of the decision tree structure to reach a leaf node to accomplish the task. The step of navigating includes selecting, using the information derived from the detected mental states of the user, between attribute values associated with internal nodes of the decision tree structure. As non-limiting examples, the device may be a communication device, and the task may be a name dialing or a command/control task. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235165 | Weak hypothesis generation apparatus and method, learning aparatus and method, detection apparatus and method, facial expression learning apparatus and method, facial enpression recognition apparatus and method, and robot apparatus - A facial expression recognition system that uses a face detection apparatus realizing efficient learning and high-speed detection processing based on ensemble learning when detecting an area representing a detection target and that is robust against shifts of face position included in images and capable of highly accurate expression recognition, and a learning method for the system, are provided. When learning data to be used by the face detection apparatus by Adaboost, processing to select high-performance weak hypotheses from all weak hypotheses, then generate new weak hypotheses from these high-performance weak hypotheses on the basis of statistical characteristics, and select one weak hypothesis having the highest discrimination performance from these weak hypotheses, is repeated to sequentially generate a weak hypothesis, and a final hypothesis is thus acquired. In detection, using an abort threshold value that has been learned in advance, whether provided data can be obviously judged as a non-face is determined every time one weak hypothesis outputs the result of discrimination. If it can be judged so, processing is aborted. A predetermined Gabor filter is selected from the detected face image by an Adaboost technique, and a support vector for only a feature quantity extracted by the selected filter is learned, thus performing expression recognition. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235166 | TRAINING A MODEL OF A NON-LINEAR PROCESS - System and method for modeling a nonlinear process. A combined model for predictive optimization or control of a nonlinear process includes a nonlinear approximator, coupled to a parameterized dynamic or static model, operable to model the nonlinear process. The nonlinear approximator receives process inputs, and generates parameters for the parameterized dynamic model. The parameterized dynamic model receives the parameters and process inputs, and generates predicted process outputs based on the parameters and process inputs, where the predicted process outputs are useable to analyze and/or control the nonlinear process. The combined model may be trained in an integrated manner, e.g., substantially concurrently, by identifying process inputs and outputs (I/O), collecting data for process I/O, determining constraints on model behavior from prior knowledge, formulating an optimization problem, executing an optimization algorithm to determine model parameters subject to the determined constraints, and verifying the compliance of the model with the constraints. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235167 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR SELECTING MOLECULAR STRUCTURES - A method and system for the design of molecules having specific desired properties by continuously optimizing electron-nuclear attraction potentials within a space. Using a linear combination of atomic potentials, optimal and near-optimal structures may be designed without enumerating and separately evaluating each of the combinatorial number of possible structures, thus achieving improved design throughput. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235168 | POLICY-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC POLICY SELECTION AND CREATION CAPABILITIES BY USING SINGULAR VALUE DECOMPOSITION TECHNIQUE - A statistical approach implementing Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to a policy-based management system for autonomic and on-demand computing applications. The statistical approach empowers a class of applications that require policies to handle ambiguous conditions and allow the system to “evolve” in response to changing operation and environment conditions. In the system and method providing the statistical approach, observed event-policy associated data, which is represented by an event-policy matrix, is treated as a statistical problem with the assumption that there are some underlying or implicit higher order correlations among events and policies. The SVD approach enables such correlations to be modeled, extracted and modified. From these correlations, recommended policies can be selected or created without exact match of policy conditions. With a feedback mechanism, new knowledge can be acquired as new situations occur and the corresponding policies to manage them are recorded and used to generate new event and policy correlations. Consequently, based on these new correlations, new recommended policies can be derived. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235169 | Protective, Compact Cover for Topographic Maps and Other Large-Format Documents - This folding, compact document cover is an apparatus that practically and conveniently protects a specially folded U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map or virtually any other large-format document with its French-folded binding and easy to handle protective element that is capable of allowing the reader to flip between quadrants without the hassle of continued folding and refolding or rolling and unrolling. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235170 | USING SCENARIO-RELATED METADATA TO DIRECT ADVERTISING - Mechanisms for directing advertising in search result presentation and/or scenario solution execution based upon a user's locality are provided. Locality refers to a collection of metadata created based upon scenario solutions executed by a user and/or enablers acquired by a user during scenario solution execution. For instance, embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism by which scenario solutions or enablers related to commonly executed scenario solutions or enablers stored in association with the user's locality can be advertised to the user in conjunction with presentation of scenario solution-related search results. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism by which more highly rated scenario solutions and/or enablers than those associated with the user's locality may be advertised during presentation of an executed scenario solution. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235171 | GENERAL FRAMEWORK FOR GRAPHICAL SIMULATIONS - A system is described that treats a solver as an ordered sequence of steps involving the different objects that have to be simulated and relationships between them. Tasks and the order of the tasks are obtained from each object and relationship. The tasks are merged into a sorted list. The solver traverses the list and passing each task to a corresponding object and relationship where the objects are interleaved during processing. The object or relationship then executes the task. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235172 | Electronic System Condition Monitoring and Prognostics - A system for monitoring and predicting the condition of an electronic system comprises a component model, an inference engine based on the component model, and an action selection component that selects an action based on an output of the inference engine. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235173 | AUTONOMIC MANAGEMENT OF AUTONOMIC SYSTEMS - A method for the autonomic management of autonomic systems can include monitoring a managed system and recommending a course of action to be performed in the managed system. It can be determined whether the recommended course of action has been performed by an administrator. Responsive to the determination, it further can be determined whether an outcome from the course of action comports with a predicted outcome. If so, a point count can be changed responsive to a further determination that the outcome from the course of action comports with the predicted outcome. Conversely, the point count can be oppositely changed responsive to a further determination that the outcome from the course of action does not comports with the predicted outcome. In any case, when the point count crosses a threshold value, the management of the managed system can be transitioned to an adaptive component. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235174 | System and method for searching and matching databases - There is provided a method for searching a database to obtain data. The method includes (a) prioritizing a set of keys that are derived from a match inquiry, thus yielding a prioritized set of keys, wherein the prioritizing is based on, for each key of the set, an efficacy of using the key, (b) determining a subset of the prioritized set, and (c) retrieving, using the subset, a set of candidates for satisfying the match inquiry. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235175 | Secure Document Management System - A computer implemented method of securely accessing an electronic document storage system includes maintaining a secure data management system. A secure data management system receives a secure user login. The secure user login is transferred to an electronic document storage system via a secure transfer system. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235176 | DATA COMPARATOR - A system that identifies commonalities and/or differences in data is disclosed. Specifically, the innovation employs hashing algorithms to identify similarities and/or differences in data from one entity by comparing a hash of the data to a hash of data of another entity. The hashing functionality maintains privacy and/or confidentiality of the information thereby reducing the possibility of accidental or unwanted disclosure. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235177 | System and method for analyzing corporate regulatory-related data - A system, computer program product and method for categorizing, storing, accessing, returning, displaying and analyzing corporate regulatory-related data is disclosed. Embodiments may include accessing corporate regulatory-related data from one or more storage mediums having plurality of corporate regulatory-related data, HTML tags and/or source documents. Also embodiments may include returning corporate regulatory-related data that may be responsive to a search query. Moreover, embodiments may access a captured portion of a source document containing the corporate regulatory-related data in response to the user selecting a corporate regulatory-related data. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235178 | PRESENCE SERVICE SYSTEM - A presence service system includes at least two presence servers, at least two presence databases storing therein presence information of users, each of the presence databases being associated with any one of the presence servers, and an assignment presence server which, when a request relating to presence service is transmitted to the presence service system from a user terminal, carries out an assignment process in which the request is transmitted to one of the presence servers covering a user designated in the request. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235179 | IDENTIFYING EXECUTABLE SCENARIOS IN RESPONSE TO SEARCH QUERIES - Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for identifying executable scenario solutions relevant to a user query and returning such executable scenario solutions as search results in response to the user query are provided. Upon receiving a user query, a plurality of results is returned, each result being representative of a series of steps which may be implemented to address a particular issue relevant to the received user query. Often, a series of steps or scenario includes a number of sub-scenarios, each of which is to be executed sequentially to achieve the desired result. Accordingly, upon selection of a particular search result, the user may be guided through a series of sub-scenario result options until an item having direct association to a series of steps is selected. Once selected, the executable scenario solution is presented to the user for execution. | 2008-09-25 |
20080235180 | EXTENSIBILITY MECHANISM FOR ANALYSIS SERVICES UNIFIED DIMENSIONAL MODEL - Systems and methods that supply extensibility mechanisms for analysis services, via a plug-in component that enables additional functionalities. The plug-in component provide additional custom logic for the analysis services unified dimensional model (UDM). Accordingly, server functionalities can be extended in an agile manner, and without a requirement for a new release, for example. | 2008-09-25 |