Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method, system, and computer program product for verifying a parameter on a computing node. The method can include accessing a first dynamically generated encoded visual representation from a computing node. The method can also include identifying one or more parameters of the computing node from the first dynamically generated encoded visual representation. The method can also include determining whether the computing node has a first parameter from the one or more parameters. The method can also include displaying the first parameter in response to the computing node having the first parameter.

Abstract: Method for remote management of at least one audiovisual information reproduction device comprising a host server connected to each audiovisual information reproduction device, the host server comprising a database containing management information for each audiovisual information reproduction device, wherein the host server also comprises a site manager communicating with the database, and comprising a number of screens, at least one first screen comprising a menu displaying the list of audiovisual information reproduction systems, validating the choice of each audiovisual information reproduction device causing the display of a first series of screens that the operator can use to modify the operating parameters of at least one selected audiovisual information reproduction device and/or a second series of screens that the operator can use to order at least one song for downloading onto the audiovisual information reproduction systems from a chosen list of devices or to delete at least one song, and/or a thir

Abstract: An information processing system includes a relaying device on a first network; and an information processing device on a second network different from the first network, the information processing device sending a request to a power supply connection device that provides an electric device with electric power. The relaying device includes a request receiving unit that receives a request from a terminal device to the information processing device; and a request providing unit that provides the request received from the terminal device to the information processing device as a reply to an inquiry from the information processing device. The information processing device includes a request obtaining unit that receives the request from the terminal device via the relaying device; and a request unit that sends, to the power supply connection device, the request received from the terminal device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to facilitating transactions via mobile devices. In one embodiment, an account that is linked to a mobile telephone number of a mobile device is established at a computer system. In such an embodiment, the account permits a user to make and receive payments, and is not accessible without using the mobile device. In some embodiments, the account is established without setting up a username and password. In one embodiment, a request is sent from a payment application of the mobile device to the computer system. In some embodiments, the payment application is made active on the mobile device in response to a user input within a different application running on the mobile device. After the payment application is active, a purchase is confirmed within the payment application such that the request is sent responsive to the confirming and without authenticating the user within the payment application.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a self-service system is to provide self-support knowledgebase (KB) information to allow users to navigate the self-support KB. A monitor is to track user interaction with the self-support KB while a user navigates through the self-support KB. A support service system is to receive a request from the first mobile device of the first user to request a live support service and in response to the request, the support service system is to identify a set of skills required to handle the first product currently navigated by the user. An agent manager to select a support agent having a skill set satisfying the identified skill set. A communications and routing system coupled to the support service system to establish session video chat communications session between the mobile devices of the user and the selected agent.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media and systems are described wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. In an embodiment, a process includes receiving an indication that a customer is interested in making a purchase during a transaction from a merchant, and transmitting an offer for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer and a security deposit. The task is associated with a subsidy provider other than the merchant. The method also includes providing the offer to the customer, receiving the security deposit, applying the benefit to the transaction before performance of the task, and returning at least a portion of the security deposit to the customer based on the performance of the task. For example, a subsidy provider may offer to apply a subsidy amount to a transaction involving the purchase of a lawn mower in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer such as test driving a new car.

Abstract: An automatic transaction apparatus includes a card insert port into which a card medium is inserted; a paper medium discharge section that has a discharge port from which a paper medium is discharged; and a conveying path that has a lower guide surface and an upper guide surface that guide conveyance of the paper medium and discharge of the paper medium from the discharge port, a dimension of the conveying path in a thickness direction of the paper medium being smaller than a thickness of the card medium at least at one position of the conveying path along a conveying direction.

Abstract: A system for confirming authorization of a operator for controlling a vehicle on fixed paths, the system having at least one ride vehicle with an onboard control system being configured to confirm operator authorization prior to allowing operator control thereof and an electronic device dimensioned and configured to be supported by an operator, the electronic device being further configured to remotely authorize operator control of the onboard control system. A method for confirming authorization of an operator for controlling a vehicle on fixed paths is also provided.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus capable of reading or detecting coded information printed on or otherwise associated with food packaging is provided. Food packaging capable of being read or detected by a cooking apparatus is also provided. The cooking apparatus sets cooking time and cooking temperature as a result of reading or detecting coded information printed on or otherwise associated with food packaging. The cooking apparatus is capable of interacting with a user of the cooking apparatus to further assist the cooking process started as a result of reading or detecting coded information printed on or otherwise associated with food packaging. The cooking apparatus capable of connecting to a remote computer and server and receiving and displaying web pages generated by the remote server to further assist the cooking process.

Abstract: A user input comprising a climate control parameter is received. A climate control subsystem that is configured to modify an environment based on the climate control parameter is activated. A payment message that is based on a usage parameter is transmitted to a billing system. The payment message results in a charge being made to an account of the user.

Abstract: A pet or human care management system and method are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a portable electronic device carried by a care service provider to scan a care customer bar code at the location of a care visit to indicate the start and/or end of the care visit. The portable electronic device also includes a GPS component and transmits its location at a plurality of times during the care visit, such as to indicate the path of a scheduled walk. A website is employed to administrate the care management system, including scheduling walks, licensing care providers, and creating customer and care provider accounts.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining application data using a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode are disclosed. Application data may be obtained by enabling the pass-through mode of the card reader, instructing the card reader to poll for an exchange event, identifying the exchange event, identifying a subject of the exchange event, and obtaining application data from the subject when the subject of the exchange event is a predefined application. The pass-through mode may be disabled and the automatic polling mode may be enabled after the application data is obtained. An account number from the subject of the exchange event may also be obtained for use in authorizing a vending transaction.

Abstract: Determining metadata associated with a graph-based computation includes functionally transforming metadata associated with a first portion of a graph to generate transformed metadata associated with a second portion of the graph; determining a third portion of the graph related to the second portion of the graph; and propagating the transformed metadata from the second portion of the graph to the third portion of the graph.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein provide for processing electronic payments at a retail location. Secure payment information for use in processing future payment transactions initiated by a mobile device may be stored at a secure location remote from retail locations. A mobile device of a user may be detected and location determined based at least in part on the strength of a signal via a wireless antennas at the retail location. A determination is made that the mobile device is associated with a user who previously provided payment information for use in processing payment transactions. The mobile device may receive incentives based at least in part on the determined location. A user may complete a payment transaction at the retail location without providing the secure payment information at the retail location.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records corresponding to authorized user or financial account data. The automated banking machine includes a card reader for reading data from user cards. The automated banking machine causes financial transfers related to financial accounts that correspond to data read from user cards. The automated banking machine also includes devices that control the supply of power to transaction function devices such as the card reader to avoid exceeding power supply capacity.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for labeling a refill contain and/or for enabling operation of the refill container by a dispensing system based upon one or more indicia of the label satisfying a dispensing key are provided. In an example, a label may be applied to a refill container. The label may comprise a first region having a first indicia that may correspond to a shape, color, and/or texture (e.g., a yellow star indicia). A dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container (e.g., installation and/or dispensing of material from the refill container) based upon the first indicia satisfying a dispensing key (e.g., a yellow key component and/or a star shape component). Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., the refill container is not genuine or is not an appropriate refill container type).

Abstract: A method and system receives a first data feed from at least one third-party computerized device by way of a computerized network connected to the customer computerized device. This first data feed is displayed through the display item. The graphic user interface receives customer interaction information when the customer interacts with the display item. The method transmits such customer interaction information to the third-party computerized device by way of the customer computerized network. The customer computerized device then receives a second data feed from the third-party computerized device by way of the computerized network. The second data feed is different than the first data feed and the second data feed is based on the customer interaction information and/or the group usage statistics.

Abstract: A novel alternative concept for handling dynamic provisioning changes and ongoing network reconfiguration and incremental reoptimization in general. A prime motivation is concern about the dependency of existing concepts for dynamic provisioning on the real-time coherence of databases of network state at diverse geographic locations. Not only is the continual updating of such global state everywhere in the network an intensive real-time load, but inevitable incoherencies pose hazards in network operation. The alternative proposal is a framework that makes use precise time synchronization and the computational power of network nodes to solve identical local instances of incremental reoptimization problems in situ. The new scheme removes the database coherency hazard, reduces signaling volumes, and increases resource efficiencies in service provisioning. It also provides a framework in general for continually ongoing incremental or (if desired) total reoptimization of network configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate counterfeit deterrence in a printer or the like. A final image is scanned from a photoreceptor belt before or after transfer of the image to a print medium or from the print medium itself prior to output, and the scanned image data is assessed using a set of stored criteria to detect counterfeit signatures in the scanned image. Upon a determination that the scanned image includes a restricted image, and therefore contains one or more counterfeit image, the printer is shut down, electronically locked until serviced, and/or caused to damage or mark the printed counterfeit image(s).

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for managing belongings of a user who enters or exits from a secure region. The system includes a user identification tag including first identification information about a user of the belongings; an identification code generator generating a two-dimensional (2D) identification code including second identification information based on information about the belongings, a labeling device outputting the 2D identification code to a label, and a security management server mapping the first identification information with the second identification information and storing the same, wherein the label is attached to the belongings, and when the label is detached from the belongings, the 2D identification code is damaged.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a first interface adapted for establishing a communication with a first external electronic entity. A first security element is adapted for detecting at least one type of attack and forbidding at least one data communication using the first interface after the detection of an attack. A second interface is different from the first interface and is adapted for establishing a communication with a second external electronic entity. A management element of the first security element uses the second interface for managing the first security element.

Abstract: A banking system is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The banking system includes an automated banking machine. The machine is operable to carry out a financial transaction for a person responsive to a determination that the person is an authorized user of the machine based on correspondence between identifying data read by a reader of the machine and data store information. The machine includes a check acceptor that is operative to receive checks from authorized machine users. The check acceptor is operable to continuously move a received check along its transport path while simultaneously rotationally orienting the check into alignment with the transport path. A check determined not to have at least one property of an acceptable check is returned to the machine user. Acceptable checks are processed and stored in the machine.

Abstract: A ticket reading system comprising a portable head section with an aperture and means for removably affixing the head section to a stationary fixture; in the head section, a camera with a field of view over the aperture to read visible code elements of a ticket; an RFID antenna and module adjacent to the aperture to read RFID/NFC code elements from a device or tag; a wireless network communication module to communicate data packets among a processor and a wireless network access point; means for ticket validation feedback; instructions which cause: receiving a ticket identifier value from the camera or RFID module; sending a request via the wireless network for a server computer to validate the ticket identifier value; receiving a ticket validation response from the server computer; based upon the response, driving the means for providing ticket validation feedback to generate either valid response feedback or invalid response feedback.

Abstract: A tag includes an integrated circuit thereon, including memory, antenna means for RF transmission of data acquired by the integrated circuit, a sensor sensing environmental conditions to which the sensor is subjected, the sensor providing signals based on the environmental conditions to the integrated circuit, a thermistor device of increasing the accuracy of the tag by confining on-board calculation data to a resistance domain and leaving conversion of the data to a temperature domain for an external device once the data is retrieved from the tag's memory.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range radio frequency device, that produces a transmission to a point of sale apparatus, including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the mobile apparatus includes a GPS-based apparatus configured to generate location-related data and use this data as part of the transaction.

Abstract: A card reading machine includes a card reader for reading data on a magnetic card and a device for preventing reading of the data on the magnetic card by illegal card reading devices operatively associated with the card reading machine. The device for preventing may include an oscillator, a driver circuit and a coil for generating electromagnetic signals similar to data on a card. A method for preventing reading of data on a magnetic card by in illegal card reader in operative association with an apparatus having a card reader intended to read the data on the magnetic card includes producing a signal ruining the data collected by the illegal card reader. The apparatus having a card reader may include an insertion slot in which case the method may further include producing the signal near the insertion slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprise at least one data processing element with slow response (5), wherein the method controls the at least one reader (1) to continuously communicate with one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5). The invention further relates to a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprises at least one slow response element (5), wherein the system is capable to continuously communicate with at least one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5).

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: A system and method for a RF transaction device for storing user personal data is disclosed. The invention includes a system and method for facilitating a healthcare transaction using a transponder system configured to store different healthcare information in different storage areas on a database. The invention includes providing account information in ISO/IEC 7816 magnetic stripe Track 1/Track 2 format. The invention also includes an RFID reader for transmitting account and database information. In one embodiment the invention provides an RFID reader as a free standing or a computer implemented device. In another embodiment, biometric security measures are used in conjunction with the transponder system. In another embodiment, the transponder system communicates with one or more third-party healthcare providers to facilitate the transfer of healthcare and personal information.

Abstract: A printer credit management method is disclosed, the method includes receiving a code at a printer. From the code, a printer identifier and a credit value are discerned. It is determined if the printer identifier corresponds to a unique identifier assigned to the printer. Only upon a positive determination, a credit balance maintained by the printer is updated to include the credit value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-service cleanroom suit borrowing/returning system and a self-service borrowing/returning method thereof. The self-service cleanroom suit borrowing/returning system includes an automatic cleanroom suit management system backside servo, a borrowing/returning terminal, and a self-service borrowing/returning cleanroom suit machine. The borrowing/returning terminal is connected, via data communication network, to the automatic cleanroom suit management system backside servo, whereby a user uses the borrowing/returning terminal to enter information required for self-service borrowing/returning of cleanroom suit to the automatic cleanroom suit management system backside servo.

Abstract: Biometric information registered for each user is held, user information being a plurality types of attribute information associated with each user is held, a possibility that the user requests authentication is predicted and a predicted value is calculated for each user by using the plurality types of attribute information contained in the held user information. When biometric information for an authentication request is accepted, the accepted biometric information is matched against the biometric information for a plurality of users determined based on calculated predicted values, and it is determined based on the result of the matching whether a person having entered the accepted biometric information is authenticated as the user.

Abstract: A terminal, such as an automated teller machine, comprises: a customer identification device; a sensor for detecting presence of a customer at the terminal; and a controller coupled to the customer identification device and the sensor. The controller is programmed to (i) track the customer's location, (ii) create a session on identification of a customer, and (iii) close the created session when a customer absence criterion is fulfilled. The functions of the customer identification device and the sensor may be performed by a single unit. The customer absence criterion may comprise a time period during which the customer is not detected at the terminal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for chopping up a gift card/code into smaller multiple gift card/codes. The system receives a request from a user to convert a closed-loop card/code having a value amount into two different closed-loop cards/codes and divides (or “chops up”) the closed-loop card/code into a first closed-loop card/code having a first value amount and a second closed-loop card/code having a second value amount, wherein the first value amount and the second value amount add up to no more than the value amount. The system offers the first closed-loop card/code and the second closed-loop card/code to one of the user and a third party.

Abstract: A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.

Abstract: An information management and synchronous communications system and method facilitates database equilibrium and synchronization with wired, wireless and Web-based systems, user-friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus and reservations with handwritten/voice modifications for restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment with nonstandard graphical formats, display sizes and/or applications for use in remote data entry, information management and communication with host computer, digital input device or remote pager via standard hardwired connection, the internet, a wireless link, printer or the like. Various operations employing automated telephone calls and/or messaging may, for instance, be performed. For example, desired reservation and/or appointment information may be automatically converted and conveyed to one or more entities via automated telephone call and/or messaging.

Abstract: A read head system has a housing and a read positioned in the housing with a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card with the slot utilized to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack configured to be coupled to at least one of a audio jack or microphone port of a mobile device. The read head provides the signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.

Abstract: A wireless system for managing a plurality of remote vending machines includes an enterprise control center; and a two-way wireless network coupling the enterprise control center and the plurality of remote vending machines. A touch screen may be associated with each of the plurality of vending machines for selecting items to be vended therein, and means for displaying a plurality of advertisements on the touch screen. The touch screen may also include means for paying for the items to be vended within the plurality of vending machines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a request are disclosed. The systems and methods may include one or more steps, such as receiving, by an electronic device, request information from an entity. The request information may include a request for approval by a user. The steps may further include transmitting, by the electronic device, data containing the request information to a computing device, receiving, by the electronic device, a symbology corresponding to the request information from the computing device and presenting, by the electronic device, the symbology to the user.

Abstract: An interactive-type display window device comprises a receiving unit, a light-pervious panel, at least one sensor, at least a lighting module, and a processing unit. The receiving unit is provided with at least one display shelf for placing display commodities thereon. The light-pervious panel is provided on a front surface of the receiving unit and can be a transparent display panel with a touch control area. Each sensor is a photo sensor or a proximity sensor. Each lighting module is provided within the receiving unit for emitting light onto the display commodities. The processing unit is used for controlling the lighting module according to the sensor's detection results or the consumers' preference. Thereby, it is able to adjust the luminous intensity, luminous chromaticity, luminous color temperature, luminous frequency spectrum, and/or the rotation of the lighting module in order to achieve the desired luminous design.

Abstract: A system for managing bar or restaurant tabs includes a payment card storage apparatus, such as a carousel, to receive and store payment cards under computer control, and a payment card reader to read identifying information from the payment cards that are to be stored in the payment card storage apparatus. The system permits a server to conveniently receive and store a payment card to secure a patron's tab, and then return it to the patron at the time the tab is closed and paid out. An associated point-of-sale system displays tab information and a list of names of those patrons having open tabs. A particular patron's card can be returned from the payment card storage apparatus by selecting the patron's tab from the list. The system may further be applied in any situation in which a debt or obligation can be secured by the possession of a personally-identifiable token that has, holds or permits access to value.

Abstract: An upgrade card system capable of replacing a prior art credit card terminal system is disclosed. The upgrade card system provides for expanded functionality compared to the prior art credit card terminal system for accepting fleet card payments and providing for additional reports, alerts and different delivery mechanisms.

Abstract: A system to multiplex antennas for radio-frequency communication uses one or more antenna shorting circuits to selectively enable RF communication via one of a plurality of antenna matching networks. The system is cost-efficient compared to alternatives. The RF communication includes read and/or read/write communication with, e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Abstract: Electronic delivery of counterfeit-resistant documents exchangeable for value such as admission tickets, gift certificates, coupons, vouchers, etc. directly to the person who ordered the documents over an open communications network such at the Internet. A first party orders a document from a second party, and the second party electronically delivers the ordered, counterfeit-resistant document to a device designated by the first party. For example, the document may be electronically ordered using a PC, and a printer coupled to the PC may print the document. In one embodiment, the first party transmits unsolicited offers over the open communications network. The document may be made counterfeit resistant by assigning unique information to each document of a given type, e.g., admission tickets, and checking the uniqueness of a document and whether the unique information was previously read prior to allowing it to be exchanged for value.

Abstract: A system of managing product at a location in which a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the weight or pressure applied to a substrate and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining application data using a card reader having a pass-through mode and an automatic polling mode are disclosed. Application data may be obtained by enabling the pass-through mode of the card reader, instructing the card reader to poll for an exchange event, identifying the exchange event, identifying a subject of the exchange event, and obtaining application data from the subject when the subject of the exchange event is a predefined application. The pass-through mode may be disabled and the automatic polling mode may be enabled after the application data is obtained. An account number from the subject of the exchange event may also be obtained for use in authorizing a vending transaction.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for detecting a malfunctioning electronic device. The technology can receive payment information for multiple successfully completed transactions, wherein the payment information includes card-present transactions and card-not-present transactions, and determine status of an electronic device based at least in part on the payment information for the successfully completed transaction.