Abstract: A method for distributed inventory management includes receiving information regarding a number of participants in a value chain and information regarding one or more items relevant in the value chain. The method also includes modeling relationships between two or more of the participants based on the received information and modeling the one or more items based on the received information. The method further includes receiving inventory data from the participants relating to the one or more items, evaluating the received inventory data according to one or more business rules associated with an agent, executing a business process associated with the agent based on the evaluation of the inventory data and the models of the relationships and the items, and communicating output of the business process to one or more of the participants.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dispensing of product is provided. The apparatus may include a dispenser sensor unit in communication with a dispenser that is configured for the dispensing of product. The dispenser sensor unit may be configured for detecting information about the product and for varying a dispensing parameter of the dispenser. A data communications unit in communication with the dispenser sensor unit may also be provided and may be configured for receiving information from the dispenser sensor unit. A washroom monitoring station in communication with the data communications unit may also be present and may be configured for receiving information from the data communications unit. The dispenser sensor unit may be configured for receiving a communication so as to vary a dispensing parameter of the dispenser.

Abstract: A novel vending machine system integrating a food storage container and a high speed stored energy cooking oven capable of cooking foods in under one minute such as that further described by U.S. Provisional Application 60/822,028 filed on Aug. 10, 2006 as well as co-pending application “Wire Mesh Thermal Radiative Element and Use in a Radiative Oven” filed on Dec. 30, 2008 by De Luca. The invention disclosing a novel configuration for the oven incorporating storage, a system allowing for the proper cooking of items and food positioning, an activation system, and an invoicing system.

Abstract: A customizable gift card that may be designed using a plurality of design templates that have modifiable fields and layouts. The gift cards may be designated for use at one or more stores based on contract arrangements between the stores and a vendor of the gift card. The gift card may be adapted to be used exclusively at the designated stores. At least one template field of at least a portion of a plurality of design templates is modifiable by a customer based on a vendor based rule set. A user provided photo is printed on the gift card and is selected by the user from either a digital photo album on the Internet, one or more user provided photos inputted via a scanner, or one or more user provided photos stored on a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: A customizable gift card that may be designed using a plurality of design templates that have modifiable fields and layouts. The gift cards may be designated for use at one or more stores based on contract arrangements between the one or more stores and a vendor of the gift card. The gift card may be adapted to be used exclusively at the one or more designated stores. A point of sale terminal such as a kiosk may be used to reduce shelf space and provide a greater variety of gift card design options to a customer.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) (10) includes a display device (14), an input device (16), a cash acceptor (22), and a cash dispenser (24). The ATM also has access to a network, such as the Internet. The ATM enables a user thereof to make online purchases of goods and to receive from the user a cash payment for the purchase through a cash acceptor. The ATM administrator pays the merchant who supplies the goods. An ATM may be operative to also dispense purchased digital content and/or gift certificates. Purchased goods may also be hand delivered to an indicated address. The ATM may be further operative to charge a user fee for transactions.

Abstract: A method of creating customized beverage products includes providing a multiple stream filing system suited for producing an array of beverage products. The method also includes receiving an order for a customized beverage product from the array of beverage products. The order indicates at least one characteristic of the customized beverage product. The at least one characteristic comprises one or more of the following: a beverage formulation, a beverage additive, a package size, a package shape, or label content. The method further includes instructing the multiple stream filling system to produce the customized beverage product. The multiple stream filing system produces the customized beverage product without performing an operation to reduce contamination of the customized beverage product with ingredients from a previously produced beverage product.

Abstract: A service server comprising: a database for registering a voice message; an access information issuing device which issues access information required for inputting the voice message from a user terminal through a network; a print instructing device which sends the access information to a printer along with a given picture to cause the printer to print the access information and the picture on the same print medium; an access information input device in which access information obtained on a user terminal is inputted from the user terminal through the network on the basis of the print medium; a voice message input device in which a voice message is inputted through the network from a user terminal sending the access information; a voice message registration device which registers the voice message inputted from the user terminal sending the access information in the database in association with the access information; and a voice message output device which outputs the voice message registered in the data

Abstract: A device having user-selectable content includes a storage having the capacity to store pre-loaded content and a controller. The controller is operative to manage access to the pre-loaded content, by way of limiting the access to a user-selected portion of the pre-loaded content. The controller limits access subject to and performed according to an indication of an initial purchase transaction. Also provided is a controller that includes a processing unit and an interface to a memory. The processing unit is operative to manage access to pre-loaded content stored on the memory.

Abstract: A personalized blister pack (20) for the automated packaging of an individually defined product composition, particularly drugs, of a defined person, particularly a patient, for a defined time period comprises a plurality of receiving compartments (22), each closed by a film (25), for the products of the product composition, wherein the receiving compartments (22) are each associated with a defined usage time within the defined time period and disposed in matrix form, comprising a number of lines for usage days and columns for usage times during the day, and a memory device (50) for storing the usage data of the products of the product composition of the defined person for the defined time period, comprising a device (58) for generating a usage reminder signal as a reminder of a defined product usage time based on the stored usage data.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for planning an arrangement of beverage equipment on a virtual surface or counter. The system allows a user to create a virtual surface of chosen dimension (32) and then select one or more beverage machines (36) to place on that surface while verifying that there is sufficient open space for the selected beverage machine (38). Also disclosed is a method of determining projected profit (48) based on the selection of beverage machines, entered values related to costs, and entered values related to serving size and pricing. The system reports on projected profits and/or how long the equipment needs to be operated to pay off the equipment's cost.

Abstract: One method embodiment herein inputs a package size and a package wrap pattern. The method calculates a sheet size corresponding to the package size, and prints the sheet of package wrap. The sheet of package wrap has the package wrap pattern and can have fold markings corresponding to corners of the package. The sheet of package wrap has dimensions equal to the sheet size.

Abstract: A candy vending machine that manufactures candy tablets from candy powder by a process that is visible to a customer. A feed tube is filled with candy powders of different flavors and colors from candy powder containers by the action of motorized augers. A tableting machine receives candy powder from the feed tube to compress the candy powder into candy tablets. One or more flavor selection buttons signal a computer system to activate the candy powder containers to transfer the candy powder to the feed tube, to deliver the candy powder from the feed tube to the tableting machine, and to deliver the candy tablets to a tablet chute. The tablet chute delivers the candy tablets to a candy tablet container provided to a customer. Sensing mechanisms determine the presence of the candy powder in the candy powder containers and in the feed tube.

Abstract: System and method of dispensing disc-based media and other consumer products. A user can interact with an automated business system to select disc-based media for rental and/or purchase. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the interior of the automated business system and dispense the selection through a port to the user. The automated business system can retrieve the selection from the port in a return process.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: One method embodiment herein inputs a package size and a package wrap pattern. The method calculates a sheet size corresponding to the package size, and prints the sheet of package wrap. The sheet of package wrap has the package wrap pattern and can have fold markings corresponding to corners of the package. The sheet of package wrap has dimensions equal to the sheet size.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for creating customized, multimedia greeting cards via a kiosk. Template data, associated with greeting card templates, and multimedia data files are first stored in an associated data storage. Indicia are then generated on an associated display corresponding to the greeting card templates. Selection data is received corresponding to a selected greeting card template and a multimedia file is associated with the selected greeting card template. Customization data corresponding to user selected content associated with the selected greeting card template is then received. A greeting card output is thereafter generated in accordance with the received selection data, customization data, and the associated multimedia data file.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a first product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza crust product, a second product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza topping product, and an information processing apparatus coupled to the first product dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit. The information processing apparatus is configured for facilitating input and processing of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The first product dispensing unit is a frozen product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza crust product to be selectively dispensed. The second product dispensing unit is a refrigerated product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza topping product to be selectively dispensed. The information processing apparatus includes an user interface arrangement, an order processing arrangement and a kit component management arrangement.

Abstract: An electronic device for packet boxes includes a processor programmed to assign users to groups of users and a control system capable of managing the possibilities of access to functions of the device on the basis of the user's membership to the user groups.

Abstract: The present invention enables relatively easy animation display without requiring a special resource, and facilitates easy generation of the animation. When an image to be displayed as animation is constructed with a background, leg, body and head, these images are distributed as a layer. For each layer, a timing schedule is set with attribute data which includes display update timing and display effects. According to the schedule, display for each layer is updated at the scheduled timing.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a first product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza crust product, a second product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza topping product, and an information processing apparatus coupled to the first product dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit. The information processing apparatus is configured for facilitating input and processing of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The first product dispensing unit is a frozen product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza crust product to be selectively dispensed. The second product dispensing unit is a refrigerated product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza topping product to be selectively dispensed. The information processing apparatus includes an user interface arrangement, an order processing arrangement and a kit component management arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing individualized dosage forms of medicines, vitamins, mineral supplements and nutraceuticals in capsule or liquid form. The invention also relates to a system for preparing individualized dosage forms in which a processor is configured to identify a medicament formulation for an individual patient's dosaging needs and communicates this formulation information to a dispensing station where a capsule or a formulation of pellets of small diameter size for reconstitution into a liquid or semi-solid is formed that is specific to the individual's dosaging needs.

Abstract: Automatic flower-selling equipment comprises a housing including a casing having a selecting partial unit situated thereon and defining a storage space suitable for storing and protecting flowers, a bearing unit situated in the storage space for displaying flowers, a moving unit connected to the bearing unit, and a control unit connected to the moving unit. The control unit is connected to the selecting partial unit, and the bearing unit has a supporting column rotatably attached to the housing and supporting structures attached at different vertical positions to the supporting column. The supporting structures have a supporting tray suitable for supporting flowers and several separating sheets dividing the supporting trays into parts, and at least one delivery door each delivery door being connected to a delivery outlet for removing chosen flowers.

Abstract: The business method according to the present invention concerns with spatially distributed configurable vending machines and their network, especially those which produce FMCG products, like beverages, hot drinks, cocktails, soups, soaps, perfumes, etc. The configurable vending machine can produce products in different phase, proportion, appearance, look and feel, etc. regarding its configuration set up. The different configurations are generally called recipe, formula which are stored in files in Internet servers. These files can be accessed by authorized persons, who can modify, delete, create new and share with other authorized users via an Internet based online community portal. The invention describes how the configurable vending machines and its network can be managed and the communication among consumers, resellers and franchise owner.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a first product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza crust product, a second product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza topping product, and an information processing apparatus coupled to the first product dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit. The information processing apparatus is configured for facilitating input and processing of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The first product dispensing unit is a frozen product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza crust product to be selectively dispensed. The second product dispensing unit is a refrigerated product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza topping product to be selectively dispensed. The information processing apparatus includes an user interface arrangement, an order processing arrangement and a kit component management arrangement.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for making paints from prepaints, along with a method related thereto.

Abstract: A method for producing unique and personalized pieces of mail, including integrating envelope production with the production of the documents for insertion within the envelopes. The machine for producing the pieces of mail includes a device for producing, from the same width of paper, both the documents and the envelopes designed to contain the documents. A longitudinal cutting device cuts the documents to the correct width and forms the flaps of the envelopes. A transverse cutting device separates the documents from the envelopes and cuts them to the correct length. A device assembles the documents with the corresponding envelope. A gluing and folding device closes the envelope while a central processing unit regulates at least the cutting devices, according to the number and format of the documents, and the stuffed envelopes to be produced.

Abstract: A method of task and memory assistance using a mobile communication device can include storing a profile of a user and determining a task to be performed by the user based on the user profile. The method can also include notifying the mobile communication device of the task. The method can further include providing sensory indicators in an increasing order of intervention until an acknowledgement is received from user, or for a predetermined number of notifications.

Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

Abstract: A customizable gift card that may be designed using a plurality of design templates that have modifiable fields and layouts. The gift cards may be designated for use at one or more stores based on contract arrangements between the one or more stores and a vendor of the gift card. The gift card may be adapted to be used exclusively at the one or more designated stores. A point of sale terminal such as a kiosk may be used to reduce shelf space and provide a greater variety of gift card design options to a customer.

Abstract: A vending system for personalized pet collars. The vending system allows a user to conveniently personalize pet collars with letter, number, and design charms. The user may select a pet collar along with any charms. The user may also select the placement of each charm so that letter and number charms may be combined to indicate the pet's name or the pet owner's phone number and/or address.

Abstract: An automatic manufacturing-vending machine for sandals according to the present invention comprises a sole housing portion housing a plurality of soles for sandals according to a plurality of sizes, an upper housing portion housing a plurality of uppers for sandals according to a plurality of sizes, a size selecting portion for a user to select a desirable size of soles and uppers, a size selecting portion for a user to select a desirable size of soles and uppers, a compensation paying portion for a user to pay compensation for manufacturing and vending desirable sandals, an attaching mechanism portion for attaching uppers desired by a user to soles desired by the user, and a sandal ejecting portion for ejecting sandals formed by attaching the uppers to the soles by the attaching mechanism portion into a takeout opening from which a user can take out the same, and these are housed in a housing.

Abstract: A nutrition dispenser (100) for producing doses of nutrition and/or medication and a method for producing the doses with the help of the nutrition dispenser. A database arrangement is linked to the nutrition dispenser (100), and further, the nutrition dispenser typically includes the user interface (102) for feeding at least the information of the user, and rooms (108) for storing different nutrients and/or medical substances. In addition, the nutrition dispenser is arranged to define the optimal dose of nutrition and/or medication intended for the person consuming the dose, and its ingredients, amounts and proportions of ingredients at least partly with the help of the database arrangement. The nutrition dispenser can further comprise the equipment (110) for measuring out the defined nutrients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing adjustment of current-related dispensing parameters in an electric dispensing gun. A control circuit receives user-selected inputs corresponding to dispensing parameters of the gun and converts those inputs into digital signals. The digital signals are applied to a digitally programmable driver circuit associated with the liquid dispensing gun to control at least some of the dispensing parameters of the gun. Diagnostic information pertinent to the operation of the dispensing gun is provided to the operator for evaluation and adjustment.

Abstract: A vending machine comprises a first product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza crust product, a second product dispensing unit configured for dispensing packaged pizza topping product, and an information processing apparatus coupled to the first product dispensing unit and the second dispensing unit. The information processing apparatus is configured for facilitating input and processing of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The first product dispensing unit is a frozen product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza crust product to be selectively dispensed. The second product dispensing unit is a refrigerated product dispensing unit configured for enabling different types of packaged pizza topping product to be selectively dispensed. The information processing apparatus includes an user interface arrangement, an order processing arrangement and a kit component management arrangement.

Abstract: A smart card personalization system maintains a database containing card issuer data format templates, card applications, card operating system commands, and personalization equipment specifications and provides a centralized interface of inputs and outputs to a card issuing process which dynamically adjusts to changes in the issuing process to easily permit a card issuer to change data formats, card applications, card operating systems and/or personalization equipment in a card issuing process. The system interfaces to any card issuer management system, manages the transfer of cardholder data and card applications to the particular personalization equipment used, and maintains statistics for real-time and off-line inquiries to support critical management and reporting functions. Furthermore, the system works with a variety of security methodologies to prevent fraud.

Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: A handheld medication dosage calculator (100) and method for comparing an inputted, ordered medication dosage with a known medication dosage range in a database including an input device for inputting a desired drug name, indicating whether the drug is for a child or an adult, an amount of the drugs that are ordered, the body weight or body surface of the patient, an amount of drug available in standard packaging, and the available volume associated with the available drug and a computing mechanism for determining the dosage of the drug to be delivered. The handheld medication dosage calculator (100) provides warnings when the inputted amount of drug exceeds the dose range limits or is incorrect. The handheld medication dosage calculator (100) converts an inputted drug unit of measure into a desired unit of measure. The handheld medication dosage calculator (100) lists generic drug names, trademarked product names, drug classifications and cautionary drug warning information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for customizing the cosmetics used by a consumer. A consumer provides selection data and a cosmetic product formula is generated therefrom, base ingredients are then dispensed in accordance with the formula and a customized cosmetic product is delivered onto an intermediate surface for subsequent application. Further, a cartridge providing fluids to a customized cosmetic device is disclosed comprising one or more fluids, the fluids are stored in the cartridge, and one or more openings are provided for dispensing the fluids to a customized cosmetic product.

Abstract: A system for on-demand printing of hazardous material placards, the system comprising: (a) an input device through which a user can input parameters relating to a hazardous material to be transported or stored; (b) a processor configured to determine a hazardous material placard for the hazardous material according to a computerized analysis of the input parameters; and (c) an output device configured to print the determined placard. Preferably, the processor determines the appropriate placard by executing a placard selection program that comprises a plurality of placard selection rules, wherein the placard selection rules define the conditions under which a placard is to be used. Further, the placard selection rules preferably comply with government regulations relating to the shipment and/or storage of hazardous materials. Also, the system may display a menu of placards selectable by the user for printing.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a request receiving portion for receiving request information of products desired by a user; a receipt number issuing portion for issuing receipt number information for each of the received request information; an information storing portion for storing the request information in connection with the receipt number issuing portion, a receipt number transmitting portion for transmitting receipt number information to the terminal designated by the user who made the request, a receipt number obtaining portion for obtaining the receipt number information from the terminal of the user who came to the front of the vending machine, a job information extracting portion for extracting the request information corresponding to the obtained receipt number information from the information storing portion and a job controlling portion for controlling the product to be ejected to an outlet portion in accordance with the extracted request information.

Abstract: A system of locker compartments at various locations is controlled by a central system processor. A communication system from the central processor to all locations, and all lockers within a location, enables central control of rewritable locker access codes, reservation of appropriate lockers for delivery of orders, and monitoring of status of all lockers in the system. The assignment of lockers and codes can be web-based, and can be done by a vendor, a delivery company or an online customer.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting and producing a customized cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation is disclosed below. The system can be implemented in an Internet based system or a stand-alone version, such as a Kiosk. An improved method of custom formulation is presented which utilizes the user's preferences and profile, as well as external factors. The customized formulation can be directed to a manufacturing facility for on-demand production. Alternatively, a printout of the formulation can be provided for subsequent use at point-of-sale locations, such as a cosmetics store or a pharmacy. The custom formulation software can also be provided in conjunction with a cosmetics manufacturing kit for use in home or business application.

Abstract: A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.

Abstract: A publication-dispensing apparatus is provided, the kiosk including memory containing one or more publications, a user interface configured to permit a user to select a publication from publications in memory, a processor configured to determine proper payment for a selected publication based on whether the user has a subscription to the selected publication, and a printing device configured to print the selected publication onto a print medium upon receiving proper payment for the selected publication.

Abstract: Colors On Demand (COD), a method and system for automatic and instant custom colors blending and producing personalized coloring products, including but not limited to cosmetic coloring products (nail polish, lip coloring product, eye make-up coloring product, hair coloring product); colored pen products; paint and dye products to the specific demands of customers, specially matching with the colors of a certain personalized object or with the personal preferred colors or fashion trend colors. The COD system is further using intranet, extranet or internet wired or wireless network in an E-commerce environment with web based color matching, coloring product selection and online payment mode to be incorporated in the click and mortar business model from a pull purchase mode of personalized coloring products at the point of sale.

Abstract: A vending machine is disclosed that has one or more compartments with a mechanism for dispensing a content of a compartment upon receipt of a payment. A receptacle can accept an item, from a member of the public, as content into an empty compartment and identify the item accepted, such as with a barcode label. The vending machine can also include a mechanism that will connect it over a network, such as the Internet, to a computing device. An appraised value of the identified item can be received over the communication network and displayed in association with the compartment containing the item. The item can be dispensed from the vending machine in response to receiving predetermined sales amount or upon specific instruction from an authorized individual. A searchable database of information relating to buyers, sellers, items and other sales related information can also be associated with the vending machine.

Abstract: A publication-dispensing apparatus is provided, the kiosk including memory containing one or more publications, a user interface configured to permit a user to select a publication from publications in memory, a processor configured to determine proper payment for a selected publication based on whether the user has a subscription to the selected publication, and a printing device configured to print the selected publication onto a print medium upon receiving proper payment for the selected publication.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system, the method comprising receiving a request indication representing a request for an item, receiving a provided indication representing providing said item, and signalling an operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication. The apparatus includes a request indication receiver for receiving the request indication, a provided indication receiver for receiving the provided indication, a processing circuit for determining when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication, and a signal device in communication with the processing circuit for signalling the operator when the request indication has no corresponding provided indication.