Abstract: A sponsor-agnostic and scalable platform is disclosed that enables websites and point-of-sale terminals to apply targeted offers to anonymous consumers' purchases. Reimbursements to retailers for sponsors' offers are expedited by installing an API (Application Program Interface) at points-of-sale in the retailer's offer network. The API transmits reports and sales data to the platform for respective offer protocols submitted to the platform. The API also sends anonymous registration authentication data entered by a consumer at the point-of-sale to the platform and sends registered consumers' anonymous personae to the retailer's offer network which then supplies eligible offers to the point-of-sale. Alternatively, when sponsors' offer protocols specify which anonymous personae are eligible, the platform may send offers for which a persona of the registered consumer is eligible to the point-of-sale. The fully-implemented platform provides integrity alerts, sales demographics and consumer registration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a point of sale system for offering local flash sales to customers through, for example, a plurality of POS apparatuses operatively coupled to a network. The flash sales may be tied to an online flash sale site offering similar or concurrent flash sales.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining a transaction cost recovery amount are provided. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined for each of a plurality of locations. The locations may include point-of-sale terminals and/or checkout lanes. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on Merchant Category Code (“MCC”) information. When a customer leaves a first location associated with a first MCC, the customer may be informed of a transaction cost recovery amount at a second location. The second location may be associated with a second MCC. The transaction cost recovery amount may be determined based on a product inventory. The transaction cost recovery amount may be imposed to maintain an inventory level above a critical level. The transaction cost recovery amount may be based on a decrease and/or increase in an inventory level.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer system and method for managing electronic transactions. A plurality of consumer and merchant accounts are stored in a data store. Each consumer account has a first consumer account identifier. Each merchant account has a merchant account identifier. A merchant offer is stored in the data store in association with the merchant account having the respective merchant account identifier. A push module associates the merchant offer with the consumer account identifier. A communication and routing module receives a charge request over the network interface device, the charge request including an amount and a second consumer account identifier and identifies a selected one of the consumer accounts by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier. A transaction processing system that processes the charge request based on an account detail of the selected consumer account.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an approach is provided in which a product request is received that corresponds to a point-of-sale (POS) device, which is located at a merchant facility. In addition to identifying a product location corresponding to the product, an employee location of an employee in proximity to the product location is also identified. In turn, an electronic message is sent to the employee's mobile device that includes a request to transport the product from the product location to the POS device.

Abstract: The subject application is directed to a system and method for selective control of advertising messages on distributed document processing devices. Device identification data is first received corresponding to the identity of networked document processing devices available for display of selected advertising content. Device selection data representing a selected subset of the networked document processing devices is then received, with the selection made in accordance with the received identification data. Next, customization data is received corresponding to a selected display parameter associated with the selected advertising content. The selected advertising content and the received customization data are then communicated to each of the networked document processing devices in the selected subset. Each of the document processing devices then commences the display of the selected advertising content in accordance with the customization data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to deliver advertisements personalized for customers proximate a point of sale unit, e.g., a fuel dispenser. A visual information capturing unit captures visual information of an object, e.g., an image, a shape, etc., disposed in a specified range of the point of sale unit, e.g., within 6 feet of the point of sale unit. A processor determines a visually perceptible characteristic of the object based on the visual information, selects an advertisement based on the determined characteristic, and outputs the selected advertisement from an advertisement unit proximate the point of sale unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of a location sharing network manager process are described. The process is executed on a server computer coupled to a plurality of location aware mobile communication devices over a wireless network. The process determines the geographic location of a mobile communication device operated by a user within an area, displays a map representation of the area around the mobile communication device on a graphical user interface of the mobile communication device, and superimposes on the map the respective locations of one or more of the mobile communication devices. An advertising platform manager provides tools for an advertiser to create and transmit relevant ad messages to a user based on specific location, time, and profile data of the user. The ad messages can be provided in the form of a text advertising message, coupon and/or graphic element.

Abstract: In a method for sending a counter-offer in response to receiving an indication about a point-of-sale transaction, a computer receives from a point-of-sale program a point-of-sale transaction and an indication that the point-of-sale transaction is to be paid for utilizing a first payment option and is to be recorded using a second payment option. The computer determines that a counter-offer is appropriate. The counter-offer includes a request that the point-of-sale transaction be paid for utilizing the second payment option. The computer sends to the point-of-sale program the counter-offer.

Abstract: Techniques for channel-independent offer management are provided. An offer management server can be deployed in a variety of architectural arrangements within an enterprise. The offer management server provides cross-platform and channel-independent evaluation of offers and offer management for the enterprise.

Abstract: Accidents such as mistakenly delivering products belonging to a different buyer to the wrong person can be prevented. A receipt and claim ticket printing device that issues to a buyer of a product a receipt showing the product name and price and the total purchase amount, and a claim ticket for the product purchased by the buyer, has a product image storage unit that stores product images of the products that are sold; a product image extraction unit that extracts the product image of at least one of the purchased products from the product image storage unit when the receipt is issued; and a print unit that prints the claim ticket on which the extracted product image is printed with the receipt.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to aggregating product savings into a quick response (QR) code and to providing a targeted offer via a financial transaction receipt. In one scenario, a computer system scans various items that are provided for sale by a retailer. The scanning resulting in scanning information that corresponds to the scanned items. The computer system sends the scanning information for the scanned items to a second computer system to determine whether coupons or price discounts apply to the scanned items. The computer system then receives coupons or price discounts for the scanned items from the second computer system and aggregates each of the received coupons or price discounts into a QR code that is presentable by a customer at a point of sale to redeem the coupon or price discount for the scanned items.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for presenting advertisements for products and related products for a consumer based on the products being purchased.

Abstract: A system and method of determining point-of-purchase placement locations for printed promotional materials on a retail structure includes loading, by a processing device from a database, data representative of a retail structure; determining a plurality of advertisement placement locations on the retail structure; determining a point-of-placement priority value for each of the plurality of advertisement placement locations; receiving an advertising campaign comprising data representing a plurality of advertising campaign items, each item including an associated item priority value; determining a location on the retail structure for each of the advertising campaign items based upon the item priority values and the point-of-placement priority values; and providing a report to an operator of the retail structure indicating where each of the advertising campaign items is to be displayed on the retail structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for promoting the sale of a substitute product at the point of sale (POS). Upon the presentation of an original product for purchase by a consumer at a POS terminal, various manufacturers may decide to offer a substitute product to the consumer, prior to completing the purchase of the original product. If the customer accepts the offer, the point of sale terminal completes the sale of the substitute product.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using payment cards. The method includes issuing promotion offers pertaining to the payment cards in real time. The method further includes redeeming the promotion offers in real time at a point of sale.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selecting an advertisement. The method may begin with identifying a computer system comprising a point-of-sale system and an expert system. The computer system may store first data corresponding to a customer. After this storing, the point-of-sale system may be used to conduct a point-of-sale transaction involving the customer and one or more items. The computer system may generate a plurality of advertisements, each comprising a machine-readable code encoded with a transaction identification unique to the transaction. During the transaction, a link between the customer and the first data may be established. Accordingly, the first data may be passed to the expert system. The expert system may use the first data to identify or predict which advertisement of the plurality of advertisements is most likely to elicit a desired response from the customer. The point-of-sale system may then present that advertisement to the customer.

Abstract: A method is provided for coupon validation. A coupon is downloaded to a mobile device. The mobile device is used to determine a radio frequency fingerprint comprising cell tower data and cell sector data. The coupon is associated with the radio frequency fingerprint. Whether the radio frequency fingerprint matches a radio frequency fingerprint specified for redemption is determined. Redemption of the coupon is enabled in response to a determination that the radio frequency fingerprint matches the radio frequency fingerprint specified for redemption.

Abstract: An advertising method and system with use of multi-screened computer monitor units is disclosed. A server having a database in which is stored a plurality of advertisement software packages is in data communication with a network of interconnected computers, each of which is associated with a multi-screened monitor unit having an agent side and at least one oppositely facing client side. After a request for an advertisement is initiated, an advertisement software package is retrieved from the database according to predetermined selection rules and transmitted to a target computer. A corresponding advertisement image is displayed on a client side of the monitor unit while the agent is able to view other images on the agent side of the monitor unit. In one embodiment, the multi-screened monitor unit receives VGA data and USB video data from the target computer and transmits the same to the agent and client sides, respectively.

Abstract: A real time management system for marketing to customers and vendors with customer purchasing and preference data in specific consumer markets including restaurant, retail, travel, hospitality, entertainment, and combinations thereof. The management database allows the consumer to make Precision Purchasing™ transactions, reservation transactions, and Precision Gifting™ transactions via a web-based interface, POS based touch screen interface, and mobile device-based interface. The consumer profile database is comprised of mainly consumer inputted preference and consumer purchase data which is stored into each customer profile and can be accessed/verified with a GPS recognition of the customer's phone, biometric hand or finger scan, access card, retinal scan, password, key fob, or other terminal kiosk, touch screen, or mobile application of the like. Consumers may also gift dollars to each other's account using the customized, consumer authorized Precision Gifting™ system.

Abstract: According to an example, browsing behavior of an individual in a physical store can be tracked with a camera. The browsing behavior of the individual can be associated with a product in the physical store. Information related to the product based on the associated browsing behavior can be communicated to the individual.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that time correlate input at a point of entry of consumer data of least two identifications for products, prescriptions, vouchers, or codes, uses positive correlation determinations for triggering output of predetermined information. The time correlation of identifications may be used to build a time correlation database, and thereafter use that database for targeted communications. Related inventions include an intelligent Y cable or the like to filter data transmitted from a scanner at a point of entry of consumer data, and a novel POS CS configured to receive bar codes that would otherwise cause the POS CS to enter an error condition.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprising a transceiver configured to send and receive data and logic coupled to the transceiver. The logic is configured to determine from a signal received by the transceiver whether an associated device sending the signal supports a protocol for advertising available services. The logic is configured to send a request for available services from the associated device via the transceiver responsive to determining the associated device supports the protocol. The logic is configured to receive a response to the request via the transceiver, the response comprising at least one service advertisement and a signature. The logic is configured to validate the response by confirming the signature.

Abstract: Techniques for customized deployment of offers are provided. Customized offers are packaged into a description, a presentation, and offer evaluation execution logic and deployed to an enterprise system. Portions of the package's execution logic have access to some resources of the enterprise system. Once the customized offers are deployed, they can be pushed or pulled to point-of-sale devices for redemption processing during transactions with consumers.

Abstract: A point-of-sale (POS) system is based on a portable computer. The POS system includes a main processor to which a host central processing unit (CPU) and a software graphics application program interface (API) are mounted; a memory interface to which a memory chipset and a bus-to-device component are mounted; a graphics system to which a graphics accelerator, a Rambus arbiter peripheral component interconnect (PCI), a direct memory access (MA), a random access memory digital-to-analog converter (RAMDAC), a queue and a block write are mounted; an internal monitor as a first monitor; a wireless module, which wirelessly transmits graphics data; and an external monitor, which displays graphics data that is received wirelessly or via wires from a portable computer. The portable computer supports the external monitor with a copy mode, an expansion mode, and an extension mode.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention provides a system for authenticating identities of a plurality of users. In one embodiment, the system includes a first handheld device including a wireless transceiver which is configured to transmit authentication information, a second device including a wireless receiver, where the second device is configured to receive the authentication information.

Abstract: A global customer satisfaction system includes point-of-sale customer feedback terminals for receiving in-store customer feedback including satisfaction ratings and other customer feedback regarding participating vendors as the customer pays for purchases. The system also includes post-sale customer feedback terminals for receiving more detailed customer feedback regarding the vendors from members after the sales have been completed. The system also includes an aggregation and dissemination system for combining the ratings received form customers into global customer satisfaction ratings for participating vendors, and disseminating the customer satisfaction information through customer satisfaction qualified directories, which are organized or searchable by geographical, type of product or service offered by the participating vendors, and other factors.

Abstract: A redemption system for a mobile device includes a database module for determining a target customer. A streaming module is connected to the database module for serving content to the target customer. A priority module is connected to the streaming module for implementing a content delivery schedule. The streaming module serves first content data to the target customer. If the target customer affirmatively responds to the first content data, the priority module causes the system to send a redemption mechanism embedded in second content data to the target customer. The redemption mechanism enables the target customer to engage in a redemption activity using the mobile device.

Abstract: Techniques for real-time offer evaluations are presented. An enterprise system detects and interaction with a customer. Metrics for the interaction are acquired and a centralized preference server delivers real time preference values known for the customer. The metrics and the preference values are used to dynamically and in real-time evaluate conditions for an enterprise offer and when met the offer is delivered to the customer in real time.

Abstract: Electronic receipts arising from transactions processed at a card transaction processing system are captured and stored at the processing system for subsequent access by merchants and cardholders. Advertisements and promotional offers may be placed on the electronic receipts for viewing by a cardholder when the receipts are accessed.

Abstract: A system gathers commerce information and distributes advertising using an integrated global computer system. The integrated system includes a local area network (LAN) in retail stores that interconnects cash registers in the stores. The LAN is also interconnected with electronic billboards that are mounted to the checkout aisles near the cash registers. Sales data is registered by each cash register, recorded as a customer record, and electronically transferred to a main server connected to the LAN. Periodically, this main server uploads this sales data to a central data server through using a global computer network. Based upon the customer purchase information stored in this central data server, it is possible to purchase advertising. The purchased advertisements are transmitted to the individual stores through the global computer network and shown on electronic billboards that are fixed to the checkout aisles in retail stores.

Abstract: An electronic point of purchase (POP) advertising apparatus presents a predetermined POP advertisement. A sensor unit includes a sensor for detecting a person. A storing unit stores a plurality of different POP advertisements. Each of the plurality of different POP advertisements has at least one of (i) moving images or (ii) music. A selection unit selects a particular POP advertisement from the plurality of stored POP advertisements. An output unit outputs the particular POP advertisement in response to a detection signal output from the sensor unit such that the output unit start a presentation of the particular POP advertisement when the sensor detects the person.

Abstract: A novel method for obtaining transaction information includes receiving a first transaction record including data indicative of one or more products purchased by a first purchaser from a first merchant, storing the data included in the first record, receiving a second transaction record including electronic data indicative of one or more products purchased by the purchaser from a second merchant, storing the data included in the second record, and providing the first purchaser access to the first transaction record and the said second transaction record. The method is performed on a handheld device which is carried by the first purchaser. A point-of-sale system is also disclosed and includes: a processing, a product interface operative to receive product data, memory operative to store a first transaction record, and a transaction record interface operative to output electronic data indicative of the first transaction record.

Abstract: The invention includes an improved system and method for creating, distributing and storing vouchers. The method includes a loyalty system obtaining a loyalty card account having a unique identifier and loyalty points associated therewith, accessing a loyalty database utilizing the unique identifier, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a first value associated with a first merchant, saving the first value in a first database associated with the loyalty card, converting at least a portion of the loyalty points to a second value associated with a second merchant, saving the second value along with other voucher information as an electronic voucher in a second database associated with the loyalty card, redeeming the first value at a first merchant and redeeming the electronic voucher at a second merchant.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating scheduling using a mobile device and near field communication (NFC) allows a user of a mobile device integrated with an NFC unit while in the vicinity of a shared resource that is presently unavailable or a residence of a social contact who is presently not home to review a schedule for the shared resource or social contact, and in the case of a shared resource reserve the shared resource at a later time.

Abstract: In one embodiment, first data is received that associates a user of a network-connected computing device configured to vend new printer consumables with a network-connected printer. Second data is received regarding printer consumable usage at the printer. A recommendation of a new consumable for use at the printer is generated for display at the device. The recommendation is generated in consideration of the first and second data. Third data, that payment is received for the new consumable, is received. A message is sent authorizing dispensing of the new consumable at the device.

Abstract: A system and method of determining point-of-purchase placement locations for printed promotional materials on a retail structure includes loading, by a processing device from a database, data representative of a retail structure; determining a plurality of advertisement placement locations on the retail structure; determining a point-of-placement priority value for each of the plurality of advertisement placement locations; receiving an advertising campaign comprising data representing a plurality of advertising campaign items, each item including an associated item priority value; determining a location on the retail structure for each of the advertising campaign items based upon the item priority values and the point-of-placement priority values; and providing a report to an operator of the retail structure indicating where each of the advertising campaign items is to be displayed on the retail structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for payment transaction overrides and system initiated payment splitting. In one embodiment, a first authorization request associated with a first account is monitored at an override computer, an override trigger is identified, and a transaction override approval is received. Override authorization requests are then sent, and responses to the override authorization requests are received at the override computer. A response to the initial authorization request is the sent based on the response received to the override authorization request. In alternative embodiments the override requests are cascaded, or include requests for new account creation.

Abstract: Systems and methods allowing for a customer to initiate a fuel purchase transaction utilizing a mobile device are described. The customer may further be presented with advertisements on his mobile device and/or be provided with the opportunity to purchase additional items for inclusion on his fuel transaction. In some embodiments, the customer may pay for his transaction using mobile wallet information or other information associated with the mobile device. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the customer may pay for his transaction using input means of the fuel pump.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for collecting and disseminating customer data and for distributing real estate marketing literature. The system includes a customer terminal, which is in communication with a data center, which, in turn, is in communication with a business terminal. The customer terminal includes a device for inputting customer data and a device for distributing relevant marketing literature. The customer data is sent to the data center, where it is stored for subsequent retrieval by a sales person using the business terminal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of table-top display devices for displaying advertising content associated with advertiser to patrons of a business establishment. Each of the plurality of table-top display devices includes a display screen configured to display the advertising content, a data storage configured to store content data that defines the advertising or promotional content, and a control unit configured to access the content data in the data storage and control the display of the advertising content on the display screen. The display screen is a touchscreen display. The system also includes a server subsystem configured to allow user selection of the content data and to facilitate distribution of the content data to the plurality of table-top display devices. Distribution of the advertising content to the plurality of table-top display devices is at least partially managed by the advertiser.

Abstract: A method for managing and controlling a store and a system for the same are disclosed. The system includes a digital display shelf being provided with a recognition unit configured to recognize a product displayed on the shelf and an output unit configured to output information on the recognized product, a digital signage display configured to output data respective to the recognized product, and a managing system configured to communicate with the digital display shelf and the digital signage display so as to transmit control data and to receive processing data. Herein, the data respective to the recognized product may include at least one of audio data, video data, and text data configured to advertise and promote the corresponding product. And, the managing system may include a database related to the data respective to the recognized product.

Abstract: A system and method of determining point-of-purchase placement locations for printed promotional materials on a retail structure includes loading, by a processing device from a database, data representative of a retail structure; determining a plurality of advertisement placement locations on the retail structure; determining a point-of-placement priority value for each of the plurality of advertisement placement locations; receiving an advertising campaign comprising data representing a plurality of advertising campaign items, each item including an associated item priority value; determining a location on the retail structure for each of the advertising campaign items based upon the item priority values and the point-of-placement priority values; and providing a report to an operator of the retail structure indicating where each of the advertising campaign items is to be displayed on the retail structure.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are described for bumping a mobile device, such as a smart phone, against a fixed poster board display at a store to initiate a download of coupons, advertisements, or other benefits to the mobile device. Products can be rated by a user's up/down bump or other bump patterns. Using accelerometer-based inertial measurements, multiple users can control multiple mouse cursors on a large display with their mobile devices in order to select information to be downloaded to their mobile devices.

Abstract: A system for providing distributed control to process transactions is disclosed. The system includes a service provider system having associated therewith a number of rules and a number of meta-rules, a point of service device having associated therewith a number of rules and a number of meta-rules, and a portable device having associated therewith a number of rules and a number of meta-rules. The portable device uses its associated rules to determine an outcome for a transaction. If the portable device is unable to determine the outcome for the transaction, the portable device uses its associated meta-rules to either determine whether one or more of its associated rules can be altered locally in order to determine the outcome or request the point of service device to help determine the outcome using the rules and meta-rules associated with the point of service device.

Abstract: A Point-of-Entry Kiosk loyalty system, couponing system, and shopping list system is provided so when a consumer enters a store, kiosk(s)s may be present for consumer check-in. When at or within proximity of the kiosk (e.g., from an RFID enabled cell phone) the consumer may log in or be recognized. The consumer may swipe a coded loyalty card, enter their loyalty number or data may be automatically entered through RFID technology or smart phone. The consumer may be presented with discount or coupon offers or shopping suggestions, which may be based on the consumer's prior preferences, demographic data, prior purchases, or preference data harvested from various social networking sites, search engines, or other websites used by the consumer.

Abstract: In an illustrative implementation, an anonymous pharmacy order processing system includes means for protecting downstream systems from exposure to confidential identity information, thereby protecting a customer's privacy. In a preferred embodiment, a pharmacy system can generate a generic identifier corresponding to a prescription. The pharmacy system optionally sends the generic identifier to a point of sale system. The point of sale system receives the generic identifier and sends a sale confirmation to the pharmacy system. Furthermore, the point of sale system sends transaction information, including the generic identifier to a transaction system. The pharmacy system receives the sale confirmation and sends a correction transaction with an actual item identifier to the transaction system. The transaction system propagates sales including the generic item identifier to an audit system.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) that includes an electric vehicle charger adapted to provide electrical power to a vehicle; a network device adapted to communicate with a wireless network; and a point of sale device coupled to the electric vehicle charger and the network device. The point of sale device is adapted to facilitate consumer purchases of the electrical power and items other than the electrical power. The point of sale device includes: a user interface including a touch screen display, a credit card reader, a bar code reader, and a magnetic card reader, and a printer; a processor; and an application for execution on the processor to implement a method. The method includes: receiving a request from a consumer via the user interface; processing the request; and outputting a status of the request via the user interface.

Abstract: A system for displaying audio visual presentations based on customer preferences includes a radio frequency identification (“RFID writer”) a reader, a display screen and a control system. The RFID writer writes a descriptive code onto an RFID tag, wherein the descriptive code containing customer specific information based on a consumer's purchase. The reader reads the descriptive code from an RFID tag when the tag enters a predetermined proximity of the reader. The control system is operatively coupled to the display screen and the reader and stores a plurality of audio-visual presentations. The control system initiates the display of an audio-visual presentation on the display screen based on the descriptive code, wherein the control system is adapted to play the audio-visual presentation in the order in which the RFID tag is read by the antenna.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and computer program for integrating point of sale systems by providing a common data model. A system of the invention may include one or more point of sale agents linkable to one or more diverse point of sale systems. The system may also include an order manager linked to the point of sale agents. The one or more point of sale agents are operable to communicate point of sale data between the one or more diverse point of sale systems and the order manager by mapping the point of sale data to a common data model. The present invention also provides a system, method and computer program for enabling dissemination of promotions to consumers based on point of sale data.