Abstract: Systems and techniques for produce identification for transaction processing. A produce item to be entered into a transaction is identified using time resolved reflectance spectroscopy. A produce item is injected with laser light over a selected range of wavelengths, and light emitted from the produce item is detected and measured over time. The measurement is processed to generate absorption and scattering spectra for the produce item. The absorption and scattering spectra are compared against those of known produce items, and upon determination that an acceptable match has been achieved, a transaction record is updated with information relating to the produce item.

Abstract: Generally, this disclosure describes a method and system for automated check-out and drop-off return of products using a mobile device. A method may include purchasing at least one product of a plurality of products wherein each product is located at a respective associated product location in a store that sells the plurality of products and a point of sale of each purchased product corresponds to the respective associated product location.

Abstract: A computer-controlled, automated checkout store outlet comprises at least one bay. A normally locked door is associated with each bay, and provides access to items within the bay by customers approved by a computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed within at least one bay, and adapted to hold items to be stocked by the bay. A sensor system is configured to detect the removal of an item from the bay and identify the removed item, such as when a customer is removing the item for purchase.

Abstract: A system and method to use quick response (QR) codes encoded with a bill from a merchant, such as, for example, provided by a restaurant. A code scanner (106) can scan a QR code that encodes a merchant identification code that identifies a merchant. A user can select a payment instrument on the code scanner for paying the bill. The code scanner can transmit to an application server (102) data pertaining to the payment instrument. The code scanner can receive from the application server status data indicating whether the bill was successfully or unsuccessfully paid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a store system includes: an image output section configured to output an image picked up by an image pickup section; an object recognizing section configured to recognize a specific object by reading a feature value of the output image; a check-image display section configured to display, on a display section, at least an image concerning the recognized object; and a problem solving section configured to receive, when there is a problem in the recognition of the object, an instruction indicating the problem and solve the problem according to content of the received instruction.

Abstract: Various methods are described for facilitating in-aisle scanning of one or more items to be purchased at a store. One example method may comprise scanning a barcode associated with an item. The method may further comprise adding the item to a list of items to be purchased. Additionally, the method may comprise receiving an indication that the item needs to be weighed. The method may further comprise flagging the item in the list to be weighed during checkout. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for converting barcodes to facilitate fast and convenient payments. In one embodiment, the systems and methods are for imaging a first barcode having a first barcode format; determining a second barcode format used at a point-of-service; converting the first barcode to a second barcode in the second format; and generating an image of the second barcode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods to facilitate bill payments with a service provider system by: generating a unique token; providing the unique token to a user; receiving an indication from a retail location that the unique token was used on a first user device in conjunction with a payment associated with the unique token at a point-of-sale; marking the first user device as associated with the first unique token; providing active payment information to the first user device; receiving a request for payment information from a second user device; and providing inactive payment information to the second user device.

Abstract: A mobile point-of-sale system includes a cart frame and a battery housed in the cart frame. The cart frame includes a front having a bottom, a back having a bottom edge and a bottom. The bottom includes a pair of upper flanges and a lower housing. The pair of upper flanges have components for receiving wheels for supporting the cart frame and the lower housing includes at least one aperture for venting heat from the battery that is supported by the lower housing. At least a portion of the lower housing and the battery are located below the pair of upper flanges and are located below the bottom edges of the front and the back.

Abstract: In accordance with first embodiment, a store system comprises an image capturing apparatus configured to optically capture an image through an image capturing window; a display for customer configured to be selectively arranged in a horizontal or vertical manner at a side opposite to a side where the image capturing window is arranged to display the display data; a determination unit configured to determine whether the display for customer is placed vertically or horizontally; a sales registration unit configured to execute a sales registration processing in response to an image captured by the image capturing apparatus; and a display content changing unit configured to change, in response to a determination result based on the determination unit, the display data of the sales registration processing carried out by the sales registration unit displayed on the display for customer.

Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: A computer-controlled, automated checkout store outlet comprises at least one bay. A normally locked door is associated with each bay, and provides access to items within the bay by customers approved by a computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed within at least one bay, and adapted to hold items to be stocked by the bay. A sensor system is configured to detect the removal of an item from the bay and identify the removed item, such as when a customer is removing the item for purchase.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus comprises an image capturing module configured to capture image of a commodity, an extraction module configured to extract feature amount of the commodity from the image captured by the image capturing module, a calculation module configured to calculate a similarity degree by comparing feature amount of each standard commodity with the feature amount of the commodity extracted by the extraction module, a recognition module configured to recognize a standard commodity of which the similarity degree calculated by the calculation module is greater than a given value as a candidate of the commodity, a detection module configured to detect, from a plurality of captured images captured by the image capturing module, a static object existing in the captured image, and a notification module configured to notify the detection of a stain if the static object is continuously detected in the plurality of captured images by the detection module for a given time.

Abstract: A secure online banking transaction apparatus to communicate with a server over a non-secure connection is provided and includes a selector configured to allow for a selection of a mode of the apparatus, a processing unit coupled to the selector and including a secure communication unit, which is configured to set up a secure connection, along which a secure transaction occurs, with the server via the non-secure connection in accordance with the mode, an input unit coupled to the processing unit and configured to allow for a input of data into the apparatus, which is at least partly related to the secure transaction, and an interface coupled to the processing unit and configured to convey at least a status of the secure transaction and the contents off the inputted data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for processing transactions at an in-store POS where some of the items of the transaction have not been retrieved, i.e. the customer neglected to add a needed item to a shopping cart. A customer selects a product on a user computing device and invokes display of an optical code corresponding to an unretrieved product. A point of sale (POS) device then scans the optical code to add the product to the transaction. The POS device or user computing device may transmit an alert to a representative computing device instructing a store representative to retrieve the product and deliver it to the POS or some other location.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process aiding a customer scan and rapid checkout process can include monitoring a shopping cart basket weight. The process includes monitoring, in a computerized processor installed to a shopping cart of a customer, a signal from a weight device configured to monitor the shopping cart basket weight. The process further includes automatically generating a basket weight output value based upon the shopping cart basket weight. The basket weight output value includes one of a check against an expected weight of an item from a database, a billing statement total for a bulk good, a check against an expected total order weight to confirm presence of an un-scanned item in the shopping cart basket, and a check against unsafe use of the shopping cart. The process further includes providing a message based upon the basket weight output value.

Abstract: A point-of-sale system is provided that permits users to self-manage prepaid debit cards. Such a system may be capable of identifying and managing a number of different prepaid debit cards provided by different card issuers. The system may permit, for example, a user to purchase, activate, load funds, or perform other management operations with such cards. The system may also enforce restrictions associated with particular card types, and follow process flows for activating and performing other operations of such cards. The system may also be easily extendible to other types of prepaid cards through established card network relationships.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for determining the correct item serial number structure, even when information regarding the serial number data and/or structure is lacking. Such techniques advantageously promote data integrity by helping to ensure that the desired data is captured correctly, while also reducing (and sometimes even eliminating) the need to obtain detailed information regarding serial number structure and intelligence that sometimes is guarded by producers/manufacturers. Statistical sampling of collected unknown data formats may be used to help decipher product identification numbers (or other numbers) such as product serial numbers through a repetitive process of scanning a known constant such as the UPC number, followed by a variable number such as a products serial number. Certain exemplary embodiments check serial number against a database containing algorithms to determine if and which algorithm is used to create such serial numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve: providing a plurality of products that are each associated with a respective radio frequency identification tag; using radio frequency identification technology to automatically identify specific products in a group of products collected by a shopper; and evaluating whether or not to obtain payment from the shopper based on the radio frequency identification of products in the group. Based on the result of the evaluation, either payment is obtained from the shopper on the basis of the radio frequency identification of products in the group, or else the products in the group are audited, and then payment is obtained on the basis of the products identified by the audit.

Abstract: In a method of processing customer applications at an event, an application is received from a customer on a customer interface computer. The data in said application is verified on the customer interface computer and encrypted. The encrypted data is transmitted wirelessly to a portal computer via a private wireless network, and then transmitted to a processing computer system for approval of the application.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles for automating the process of registering a product purchased by a consumer from a merchant in a purchase transaction. Product data including product identification data is obtained from a merchant electronic point of sale system as the consumer checks out. The product data is then automatically transmitted to a product registration system, such as via a consumer's mobile communication device having a product registration app. An auto-registration database is accessed to see if auto-registration is available for the product. If auto-registration is available for the product, then a request is made to the consumer to authorize auto-registration for the product. If the consumer accepts the auto-registration, then consumer data, such as the consumer name and contact information, is sent to the product registration system. The product registration system then creates a product registration record using the product data and the consumer data.

Abstract: A point-of-sale self-checkout terminal includes a code reader device for automated entry of a product identification code present on items for purchase and a customer input device for receipt of data from a customer. A customer oars initiate a purchase of a non-scannable item and, in response, a database is queried to identify items based on a prediction of purchase of the items, and the identified items are displayed for selection by the customer to purchase the item. Image processing and voice processing, can also be implemented to assist customers with the purchase of non-scannable items.

Abstract: The invention discloses a printed label and a display shelf for a business establishment, including a display shelf having a length and at least one area on which at least one product is to be placed. The area has a length and a depth. The label includes product information printed thereon for identifying the at least one product for display on the shelf, and first and second space indicators for indicating a position, corresponding to a portion of the length of the shelf, at which the at least one product is to be placed. The label is constructed and arranged to have a predetermined length that is coextensive with the portion of the length of the area of the shelf on which the at least one product is to be placed. The first and second space indicators define the predetermined length. The first space indicator indicates where the portion of the length of the area of the shelf begins and the second space indicator indicates where the portion of the length of the area of the shelf ends.

Abstract: A checkout station includes a scale fixedly attached to a framework of the checkout station and a track, surrounding the scale, through which a display moves between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Value documents such as coupons and event tickets that are represented or indexed in the form of QR codes or other types of two-dimensional encoding techniques may be acquired by imaging with a suitably-enabled mobile device, and then translated in the mobile device into a form suitable for presentation as a one-dimensional barcode at a point-of-sale/service using light-simulated barcode technology.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a self-checkout apparatus comprises a structural body including a first photographing unit which is provided with a first photographing window at the front part thereof. The first photographing unit has a photographing area in front of the first photographing window through which the first photographing unit photographs a computer readable symbol located within the photographing area. The apparatus also comprises a portable second photographing unit configured to photograph the computer readable symbol and a cradle, arranged at a position adjacent to one side of the structural body, on which the second photographing unit is placed.

Abstract: A point-of-sale self-checkout terminal includes a code reader device for automated entry of a product identification code present on items for purchase and a customer input device for receipt of data from a customer. A customer can initiate a purchase of a non-scannable item and, in response, a database is queried to identify items based on a prediction of purchase of the items, and the identified items are displayed for selection by the customer to purchase the item. Image processing and voice processing, can also be implemented to assist customers with the purchase of non-scannable items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retail checkout and, more particularly, systems, methods, computer programs, and checkstands for managing and/or resolving exceptions generated using a multi-item identification device, are provided. In one embodiment, the method of performing retail checkout comprises: providing a multi-item identification device; collecting identification data regarding each of a plurality of items using the multi-item identification device; generating an active itemized order record that comprises information regarding each of the plurality of items using the identification data; recording at least one exception record in the active itemized order record relating to one or more of the plurality of items; providing a user with access to the active itemized order record; and using input from the user to resolve the exception record in the active itemized order record.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for determining the correct item serial number structure, even when information regarding the serial number data and/or structure is lacking. Such techniques advantageously promote data integrity by helping to ensure that the desired data is captured correctly, while also reducing (and sometimes even eliminating) the need to obtain detailed information regarding serial number structure and intelligence that sometimes is guarded by producers/manufacturers. Statistical sampling of collected unknown data formats may be used to help decipher product identification numbers (or other numbers) such as product serial numbers through a repetitive process of scanning a known constant such as the UPC number, followed by a variable number such as a products serial number. Certain exemplary embodiments check serial number against a database containing algorithms to determine if and which algorithm is used to create such serial numbers.

Abstract: A system and method for efficient image cashletter processing where an image cashletter including a plurality of monetary records is received. Failed monetary records in the image cashletter are separated out from good monetary records in the image cashletter. The good monetary records are processed independently of processing the failed monetary records, therefore, allowing the good monetary records to continue to be processed without having to wait for the failed monetary records to be repaired.

Abstract: A user is alerted to context-based transactional information under which products are to be transacted at a point-of-transaction site by a speaker on an electro-optical reader. The speaker announces, as an audible message, to the user a detailed context under which each product identified to the reader is to be transacted. The audible message is broadcast as a sound wave either corresponding to a pattern of original speech, or to a sound effect. The detailed context can, for example, be a reminder to deactivate an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag associated with each identified product, or a reminder that the identified product is on sale.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content aggregation and distribution are described. Video content may be received from a plurality of sources. The video content may be associated with metadata identifying items included within the video content. A video player may be provided which enables video content to be displayed on a user terminal, and a control may be provided enabling the user to quickly navigate to specific portions of the video content. A viewer of the video content may, in turn, author and provide additional video content. The video player may be embeddable.

Abstract: A customer can be recognized at a point-of-sale (POS) system. The customer can be recognized using a customer card or using image processing technology. The POS system is a self-service POS system. The scan rate for the customer can be compared with a minimum scan rate using a processor, and an action can be initiated responsive to the comparing.

Abstract: Provided is a POS system including: a storage part for storing a product code for identifying a product and a radiation dose or a radioactivity threshold defined for each product code, the product code and the radiation dose or the radioactivity threshold being associated with each other; a scanner part including a product reading part for reading a product code attached to a product, and a radioactivity measurement part for measuring a radiation dose emitted from the product or radioactivity defined based on the radiation dose; a comparison part for comparing a radiation does or a radioactivity threshold corresponding to the product code read by the product code reading part and a value measured by the radioactivity measurement part with each other; and an alert output part for outputting an alert when the measured value exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an image capturing module, an extraction module, a recognition module, a determination module and an output module. The image capturing module photographs a commodity. The extraction module extracts a feature amount of the commodity contained in the image photographed. The recognition module recognizes the commodity as a commodity candidate in the feature amount the commodity. The determination module determines whether or not there is a commodity sold in a disparate sales form for the standard commodity which is recognized by the recognition module as a candidate. The output module outputs in a selectable manner information concerning the standard commodity recognized by the recognition module as a candidate and the commodity sold in a disparate sales form for the standard commodity if the determination module determines that there is a commodity sold in a disparate sales form.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition module configured to acquire the image captured by an image capturing module having sensitivity to visible light and near-infrared ray, a first extraction module configured to extract a first feature amount of the captured commodity from an infrared ray image representing the near-infrared ray component of the captured image, a second extraction module configured to extract a second feature amount of the captured commodity from a visible light image representing the visible light component of the captured image and a recognition module configured to recognize the commodity based on at least one of the first feature amount and the second feature amount.

Abstract: In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A non-linear checkout stand which offers retailers additional options for configuring a store. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first end and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items in a plurality of different directions along a non-linear path connecting the first end to the second end, and an item identifier within the housing on the non-linear path for automatically identifying the items.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.

Abstract: A method for selling genuine goods by a barcode and network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) generating a barcode for a product; b) attaching the barcode on the product and registering the barcode and the product in a server; c) a retailer updating the server to render the product sellable by reading and sending the barcode; d) a customer reading the barcode and sending to the server for verifying the product; e) the server answering if the product is genuine or not; f) informing the customer not to buy the product when the product is not genuine; g) informing the customer the product is OK when the product is genuine; and h) the retailer updating the server to render the product unsellable when the product has been sold.

Abstract: A remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment to obtain operational data and the status of remote machines is disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with the remote machines from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network. The application host may communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network. The handheld wireless equipment may be used to obtain operational information for each remote machine from the network operations center.

Abstract: Image analysis techniques, including object recognition analysis, are applied to images obtained by one or more image capture devices deployed within inventory environments. The object recognition analysis provides object recognition data (that may include one or more recognized product instances) based on stored product (training) images. In turn, a variety of functionalities may be enabled based on the object recognition data. For example, a planogram may be extracted and compared to a target planogram, or at least one product display parameter for a product can be determined and used to assess presence of the product within the inventory environment, or to determine compliance of display of the product with a promotional objective. In yet another embodiment, comparisons may be made within a single image or between multiple images over time to detect potential conditions requiring response. In this manner, efficiency and effectiveness of many previously manually-implemented tasks may be improved.

Abstract: A system, including apparatuses and methods, for paper production and distribution in a communication network environment with multi-party and multi-level production and distribution relationships. The system receives, from one or more communicatively connected paper purchaser computers, parameters representative of the total surface area and physical characteristics of paper products required for printing tasks. The system determines an estimated quantity of the paper products to order based at least in part on the received parameters. Then, the system displays the estimated quantity of the paper to order and communicates orders to production facilities for obtaining such quantity.

Abstract: A system and method to enable product trials and, in particular, to dynamically collect information relating to the product trials. The system includes a tagging engine configured to tag one or more products, which are part of a product trial in a virtual universe. The system also includes a tracking engine configured to track information on the one or more products via a tag and a storage unit configured to collect the tracked information for marketing and/or advertising purposes.

Abstract: A computer system including at least one computer-readable medium has software to provide online account statements for accounts of customers of a company. The at least one computer-readable medium includes: a transaction database comprising a transaction history for an account of a customer of the company; a merchant database comprising variations of merchant names for merchants; software to compare the merchant name of the transaction entry of the transaction history from the transaction database with the variations of merchant names from the merchant database; software to provide a hyperlinked special offer indicia if a match occurs between the merchant name from the transaction database and one of the variations of merchant names from the merchant database; and software to provide an online account statement web page to the customer via the network.

Abstract: An unattended, automated checkout, computer-controlled automated store outlet and system is disclosed. A customer's identification and payment information are inputted and verified and the customer qualified to remove items from the automated store outlet. Each bay of the automated store outlet is normally locked, and after the customer accesses the bay can remove one or more items from the bay, which are automatically detected and identified and charged to the customer as part of the purchase transaction. These events occur at the location of each automated store outlet. Each automated store outlet communicates with a central control center, which can be used for live customer service and real time surveillance.

Abstract: In a method for identifying manufactured concrete or masonry blocks and managing the sale thereof to a customer in a retail establishment, the retail establishment having a computer system configured to monitor inventory, a database operatively coupled to the computer system, and a plurality of point of sale (POS) terminals operatively coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RFID tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: A method of generating a gift card comprising: (a) receiving indicia corresponding to at least one of a product indicia representative of a particular product and a service indicia representative of a particular service; (b) making a gift card graphic available to the processing device that matches at least one of the product indicia and the service indicia; (c) merging the gift card graphics with a gift card template to create a virtual gift card; (d) recording the virtual gift card with a memory accessible by a kiosk that includes a gift card printer; and, (e) generating a receipt uniquely corresponding to at least one of the virtual gift card and a tangible gift card.

Abstract: An article code reading device optically reads a code symbol on an article, and decodes and outputs an article code. An image pickup image part picks up an image of an area of an article, the code symbol of which is read by the article code reading device, and outputs pickup image data. An article registration is executed by searching an article data file for a corresponding price for the article, and an extraction process extracts an exterior characteristic of an article from the pickup image data outputted by the pickup image part. A consistency is determined between a first data obtained based on the extraction process and a second data obtained based on an output from the article code reading device, and an alarm is generated when it there is not a consistency between the first data and the second data.