Abstract: An image auditing method and system may be provided. Video surveillance equipment may be operated in coordination with at least one digital computer across network architecture. The video surveillance equipment may provide a computer with footage of a transactions occurring in a target area. The footage may be filtered into at least one image of a transaction. The image may be categorized based on at least one transaction characteristic. The transaction data may be compared to transaction records from a point of sale and analyzed for any discrepancies.

Abstract: An image auditing method and system may be provided. Video surveillance equipment may be operated in coordination with at least one digital computer across network architecture. The video surveillance equipment may provide a computer with footage of a transactions occurring in a target area. The footage may be filtered into at least one image of a transaction. The image may be categorized based on at least one transaction characteristic. The transaction data may be compared to transaction records from a point of sale and analyzed for any discrepancies.

Abstract: An image auditing method and system may be provided. Video surveillance equipment may be operated in coordination with at least one digital computer across network architecture. The video surveillance equipment may provide a computer with footage of a transactions occurring in a target area. The footage may be filtered into at least one image of a transaction. The image may be categorized based on at least one transaction characteristic. The transaction data may be compared to transaction records from a point of sale and analyzed for any discrepancies.

Abstract: ID proximity systems and methods for monitoring a movement of an object. A method comprises the steps of: using a second transponder to receive data transmitted by a first transponder attached to the object; and modifying the data based on at least one characteristic of the second transponder, wherein the second transponder is situated within a predetermined distance from the first transponder. The second transponder modifies the data by adding an identifier that corresponds to an operator. The second transponder may be worn by the operator.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring beverage dispensing from a container. Independently obtained data from a pour event and ring up are matched using a recipe database. The method involves receiving ring up data for a transaction of the beverage dispensing, determining one or more beverage brands from a selected drink recipe using the ring up data and matching the ring up data with at least one of a plurality of pour event data entries using the determined one or more beverage brands, wherein each of the plurality of pour event data entries is obtained independently of the ring up data.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring beverage dispensing from a container. Independently obtained data from a pour event and ring up are matched using a recipe database. The method involves receiving ring up data for a transaction of the beverage dispensing, determining one or more beverage brands from a selected drink recipe using the ring up data and matching the ring up data with at least one of a plurality of pour event data entries using the determined one or more beverage brands, wherein each of the plurality of pour event data entries is obtained independently of the ring up data.

Abstract: ID proximity systems and methods for monitoring a movement of an object. A method comprises the steps of: using a second transponder to receive data transmitted by a first transponder attached to the object; and modifying the data based on at least one characteristic of the second transponder, wherein the second transponder is situated within a predetermined distance from the first transponder. The second transponder modifies the data by adding an identifier that corresponds to an operator. The second transponder may be worn by the operator.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: Transmitter housing to bottle attachment assembly where the housing can be removed and replaced from the attaching member. In a preferred embodiment, a bottle neck attachment platform includes outwardly extending longitudinal ribs that can slidably engage L shaped members located on the back of the housing. The platform also includes a semi-rigid tab having an aperture capable of receiving a protrusion located on the back side of the housing so that the housing can be removed after contents of the bottle is used up. The platform has an integral standard cable tie strap protruding from one side which can be inserted into a mating aperture located in the platform. The transmitter housing includes accommodation for either a mechanical switch or hall effects magnetic switch that engages with the surface of the bottle neck thereby turning the transmitter on.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a candidate for participation in a survey by obtaining, over an electronic network, information describing the candidate, categorizing the candidate, determining if adding the candidate would increase the population in a group beyond a specified threshold, and conditionally excluding the candidate. Otherwise, allowing the candidate to participate in the survey and obtaining preferential information describing the candidate's affinity for one or more decision objects.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for conducting market research and developing product designs. The methods involve generating and presenting, typically electronically, generations of design alternatives to persons participating in the design, selection, or market research exercise. The participants transmit data indicative of their preferences among or between the presented design alternatives. Some of the data is used to conduct a conjoint analysis or non-convergent exercise to investigate the drivers of the preferences of the group or its members, and at least a portion are used to derive follow-on generations of design alternatives or proposals. The follow-on designs are preferably generated through the use of an evolutionary or genetic computer program, influenced by the participants' preferences.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: Disposable Bottle Insert System with a bottle enclosure having an open bottom. The enclosure is generally cylindrical in shape and has an external threaded portion at the lower end of the cylinder. The outer bottle is meant to be a high quality permanent housing and not meant to be discarded. A molded plastic bottle base having internal threads mates with the external threads of the enclosure body to form the bottom surface of the enclosure. The molded bottle bottom may have a recessed portion allowing the insertion of a transmitting device that keeps track of drinks poured. A disposable thin walled bottle is capable of slidably fitting into the outer bottle shape. The disposable bottle has an externally threaded neck. A top cap screws onto mating threads on the disposable plastic bottle neck.

Abstract: A virtual product distribution system and method supports on-line sales from a shopping site where customers place orders for the purchase of products. An independent distributor, who is local to the customer and maintains an inventory of the retailer's products, is informed of the order when it is placed. The local distributor receives instructions from the retailer on the contents of the order and location of delivery, so the distributor may provide the customer with as many products from the order as are in the local distributor's inventory. The customer receives a receipt code from the retailer. When the local distributor delivers the products to the ordering customer, the customer provides the local distributor with the receipt code, which the local distributor returns to the retailer as proof of delivery. The retailer then compensates the local distributor for the delivery of products.