Abstract: A shopping environment includes a server and a shopping device for broadcasting a wireless signal that identifies the identity of a shopper associated with the device. A network infrastructure conveys the wireless signal information to the server. A verification system is configured to detect the shopping device being in proximity to an exit of the shopping environment and to initiate precautionary action in response thereto. The shopping device may be enabled to permit the user to indicate purchase of an item and, responsive thereto, to communicate a purchase to the server as part of maintaining a virtual shopping cart of items selected for purchase by the shopper. The verification apparatus initiates the precautionary action if the shopper has not made payment arrangements. The verification apparatus is further enabled to display the number of items in the virtual shopping cart and the amount of time spent on the shopping trip.

Abstract: A method for identity theft protection includes receiving an identity theft indicator indicating a possible loss or theft of a personal device, wherein the identity theft indicator includes at least one of a user-initiated signal, a geographic range indicator, an expired timer, a failure of a heart-beat verification, and a battery level indicator. The method further includes attempting contact of an owner of the personal device, wherein attempting contact includes at least one of transmitting a message to the owner over a telephone connection, transmitting an email to a registered email address of the owner, and transmitting a text-based message to a registered telephone number on the personal device. The method further includes protecting information stored on the personal device if attempting contact of the owner is not successful.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, a method for determining when a coin storage bin having a bottom and sides is filled to a predetermined percentage of the volume of the coin storage bin comprises: determining a coin volume for a coin entering the coin storage bin, adding the coin volumes for each coin entering the coin storage bin to provide a running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin, comparing the running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin with the volume of the coin storage bin, and determining when the running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin is greater than or equal to the predetermined percentage of the volume of the coin storage bin. The volume for a coin can be determined from information provided by a coin acceptor, where the information is thickness, diameter, weight, or a combination comprising at least one of these.

Abstract: A system for using one or more criteria in order to calculate a wait-time in a business establishment, the system comprising: one or more checkout lanes located at the business establishment; a display screen positioned at each of the one or more checkout lanes; a bar code reading station; a light switch; a personal shopping assistant device utilized by each customer for receiving and transmitting first information; a central processing station for collecting second information from each display screen, bar code reading station, personal shopping assistant device, and light switch of each of the one or more checkout lanes; wherein the central processing station calculates an estimated wait time for each of the one or more checkout lanes based on the information collected and farther displays the estimated wait time of each of the one or more checkout lanes on the respective display screen.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, a method for determining when a coin storage bin having a bottom and sides is filled to a predetermined percentage of the volume of the coin storage bin comprises: determining a coin volume for a coin entering the coin storage bin, adding the coin volumes for each coin entering the coin storage bin to provide a running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin, comparing the running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin with the volume of the coin storage bin, and determining when the running total volume of all coins entering the coin storage bin is greater than or equal to the predetermined percentage of the volume of the coin storage bin. The volume for a coin can be determined from information provided by a coin acceptor, where the information is thickness, diameter, weight, or a combination comprising at least one of these.

Abstract: A method and system for providing travel guidance for transportation vehicles traveling on a highway system that comprises highway transceivers (HTs) with limited range placed at selected intervals along the highway. Each transportation vehicle has an automobile transceiver (AT) for receiving and transmitting information using a communication protocol. The HTs have a limited transmission range. The AT may be programmed to selectively present information received from the HTs to a passenger in an automobile. The ATs may also receive information from other transportation vehicles equipped with an AT. The HTs may receive information from all of the transceivers or other transmitters, for example, a GPS satellite transmitter. The HTs may also transmit information to traffic signal units about numbers of vehicles in its transmission pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for providing travel guidance for transportation vehicles traveling on a highway system that comprises highway transceivers (HTs) with limited range placed at selected intervals along the highway. Each transportation vehicle has an automobile transceiver (AT) for receiving and transmitting information using a communication protocol. The HTs have a limited transmission range. The AT may be programmed to selectively present information received from the HTs to a passenger in an automobile. The ATs may also receive information from other transportation vehicles equipped with an AT. The HTs may receive information from all of the transceivers or other transmitters, for example, a GPS satellite transmitter. The HTs may also transmit information to traffic signal units about numbers of vehicles in its transmission pattern.