Abstract: The present disclosure deals with an apparatus and method associated with a self-depositing of items. In exemplary embodiments, an item may be self-deposited using a self-deposit apparatus. In exemplary embodiments, self-deposit apparatus may include an optical reader, first scale, image capturing device, a bin and a second scale. The first scale may be coupled with the optical reader and image capturing device. The item may be placed on self-deposit apparatus and the weight and image may be captured. The self-deposit apparatus may extract the dimensions of the item from the captured image. The self-deposit apparatus may verify the item intended for the self-deposit is associated with the item identified by the identifier by matching the weight, dimension and image of the item to a stored item weight, dimensions and image.

Abstract: A kiosk comprises a display for displaying information related to a payment of a vehicle service; a special purpose processor that processes the payment of the vehicle service; and a dispenser for providing a key of the vehicle after the payment is processed.

Abstract: A system for delivering store items to a selected destination comprises a store computer that receives selected store item data including a delivery request; a delivery request database that stores the delivery request; and a delivery request application processor that provides a rule that includes criteria for selecting at least one delivery driver and generates a result that identifies a delivery driver of the at least one delivery driver satisfying the criteria of the generated rule.

Abstract: An automated system for automatically mixing and verifying paint is described. The system may include a kiosk configured to automatically add a paint of a second color to a paint container holding a first color of paint so as to produce a requested third color of paint. The system may further verify that the mixed paint color is the requested paint color using a laser to perform verification.

Abstract: The present disclosure deals with an apparatus and method associated with a self-depositing of items. In exemplary embodiments, an item may be self-deposited using a self-deposit apparatus. In exemplary embodiments, self-deposit apparatus may include an optical reader, first scale, image capturing device, a bin and a second scale. The first scale may be coupled with the optical reader and image capturing device. The item may be placed on self-deposit apparatus and the weight and image may be captured. The self-deposit apparatus may extract the dimensions of the item from the captured image. The self-deposit apparatus may verify the item intended for the self-deposit is associated with the item identified by the identifier by matching the weight, dimension and image of the item to a stored item weight, dimensions and image.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for executing on-line purchases. The apparatus includes three different servers, a ticket server, a doorman server, and a checkout server. The purchase tasks are spread among the servers, and timed, so that the on-line purchase can be handled without server overload and customers losing their place in line. The ticket server issues a purchase ticket to a customer. The purchase ticket includes a predetermined time after which the customer can present the ticket to purchase the purchase item. On or after the predetermined time, the customer presents the purchase ticket to the doorman server. The doorman server validates the ticket and checks that the predetermined time has passed. Once the doorman server approves the purchase ticket, the doorman server passes the purchase ticket to the checkout server with a purchase approval indicator. The checkout server then executes the on-line purchase of the purchase item.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to systems and methods of object identification. Exemplary embodiments can scan, by an optical reader, a machine-readable identifier associated with an original object. Exemplary embodiments can capture an image of the original object at a first orientation using an image capture device. Exemplary embodiments can transmit the machine-readable identifier and the image of the original object to an image database to store an association between the image of the original object and the machine-readable identifier. Exemplary embodiments can receive a subsequent object having a subsequent machine-readable identifier that is unavailable or incapable of being scanned. Exemplary embodiments can capture an image of the subsequent object with the image capture device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for executing on-line purchases. The apparatus includes three different servers, a ticket server, a doorman server, and a checkout server. The purchase tasks are spread among the servers, and timed, so that the on-line purchase can be handled without server overload and customers losing their place in line. The ticket server issues a purchase ticket to a customer. The purchase ticket includes a predetermined time after which the customer can present the ticket to purchase the purchase item. On or after the predetermined time, the customer presents the purchase ticket to the doorman server. The doorman server validates the ticket and checks that the predetermined time has passed. Once the doorman server approves the purchase ticket, the doorman server passes the purchase ticket to the checkout server with a purchase approval indicator. The checkout server then executes the on-line purchase of the purchase item.

Abstract: The present disclosure deals with an apparatus and method associated with a self-depositing of items. In exemplary embodiments, an item may be self-deposited using a self-deposit apparatus. In exemplary embodiments, self-deposit apparatus may include an optical reader, first scale, image capturing device, a bin and a second scale. The first scale may be coupled with the optical reader and image capturing device. The item may be placed on self-deposit apparatus and the weight and image may be captured. The self-deposit apparatus may extract the dimensions of the item from the captured image. The self-deposit apparatus may verify the item intended for the self-deposit is associated item identified by the identifier by matching the weight, dimension and image to a stored item weight, dimensions and image.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to systems and methods of object identification. Exemplary embodiments can scan, by an optical reader, a machine-readable identifier associated with an original object. Exemplary embodiments can capture an image of the original object at a first orientation using an image capture device. Exemplary embodiments can transmit the machine-readable identifier and the image of the original object to an image database to store an association between the image of the original object and the machine-readable identifier. Exemplary embodiments can receive a subsequent object having a subsequent machine-readable identifier that is unavailable or incapable of being scanned. Exemplary embodiments can capture an image of the subsequent object with the image capture device.

Abstract: The present disclosure deals with an apparatus and method associated with a self-depositing of items. In exemplary embodiments, an item may be self-deposited using a self-deposit apparatus. In exemplary embodiments, self-deposit apparatus may include an optical reader, first scale, image capturing device, a bin and a second scale. The first scale may be coupled with the optical reader and image capturing device. The item may be placed on self-deposit apparatus and the weight and image may be captured. The self-deposit apparatus may extract the dimensions of the item from the captured image. The self-deposit apparatus may verify the item intended for the self-deposit is associated item identified by the identifier by matching the weight, dimension and image to a stored item weight, dimensions and image.

Abstract: The present disclosure deals with an apparatus and method associated with a self-depositing of items. In exemplary embodiments, an item may be self-deposited using a self-deposit apparatus. In exemplary embodiments, self-deposit apparatus may include an optical reader, first scale, image capturing device, a bin and a second scale. The first scale may be coupled with the optical reader and image capturing device. The item may be placed on self-deposit apparatus and the weight and image may be captured. The self-deposit apparatus may extract the dimensions of the item from the captured image. The self-deposit apparatus may verify the item intended for the self-deposit is associated item identified by the identifier by matching the weight, dimension and image to a stored item weight, dimensions and image.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to systems and methods of object identification. Exemplary embodiments can scan, by an optical reader, a machine-readable identifier associated with an original object. Exemplary embodiments can capture an image of the original object at a first orientation using an image capture device. Exemplary embodiments can transmit the machine-readable identifier and the image of the original object to an image database to store an association between the image of the original object and the machine-readable identifier. Exemplary embodiments can receive a subsequent object having a subsequent machine-readable identifier that is unavailable or incapable of being scanned. Exemplary embodiments can capture an image of the subsequent object with the image capture device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aggregating customer social media and transaction data and using the aggregated data to predict future customer behavior are disclosed. In embodiments, social media messages are matched to customer profiles by attempting to match a social media identifier attribute to a set of social media identifiers of a stored customer profile in a customer database, or attempting to match other profile information. If no matches are found, a new customer profile can be created and stored based on the social media message. In embodiments, one or more scores are calculated based on the known behavior of a set of similar customers determined from the customer database and the transaction database. Similar customers can include customers with similar demographic information, location, or customers that have expressed interest in similar products. The one or more scores are stored in a score database in embodiments, for access by prediction consumption systems.

Abstract: An automated system for automatically mixing and verifying paint is described. The system may include a kiosk configured to automatically add a paint of a second color to a paint container holding a first color of paint so as to produce a requested third color of paint. The system may further verify that the mixed paint color is the requested paint color using a laser to perform verification.

Abstract: A recipe management system is disclosed where participants can submit healthy recipes and their serving costs. If accepted, the recipes will then be posted via web, application, social media, and in-store advertising. The participants can include customers, vendors, etc. At checkout, the point of sale will make a web service call to compare ingredients being purchased with the active recipe offers. If all required ingredients are found, an appropriate discount will be applied. If most ingredients are in the cart, the customer will be notified via text, email, POS prompt, of other recipes close to completion, missing ingredients to receive the discount. The system includes an analytics system which monitors the ingredients and recipes sold, receives feedback from customers and social media to adjust the parameters of the system to improve its functioning, discounts and recipes provided.

Abstract: A system is described to reduce the number of customers waiting in line at a customer service desk of a club membership store. When a customer walks into the store, an App is activated by scanning a visual pattern, such as a QR code, responding to prompts sent via Wi-Fi, or using near field communication (NFC). The App connects the customer's mobile device to a remote computing device. The App reduces the information the customer has to type by scanning for a contact card prestored on the customer's mobile computing device. Using the contact card information, the remote computing device can check the customer's membership status. If the customer is not a member it can push membership promotions to the mobile computing device. The membership fee will be added to the charges for items purchased to result in a single checkout.

Abstract: A kiosk comprises a display for displaying information related to a payment of a vehicle service; a special purpose processor that processes the payment of the vehicle service; and a dispenser for providing a key of the vehicle after the payment is processed.

Abstract: A system for delivering store items to a selected destination comprises a store computer that receives selected store item data including a delivery request; a delivery request database that stores the delivery request; and a delivery request application processor that provides a rule that includes criteria for selecting at least one delivery driver and generates a result that identifies a delivery driver of the at least one delivery driver satisfying the criteria of the generated rule.

Abstract: Described is a payment register system that can be used for accepting payment for one or more restricted items in a retail store. The payment register system includes one or more local payment registers and a remote monitor and control unit in electrical communication with each of the local payment registers. Each of the local payment registers is either operated by a local cashier, who may be under the age required to sell restricted items, or, one or more of the local payment registers may be “self-checkout” payment registers that do not have an assigned cashier. The remote monitor and control unit is used by a remote cashier to operate the local payment register, and authorize and ring up sales of restricted items that the local cashier may not be authorized to handle.