47th week of 2010 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100299102 | Location Device with a Gravity Measuring Device - A location device has a gravity measurement instrument in communication with a database which has the locations relative to time of an astronomical object. The location device also has a timepiece indicating the time which may be used to determine the location of the astronomical object. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299103 | THREE DIMENSIONAL SHAPE MEASUREMENT APPARATUS, THREE DIMENSIONAL SHAPE MEASUREMENT METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - A 3D shape measurement apparatus for measuring a 3D shape of an object existing on a measurement area, comprising, a pattern projection unit for projecting a pattern having a periodicity onto the measurement area, and a capturing unit for capturing an image of the area where the pattern is projected, wherein the measurement area is specified by a reference plane, a projection area of the pattern projection unit, and a capturing area of the capturing unit, and the pattern projection unit projects the pattern to be focused on the reference plane. The apparatus further comprises a first calculation unit for calculating phase information of a pattern of the captured image, a second calculation unit for calculating defocus amounts of the pattern in the captured image, and a third calculation unit for calculating a 3D shape of the object based on the phase information and the defocus amounts. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299104 | Form measuring instrument, form measuring method, and program - Form measuring instrument includes: first measuring means which moves contact piece from first position in parallel with second axis to trace surface of workpiece, measure amount of displacement of contact piece, to obtain first profile; second placing means which rotates workpiece about first axis by 90 degrees to place workpiece at second position from first position; second measuring means which moves contact piece from second position in parallel with second axis to trace surface of workpiece, measure amount of displacement of contact piece, to obtain second profile; extremum position calculating means which fits circles to first and second profiles and calculate positions, in direction parallel with second axis, of first and second extremums indicating circles' extremums; and moving means which moves workpiece in direction parallel with second axis and direction parallel with third axis such that positions, in direction parallel with second axis, of first and second extremums become 0. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299105 | ONLINE CONDITION-BASED MONITORING FOR TANK FARMS - A method for online condition-based monitoring (CBM) of a tank farm including a plurality of storage tanks includes providing a tank model including a diagnostic and/or predictive tank model based on calculated tank metrics that is derived from historical data including tank operation data. The calculated tank metrics include tank operational metrics based on the tank operational data for the storage tanks and tank condition metrics based on tank inspection or maintenance data for the storage tanks. The tank model provides relationships between the tank condition metrics and the tank operational metrics. Results are generated using the tank model including at least one failure indicia for at least a first of the storage tanks using the calculated tank metrics and current measured data for the first tank as inputs to the tank model. The failure indicia is processed for scheduling at least one maintenance task for the first tank. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299106 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR GENERATING A SYNTHESIZED IMAGE OF AT LEAST A PORTION OF A HEAD OF HAIR - The invention relates to a method of generating at least one synthesized image of at least a portion of a head of hair in movement, the method comprising the steps consisting in calculating a shape of at least one director hair by applying to the at least one director hair at least one mechanical model of an inextensible rod having inertia and stiffnesses in twisting and in bending, and in generating at least one virtual image of the at least one portion of the head of hair from the shape of the director hair. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299107 | ACOUSTIC ANALYSIS APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - Disclosed is an acoustic analysis apparatus. The acoustic analysis apparatus is configured to allow a user or operator to set a plurality of load input points corresponding to respective sound input sources, and an evaluation point for evaluating a level of a sound pressure transferred from each of the set load input points (S | 2010-11-25 |
20100299108 | METHOD FOR DESIGNING THE WALL THICKNESS OF COMPONENTS AND COMPONENT - The invention relates to a method for designing the wall thickness of components that are permanently subjected to static and/or dynamic loading, the components being made of a fiber reinforced polymer material. In a first step, the orientation of the fibers in the fiber reinforced plastic and the position of the weld lines in the component are determined by a first simulation calculation. A degree of utilization of the strength of the component is calculated by a second simulation calculation. The wall thickness of the component is adapted to the result of the second simulation calculation, and the previous steps are repeated if a change of the wall thickness has been carried out. The invention also relates to a component of a fiber reinforced polymer material that has a wall thickness designed by the method according to the invention. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299109 | ROAD SHAPE RECOGNITION DEVICE - A road shape recognition device includes: distance and height detecting means for detecting distance data having a distance and height in real space regarding a road surface where a vehicle is traveling at multiple mutually different points; approximation line calculating means for dividing the plurality of distance data into near and far groups as viewed from the vehicle to calculate an approximation line of the distance data for each group each time the distance data of the boundary portion between the two groups is transferred from one of the groups to the other; statistics calculating means for calculating statistics from the corresponding approximation line for each group where the distance data is transferred; and road shape model generating means for selecting one out of combinations of the approximation lines to generate a road shape model using the selected combination. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299110 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HAZARDOUS AREA CLASSIFICATION - A computer processor driven system and method capable of identifying and constructing representations of hazardous areas. The hazardous area classification system has one or more processors, and a computer readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of determining a position of a hazardous area for a predetermined location using a calculation based on a plurality of parameters, and generating a representation of the hazardous area. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299111 | Well Modeling Associated With Extraction of Hydrocarbons From Subsurface Formations - A method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons is described. In the method, a failure mode for a well completion is identified. A numerical engineering model to describe an event that results in the failure mode is constructed. The numerical engineering model is converted into a response surface. Then, the response surface is associated with a user tool configured to provide the response surface for analysis of another well. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299112 | METHOD FOR STRAIN RATE DEPENDENCE ANALYSIS - The present invention relates to a method for strain rate dependence analysis in various materials. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for strain rate dependence analysis for polymer matrix composites (e.g., polymer composites used in the aerospace, sporting goods, and automotive industries). | 2010-11-25 |
20100299113 | End-to-End Design of Electro-Optic Imaging Systems Using the Nonequidistant Discrete Fourier Transform - A unified design strategy takes into account different subsystems within an overall electro-optic imaging system. In one implementation, the design methodology predicts end-to-end imaging performance using a spatial model for the source and models for the optical subsystem, the detector subsystem and the digital image processing subsystem. The optical subsystem and digital image processing subsystems are jointly designed taking into account the entire system. Unconventional techniques such as the nonequidistant DFT (nDFT) are used to accelerate the design process. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299114 | METHOD OF CALCULATING GATE DELAY BASED ON CROSSTALK EFFECT DUE TO CAPACITIVE COUPLING - Provided is a method of exactly calculating the delay of a gate in a digital integrated circuit (IC) that drives a capacitive load and a noise current source based on a crosstalk effect due to capacitive coupling between adjacent conductive lines, the method calculates the delay of the gate by using an output waveform that sums an output waveform of a linear time-varying output resistance model generated by using a gate output resistance library generated by using input and output voltage values of the digital IC and an output waveform of a modified Thevenin equivalent model of the gate. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299115 | Modeling of Ferroelectric Capacitors to Include Local Statistical Variations of Ferroelectric Properties - Simulation of an electronic circuit including a model of a ferroelectric capacitor. The model of the ferroelectric capacitor includes a multi-domain ferroelectric capacitor, in which each of the domains is associated with a positive and a negative coercive voltage. A probability distribution function of positive and negative coercive voltages is defined, from which a weighting function of the distribution of domains having those coercive voltages is defined. To create a model of a small ferroelectric capacitor, a Poisson probability distribution is assigned to each of an array of gridcells defining the probability distribution function of positive and negative coercive voltages, and a number of domains assigned to each gridcell is randomly selected according to that Poisson distribution and an expected number of domains in the modeled capacitor for that gridcell, based on the area of the modeled capacitor. The electrical behavior of the ferroelectric capacitor is evaluated by evaluating the superposed polarization of each of the randomly selected domains. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299116 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OCCUPANCY ESTIMATION - An occupancy estimator calculates an occupancy estimate (x) of a region based on sensor data (z) provided by one or more sensor devices and a model-based occupancy estimate generated by an occupant traffic model (f). The occupant traffic model (f) is based on predicted movement of occupants throughout a region. The occupancy estimation system includes an occupancy estimator algorithm ( | 2010-11-25 |
20100299117 | VELOCITY MODELS FOR A SINGLE WELL AND FOR A SET OF WELLS - Systems and methods create velocity models for a single well or for a set of wells. In one implementation, a system optimizes a time-depth relationship applied to data points from a single well to estimate coefficients for a linear-velocity-in-time function that models the data points. The system optimizes by reducing the influence of outlier data points, for example, by weighting each data point to decrease the influence of those far from the velocity function. The system also reduces the influence of top and bottom horizons of geological layers by applying data driven techniques that estimate the velocity function in a way that reduces dependence on the boundary conditions. The systems and methods can also create velocity models based on data from a set of wells, applying a well weights method to reduce the influence of outlier wells and thereby prevent wells with aberrant data from degrading a correct velocity model. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299118 | Detecting Anomalies In A Sensor Networked Environment - In a method for detecting anomalies in a sensor-networked environment, packages of data are received from a plurality of sensors located in the environment. At least one candidate problem location in the environment is identified based upon data contained in the packages. A principal components analysis is performed on the data collected from sensors associated with the identified at least one candidate problem location to identify a number of hidden variables and the number of hidden variables are analyzed to detect anomalies in the environment. In addition, detected anomalies are outputted. An analyzer for performing the method is provided. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299119 | PERFORMANCE MONITOR FOR SUBSEA EQUIPMENT - The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring subsea equipment performance and for providing early warning for equipment maintenance, comprising at least one sensor coupled to said equipment and arranged to measure at least one performance indicator value and a calculation unit for sampling the measured indicator values at a chosen rate, and from the sampled data estimating a likely future development of the sampled value and estimating the time for the passing of a chosen threshold value, the threshold value being a critical value requiring repair of replacements of said equipment, the system being adapted to provide a signal indicating the calculated time of repair/replacement. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299120 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE COMBINED ACQUISITION OF DATA FOR SCADA AND SIMULATION OR NETWORK CALCULATION APPLICATIONS - A system and method are provided for the combined acquisition of data for SCADA and simulation or network calculation applications. At least one data processing device has means for generating templates and acquiring data. The means allows at least two model levels of a supply network (e.g., a gas network) to be generated on the basis of a template and/or pattern in cooperation with at least one data memory. At least one consistent generic template contains a uniform, consistent pattern for a detailed model of at least one first model level, for a simplified model of at least one second model level, and/or respective conversion instructions, such as for the transition between at least two respective model levels, to be established and/or retrieved for recurring subareas and/or object groups and/or objects of the at least two model levels. The respective generic template can be copied, and the respective generic template can be individually adjusted, and/or concrete subareas of both model levels can be combined. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299121 | Physics Simulation Apparatus and Method - A method and apparatus wherein complex physical interactions and collisions are modeled at a high level of detail while reducing the computational demands placed on the processing system. In one embodiment the method comprising the steps of defining a first object and a second object, each object adapted for colliding with the other object; assigning an interaction type for at least one of the first and second object in response to an object parameter; and selecting between a continuous simulation of a collision and a discrete simulation of the collision in response to the interaction type. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVALUATION OF FLUID FLOW IN A PIPING SYSTEM - A method of and a computer program for analyzing models of dry pipe systems. The computer program includes a user interface and a model generator in communication with the user interface. The method and computer program provide for modeling a referential dry pipe system as a plurality of interconnected nodes, the nodes corresponding to a pipe connector, the interconnection between the nodes corresponding to a pipe device. The plurality of nodes can define a dry portion and a wet portion with the wet portion including a liquid source and the dry portion including a plurality of interconnected pipes to define a volume of gas. The nodes in the dry portion can define a set of nodal devices open to ambient. The method and computer program can provide for computing fluid time based parameters to simulate the liquid flowing from the wet portion to determine at least flow time of the liquid from the wet portion to the open devices. The method and computer program can provide for verification of the liquid flow time in the model within 20% of an actual liquid flow time in the referential dry pipe system. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299123 | WELL PLACEMENT IN A VOLUME - Implementations of well placement in a volume are described. Some techniques described herein involve ascertaining a skeleton of a volume within a reservoir, and using the skeleton to map out a well topology to retrieve resources, such as hydrocarbons, from the volume. In one possible implementation, the skeleton can be found by generating a repulsive field throughout an interior of the volume, with the field decreasing with distance from the boundary of the volume. Interior points where a magnitude of the force drops to within a preset value are called critical points. The skeleton can be found by following outward flow from the volume from critical point to critical point. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299124 | Apparatus and Method for Modeling Well Designs and Well Performance - In one aspect, a method of estimating fluid flow contribution from each producing zone of multi-zone production well is provided, which method may include: defining a wellhead pressure; determining a first inflow performance relation (IPR | 2010-11-25 |
20100299125 | POROUS MEDIUM EXPLOITATION METHOD USING FLUID FLOW MODELLING - Porous A porous medium exploitation method having application to petroleum exploitation is disclosed using coupling between a reservoir model and a near-wellbore model for modelling fluid flows. Fluid flows within the medium are simulated using a reservoir simulator and a near-wellbore simulator. At each time step, the boundary conditions used by the second simulator are calculated by means of with the reservoir simulator. Numerical productivity indices used by the reservoir simulator are calculated by means of using the near-wellbore simulator. The fluid flows within the porous medium during a given period of time are modelled by repeating the previous stages for several time steps. An optimum medium exploitation scenario is deduced determined from this modelling by taking into accounting for, for example, a well damage due to a drilling fluid, an injection of a polymer solution or of an acid solution in the well. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299126 | METHOD FOR UNCERTAINTY QUANTIFIATION IN THE PERFORMANCE AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF A CARBON DIOXIDE STORAGE SITE | 2010-11-25 |
20100299127 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PREDICTING TRANSMEMBRANE DOMAINS IN MEMBRANE PROTEINS AND MINING THE GENOME FOR RECOGNIZING G-PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS - The invention provides computer-implemented methods and apparatus implementing a hierarchical protocol using multiscale molecular dynamics and molecular modeling methods to predict the presence of transmembrane regions in proteins, such as G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and protein structural models generated according to the protocol. The protocol features a coarse grain sampling method, such as hydrophobicity analysis, to provide a fast and accurate procedure for predicting transmembrane regions. Methods and apparatus of the invention are useful to screen protein or polynucleotide databases for encoded proteins with transmembrane regions, such as GPCRs. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299128 | AUTOMATIC GENERATION OF HYBRID PERFORMANCE MODELS - A method for simulating a computer system includes defining a set of building blocks including models of components of the computer system. The set of building blocks is interconnected to produce a topological model of the computer system. A client transaction model is derived based on historical data, for generating simulated client requests to be processed by the topological model. A resource requirement model is produced based on the topological model and on the historical data, the resource requirement model simulating a resource utilization of the components of the computer system responsively to the generated client requests. A performance metric of the computer system is estimated by simulating the computer system using the simulated client requests and the resource requirement model. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299129 | Mapping Between Stress-Test Systems and Real World Systems - A method, system and computer program product for determining the reliability of a software system. Test data inputs are utilized to simulate conditions under which software is executed. One or more test data inputs replace variables in a first algorithm and a second algorithm. The first algorithm and the second algorithm determine a first test parameter and a second test parameter, respectively. The first test parameter and second test parameters are transmitted to a third algorithm along with selected test data inputs. The third algorithm evaluates the input of the first test parameter, second test parameter and selected test data inputs, and calculates the projected number of users for the software. The projected number of users for the software is output to facilitate optimal usage of the software system. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299130 | Apparatus, method and program for processing information - Apparatus and method for processing information may determine whether a migration condition exists by a source information processing unit executing a program. When a migration condition is determined to exist by the source information processing unit, a destination information processing unit may determine whether an instruction to be executed of the program is a predetermined instruction. The instruction to be executed is converted by an instruction emulator, when a result of a determination by the destination information processing unit is the predetermined instruction. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299131 | TRANSCRIPT ALIGNMENT - Some general aspects relate to systems, software, and methods for media processing. In one aspect, a script associated with a multimedia recording is accepted, wherein the script includes dialogue, speaker indications and video event indications. A group of search terms are formed from the dialogue, with each search term being associated with a location within the script. Zero or more putative locations of each of the search terms are identified in a time interval of the multimedia recording. For at least some of the search terms, multiple putative locations are identified in the time interval of the multimedia recording. The time interval of the multimedia recording and the script are partially aligned using the determined putative locations of the search terms and one or more of the following: a result of matching audio characteristics of the multimedia recording with the speaker indications, and a result of matching video characteristics of the multimedia recording with the video event indications. Based on a result of the partial alignment, event-localization information is generated. Further processing of the generated event-localization information is enabled. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299132 | MINING PHRASE PAIRS FROM AN UNSTRUCTURED RESOURCE - A mining system applies queries to retrieve result items from an unstructured resource. The unstructured resource may correspond to a repository of network-accessible resource items. The result items that are retrieved may correspond to text segments (e.g., sentence fragments) associated with resource items. The mining system produces a structured training set by filtering the result items and establishing respective pairs of result items. A training system can use the training set to produce a statistical translation model. The translation model can be used in a monolingual context to translate between semantically-related phrases in a single language. The translation model can also be used in a bilingual context to translate between phrases expressed in two respective languages. Various applications of the translation model are also described. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299133 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RAPID PROTOTYPING OF EXISTING SPEECH RECOGNITION SOLUTIONS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES - A system and method for porting of existing speech recognition solutions in a source language to a target language has been disclosed. The system envisaged by the present invention enables porting of a working speech recognition solution in the source language to a working system in the target language, thus minimising the development process and reusing existing speech recognition solution components to recognise multiple languages. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299134 | CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY OF TEXTUAL IMAGES - A mobile computing system includes an image capture device and an image-analysis module to receive a live stream of images from the image capture device. The image-analysis module includes a text-recognition module to identify a textual image in the live stream of images, and a text-conversion module to convert the textual image identified by the text-recognition module into textual data. The mobile computing system further includes a context module to determine a context of the textual image, and a commentary module to formulate a contextual commentary for the textual data based on the context of the textual image. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299135 | Automated Extraction of Semantic Content and Generation of a Structured Document from Speech - Techniques are disclosed for automatically generating structured documents based on speech, including identification of relevant concepts and their interpretation. In one embodiment, a structured document generator uses an integrated process to generate a structured textual document (such as a structured textual medical report) based on a spoken audio stream. The spoken audio stream may be recognized using a language model which includes a plurality of sub-models arranged in a hierarchical structure. Each of the sub-models may correspond to a concept that is expected to appear in the spoken audio stream. Different portions of the spoken audio stream may be recognized using different sub-models. The resulting structured textual document may have a hierarchical structure that corresponds to the hierarchical structure of the language sub-models that were used to generate the structured textual document. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299136 | Dialogue System and a Method for Executing a Fully Mixed Initiative Dialogue (FMID) Interaction Between a Human and a Machine - A method for executing a fully mixed initiative dialogue (FMID) interaction between a human and a machine, a dialogue system for a FMID interaction between a human and a machine and a computer readable data storage medium having stored thereon computer code for instructing a computer processor to execute a method for executing a FMID interaction between a human and a machine are provided. The method includes retrieving a predefined grammar setting out parameters for the interaction; receiving a voice input; analysing the grammar to dynamically derive one or more semantic combinations based on the parameters; obtaining semantic content by performing voice recognition on the voice input; and assigning the semantic content as fulfilling the one or more semantic combinations. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299137 | STORAGE MEDIUM STORING PRONUNCIATION EVALUATING PROGRAM, PRONUNCIATION EVALUATING APPARATUS AND PRONUNCIATION EVALUATING METHOD - A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU evaluates a pronunciation of a user with respect to an original sentence (ES). First, envelops as to a volume of a voice of the original sentence (ES) and a volume of a voice of the user are taken, and the average values of the volumes are made uniform. When the volumes are made uniform to each other, a degree of similarity (scoreA) of distributions of local solutions when the volumes are equal to or more than the average values, a degree of similarity (scoreB) of distributions (timing of concaves/convexes of the waveform) of values of the high or low level indicating whether or not the volume is equal to or more than a value multiplying the average value by a predetermined value, and a degree of similarity (scoreC) of dispersion values (dispersion of concaves/convexes of the waveform) of the envelopes are evaluated by utilizing the respective envelopes. On the basis of these degree of similarities (scoreA, scoreB, scoreC), the rhythm of the pronunciation by the user is evaluate. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299138 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LANGUAGE EXPRESSION USING CONTEXT AND INTENT AWARENESS - A language expression apparatus and a method based on a context and a intent awareness, are provided. The apparatus and method may recognize a context and an intent of a user and may generate a language expression based on the recognized context and the recognized intent, thereby providing an interpretation/translation service and/or providing an education service for learning a language. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299139 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING NATURAL LANGUAGE QUESTIONS AND APPARATUS THEREOF - A method and an apparatus for selecting an answer to a natural language question. The method includes: detecting a named entity in the natural language question; extracting information related to an answer from the natural language question; searching in linked data according to the detected named entity; generating a candidate answer according to a search result; parsing the candidate answer according to the information related to the answer; and obtaining a value of a feature of the candidate answer; and evaluating each candidate answer by synthesizing the value of the feature of the candidate answer. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299140 | IDENTIFYING AND ROUTING OF DOCUMENTS OF POTENTIAL INTEREST TO SUBSCRIBERS USING INTEREST DETERMINATION RULES - A method, system and computer program product for identifying documents of interest. A profile of a subscriber is created based on information obtained about the subscriber. Subscriber-interest determination rules are used to identify potential topics of interest of the subscriber based on the subscriber's profile as well as based on external knowledge sources. Each potential interest of the subscriber may be represented by a pointer that references a concept. Additionally, concepts in the documents published by the publishers are identified. A comparison may be made between the concepts identified in the documents published by the publishers with those concepts representing the potential topics of interests of the subscriber. Those documents with matching concepts may then be identified as potentially being of interest for the subscriber. In this manner, documents of interest are more accurately identified for the document seeker. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299141 | Document Based Character Ambiguity Resolution - Methods and apparatus for document based ambiguous character resolution. An application searches a document for words that do not contain ambiguous characters and adds them to a dictionary, then searches the document for words that do contain ambiguous characters. For each ambiguous word, a set of candidate solutions is created by resolving the ambiguous characters in all possible ways. The dictionary is searched for words matching members of the candidate solution set. When a single member is matched, the ambiguous characters are resolved accordingly. When no member or more than one member is matched, a user is prompted to resolve the ambiguous characters. Alternatively, when more than one member is matched, the ambiguous characters are resolved to obtain the largest word, the smallest word, the most words, or the fewest words. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299142 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND PRESENTING ADVERTISEMENTS BASED ON NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING OF VOICE-BASED INPUT - A system and method for selecting and presenting advertisements based on natural language processing of voice-based inputs is provided. A user utterance may be received at an input device, and a conversational, natural language processor may identify a request from the utterance. At least one advertisement may be selected and presented to the user based on the identified request. The advertisement may be presented as a natural language response, thereby creating a conversational feel to the presentation of advertisements. The request and the user's subsequent interaction with the advertisement may be tracked to build user statistical profiles, thus enhancing subsequent selection and presentation of advertisements. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299143 | Voice Recognition Dictionary Generation Apparatus and Voice Recognition Dictionary Generation Method - A voice recognition dictionary generation apparatus and method for suppressing reduction of processing speed at the time of updating. The apparatus includes an input unit configured to receive a text subjected to voice recognition, a storage unit configured to store the text with respect to each file of a predetermined item, a reading data generation unit configured to analyze the text and generate a reading data, and a voice recognition dictionary configured to include content dictionaries that store therein the reading data of the text with respect to each file of the predetermined item. When the file of the predetermined item including the text stored in the storage unit is updated, a control unit detects a total number of the content dictionaries, and when the total number is smaller than a predetermined limit, the control unit generates the content dictionaries with respect to each updated predetermined item. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299144 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE USE OF CROSS MODAL ASSOCIATION TO ISOLATE INDIVIDUAL MEDIA SOURCES - Apparatus for isolation of a media stream of a first modality from a complex media source having at least two media modality, and multiple objects, and events, comprises: recording devices for the different modalities; an associator for associating between events recorded in said first modality and events recorded in said second modality, and providing an association output; and an isolator that uses the association output for isolating those events in the first mode correlating with events in the second mode associated with a predetermined object, thereby to isolate a isolated media stream associated with said predetermined object. Thus it is possible to identify events such as hand or mouth movements, and associate these with sounds, and then produce a filtered track of only those sounds associated with the events. In this way a particular speaker or musical instrument can be isolated from a complex scene. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299145 | ACOUSTIC DATA PROCESSOR AND ACOUSTIC DATA PROCESSING METHOD - An acoustic data processor according to the present invention is used for processing acoustic data including signal sounds to reduce noises generated by a mechanical apparatus. The acoustic data processor includes a motion status obtaining section for obtaining motion status of the mechanical apparatus, an acoustic data obtaining section for obtaining acoustic data corresponding to the obtained motion status, and a database for storing various motion statuses of the mechanical apparatus in a unit time and corresponding acoustic data as templates. The acoustic data processor further includes a database searching section for searching the database to retrieve the template having the motion status closest to the obtained motion status; and a template subtraction section for subtracting the acoustic data of the template having the motion status closest to the obtained motion status from the obtained acoustic data to reduce noises generated by the mechanical apparatus. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299146 | Speech Capabilities Of A Multimodal Application - Improving speech capabilities of a multimodal application including receiving, by the multimodal browser, a media file having a metadata container; retrieving, by the multimodal browser, from the metadata container a speech artifact related to content stored in the media file for inclusion in the speech engine available to the multimodal browser; determining whether the speech artifact includes a grammar rule or a pronunciation rule; if the speech artifact includes a grammar rule, modifying, by the multimodal browser, the grammar of the speech engine to include the grammar rule; and if the speech artifact includes a pronunciation rule, modifying, by the multimodal browser, the lexicon of the speech engine to include the pronunciation rule. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299147 | SPEECH-TO-SPEECH TRANSLATION - Systems and methods for facilitating communication including recognizing speech in a first language represented in a first audio signal; forming a first text representation of the speech; processing the first text representation to form data representing a second audio signal; and causing presentation of the second audio signal to a second user while responsive to an interrupt signal from a first user. In some embodiments, processing the first text representation includes translating the first text representation to a second text representation in a second language and processing the second text representation to form the data representing the second audio signal. In some embodiments include accepting an interrupt signal from the first user and interrupting the presentation of the second audio signal. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299148 | Systems and Methods for Measuring Speech Intelligibility - A method for measuring speech intelligibility includes inputting a speech waveform to a system. At least one acoustic feature is extracted from the waveform. From the acoustic feature, at least one phoneme is segmented. At least one acoustic correlate measure is extracted from the at least one phoneme and at least one intelligibility measure is determined. The at least one acoustic correlate measure is mapped to the at least one intelligibility measure. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299149 | Character Models for Document Narration - Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices where the portions of the text narrated using the different voices are selected by a user. Also disclosed are techniques and systems for associating characters with portions of a sequence of words selected by a user. Different characters having different voice models can be associated with different portions of a sequence of words. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299150 | Language Translation System - A language translation system is generally described that facilitates parties who speak different languages to communicate with one another as though each were speaking the same language on their respective communication devices. Example language translation systems include language translation components for translating from one language to another language. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299151 | Advanced Encoding Of Music Files - Example embodiments allow for the creation, distribution, and use of flexible media formats. Example embodiments may allow individual content files to be rendered in multiple formats and versions. In addition, example embodiments may provide for granular rights management, which may allow users to access content files on a feature-by-feature basis. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299152 | Selective Management of Mobile Devices in an Enterprise Environment - In various embodiments, a method is described that includes registering a mobile device with an enterprise by storing registration data for the mobile device in a device management database; designating one or more group designations for the mobile device; storing the one or more group designations in the device management database; determining one or more policies for the mobile device based at least in part on the one or more group designations; and selectively taking action on selected data from the mobile device in the device management database based on the one or more policies. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299153 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR DETERMINING COMPLIANCE WITH A SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT - System, method and program product for monitoring a computer program or database maintained by a service provider for a customer. A multiplicity of failures of the computer program or data base during a reporting interval are identified. The times of the multiplicity of failures are compared to one or more scheduled maintenance windows. A determination is made that at least one of the multiplicity of failures occurred during the one or more scheduled maintenance windows. A determination is also made that the customer was responsible for at least another one of the multiplicity of failures. A determination is made that the service provider was responsible for a plurality of the failures not including the at least one failure occurring during the one or more scheduled maintenance windows and the at least another one failure for which the customer was responsible. A determination is made whether the service provider complied with a service level agreement based on the plurality of the outages. This may be based on a percent time each reporting interval that the computer program had failed based on durations of the plurality of failures. The computer program may need information from another computer program or other database to function normally. If this other computer program or other database failed during the reporting interval, and the customer was responsible for the failure of the other computer program or other database, the service provider is not charged for the failure of the first said computer program. A determination is made as to a monetary cost to a business of the customer for the plurality of said failures. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299154 | Intelligent computer-biological electronic-neural health-care system - An adaptable computer server-intelligent system and method for computer server-deducing precise information on physicians' identities and practices and individual diagnoses and related treatments and differential diagnoses in responding to individual queries for said information from people using computers and mobile communication devices. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299155 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CONTEXTUAL PLATFORM FOR MANAGING A MEDICAL PRACTICE - A system and method is provided for generating a multi-dimensional contextual platform that may be used to manage, diagnose, and communicate with patients in a medical practice. In particular, the system may provide a website that may provide dynamic, avatar-based interfaces that include a doctor interface and a patient interface. A doctor may create a subscription with an operator of the website in order to find new patients and view patient health records across multiple dimensions. A patient may create a subscription with the operator to locate a doctor and maintain open communications with the doctor. Once subscribed, the doctor and patient may use the website to enhance the overall healthcare experience by using social networking aspects of the website to facilitate doctor and patient communication in real-time. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299156 | HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT AND PATIENT EDUCATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Health care management and patient education systems and methods configured to register a medical practice account, add patients to the account, create patient-accessible accounts, add medical and lecture providers to the account, create patient education seminars, invite patients to seminars, create patient report cards, and reporting patient report cards to a patient outcome incentive-based program. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299157 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION OF MEDICAL INFORMATION - A system for transferring medical records from one or more source locations to a destination location is described. The system includes a plurality of medical site clients, each of which has access to medical records at a corresponding medical site, and an exam distribution server connected to each of the plurality of medical site clients via a network. The exam distribution server configured to receive an exam transfer request that specifies exam criteria and the destination location to which medical exams that have the criteria should be transferred. When the exam distribution server receives an exam transfer request, the server forwards the request to the medical site clients. When one of the medical site clients receives an exam transfer request, the medical site client sends all exam records meeting the criteria of the exam transfer request to the exam distribution server, and the exam distribution server forwards received exam records to the destination specified in the exam transfer request. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299158 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING MEDICATION PRESCRIPTIONS USING BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION - This invention is a system and method for a matching system that cross-references patients anonymously with doctors and pharmacies. The invention uses patient-unique biometrics, such as fingerprinting, retinal scanning, or another such unique identifier, for patient identification and verification without revealing a patient's name or other personal information. The system tracks patient prescriptions and produces alerts to indicate potential problems, such as drug interactions or possible fraudulent behavior. The system utilizes the biometric data of the prescribing physician as authorization of the prescription. The system can produce a traceable paper trail, for investigation or prosecution, and protects the medical industry, patients, and the public from the consequences of doctor shopping. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299159 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING INFORMED CONSENT PROCESSES - The systems and methods provide a dynamic process for obtaining and managing informed consent documentation. In general, the dynamic informed consent process (DICP) makes use of an intermediary organization, e.g., a trusted intermediary, which: (a) provides ICFs which have been dynamically generated for a specified trial or medical procedure and based on particular state or federal requirements, if any; and (b) archives copies of signed ICFs. In certain preferred embodiments, there may also be a procedure to provide training materials, such as audio or video presentations, to be viewed by prospective participants. In certain preferred embodiments, the process also includes contacting subjects who have signed ICFs in the event that there is a change of circumstance which the subject may deem material to whether s/he would continue to consent, or whether the participant needs to provide a different type of consent to participate in particular event or trial. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299160 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING FLEXIBLE AND PREDICTABLE INCOME - A computer system for administering a retirement income guarantee contract includes a communications module for receiving and transmitting data, and an administration module. The administration module has: an account initiation module for storing contract data including: an initial premium amount paid on which an accumulation balance is initially based; a target payout commencement date and a payout commencement date range including the target payout commencement date; payout rates fixed at the time of payment of the initial premium amount for determining income payments for payouts commencing at dates within the range; and one or more crediting rates fixed at the time of payment of the initial premium amount for determining increases in accumulation balance until the payout date. A payout administration module determines a payout amount based on the accumulation balance at the payout date and the fixed payout rate applicable to the payout date. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299161 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING SUBROGATION RELATED TRANSACTIONS - A computer system for administering an intelligent subrogation transaction includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The processor may be configured to prompt a user for data regarding a new subrogation transaction, store received data, access from the memory data related to existing subrogation transactions, perform subrogation related calculations including application of one or more predictive and regulatory business rules; provide an output signal comprising data indicative of a response based on a result of the application of the business rules; receive user instructions for preparation of a communication including data indicative of the response, and provide the prepared communication. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299162 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUESTS - A system for processing insurance coverage requests. An insurance data processing system (IDPS) implements a method that processes the requests. The IDPS receives at least one request from a customer relating to insurance coverage for the customer. Each request independently requests activation or deactivation of the insurance coverage. The requests are ordered in a time sequence if the at least one request includes more than one request. The IDPS verifies, for each request received, that it is permissible for the IDPS to accommodate each request. After each request is verified, the IDPS archives each request in a non-volatile storage medium of the IDPS. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299163 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOGNIZING CUSTOMER BY HIS MOBILE PHONE - A customer recognition method and system using a mobile phone is provided. When a customer enters a communication area of an access point (AP) of a service provider, the AP communicates with a Bluetooth communication device of the customer's mobile phone, searches for BDA information of the customer, and transmits the BDA information to a local search server. The local search server extracts valid information of the customer and transmits the extracted information to a central server. The central server confirms reservation information on the customer, determines attendant information, creates customer recognition information by linking the customer information and the attendant information, and transmits the customer recognition information to an attendant of the service provider. A terminal of the attendant of the service provider receives the customer recognition information and externally displays the customer information so that the attendant of the service provider may use the customer information. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299164 | Human Capital Management Computer System and Method - The invention relates to a computer system, and associated operating method, for determining a training program to be taken by an individual to reach desired skills, comprising:
| 2010-11-25 |
20100299165 | VALUE NETWORK PERFORMANCE COMPARISON ANALYSIS - Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to modeling value networks and provide a method, system and computer program product for a comparative analysis different value nets. In an embodiment of the invention, a value net analysis method can include loading data for CBM components of a first value net for a first collection of business enterprises, and loading data for CBM components of a second value net for a second collection of business enterprises. The method also can include mapping relationships between different business enterprises in the first value net to relationships between different business enterprises in the second value net. Relative underperformance can be identified in a mapped relationship in one of the value nets based upon a comparison of the loaded data for the CBM components of the value nets. Consequently, the under-performing mapped relationship can be visually distinguished in an enterprise view to a corresponding one of the value nets. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299166 | GENERATING RELEVANT KEYWORDS FOR MONETIZATION IN AN ELECTRONIC MAP ENVIRONMENT - A method, system and computer readable medium directed towards generating relevant keywords for monetization from a user's experience in an electronic map environment. A user command to view a desired geographic area of an electronic map is received. The geographic area within the user's field of view is selected. Based on the geographic area, specific entities within the user's field of view are determined. A keyword phrase is generated based on information associated with the specific entities. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299167 | TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREFOR - A technology enterprise management apparatus comprises a processing resource ( | 2010-11-25 |
20100299168 | IT ASSET MANAGEMENT TREND CHARTING FOR COMPLIANCE OVER TIME - Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention provide to store and display, in a trending analysis graphical user interface, the data for each execution of the underlying metric data alongside the date for which the metric was run. As the metrics are run, calculations may also take into account user setup (role access) for the assets for which they have control to view. Additional run control parameters could be set, for example for managing reconciliation discrepancies, to control whether or not to include exceptions that have been ignored by the user. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299169 | Planning Device and Method for Planning a Technical Installation - A planning device for planning a technical installation comprising modules having mechanical components and electrical components, where every module has a desired functionality. In accordance with the invention, a library of sets of electrical components include the properties of the mechanical components and electrical components from which a component set can be allocated to a module by allocation function, and the properties of the allocated component set, which is defined in component parameters, is usable to determine whether the module functionality resulting from the allocated component set corresponds to the desired functionality with a definable accuracy. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299170 | Stages, Phases in a Project Workflow - A method is presented for creating a life cycle workflow for a project on a server computer. One or more workflow phases are created on the server computer. Each workflow phase corresponds to a plurality of workflow stages for the project. One or more workflow stages are created on the server computer. Each workflow stage corresponds to a specific sequence of workflow activities. One or more project detail pages are created on the server computer. Each project detail page is a web page that is made visible during the workflow stage. When a workflow stage is created, a workflow phase is selected to be associated with the workflow stage and one or more project detail pages are selected for the workflow stage. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299171 | Summary Tasks for Top-Down Project Planning - Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward providing a method utilizing project management software for creating a project plan utilizing a top-down strategy allowing a user to describe high-level objectives before filling in details for the underlying tasks of which the high-level objectives are comprised. As an alternative to basing summary task dates and durations solely on subtask data, the present invention allows a user to enter dates and duration values into summary tasks regardless of when the corresponding subtasks occur. By utilizing a top-down project management approach, embodiments of the present invention promote utilizing summary tasks as a starting point of project planning. Users are able to input high-level objectives of a project when more specific details of subtasks are unknown. Because summary task data is not rolled-up from the subtask data, a user may specify details such as dates and durations of subtasks at a later time. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299172 | EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system may manage equipment distribution with an automated interface that is accessible over a network. The system may include data regarding a number of job sites and the equipment at each site, as well as any available equipment. The data may be monitored and updated for tracking, scheduling, and billing for the distribution of the equipment to job sites. In one example, a construction company may monitor and control the location of its construction equipment through an equipment management system that is also used by an operator of a job site for requesting the equipment needed for that job site. The equipment management system may handle the renting and assigning of equipment for each job site, as well as providing information regarding all the equipment and each job site. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299173 | AGGREGATING AND CAPTURING SUBSCRIBER TRAFFIC - System(s), method(s), and device(s) that can aggregate all or substantially all data traffic, such as wireless data traffic egressing to the Internet, at one or more regional aggregation hubs and capture a portion(s) of data traffic associated with a subscriber(s) of interest at the regional hub(s) are presented. Data traffic associated with subscribers can be aggregated at an access concentrator(s) and respective public Internet Protocol (IP) addresses can be given to respective subscribers. The data traffic can be aggregated at the regional hub(s) and data traffic associated with a subscriber(s) of interest can be identified based at least in part on the public IP address(es) of the respective subscriber(s) of interest. The data traffic associated with a subscriber(s) of interest can be captured and provided to a consumer (e.g., law enforcement, service provider) who desires such data. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299174 | RULES DRIVEN FILTERING OF SERVICE REQUESTS FOR SHARED PROCUREMENT SERVICES - Techniques for supporting shared procurement services in an enterprise application. According to one set of embodiments, associations between procurement service providers and procurement clients are stored, where the associations represent outsourcing relationships between these entities in the operational structure of an enterprise. The associations are then used by the application to facilitate the management of procurement-related content and the processing of procurement transactions. In one embodiment, the associations enable procurement-related content to be created/managed centrally by a procurement service provider and then made accessible to procurement clients serviced by the procurement service provider. In another embodiment, a rules-driven mechanism is provided for routing procurement requisitions from procurement clients to associated procurement service providers for processing. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299175 | ENHANCED POSTAL DATA MODELING FRAMEWORK - An enhanced postal data modeling framework, in which postal data which describes characteristics of a mail sortation process is accessed, and the postal data is mapped to production management data which describes characteristics of a model production management process in an initial state and which is capable of being processed by a production management application. The production management data is input for processing by the production management application to produce forecasted production management data which predicts characteristics of the model production management process in a subsequent state, the forecasted production management data is modeled to forecasted postal data which predicts characteristics of the mail sortation process, and at least a portion of the forecasted postal data is provided to a user. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299176 | Collaborative Financial Close Portal - Mechanisms and approaches for a collaborative financial close portal are provided. A client receives display data, which when rendered by the client, depicts a collaborative financial close portal that supports one or more workspaces. Each of the one or more workspaces may be used by a different set of users to perform activities related to a financial close process. The one or more workspaces are arranged in a hierarchical relationship. In response to receiving identification data that identifies a user of the client, additional display data is sent to the client, which when rendered, depicts a particular workspace for which the user is granted access. The depiction of the particular workspace includes depicting status information about financial close activities associated with one or more workspaces lower in the hierarchal relationship than the particular workspace. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299177 | DYNAMIC BUS DISPATCHING AND LABOR ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM - A method of dynamic bus dispatching and labor assignments based on real time vehicle and passenger data. The method includes running a transportation services module on a computer of a dispatch command center. The method includes receiving, at the computer system, current location information for a plurality of buses. The transportation services module determines a route completion time period for the vehicles and then generates a dispatch schedule for each of the vehicles based on the determined route completions. The dispatch schedules are transmitted to the buses and displayed on a monitor to the bus driver, thereby allowing real time or dynamic updating of dispatching based on collected location information. The method also includes determining and reporting a set of labor assignments for drivers of the buses based on the current location information, the route completion time periods, and break and shift information associated with each of the drivers. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299178 | Method and system for contacting a prospect or requestor immediately after a request for product information - A product information request is received via of the internet by way of a webform. The webform is parsed to extract requestor information which includes information about the product and the requestor. A database of salespeople is queried to find the most appropriate salespeople to be called based on the product request and requestor's information. These salespeople are called until one of them answers. Upon answering, the requestor's information is spoken to the salesperson by electronically converting text to speech, and the salesperson is placed on hold. Around this time, the requestor is called. The salesperson can hear the requestor being called. When the requestor answers, the salesperson's hold is removed and the salesperson and requestor can speak. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299179 | AUTOMATED AREA INSPECTION AND RECORDKEEPING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automated inspection tour includes a sequence and location of multiple inspection points marked with a unique identifier. User performs inspection tours by proceeding to each inspection point in the sequence indicated, and operating a portable data terminal (PDT) to read each unique identifier. PDT may include a handheld mobile computer including an integrated laser barcode scan engine. RFID, or other electronic scanning devices. User must be physically located proximate the unique identifier to obtain an electronic reading. Each unique identifier is encoded with data including a location of its associated inspection point. PDT is used to perform an inspection tour of the premises for reporting and resolving hazards. The software application enables user to record location response parameters and enables user to record store conditions during an inspection tour. Inspection data is transferred continuously during a tour via wireless network communication. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299180 | Virtual Office Environment - A system and method for monitoring remote employees, having a computer for a user perform job related tasks, wherein the computer is enabled to record various data regarding the user's use of the computer; and a network to transmit the various data to a storage unit, to allow the data to be accessed by an employer. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299181 | Management of inventory allocations - A method of managing inventory allocations includes the step of receiving, in a data processing apparatus, data relating to the sale of items of inventory allocated to respective re-sellers. The data is processed to obtain data relating to sales performance of one or more of the respective re-sellers. The method includes adjusting a price for which inventory allocated to that respective re-seller is to be sold by depending on said data relating to the sales performance of the respective re-sellers and/or re-allocating inventory items from that said respective re-seller to other respective re-sellers. The invention extends to a software product and to a system. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299182 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING TEST SUBJECT FEEDBACK - Embodiments of the invention include an apparatus used to present a participant with a virtual reality simulation of a shopping environment. For example, the system of the present invention may be used to simulate the environment of a retail store where consumer goods are purchased. In one embodiment, a virtual reality station may include a number of functional systems that collectively provide an apparatus for capturing test subject feedback. The systems may include a participant interface and/or simulation control system, a support structure interconnection system, and a computer system configured to generate and present an immersive virtual reality environment on one or more display screens connected to the support structure. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299183 | Device and Method for Creating, Distributing, Managing and Monetizing Widgets Including Streaming - A computerized development method, system and apparatus for creating a widget designed to control streaming media are disclosed. The method, system and apparatus include creating a widget to control streaming media, the widget including a widgetized existing code element, distributing the created widget, reporting and tracking the distributed widget, wherein the reporting and tracking the distributed widget enables access to how the created widget is being used via analytics of the created widget, and monetizing the widget to generate revenue based on the created, distributed, and reported and tracked widget. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299184 | MINING OF DISTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC DATA FOR ENRICHED PRODUCT/CONTACT VALUATION - Methods and systems are described that detail the rapid validation of scientific products and scientist consumer information derived from multiple science/research based sources, such as peer-reviewed scientific publications and online resources, for example, as well as any other available tasked forum or venue. The refined information will facilitate unique product evaluation opportunities via an accessible website/forum, trade shows, etc., and provide previously unknowable sales leads, market intelligence, and targeted advertising opportunities for life science product manufacturers. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299185 | Diagnostic Tools and Methods Thereof - A diagnostic tool for use in adjusting a welding project. The diagnostic tool having an input device adapted to transfer base data into a first computer readable database. The input device further adapted to transfer performance data relating to each welding apparatus into a second computer readable database. The diagnostic tool further having a computer program adapted to transform the base transform the base data and the performance data into optimization data. The diagnostic tool further having an output device adapted to display the optimization data. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299186 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR SAVINGS PARTICIPATION - A computer-based automated savings method includes storing in a memory circuit, for each customer, customer profile data that identifies an account for accumulating automated savings, that identifies customer-specified types of financial transactions for automated savings participation, and that identifies a customer-specified saving algorithm for each of the different types of financial transactions. Notification data is received that is indicative of one of the customers having actively engaged in one of the types of financial transactions for automated savings participation. The customer's profile data in the memory circuit is accessed, the type of financial transaction being engaged in by the customer is compared with the customer-specified types of financial transactions, and therefrom it is determined whether the type of financial transaction qualifies for automated savings participation. The method further includes based upon the comparison, selecting a customer-specified saving algorithm as specified for the type of financial transaction, accessing and implementing the customer-specified saving algorithm for the financial transaction for which notification data has been received and, therefrom, increasing the amount of savings in the account for accumulating automated savings. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299187 | PROVIDING A LOCAL DEVICE WITH COMPUTING SERVICES FROM A REMOTE HOST - Systems and methods for providing a local device with computing services are disclosed. One embodiment includes, identifying one or more file types of files stored on the local device which is not associated with a local application that is installed on the local device and detecting a request to access a file stored on the local device having one of the one or more file types. The remote host can generate an offer to provide access to a remote application which is able to open the file for a fee such that the file is accessible via the local device. A selected service model can determine the fee and whether the remote application is provided for use by the local device when offline. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299188 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING TASKS - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to present a plurality of selectable commodity items, detect one or more selections from the plurality of commodity items, generate a list from the one or more commodity items selected, and transmit the list to a system. The system can be adapted to receive the list from the communication device, determine a selection order for the items in the list based on a location of each item in a store and at least one characteristic of at least one of the items, update the list according to the selection order, and transmit the updated list to a device for conducting commodity shopping according to the adjusted list. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299189 | ADVERTISEMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM - An advertisement display system includes a means for taking a photograph of a signal light of a signal | 2010-11-25 |
20100299190 | AUTOMOTIVE MARKET PLACE SYSTEM - A method for ranking vehicles for sale, the method comprising (1) providing a first database of available vehicles, (2) creating a second database of similar vehicles by identifying vehicles in the first database that are similar to a subject vehicle, and (3) creating a third database of ranked vehicles by determining a vehicle rank score of each of the vehicles in the second database, wherein determining a vehicle rank score of a vehicle comprises (a) calculating a base score of the vehicle, (b) calculating a multiplier of the vehicle, and (c) determining the vehicle rank score of the vehicle by multiplying the base rank by the multiplier. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299191 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TRANSMISSION OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - Method and apparatus to transmit over a data network, advertising content inserted in multimedia content associated with an event. In one embodiment, a server receives from a first network node connected to the data network, advertising content to be inserted in the multimedia content associated with an event that occurs at a specific time and place, and the server receives a message, by means of a first IP-based communications management protocol, in order to establish a real-time multimedia communication using IP packets with a second node of the data network, and the server establishes multimedia communication with the second network node, and the server receives from the second network node, multimedia content that includes geotagging data in the form of coordinates, and the server determines that this multimedia content is associated with the event from this geotagging data in the form of coordinates, and the server creates a multimedia file that contains the advertising content and at least one part of the multimedia content, and the server transmits at least one part of the multimedia file to a third network node. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299192 | Electronic Cards Systems and Methods - A system for sending cards and/or gifts to one or more entity using a computer network is provided. The system can include a computer network with at least one client computer and at least one server connected to the network. The at least one client computer can have a user interface with which a user can input an entity-centric event date. The server can receive a signal from said client computer based on the user input of the event date. The server includes a time-from-event module that determines a non-yearly event date after said event date. The client computer displays the non-yearly event date and provides means for a user to purchase cards or gifts for an entity. In most preferred embodiments, the non-yearly event date is a month-from-birth date of the individual. In some preferred embodiments, the electronic cards include combined advertisements contained within the display regions of the electronic cards. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299193 | Community-Based System and Method for Automatic Discount of a Purchase - A community-based system and method for providing automatic discounting of a purchase is described. A database containing a plurality of items for purchase and a plurality of discounts associated with the items is provided. A search query is received from a user using a networked device, and items responsive to the search query are transmitted to the device for display. The device is then usable to select one or more displayed items. Corresponding discounts are automatically associated with the selected items, and when purchase of the item is completed, the associated discounts are applied in a paperless manner. Concurrent with the discount feature, users are permitted to create customizable user accounts, through which favorite items and groupings of items can be uploaded, flagged, stored, and shared with other users. User accounts are usable for tracking of demographic information, communication with other users, and providing automatic notifications based on user-selected preferences. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299194 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING GIFT CARDS - An offer management system is provided that evaluates conditions in relation to a gift card and triggers an action. In another example, the offer management system may be capable of evaluating attributes of a transaction using a gift card and may be capable of triggering an action. A trigger may be defined using one or more rules. For example, an administrator for a retailer may configure an offer rule in an interface of the offer management system. These rules may be evaluated in real-time, and offers made responsive to those evaluations. For example, offers may be made to a gift card recipient such as a discount on the total purchase, a dynamic addition of value to a gift card, issuance of a new gift card, or other offer. These offers may be used by a retailer to foster certain behaviors relating to gift cards. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299195 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS - A payment processing system to provide merchant-specific accounts to consumers that are accessed by payment instruments. In one embodiment, the payment processing system can create and provide a variety of payment methodologies for purchases, such as pay-as-you-go, virtual prepaid, virtual subscription, and post-paid purchases. The merchant may, in some embodiments provide consumers with merchant rewards accounts and an opportunity to earn reward points or other loyalty-based currencies through qualifying purchase transactions. The consumer may access their merchant-specific accounts for purchase payment using a preferred payment instrument, such as a credit or debit card. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299196 | Rebate card system - A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299197 | SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING RETURNS ON REBATED ITEMS AT A POINT-OF-SALE - A system for providing instant rebates to a customer at a point of sale includes a kiosk by which the customer initiates a rebate process by presenting a machine readable document having rebate information generated by a retailer's POS system. The customer may initiate an electronic funds transfer to the customer's account for amount of the rebate due, or alternately receive a printed check or a store card with a credit balance redeemable at the point of sale. The kiosk may report rebates in real time and have additional functionality to assist manufacturers and retailers for other marketing purposes. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299198 | Message Broker for Redemption of Digital Incentives - A message broker for redemption of digital incentives at a point-of-sale terminal for a commercial transaction that is able to communicate with a central database external to the point-of-sale terminal. The central database contains unique customer registration information, unique identifiers assigned to the unique customer registration information, business rules for redemption of digital incentives. Redemption of digital incentives at the point-of-sale terminal occurs at the time of purchase as follows: the customer's purchases are recorded in a basket list at the point-of-sale terminal; the customer presents their unique identifier; point-of-sale terminal initiates an instruction to process a transaction; the message broker routes the unique identifier and the basket list to the central database which applies the rules for redemption of digital incentives and returns validated applicable digital incentives to the message broker which forwards the validated digital incentives to the point-of-sale terminal for redemption; the point-of-sale terminal applies the validated digital incentives to the customer's purchase; and the message broker routes an acknowledgement message to the central database. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299199 | ADVERTISEMENT PROVIDING METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MOVING PICTURE ORIENTED CONTENTS WHICH IS PLAYING - A method of providing advertising content customized for the content of a moving picture using text information acquired from the moving picture is disclosed. The method includes acquiring text information from a moving picture that can be played by a player; transmitting at least one piece of search target text, included in the acquired text information, to at least one search server capable of providing search results for the search target text; receiving the search results from the search server; and displaying the received search results while the moving picture is being played. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299200 | SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING GEOGRAPHICALLY RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS FROM A SEARCH QUERY - A system and method are disclosed for identifying relevant content/advertisements to be displayed in response to receiving a search query. The relevant advertisements may be identified based on the contextual relevance compared with the root term of the search query and based on the geographic relevance as compared with a location term of the search query and/or a localness associated with the root term. The search query may be assigned a location identifier based on the location term or based on the localness, which may be used to expand the geographic range for ranking and selecting relevant content/advertisements. | 2010-11-25 |
20100299201 | Searching data storage systems and devices - The invention teaches systems, methods and devices for searching data storage systems and devices. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b). | 2010-11-25 |