Abstract: In a next-generation retail store, the presence of a shopper at a particular shelf location, at about the time that an item was removed from that shelf location, gives rise to a hypothesis that the item may have been picked for purchase by that shopper. An ensemble of different such hypotheses, about different items removed by different shoppers, is evaluated jointly to determine which hypotheses are most likely. Other factors can influence the determinations, such as a physical distance between picked products, together with a time interval between their picking. If cameras are used to detect removal of items from shelves, hand depictions captured by such cameras are further factors that may be considered, e.g., helping associate certain item removals with a common shopper. By generating purchase lists for each shopper with such methods, shoppers can be relieved of the need of having each item scanned at a checkout.

Abstract: In an aspect a system for tracing a transport. A system includes a computing device. A computing device is configured to identify at least a transport entity of a plurality of transport entities of a transport using a unique identifier of a first node of an immutable sequential listing. A computing device is configured to record a verified unique identifier of at least a transport entity in a first data block of an immutable sequential listing. A computing device is configured to communicate transport data with at least a transport entity through a first node of an immutable sequential listing. A computing device is configured to generate an error mapping of at least a transport entity.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a mobile client device for providing real-time manufacturer-based financing. In one embodiment, the mobile device is configured to receive a product code associated with a manufacturer product offered for sale at a merchant location. The mobile device may further provide the product code to a financial service provider system configured to create a manufacturer-based financial service account associated with the product manufacturer. Further, the mobile device may provide, to the financial service provider system, information associated with a received account application, where the financial service provider system may create the manufacturer-based financial service account based on the received information and the product code. The mobile device may also receive a purchase code for purchasing the product using the manufacturer-based financial service account, provide it at the merchant POS location, and receive a confirmation of product purchase.

Abstract: A mixed parcel packaging system generates packaging instructions for mixed parcel orders, which includes shipping box size, product orientation, and selection and placement of packaging materials. The packaging instructions are based on quantitative product attributes of the products to be shipped, such that the fill volume of the shipping box is minimized subject to product fragility, leakage factors, and external environmental factors.

Abstract: A method performed by an automated transaction machine (ATM) can include maintaining, with the ATM, a count of disbursement commands received by the ATM that require the ATM to dispense a stack size of currency greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount. The method can also include comparing, with the ATM, the count to a second predetermined amount. The method can also include aborting, by the ATM, a first disbursement command that requires a stack size of currency to be dispensed by the ATM that is greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount in response to said comparing when the count is greater than or equal to the second predetermined amount.

Abstract: An intelligent backoffice and handheld/mobile distributed computing network includes varying, multi-modes of contact, and parallel operational capabilities for use in completing remotely initiated hospitality tasks in the hospitality market. The network includes synchronized servers, hospitality software applications linked with the servers and with handheld/mobile compatible versions available to be remotely accessed for use by handheld/mobile equipped users and including two or more different handheld/mobile computers with their respective and different mobile operating systems, and a master database. Middleware/Framework Communications Control Software (MFCCS) links these components to intelligently execute and support completion of the hospitality application task requests.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for consolidating financial transactions of an employee in a payment technology gateway. The payment technology gateway comprises an electronic wallet linked to a payment technology application and a paycard linked to the payment technology application. The payment technology gateway is configured to be a single gateway through which the employee conducts financial transactions on a number of accounts using the electronic wallet and the paycard. Each financial transaction is validated by the payment technology gateway.

Abstract: The medication container includes a generally card-shaped housing with an interior. The housing has a first opening that is sized to allow a plurality of pills to simultaneously be inserted into the interior of the housing and a first door that is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the first opening. The housing also has a second opening that is spaced from the first opening and is configured to only allow a single dose of pills to be dispensed at a time. A second door is movable between open and closed positions. Electronic circuitry is disposed in the interior of the housing and is configured to detect the passage of the pills through the second opening and also to record data pertaining to each dispensing event to a memory contained within the interior of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for portable network interfaces to manage authentication and license enforcement. A system may include a plurality of resource instances including a producer instance configured to implement a network-accessible service, and an authentication coordinator. The coordinator may assign an interface record to the service, wherein the interface record comprises an IP address and a set of security properties. The coordinator may configure the security properties to allow a client to request an attachment of the interface record to a selected resource instance, such that the selected resource instance is enabled to transmit network messages from the IP address using one or more physical network interfaces of the selected resource instance. The producer resource instance initiates authentication operations for the service, including at least one authentication operation based on the IP address of the interface record.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for performing a calibration test of an obstacle detection sensor of a drive unit are described. An example system includes a calibration region and at least one drive unit. The calibration region is disposed in an environment and includes a calibration apparatus. The at least one drive unit is operable to autonomously move throughout the environment. The at least one drive unit includes a sensor configured to detect one or more objects within the environment. The at least one drive unit is configured to autonomously transition to the calibration region upon detecting at least one predetermined condition, and perform a calibration test of the first sensor at the calibration region using the calibration apparatus.

Abstract: When a customer places an order for a first item and a second item, delivery systems utilize an aerial vehicle to transport the first item from a first source of the first item to a second source of the second item. At the second source, the first item and the second item are transferred into a carrier vehicle and transported toward a destination of the order. Once the carrier vehicle arrives within a vicinity of the destination, an autonomous ground vehicle departs the carrier vehicle with the first item and the second item, and delivers the first item and the second item to the destination. The delivery systems effectively expand the capacity of sources of items, and simplify processes for delivering orders for items, by enabling items from multiple sources to be combined at a single source prior to delivery, and transported to a destination from the single source.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an Internet of Things system for liquefied natural gas (LNG) warehousing and transportation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing payment transactions using combination payment cards. The combination payment card is associated with an open-loop account and one or more closed-loop accounts. Transaction information is received from a point-of-sale device. At least one of the closed-loop and open-loop account is debited.

Abstract: A method for permissioning part manufacturing is provided, the method including associating a first user with a first part manufacturing template, the part manufacturing template defining a first vendor for providing a first part associated with the first part manufacturing template. The method then receives an indication from the first user to assign permissions associated with the first part manufacturing template to a second user. The method then provides the second user with limited access to the first part manufacturing template, such that the second user can order instances of the first part from the first vendor. The method then accepts an order for an instance of the first part placed by the second user and records analytics in a database accessible by the first user related to the order placed by the second user.

Abstract: Systems and processes may promote simplified and customized reconciliation of an entire period of time's transactions by a merchant computing system through the use of PSS batching techniques and related reporting. In embodiments, a merchant computing system may be able to reconcile an entire day of sales in a single received line item based on the merchant's single day total for a certain alternate form of payment provider. Embodiments employing the batching and reporting techniques can promote simplification and enhanced processing at a merchant computing system through avoidance of individual reconciliation of alternate forms of payment transactions and by reconciliation over a time-period range set by a merchant or set by an alternate form of payment provider.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining a traded item's value are described herein. An embodiment includes identifying conditions for use in computing a value of the tradable object. The embodiment further includes determining whether a condition is satisfied based on market data, for example, and if the condition is satisfied, then determining the value of the item based on a rule associated with the condition; and if the condition is not satisfied, then determining whether a subsequent condition is satisfied. If a subsequent condition is satisfied, then determining the value of the tradable object based on a rule associated with the subsequent condition. An embodiment further includes computing an open profit and loss value based on the item's value. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for capturing payments in cases involving a failed authorization. In some instances, a point-of-sale (POS) device may process a transaction while operating in an offline mode, and then send information regarding the transaction to a remote service after transitioning to an online mode. The remote service may attempt to authorize a payment instrument tendered to satisfy a cost of the transaction. In instances in which the payment instrument is declined, one or multiple payment-capture techniques may be utilized to capture a payment that satisfies at least a portion of the cost of the transaction.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatuses are provided for valuation and exchange of stored value assets, information of value, and the transfer of value to or among individuals. The exchanged assets may be of a similar nature, e.g., music files exchanged for other music files, and exchange or trade of information such as rewards value or a restaurant coupon. The exchanged assets may also be other dissimilar assets exchanged between individuals and/or entities. The exchange may be initiated in numerous ways such as after completing a review, exchanging or trading a gift card, a prepaid card, a reward card, a coupon, a ticket, a pass, and/or the like when in proximity to a specific location or a location of some type or category, and/or exchanging or trading of other assets between individuals based on one or more constraints such as time, location, need, desire for the assets, and/or proximity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an event validation status are provided. A start time and at least one authorization time for each of a plurality of event components relating to an event can be received. An authorization status of each event component can be determined across a predetermined period of time, based on the start time and the at least one authorization time of each of the plurality of event components. A validation status of the event can be determined across the predetermined period of time, based on the authorization status of each event component across the predetermined period of time. Graphical information corresponding to a visual representation of the authorization status of each event component and the validation status of the event across the predetermined period of time can be generated and displayed on an electronic display device.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and an Internet of Things system for liquefied natural gas (LNG) management linked with warehousing, transportation, and a smart terminal.