Abstract: A computer-implemented process can be operated for entering and holding a place for a first customer in a queue while the first customer is waiting to be served at a retail store. The process includes, within a computerized processor, establishing a place in the queue for the first customer, wherein the queue operates to establish among a plurality of customers a customer currently being served by a store employee and an order in which other customers of the plurality will be served. The process further includes displaying upon a portable computerized device of the first customer an indication of a status of the first customer within the queue.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for using a mobile computing device corresponding to a user to purchase a product being offered for sale by a user includes, when the mobile computing device has selected an item indicating the product, obtaining item information related to the item. Item display data is generated based on the item information and transmitted to the mobile computing device. The item display data prompts the mobile computing device to display the item information and an operational input in a graphical user interface of the mobile computing device. A command is received in response to a prescribed number of actions input by the user to the operational input. The command causes a purchasing server to perform one or more operations.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system can comprise one or more processing modules and one or more non-transitory storage modules storing computing instructions configured to run on the one or more processing modules and perform acts. In some embodiments, the acts can comprise receiving a first item inventory level quantity for an item, storing the first item inventory level quantity at an inventory database, and comparing the first item inventory level quantity with a predetermined high threshold. In many embodiments, the acts further can comprise, when the first item inventory level quantity is less than the predetermined high threshold, transmitting a first Limited Stock Alert to an inventory cache, and at the inventory cache, storing a first inventory status corresponding to the first item inventory level quantity. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to incrementally updating a database in a production environment in a way that maintains data freshness and allows for high priority updates for critical changed values and regular updates for noncritical changed values in the database.

Abstract: An RFID tag is secured to an electrically-conductive object having an external peripheral edge where first and second non-coplanar sides of the object meet one another, wherein at least the first non-coplanar side comprises electrically-conductive material. By one approach the RFID tag is secured to the first non-coplanar side of the object at the external peripheral edge such that a first portion of the RFID tag's antenna proximally overlies an electrically-conductive portion of the first non-coplanar side of the object while a second portion of the RFID tag's antenna does not proximally overlie any electrically-conductive portion of the object. Determining the size of the first portion of the RFID tag's antenna that will overlie the first non-coplanar side of the object comprises tuning the capacitive coupling between the first portion of the RFID tag's antenna and the object to thereby achieve a desired range and/or degree of RFID tag performance.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to methods, systems, and computer program products for routing order lookups. Order data from order management system database is synchronized to an order cache. When an order lookup is received, a business layer determines if the cache can appropriately service the order lookup. If so, the business layer routes the order lookup to the cache. Otherwise, the business layer routes the order lookup to the order management system database. In some embodiments, order lookups configured to impact state of the order management system database (e.g., that write or change order data) are routed to the order management system database. In these same embodiments, order lookups configured to not impact state of the order management system database (e.g., that read order data) are routed to the cache.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for rule-based item classification. The methods include receiving, by a computing device, an item record for analysis. The computing device may determine ranked lists of item types using rule-based classifiers and machine learning-based classifiers. Then, the computing device may aggregate the ranked lists of item types to generate a combined ranked list of item types.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for service governance for distributed and cloud-based systems are described. In one implementation, a method extracts a plurality of service manifest files associated with a web service from a service artifact. The method also validates the plurality of service manifest files, and publishes the plurality of service manifest files in a service registry.

Abstract: A system and method includes selecting a product to be located in a retail store, obtaining a store map, the store map being indicative of a layout of the retail store, and presenting the store map overlaid with an icon and an initial navigation path on a graphical display of the mobile device, wherein the store map represents the retail store and the icon and the initial navigation path are positioned overlaid on the map to designate a physical location of the product, and suggesting at least one product on-route of the initial navigation path, adjusting the initial navigation path to include the at least one suggested product, and presenting the initial navigation path and the adjusted navigation path positioned overlaid on the store map to the mobile device for display.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method of managing inventory performed by a processor includes receiving in a digital or analog format, from a first computing device, a first request for first radio frequency identification (RFID) tag data associated with a first plurality of RFID tags and receiving in a digital or analog format, from a second computing device, a second request for second RFID tag data associated with a second plurality of RFID tags. In response to the first request and the second request, the method further includes automatically selecting a selected one of a first interrogation mode and a second interrogation mode based on the first request and the second request, and automatically transmitting configuration information to an RFID reader to operate in the selected interrogation mode.

Abstract: Example systems and methods that rank search results based on color are described. In one implementation, a method receives a product search query from a user and identifies a reference to a color in the product search query. The product search query is executed to identify multiple products. The method further identifies references to the color in a title or a description of each of the multiple products. A ranking of the multiple products is created by increasing the ranking of products that include a reference to the color in the title or the description.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing notifications and other communications to a customer based on the customer's proximity to a checkout register at a store. A mobile electronic device with mobile self checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The mobile self checkout software may present information to the customer according to the customer's position in the checkout line. The type and nature of the information presented to the customer may be changed according to the customer's distance from the checkout terminal as well as how quickly the customer is approaching the terminal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide transportation management systems, devices and methods that allow display and management of transportation resources and operations in an integrated manner. Exemplary embodiments may provide, for example, a single dynamic and interactive interface for executing inbound transportation operations (procurement or pickup), outbound transportation operations (delivery or shipment), and operations in which multiple transportation resources are matched to one another.

Abstract: Example systems and methods that rank search results based on color are described. In one implementation, a method receives a product search query from a user and identifies a reference to a color in the product search query. The product search query is executed to identify multiple products. The method further identifies references to the color in a title or a description of each of the multiple products. A ranking of the multiple products is created by increasing the ranking of products that include a reference to the color in the title or the description.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for restricting access to a network, the system comprising a monitoring module configured to be coupled to a plurality of network access points and to monitor transmissions to the network via a plurality of network security appliances, and a blocking module, where the monitoring module is further configured to identify a potential bad actor based on a transmission from the potential bad actor to the network via a first one of the plurality of network access points and a first one of the plurality of network security appliances and provide information related to the potential bad actor to the blocking module, and where the blocking module is configured to confirm that the potential bad actor should be blocked and in response, to automatically configure each network security appliance to block the potential bad actor from accessing the network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a first item signal to an augmented reality device worn by a consumer within the retail store. The first item signal corresponds to one of the plurality of items. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more movement signals from the augmented reality device worn by the consumer corresponding to movement of the consumer. The method also includes the step of changing, with the processing device, from transmitting the first item signal to transmitting a second item signal different from the first item signal in response to the step of receiving the one or more movement signals.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method can comprise receiving a request from a client device to join a wireless local area network in a store, allowing the client device to connect to a router of the wireless local area network, and using a portion of an address of the router to identify the store. The method can comprise determining one or more taxes based on a location of the store and receiving a selection from a user through the wireless local area network of one or more selected items from one or more available items. The method can further comprise determining a price for each of the one or more selected items based at least in part on the portion of the address of the router and calculating a tax for each one of the one or more selected items based at least in part on the portion of the address of the router. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of system and method for catalog image generation include a method. The method comprises, while a first person is using a mobile device to scan an item in a store, capturing one or more first images of the item from the mobile device and selecting one of the one or more first images. In the method can further comprise uploading the one of the one or more first images to an online catalog for the store and providing instructions to display the one of the one or more first images to a second person. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method. The method can comprise receiving form a user a request to stock an item at a store at a location. In many embodiments, the method can include updating a product wish list for the store by at least one of adding the item to the product wish list for the store at the location, or increasing a count for the item on the product wish list for the store at the location, if the item is already on the product wish list. The method can further comprise ordering the item and offering the item for sale at the store at the location. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Ranking search results based on color including evaluating whether a color term in a search query was intended to identify an actual color and returning different search results based on that determination. When an actual color was intended, an initial product ranking is updated based on color similarity of the product. In some embodiments, a color similarity score is calculated using a color difference formula, a cosine similarity measurement is determined of a cosine of an angle between a query vector and a title vector, and the color is considered to have been intended to identify the actual color when the cosine similarity measurement is less than a threshold value. In particular embodiments, the query vector includes individual terms of the search query and a number of occurrences of each individual term. Different embodiments include computer implemented systems and methods.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include: identifying a first consumer location of a consumer; identifying a first limited irregular product group associated with the first consumer location; and receiving a selected limited irregular product type of one or more first limited irregular product types. The first limited irregular product group can have the first limited irregular product type(s). Further, an irregular product group can have multiple irregular product types, the multiple irregular product types can have the one or more first limited irregular product types, a master product group can have multiple product types, and the multiple product types can have multiple regular product types and the multiple irregular product types. The multiple irregular product types can satisfy at least one irregularity parameter distinguishing the multiple irregular product types from the multiple regular product types. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a number of bags used in a purchase is disclosed. A method can comprise receiving a transmission indicating an intention by a consumer to purchase an item. Information about the item is retrieved from a database. The information about the item is associated with the consumer in a transaction. The number of bags used for the transaction is estimated. The estimation can be created using the weight and volume of a transaction. The estimation can also take into consideration the fragility, crushability, temperature-sensitivity, or cross-contamination possibility of the item. The estimated number of bags is forwarded to a mobile device. The estimated number of bags is used to determine the likelihood of unpurchased items being taken by the consumer. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting sales is presented. A transmission by a customer is received indicating an intention for a customer to purchase an item from a retailer via a mobile device. An embodiment determines if the item is subject to an age-restriction. This can be accomplished by using location data of a retailer. Biometric data is received from the customer intending to purchase the item. The biometric data is compared to verified biometric data to confirm the identity of the customer. The age of the customer is determined. Thereafter, the transaction is allowed to proceed if the age of the customer satisfies the age-restriction for the item. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Item movement is determined via wireless tracking using RFID data from at least one RFID reader. The RFID data associates RFID tag information with each antenna of the RFID reader that receives the tag information. At least one processor is configured to identify a first appearance of unique tag information in the RFID data. Items may be grouped when their first appearance in RFID data and their antenna association indicates that they first appear in a location within a predetermined amount of time, as indicated by RFID data, and/or when they have all moved from a previous location within a predetermined amount of time, as indicated by different RFID data. A group designation comprises the relevant unique tag information, which may be stored in memory along with a time stamp.

Abstract: A system and method for grouping units for forecasting purposes is presented. A plurality of stock keeping units (SKUs) is presented to an embodiment. Initial medoids are chosen based on a vertex within a set of vertices, each of which represent a SKU. Then, each vertex within the set of vertices is associated with its closest medoid to form initial clusters. There can be a cap on the number of vertices in each cluster. Thereafter, an iterative algorithm is performed wherein a probability is assigned to each vertex. One or more vertices are randomly chosen, with the weights of the vertices weighting the random choice. The chosen one or more vertices are moved to another cluster. The algorithm is performed until no further improvements result from moving one or more vertices to another cluster. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for grouping units for forecasting purposes is presented. A sales forecast for a set of stock keeping units (SKUs) is desired. The SKUs are separated into clusters based on the similarity of the SKUs. Then a set of Bayesian multivariate dynamic linear models is chosen to be ‘21retfgvd5xzrtfgvbyhsdcused to calculate a sales forecast for each of the clusters of SKUs. The accuracy of each dynamic linear model is determined in a training procedure and a set of weights for each dynamic linear model is calculated. Thereafter, the weights can be used with the dynamic linear models to create a weighted average forecast model. The training procedure can be run periodically to maintain the accuracy of the weights. Each procedure can operate on a sliding window of data. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating demand forecasts is presented. Sales data for a set of SKUs is received. The sales data is filtered to contain only data for low-selling SKUs. A set of clusters of SKUs is created. A generalized dynamic linear model for use with each cluster in the set of clusters is generated. A set of random data points is generated. The dynamic linear model is fitted at each data point in the set of random data points using a Monte Carlo method. This fitting can be performed using an unscented Kalman filter method. Calculating a forecast for sales based on the fitting at each data point. Using the forecast for sales, inventory is ordered. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting the sales of a new item, i.e., one with no historical sales data, is presented. Two matrices are presented, a feature matrix and a sales matrix. The matrices are divided into training matrices and prediction matrices. The training matrices are decomposed, then regression analysis is performed to determine the weight of various columns of the training feature matrix. Thereafter, the weights could be used on the training prediction matrix to predict sales. The sales predictions can be used to order SKUs for a retailer or distributor. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for tuning an item classification. In one aspect, a method may include receiving, by a computing device, a classification request. The computing device may determine an item type of the item using a plurality of classifiers, and generate information of item type determination corresponding to the item. In response to a determination that a confidence score associated with the determined item type is less than a predetermined threshold, the computing device may provide the information of item type determination for analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and computer program products for incrementally updating a large key-value store can include a computer-implemented method of updating a master database comprising refreshing a refresh set of oldest entries in the master database, merging an emergency set of entries in an emergency database into the master database, and deleting the emergency set of entries from the emergency database. In some embodiments, the computer-implemented method can further comprise merging a changed set of entries in a changed database into the master database and deleting the changed set of entries from the changed database. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to maintaining an item inventory status at an inventory cache management system. The inventory cache may be refreshed regularly by a threshold-based triggering mechanism. In embodiments, as item inventory breaches certain thresholds, the inventory cache may be refreshed with increased frequency to mitigate overselling or underselling scenarios and reduce overall network traffic for items having relatively high inventory levels.

Abstract: A system and method for forecasting sales is presented. A method might begin by receiving a request to produce a demand forecast for a stock keeping unit (SKU). Then, the SKU is placed in one or more clusters. A cluster seasonality profile is calculated for each of the one or more clusters. An item seasonality profile is calculated for the SKU. Then the demand forecast for the SKU is generated. The demand forecast is adjusted using the cluster seasonality profile for each of the one or more clusters and the item seasonality profile for the SKU. Then inventory can be ordered based on the adjusted demand forecast. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A system and method for post-processing demand forecasts is presented. A forecast for a set of stock keeping units (SKUs) is received. Thereafter, a series of adjustments is are performed on the forecast. One adjustment involves determining how often orders are fulfilled by a drop ship vendor and adjusting a forecast to adjust for the fact that a portion of the forecast will never need to be ordered and stored at the retailer's warehouses. Another adjustments involves determining if there is a parent SKU the contains multiple child SKUs and adjusting accordingly. Another adjustment involves determining in there are any bundle SKUs that could be added to an individual SKU's forecast. Another adjustment involves adjusting a forecast based on a special buy. Another adjustment involves removing possibly dead items. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method and system for real-time monitoring of processes to obtain job data of jobs running on different non-compatible platforms with a Java monitoring agent, then saving, reporting and making the job data available at any time for viewing by a system administrator on a single display monitor.

Abstract: A method for providing an item suggested by a retailer to a user prior to an upcoming transaction at a point of sale terminal includes detecting a presence of the user at an item impulse device in a facility of retailer, wherein the item impulse device is located proximate to the point of sale terminal. When the presence of the user is detected at the item impulse device and prior to the upcoming transaction a purchase history of the user and one or more items the user currently possesses are obtained. The item suggested the retailer for the user to purchase is determined based on at least one of the purchase history and the one or more items the user currently possesses. A notification indicating the item suggested by the retailer is generated and provided to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a display and one or more user-assertable surfaces. When asserted by a user, such a surface selectively couples a corresponding near-field RFID tag to a far-field component such that information stored by the near-field RFID tag is transmitted via the far-field component. The display, in turn, presents at least some information that the apparatus receives via an RFID transceiver. Depending upon the design this RFID transceiver can be the same as the aforementioned near-field RFID tag or can comprise a different RFID tag (such as but not limited to a far-field RFID tag). By one approach the aforementioned user-assertable surfaces comprise discrete push buttons. When the far-field component comprises a far-field antenna, asserting such a push button can serve to place the corresponding near-field RFID tag into operable proximity to the far-field antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for classifying records, such as product records, using a machine learning algorithm. After training a classification model according to a machine learning algorithm using an initial training set, records are classified and high confidence classifications identified. Remaining classifications are submitted to a crowdsourcing forum that validates or invalidates the classifications or marks them as to unclear to evaluate. Invalidated classifications are automatically analyzed to identify one or both of classification values and categories having a high proportion of invalidated classifications. Requests are transmitted to analysts to generate training data that is added to the training set. The process of classifying records and obtaining crowdsourced validation thereof may then repeat.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a sandwich carrier handle and carrier for transporting a sandwich, including a plurality of wall portions hingedly joined at a plurality of fold lines. The plurality of wall portions are configured and dimensioned to fold at the plurality of fold lines to form a structure which wraps around the sandwich carrier. The exemplary sandwich carrier handle includes a first end including a first handle portion and a second end including a second handle portion. The first and second handle portions are configured and dimensioned to releasably interlock. The exemplary sandwich carrier handle includes a first open end and an opposing open end of the structure configured and dimensioned to permit the passage of the sandwich carrier therethrough. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to a method of transporting a sandwich carrier.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for efficiently processing a large number of records. In the method, a computer system may obtain a plurality of records and count the number of records thereof corresponding to each block of a plurality of blocks. The computer system may also identify a plurality of partitions corresponding to selected blocks of the plurality of blocks. Each partition of the plurality of partitions may be substantially uniform in processing time. The computer system may then distribute a workload associated with a block or partition to each node of a plurality of nodes contained within the computer system. Each node may then process the block or partition in parallel such that each node completes the processing within a selected period of time.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include identifying consumer product locations of multiple consumer products, determining a consumer health code based on health profile information of a consumer, and determining consumer product information to communicate to the consumer. Determining consumer product information to communicate to the consumer can include identifying a consumer location of the consumer and determining the consumer product information based on at least (i) the consumer health code and (ii) the consumer location relative to at least two of the consumer product locations. The method further can include communicating to the consumer the consumer product information. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include identifying consumer product locations of multiple consumer products and determining consumer product information to communicate to a consumer. Determining consumer product information to communicate to a consumer can include identifying a selection of a consumer product by the consumer and responsive to the identifying, identifying a consumer location of the consumer and determining the consumer product information for the consumer product selected by the consumer based on at least (i) health profile information of the consumer and/or health profile information of a consumer affiliated entity of the consumer and (ii) the consumer location relative to at least two of the consumer product locations. The method further can include communicating to the consumer the consumer product information for the consumer product selected by the consumer. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include determining a consumer health code based on health profile information of a consumer, and determining consumer product information to communicate to the consumer. Determining consumer product information to communicate to the consumer can include identifying a consumer location of the consumer, identifying one or more geographic regions corresponding to the consumer location of the consumer, identifying one or more regional health characteristics associated with the one or more geographic regions, and determining the consumer product information based on at least (i) the consumer health code and (ii) the one or more regional health characteristics. The method further can include communicating to the consumer the consumer product information. Other embodiments of related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method. The method can include determining consumer product information to communicate to a consumer. Determining consumer product information to communicate to the consumer can include identifying a selection of a consumer product by the consumer and responsive to the identifying, identifying a consumer location of the consumer, identifying one or more geographic regions corresponding to the consumer location of the consumer, identifying one or more regional health characteristics associated with the one or more geographic regions, and determining the consumer product information for the consumer product selected by the consumer based on at least (i) health profile information of the consumer and/or health profile information of a consumer affiliated entity of the consumer and (ii) the one or more regional health characteristics. The method further can comprise communicating to the consumer the consumer product information.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. A customer may pair their mobile electronic device with a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the customer.

Abstract: A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for helping customers select lesser congested checkout lanes. A cashier can adjust a user-interface control to indicate customer congestion at his or her checkout lane. The indicated customer congestion is combined with indicated customer congestions for other checkout lanes (which may be more or less congested). The combined indicated customer congestions are used to form a lane congestion report for a physical store location. The lane congestion report can be sent to and presented at customer mobile devices at or near the physical store location. Customers can use the information presented in the lane congestion report to select a lesser congested checkout lane.

Abstract: A system for computer-aided visual recognition of products may help a customer navigate to a selected product in a retail store. A customer can direct a mobile computing device camera at one or more targeted products displayed on store shelves. Image recognition operations can be carried out to compare the targeted product image(s) against images from a prepopulated product image store of known products. Upon a positive match, shelf location information of the identified targeted product(s) may be used to determine the current location of the customer. An in-store destination location is defined by the shelf location for the selected product. A route may be calculated to navigate the customer from the current location to the destination location.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for efficiently processing records with unseen data. In the method, a computer system may obtain a plurality of records and a decision tree generated in a learning process. The decision tree may include a distinction node having multiple paths extending therefrom. After arriving at the distinction node with one or more records, the computer system may determine that the one or more records correspond to data of a type not seen by the distinction node in the learning process. Thereafter, the computer system may depart the distinction node via each of the multiple paths and eventually reach multiple leaf nodes of the decision tree. Each of the multiple leaf nodes may correspond to a probability distribution. Accordingly, the computer system may combine the probability distribution of each of the multiple leaf nodes to obtain a hybrid probability distribution corresponding to the one or more records.

Abstract: A method including receiving, from a mobile device, a payment method and a payment amount. The method also can include validating the payment amount. The method additionally can include generating a gift card for the payment amount. The gift card can include a gift card identifier. The method further can include sending the gift card identifier to the mobile device. The method additionally can include facilitating displaying the gift card identifier on the mobile device. The gift card can be devoid of being generated as part of a gift-card purchase transaction. Other embodiments are provided.