Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes serving spouts in fluid connection with inlet pipes locatable within beverage receptacles. The serving spouts have receptacle identifiers and are associated with prices/price groups or points/points groups. Product data sets in computer memory include a product identifier and have associated receptacle identifiers and prices or points. A reading device calculates value from a stored value device. Stored value device data sets in computer memory include stored value device identifiers and stored values. A user selection component obtains a serving spout selection, and dispenses a volume of beverage from the selected serving spout by comparing the prices or points associated with the selected serving spout and the stored value. User data sets and transaction data sets in computer memory include user identifiers, stored value device identifiers, stored value device identifiers, and receptacle identifiers.

Abstract: A subscription system allows a customer to establish a subscription to a product with one or more retailers (e.g., by establishing the subscription through a controller or central system). In one embodiment, a subscription is established by receiving a request to establish a subscription and receiving information that identifies a product. Terms of a subscription for the product are established. The established subscription is identified by a redemption identifier which is communicated to the customer. It is also determined whether the customer is complying with a frequency of the subscription.

Abstract: A scale is configured to automatically identify changes to product information and may communicate certain information to customers based upon such changes.

Abstract: A method for using a temporary value card is provided. A first value is determined base upon a selection of goods or services from a provider. The temporary value card is sold at a POS. The first value is associated with the temporary value card.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for providing a robust user experience with an automated system that includes sensory output, such as touch, taste, and/or smell as well as visual output. The automated system can be an e-commerce or automated shopping system. The method can visually present a user selected item for consumer purchase within a graphical user interface (GUI). Sensory output can be produced that simulates how the selected item smells, feels, and/or tastes can be provided. A user can then made a selection in the GUI to modify an aspect of the selected item and/or an environmental condition for an environment of the selected item. The visual presentation of the object and the sensory output for the item can be adjusted in accordance with the user specified modification.

Abstract: To output a proper statement of sale even if electronic tags are attached to both of a set product and individual products contained in the set product. A database managed in a unified way comprises a product table having data of product codes and set flags each indicating whether it is a set product or not, and a set product table having data of product codes of the respective set products, and the product code and number of individual products contained in each set product. For each product ID provided, a POS terminal increments a cumulative count “Ni” of the product (S4). When determined that the product ID is of a set product with referring to the product table (S3, S5), the set product table is referred to subtract the number “nj” of individual products contained in the set product from the cumulative count “Nj” thereof (S6, S7). In response to the end of reading (S8, S9), output is information associated with a product identification code whose count is not zero and the count.

Abstract: A game presentation such as a virtual slot machine is displayed by a display device associated with a point of sale (POS) terminal. The game presentation includes images of products for which product identifying codes are entered at the POS terminal. The game presentation indicates to a customer an outcome of a random process pursuant to which the customer may be awarded a benefit such as a free product, a discount on a product selected for purchase, a coupon or an upsell offer.

Abstract: Pursuant to some embodiments, a method includes: identifying information associated with an existing credit position involving a first party and counterparties; identifying information associated with a proposed credit position involving said first party and counterparties; calculating a first net present value of expected future losses based on a default of each of said counterparties; calculating a second net present value of expected future gains based on a default of said first party; and summing said first and second net present values to identify a third net present value of an expected future credit loss and gain of an overall credit position including both said existing credit position and said proposed credit position.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring operation and performance of electronic tags such as article surveillance (EAS) tags or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags such as by monitoring and reporting electronic tag readability and operator/system performance levels. The system includes an optical symbol reader and/or electronic tag sensor/deactivator that measures and reports values of reading, detection, or deactivation events during operation which may be indicative of electronic tag operability. The apparatus may further comprise a data accumulation device including memory storage to accumulate the measurement values for each set of electronic tags, and a programmed computing system to analyze the measured values and report on the results of the analysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed pertaining to a programmable display tag that displays consumer information, such as pricing information. The tag is typically portable microcomputer controlled device containing its own power source, memory, and input keys and displays information on an display, typically a color or black and white LCD screen. The programmable display tag is remotely programmed by a display management system that communicates display data using a wireless protocol, such as the IEEE 802.15.4 based protocol. A wireless application protocol allows the display management system to read and write display data, as well as control various administrative functions. Typical applications include remote updating of prices for goods in a retail environment, such as a grocery store, but the display tag can used for other applications, such as a portable display device to display text, graphical, or animated displays for consumers, industrial, shipping, marketing, or other applications.

Abstract: In a method and system for providing location-based targeted information without requiring location sensing, items are scanned while the customer shops. The sequences in which items are scanned are collected and analyzed to determine the next probable item for a currently scanned item. The next probable item will generally be physically near the currently scanned item. Information for a next probable item correlating to a currently scanned item can then be displayed to the customer. In this manner, location-based targeted information can be provided without requiring location sensing. This significantly reduces the cost of the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can include systems and methods for dispensing consumable products. In one embodiment, a product dispenser is provided. The product dispenser can include a user interface operable to receive consumer inputs and to present product selection information. In addition, the product dispenser can include a reader configured to obtain identification information associated with a consumer. The product dispenser can include a controller in communication with the reader and user interface, and operable to execute a set of instructions to receive from the reader identification information associated with a consumer. The controller can also be operable to execute a set of instructions operable to retrieve consumer information based at least in part on the identification information, and provide product selection information at the user interface based at least in part on the consumer information.

Abstract: A parking system comprises an Internet-accessible Web server storing substantially real-time parking data associated with occupancy of a plurality of parking spaces and a plurality of detectors at a parking lot communicating with the Web server. The plurality of detectors collects substantially real-time parking occupancy data for a plurality of parking spaces at the parking lot. Each of the plurality of detectors includes a wireless communications device for transmitting said substantially real-time parking occupancy data to said Web server and one of a position detector, a motion detector, a weight detector, or a video camera to ascertain whether a parking space is occupied. The parking data is capable of being rendered by a display device running a browser application. The Web server transmits the parking data in response to a request sent from the browser application.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, program product and system for controlling pricing using a markdown profile, where the method of the present invention includes: selecting a markdown profile based on an attribute of a product to be used for the sale of that product; selecting a retail price for the product; acquiring updated sales data regarding the product; and determining a markdown to be applied to the retail price from the markdown profile using the updated sales data. The method can further include the step of adjusting a retail price of the product by the markdown.

Abstract: A check processing system and method comprising utilizes an image scanner that produces an electronic image of a check upon scanning of the check. The system and method receive the electronic image of the check from the image scanner, receive point-of-sale data generated at a point-of-sale, determine a monetary value of the check from the electronic image of the check, and reconcile the determined monetary value of the check with the point-of-sale data so that the check is correlated with a transaction that occurred at the point-of-sale.

Abstract: A system (1) for issuing parking permits in pay-for-parking zones, for example, permits for short-term street parking in local authority areas comprises a central control terminal (2) which controls operation of the system. Clients wishing to avail of the system (1) obtain a visual display device (3) for mounting in his or her motor vehicle for displaying the expiry time of the parking permit, and register with the system (1). The central control terminal (2) is controlled by a computer (7) and each client of the system is identified by his or her mobile telephone number, which is cross-referenced with an address code of the visual display device (3) in an ID memory (8) of the central control terminal (2). Each client of the system, in general, maintains a positive credit balance in his or her account in an account memory (14) of the central control terminal (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining the prices and order quantities that maximize a retailer's expected profit by using a multi-dimensional distribution of the highest prices that customers are willing to pay. This is novel, as well in the literature as in the patent database. Brand switching is dealt with, taking into account that consumers who come into the store with a-priori preferences for products build a-posteriori preferences at the point of purchase based on actual retail prices and availabilities in the store.

Abstract: Systems, and methods for reimbursing prescription fulfillment that includes identifying a drug associated with a claim submitted by a pharmacy for reimbursement by a payer (e.g., insurance carrier) and identifying a change in a manufacturer set price associated with the drug. The invention includes monitoring reimbursed claims received from at least one payer, where one of the reimbursed claims received from the payer is associated with the drug and determining if the payer has updated its internal pricing value associated with the drug. The invention further includes generating a report that includes the payer's updated internal pricing value associated with the drug, and/or creating and submitting a reversal transaction to the at least one payer followed by a resubmission of the original claim, where the resubmitted claim value is based on the payer's updated internal pricing value associated with the drug.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring and regulating public street parking using RF and RFID technology including: tracking expired parking tickets and illegally parked vehicles and identifying parked vehicles using parking ticket from another location. The apparatus includes a central server coupled to parking enforcement, EDI, one or more kiosks, and a plurality of portable or mobile RFID transceivers. Each kiosk includes a controller, RFID transceiver, printer, card reader, cash acceptor, camera, connection to sensor LAN, connection to RFID transceiver LAN, connection to EDI, connection to central server, cash return mechanism, and parking violation mechanism. The apparatus uses a plurality of RFID parking tickets, with each ticket having a unique RFID tag or chip. Users acquire and pay for the RFID parking tickets using the kiosks and place the RFID tickets on their cars while parked.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for recognizing and distinguishing between different containers in which products to be sold by weight may be placed before purchase. A point of sale terminal includes devices for capturing and evaluating information relating to the presence, absence and identity of container type indicia whose presence characterizes a container as belonging to a particular type having a particular weight. Containers in which products may be placed are given appropriate indicia. When an item is to be sold by weight, the item is weighed and a weight reading is received. Information relating to the presence, absence and identity of indicia characterizing a container type is captured and evaluated, and if a container bearing such indicia is identified, the container weight is subtracted from a weight reading to obtain a net weight for the products.

Abstract: A gift card system includes a gift card imprinted with indicia identifying the issuer, an adhesively coated security label permanently adhered to the card and imprinted on one surface with the value of the gift, and a gift record for recording information concerning the gift including the date of issuance and the value thereof. A recording sheet providing the gift record and the opposite surface of the substrate and the face of the recording sheet have cooperating interactive coatings thereon to imprint the recording sheet. A second security label is substantially permanently adhered on the first security label and imprinted with a reduced value to reflect a partial charge against the value on the first mentioned security label.

Abstract: A system and method for performing vehicle payment transactions. The system includes a vehicle with a location determining component and a communication component, and a server with a communication component, a vehicle location identifying component, and a transaction completing component. The location determining component determines the location of the vehicle, and the vehicle communication component sends the determined vehicle location information to the server. The server communication component receives the determined vehicle location information from the vehicle. The vehicle location identifying component determines if the sent vehicle location locates the vehicle in a pay location. If the vehicle location identifying component determines that the vehicle is located in a pay location, the transaction completing component completes a payment transaction.

Abstract: A method for defining a price planning schedule according to one or more organization settings. The method includes receiving a default organization setting for at least one article, receiving a pricing level for the default organization setting for the at least one article, receiving at least a second organization setting for the at least one article, receiving a second pricing level for the second organization setting, and generating a price planning schedule based at least in part on the first and second organization settings for the at least one article.

Abstract: An RFID weight-based security method with container compensation which compares total weights. The security method includes receiving item identification information from RFID labels affixed to items in a container, obtaining a reference container weight, obtaining reference item weights using the item identification information, obtaining a combined weight of the items and the container from a scale, comparing the combined weight with the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights, and processing payment for the items if the combined weight is within a predetermined threshold of the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights.

Abstract: A dual side-by-side refrigerator having a courtesy section and a paid-vend section both cooled by a single cooling unit. A frontal door or double-hung doors are mounted at the front of the cabinet to cover both courtesy and paid-vend sections. An array of sensors including product-removal sensors in the paid-vend section detect removal of products, and door-open sensors the opening of door(s). A programmable controller is connected to all of the sensors for compiling data therefrom and for communicating it to a hotel front desk, and to room service. The fully-monitored refrigerator simplifies and improves housekeeping services because empty containers and wrapper are not left for the next guest, and refrigerators which were not opened since the last cleaning need not be restocked and/or cleaned.

Abstract: A price information presentation system that easily notifies a shopping customer that his/her buying price is lower than one when buying at another store to improve the satisfaction level of the customer. The system includes a price database of other stores, a buying information input section, an obtaining section of another store's price information that refers to the price database of other stores and obtains the selling price of the same article at another store as the article that the customer bought, a price difference calculating section that calculates a price difference between the selling prices of the article that the customer bought and the selling price at another store, and presentation sections that present the price difference calculated by the price difference calculating section to the customer.

Abstract: An RFID tag associated with an item (e.g., by being affixed thereto) eligible for return to a supplier is scanned to obtain item identification information. Thereafter, a notification message indicating that the item is available for pick-up is transmitted, for example to a supplier of the item. The notification message may be transmitted as any or all of: a facsimile message, a telephone message, a pager message, a voice synthesized message, an e-mail message, or an electronic message. Preferably, the notification message is automatically transmitted by a computer system, and may include at least a portion of the item identification information. Upon receipt of the notification message, an account may be credited to reflect return of the item.

Abstract: A questionnaire network makes it possible to create, disseminate, conduct questionnaires or surveys on mobile handsets and to collect results for processing and storage. The questionnaire network is powered by a questionnaire creation tool and a questionnaire trading system. A questionnaire trading system for QTime makes it possible for producers of QTime, such as carriers, and consumers of QTime, such as product manufacturers and advertising companies, to buy or sell QTime in bulk and to trade in QTime as a commodity. In one embodiment, supplementary information and preambles that are part of a questionnaire are captured in audio form using the questionnaire creation tool and are stored selectively along with the questionnaire in a carrier's questionnaire repository or separately at a hosted repository.

Abstract: A transponder-reader payment system includes a RFID reader for interrogating a transponder, and a fob including a transponder which is associated with fob data file funded by one or more funding sources. In exemplary operation, the fob identifying information may be presented to the RFID reader for completion of a transaction request. The transaction request may be provided to a fob issuer system which may process the transaction request in accordance with a funding protocol wherein the transaction request is satisfied according to a fob issuer predefined funding criteria relative to the multiple funding sources.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for protecting the security of processing for customization of computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing processing of exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 1. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will further provide computer systems and methods for securing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, securing image-customized computer-based postage label 1 as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2.

Abstract: An illumination device comprises a housing, a light source, a light transmissive support plate and a sensor. The light source is mounted within a cavity of the housing. The light transmissive support plate is engaged with the housing. The housing and the light source are configured for enabling light from the light source to impinge upon the light transmissive support plate. The sensor is configured for selectively activating the light source dependent upon placement of an article relative to the light transmissive support plate. In one embodiment, the sensor is preferably a force sensitive sensor having the light transmissive support plate engaged therewith. The light transmissive support plate is mounted in a manner enabling force to be applied on the force sensitive sensor by the light transmissive support plate when a corresponding force is applied on a support surface of the light transmissive support plate.

Abstract: A method of managing time-sensitive items which relies on identification information of RFID labels associated with the items. The method includes the steps of identifying the time-sensitive item, and obtaining the expiration information from a web site of a seller of the time-sensitive item. In another form concerned with products, the method includes the steps of identifying an EPL associated with the product, causing the EPL to interrogate an RFID label on the product, receiving identification information from the RFID label, and obtaining the expiration information about the product using the identification information from the RFID label. The method additionally compares the expiration information with current date information and either causes the EPL to display a lower price or assists with removal of expired instances of a product through a report.

Abstract: A compact fare paying device has a housing for receiving a monetary member and at least one verifier unit in the housing for determining the authenticity of the monetary member. A storage device such as a safe can receive the monetary member or a return device can return it to the user. A control unit can compute the monetary value of the monetary member and compare the monetary value to a stored required fare value. If the monetary value is greater than the fare value, the monetary member can then be translated to the return device. If the monetary value is less than the stored fare value, the monetary member is stored for a predetermined time period to enable the user to deposit the required fare. If it is not deposited within the predetermined time period, the temporarily stored monetary value is translated to the return device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a checkout device that includes a purchasable item having an RFID tag affixed thereto and a scanner for detecting the RFID tag. A dispenser proximate to the scanner dispenses a point of purchase product upon selection by a user of the checkout device. A controller in operative communication with the scanner and the dispenser subsequently calculates the cost of the purchase item and the point of purchase product. A display device in operative communication with the controller displays the cost to the person using the checkout device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accepting payments for goods and services provided by a merchant. In one embodiment, a method for accepting payments from a consumer for a good or service provided by a merchant comprises receiving a transaction request from the merchant, receiving a payment from the consumer, associating the payment with the transaction request, and sending at least a portion of the payment to the merchant. In this manner, the merchant stages the transaction, and the consumer completes the transaction by making the payment. An optional time limit feature also may be used, and the transaction may be staged by the consumer, or others.

Abstract: A shopping environment process includes determining when a shopper is in proximity to an item by detecting a wireless transmission from a shopper device associated with the shopper. A purchase price of the item is determined based in part on the identity of the shopper. A graphical interface of a shelving device associated with the item then displays the purchase price. The interface enables the shopper to purchase the item. The item is then included in a virtual shopping cart associated with the user if the user purchases the item. The shopper device may include a card reader enabling the shopper to associate with the shopper device by swiping a loyalty card. The shelving device can communicate with a customer database server by sending a wireless communication to an intermediate shelving device and transmitting the communication from the intermediate shelving device to a repeater device connected to a wired network.

Abstract: A game presentation such as a virtual slot machine is displayed by a display device associated with a point of sale (POS) terminal. The game presentation includes images of products for which product identifying codes are entered at the POS terminal. The game presentation indicates to a customer an outcome of a random process pursuant to which the customer may be awarded a benefit such as a free product, a discount on a product selected for purchase, a coupon or an upsell offer.

Abstract: A payment service method and system involve a payment service provider, a customer/payor and a client/payee. The customer/payor enrolls in the service and is provided the unique identifier which enables him or her to conduct all transactions with the payment service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment service provider through various forms of communication, and can facilitate payments to the clients/payees through the payment service provider while remaining anonymous. Various enhancements are provided for promoting the services of the clients and the payment service provider to customer bases obtained from persons enrolled in the payment service and from persons who are customers of the clients.

Abstract: A POS device functioning as a store complex checkout apparatus reads an information storage medium storing at least a product provision store code and a product code attached to products of the and other stores using a medium reading unit, refers to the product master file information and performs checkout when a product checkout processing unit identifies the code as the store code from information read from the information storage medium, and refers to corresponding master file information of other store and performs checkout if the product checkout processing unit identifies the code as the code of other store, causing a transaction management unit to generate and store transaction information including a store code and the product provision store code. Further, a store-to-store information send/receive processing unit performs checkout processing for transaction amount with a store checkout apparatus of other store based on the transaction information.

Abstract: A payment service method and system involve a payment service provider, a customer/payor and a consumer provider/payee. The customer/payor enrolls in the service and is provided a unique identifier that enables the customer to conduct transactions with the payment service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment service provider through various forms of communication, and can facilitate payments to the consumer providers/payees through the payment service provider while remaining anonymous.

Abstract: A merchandise sales processing apparatus communicates with a money changer machine for automatically dispensing cash, acquires a sales figure in a transaction, acquires a differential amount in the money changer occurred in the transaction from the money changer, decides if the acquired sales figure matches the acquired price of the fluctuating currency, and acquires a transaction date and time on the transaction if the sales figure does not match the differential amount, and stores the transaction date and time in the memory.

Abstract: A process and article of manufacture for ordering items. Descriptive item information is provided to a consumer on a mass media storage device. The consumer reviews the item information and selects items for purchase. During a check out process a textual order form and bar code, both including order information, are generated. The bar code is applied to the order form and both are transmitted to a vendor via mail, facsimile; upon receipt the vendor reads the bar code to enter the order information. Alternatively, the order information is electronically transmitted to the vendor, in which case it is not necessary to generate the bar code containing the order information.

Abstract: A system, such as a checkout station, for positively identifying items includes a reader that reads coded information affixed to an item. The system further includes a capture module, such as a camera. The capture module captures a visual characteristic of the item to be identified, such as the color, size, shape, or texture of the item. The visual characteristic of the item is compared with visual characteristics of candidate items stored within a database. If multiple items within the database are associated with the item to be identified, the images of the candidate items may be displayed to a user. The user may then select the candidate item that most resembles the item to be identified. The coded information of the item being identified is then compared with coded information of the selected item within the database. If the coded information of both items corresponds, the item is positively identified and is accepted for purchase by a consumer.

Abstract: A user inserts a magnetic card to a magnetic card reader, and inputs his/her electronic signature and dealing data through an input device. The input dealing data are recorded on an electronic account data file together with the electronic signature. The input data are also recorded on a log file after encryption. An administrator inserts his/her IC card to an IC card reader/writer for updating the dealing data. The IC card reader/writer collaborates with a SAM to certify the inserted IC card (medium verification). A finger print recognizer obtains the administrator's finger print to compare it with finger print data stored in a finger print file (user verification). If both medium verification and user verification are passed, a controller decodes log data in the log file. After the log data are decoded, the administrator is allowed to access the electronic account data file for to update data. Data regarding to the update done by the administrator are also recorded on the log file after encyption.

Abstract: A retail checkout system includes a customer-operated portable terminal with a data reader, such as a barcode scanner, and a customer-operated self-checkout station with an automated payment-accepting subsystem. Customers use the portable terminal to identify and log products that are selected as they move through a store. Item identification data is then transferred to the self-checkout station, where the customer pays for the selected products using the automated payment-accepting subsystem.

Abstract: A method for accepting payments from a consumer for a travel ticket from a travel company comprises receiving at a point of sale device a transaction request that includes a transaction identifier that identifies a travel arrangement made with the travel company and a payment amount. The payment amount and the transaction identifier is transmitted to a host computer system for validation. Also, a validation from the host computer system is received indicating that the transaction requested has been validated. A payment is received from the consumer, and at least a portion of the payment is electronically transmitted to the travel company.

Abstract: A docking station for reading and writing an electronically writable return reminder tag located on a surface of a rental item, the rental item or the return reminder tag having locating features and the return reminder tag including an electronically writable bistable display, a machine readable code identifying the rental item, and a plurality of conductive pads located on the front side of the tag for writing to the display, includes a body defining complementary locating features for locating the rental item bearing the return reminder tag with respect to the docking station; a scanner for scanning the machine readable code on the return reminder tag; and a plurality of contact pins for contacting the conductive pads of the return reminder tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accepting payments for goods and services provided by a consumer provider. The methods can include associating consumers and consumer providers with a payment provider. The payment provider can receive payments destined for the consumer provider, associate the payments with one or more identifiers, and transfer at least portions of the receive payments to the consumer provider. The systems can include a point-of-sale device configured to accept payments from consumers on behalf of consumer providers. In some cases, the systems include a plurality of such point-of-sale devices in communication with a payment provider control. The payment provider control can be in communication with one or more consumer provider controls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for staging transactions and facilitating payments by consumers to a lender or merchant to consummate a financial transaction and/or to maintain a financial relationship. In one embodiment, a method for accepting payments from a consumer includes receiving a promise-to-pay record from a lender (210), receiving a payment from the consumer (220), associating the payment with the promise-to-pay record (230), and sending a notice to the lender (240), with the notice having an indicator that the payment has been received.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enrolling consumers in goods and services offered by a consumer provider are disclosed herein. Various of the methods include providing an enrollment system and displaying enrollment options via the enrollment system. Further, the methods include receiving enrollment requests and enrolling a consumer based on the enrollment request. The systems can be configured for effectuating the various enrollment methods.