Abstract: A computer program product comprises computer usable program code for receiving data describing a proposed electronic transaction between first and second communications devices. Additional computer usable program code is provided for generating a first audio signal by sound detected by a first microphone of the first communications device, and for generating a second audio signal by sound detected by a second microphone that is part of the second communications device. Still further computer usable program code provides for authenticating that the first communications device and the second communications device are in the same proximity in response to determining that the first and second audio signals were produced by the same sound event, and for completing the proposed electronic transaction between the first and second communications device in response to authenticating that the first and second communications devices are in close proximity.

Abstract: An A filler module may include, but is not limited to: a body portion; and at least one conductive portion receivable within a component port of a computing device. A method for initializing a computing system may include but is not limited to: detecting a presence or absence of one or more filler modules within one or more computing device component ports; and determining compliance with an allowed filler module configuration according to the detection of the presence or absence of the one or more filler modules withing the one or more computing device component ports. A system comprising: a computing device component port; and a processing device configured to: detect a presence or absence of one or more filler modules within one or more computing device component ports, and determine compliance with an allowed filler module configuration according to the detection of the presence or absence of the one or more filler modules within the one or more computing device component ports.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for tracking and facilitating pre-shopping/post-purchase activity. An indication is received that a user has completed a task in a set of tasks of a quest, where the quest is a pre-purchase/post-purchase shopping activity quest. Verification is made as to whether the task has been completed. Responsive to verifying the task has been completed, a determination is made as to whether all of the set of tasks of the quest have been completed. Responsive to all of the set of tasks being completed, a presentation is initiated of an agreed-upon reward to the user. All information from quest is then submitted to a sponsor of the quest.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method promoting products in a virtual world. An association of product information for a product with a texture of an object assigned to the advertising user is provided for an advertising user. The product information with the texture of the object is rendered to be observable by interacting users in the virtual world when the texture of the object presenting the product information is within an observable range of avatars of the interacting users. Tracking information is updated for the advertising user in response to the texture of the object presenting the product information being within the observable range of the avatars of the interacting users. The tracking information generated for the advertising user is provided for use in determining rewards to assign to the advertising user for promoting the product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for controlling display of images received from secondary display devices. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a method includes controlling a first display to display a first image. The method may also include receiving predetermined touch input via the first display. Further, the method may include controlling the first display to display a second image that is substantially the same as a third image displayed on a second display in response to receiving the predetermined touch input.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for securing information for a virtual world environment. The method includes creating information for a virtual world environment, transmitting the information to the virtual world environment from the memory, selectively removing the information from the virtual world environment, and selectively storing the information on a memory external to the server to prevent access from the server.

Abstract: System, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which humans interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, methods and systems disclosed herein provide for negotiating product purchase with an electronic device. An example method includes acquiring product data from a product. The method also includes determining purchase offer information based on the product data. Further, the method includes negotiating purchase of the product based on the purchase offer information.

Abstract: A programmable logic circuit assigns a value to an outlet of a power distribution unit (PDU) that comprises a power source at an input of the PDU and at least one light-emitting diode (LED) associated with the outlet. The programmable logic circuit sends the value to a program on a hardware device that comprises one or more power supplies. The programmable logic circuit receives information from the program. Subsequently, an illumination state of the LED is modified based on the information.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for securing information for a virtual world environment. The method includes creating information for a virtual world environment, transmitting the information to the virtual world environment from the memory, selectively removing the information from the virtual world environment, and selectively storing the information on a memory external to the server to prevent access from the server.

Abstract: A two-finger selection method is implemented on a touchscreen of an electronic device. One embodiment involves sensing the touch positions of two fingers on the touchscreen. In response to sensing the two simultaneous touch positions, a selection graphic is displayed and dynamically positioned on the touchscreen as a function of the two touch positions. A specific graphical object, such as a command button having an associated function, is selected in response to a separate selection input received while the selection graphic is positioned on the specific graphical object.

Abstract: Multi-mode computing systems for point of sale transactions are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing system includes a first housing and a processing device disposed in the first housing. A user interface and a first input/output interface is integrated with the first housing and in communication with the processing device. The first input/output interface is configured to receive power for delivery to the processing device. A second housing is configured to carry the first housing. An attachment mechanism is configured to selectively attach together the first housing and the second housing for carry of the first housing. A second input/output interface is configured to be communicatively coupled to the first input/output interface when the first housing and the second housing are attached. A power source is connected to the second input/output interface for delivery of power to the processing device via the first input/output interface.

Abstract: Mechanisms, in a portable computing device comprising a camera, for exchanging information between a user and a provider are provided. With these mechanisms, an image is captured using the camera of the portable computing device and an identifier of a physical object associated with the captured image is determined. The portable computing device transmits the identifier of the physical object, and user information describing a user of the portable computing device, to a separate computing device associated with a provider of the physical object. The portable computing device receives information associated with the physical object from the separate computing device associated with the provider of the physical object. A storage device of the portable computing device stores the physical object information in association with at least one of the captured image or the identifier of the physical object.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, methods and systems disclosed herein provide for negotiating product purchase with an electronic device. An example method includes acquiring product data from a product. The method also includes determining purchase offer information based on the product data. Further, the method includes negotiating purchase of the product based on the purchase offer information.

Abstract: System, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which humans interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.

Abstract: Assisting customers at a self-checkout terminal, including: requesting, at the self-checkout terminal, intervention from a shopper assistant; notifying, by the self-checkout terminal, the shopper assistant of the request for intervention; checking in the shopper assistant at the self-checkout terminal; and displaying, at the self-checkout terminal, an additional intervention request initiated at another self-checkout terminal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for verifying an avatar owner as a human user of an avatar in a virtual world environment in which users interact through avatars via client devices in network communication with a server device. A request for challenging an avatar in the virtual world environment is received to determine whether that avatar is controlled by an application program user (bot). A user client device associated with a challenged avatar is identified and a Human Identification Proof (HIP) message for detecting a human user versus a bot controlling the challenged avatar is generated and communicated, for receipt at the identified user client device. It is determined from the response, whether the user is a bot or a human user. If a challenged avatar is determined to be a bot, then the server device prevents the challenged avatar from further interaction in the virtual world environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a security level of a transaction system based on biometric characteristics of a customer are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes interacting with a customer at a transaction terminal. The method also includes determining a biometric characteristic of the customer based on the interaction with the customer. Further, the method may include adjusting a security level of a transaction system based on the biometric characteristic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a security level of a self-checkout system based on shopper assistant intervention are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes deducing that shopper assistant intervention occurs in a self-checkout environment based on detection of one or more events in a self-checkout system. The events may occur at shopper terminals of the self-checkout system and may require attention of a shopper assistant monitoring the shopper terminals. The method also includes adjusting a security level of the self-checkout system in response to deducing that shopper assistant intervention occurs. Further, the method may include implementing a predetermined action in response to adjusting the security level of the self-checkout system.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method promoting products in a virtual world. An association of product information for a product with a texture of an object assigned to the advertising user is provided for an advertising user. The product information with the texture of the object is rendered to be observable by interacting users in the virtual world when the texture of the object presenting the product information is within an observable range of avatars of the interacting users. Tracking information is updated for the advertising user in response to the texture of the object presenting the product information being within the observable range of the avatars of the interacting users. The tracking information generated for the advertising user is provided for use in determining rewards to assign to the advertising user for promoting the product.