Abstract: In response to a track playing on a broadcast radio station, the corresponding artist name is used as a key to access a database of artist messages, news and events information associated with that artist, that may be automatically distributed and geo-targeted while the track is playing. Distribution of the supplemental artist-related content extends to the radio broadcast—via RDS and HD, to the Internet, social media and various mobile devices. The supplement content may comprise messages pre-programmed by the artist, agents, or music labels. The supplemental content may be geo-targeted to include local tour dates, media appearances, related news, album releases and other data tied to the artist's song that is playing on the radio or on a streaming application. Further, the system may feed messages directly from the artist's existing social platforms, to provide further engagement of listeners while the track is playing.

Abstract: A meal ordering service is configured to receive takeout and delivery orders from customers and to place the orders with selected restaurants. Past information regarding a customer is collected and analyzed to create a predictive model of the customer's meal ordering habits. On any given day, the predictive model may be used, in light of the current and scheduled status of the customer, to predict a time of day that the customer may want to receive a meal and to also determine a restaurant from which the customer may want to receive the meal. The meal ordering service may be configured to automatically order a meal for the customer from the determined restaurant so that the meal arrives at or before the predicted time of day.

Abstract: Method of generating presentation starts by receiving user input indicating activation of presentation generator and generating and transmitting content selection display to the electronic device that includes search button, first table including list of selected cocktails, and second table including spirit type and number count. When the user input indicates selection of search button, processor generates and transmits cocktail lookup page display that includes pop-up window that includes drop-down lists or search fields including cocktail criterions and third table that includes entries matching selected cocktail criterion selected. When user input indicates activation of selection box included in the third table and subsequent user input indicates no other entries are desired, processor generates and transmits content selection display that includes updated first table that comprises the entry associated with the activated selection box.

Abstract: Systems and methods for take-out order management and analysis. In an embodiment, for each of a plurality of restaurants, an interactive menu associated with the restaurant is provided to a plurality of users, a plurality of orders are received from the plurality of users, and the plurality of orders are sent to the restaurant. Order information related to the plurality of orders and the plurality of users is stored in at least one database, and analyzed.

Abstract: Method for location and time specific commerce includes receiving an event request from a user using a mobile device; verifying an account of the user; obtaining a location of the user; obtaining a date and time of the request; retrieving merchandising information from one or more databases, according to the location of the user and said date and time of the request; and transmitting said merchandising information to the user.

Abstract: An interactive ordering apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store instructions and data. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to (i) produce a display in a viewable area of a touchscreen and to (ii) receive input from a user via the touchscreen. According to the instructions, the processor is configured to divide at least a portion of the display into a plurality of mutually exclusive sections, and display a first plurality of choices in a first section of the plurality of sections. The processor is also configured to, in response to selection by the user of a first choice of the first plurality of choices, (i) move the first plurality of choices to a second section of the plurality of sections and (ii) display a second plurality of choices in the first section.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a transaction request prior to a vehicle arriving at a service station is provided. Upon entering a wireless service area of a back office system associated with a service station, a driver and/or truck may request certain transactions. The back office system may communicate with a carrier information system associated with the driver and/or truck to validate and authorize the transaction. If the transaction is authorized, the back office system may send authorization to the service station. Once the driver and/or truck arrives at the point of sale, they may proceed directly to performing the requested transaction. A receipt may be automatically generated at the point of sale and transmitted to the carrier information system through the back office.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems include acquiring user information associated with one or more users for use in generating one or more customized food items that are customized specifically for the one or more users, the user information to be acquired including at least one or more user preferences related to integrity of one or more food ingredients to be included in the one or more customized food items; and directing generation of the one or more customized food items for the one or more users, the one or more customized food items having been customized to show one or more visual indicators that provide customized information that has been customized in accordance, at least in part, with the acquired user information. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: A method, non-transitory computer readable medium, and apparatus for providing a healthier food purchase suggestion to a shopper are disclosed. For example, the method receives a selection of a food item that the shopper has selected to purchase, determines one or more healthier food items that have a higher score than a score of the food item that the shopper has selected, selects one of the one or more healthier food items based upon a profile of the shopper, provides the one of the one or more healthier food items that is selected as the healthier food purchase suggestion to the shopper.

Abstract: A system and method enable the selection of musical recordings for pairing with a food serving, possibly an appetizer, a main course, a dessert or a beverage, for the purpose of increasing the enjoyment of a given meal. A plurality of factors for specific meal components such as entree, including protein type, method of cooking, amount of spice, side dish component and type of sauce are used to determine a specific numerical value for a meal; appetizer including protein type, bread and dough content, method of cooking and spice level; dessert, including content of cacao, sweetener and content of sweetener, ambient temperature at service and dairy content; and beverage, including but not limited to alcohol content, acidity, body, dryness, lingering quality, and IBU. A specific numerical value for a musical recording is also determined based on a plurality of factors, including genre, tempo, dynamics, and primary instrument.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, techniques for collecting item preferences of users at a centralized location and propagating these item preferences to users and merchants in an intelligent manner. In some instances, the centralized location is a payment service that functions to both authorize payment instruments of users for costs of transactions conducted at the merchant, and collect and propagate the item preferences to the merchants and the users.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for searching or processing queries for searching for documents contained in a domain specific knowledge base. The system takes a query and generates from the query a modified version of the query by passing the query through one or more filters in a query processor. The query processor adds or removes terms from the query. The query processor can add or recognize that two words that appear to be separate words actually identify a specific software entity or can determine that a number appearing in a query is not just a number but refers to a specific version or a number relevant to the specific problem.

Abstract: A system for providing location-based services to a mobile device regularly determines the location of the mobile device. Using the location of the device, the system queries a database of virtual geographic regions to determine if the location of the mobile device falls within one or more of the virtual geographic regions. The virtual geographic regions correspond to service entities that have purchased, rented, leased, or otherwise acquired the virtual geographic regions. The virtual geographic regions cover a certain area of a map. If the mobile device is within a virtual geographic region, the system notifies the mobile device. A location-based services application installed on the mobile device launches an applet for the entity that acquired the virtual geographic region within which the mobile device is located.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process can be operated for entering and holding a place for a first customer in a queue while the first customer is waiting to be served at a retail store. The process includes, within a computerized processor, establishing a place in the queue for the first customer, wherein the queue operates to establish among a plurality of customers a customer currently being served by a store employee and an order in which other customers of the plurality will be served. The process further includes displaying upon a portable computerized device of the first customer an indication of a status of the first customer within the queue.

Abstract: Techniques for restaurant transaction processing are provided. A handheld device of a waiter is used to automatically associate a check with a table at a restaurant and to recall and modify that check. In an embodiment, two waiters use one or more handheld devices to automatically transfer a customer's check to one another.

Abstract: A method for managing group orders operates within a restaurant service system. Diners access the restaurant service system to build and place group orders. Each group order is sent to one or more restaurant service devices of the serving restaurants. Each restaurant service device displays a group order with a set of group order indicators.

Abstract: A content distribution platform may include processing circuitry having a processor and memory. The memory may store a plurality of content items associated with at least one content library. The processor may be configured to enable distribution of the content items to at least a selected asset among a plurality of food preparation assets via a network. The content items may include at least visible content descriptive of a food item preparable using the selected asset and invisible content including non-human readable instructions for enabling the selected asset to prepare the food item.

Abstract: Various methods are described for facilitating closing and payment of a check. One example method may comprise performing an action with a mobile device proximate a physical location associated with the check. The method may further comprise receiving in response a location identifier associated with the physical location. Additionally, the method may comprise determining the check to be closed based at least in part on the location identifier. Another example method may comprise performing an action with a mobile device proximate a folio device. The method may further comprise receiving in response a folio device identifier associated with the folio device. Additionally, the method may comprise providing for transmission of the check information to the folio device based at least in part on the folio device identifier. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A method for submitting an order for use in a terminal, includes: scanning a pre-generated near field communication (NFC) tag to obtain tag data, wherein the tag data includes at least an identification code of a third-party service provider and transaction information; generating an order according to the identification code, the transaction information, and user information; and sending the order for a server to process to obtain the identification code, the transaction information, and the user information, and to further send the transaction information and the user information to the third-party service provider corresponding to the identification code.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system configured to manage a dining experience for guests at a food service establishment. In some implementations, the system may comprise one or more guest identification devices, one or more sensors, one or more host systems, and one or more processors. The system may be configured such that real-time detailed information about the food service establishment, guests of the food service establishment, food orders placed by guests of the food service establishment, table states of the tables in the food service establishment, and tasks performed by staff members is provided to the staff members of the food service establishment. The information may facilitate a unique guest experience for guests of the food service establishment wherein the guests may place a food order remotely, arrive at the food service establishment and self-select a table, and receive delivery of their food order at their selected table.

Abstract: A system for performing a point-of-sale (POS) transaction. The system includes a POS device configured to receive an item order input specifying an item that is listed in a pre-determined inventory list of a merchant, receive a hands-free confirmation that the item is to be purchased by a customer, and prompt, in response to the hands-free confirmation, the customer to select a payment method, and a wearable device worn by the merchant and configured to obtain the hands-free confirmation from the merchant for sending to the POS device, and obtain, in response to the prompting, information associated with a payment credential of the consumer for sending to the POS device, where the POS transaction is performed based on the payment credential.

Abstract: In some examples, a service provider may receive an indicated delivery location from a buyer device. The service provider may determine, based at least in part on traffic information, respective predicted courier travel times to the delivery location from a plurality of different merchant locations. The service provider may compare the respective predicted courier travel times with respective spoilage times for items offered by the corresponding merchants, and may identify one or more items having respective spoilage times greater than the respective predicted courier travel time from that merchant location. The service provider may send, to the buyer device, information about items available to be ordered from particular merchants having respective spoilage times greater than the predicted courier travel time from respective the merchant location. The buyer device may present the item information on a display to enable buyer selection of an item for delivery.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatus related to generating representations of information. The information may include menu information for merchants such as restaurants. Referring to menus, methods may include receiving potential information for a first menu, and receiving indications of associations of the information with the first menu and/or any number of additional menus. Information and/or associations may later be updated by a desired set of users.

Abstract: A short-range wireless network is established by direct communication between wireless devices and wireless access points. A wireless communication device provides initial registration information to a network and becomes a registered device. An API is downloaded to the wireless device to permit automatic authentication of the device for future communications. When a registered device enters a venue, at least one access point will automatically detect the wireless device and extract the necessary identification data to permit authentication of the device. Customized messages may be provided to the wireless device. If the wireless device enters a different venue, even in another city or state, the registration data may be automatically extracted by an AP and provided to a cloud network for authentication. Authenticated devices receive a list of authenticated vendors and unauthenticated vendors near the present location of the authenticated device.

Abstract: A device may receive information regarding a product order via a web portal. The product order may relate to a take-out or delivery of a food product. The device may identify a store location associated with fulfilling the product order. The device may select a store configuration, from a set of store configurations associated with a set of store locations, for the store location associated with fulfilling the product order based on identifying the store location. The device may perform, based on information associated with the particular type of POS device, one or more data conversions on data identifying the product order to generate a converted product order. The converted product order may be associated with a format compatible with the particular type of POS device. The device may store the converted product order in a queue associated with the store location.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for providing an interaction service for children, which give a real-time alarm related to notification details about a child, who goes to a children's educational institution such as a kindergarten or a child-care center, to a teacher and a parent and thereby enable the teacher and the parent to share information and comprehensively take care of the child, and a system using the same. When the teacher enters and transmits a notification message after the teacher uses a terminal to tag an NFC card which a child carries, an interaction service providing apparatus receives the notification message, attaches a connection address of each social commerce site associated with a particular word of the notification message to a partial area of the notification message, and transmits the notification message to which the connection address is attached, to the parent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ordering items from an electronic menu and servicing thereof, in a networked computing environment that communicably connects via at least one network at least a plurality of first handheld electronic devices (e.g., wait staff operated devices in a restaurant), a plurality of second handheld electronic devices (e.g., patron operated devices in a restaurant) configured to display the electronic menu, and a venue computer are described. Corresponding apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable mediums for a data entry system are provided. A method of operating a data system in accordance with the invention includes a computer processor configured for receiving a viewing direction of a first party, where the first party is looking in the viewing direction to view a menu of information. The method further includes identifying a portion of the menu based on the viewing direction of the first party and displaying, to a second party, one or more menu choices associated with the identified portion of the menu. The method may also include receiving, from the second party, a selection of one of the one or more menu choices where the selection of the one menu choice by the second party is based, at least in part, on supplemental information received by the second party from the first party.

Abstract: Systems and related methods facilitating interactions between a merchant device, a central system and a consumer device are discussed herein. Wallet identifying data may be used to secure messages between the consumer device and the merchant device over a wireless link. For example, the merchant device may include circuitry configured to wirelessly receive the wallet identifying data from a consumer device and to transmit the wallet identifying data to the central system. In response, consumer identifying data associated with the wallet identifying data may be received by the merchant device from the central system. In some embodiments, the consumer identifying data may be associated with a unit of location, such as a dine-in location at a restaurant, to facilitate consumer service.

Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for analyzing previous tickets of a customer at different merchants—specifying interactions of the customer at the different merchants—to determine subsequent recommendations to send to a particular merchant in real-time when the customer is located at the particular merchant. Other techniques and arrangements facilitate annotation of merchant tickets by the merchants to enrich the data maintained by the tickets and, in some instances, to enhance the described real-time recommendations. Still other techniques and arrangements create a merchant ticket for recording interactions between a merchant and customer upon the customer creating a reservation at the merchant for a specified future time, or being added to a waitlist of the merchant. Upon the customer arriving at the merchant proximate to the specified future time, the merchant may use the created ticket to track items ordered by the merchants, track tenders used to pay for items, and the like.

Abstract: An information processing method is disclosed which includes the steps of: (a) calculating levels of similarity between a standard form vector as a comparison basis vector and each of a plurality of item characteristic vectors of the standard form which are characteristic of a plurality of items, the standard form vector being made up of N components individually representative of N attributes of each of the plurality of items, N being an integer of at least 1, step (a) further determining as the items to be recommended to a user a plurality of items corresponding to the item characteristic vectors of which the level of similarity satisfies a first condition; (b) determining one of the N attributes of the plurality of recommended items determined in step (a) as a common recommendation reason common to the plurality of recommended items when the determined attribute satisfies a second condition; and (c) controlling presentation to the user of either the plurality of recommended items determined in step (a) or

Abstract: A system and method for preparing food, involving a nutritional information module for aggregating nutritional and portion information of an entire menu to adjust serving weight by preferred caloric value. The system involves a scheduler module which compiles task information for any individual recipe. The scheduler module has a passive task time and/or an active task time and stamps the preparation time for a recipe. The system compiles and stores a cook's information for analyzing an individual cooking: style time. Moreover, the system involves a feedback module for predicting preparation time of any particular menu choice. Additionally, the system involves recipe data, an organizer, a shopping assistant, and a recommendation module to facilitate menu pairings as well as sourcing and purchasing, required ingredients, required cookware, and utensils for a recipe.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display device, a detector, and a storage. The detector detects an attitude of the mobile terminal. The storage stores, when an event occurs, therein at least one piece of incoming information on the event. The mobile terminal further includes a first display control module and a second display control module. The first display control module displays, when the detection module detects a first attitude, a first tiled object relating to the at least one piece of incoming information and a second tiled object not relating to the at least one piece of incoming information on the display device. The second display control module displays, when the detection module detects a second attitude, the at least one piece of incoming information stored in the storage on the display device.

Abstract: A first food ingredient may be received. The first food ingredient may comprise a first plurality of chemical constituents. A plurality of candidate food ingredient substitutes may be received. Each candidate food ingredient substitute may comprise a second plurality of chemical constituents. For each of the plurality of candidate food ingredient substitutes, a quantity of the second plurality of chemical constituents that match the first plurality of chemical constituents may be determined. One or more food ingredient substitutes may be identified based on at least the quantity of the second plurality of chemical constituents that match the first plurality of chemical constituents.

Abstract: A novel graphical interface and input method is provided. In certain implementations, a touch screen interface is provided with a plurality of icons that each represent seats around a table in a restaurant. Each icon is associated with a unique account. Accounts can be easily merged and split by using touch and swipe interfaces with the icons.

Abstract: A kiosk gift card system and method for purchasing and redeeming gift cards is disclosed. The system/method includes a gift card distribution kiosk that provides a user with access to a multitude of different forms of gift cards that may be purchased and printed onto customizable gift card stock. The kiosk includes a kiosk processor interface, a gift card dispenser, a card reader, and gift card management server connected to a network. The gift card management server, through the kiosk processor interface, provides vendor options to users to select and pay via the card reader. The kiosk may be used to redeem unused user gift cards for a reduced value user selected gift card, reduced cash value, full value store card, rewards points, bank debit, and/or an electronic code (eCode) towards online user purchases.

Abstract: A recipe exchange and management system is provided for a group of related restaurants. The system may be implemented as a network service that provides a series of interfaces or web pages to implement recipe creation, recipe sharing, and recipe and menu management. Users of the system may login with a username and password to access recipe data and menu data of any of two or more restaurants supported by the network service. A recipe may be created by a first user and reviewed by one or more second users of the service. A user associated with a first restaurant of the group of restaurants may access a recipe associated with a second restaurant of the group of restaurants.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating payment using a payment card includes a computerized sales transaction device structured to determine a monetary amount for a sale, and a secure card activated terminal (CAT) device in electronic communication with the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device sends the monetary amount to the secure CAT device. The secure CAT device is structured to: (i) obtain sensitive payment card information from the card, (ii) automatically request in a secure, encrypted manner authorization for the sale using the monetary amount and the sensitive payment card information, (iii) receive in a secure, encrypted manner authorization approval for the sale, and (iv) in response to receiving the authorization approval, send purchase authorization approval information to the computerized sales transaction device. The computerized sales transaction device never receives the sensitive payment card information.

Abstract: A method for updating an event sequence includes acquiring video data of a queue area from at least one image source; searching the frames for subjects located at least near a region of interest (ROI) of defined start points in the video data; tracking a movement of each detected subject through the queue area over a subsequent series of frames; using the tracking, determining if a location of the a tracked subject reaches a predefined merge point where multiple queues in the queue area converge into a single queue lane; in response to the tracked subject reaching the predefined merge point, computing an observed sequence of where the tracked subject places among other subjects approaching an end-event point; and, updating a sequence of end-events to match the observed sequence of subjects in the single queue lane.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer-readable medium is disclosed for determining a sequence order for vehicles in one or more image frames from an operational video, the operational video acquired from a fixed video camera comprising a field of view associated with a vehicle merge area where upstream traffic from a first lane and upstream traffic from a second lane merge to a single lane. The method can include obtaining operational video from a fixed video camera; detecting, within a region of interest (ROI) of the one or more image frames from the operational video, a first area and a second area in the vehicle merge area using a trained classifier that is trained to detect the first area and the second area; and determining the sequence order of the vehicles based on the first area and the second area that are detected.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating ordering at an order point using a smart ordering device are disclosed. A primary transmitting device and a secondary transmitting device may be positioned opposite of one another at the order point. A short distance linkage may be established between the primary and secondary transmitting device. A disruption of the linkage may be detected when an object carrying a smart ordering device passes through the order point. Information indicating the disruption may be included in a signal transmitted by the primary transmitting device to the smart ordering device. Based on such information and the signal strength of the signal from the primary transmitting device, the smart ordering device may determine it is at the order point. In response to such determination, the smart ordering device may generate and communicate an order request to a remote server for placing an order.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for managing digital media content within a quick service restaurant environment to provide a consistent visual experience and accurate, timely data across various digital media displays to QSR customers. In some embodiments, a digital media management appliance (“DMMA”) is used to manage the distribution of digital media data which is used to drive various display devices present in the QSR environment. The DMMA may be configured to extract data from a point of sale (“POS”) system and/or other data sources within the QSR environment in order to generate display data for the digital media devices in the store.

Abstract: A system and method of providing related search queries are disclosed. A new item listing is identified based on a determination that the new item listing lacks a predetermined minimum amount of clickstream data. Similar item listings for the new item listing is determined from a plurality of old item listings based on at least one item feature of the new item listing and the plurality of old item listings. The plurality of old item listings comprises live item listings and completed item listings. Each old item listing has at least the predetermined minimum amount of clickstream data. Related search queries of the similar item listings are associated with the new item listing. The related search queries for the new item listing are provided along with the new item listing to a user on a client device.

Abstract: A system and method including an Internet preordering system accessible online or onsite at a free-standing kiosk located in or near client properties in which customers may create profiles for the requested services and provide such information to the service provider in advance of the customer's arrival for the requested services. When the customer arrives, the customer identifies himself/herself and the preorder is accessed, verified and/or modified. The preorder is then forwarded to the service provider and the delivery of the service is optimally timed to the readiness of the customer. The customer's profile and preorder information are maintained in a database and used for in-house precision marketing campaigns and cross-promotional opportunities. For example, in a restaurant embodiment, a registered customer is given access to menus and may create menu preferences for a participating restaurant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable media for placing an order for a user. The method includes receiving a search from a user, identifying a product category based on the search, presenting to the user a general ordering screen based on the identified product category, selecting and activating a speech recognition grammar tuned for the identified product category, recognizing a first received user utterance with the activated tuned grammar to identify a vendor who offers items in the identified product category, recognizing a second received user utterance with the activated tuned grammar to identify a specific item from the identified vendor, and placing an order for the specific item with the identified vendor for the user. In one aspect, the method further offers to sell the user additional items ancillary to the specific item.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments are directed to image based viewing and/or ordering food items. According to some embodiments, an ordering system for managing image based menus includes a suite of data management applications for providers and/or deliverers (e.g., businesses in the restaurant or food and beverage industry, delivery service providers, etc.). These providers can subscribe to the system in order to access the functionality provided by image based displays including ordering and reservation capabilities provided. In some embodiments, the suite of data management applications can be configured to enable subscribers to access database-driven, market-specific product information, and use that information, for example, to tailor displays on online food and beverage ordering/viewing systems.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a printer apparatus using network-based communication over 3G or 4G wireless networks, and provides for electronic response from the printer relating to order confirmation and fulfillment at the recipient printer, in communication to an order management coordinator or server. The printer provides an order output including at least one symbol representing an order, including at least one of order content, ordering entity or individual, price, time of order, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for determining a relocation recommendation for a relocating cardholder relocating from a first location to a target location is provided. The method is implemented using a relocation recommendation (RR) computing device in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving, from a cardholder device, a cardholder identifier for the relocating cardholder, and at least one of a general target area and the target location. The method also includes determining an area of interest for the relocating cardholder based at least in part on payment card transaction data at the first location, identifying at least one other cardholder having initiated payment card transactions within the target location and having the same area of interest as the relocating cardholder, determining at least one target merchant located within the target location that is associated with the area of interest, and transmitting, to the cardholder device, a relocation recommendation.

Abstract: Preventing enterprise or other protected content data from “leaking” from being under secure management on a device, for example by virtue of being viewed using an untrusted app on the device, is disclosed. An indication is received that a content to be provided to a first mobile application on a mobile device is to be protected against unauthorized access at the mobile device using unauthorized applications other than the first mobile application. The content is encrypted while in transit to the mobile device, using a key associated with a second mobile application authorized to be used to access the content at the mobile device.

Abstract: A control system 1 has an input device that reads and outputs input information, a printer 11 connected to the input device, and a tablet device 10 connected to the printer 11. When input information is output from the input device, the printer 11 identifies the input device of the input source, and outputs the input information to the tablet device 10.