Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. The data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for changing a display mode. The apparatus includes a graphical user interface having one of a set of display modes. The set of display modes include a passive matrix display mode and an active matrix display mode. The apparatus also includes a switch capable of changing the display mode of the graphical user interface from one display mode to another display mode in the set of display modes.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. The data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing, and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. With the mechanism of the illustrative embodiments, the data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of handling for-sale items while shopping at a brick-and-mortar store, including inventorying, tracking, and scanning the for-sale items at checkout. Customers select and bag items while they shop. Each item includes an RFID tag uniquely identifying the item or category of item. The customer brings the shopping cart to an unloading zone of a checkout station. Another, empty shopping cart is positioned in an unloading zone. The customer may receive electronic guidance in positioning the shopping carts. As the customer moves the bags from the shopping cart in the unloading zone to the shopping cart in the loading zone, the bags are scanned by the RFID scanner without removing the items from the bags. Redundant RFID scanners may be provided to increase reliability, and a UPC scanner may be provided as a backup. The shopping carts at the loading zone and unloading zone may be weighed and the weights compared, to guard against possible theft of goods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, air is automatically sampled within a zone of interest in response to an event caused by a mammal. The release of material from the mammal may be induced by directing an increased velocity airflow at the mammal or by introducing a sneezing agent into the zone of interest and capturing the air sample after the mammal has sneezed. Materials contained within the sampled air may include organic material such as skin, hair, saliva, or mucus, and gases such as CO2 and methane. The materials may be forensically analyzed to confirm the presence or to determine the identity of the mammal. The organic materials may contain DNA, in which case the forensic analysis may include a DNA analysis to determine the identity of the mammal.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for changing a display mode. The apparatus includes a graphical user interface having one of a set of display modes. The set of display modes include a passive matrix display mode and an active matrix display mode. The apparatus also includes a switch capable of changing the display mode of the graphical user interface from one display mode to another display mode in the set of display modes.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of handling for-sale items while shopping at a brick-and-mortar store, including inventorying, tracking, and scanning the for-sale items at checkout. Customers select and bag items while they shop. Each item includes an RFID tag uniquely identifying the item or category of item. The customer brings the shopping cart to an unloading zone of a checkout station. Another, empty shopping cart is positioned in an unloading zone. The customer may receive electronic guidance in positioning the shopping carts. As the customer moves the bags from the shopping cart in the unloading zone to the shopping cart in the loading zone, the bags are scanned by the RFID scanner without removing the items from the bags. Redundant RFID scanners may be provided to increase reliability, and a UPC scanner may be provided as a backup. The shopping carts at the loading zone and unloading zone may be weighed and the weights compared, to guard against possible theft of goods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, air is automatically sampled within a zone of interest in response to an event caused by a mammal. The release of material from the mammal may be induced by directing an increased velocity airflow at the mammal or by introducing a sneezing agent into the zone of interest and capturing the air sample after the mammal has sneezed. Materials contained within the sampled air may include organic material such as skin, hair, saliva, or mucus, and gases such as CO2 and methane. The materials may be forensically analyzed to confirm the presence or to determine the identity of the mammal. The organic materials may contain DNA, in which case the forensic analysis may include a DNA analysis to determine the identity of the mammal.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for distributing, and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product purchase in a retail environment. With the mechanism of the illustrative embodiments, the data processing system of a retailer (hereinafter the loyalty coupon system) receives an electronic coupon from a manufacturer. The loyalty coupon system links the product to the inventory control system of the retail environment. The loyalty coupon system then targets the electronic coupon to customers that have subscribed to the loyalty coupon system. The coupon system provides for the communication of the product coupon directly to each subscribed customer on the list. Upon a customer selecting the coupon, the loyalty coupon system configures a customer reward. Upon the customer purchasing the product using their loyalty card, the loyalty coupon system disburses the customer reward at the point of sale. The manufacturer is billed for the redeemed coupon.