Abstract: Introduced here are systems for customized formulation and production of cleaning products and associated methods for using those systems. A system may include a computer-implemented platform (also referred to as a “formulation platform” or “production platform”) that is communicatively connected to an interactive dispensing machine responsible for making cleaning products. An individual or company may be permitted to select, create, or modify formulas via the production platform, while the interactive dispensing machine can produce cleaning products in accordance with those formulas.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for hair dye color conversion in which a hair dye color mixture of one manufacture is matched and reproduced using a hair dye color mixture of an another manufacture. The system and method duplicates a resultant hair color from a hair dye color mixture that was created using hair dye colors of a first hair dye color line using a different hair dye color mixture that was created using hair dye colors of a second hair dye color line. The system and method applies a modified Kubelka-Munk transformation of RGB values to the mathematical RGB data of the multiple hair dye colors for the first manufacturer color line, multiplies the modified KM transformed values of the multiple hair dye colors for the first manufacturer color line by their respective percentages and then summing them, and retransforms the summed modified KM transformed values of the multiple hair dye colors back into mathematical RGB values in the original RGB color space.

Abstract: A print on demand bespoke wrapping paper vending machine comprising an external housing, at least one display screen mounted relative to the external housing for customer access, a payment system associated with the machine, at least one printing device to print the wrapping paper, a cutting device to cut the printed paper to length, a roller mechanism to roll the printed paper, a labelling mechanism to apply a label to the printed and rolled paper, and a delivery chute into which the printed, rolled and labelled wrapping paper is delivered for customer removal from the machine.

Abstract: A method and device with an interface for manufacturing a customised product by mixing. The present invention concerns a device for manufacturing a customised product, and preferably a customised cosmetic product, by mixing at least two components housed in respective containers, at least one of the containers being a capsule (103), and at least one other container being a pot (11) comprising a nozzle, preferably a pump nozzle, at least one of said containers comprising an identification code, said device comprising an interface for collecting customised data, for example on a mobile phone or tablet. The invention also concerns a method for manufacturing a customised cosmetic product by homogeneously mixing components, using customised user data.

Abstract: A 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 a refrigerator magnet using the digital image and printing the digital image on a section of magnetic sheeting.

Abstract: Expert system and method for computing an adjustment procedure for obtaining an adjusted exterior waterborne paint composition for an exterior surface to be painted at a paint application site on a specific date. A starting exterior waterborne paint composition comprises base chemical compounds. When one or more computed target values of target chemical compounds for the adjusted exterior waterborne paint composition are determined different from the plurality of base values, the adjustment procedure is computed for transforming the starting exterior waterborne paint composition into the adjusted exterior paint composition and instructions comprising the adjustment procedure are sent to a remote device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for providing a cosmetic composition to a user. The system includes an apparatus configured to dispense at least one cosmetic composition into a output container; a user interface configured to receive information about the user; and circuitry configured to receive the information about the user and determine one or more cosmetic compositions to be dispensed into the output container based on the information about the user received at the user interface.

Abstract: A printing system may generate custom user designs for printing. The designs may be associated with a selected print medium. The printing system may generate a custom template for a secondary printing on the print medium. The custom template may define print areas based on the print medium and the custom user design.

Abstract: An application such as a phone app that presents and categorizes inspirational cards that may include quotes and images. Cards may be organized into themes, such as “Seek”, “Scream”, “Speak”, “Strong”. Cards associated with each theme may be installed with the application. Users may generate their own cards by entering text and selecting or taking a photo. Users may bookmark certain cards as favorites. A “Today” category may present a random selection of a few cards, which users can shuffle and reselect as desired. Users may browse cards using a scrollable set of thumbnails, and they may share cards with other users using messaging services or social media services.

Abstract: A fabricating apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive designation of a scheduled fabrication start time of a fabrication object, detect a change in a fabrication practicability condition of the fabricating apparatus, and output change information indicating an occurrence of a change in the fabrication practicability condition of the fabricating apparatus when the change in the fabrication practicability condition has been detected after reception of the designation of the scheduled fabrication start time.

Abstract: A medication adherence tracking device is configured for being attached to a cap of a conventional medication container. The tracking device includes an adhesive layer for attaching the device to the cap. The device also includes an infrared proximity sensor for detecting an amount of light that is reflected by a wall surface and/or a bottom surface of the medication container. A transmitter of the tracking device transmits adherence data to an external computing device, wherein the adherence data comprises a timestamp identifying when the cap was removed from the container. Reflected light data obtained by the sensor is sent to a processor, and the processor uses the data to determine whether the cap has been removed from the container. When the cap is removed from the container, the processor generates the timestamp.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for hair dye color conversion in which a hair dye color mixture of one manufacture is matched and reproduced using a hair dye color mixture of an another manufacture. The system and method duplicates a resultant hair color from a hair dye color mixture that was created using hair dye colors of a first hair dye color line using a different hair dye color mixture that was created using hair dye colors of a second hair dye color line. The system and method applies a modified Kubelka-Munk transformation of RGB values to the mathematical RGB data of the multiple hair dye colors for the first manufacturer color line, multiplies the modified KM transformed values of the multiple hair dye colors for the first manufacturer color line by their respective percentages and then summing them, and retransforms the summed modified KM transformed values of the multiple hair dye colors back into mathematical RGB values in the original RGB color space.

Abstract: An electronic device and a payment method are provided. The electronic device includes a first communication circuitry configured to support a first payment function, a second communication circuitry configured to support a second payment function, and a processor configured to operatively connect with each of the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry, to output a first user interface (UI) corresponding to a payment request, to obtain payment related information using at least one of the first communication circuitry, the second communication circuitry, or a sensor circuitry operatively connected with the processor, and to output a second UI based on the payment related information.

Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus to facilitate mixing of at least one colour to achieve a desired colour consistency to perform one or more activities. Particularly, the present system includes multiple user devices, a cloud server, and a colour mixing dispensing apparatus. In operation, multiple user devices are accessible to a user via a user interface to input data by the user to select at least one colour coding parameter. The cloud server includes at least one memory adapted to store data for the at least one colour coding parameter in a colour database and at least one processor that is adapted to execute processor-executable code. In practice, the colour mixing dispensing apparatus is configured to provide instant colour mixing to the user by receiving a set of instructions from the cloud server via a communication network.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a customized product overcomes the shortcomings of conventional manufacturing methodologies. This is achieved according to one embodiment of the present invention by providing a method of manufacturing a customized product that employs a fabrication environment that includes a plurality of patients in need of a customized product, and a plurality of manufacturers who employ additive manufacturing equipment that is capable of manufacturing customized products, and a computer that identifies correspondence between patients and manufacturers in order to enable a specification of a customized product that is customized for a particular patient to be forwarded to an appropriate manufacturer along with an instruction to manufacture the customized product.

Abstract: A system for cosmetologists, dermatologists, trichologists, salon professionals and the general public to produce a customized hair or skin care product using a diagnostic device for analyzing hair, scalp, and skin conditions. The diagnostic device communicates the diagnostic data to a self-contained processing apparatus, which has software that can formulate a recipe for the hair or skin care product and generate operating instructions for producing the product based on the recipe. The processing apparatus comprises a housing unit having a control center, a plurality of removable canisters capable of holding ingredients for producing the hair or skin care product, a dispensing system for dispensing the ingredients to a mixing bowl, a mixing device for mixing the ingredients, and preferably a heating element for heating the ingredients in the bowl, wherein the apparatus produces the hair or skin care product according to the operating instructions to provide individualized treatment.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical filling system for a high volume pharmacy is described. The system can include a spill detection subsystem and method. The system can include a cameras to take images that a processed to determine presence of a spilled pharmaceutical. A mirror portion is provided so that the camera can take images of the entire field of the filling area. The mirror portion can be a concave mirror that increases the field of view of the camera. A light panel can illuminate the field of view to allow the camera to take high speed images. A controller can receive a series of at least two images captured by the camera and determine whether an object in the captured images is a spilled pharmaceutical.

Abstract: A system for the personalized production of foods including an automated selection station of the type of food requested by the customer, including the relative topping, and of the method of preparation thereof, a preparation station of the dough portions (P) that constitute the base of the requested foods (X,X?), a first topping station of the dough portions (P) with ingredients to be cooked, a cooking station of the dough portions (P) with ingredients to be cooked, a delivery station to the customer of the finished foods (X?), means (IS) for transporting the dough portions (P) and/or the foods (X,X?) through the stations. The first topping station includes a counter with worker and a selection counter of the ingredients to be cooked freely accessible to the customers; the transportation means include a sorting device of the dough portions (P) towards the counter with worker or towards the selection counter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating ingestible pharmaceutical tablets are provided. Certain of the systems and methods described herein are capable of manufacturing tablets of different dosages without the need to fluidically connect or disconnect unit operations when switching from a tablet having a first dosage to a tablet having a second, different dosage. Certain of the systems and methods described herein are capable of manufacturing compositionally tablets, e.g., tablets with different active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Abstract: A service is provided over a communication network. Initially, information indicative of physical characteristics of an item specified by a requester is received along with a request to generate a physical three dimensional model for the item. The information is transformed into model data used to generate the three dimensional model. Components for generating the physical three dimensional model are obtained from storage. A physical three dimensional model for the item specified by the remote requestor is generated, and imagery descriptive of the physical three dimensional model is sent to the remote requestor via the communication network. The components used to generate the physical three dimensional model are returned to storage.

Abstract: A system is provided for downloading an electronic greeting card application to a portable computing device. The system comprising a server, a paper greeting card, and a code printed on the paper greeting card. The electronic greeting card application is downloaded to the portable computing device from the server in response to the portable computing device scanning the code on the paper greeting card. Further herein, a system is provided where a category of greeting cards are contained within the electronic greeting card application, and at least a greeting card within the category of greeting cards. The greeting card comprises a plurality pages, with at least one of the a plurality pages having an option to customize, and each of the a plurality pages being movable by a touch of a finger. The customized greeting card may be previewed and may be sent via various sending mechanisms.

Abstract: A graphic transaction method and a system for utilizing the same are disclosed. The graphic transaction method includes steps of: photographing a product corresponding to at least one sales target to form at least one first graphic; providing the at least one first graphic to a customer's side; receiving a second graphic transmitted back from the customer's side, the second graphic including the at least one first graphic on which a first tag is added by the customer's side; and identifying the second graphic and generating a first list according to the first tag. Whereby, the construction of transaction model between mutual sides is based on graphics. It can provide intuition-type transaction experience and can be applied to various sales targets of different sellers.

Abstract: A dispensing system may be configured to dispense a custom product based on a user selection. The user selection may be provided via a user interface of the dispensing system. The user interface may simultaneously display selectable icons for the available types of products (e.g., types of beverages) and other icons for modifying a chosen product (e.g., a flavoring or additive to a beverage, such as a sweetener or a cherry flavoring). The user interface may receive input from a user in order for the user to select a custom product (e.g., a custom drink) and the dispensing system may dispense the custom product to the user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described related to the assignment and management of patient-specific bins. A dispensing device at a healthcare facility includes a number of bins for storage of medical supplies, with some of the bins designated as patient-specific bins allocated to be assigned to patients for storage of their medications or certain other supplies. A central server computer system, in communication with a computer of the dispensing device, may monitor and assign current and future patient-specific use of the bins for the dispensing device. The assignment and management of patient-specific bins may be performed by devices distributed through the system.

Abstract: A system may include a promotions server for storing a brand-based beverage promotional offer and a mobile wireless communications device associated with a user. The system may also include a point-of-sale (POS) terminal located at a beverage serving establishment for acquiring user identification information, opening a user beverage tab and communicating the user identification information to the promotions server, and closing and communicating the user beverage tab to the promotions server. The user beverage tab may identify a brand of a beverage ordered by the user. The promotions server may determine that the mobile device is at the beverage serving establishment and send a notification of the brand-based beverage promotional offer to the mobile device. The promotions server may also determine that the brand of beverage ordered by the user matches the brand-based beverage promotional offer and communicate the brand-based beverage promotional offer to the POS terminal for redemption thereat.

Abstract: A service is provided over a communication network. Initially, information indicative of physical characteristics of an item requested by a requester is received along with a request to generate a physical three dimensional model for the item. The information is transformed into model data used to generate the three dimensional model. Components for generating the physical three dimensional model are obtained from storage. A physical three dimensional model for the item specified by the remote requestor is generated, and imagery descriptive of the physical three dimensional model to the remote requestor via the communication network, and returning the components used to generate the physical three dimensional model to storage after the imagery of the physical three dimensional model is sent to the remote requester.

Abstract: An automated food storage, preparation and dispensing device includes a housing, a plurality of food compartment units, a plurality of utensil compartment units, a dispensing unit for dispensing food, a refrigeration unit, a cooking unit for cooking food material, a packaging unit for packaging the cooked food material, a food collection unit, a memory unit for information storage, a processor coupled to the memory unit, and a touch screen display. The device is configured to receive information and commands over a communication network.

Abstract: A system is disclosed including at least one scanner identifying an identification associated with a receptacle. At least one dispenser is configured to dispense a first desired amount. At least one dispensing area has a measuring instrument that measures a dispensed amount and an unused amount, and associates with the identification. At least one storage device stores a program, and at least one controller which, when executing the program, is configured to receive information and associate the information with the identification. Collected data associated with the identification is recorded. A second desired amount based on at least some of the collected data in at least one file in the database is recommended. The at least one dispenser is controlled by the at least one controller based on the first desired amount or the second desired amount. The at least one dispenser is configured to dispense the second desired amount.

Abstract: A secured and programmable medical dispenser is configured to distribute medicine according to a schedule. The secured and programmable medical dispenser has a dispenser body mechanically coupled to a dispenser lid with a locking solenoid. A pill tube is arranged within the dispenser body and further has an open pill tube proximal end and a pill tube distal end. A pill release rotary solenoid is attached to the pill tube distal end. A liquid tube is arranged within the dispenser body and further has an open liquid tube proximal end and a liquid tube distal end. A liquid release rotary solenoid is attached to the liquid tube distal end. A microcontroller is attached to the dispenser lid, communicatively coupled to the pill release rotary solenoid and the liquid release rotary solenoid.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes a product sampling portion configured to contain a product to be sampled. The product sampling portion includes a product sample dispenser. A packaged product portion is configured to contain and dispense a packaged product corresponding to a product to be sampled.

Abstract: A drug prescribing system that can prevent a wrong drug from being taken during picking is provided. A drug prescribing system includes a host computer including an input device through which prescription data based on a prescription is input, a drug dispensing apparatus in which drugs are housed in advance, and that dispenses a drug in accordance with the prescription data, and a picking inspection apparatus that conducts a picking inspection for a drug picked in accordance with the prescription data. The drug dispensing apparatus outputs supplementary information on a drug that is not dispensed with the drug dispensing apparatus and needs to be supplemented. The picking inspection apparatus receives an input of the supplementary information, and conducts the picking inspection for a supplementary drug supplemented based on the supplementary information.

Abstract: A processor-based system stores different card templates in a database. Each card template has a card feature that can have any color from among a first set of colors. The system also stores, in the database, for each stored card templates, a corresponding envelope template. Each envelope template has an envelope feature that can have any color from among a second set of colors. The system receives a user selection of a card template from among the card templates and a user selection of a color to be applied to the card feature. The system displays the card template, with the card feature having the user-selected color. The system also displays the corresponding envelope template that corresponds, in the database, to the selected card template. The envelope feature is displayed with the user-selected color based on the user-selected color having been selected for the card feature.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for delivery of custom blended dispensing custom blended personal care beauty products for a beauty service, wherein one or more components of a beauty product are stored where they may be supplied as needed to a dispenser, and where a control mechanism regulates the dosage of beauty components to provide a desired selected personal care beauty product with the characteristics selected. A selection screen display provides an image of a person and the person's hair that may be manipulated to simulate modifications that may include cut or styling and color or other effects. The selections are processed and stored and a formula is generated and communicating to a dispensing device to deliver the product components to produce the formula.

Abstract: A point of sale system and method for consummating sales transactions and enabling sporting event betting. The point of sale system includes a cash register, an event server, and a customer interface. The cash register consummates point of sale transactions and accepts cash, credit and debit payments. The event server communicates with the cash register for communicating sporting event choices to the cash register. The customer interface communicates with the cash register and includes a display for displaying at least one of said sporting event choices to a customer. The customer interface includes an input module for enabling a customer to select at least one of said sporting event choices and for enabling a customer to place a wager on the selected sporting event choice. The system also includes a printer in communication with the cash register to print a transaction receipt including a description of the selected sporting event choice and the wager.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated beverage generating system. The method comprises receiving one or more electrical signals representative of an order for a specified beverage. The method further comprises translating the order into one or more steps required to generate the specified beverage. The method still further comprises entering at least one of the required steps into a dynamic sequence corresponding to a module of the system configured to perform that particular step, the dynamic sequence representing an order in which one or more steps in the dynamic sequence will be performed by the module for one or more beverages to be generated by the system.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, the steps of transmitting media content to a group of set top boxes for presentation with an overlay superimposed onto the media content, receiving a first comment from a first set top box of the group of set top boxes where the first comment is presentable with the overlay and the media content by the group of set top boxes, determining a first advertisement based on the first comment, and transmitting the first advertisement to the first set top box for presentation with the overlay and the media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for providing recommendation items to users. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed cause the system to: receive identification input data associated with a user; identify the user using the identification input data; receive sensor data; determine a current situation associated with the user from one or more predefined situations described by predefined situation data and associated parameters; receive data describing a set of candidate items; generate a set of efficacy scores for the set of candidate items; eliminate one or more candidate items from the set of candidate items to obtain one or more remaining candidate items; rank the one or more remaining candidate items based on one or more associated efficacy scores; and provide one or more recommendation items to the user from the one or more ranked remaining candidate items.

Abstract: A method of predicting food items consumed by a user of a food-logging application is disclosed. Loggings of consumptions of food items are received. A predictive model is generated based on the received loggings. The predictive model generates a prediction of one or more additional food items that a target user will consume or is likely to have consumed (e.g., at a particular time). The prediction is generated based on an application of the predictive model to one or more data items (e.g., data items streaming into the system in real time from the target user or other users that are relevant to food consumptions by the target user). The prediction of the consumption of the one or more additional food items by the user may then be communicated for presentation to the target user in a user interface.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for providing recommendation items to users. The system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed cause the system to: receive identification input data associated with a user; identify the user using the identification input data; receive sensor data; determine a current situation associated with the user from one or more predefined situations described by predefined situation data and associated parameters; receive data describing a set of candidate items; generate a set of efficacy scores for the set of candidate items; eliminate one or more candidate items from the set of candidate items to obtain one or more remaining candidate items; rank the one or more remaining candidate items based on one or more associated efficacy scores; and provide one or more recommendation items to the user from the one or more ranked remaining candidate items.

Abstract: A medication storage/dispenser unit comprises a processor connected to medication package storage compartments. The storage compartments comprise a medication package, and preferably may also include a content reader, a medication information reader, and a medication package indicator. The processor receives a medication request from the medical information system, receives content and other medication from the storage compartments, processes the information and automatically opens the appropriate compartment with the correct medication.

Abstract: A device for producing a cosmetic composition is in the form of a printer that is modified to receive and process cosmetic components. The device includes a printer housing that includes at least one print head and an opening for receiving a substrate and allow positioning of the substrate in relation to the at least one print head. At least one replaceable cartridge is provided and contains a cosmetic substance. The at least one replaceable cartridge is operatively coupled to the at least one print head such that the cosmetic substance can be applied to the substrate through the at least one print head. The resulting cosmetic composition is made of at least one cosmetic substance and the cosmetic composition is a transferable material that can be removed from the substrate and applied to a part of a human body.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a point of sale and one or more free-pour and/or controlled-pour spouts. The system receives data at the point of sale that includes a beverage selection entered at a user interface and determines the ingredients in the beverage selection. A dispensing instruction is sent to one of the controlled-pour spouts to dispense a quantity of the ingredient based at least in part on the beverage selection. For the free-pour spouts, a quantity of the ingredient is measured as the ingredient is dispensed from a container through a free-pour spout. The point of sale receives data that includes the identity of the ingredient and the measured quantity. A price of the beverage selection is calculated based at least in part on the ingredients dispensed and the quantities thereof. The price may be automatically calculated upon dispensing of the beverage selection.

Abstract: A system stores, in a database, different stock templates and also, for each stock template, a stock image to be displayed with the template. The system receives a user-designated image. The system then displays items simultaneously. Each item incorporates a different one of the stock templates along with the respective template's stock image. The system provides an image selector that is in a first position and capable of being switched by a user to a second position. Each time the user switches the selector to the second position, the system transforms the stock images in the displayed items simultaneously to the user-designated image. Each time the user switches the selector to the first position, the system transforms the stock images in the displayed items simultaneously to the items' respective stock images.

Abstract: A method and system for both autonomous and manual control of an infusion pump for delivering medication to a patient is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method and system for preserving freshness and effectiveness of a composition of natural organic or non-organic ingredients for multiple ailments by stimulating the immune system. Also provided herein are method and system for ordering such compositions via a vending machine or a web interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus describing a convenience beverage vending machine and its operation are described. An embedded computer interface allows consumers to create their own drinks or choose from a menu of drinks. Drinks are dispensed in a re-usable container. The beverages may be made from hot water, cold water or carbonated water that is mixed with various flavors of syrup, sweeteners and nutritional supplements. Identification may be presented and the computer recognizes the consumer and pulls up that consumer's account to determine funds available and previous drink selections and mixtures. The machine may incorporate an automatic cleaning cycle for both the valves and the dispense area.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first compartment, a second compartment, a first door providing access to the first compartment, a second door providing access to the second compartment, and a beverage dispensing system operatively connected the cabinet. The refrigerator further includes a user interface operatively connected to the cabinet, the user interface having a display and being configured to identify a user of the beverage dispensing system and customize beverage settings and preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: An RFID key dispenser. The tag dispenser has a simple mechanical construction that enables the tag dispenser to be located in unattended locations. The tag dispenser can, even with very simple construction, dispense a large number of tags between being restocked. Simple motions may be used to retrieve an individual tag for programming, move the tag to a programming station, and then route the tag to a dispensing portion of the tag dispenser or to a storage area for defective tags.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for configuring portion control for a dispenser apparatus. A plurality of beverage ingredients may be associated with the dispenser apparatus, and a plurality of selectable beverages may be formed from the plurality of beverage ingredients. Input for one or more preferences associated with portion control may be received. Stored information associated with at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be accessed. At least one portion control for at least one of the plurality of selectable beverages may be determined based at least in part on at least a portion of the received input and at least a portion of the accessed information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for providing metered amounts of ingredients to a nutritional composition for use in administration to an infant, in particular the present invention relates to an apparatus for providing individualized nutrition for infants based on the infants' special needs, the apparatus comprises a plurality of containers (2), a plurality of delivery devices (3), input means (14) and a controller (7) adapted to control the metered amounts of ingredients delivered individually from the containers in response to the input. Further, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a nutritional composition for an infant which is tailored to that specific infant.