Abstract: A hub tap device, a data tap system, and a method for acquiring retail data are disclosed. The hub tap device collects and transmits data flowing between two apparatus communicating with each other via Universal Serial Bus (USB) communications. The hub tap device includes a first USB upstream port; a second USB downstream port; a communications module; and a processor configured to pass USB communications between the first USB Upstream port and the second USB downstream port; copy the USB communications, extract data from the copied USB communications, and transmit the extracted data to a communications network through the communications module.

Abstract: A serial tap device consists of a first serial port, a second serial port directly connected to the first serial port by multiple serial lines, and a switch configured to selectively connect one or more of the multiple serial lines to a convertor module. The convertor module is configured to convert serial communications signals from the one or more serial lines to transistor-transistor logic (TTL) level signals. The serial tap device includes a communications module and a processor which operates to capture data from the TTL level signals, generate packets containing the captured data, and transmit the packets to a communications network, such as the internet, through the communications module. The serial tap device may be connected inline, between two serial devices, in order to capture data exchanged in serial communication flows between the devices and transmit the captured data to a remote server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods and devices for adding functionality to merchant sales and facilitating data collection, including: a central server for hosting content and applications, mobile devices to access said applications and interact with electronic content, and on-site devices functioning as processing and communication equipment. All of which allows advertisers to offer customized incentives, provides merchants visibility into product flow and customer behavior, and makes available to customers an electronic mobile wallet. The integrated network functions on a real-time basis, providing instant updates, billing, inquiries, sales processing, inventory tracking, and more.