Abstract: The present invention is a headset holder coupled with indicia of stored value. The indicia of stored value may be printed or painted on, or otherwise permanently coupled to, the holder itself, or may be included in a stored value or gift card that is attached to the holder. The headset holder and the stored value card may be constructed from a single sheet of plastic; in such embodiments, separation of the stored value card from the headset holder may be supported by a scoreline in the plastic material. The headset holder may have a spool and two grips. One grip may be configured to secure earphones and the other grip may be configured to secure a jack of the headset. The spool may be configured for winding headset wire. The holder may be configured to hold primarily an earbud headset. The grips may extend or protrude from a central portion, or body of the holder. The spool may also extend from the body. The holder may display an image, such as the image of a creature or plant.

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 system, method and computer program product for promotions processing, including a point-of-sale (POS) device having a barcode scanner interface device; a user device having a wireless communications interface device; and a barcode inserter device having a wireless communications interface device. The barcode inserter device is configured to receive via the communications interface device of the barcode inserter device a barcode transmitted from the user device via the communications interface of the user device. The barcode inserter device is configured insert the received barcode into a transaction at the POS device via the barcode scanner interface device of the POS device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a barcode scanning tunnel has a conveyor structure and a scanning system. The scanning system has a laser light source, an optics system, and a processor. In a calibration mode, the processor locates a central area of the conveyor structure and identifies a first location at which there is a height above the level of the central area according to a predetermined criteria. The processor identifies a second location that is offset, by a predetermined distance in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the conveyor structure, from the first location.

Abstract: A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items.

Abstract: The present invention provides an item registration apparatus and a measuring device cooperating with a mobile terminal to allow smooth registration of sold-by-weight items being purchased by a customer. The item registration apparatus comprises: a measuring device having a weighing tray on which an item is put; and a mobile terminal which can be connected to the measuring device via communication channel (access point or the like). When the item is put on said weighing tray of the measuring device and the measurement of the item is thus completed, the measuring device transmits transaction information of the measured item to the mobile terminal via the communication channel so that the transaction information is stored. This eliminates printing of code information on a label issued from the measuring device and operation of scanning the printed code information by using the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end which reduces transaction times over conventional checkout stand designs. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station.

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: A system and method of providing receipt data for a payment transaction through a transaction receipt portal system are described, in which receipt data is stored for a completed payment transaction received from a remote merchant system, the receipt data being associated with a customer and a merchant registered with the system, and stored receipt data is provided to the associated registered customer or merchant. A card payment transaction involves receiving, by a computing device, an electronic receipt from the merchant system, the electronic receipt including data for retrieving stored receipt data from the transaction receipt portal system.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system uses read difficulty factors (RDFs) to improve tag-parameter estimation. During inventory, a reader can obtain a tag's item identifier (II), determine a read metric such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), retrieve an RDF associated with the II, and adjust the RSSI using the RDF to more accurately estimate a tag parameter such as distance from the reader antenna. The system can then use the estimated distance to categorize the tag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device with sensors for checking whether the security device (1) is in an undamaged state and checking for the presence of a specified support (9) of the security device (1), said support (9) being an object, in particular a mechanical or electronic component, characterized in that the sensors detect movements and/or accelerations of the security device (1) relative to the support (9) and/or material properties of the support (9) and/or of the security device (1) and are connected to an electronic system (3) for signal evaluation. In a method for using such a security device (1) the state of the security device (1) and the presence of a specified support (9) are ascertained multiple times and in different ways, wherein signals are used which are obtained as actual values and which are compared with specified target values in an electronic system (3). An action is triggered upon a deviation of at least one of the actual values from the target values.

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: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for facilitating online gift shopping includes: receiving an order for a gift for a recipient from an online shopper via a computer network; providing a gift notice for the recipient to inform the recipient that the gift has been ordered for the recipient; receiving a reply to the gift notice from the recipient via the computer network, wherein the reply includes gift feedback information; and updating a recipient profile responsive to the reply and based on the gift feedback information from the recipient, wherein the recipient profile is associated with the recipient. Computer program products and systems for facilitating online gift shopping are also provided.

Abstract: Intelligent first-aid kit (1) includes of a fixed first-aid kit of the conventional first-aid kits for storing the most important drugs which it is important to have for emergencies or chronic illnesses. A parallelepipedal is container divided into several elongated compartments (2), preferably with a rectangular cross section and a vertical orientation, which includes a drawer (3), an input reader (5.1), an output reader (5.2), a slot (4) for the insertion of an electronic health card, a keypad (6), a screen (7) and a control module (8).

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: 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: An information processing system is for determining information about consumers at a store where at least some of the consumers may carry personal mobile wireless devices, and each personal wireless mobile device may transmit signals for identifying the respective consumer. The system may include at least one RF receiver device arranged about the store for receiving communications from the personal mobile wireless devices, and a processor coupled to the at least one RF receiver device. The processor may be for generating consumer position data of the consumers during movement about the store based upon communications from the respective personal mobile wireless devices to the at least one RE receiver device, and associating the consumer position data with respective identities of the consumers.

Abstract: A terminal includes a housing, a touch screen, and an imaging assembly. The imaging assembly in one embodiment is disposed in the housing so that an imaging axis extends externally from the housing. The imaging assembly can be utilized for capture of images disposed externally to the housing. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be processed for attempting to decode a decodable indicia. In one embodiment a frame of image data captured utilizing an imaging assembly can be stored.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for a network-based grocery store. The invention provides for network-based order placement, fulfillment, and delivery.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of product unit specific indicators, each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedence of at least one threshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, an indicator reader operative to read the product unit specific indicators and to provide output indications and a product type specific indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs.

Abstract: A total history management system using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a barcode. The system includes an RFID tag, a barcode recorder and a barcode reader. The RFID tag is attached to a box containing a plurality of individual products to store an environmental history of a distribution. The barcode recorder is configured to provide, to each of the plurality of individual products, a barcode in which identification (ID) information of the RFID tag is recorded. The barcode reader is configured to recognize the barcode attached to each of the plurality of individual products, and to output the environmental history of the distribution, corresponding to the ID information of the RFID tag that is received in response to a query with respect to the RFID tag, using the recognized barcode.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating processing of a funds transfer transaction between a transaction requestor and a transaction responder over a communications network. The transaction system comprises receiving a funds amount, requestor identification information, and responder identification information, such that at least one of the funds amount, the requestor identification information, or the responder identification information is encoded in symbology information embodied in a barcode. The system also decodes the symbology information into unencoded information using a coding scheme of the barcode and generates a funds transfer request for the funds transfer transaction, such that the funds transfer request has content including the unencoded information decoded from the symbology information. The system also sends the funds transfer request to a transaction processing system for subsequent settlement, as well as receives transaction confirmation messages.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device antenna has a feed region of interdigitated fingers. The interdigitated fingers have parallel centerlines and are spaced one from another. A chip having opposing ends overlays opposing interdigitated fingers. A coupling is established between the chip and the antenna at the interdigitated fingers.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a payment terminal, the method including receiving a list of eligible applications from a payment device; generating a candidate list including applications from the list of eligible applications received that are supported by the payment terminal; determining a reduced candidate list, the reduced candidate list including applications from the candidate list that match merchant-specified network preference criteria; determining a final selection of an application based on the reduced candidate list; and providing an indication of the final selection application.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving a point of sale terminal by reducing the number of items a cashier must pick up and move for scanning during a purchase transaction. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner that identifies an item by reading an optical code (barcode) affixed to or printed on the item. The scanner further includes a weigh scale that weighs items being scanned and a conveyor belt that moves the items across the scanner during the weighing and scanning operations. Moving the items using the conveyor belt reduces the number of items the cashier must pick up and move.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to executing a transaction at a point-of-sale device using a mobile device. In exemplary embodiments the mobile device reads an identifier from the point-of-sale device through wireless technology such as RFID. The identifier is an IP address, serial number, telephone number, etc. The mobile device prompts the user to input the amount of the sale, a payment method, and an authorization code. Once input, the mobile device sends the information along with the identifier to a payment server which verifies the information. Once verified, the payment server notifies the point-of-sale device that the amount has been transferred. The point-of-sale device prints a receipt for the customer or sends it back through the network to the mobile device.

Abstract: A display electronic tagging and a setting management method thereof are provided. The display electronic tagging comprises a wireless RF module, a display, an encapsulant and a bar code. The wireless RF module is used for receiving a wireless RF signal. The display is electrically connected to the wireless RF module, and used for showing a price of a product. The encapsulant encapsulates the wireless RF module and the display, wherein the display is exposed form the encapsulant. The bar code is located at the encapsulant. A setting module pairs the bar code and the wireless RF module according to a barcode identification signal and a RF identification signal, such that the wireless RF module and the barcode together correspond to the same product.

Abstract: A method and system whereby a consumer creates a shopping list using a portable barcode scanner to scan barcodes from a printed catalog and a printed advertisement. The entered barcodes are downloaded to an smart base-station from the barcode scanner. The base-station retrieves related information from a barcode database via the Internet. The database can belong to a merchant, or it can be a generic shopping service. The base-station can be a consumer's computer, or some other smart electronic device. The base-station maintains a predictive shopping list database for all barcodes entered via the barcode scanner. The database learns the shopping consumption habits of the consumer over a period of time and ensures that when the consumer is ready to shop no previously needed, but currently forgotten items are left off of the shopping list. The consumer can use this method to shop in a store, or via Mail-Order/Telephone-Order or on the Internet.

Abstract: An archive apparatus is provided for storing and archiving laboratory samples including radio frequency identification means. The apparatus comprises a support structure or cabinet (4), a drawer (6) translatable in a translation direction (12) into and out of the support structure (4), and sample support means comprising ribs (8) associated with the drawer (6) for supporting an array (10) of samples or slides (20) spaced along the translation direction (12) for movement with the drawer (6). A radio frequency reader antenna (14) is connected to the support structure (4) adjacent to the drawer (6) and recording means (34, 38) are adapted to operatively communicate with the reader antenna (14) to store information obtained from the radio frequency identification means of laboratory samples or slides (20) supported by the drawer (6).

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system comprises an access point having a first communication module, wherein the first communication module transmits downlink data and receives uplink data wirelessly in a first frequency; a plurality of electronic shelf labels, each having a second communication module, wherein the second communication module receives the downlink data and transmits the uplink data wirelessly in a second frequency; a portable terminal having a third communication module and a scanning module, wherein the scanning module scan an ID information of a product and an ID information of an electronic shelf label, and wherein the third communication module transmits a link information between the product and the electronic shelf label to the access point in the first frequency; and a service daemon, wherein the service daemon receives the uplink data from the access point in a third frequency and receives the link information in the third frequency.

Abstract: A tri-optic scanner for checking out merchandise at stores includes first and second barcode scanners, and a third barcode scanner placed back-to-back to the second barcode scanner to face an opposite direction of the second barcode scanner. The tri-optic scanner is designed to allow the third barcode scanner to conveniently capture barcodes presented by a customer without a cashier touching barcode carriers that belong to the customer.

Abstract: A method for locating an item using a cloud server of a data center and an electronic device. The cloud server receives a barcode corresponding to a product from the electronic device and searches a location of the product in a shopping mall. The cloud server calculates a route from a location of the electronic device to the location of the product and shows the route on an electronic map of the shopping mall. The cloud server sends the electronic map with the route to the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for generating a recommendation of a retail location on a network-based system. For example, a system may obtain a retail location definition associated with a geographic location. The geographic location may represent the retail location. The system then builds a scan event model from product scan messages received from a plurality of scanning devices located within the geographic location. The scan event model may include one or more scan events each being associated with a product definition and the retail location definition. Next, a recommendation query from the search device is received by the system. The recommendation query may include a product identifier and a query location. The system may generate a recommendation of the retail location based on determining that the product identifier and the query location match the one or more scan events of the scan event model.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquirement unit configured to acquire a captured image obtained by capturing a commodity by an image capturing unit in sequence; a plurality of reading units configured to read the information relating to the commodity respectively from the captured image acquired by the acquirement unit; a control unit configured to enable each reading unit to act according to a specified order based on setting information in which the operation timing of the reading unit is set; and an output unit configured to output the information read by the reading unit.

Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus comprises a function of recognizing a commodity in an image from the image captured by an image capturing unit, and a function of recognizing a data code attached to the commodity in the image from the image, and can switch these functions by a switching unit. The commodity recognition apparatus outputs the information of the commodity recognized by commodity recognition processing or the information of the data code recognized by data code recognition processing to a POS terminal.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may scan a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and scanned by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.

Abstract: An interrogating and processing system and method is described. In one embodiment, a wireless communication device interrogates an information source, having a barcode or tag, and wirelessly transmits data indicative of the information source. The interrogator can be built into or adjunct to the wireless communication device. An automated processing subsystem receives the transmitted data and identifies an item corresponding to the data. A fulfillment subsystem effects delivery of the item to a destination. In another embodiment, there is a coupon code scanning and processing system and method. A wireless computing device having an interrogator reads a coupon code. An automated processing subsystem receives the corresponding data and provides a benefit associated with the coupon. The benefit can be a discount on a product or service. Alternatively, at least a portion of the coupon including a code is displayed on a screen of the computing device for processing at a point of sale terminal.

Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.

Abstract: A “no-touch” mobile checkout experience frees consumers from the need to manually locate and activate a mobile payment application in order to complete a transaction. The consumer simply brings his mobile device within close range of an interface console, which in various embodiments prompts the device to launch an application that causes display of a payment token without user action. If the consumer's device is not NFC-capable, the interface console can read a displayed token optically in the usual fashion.

Abstract: Extracting card data comprises receiving, by one or more computing devices, a digital image of a card; perform an image recognition process on the digital representation of the card; identifying an image in the digital representation of the card; comparing the identified image to an image database comprising a plurality of images and determining that the identified image matches a stored image in the image database; determining a card type associated with the stored image and associating the card type with the card based on the determination that the identified image matches the stored image; and performing a particular optical character recognition algorithm on the digital representation of the card, the particular optical character recognition algorithm being based on the determined card type. Another example uses an issuer identification number to improve data extraction. Another example compares extracted data with user data to improve accuracy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing automated benefit verification and application are described. The apparatus may include a receiving module to receive a transaction, a transaction processing module to process the transaction and parse a unique identifier, a verification module to verify eligibility for a benefit and a data store to store a plurality of unique identifiers. The method may comprise receiving a credit card transaction, determining if a unique identifier contained within the transaction matches one of a stored listing and prompting a user to accept a benefit if the unique identifier matches one of the stored listing. The method may, alternatively, comprise processing a payment device, determining if the user is entitled to a benefit based on information contained within the payment device, prompting the user to accept or decline the benefit and providing the benefit if accepted.

Abstract: A commodity search device includes a storage unit, a measuring unit, a number input unit, a unit average weighing value calculator, and a first commodity search unit. The storage unit stores commodity information including a reference unit weight determined for each commodity. The measuring unit measures a total weight of commodities placed at a predetermined weighing position. The number input unit allows inputting the number of the weighed commodities. The unit average weighing value calculator divides the total weight of the commodities weighed by the measuring unit by the number input by the number input unit to calculate a unit average weighing value per one commodity. The first commodity search unit searches for commodities falling within a weight deviation from the storage unit using the unit average weighing value.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated bi-optical workstation through which products having target data are passed to a bagging area, and a customer-operated accessory reader having an accessory window facing the bagging area and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items, particularly over a restricted range of working distances that terminates short of the bagging area, and for preventing the accessory reader from capturing the target data of the products in the bagging area.

Abstract: An interrogating and processing system and method is described. A wireless communication device interrogates an information source, having a barcode or tag, and wirelessly transmits data indicative of the information source. The interrogator can be built into or adjunct to the wireless communication device. An automated processing subsystem receives the transmitted data and identifies an item corresponding to the data. A fulfillment subsystem effects delivery of the item to a destination. There can be a coupon code scanning and processing system and method. A wireless computing device having an interrogator reads a coupon code. An automated processing subsystem receives the corresponding data and provides a benefit associated with the coupon. The benefit can be a discount on a product or service. Alternatively, at least a portion of the coupon including a code is displayed on a screen of the computing device for processing at a point of sale terminal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security, that reduces energy consumption. This invention provides a fastener system comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first element to a second element, the at least one fastener having a sensor to determine status of that fastener; a trigger box having an LED panel; a junction box capable of receiving and relaying authorization access; and an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.

Abstract: Article storage equipment includes a passive-type RFID tag storing identification information of an article storage container and provided in a portion of an outer periphery of the article storage container overlapping above a plate-like member with the article storage container being placed on a storage unit, and control means configured to perform a reading-out operation process for controlling operation of conveying means when execution of an article confirmation process for allowing a RFID reader to read out the identification information of the RFID tag provided in the article storage container stored in the storage unit is instructed to extend an article supporting member to a projecting position at a fetching level, raise the article supporting member to a target reading-out level higher than the fetching level by a raised amount for reading, and then lower the article supporting member to the fetching level to be withdrawn to a retracted position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for processing a pre-set readable indicia associated with a user. The invention reads the pre-set readable indicia from a mobile device of the user, where the pre-set readable indicia comprises payment information, stores the read pre-set readable indicia or payment information extracted from the pre-set readable indicia, and, after connecting to a network, reconciles the transaction based on the payment information extracted from the pre-set readable indicia. In some embodiments, the invention receives authentication credentials from the user and authenticates the user to approve payment using the payment information from the pre-set readable indicia.

Abstract: Cash drawers that are operated by wireless devices are disclosed. A cash drawer illustratively includes a communication interface that receives commands from a wireless device, and a controller that process the command received from the wireless device. The cash drawer may optionally include a reader that reads an identifier associated with the wireless device. The reader is illustratively an RFID reader and the identifier is an RFID tag associated with the wireless device. Alternatively, the reader is an NFC reader and the identifier is an NFC chip associated with the wireless device. In another embodiment, the cash drawer includes an identifier that is configured to be read by a wireless device. The identifier is illustratively either barcode, an RFID tag, or an NFC chip. The cash drawer may also include an indicator that identifies when the wireless device is authorized to operate the cash drawer.

Abstract: A checkout system including a rotating barcode reader. In an example embodiment, the checkout system includes a base, a platform rotatable with respect to the base, a substantially circular top plate mounted to the platform including a window; and a barcode reader on the platform adjacent the window. The substantially circular top plate and the barcode reader are rotatable with the platform.