Abstract: The systems and methods provided herein are directed to a system for identifying and reporting partial refueling events. Fueling stations can evaluate when fuel prices may be negatively impacting revenue due to consumers choosing to not to fill their tanks. Stations may then make adjustments to fuel prices that are responsive to customer behavior.

Abstract: The THIRD-PARTY VALUE ADDED WALLET FEATURES AND INTERFACES APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS (“VAW”) facilitates allowing a third party service provider to integrate with an electronic wallet to provide a value-added service to a wallet consumer. The VAW may also be configured to facilitate the creation and funding of pre-paid accounts in a consumer's virtual wallet.

Abstract: A system for enhanced security credit card has rechargeable battery, memory, processor, LCD display, thumbprint pad, magnetic swipe strip, multi-pin connector and USB port. The card is activated by the thumbprint of an authorized user, thereby turning on the blank LCD display to show a card number, expiration date, and CVV value. Additionally, the multi-pin connector is activated and inserted into credit card processing machine connector. This connection uploads the ‘PIN value, photograph and credit limit of the user on the processing machine display, verifying the user's identity and authorizing the credit card purchase. The use of a magnetic strip for credit card purchase also requires a ‘PIN’ value, which is provided by insertion of a thumbprint activated credit card multi-pin connector.

Abstract: A method for creating an augmented reality experience. The method includes receiving a value to associate with a stored value token, searching a database for one of products and services that are sold close to the value, matching at least one of a product and a service which is sold close to the value, and creating a record comprising a token identifier and a graphical item representing one of the product and service that is found during matching, receiving a request to initiate the augmented reality experience. The method further includes, in response to the request, preparing data comprising augmented reality information including a video file and the record. The method further includes sending the data over a computer network.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that determines a first triggering event in predetermined triggering event information has occurred, in response to a first event, automatically forwards a first communication to a selected third party vendor to preorder a product or service of the selected third party vendor in connection with a transaction with the user, determines a second triggering event in the triggering event information has occurred, and in response to the later second event, automatically sends an authorization to complete the transaction by providing financial information to the selected third party vendor.

Abstract: A method of processing a transaction includes receiving a site location code. Site configuration information corresponding to the received site location code is received from a database. That information includes more product record(s), each corresponding to a reservable product or a non-reservable product. A selection of one or more of the product records in the retrieved information is received. If any selected product record corresponds to a reservable product, a reservation command is produced. That command requests reservation of selected reservable product(s). A method of selecting a product includes receiving a location input and determining a site location code with it. The site location code is transmitted and one or more product records are received. Representations of one or more of the received product records are presented and a selection of products is received. An indication of the selection is transmitted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically monitoring a parking meter associated with a vehicle. The system includes a transceiver configured to receive location data of a mobile device associated with a user of the vehicle. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle configured to receive or determine parking meter data associated with the parking meter. The ECU is configured to determine, based on the parking meter data, whether a time remaining on the parking meter is below a time threshold. The ECU is configured to automatically communicate, to the mobile device, a warning communication indicating the time remaining on the parking meter when the time remaining on the parking meter is below the time threshold and the location data of the mobile device indicates that a location of the mobile device is more than a threshold distance away from a location of the vehicle.

Abstract: In some examples, a system and method for generating a payment instrument are described. The method includes receiving a unique signature that a recipient intends to associate with the payment instrument; verifying that the received feature meets an acceptability criterion; generating a representation of the received signature, wherein the representation is in a form capable of being physically associated with the payment instrument, and wherein association is established by embedding or exposing the representation on the payment instrument; and causing physical generation of the payment instrument having associated therewith the representation of the signature.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: The present specification describes to a self-service payment device and a control method thereof. One example method includes determining that a removable cover plate is in a first state, wherein the removable cover plate and a payment box form an enclosed space when the removable cover plate is in the first state, and the top of the payment box is open when the removable cover plate is in a second state; reading, using at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna fastened to at least one inner wall of the payment box, at least one RFID tag, wherein each RFID tag is associated with a merchandise to be paid inside the payment box; and providing payment information based on the at least one RFID tag.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for securely generating verifiable machine-readable visual codes. Techniques include identifying a data element to be made available to a computing device, generating a machine-readable visual code including the data element, making available the generated machine-readable visual code to a display medium, such that the generated machine-readable visual code can be decoded from the display medium to yield the data element and can be validated. The computing device's ability to interact with the data element may be conditioned on the validation of the data element being successful.

Abstract: A system and method of transacting a prepaid product with an electronic mobile device that is used to electronically interface with a code, such as a QR code, bar code, RF signal or NFC signal, representing a prepaid product. The codes of multiple prepaid products of multiple prepaid product providers are grouped together on a single structure or in a single computer displayed in a shopping area. The electronic mobile device subsequently electronically interfaces with a point of sale device after electronically interfacing with said code to provide prepaid product information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a sale authorization include detecting vehicle information. A secondary authorization parameter is received and the sale is authorized in response to the secondary authorization parameter being associated with the vehicle information.

Abstract: Aspects described herein may allow for prompting a user to access an on-line tool to create an identification element to be added to an exterior surface of a personal card. A server device may prompt the user to select a location for the identification element from a plurality of pre-selected locations on the personal card, each of the plurality of pre-selected locations being proximate edges of the personal card and outward of any of magnetic strips, chips, text, photos, and images on the personal card. The server device may modify an exterior surface of the personal card to include the identification element at the selected location, and deliver the personal card to the user.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., picker or picking agent) may retrieve an item from an inventory location and place the item into a tote. The systems described herein detect the item when it is added to or removed from the tote.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus, the beverage apparatus being hand-holdable by a user of the beverage apparatus to be portable, can include a beverage chamber housing that includes a chamber for storing a consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus can include a dispensing assembly that includes a receptacle. The receptacle can retain a vessel. The vessel can include an electronic tag and can contain an additive. The dispensing assembly can be operatively controllable by a controller to output the additive from the vessel into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus can include one or more sensors, devices, or assemblies that can be used to detect a volume of liquid in the chamber or a liquid level in the chamber. The beverage apparatus can include an apparatus computer processor portion (ACP) and an apparatus database portion.

Abstract: Technologies for interfacing an input overlay device with a touch screen display of a compute device are disclosed. A compute device may detect that an input overlay device has been placed on top of its touch screen display. After detecting the input overlay device, the computing device determines one or more parameters for the input overlay device. The computing device may then detect an additional touch on the portion of the touch screen display currently covered by the input overlay device. The compute device can then determine an input of a user based on the position of the touch and the one or more parameters of the input overlay device.

Abstract: An example system receives certificate requests from clients. Each request can indicate a number of computerized devices needing certificates; a timestamp indicating when the request was transmitted; and a client identifier. The system includes a Quality of Service (QoS) manager that: distributes the requests from the clients across client queues, each of the client queues corresponding to a particular client; and divides requests into smaller subgroups of entries corresponding to a subset of the computerized devices needing certificates. The system can also transmit retrieved entries from the client queues to a certificate management service.

Abstract: A personalized souvenir producing interactive kiosk system and method of producing a personalized souvenir using the personalized souvenir producing interactive kiosk system. The system includes a vending machine-like kiosk configured to communicate with a user's electronic device, such as a smartphone, to accept an upload of a user-selected digital image. The kiosk then creates a personalized souvenir in the form of a refrigerator magnet using the digital image and printing the digital image on a section of magnetic sheeting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fingerprint recognition-based event admission are provided. A user may use a user device to purchase a ticket for an event and provide a fingerprint scanned on the user device to a fingerprint validation system. The fingerprint validation system may associate the purchased ticket with the user and store the fingerprint template associated with the user as a reference template. When the user arrives at an entrance of the event, the user may scan a fingerprint at a fingerprint scan device at the entrance. Fingerprint validation system may compare the received fingerprint template with stored fingerprint reference templates, validate that the user is associated with a purchased ticket, and grant access to the event.

Abstract: Systems for vending products to a customer that encompasses a group of co-located vending machines managed by a vending company, a database of current inventory of products in the vending machines and customer purchase history; and the use of a personal electronic device by the customer. Embodiments include a single order by a customer from a sorted list of prior purchases, and where a single purchase comprises sub-products from multiple co-located vending machines. Embodiments include the customer selecting either products or vending machines from a list of options provided via the user interface of the personal electronic device, wherein the list of options depends on the actual available inventory in vending machines co-located with the customer, and the customer purchase history.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for managing inventory as it transitions into a materials handling facility, as it transitions between locations within a materials handling facility and/or as it transitions out of a materials handling facility. In some instances, a user (e.g., picker or picking agent) may retrieve an item from an inventory location and place the item into a tote. The systems described herein detect the item when it is added to or removed from the tote.

Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating redeemable electronic fuel codes and validating fuel payments at a fuel point of sale terminal. An enterprise can be configured to receive an indication of fuel purchase request and can request authorization from a financial institution or account associated with at least one individual. If the payment is authorized, the enterprise can generate a purchase authorization for the amount of fuel requested and create an encrypted electronic fuel code that can be transmitted to the individual and used for redeeming fuel at a fuel point of sale terminal associated with the enterprise. An enterprise can be configured to sell fuel to at least one individual using a phone number and a unique security PIN at a fuel point of sale terminal, such that the at least one individual is billed for the fuel purchase via their phone service provider.

Abstract: A Local Controller device installed in or on the fuel pump capable of functioning as a pump controller dedicated solely to the pump in which it is installed and as a data router to and from the peripheral devices. This dedicated Local Controller device contains a microcomputer with a pump communications interface and optionally a remote, Site Controller communication interface which is non-dedicated and has control over many pumps at the station. If connected to such a Site Controller, the device will function as a slave to this Site Controller. Otherwise it functions autonomously to control the pump on its own.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a personal data processing system may require guardian consent (e.g., parental consent) for a data subject in order to collect, store, and or process the subject's personal data. The system may prompt the data subject to initiate a request for guardian consent or the system may initiate a request for guardian consent without initiation from the data subject (e.g., in the background of a transaction). In some embodiments, the system may require guardian consent when a data subject is under the age for valid consent for the particular type of personal data that will be collected as part of a particular transaction. Data processing systems may generate and store one or more consent records memorializing valid consent for data processing from data subjects and/or from guardians on their behalf (e.g., in the case of a minor data subject).

Abstract: In a method for instantly issuing a personalized financial transaction card to a customer a bank employee receives customer information and card information from the customer at a branch location. The card information may include a card personal identification number (PIN) selected by the customer. The operator inputs the customer information and at least some the card information into a data processing terminal at the branch. The customer information and the card information are communicated from the branch across a network to a card services provider. At the card services provider, the PIN is entered into a PIN database and a reference number associated with the customer and a PIN offset is generated. The reference number and at least some of the customer data and card data may be stored in a card file associated with the customer. The reference number is used to retrieve the PIN from the PIN database. The retrieved PIN is then used to apply calculations to the card file.

Abstract: A method for providing a gift includes receiving a gift token creation request representative of a selection of a gift recipient and gift limitations from a first computing device. The method includes generating a tokenized PAN associated with a gift account and transmitting the tokenized PAN and gift limitations to a second computing device. The method includes detecting a transaction authorization request that is representative of an attempted transaction at a merchant POS device based on monitoring of transaction authorization data originating from a plurality of merchant POS devices. The transaction authorization request represents an attempted tokenized PAN, an attempted transaction amount and a merchant code. The method includes determining that the attempted tokenized PAN matches the tokenized PAN associated with the gift account.

Abstract: Automating a product offering presented in a consumer kiosk application for creating and order consumer photo-related products. An automated product offering system determines in real-time or near real-time the availability of products to be offered to the consumer and adjusts the display on the kiosk GUI to guide the user to select products that are currently available. The product availability may be specific to a location and a retailer hosting the consumer kiosk application. The kiosk GUI display is adjusted in accordance with product advertising and promotional campaigns to guide the user to generate orders for products that offer the best value to the consumer while helping retailers and kiosk operators succeed with advertising campaigns.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for linking access credentials with payment accounts and facilitating access to events based on associations between the payment accounts and the events are disclosed. One exemplary method includes receiving, at a computing device, an authorization request for purchasing access to an event where the authorization request includes event content, ticket content, and payment content, and where the authorization request is associated with a merchant. The method also includes determining, at the computing device, whether the merchant and/or the event are registered, and when the merchant and the event are registered, storing, in memory of the computing device, a link between a payment account identified in the payment content and the event, whereby the link is able to be retrieved, by the merchant, via a subsequent authorization request, to indicate access to the event.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for processing a search request received from a user operating a text input device. The search request is directed at identifying a desired item from a set of items. Each of the items of the set of items has one or more associated terms. The method includes receiving a query input from a user directed at identifying the desired item. The query input comprises one or more characters input by the user on the text input device. As each character of the query input is received from the user, a group of items having one or more terms matching the characters received thus far of the query input is dynamically identified. The items in this group of items are ordered based on relevance values of the terms matching the characters and on the number of characters of the query input used in identifying the group of items. Identification of the group of items as ordered is transmitted to the user to be displayed on a device operated by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable structure for a point of sale (POS). The foldable structure comprises: a screen, a back plate of which is provided with a screen mounting part; a connecting arm, two ends of which are respectively provided with a first mounting part and a second mounting part; a base, a side plate of which is provided with a base mounting part; a first rotating member, coupled between the screen mounting part of the screen and the first mounting part of the connecting arm; and a second rotating member, coupled between the base mounting part of the base and the second mounting part of the connecting arm. The first rotating member and the second rotating member are rotated, and the connecting arm is folded to expand the screen and the base into a desktop type or a pulled-up vertical type, or the connecting arm is folded to gather the base against the back plate of the screen to form a wall-mounted type.

Abstract: An example system receives certificate requests from clients. Each request can indicate a number of computerized devices needing certificates; a timestamp indicating when the request was transmitted; and a client identifier. The system includes a Quality of Service (QoS) manager that: distributes the requests from the clients across client queues, each of the client queues corresponding to a particular client; and divides requests into smaller subgroups of entries corresponding to a subset of the computerized devices needing certificates. The system can also transmit retrieved entries from the client queues to a certificate management service.

Abstract: Techniques for hybrid behavioral pairing in a contact center system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for hybrid behavioral pairing in a contact center system comprising: determining a first ordering of a plurality of contacts according to a behavioral pairing strategy with a balanced contact utilization; determining a second ordering of the plurality of contacts according to a performance-based routing strategy with an unbalanced contact utilization; determining a third ordering of the plurality of agents according to a combination of the first ordering and the second ordering having a skewed contact utilization between the balanced contact utilization and the unbalanced contact utilization; and outputting a hybrid behavioral pairing model based on the third ordering for connecting an agent to a contact of the plurality of contacts in the contact center system.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for evaluating a product sampling event. The disclosed methods, systems and devices receive from a user a user identification specific to the user and compare the user identification to a user data set stored on a computer-readable medium. A sample is then delivered based on a predetermined condition, and a product value is changed after the step of causing delivery of the sample of the product. It can then be determined whether the user purchased the product after delivery of the sample of the product and, based on that determination, a sampling event value can be assigned. The user's preferences can also be used to provide a more custom sample with a user's order for example, with online or home delivery shopping.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for providing incentives and rewards to consumers in return for their sharing of their electronically-derived consumer location data and sharing their opinions and feedback. The system may be programmed to determine parameters of a reward offered to an individual consumer or group of consumers based on or more criteria. In addition, location-derived insights and information reported by the consumers may be used to segment and customize the available incentives and rewards for each consumer. Reward redemption analytics may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of reward customization.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for authentication and encryption communicably attached to a computer system is provided. The portable device may generate and automatically output authentication data for a plurality of accounts on request by a user. The output generated by the device is variable and customizable data that matches the data required by websites, applications, and other computer based systems to function as a universal authentication device. The device may include means to encrypt, decrypt, sign, verify and hash data including emails, images, documents and other files on request by a user. The device further having means to require physical user presence in order to generate authentication, encryption, decryption, signature, verification or hash data. The device includes a keypad having a plurality of buttons, a power and data connector, a data processing unit, a keyring hole, a light emitting diode, and a reset button.

Abstract: A power demand management system includes a plurality of power-prepaid appliances and a power demand management server. Each of the power-prepaid appliances includes an authenticator configured to manage an authentication key, a control setting unit configured to receive a power consumption control signal containing a power reduction amount from the power demand management server and to set control information according to the power reduction amount, and an operation control signal generator configured to generate an operation control signal based on the control information selected by the control setting unit.

Abstract: A vehicle, based on user preferences and while the vehicle is in motion: in response to identification of a first event (e.g., a third party resident being in a vehicle location and/or on the route of the vehicle) and based on the user preferences, determines that the user desires to perform a transaction with the third party, automatically sends a first communication to the third party for the user (the first communication being part of a secure session and enabling authentication of the user by the third party), at a second later time and while the vehicle is in motion, and in response to identification of a second event, automatically sends a different second communication to the third party. The second communication is part of the secure session and enables the third party to complete the transaction with the user.

Abstract: Currency note sorting devices and systems, and corresponding methods of identifying and sorting currency notes are described herein. A method for sorting currency notes that includes receiving currency notes, identifying the denomination of the currency notes, and distributing the currency notes to slots of a wallet based on the identified denomination. The wallet slots include staggered braille tabs to aid visual-impaired users of the wallet.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for managing parking monitoring and enforcement. In one aspect, an in ground sensor provides a first vehicle detection technique and a video camera employing machine vision provides a second vehicle detection technique. A vehicle detection technique for a smart parking meter utilizes both of the first and second detection techniques to make a highly accurate determination of a vehicle entering a parking space and a vehicle exiting a parking space. The second detection technique can be used to perform a double check on the first technique, or vice versa.

Abstract: A remote user interface (RUI) for a personalization document printer of an instant issuance system is provided. The RUI includes a printer functionality component and a server functionality component. The server functionality component is configured to allow, for example a user to control user authentication to use the printer, control print queues of the printer, control print workflows of the printer, control RUI configuration, control remote access to printer user functions and a print preview displaying an image of the customized personalization document with image data and personalization account data, control storage and rendering of data to be placed on a customized personalization document, lock and unlock access to supplies and/or personalization documents in the personalization document printer, access administrative functions, and provide quality assurance functions.

Abstract: A connector is for a charging station. The charging station has a charging box having a signaling mechanism. The connector includes an electrical receptacle structured to be electrically connected to the signaling mechanism; a housing coupled to the electrical receptacle; an indicating assembly coupled to the housing; and an interface between the indicating assembly and the signaling mechanism in order to energize the indicating assembly and provide an indication of charging status.

Abstract: A facility for coordinating an online discussion is described. The facility receives an indication that a user has captured a machine-readable symbol encoding an identifier that identifies a particular online discussion. In response, the facility incorporates into an online forum that hosts this online discussion an indication that this user captured a symbol encoding an identifier that identifies this online discussion.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for fuel dispenser electronic communication are provided. In general, a fuel dispenser can be configured to electronically communicate with a network cloud to access cloud technology services. The communication can be direct, e.g., without the fuel dispenser communicating with the cloud network through an intermediary such as a fuel dispenser forecourt controller. The fuel dispenser can include a communication module configured to electronically communicate with the network cloud. The communication module can be on board the dispenser.

Abstract: Energy resource dispensing terminals can be added one-at-a-time to a wide area resource distribution system very easily where needed as needed. Each terminal can dispense any of a number of types of energy resources such as electricity, compressed hydrogen, compressed air, and waste vegetable oil. The energy dispensing terminal includes a terminal control computer that interacts with customer computing devices, such as personal, portable computing devices or onboard computers installed in vehicles to effect negotiation and fulfillment of energy resource purchase transactions. A resource sharing server facilitates such transactions by maintaining and verifying identities of customers and sellers along with financial account information such that a registered customer can purchase energy resources from any seller registered with the same resource sharing server.

Abstract: A scanning system for a retail store includes a plurality of electric beacons located in aisles in a retail store A plurality of shopping carts having on board 3D scanning components are configured to scan items along aisles in a retail store, collect and process 3D information and transmit the 3D information to a store server. Each of the plurality of shopping carts include 3D cameras for 3D scanning, sensors for sensing the electric beacons, at least one processor and a communications module for remotely communicating with the store server. The store server is configured to gather the 3D information transmitted from the plurality of shopping carts to generate a 3D model of the retail store.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a media content sharing method and apparatus. The media content sharing method includes: using, by a first device, a private sharing mode, and acquiring first private information corresponding to the private sharing mode; and sending or displaying, by the first device, the first private information to a second device, so that the second device acquires the first private information and acquires shared media content of the first device according to the first private information.

Abstract: A system and method for offering customer priority parking reservations. Motor vehicle parking spaces are provided through a server. The server respectively interfaces with smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators that are each associated with the parking spaces. The parking spaces are reserved by accepting a request for a customer priority parking reservation from a merchant for a reservation period. Use of the parking space is managed through the server by activating the parking availability indicators associated with the reserved parking spaces, sensing occupancy of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the vehicle occupancy sensor, and retrieving and providing an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device to the server. The use of the parking space is validated from the merchant through the server.

Abstract: A mobile device is used to initiate and execute a transaction between a customer and a merchant. A mobile device is used to initiate a point of sale transaction, wherein a merchant ID is sent to a payment processing server. Responsive to receiving a communication from the mobile device, the payment processing server requests transaction information from the merchant, wherein the merchant is identified based on the provided merchant ID. The merchant can provide transaction information such as the total sale amount to the payment processing server. The payment processing server can authenticate the customer and initiate a purchase transaction with the appropriate financial institutions associated with the customer and the merchant. The payment processing server can send a confirmation of the executed transaction to the merchant and the mobile device.

Abstract: A prescription management system receives prescription information and manages containers filled with the prescription. The prescription is stored in the container and the container is attached to a tracking device storing prescription information. The tracking device is managed by the prescription management system. The tracking device activates an indicator when it receives a request from the prescription management system identifying the tracking device. The indicator permits a user, such as a pharmacist, to locate a desired prescription. In some instances, filled prescriptions may be stored in a filled prescription holding area for a long period of time (i.e., the customer hasn't picked up the prescription). The system allows a user to identify these filled prescriptions and return the medication back to available stock for filling future prescriptions. The system may also identify these filled prescriptions and have the filled prescriptions delivered to a customer's home before the prescriptions expire.