Abstract: A delta set information management device (delta device) stores full versions of files and updates such files based upon delta information. The delta device can be a web server running delta software. It can store original files as either seed files or node files in a tree structure and store modifications to seed files and node files based upon the time and identity of the entity (e.g., user or computer) that requested or made such modifications.

Abstract: A kiosk for providing footcare product recommendations comprises a base, a foot mat positioned in a recess in the base, a removable cover plate positioned over the recess for covering at least a portion of the foot mat, the cover plate comprising an opening leaving at least a portion of the foot mat uncovered, and one or more spacers located in the recess for positioning the foot mat in the recess.

Abstract: A pharmacy automation system having a robot having a hardware device and a software for internal mapping to perform simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided are various systems and processes for improving last-mile delivery of real-time, on-demand orders for perishable goods. In one aspect, a method is provided for aggregating on-demand deliveries using a depot dispatch protocol which may implement automated order transport and retrieval systems. The method comprises dispatching merchant couriers to transport on-demand orders from merchants to a merchant depot where the orders are aggregated and batched based on optimized delivery routes and destination proximities. Batches of orders are then transported to a customer depot corresponding to an area of delivery destinations. Orders are then assigned to delivery couriers for completion of delivery to customers. Such delivery routing systems and processes may be implemented alongside a delivery tracking system for generating estimated time of arrival predictive updates for real-time delivery of perishable goods.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic column setting device for an article vending machine. The device is for an article vending machine 1 including a column in an article storing shelf 13, to store articles arranged in a front-rear direction, and a dispensing mechanism 55 removably installed for the column in the shelf 13, to sequentially dispense the stored articles, the mechanism 55 is arbitrarily installable at a plurality of preset right and left positions in the shelf 13, and the automatic column setting device includes a motor presence/absence information preparing section 81 that detects an installation position of motor 61 in accordance with a connected state of motor 61, and a pattern extracting section 82 that determines a type and an installation position of the mechanism 55 in the shelf 13 based on presence/absence information of motor 61 that is detected by the motor presence/absence information preparing section 81.

Abstract: A system and method for locking a charging port to charge an electric vehicle that includes determining that the electric vehicle is located within a predetermined distance of a charging station and determining that the charging station issues parking citations associated with parking of the electric vehicle at the charging station without attachment of the charging port to the electric vehicle. The system and method also include determining charging of the electric vehicle and sending a command to enable a locking mechanism of the charging port to lock the charging port in place. The system and method further include completing user authentication with respect to an operator of the electric vehicle to disable the locking mechanism to ensure that the charging port is not detached by an unauthorized individual and that parking citations are not issued based on the parking of the electric vehicle at the charging station.

Abstract: A device includes a processor and memory storing a computer program that causes the processor to perform operations including (A) acquiring an address indicating a delivery destination of a package, and first attribute information indicating an attribute of a stopping position where an autonomous vehicle delivering the package stops at the delivery destination, (B) determining a side from which the package is to be unloaded at the delivery destination, out of a plurality of sides of the autonomous vehicle, based on the address and the first attribute information, and (C) outputting management information in which identification information for identifying the package is associated with the determined side.

Abstract: Various implementations provide context-based action recommendations based on an incoming communication. To provide the context-based action recommendation, a computing device collects information associated with a user that can be used to generate context information. Upon receiving an incoming communication, the computing device identifies various characteristics associated with the incoming communication. In turn, the computing device analyzes the context information, using the identified characteristics, to identify context information relevant to the incoming communication. Some implementations generate an action recommendation based on the identified context information such as a purchase transaction correlated with a monetary deposit and/or determining a biometric, or vital sign of the user, and notify the user of the action recommendation.

Abstract: The method for product selection comprises the steps of selecting a product among a plurality of options of different products, said selection being carried out by remotely signaling a label that represents the selected product; checking that no other selection has been detected; checking that the detected selection lasts longer than a predetermined period of time or more than a predetermined electromagnetic field strength; and dispensing the selected product if it has been verified that no other selection has been detected and if it has been verified that the selection lasts longer than said predetermined period of time and less than the predetermined electromagnetic field strength, or canceling the selection of the product if another selection has been detected or the detected selection lasts less than said predetermined period of time or is greater than the predetermined electromagnetic field strength.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for receiving, from a user device, a request to include financial data describing a financial account in an interface, the financial account being associated with a particular financial institution; identifying one or more metadata attributes for accessing the financial account associated with the particular financial institution; obtaining a public digital key associated with the financial institution; providing, to the user device, data describing the one or more metadata attributes and the public digital key associated with the financial institution; receiving, from the user device, respective values for the one or more metadata attributes, the corresponding values having been encrypted by the user device using the public digital key; and storing the encrypted values for the one or more metadata attributes for use in accessing and aggregating financial data describing the financial account.

Abstract: In the present invention, an image of a verification target medicine disposed on an arrangement unit is captured, prescription condition information indicating a prescription condition is acquired, an external force application unit is caused to execute an external force applying operation of applying an external force to the medicine disposed on the arrangement unit to move the medicine when an operation execution condition is satisfied, wherein the operation execution condition includes at least one of: a first operation execution condition that the number of the verification target medicines appearing in the image differs from the quantity of the medicines specified from the prescription condition information; and a second operation execution condition that a shape of the verification target medicine appearing in the image differs from a shape corresponding to a type of the medicine specified from the prescription condition information.

Abstract: A charging station for an electric vehicle determines that a first person is in proximity to the charging station and identifies whether the first person is a user of the charging station. In accordance with a determination that the first person is a user of the charging station, the charging station provides, using a first mode for selecting content for users of the charging station, first content for display. The charging station determines that a second person is in proximity to the charging station and identifies whether the second person is a user of the charging station. In accordance with the determination that the second person is not a user of the charging station, the charging station provides, using a second mode for selecting content distinct from the first mode for selecting content, second content for display. The second mode provides content for non-users of the charging station.

Abstract: Mobile vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. A consumer may view a list of products in the mobile vending machine using a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The consumer may summon the mobile vending machine to a location using the mobile device, and the mobile vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer receives a product from the mobile vending machine. The control unit may enable the mobile vending machine to autonomously travel to the location of the consumer.

Abstract: A system for displaying a plurality of objects is provided. The system includes at least one display case which houses the plurality of objects such that each of the plurality of objects is visible from outside of the at least one display case; a lighting system; an electronic display; and a control system which causes each of said plurality of objects to be successively displayed on the electronic display, and which manipulates the lighting system such that, while each of the plurality of objects is being displayed on the electronic display, the object being displayed is simultaneously highlighted in the at least one display case by the lighting system.

Abstract: Various exemplary outdoor payment terminals and methods of using outdoor payment terminals are provided. In general, data signals can be transmitted between a payment terminal configured to receive payment information from a customer and a point of sale (POS) configured to authorize the customer's payment and provide various commands, e.g., instructions, to the payment terminal. A payment terminal can include a translator configured to translate commands transmitted from the POS to the payment terminal so the payment terminal carries out the type of command requested by the POS but executes in a way that accounts for payment terminal functionality unknown to the POS.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods of securely transmitting account credentials, such as a token. A user device and application can initially select an account, and then obtain a transaction identifier associated with the account. The user device can provide the transaction identifier to a resource provider, which can then directly exchange the transaction identifier for the account credentials.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided that may enable an individual to retrieve one or more prescription products (e.g., product refills) from a self-service retrieval location such as a counter, drive-thru, drop box, or kiosk. The individual may identify a medical prescription, and a unique-machine readable code may be generated, wherein the code is associated with the medical prescription and a particular station at an identified retrieval location. The unique machine-readable code may be transmitted to a computing device of the individual, who may scan the code at particular station to retrieve one or more prescription products associated with the medical prescription.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for distributing articles, an order management system acquires an order for delivering articles, the articles to be delivered are transferred from an article store and the articles included in an order are order-picked into at least one mobile shelf unit shelf compartment. The mobile shelf unit is subsequently transported to a dispensing station including a first article storage region separated by a first separating wall and a customer access region and is brought into a handover position, in which the at least one shelf compartment is accessible via a closeable opening in the first separating wall. When an article dispensing system receives a request for picking up the articles by a person or a machine associated therewith, it uncovers the closeable opening if authorization exists for picking up the articles. Alternatively a loadings robot can load the articles to be delivered into the machine.

Abstract: A virtualized transaction terminal platform is provided. A transaction terminal is configured as a thin-client terminal. A virtualized transaction terminal (Virtual Machine (VM)) is instantiated remotely on a cloud or a server over a network connection. Peripherals connected to the thin-client terminal are mapped to virtual peripheral device drivers on the cloud or the server. Physical peripherals connected to the thin-client terminal are mapped inside the VM to the corresponding virtual peripheral device drivers. As transactions are initiated and physical peripherals are operated at the thin-client terminal, the transactions are processed by the VM and inputs/outputs from the physical peripherals are forwarded for processing by the corresponding virtual peripheral device drivers. A remote desktop (RD) agent on the thin-client terminal keeps states of the VM and virtual peripheral device drivers in synchronization with a peripheral display of the thin-client terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first controller including a plurality of contactors, each of the plurality of contactors configured to be selectively connected to a connector of a user interface, a plurality of electrical relays that are connected to the plurality of contactors, a second controller that is connected to the plurality of electrical relays, the plurality of electrical relays connected between the first controller and the second controller, and a user device or a network component that transfers control data to the second controller. The second controller controls the plurality of electrical relays to provide input to the first controller via the plurality of contactors based on the control data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for managing financial institution customer transaction accounts involves issuing a relationship presentment card with a relationship identifier unique to the customer that is linked to a plurality of the customer's financial institution transaction accounts via pre-defined parameters for determining to which of the customer's linked accounts to post particular transactions with the relationship presentment card. Thereafter, when data for a transaction with the card is received by a processing platform of the financial institution via a merchant acquirer and a card association processing network, the card processing platform of the financial institution identifies a particular financial institution account of the customer to which the transaction should be posted according to the pre-defined parameters based on the transaction data and posts the transaction to the identified financial institution account of the customer.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system and method for providing a communications network may include disposing a corresponding set of networked beacons associated with multiple machines positioned configured to provide consumer products to consumers. The beacons may communicate wireless signals with unique data respectively indicative of the networked beacons to a mobile device of a user locally positioned from any of the machines. The unique data may be associated with a local beacon, and cause an app being executed by the mobile device to communicate the unique data and receive content associated with the local beacon in response to the communication of the unique data.

Abstract: A control architecture for use with beverage product dispensers is provided. Instructions may be received at an interface module for performing one or more requested dispenser operations. The interface module may send the instructions to a dispense module. The dispense module may translate the instructions to predetermined commands associated with a dispenser. The one or more requested dispenser operations may then be performed based on the predetermined commands from the translated instructions.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispenser array includes a plurality of interconnected bins, wherein the bins include a housing having a bottom and an open top. A drawer is slidable into and out of the housing and includes an open top and a ticket compartment configured for receipt of a stack of the interconnected lottery tickets. A component section adjacent in the drawer is configured to automatically dispense the lottery tickets through a dispense slot upon receipt of a dispense command. Spaced-apart ticket guides are configured on an outer side of the bin bottom so as to extend through the open top and into the ticket compartment of the adjacent lower bin in the array. The ticket guides are configured to engage along at least side edges of the interconnected lottery tickets as they are dispensed or retracted relative to the ticket compartment.

Abstract: A lottery ticket dispensing system includes an array having bins that dispense a pack of scratch-off lottery tickets, wherein each ticket includes game play characters covered by a scratch-off coating. A pack code for each ticket pack is associated with a computer database file maintained by a central server that includes identification of some of the game play characters for each of the tickets in the pack and location of the pack. A display is in communication with the central server and, based on ticket location information from the central server, is configured to reveal to players the game play characters of at least certain ones of the scratch-off lottery tickets remaining in the array.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser utilizing a beverage dispensing valve including a movable valve activation device is provided. The beverage dispensing valve can move the valve activation device to a predetermined activation position to dispense a fluid in response to a control signal.

Abstract: A system including a network of article or service dispensing devices connected for two way communication with a central hub in which article or service selection requests are received from user's smart devices or from input units at the dispensing devices, dispensing devices suitable for use in the system, and a method of controlling transactions using the system. Capabilities include transmission of inventory and operational status information from the dispensing devices, verification that legal and commercial requirements for the desired transaction are met, providing information to tax authorities, and providing information to owners of or those maintaining the system on which to base stocking decisions, and to owners of brands available in dispensing devices from which targeted promotional materials can be selected, and delivered to a user while a transaction is in progress.

Abstract: A system and method for vending device inventory management is disclosed. The system and method may enable receiving vending data from a processing unit retrofitted with a vending machine controller (VMC) of a vending device. The vending data may be associated with one of a cash transaction or a cashless transaction. The system and method may enable analysing the vending data. The system and method may enable updating an inventory associated with the vending device and recommending a product or combination of products for refilling of the vending device based upon analysis of the vending data. The system and method may enable generating an updated planogram based on the updated inventory. The system and method may further enable displaying an updated planogram along with the product or combination of products recommended on a user device for enabling the user to refill the one or more products in the vending device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes initiating a vending session using an in-vehicle vending apparatus to provide a user access to one or more items, the vending session being initiated by determining that the user is associated with a ride. The method also includes determining that the vending session has ended, which may be determined by determining that the in-vehicle vending apparatus is closed, and determining the one or more items that were taken by the user. The method also includes identifying one or more items taken from the in-vehicle vending apparatus during the vending session based on sensor data from the in-vehicle apparatus. The method also includes sending a confirmation of the one or more items taken to the user.

Abstract: An embedded modem for a vehicle is provisioned by requesting confirmation of the modem configuration from a telematics server. A request is received over a vehicle bus from an electronic control unit (ECU) requesting confirmation of an ECU configuration assigned by the end-of-line systems. The embedded modem sends the request to the telematics server for confirmation, and reports a result from the telematics server to the ECU. A telematics server receives a request to provision an ECU from an embedded modem of a vehicle that was provisioned using the telematics server, forwards the request to a backend system configured to process the request, receives a response to the request from the backend server, and makes the response available to the embedded modem.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering medication to a patient has a cartridge loadable with a coiled strip of successively, physically linked medication-containing pouches. The cartridge is inserted into a delivery unit which has an advance mechanism which engages the strip and drives pouches successively out of the cartridge. Pouches are fed successively to an inspection mechanism and a separation station. At the inspection station indicia on successive pouches representing a medication schedule are inspected and compared and validated against a separately stored medication schedule recorded at the time the medication is packaged in the cartridge. A separation mechanism mounted at the separation station is used to separate a pouch at the leading end of the strip from the adjacent pouches. At a pouch exit, separated pouches are routed to a delivery zone.

Abstract: A universal vending machine closed-loop sales optimization device. The vending machine device may be configured to be installed within a vending machine, and be communicatively coupled with a vending machine controller. The vending machine device may be configured to receive data and transmit data.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for automatically refueling vehicles of authenticated customers of a retailer. After the vehicle driven by an operator is scanned at a refueling station of the retailer and identified as a vehicle associated with an authorized customer of the retailer, the operator and/or the operator's personal electronic device are scanned in order to verify that the operator of the authenticated vehicle is a customer of the retailer authorized to fill up his/her car at the refueling station of the retailer. When both the vehicle and the operator of the vehicle are authenticated and verified, a vehicle refueling device dispenses gasoline to fill up the gas tank of the vehicle.

Abstract: Controlled Payment Numbers (CPNs) which issue as a unique payment number for each transaction uniquely identify the transaction for matching the purchase and payment information. The issuance of the CPN is controlled by business rules which are designed to and effectively restrict the use of the CPN, such that if a user exceeds his authorization, a CPN is not issued. The business rules are set up according to a hierarchy of users. Further, a declining balance CPN is also provided.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for facilitating communication between a forecourt controller and a fuel dispenser. In certain aspects, a fuel controller translator is provided for translating commands transmitted between the forecourt controller and the fuel dispenser. For example, where the forecourt controller transmits commands that are compatible with the payment terminal, but not with the fuel controller, the fuel controller translator can translate the commands received from the forecourt controller into a format compatible with the fuel controller. Conversely, the fuel controller translator can translate commands received from the fuel controller into a format that is compatible with the forecourt controller.

Abstract: A system for medicine management includes: a terminal including an input unit for receiving the input of the types and quantities of medicines, a communication unit for transmitting the inputted information on the types and quantities of medicines to an electronic balance smart safe, a display unit for displaying the information on the types and quantities of medicines, and a control unit for controlling the overall operation; an electronic balance smart safe comprising a plurality of sensor units for sensing the weight of a medicine case, a communication unit for receiving the information on the types and quantities of medicines and transmitting to a server, a display unit for displaying the information on the types and quantities of the medicine cases, a control unit for controlling the opening and closing of the door; and a server for managing the electronic balance smart safe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring drug-regimen compliance is disclosed. Systems in accordance with the present invention enable automatic monitoring of the state of medicine content of a blister card. Each tablet location on the blister card is operatively coupled with a different sensor that detects whether the tablet location is occupied and/or a dispensing event at a tablet location. In some embodiments, capacitive sensing is employed, where the capacitance of each sensor is based on the physical state of a dispensing region of the lidding film of the blister pack, which is located at the tablet location being monitored. Alternative sensing approaches are based on optical, acoustic, and tactile sensors that interrogate either the dispensing region at each tablet location or the tablets themselves to determine whether tablets have been dispensed. The sensors interface with a mobile app that provides the user instructions to help improve drug-regimen compliance.

Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for dynamically modifying a user interface on a computing device of a point-of-sale (POS) system based on a merchant inventory. The user interface can include one or more icons corresponding to selectable items provided by the merchant, such as those available in the merchant inventory. A modification to the user interface can include an adjustment to a visual appearance of an icon and/or a replacement of an icon with another icon based on an analysis of the merchant inventory.

Abstract: A home beverage dispensing device for dispensing servings of a beverage, having a vessel for holding a volume of liquid. This vessel may be equipped with a refrigeration unit, or may be comprised of a removable pitcher that may be put in an external refrigerator. This invention is equipped with a radio communications controller to provide for the ability to communicate over radio frequencies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. A special disposable beverage cartridge or beverage pouch fits into the holder. This cartridge or pouch may have pressure rupturable seals or diaphragms and contain beverage concentrate. The mixing structure also receives the optionally chilled liquid from vessel for holding a volume of liquid, and ensures that the concentrate mixes with the liquid without contacting the walls of the mixing structure.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes displaying a plurality of fill group identifiers and a map on a user interface. Each fill group identifier represents a separate collection of products that are restocked as a group, and the map has a plurality of flags, each flag indicating the location of a product that needs to be restocked. A request is received through the user interface to set a restocking task for one of the fill groups. When the restocking task is completed, the user interface is updated so that the fill group identifier associated with the request is removed from the user interface and the flags for any products in the fill group associated with the request are removed from the map.

Abstract: A task-indicating shelf that includes a supporting surface for supporting one or more physical objects and one or more visual indicators associated with the shelf and indicative of a task to be performed with respect to the one or more physical objects is described. The task-indicating shelf includes a docking station electrically coupled to the one or more visual indicators and configured to receive a handheld device. Docking the handheld device within the docking station powers an electric circuit between the handheld device and the one or more visual indicators to selectively energize or de-energize the one or more visual indicators.

Abstract: A device for estimating a deleted fluid consumption during a deletion phase, where said device comprises: a collection module configured to collect: a) first consumption data comprising information about the consumption of fluid from n fluid meters coming from a first group, and b) second consumption data comprising information about the consumption of fluid from m fluid meters coming from a second group, a computer analysis module which is configured for calculating, as a function of the first and second consumption data weighting coefficients ?i minimizing the distance between the fluid consumptions of the first and second groups, where i is a positive integer included between 1 and m.

Abstract: Apparatus for vending physical products and/or digital content and methods of using such apparatus are described. In some embodiments, a traditional vending machine, such as a beverage vending machine, can be equipped with an electronic transfer device and a user or customer interface to allow the customer to select the desired digital content such that a consumer can download the content onto a user's portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, hand-held computer, or other media-playback device. In other embodiments, a vending machine can vend a portable electronic product after it has been loaded with the digital content selected by the user. In other embodiments, a vending machine could vend a customized CD or DVD containing the digital content selected by the consumer. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a financial transaction by determining a master account number associated with one or more accounts that a user may access, providing data to generate a user interface displaying a list of the accounts and an indicator associated with a financial transaction, receiving indicator information associating the indicator with one or more of the accounts, receiving terms for the financial transaction, and performing the financial transaction. The list of accounts may be expanded to view account information.

Abstract: Some embodiments are associated with wireless payment or account verification or authorization for purchases made from a vending machine via a customer's mobile device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring drug-regimen compliance is disclosed. Systems in accordance with the present invention enable automatic monitoring of the state of medicine content of a blister card. Each tablet location on the blister card is operatively coupled with a different sensor that detects whether the tablet location is occupied and/or a dispensing event at a tablet location. In some embodiments, capacitive sensing is employed, where the capacitance of each sensor is based on the physical state of a dispensing region of the lidding film of the blister pack, which is located at the tablet location being monitored. Alternative sensing approaches are based on optical, acoustic, and tactile sensors that interrogate either the dispensing region at each tablet location or the tablets themselves to determine whether tablets have been dispensed. The sensors interface with a mobile app that provides the user instructions to help improve drug-regimen compliance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dedicated pump controller apparatus for installation dedicated to and proximate a single fuel pump, comprising: at least one processor; data memory; and at least one fuel pump communications interface for communicating with said fuel pump. Further disclosed is a method for controlling fuel pumps using a dedicated pump controller comprising at least one processor and at least one data memory, comprising the steps of: installing a dedicated pump controller proximate to a single fuel pump; dedicating said dedicated pump controller to said single fuel pump; and communicating between said dedicated pump controller and said at least one fuel pump over at least one communications interface therebetween.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.

Abstract: A system for tracking attributes of an object includes a device having a substrate configured to couple to the object. The substrate supports a processor, memory, a first communication interface, and a power source. A node includes a sensor, and a second communication interface operable to communicate data from the sensor to the first communication interface of the device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may provide for determining, at runtime, one or more deviations of a peripheral device from a common interface based on one or more configuration files and translating one or more communications between the peripheral device and an application in accordance with the one or more deviations. In one example, a level of quality of a product dispensed by a system containing the peripheral device may be determined based on the communications. Moreover, a failure of the system may be predicted based on the communications.