Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating content characteristics of spaced-apart areas in a retail environment are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes an item identifier for identifying an item. Detectors are placed at different spaced-apart areas and configured to detect the placement of items at the spaced-apart areas. The system may also include one or more indicators configured to indicate content characteristics of each of the spaced-apart areas. The system may also include an item processing manager configured to receive identification of the item from the item identifier. The item processing manager may determine placement of the item at one of the areas based on a detection of the placement of the item at that area. The item processing manager may also control the indicator to indicate one of the content characteristics based on the identification of the item in response to determining placement of the item at the respective area.

Abstract: A computing device is communicatively coupled to an optical scanner and redeems coupons by receiving data produced by an optical scan of a product code associated with a coupon. The product code encodes a primary processing action to be performed by the computing device when processing the coupon and a modifier identifying a remote storage location. The remote storage location stores instructions defining a secondary processing action to be performed by the computing device when processing the coupon. The computing device detects a predetermined trigger event associated with processing the coupon, and in response, retrieves the instructions defining the secondary processing action from the remote storage location. The computing device executes the instructions to redeem the coupon according to the secondary processing action.