349 results about "Electronic database" patented technology

The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method and apparatus for searching in response to Internet-based search queries using a search engine and an electronic database. According to one example embodiment of the present invention, data sets representing published items are input, for example, scanned-in or sent electronically, and stored in a searchable database. Each data set includes text from at least one published item. Responsive to the search query, a search engine searches for and identifies relevant web pages and data sets representing published items and, in a more specific embodiment, ranked characterizations are returned for the relevant web pages and published items. An electronic path can be provided with the published item for accessing further information about the published item. In one embodiment, the electronic path is a hyperlink from a characterization of a relevant published item to a more complete electronic representation of the relevant published item. Publishers provide authorization to display copyrighted materials through a permission protocol.

A user is enabled to navigate through an electronic data base in a personalized manner. A context is created based on a profile of the user, the profile being at least partly formed in advance. Candidate data is selected from the data base under control of the context and the user is enabled to interact with the candidates. The profile is based on topical information supplied by the user in advance and a history of previous accesses from the user to the data base.

An Internet-based search system and method of use. The system in its various embodiments includes an electronic database. The database includes one or more topical categories of information and wherein the categories are further divided into datasets of one or more pre-selected web locations. The invention also includes an Internet remote in communication with the database. The Internet remote includes in its various embodiments, a title bar, one or more advertising windows, a channel selector, a navigation palette, a navigation panel, and an optional set of additional links. In operation, a user selects a channel from the channel selector, which then causes the display of one or more categories in the navigation palette. Upon selection of the desired category, one or more subcategory bars appear in the navigation panel, the selection of which causes the display of one or more links to either a website, or a particular page within a website. Alternatively, the user may enter a search term and, upon selection of a web site, that search term is passed to the selected site employing its own search function. In either circumstance, when the user selects a link, that link displays in a separate companion web browser such that both the remote and companion browser are simultaneously viewable.

A method and system for previewing accessories prior to purchasing is disclosed. In one embodiment a first image of a portion of a person can be provided to an input device. Then, a second image including an image of an accessory is selected from an electronic database of accessory images. After obtaining the first and second images, data of the first and second images are used to generate data of a composite image, preferably on a server computer. The composite image is displayed on an output device and includes an image of the accessory on the person. The input device, the output device, and the client computer can be located at a first location, while the server computer is located at a second location. In this image, the accessory can be previewed by the customer before purchasing the accessory. Preferably, the accessories include sunglasses, jewelry, eyeglasses or other personal fashion items, which are purchased over the Internet or at a kiosk in communication with the Internet.

A searchable electronic database system that can return search results independent of reference source type. The electronic database system includes information that can be content or discipline specific. The database can be focused to allow research to be limited to the discipline specific universe of information. The database can include person, organization, publication, and other entity types. The publications can include journal articles, books, dissertations, grants, clinical trials, and web resources. The database can also include ontology and lexicon entities. The entities are interconnected through relationships. Searches performed on the database return results across all entity types. A single search can return results from each of the different publication types. Details of the results can be displayed. Dynamic links to one or more fields in a particular result detail can link to a result categorized according to the field.

Obtaining expert advice on-demand includes maintaining a substantially real-time list of available experts in selected fields, in an electronic database. The system receives a request from a customer for expert advice in one or more of the selected fields maintained in the electronic database. The system then electronically identifies one or more available experts to the customer in response to the request received and routes the request for expert advice to at least one of the available experts.

A biometric apparatus for biometrically securing access to an electronic system is disclosed. Such an apparatus can be configured to include a hardware unit having an input area integrated therein for inputting at least one biometric attribute. The hardware unit can communicate with an electronic system, such as, for example, a building, a computer, a computer network, wireless network, ATM machine, electronic database, etc. A display area can be integrated with the hardware unit, wherein the display area displays data which prompts a user to input to the input area one or more biometric attributes randomly selected from a user profile containing biometric attributes of the user. A biometric module can also be associated with the hardware unit, wherein the biometric module permits the user to perform a user-desired activity, if one or more biometric attributes input by the user via the input area matches at least one biometric attribute randomly selected from the user profile.

A data processing system, program product, and method is provided for managing at least one credit-granting account of a participant. The system comprises in one embodiment an electronic database including information describing collateral assets of the participant used for securing the credit-granting account, and a computer system comprising one or more processors coupled to the electronic database and programmed among them to establish through an API a credit-granting account with a facility to maintain a plurality of collateral assets as collateral for the credit-granting account; receive new information regarding a collateral asset that is real estate for securing the credit-granting account; determine perfection status of a security interest in the collateral asset; store, in the electronic database, the new information and at least any change in the perfection status; and determine an interest rate to be charged on outstanding credit balances based on the new information regarding the collateral asset available for securing the credit-granting account containing the perfection status. The system further comprises an electronic network access device for sending a signal identifying the new interest rate to an access-vehicle issuing system so that the issuing system can charge the interest rate on outstanding credit balances. In one of the alternative embodiments, the system sends a signal identifying the interest rate to an interest rate program that controls the interest rate for the credit-granting account.

A user can search a database within a “context” that can be invoked with a context term, or name. The context is pre-defined by a human expert, or curator. The context definition is used in conjunction with a search term provided by the user to efficiently obtain search results that can otherwise be difficult to attain, such as detecting characteristics of data over multiple documents or other database items to infer trends, phenomena, characteristics, or other properties of the data. A context can be a category of items where each item has a distinct name. Search results are presented using the context based on the number of co-occurrences of the search term and terms relating to the context. In a preferred embodiment, the search results are presented as a list with documents having higher co-occurrences ordered at the top of the list. Context definition sets can be created and updated as an ongoing service to a subscriber. Several processing configurations are presented.

According to embodiments of the invention, there is provided a method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, the method including: storing in an electronic database patient health data, the patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron of the plurality of artificial neurons is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data, such that the artificial neural network is trained to produce a prediction on the survivability of a patient.

A system and method is provided for interactive exchange of information. A processor is in operable connection with processor readable media, a database provided on the processor readable media stores preference information related to a plurality of individuals. The processor is operable to retrieve and provide search results from the database in response to prompted requests for information. A module is provided on the media, and is operatively coupled to the processor to receive requests for information from a user and the database provider in tandem. A search results module is operable to provide a first search result in response to a search by the user, and is further operable to provide a second search result that relates to the first search results. The first search result relates to a first group of the plurality of users and the second search result relates to a second group of a plurality of the users of the database that is distinct from the first group, and the first search result includes first preference information and the second search result includes second preference information, wherein the first preference information is at least partially different from the second preference information.

A system and method for providing an individual with advertisement information. At least one database including electronic trait information, electronic preference information and electronic advertiser information is stored on at least one database. One or more communication devices receive a first electronic request for first information from a first computing device, and determine first electronic responsive information that comprises information that is at least responsive to the first electronic request. Further, a user relevance factor is determined that represents a relevance of the advertiser information to the first user. First advertisement information is determined for at least one of branded products and services. The first advertisement information and the first electronic responsive information are transmitted to the first user computing device.

A method and a device for event interpretation and output of operating instructions in motor vehicles are described. The inventive idea is to bundle the wealth of information regarding errors and / or defects resulting from the multitude of sensors and the complexity of modern vehicles, optionally linking it with empirical findings and outputting operating instructions to the driver, so that the instructions do not make excessive technical demands of the driver but instead are adapted to his / her instantaneous situation. The core of the inventive concept is to use an electronic database which contains the technical information including the error codes of devices of the automotive sensor and electronic systems for analysis of event information which informs the driver comprehensively and yet comprehensibly regarding the problems that have occurred. Likewise the database may be the target of an inquiry initiated by the driver.

An electronic fund transfer system is disclosed wherein commissions for point-of-sale purchase transactions are determined and distributed to members of an organizational network for promoting use of a non-cash payment device that is tangible for effecting purchase transactions. Purchase data is electronically transmitted from the point-of-sale to an automated clearing house for effecting fund transfers to prepare the purchase, and also to a commission management system. The commission management system maintains an electronic database reflecting the structure of the organizational network, and further determines the distribution of purchase commissions according to a predetermined schedule of proportions relating to the position and business volume of each member of the network. The commission management system further comprises a payment processor for effecting commission payments to the members or to a designated sponsor on a scheduled basis.

A computer-implemented method provides an educational environment in a virtual reality setting. Individuals navigate a virtual reality campus by using an avatar to interact with other users and to engage in learning experiences in the virtual setting. Individuals complete projects in virtual reality by accessing educational materials in electronic format and communicating with one another via text-based chats and real time audio. The virtual reality campus emulates a physical campus by providing meeting spaces and work areas where students spontaneously share information and complete pre-planned tasks. An electronic database tracks biographical and educational information about each user, that user's progress in achieving study goals, and the deliverables that the student produces to fulfill requirements of virtual instruction. The database also links to other systems, such as a registration database, so that the student's entire learning experience on both a physical campus and in virtual reality can be conveniently accessed electronically.

Parking reservation systems and methods for a parking lot having a plurality of individual parking spaces include an electronic database of an inventory of available parking spaces; and at least one processor in communication with the electronic database. The processor can be configured to: (a) accept user input regarding a request for a reserved parking space; (b) automatically reserve a parking space for a patron upon receipt of a payment therefor; (c) generate a confirmation of the reservation for the patron; and (d) automatically adjust the database of the inventory of available spaces based on the reservation. Other systems and methods are configured to identify parking lots with vacancies in a geographical region of interest.

Method for preparing classified advertisements for publication in printed media, comprising the steps of: capturing (112) at least the textual content (30) of each classified advertisement expressed in natural language, automatically classifying and extracting (120-124) a plurality of data units (480) out of said textual content (30) and storing each data unit into a corresponding field of a record (48) in an electronic database (9), using said database for determining the textual content, the layout and / or the position of the classified advertisement in said printed media.

A system and method for providing a timeshared electronic catalog is disclosed. The system comprises an electronic database having a plurality of data records that comprise a master data set. The system comprises at least a first and second subset of the data records, wherein each subset comprises one or more data records selected from the master data set. The system includes a software program comprising a data record masking module for selectively providing a first view for displaying one of the subsets to a first user. Each of the plurality of data records contains a plurality of data elements, or fields, or attributes. The data record masking module is further for selecting which data elements are provided in the view. The system further includes a means for selectively providing which executable features from a plurality of executable features may be provided with each view.

Candidate answers responsive to a user query are analyzed using a natural language engine to determine appropriate answers from an electronic database. The system and methods are useful for Internet based search engines, as well as distributed speech recognition systems such as a client-server system. The latter are typically implemented on an intranet or over the Internet based on user queries at his / her computer, a PDA, or a workstation using a speech input interface.

A process for effecting ticket-based transactions includes attaching a band to a definite object. The band for carrying out the process has a plurality of removable tickets with each ticket bearing band-specific indicia usable in effecting a transaction. During the process, the band is associated with the definite object in an electronic database so that when a ticket is removed from the band to effect a transaction, the ticket is utilized to record the transaction in the electronic database.

An electronic information management system abstracts and reports document information. The system utilizes a computer communicating with an electronic database. An input device is operatively connected to the computer for entering document information into the database. A plurality of electronic indexing tags are provided at predetermined locations within the stored document information and cooperate with a computer program to capture and retrieve selected portions of the document information. A display device is operatively connected to the computer for displaying the selected portions of document information apart from non-selected portions of document information.

Techniques are introduced for reducing internet phishing and identity theft and for helping to capture criminals who perpetrate such frauds. Invalid financial data for use in deterring fraud is generated and stored in an electronic database. The invalid financial data is made publicly accessible for use by individuals when approached with a suspicious attempt to obtain financial data. Financial transactions are monitored to detect any attempted use of the invalid financial data stored in the electronic database.

An electronic fund transfer system is disclosed wherein commissions for point-of-sale purchase transactions are determined and distributed to members of an organizational network for promoting use of a non-cash payment device for effecting purchase transactions. Purchase data is electronically transmitted from the point-of-sale to an automated clearing house for effecting fund transfers to prepare the purchase, and also to a commission management system. The commission management system maintains an electronic database reflecting the structure of the organizational network, and further determines the distribution of purchase commissions according to a predetermined schedule of proportions relating to the position and business volume of each member of the network. The commission management system further comprises a payment processor for effecting commission payments to the members or to a designated sponsor on a scheduled basis.

Automatically populating contact information fields of a contact information database, such as for instance an electronic address book is performed without requiring an individual to manually enter data for the contact. A message is sent to the newly added contact requesting that they fill in their contact information. When the individual is a member of a service filling in the contact information is automatable.

A computer-based system for recording, storing, and accessing clinical documentation in an acute care setting is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a single electronic database or repository for storing clinical patient notes, provides multiple points of read / write access via a user interface operating on one or more client computers that are in real-time communication with the repository.

A computer-based system comprising the following three components: (1) an electronic database that documents a governmental regulation and associates the regulation with a firm's interpretations and best practices for compliance therewith; (2) an electronic database that records descriptive information relating to a computer-based system and screening criteria to determine if the computer-based system being inventoried is covered by the governmental regulation; and (3) an electronic database that assesses whether the computer-based systems included in the inventory and covered by the regulation meet the criteria of compliance. Preferably, the computer-based system further comprises means for tracking actions taken to correct any deficiencies noted. This invention provides numerous benefits. One major benefit involves providing the capability to determine whether the computer-based systems of a firm comply with a governmental regulation. A second major benefit involves providing a means for remediating the computer-based system, if the assessment of the computer-based system indicates that the computer-based system does not meet the criteria of compliance. A third major benefit involves providing a means for tracking the status of any projects for remediating those computer-based systems that fail to comply with the regulation.

A method and apparatus for providing textual, audio and / or video information regarding a pet to a user comprising supplying an electronic database which database has stored textual, audio and / or video information data files representative of animal / pet behavior, animal / pet identification, animal / pet selection, animal / pet characteristics, animal / pet training, and animal / pet care, and combinations thereof, selecting one of the stored textual, audio and / or video information data files and outputting the information regarding an animal / pet to said user either in either a textual, audio or video form.