Abstract: In an Instant Messenger, a current state that is transmitted to other employees is selectable by user input, to be a first state identifying a given employee as working or a second state identifying the given employee as taking a break. A draft time card is automatically prepared for the given employee, by using a time at which the current state is set in the IM to the first state as a time of occurrence of a clock-in event in tracking time to be paid, or when it is set to the second state as a time of occurrence of a clock-out event. The draft time card is displayed to the given employee and finalized based on additional user input identifying any changes to periods of time in the draft time card, to obtain a finalized time card. The finalized time card is submitted to an accounting system, for payment.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a product return system. One or more electronic devices are received from a carrier at a return provider. A determination is made whether the one or more electronic devices include customer personal information. The one or more electronic devices are quarantined in response to determining the one or more electronic devices include CPI. The one or more electronic devices are processed in response to determining the CPI has been removed.

Abstract: An approach that provides presence driven notification to a subscriber when a business process automation chain requires manual intervention is provided. In one embodiment, there is a notification tool, including a routing component configured to transmit a message to the subscriber based on data gathered relating to subscriber presence, location and preferences.

Abstract: A computer-implemented framework and method for maintaining product allocation data objects comprising a plurality of product allocation data objects, a plurality of software modules, an interface for the software modules, and a plurality of computer-applications, wherein the product allocation data objects are representative of product allocations for several participants within an e-business system, wherein a product allocation data object is processed by at least one of the plurality of computer-applications, the software modules providing access to the product allocation data objects, and the interface provides concurrent access to the software modules for online collaboration, wherein a collaborative planning process of the product allocation data objects is executed by the software modules and controlled by the applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods of constructing and managing virtual planograms are presented. Contemplated systems allow for construction of a virtual planogram, which can be used to present consumers virtual inventory items as being available for purchase via a display device. The display device can include an electronic billboard within an establishment, a mall for example, or include a user's smart device, a cell phone or tablet for example.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system and method of workforce data management including a wearable device, a scanner and a database server. The scanner emits a radius to identify an area around the wearable device, scans the area to detect the wearable device and transmits outgoing data to the wearable device. The scanner receives incoming data from the wearable device, processes the incoming data, and filters the incoming data to qualify accuracy of the incoming data. After filtering the incoming data, the scanner determines whether a portion of the incoming data includes accurate data capture. When the portion of the incoming data includes accurate data capture, the scanner outputs a corresponding trust score and transmits the portion of the incoming data to the database server. When the portion of the incoming data includes inaccurate data capture, the scanner outputs a corresponding trust score and awaits further action from the wearable device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for electronic transaction auditing and accountability. In one embodiment, a method of providing electronic transaction auditing can be implemented. The method can include determining at least one unique identifier associated with a respective transaction. The method can also include communicating the at least one unique identifier to a destination server. In addition, the method can include receiving data associated with an electronic transaction and at least one unique identifier corresponding to the unique identifier previously communicated to the destination server and associated with the respective transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods of constructing and managing virtual planograms are presented. Contemplated systems allow for construction of a virtual planogram, which can be used to present consumers virtual inventory items as being available for purchase via a display device. The display device can include an electronic billboard within an establishment, a mall for example, or include a user's smart device, a cell phone or tablet for example.

Abstract: A payment service system may operate to handle physical currency management for one or more merchants. The payment service system may assign a courier to pickup a currency storage compartment of a merchant. The payment service may then receive a notification related to the arrival of the courier at the location of the currency storage compartment and transfer funds to an account of the merchant. After transferring the funds, the payment service system may then request the merchant device to allow pickup of the currency storage compartment by the courier.

Abstract: A method configures billing processes in the network elements of data path for the transmission of packet data in a communications system. According to said method, network elements that are located between a first and a second element of the data path are configured and the packet data transmission that is associated with a terminal is carried out between the first network element and the second network element via the data path. The terminal transmits or receives the associated packet data transmission via the second network element. In a central third network element, which is not assigned to the data path, a stored billing control function generates a configuration message, which is used to configure the network elements. The configuration message is transmitted to the network elements of the data path, said network elements at least partially evaluating the configuration message for initialization and configuration purposes.

Abstract: A buddy list is used to provide a service to a user if the service is blocked. A user may store multiple profiles in a user device, and each profile identifies a different buddy list. If the user's service is blocked, the user device is configured to retrieve a profile and send a request to use a buddy list from the profile to utilize the service. If a request is rejected, another profile is tried until the request is approved or until all the profiles have been exhausted.

Abstract: A method provides for using a portable patron unit in a venue or in a vicinity of the venue. The method includes wirelessly connecting the patron unit to be in communication with the venue, and providing at least one display on the patron unit enabling a patron to place a patron order for at least one item or service provided by the venue. The method also includes displaying the patron order and a location of the patron unit on the patron unit and at least one portable staff unit, and updating a status of the patron order, and a location of the patron unit when the patron moves to a different location, on both the patron unit and the at least one staff unit. The method further includes indicating that the at least one item or service ordered has been completed on both the patron unit and the at least one staff unit when the at least one item or service ordered has been provided to the patron.

Abstract: A method for generating information related to a first object based on sensor data associated with a second object includes determining a containment hierarchy between the first object and the second object. Sensor data associated with the second object is determined using the containment hierarchy. A quality of data index is determined for the sensor data associated with the second object using the containment hierarchy. Information related to the first object is generated based on the sensor data associated with the second object and the quality of data index.

Abstract: A prepayment system for supplying water or gas by means of a wireless intelligent card is described. The present invention also relates to a bidirectional meter specially designed to electronically record the consumption of water or gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for characterizing the effectiveness of an advertisement displayed at a point of sale (POS). A transaction reported by a POS may identify a consumer and a transaction time as well of details such as a product purchased. The transaction time may be compared to an advertising schedule to identify an advertisement displayed adjacent the POS at the time of purchase. Transactions subsequent to identified advertisements may be analyzed to identify any increase in purchasing activity for an advertised product. Increases in purchasing activity and impressions identified in this manner for the general population or demographic groups may be aggregated to characterize an advertisement's effectiveness. Video data or transaction frequency data may be used to estimate an in-queue time for a customer in order to identify advertisement impressions.

Abstract: A dynamic inventory tracking and transfer system is provided that, when in operation, keeps track of inventory by tracking vehicle positions and inventory transfers. A transceiver on a vehicle detects and transmits a signal to the tracking system whenever a vehicle latches onto inventory and/or releases (i.e., unlatches) inventory. Whenever latch and unlatch signals are detected close in proximity to one another, the system concludes an inventory transfer has been made between the two vehicles. The inventory monitoring takes place in real time, thereby allowing inventory to be tracked from the time it is removed from a ship/train to the time it leaves a sea port, rail terminal or industrial yard.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for receiving, processing and fulfilling remotely placed orders. In one aspect, requests to place an order are received from a remote location, and based on a customer identifier included in the request, customer preference data is retrieved. An electronic selection menu based on customer preference data is transmitted to the customer, the order is received and prepared. The customer's arrival is automatically detected, and the completed order is provided to the customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically inventorying a plurality of devices is disclosed herein. A secure, trusted connection is established between a remote device each device of a plurality of devices. The remote device automatically extracts device information from each device of the plurality of devices. The remote device creates an inventory of the plurality of devices based on the extracted device information. The remote device automatically maintains the inventory including automatically extracting at least updated device information associated with an update event of the first device.

Abstract: A convenient, water-saving and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, regulation data (any mandated and voluntary watering restrictions), and property-specific data, with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG controller provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. Compliance is automatic and obligatory, meeting the water saving goals of the local water authority. Optionally presented is a web-based wizard used to determine a customized water budget/schedule that is input into the FROG controller through a data storage unit or wireless input.

Abstract: The communication method with the POS terminal that improves transmission characteristics of the authorized payment from the mobile communication device (9) is based upon a fact that the frequency converter (1) on that side of the communication channel where the POS terminals NFC antenna (8) is. The frequency converter (1) receives and processes the signal from the POS terminals NFC antenna (8) on the 13.56 MHz frequency, sends it on a higher frequency into the mobile communication device (9) and vice versa. The frequency converter (1) is outwardly energetically passive and is power supplied from the electromagnetic field received from the POS terminals antenna (8). The frequency converter (1) contains an antenna, tuned to the frequency in the range of 13.00 to 14.00 MHz, that is connected to the power supply element (4). The frequency converter (1) is located in the proximity of the POS terminal's antenna.