Abstract: Examples provides sale-restricted items management for self-checkout. A list of sale-restricted items is displayed via a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by a user interface. A notification component transmits a notification to a user device associated with an authorized user to verify a transaction responsive to an unauthorized user selection of a sale-restricted item from the list of sale-restricted items displayed. The notification includes an identification of the selected sale-restricted item and location of the selected sale-restricted item. A verification component authorizes completion of the transaction associated with the selected sale-restricted item by the unauthorized user on condition an age verification is obtained from the user device associated with the authorized user. Responsive to the authorization, an unlocking signal is sent to a locking storage device storing the selected sale-restricted item.

Abstract: Techniques for generating a window of effectiveness are provided. A region of effectiveness for a scanner at a checkout kiosk is provided, wherein the region of effectiveness defines a volume where successful scans occur. It is determined that a first path of an item is outside the region of effectiveness. Feedback to change a path of the item to be within the region of effectiveness during a rescan of the item is outputted, using the checkout kiosk.

Abstract: A machine-learning system which utilizes neural networks and other machine learning concepts to automatically categorize a stream of data. Known financial data can be analyzed and trained as part of a machine learning system. Then, a new set of a financial data for a particular user can be analyzed and automatic determinations can be made whether the user is a small business or consumer, and what industry the user is in.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (2000) includes a product recognition unit (2020), a shelf label recognition unit (2040), and a determination unit (2060). The product recognition unit (2020) recognizes the number of types of products or positions of each type of products from a target image. The shelf label recognition unit (2040) recognizes the number or positions of shelf labels indicating information of the products from the target image. The determination unit (2060) determines whether or not there is an error in a relationship between the recognized number of types of products and the recognized number of shelf labels or in a relationship between the recognized positions of each type of products and the recognized positions of the shelf labels.

Abstract: Multiple different non-financial loyalty currencies held by different issuers are used by a consumer as financial tender for a transaction with a merchant. Each issuer pays to a primary issuer the financial currency value of the non-financial loyalty currencies being held in return for a corresponding reduction of the balance of non-financial loyalty currency. For each reduced balance, the primary issuer adds an equivalent primary loyalty currency to a primary loyalty account for the consumer. The primary issuer pays the merchant for the transaction in financial currency and makes an equivalent reduction in the balance of the primary loyalty currency. The financial value of each loyalty currency may be dependent upon its use in a transaction with a competitor of a merchant supplying loyalty currency to the consumer.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward a network-based venue management system comprising a venue management server and one or more location sensors coupled to a network. The sensors are arranged to detect the location of a customer within a venue, as the customer travels within the venue. The venue management server is arranged to receive location information from the sensors and to track the customer, providing real-time geo-location information to the customer and to venue staff.

Abstract: An example operation may include one or more of acquiring, by a retailer node, an inventory data from a supplier node over a blockchain network, receiving, by the retailer node, outstanding orders data of the supplier node, generating, by the retailer node, an order distribution policy based on the inventory data and the outstanding orders data, and executing a smart contract to order goods from the supplier node based on the ordering policy.

Abstract: Methods and systems of managing or reconciling location-based transactions are disclosed. At least a location attribute related to a virtual coupon is derived from a digital representation of a real-world scene captured at least in part by a mobile device. At least one virtual coupon is generated based on at least the location attribute, wherein the virtual coupon is related to a purchasable item associated with the real-world scene. A reconciliation matrix related to the purchasable item based on at least the location attribute is identified. A transaction for the purchasable item is reconciled among at least one vendor account and at least one consumer account according to the at least one virtual coupon and the at least one reconciliation matrix.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device includes a nest portion and a cradle portion. The nest portion includes one or more payment card or near field communication (NFC) readers. The cradle portion couples to differently-sized interchangeable frames, which in turn help secure a mobile computing device to the cradle portion of the POS device. The mobile computing device is connected via a connector to the rest of the POS device. Payment card information read by the readers is conveyed to the mobile computing device over the connector for processing. The POS device may also include tamper detection circuitry.

Abstract: Expedited transaction processing using a database of integrated in-store and online transactions is described. First transaction information associated with a first transaction conducted in a physical store of a merchant and second transaction information associated with a second transaction conducted via an online store of the merchant can be received. The first transaction can be processed based at least partly on the first transaction information and a record of the first transaction can be stored in the database. Based at least partly on the record, the second transaction can be processed using at least a portion of the second transaction information by (i) sending, to a card authorization service, the second payment information and (ii) generating an indication that the first payment information was authorized for the first transaction at the physical store. A computing device of the online store can be notified that the second transaction is allowed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful in retail store inventory storage and retrieval. Some embodiments provide systems, comprising: a rack system positioned above a dropdown ceiling and extending over the sales floor, and comprising: a plurality of racks, a rail system and the plurality of access passages; a plurality of unmanned vehicles; a plurality of access stations, wherein the access stations physically cooperate with one of the access passages; each rack comprises storage cells to receive a reusable tote; and wherein the central control circuit is configured to receive a request for a first product, identify a first access station, access the inventory tracking system to identify a first storage cell in which the first product is stored, identify an available unmanned vehicle, and communicate to the unmanned vehicle directing the unmanned vehicle to retrieve the tote and transport the tote to the first access station.

Abstract: An income analysis platform may receive information associated with employment-related activity of a user, wherein the employment-related activity is associated with an employment status of the user. The income analysis platform may analyze, using an employment analysis model, the information to determine the employment status of the user. The income analysis platform may determine, based on the information and using the employment analysis model, that there is a change in the employment status of the user. The income analysis platform may identify, based on the determined change in the employment status of the user, a service associated with a transaction account of the user. The income analysis platform may determine, based on the change in the employment status, that one or more terms of the service are to be adjusted. The income analysis platform may perform an action associated with adjusting the one or more terms of the service.

Abstract: A fully automated supply chain, in combination with tracking technology and the unified commerce engine (UCE) enables the exact location of every item (or each) to be tracked from the manufacturer's facility to a customer's bag. Eaches are tracked using the UCE as they move within and between one or more regional distribution centers and a market distribution center.

Abstract: Systems and methods for market-based financial settlement in an electric power grid are disclosed. At least one active grid element is constructed and configured in network communication with a settlement processor. The at least one active grid element participates in the electric power grid by consuming power, supplying power, and/or curtailing power to provide operating reserves and/or grid stability for the electric power grid. The at least one active grid element generates at least one kilowatt packet (KWP) unit based upon measured data for the participation in the electric power grid. The at least one active grid element transmits at least one IP-based settlement message to the settlement processor. The settlement processor provides a market-based financial settlement for the participation of the at least one active grid element based on the at least one KWP unit in real time or near real time.

Abstract: A speedy and efficient checkout process at a checkout counter in a store is realized by a deposit machine that receives deposited money from a customer and issues a pre-deposit receipt with which a pre-deposit amount is associated, and a POS register that scans a barcode of a commodity to calculate a checkout amount and reads a pre-deposit receipt to specify a pre-deposit amount. The POS register performs a checkout process for the checkout amount by using the pre-deposit amount, calculates, as change, a difference between the pre-deposit amount and the checkout amount, and causes a change machine to dispense money corresponding to the change.

Abstract: Methods and systems and computer-readable media are provided for dual optimization of pick walk and tote fill rates in order picking. Embodiments provide improved order picking speed and quality by optimizing pick routing with consideration of both proximity constraints and tote value constraints. Tote value constraints can include constraints on carrying capacity, volume, size in a particular dimension, or weight capacity.

Abstract: An interactive system and method allows customers to electronically place and pay for menu orders without wait staff intervention at food service establishments and which processes orders. The invention has at least one ordering device with data input, a display, and wireless communications, and one or more computer servers for processing menu orders and payments. The ordering devices and computer servers cooperatively utilize means for adding a menu item to an order from a list or entering a code; means for wirelessly transmitting orders to food preparation areas; means on a terminal and a mobile device to use cashless payment mediums; means for identifying the dining party leader; means for consolidating a customer's reward points; means for offering discounts and accepting coupons; means for pre-ordering menu items; means for reserving seating; means for accessing the internet from a terminal; and means for splitting orders for batch processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for market-based financial settlement of transactions within an electric power grid are disclosed. At least one active grid element is constructed and configured in Internet Protocol (IP)-based network communication with a settlement processor via at least one coordinator in real-time or in a predetermined timeframe. The at least one active grid element generates revenue grade metrology data based on measurement and verification for a participation of the at least one active grid element in the electric power grid. The at least one active grid element provides automated messaging to the settlement processor. The settlement processor provides a market-based financial settlement message based upon the revenue grade metrology data and a kilowatt packet (KWP) unit. The KWP unit provides a quantifying market rate for monetization for any unit of kilowatts with respect to time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity, and are compensated through settlement for their functional participation in the electric power grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for market-based financial settlement in an electric power grid are disclosed. A settlement processor is constructed and configured for IP-based communication with at least one active grid element via at least one coordinator. The at least one active grid element is registered with the at least one coordinator to participate within the electric power grid. The at least one coordinator tracks the at least one active grid element in the electric power grid. The at least one active grid element transmits at least one IP-based settlement message to the settlement processor via the at least one coordinator. The at least one IP-based settlement message comprises at least one kilowatt packet (KWP) unit, and the at least one KWP unit is based on measurement data for a participation of the at least one active grid element in the electric power grid.