117874results about "Resources" patented technology

A method, a program product, and a system for assigning resources to tasks in a rule based, resource constrained system. This is done by receiving as inputs tasks and task attributes; resources and resource attributes; and assignment rules. These inputs are used to searching a database of tasks, task attributes, and assignment rules thereof, to search a database of resources including resource attributes thereof, and to retrieve resources based upon the resource attributes. Resources are assigned to tasks based upon matches and scores of the resource attributes, the task attributes, and the assignment rules.

A method, a program product, and a system for assigning resources to tasks in a rule based, resource constrained system. This is done by receiving as inputs tasks and task attributes; resources and resource attributes; and assignment rules. These inputs are used to searching a database of tasks, task attributes, and assignment rules thereof, to search a database of resources including resource attributes thereof, and to retrieve resources based upon the resource attributes. Resources are assigned to tasks based upon matches and scores of the resource attributes, the task attributes, and the assignment rules.

A customer lead management system that relates to a system and method for collecting and organizing customer-marketing data, which is then made available to business representatives to assess. Specifically, using a computer network, and data on a potential customer's Budget, Authority, Needs, Timeframe, and other related customer data is collected. While this data is being collected, the customer lead management system stores the customer lead data in real-time instantly, automatically ranking the viability of the customer lead on the interest level of the customer lead and other variable criteria used in the web-based algorithm calculation, and automatically electronically notifies the appropriate company and / or company representative about the customer lead. The resulting customer lead profile record is located in a web server database, and can be accessed and undated in real-time by a portable computer or electronic device that has been web-enabled. The customer lead data is then capable of being accessed via a computer network by various companies that have goods / services that satisfy the needs and requirements of the customer lead. A company representative can be automatically notified when a customer lead profile has been updated.

The present disclosure controls the network and manages resources for managing network assets through in a network-based supply chain framework. Network assets are available to network users. One user may submit information reguarding potential for growth, the capacity, or the technological level of one of the network assets. Another user may submit similar information about another network asset. Based on the information from the users, the system may determine the optimal set of network assets. When network events about the assets are recieved, the events can be filtered, correlated and isolated. These events can then be translated into a standard object form for facilitating the determination of the problem causing the network event.

Embodiments provide a method that causes a plurality of virtual machine instructions to be interpreted for indications of a mobile device's hardware identification information, thus forming a plurality of hardware instruction interpretations. The embodiment also combines each of the plurality of hardware instruction interpretations and hashes the combination to form a quasi-hardware device identifier. An encryption process is based on the quasi-hardware encryption device identifier and the media is then encrypted using the encryption process. The encrypted media is transferred to the mobile device wherein the mobile device decrypts the media based at least in part on the mobile device's internal knowledge of the quasi-hardware device identification.

A method is disclosed for automatically updating the status of customers' orders and shipments via electronic mail without using a human attendant to create and send the electronic mail messages. Preferably implemented in software, the updating method allows a large set of customers to be periodically updated over a computer or communications network via electronic mail. The method utilizes a database for maintaining order and shipping status and other relevant information.

The present disclosure provides for supplying collaborative planning by a computerized framework manager. Steps include furnishing network connections and collecting supply and demand information from business entities. Such information is analyzed and used to facilitate planning among the business entites. The network provides data access for multiple data sources and the network is used to store capacity data. The computerized framework manager conducts reverse inventory management of the business entities through the collection of data; analysis of data is then used to predict future demand, and predicted future demand is used to forecast costs to manufacturers, from which suggestions regarding optimization is made.

A computer-implemented method and system for generating and displaying a calendar containing user-selected events from user-selected categories. A plurality of categories of events are provided. The user can select which categories are of interest, and then select individual events within those categories. Events are overlaid on a calendar unique to the user. Calendars may also be shared among a number of selected users, if desired. Online purchasing and related actions can be associated with each event.

A system and method for supporting Product Lifecycle Management over a distributed service network topology that connects a hierarchy of functional domains, each domain having a service ontology and one or more service composition schemas defined by the service ontology. Each service composition schema models a business process in its domain. Descriptions of services provided to each domain are published to a service repository by providers of the services, in conformity with one of the service composition schemas. There is a business process proxy provided by the service provider for each service description, which encapsulates for public access the internal processes of the service provider. The invention makes use of an event messaging protocol that enables service collaboration and ad-hoc workflow composition. Each business process is implemented by an ad-hoc workflow comprised of one or more tasks connected by one or more business rules. For each business process there is a business flow manager that dynamically composes ad-hoc workflow prior to execution and dynamically modifies the ad-hoc workflow as the business process executes. The business flow manager uses backward-chain inferencing and then forward-chain inferencing to generate the ad-hoc workflows, based on user identification of a target task. The business flow manager is able to stop execution of the workflow and regenerate a workflow for remaining tasks in response to events received over the network from service providers, and is also able to detect conflicts in the workflows at composition time and at execution time.

Method, apparatus and program product for generating check data for a location within an area of a workspace include receiving an identifier for a selected location that has check data associated therewith. Candidate check data for use with the selected location is generated. The candidate check data is evaluated for a match against at least one of existing check data for the selected location or check data associated with a related location. Based on the evaluation, a determination is made of whether the candidate check data is acceptable for use for the selected location.

A plurality of resources, typically service operatives, are allocated to a plurality of tasks by a method in which initial information relating to the tasks to be allocated and the resources available to perform the tasks is provided. An initial series of schedules is first generated allocating resources to the tasks, and then modifying the individual schedule of at least one resource in response to updated information. Changes to individual schedules may be made in response to such updated information independently of the schedule generation. The initial, series of schedules may be generated in a two-stage process in which a rule-based system allocates tasks selected as being difficult to allocate (e.g., because they are linked to other tasks). then a stochastic (non-systematic) search system compiles the rest of the schedule. Periodically, the stochastic system may be interrupted to allow a further rule-based system to analyze the schedules created thus far, and fix the best ones in the schedule, so that the stochastic system can then concentrate on improving the remaining schedules. In order to allow the system to handle rapid changes in the requirements for tasks and the resources, on a scale faster than the time required to generate the schedules, a schedule modification system is arranged to make changes in the short term in between schedule updates delivered by the schedule generation system.

An activity based monitoring system is disclosed, the activity based monitoring system being configured to monitor a plurality of badges associated with a plurality of assets within a healthcare facility.

An apparatus and method of reserving conveyance, such as taxis and limousines, in which the pickup locations, times, and contract are established and logged electronically. The system is configured to increase the assurance that the conveyance will arrive properly on time and on location, and that the patron will also keep their end of the agreement. The system preferably configured for disincentives for either party to not follow in accord with the contract.

Activity data is analyzed or evaluated to detect behavioral patterns and anomalies. When a particular pattern or anomaly is detected, a system may send a notification or perform a particular task. This activity data may be collected in an information management system, which may be policy based. Notification may be by way e-mail, report, pop-up message, or system message. Some tasks to perform upon detection may include implementing a policy in the information management system, disallowing a user from connecting to the system, and restricting a user from being allowed to perform certain actions. To detect a pattern, activity data may be compared to a previously defined or generated activity profile.

A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for administrating a network-based supply chain on a network. Operation of entities is monitored. Entities include server processes, disk space, memory availability, CPU utilization, access time to a server, and / or a number of connections in a network-based supply chain. Items including merchandising content, currency exchange rates, tax rates, and / or pricing in the network-based supply chain are updated at predetermined intervals. In addition, external data stored separately from the network-based supply chain is synchronized with internal data stored on the network-based supply chain. Contact information received from users of the network-based supply chain is also managed. Users include service providers and manufacturer utilizing the network-based supply chain. The items are altered based on profiles of the users of the network-based supply chain.

System and methods for intelligent routing of requests from customers to agents where a request is received at a service center from a customer. Identification information related to the customer is accessed. Background information on the customer is retrieved from a storage facility. Task and attitude information about the customer is gathered. A model of the customer is created. Models for at least two agents are created. A performance optimizing calculation is performed that matches the customer model and the models for the at least two agents. A best match agent from the at least two agents is determined based on the matching. The customer request is routed to the best match agent.

Systems and methods for energy optimization may receive receiving energy provider data, near-real time individualized energy usage data for each of a plurality of end-uses or near-real time individualized whole premise energy usage data, customer preferences, and near-real time and forecasted weather information. The systems and methods may forecast, for a selected time period, individualized energy usage for each of the plurality of end-uses or individualized whole premise energy usage data for a customer location using: (1) the energy provider data, (2) the near-real time individualized energy usage data, (3) the customer preferences, and (4) the near-real time and forecasted weather information. The systems and methods may optimize, for the selected time period, energy usage at the customer location using (1) the individualized energy usage, (2) the energy provider data, and (3) the customer preferences.

The present invention generally relates to an inventive automated system, and method for its use, including a computer having a computer program defining three development phases including project proposal development, business proposition development, and implementation for market introduction. The project proposal development phase includes a unique idea verification feature by automated reference to an internal knowledge repository and database. The computer is coupled for intercommunication to a plurality of stations or clients from which respective authorized users each have a browser-based interface with the computer.

A system, method and computer program product for providing a user activity management system including recording activity which may include audio; video or image; screen capture; data from a sensor; location information; computer usage; electronic communications; or social networking activities; transmitting activity information to a network cloud; making available for analyzing, viewing, reporting, training, or alerting; attaching a user activity record to IT systems; or verifying user commitments. The system or method may optionally further include providing playback or supervisor review of recordings; incorporating feedback into an employee or user record; incorporating notes-to-self; or enabling selecting an activity as a best practice for training purposes.

A service delivery platform is disclosed, including method and apparatus for managing the delivery of a variety of services to customers or subscribers. Exemplary services that may be managed using the service delivery platform include telecommunication services such as cable, wire line and wireless services. The service delivery platform creates, hosts, and manages services over different channels and end user devices. The implementation of the service delivery platform will dramatically simplify service deployment and management, and allow an enterprise to develop new services more rapidly with the reduced development efforts.

The method, system and a computer program and a computer product for managing workers and documents is provided. The method includes storing industry representations and a list of workers with data related to the workers, linking the industry representations to the workers and selecting at least one worker from based on the industry representations for that worker. The method also includes scheduling workers to a job based on whether they have all of the required industry representations. In addition, the method includes uploading industry representations and bar code scanning industry representations into the database. The method further includes dispatching said industry representations to other users and automatically mapping fields of the dispatched data in the destination database. In addition, the method includes selectively encrypting only sensitive fields in data transmission between two entities.

A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir. The method includes: (a) generating an initial reservoir characterization, (b) from the initial reservoir characterization, generating an initial reservoir development plan, (c) when the reservoir development plan is generated, incrementally advancing and generating a capital spending program, (d) when the capital spending program is generated, monitoring a performance of the reservoir by acquiring high rate monitor data from a first set of data measurements taken in the reservoir and using the high rate monitor data to perform well-regional and field-reservoir evaluations, (e) further monitoring the performance of the reservoir by acquiring low rate monitor data from a second set of data measurements taken in the reservoir, (f) assimilating together the high rate monitor data and the low rate monitor data, (g) from the high rate monitor data and the low rate monitor data, determining when it is necessary to update the initial reservoir development plan to produce a newly updated reservoir development plan, (h) when necessary, updating the initial reservoir development plan to produce the newly updated reservoir development plan, and (i) when the newly updated reservoir development plan is produced, repeating steps (c) through (h). A detailed disclosure is provided herein relating to the step (a) for generating the initial reservoir characterization and the step (b) for generating the initial reservoir development plan.

The present invention discloses a method and system for providing location-based services to a remote terminal that is connected to various types of communication systems. A tailored request for information is generated with the remote terminal. In addition, a geographic indicator associated with the remote terminal is also generated in the preferred embodiment. The tailored request for information and the geographic indicator are transmitted to a location-based application server. A structured response to the tailored request for information is generated with the location-based application server, wherein the structured response is based on the geographic indicator of the remote terminal. The structured response is the transmitted to the remote terminal using one of several different types of communication protocols and / or mediums.

The system and method for controlling cloud and virtualized data centers described herein may include a computing environment having a model-driven, service-oriented architecture for creating collaborative threads to manage workloads, and further to creating cloud images having embedded management agents and identity services for validating the cloud images prior to deployment into the cloud and virtualized data centers and controlling, monitoring, and auditing activity associated with the cloud images following deployment into the cloud and virtualized data centers.

The present invention provides a terminal, apparatus and method for providing a customized auto-valet parking service. The server device includes a service registration management unit for receiving auto-valet parking profile information that includes information about one or more of a user, a vehicle, and a mobile terminal, and a parking map management unit for generating customized parking slots suitable for the user using the auto-valet parking profile information, and providing a parking area map, which includes information about the customized parking slots, to the mobile terminal. The parking map management unit receives information about a final slot selected by the user from among the customized parking slots via the mobile terminal, and provides a route to the final slot.

A system and method of targeted marketing to consumers, including businesses and associates, based upon the financial characteristics of the consumer, type offer being made and the channel of communication for delivery of the offer. The consumer is characterized based upon financial, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. The offer is characterized based upon the consumer and the potential for the consumer accepting the offer. The channel of communication for delivery of the offer is also characterized and combined with the consumer and consumer-offer characteristics to arrive at a net present value of the offer to be made. If the net present value is sufficient the offer is processed and presented to the consumer. If the net present value is not sufficient, the offer is revised to present a better value to the consumer (or discarded if the required offer value can not be created) thereby enhancing the chances that the consumer will accept the offer in question. In this way the system and method of the target marketing creates value in both releasing, and not releasing, specific offers.

The system and method described herein for discovery enrichment in an intelligent workload management system may include a computing environment having a model-driven, service-oriented architecture for creating collaborative threads to manage workloads. In particular, the management threads may converge information for managing identities and access credentials, which may provide information that can enrich discovery of physical and virtual infrastructure resources. For example, a discovery engine may reference federated identity information stored in an identity vault and enrich a discovered infrastructure model with the federated identity information. Thus, the model may generally include information describing physical and virtualized resources in the infrastructure, applications and services running in the infrastructure, and information derived from the federated identity information that describes dependencies between the physical resources, the virtualized resources, the applications, and the services.

The content metadata directory system connects consumers of identified content to managed metadata databases and other digital resources. The system manages links between identifiers in content objects and metadata sources. It supports a variety of different type of content identifiers and allows for overlap among different content identification schemes. One method of associating a content object with metadata uses a combination of a content identifier and a bounding identifier to enable handling of disparate sets of content identifiers for content objects with potentially conflicting content identifiers. The method receives a content identifier for a content object from among a set of content identifiers and provides a unique bounding identifier for the set of content identifiers. This unique bounding identifier is used in combination with the content identifier to form a globally unique identifier for the content object. This globally unique identifier is associated with a metadata source, which enables routing of a user to the metadata source.