Abstract: An electronic apparatus of the present invention includes an apparatus body which is provided with an operation section, and a tray member which is slidably provided on the apparatus body and projects from a rear surface of the apparatus body on a side opposite to an operation side of the operation section so that a written announcement can be posted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating electronic transactions utilizing data capturing devices are provided herein. Methods may include generating a transaction event which comprises transaction details and receiving a transaction acceptance from a first client device. The transaction acceptance may include a capture of at least a portion of the transaction details and a unique merchant identifier by a first data capturing device of the first client device and a confirmation. The method further includes providing indication of a payment authorization to the merchant.

Abstract: The MULTI-DIRECTIONAL WALLET CONNECTOR APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“W-CONNECTOR”) facilitates the enrollment of payment accounts in a consumer's virtual wallet. The consumer may be logged into their payment account issuer's web site and designate one or more payment accounts for enrollment in a virtual wallet. The issuer may then share account, billing and/or other relevant information with the virtual wallet provider to facilitate the enrollment of the designated payment accounts in the virtual wallet. The W-CONNECTOR may also be configured to facilitate the creation and funding of pre-paid accounts in a consumer's virtual wallet.

Abstract: A bank customer's CE device is used to authorize transactions using the customer's electronic debit or credit card (“e-card”). If the CE device is determined not to be proximate to the e-card, the transaction is limited.

Abstract: A method of determining room occupancy of a room in a facility having an indoor positioning system with wireless access point fingerprints each correlated to a location in the facility. The method may include receiving a request from a computing device for a room occupancy assessment associated with the room. It may further include obtaining location data that correlates to the location of one or more people from the indoor positioning system and determining from the location data associated with the room whether the room is occupied. The determination of whether the room is occupied is then sent to the computing device.

Abstract: A wireless device includes a user interface that generates a pairing signal in response to an indication from a user to pair the wireless device to at least one remote device and generates a first location request signal in response to a second indication from a user to locate the at least one remote device. A short-range wireless transceiver communicates RF signals to pair the wireless device to the at least one remote device and that transmits a first RF paging signal to the at least one remote device in response to the location request signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor-transistor-based system and device that are designed to, but are not limited to: electronically outputting electronic-semiconductor-transistor-voltage-level-based-state-machine-assisted-user-menu-selection display associated with electronic-semiconductor-transistor-voltage-level-based-state-machine-assisted collection of user-physiological information, associated with electronic-semiconductor-transistor-voltage-level-based-state-machine-assisted collection of user-conduct information, and associated with electronic-semiconductor-transistor-voltage-level-based-state-machine-assisted obtaining of food-based information. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method of operating a point-of-sale (POS) system (1), the POS system comprising a POS terminal (3) having a software module (17, 21) thereon for enabling a retailer to process transactions within a transaction environment, and a peripheral device (5, 7) in communication with the POS terminal (3), the POS system (1) further comprising a driver software module (40) installed between the POS terminal (3) software module (17, 21) and the peripheral device (5, 7), the method comprising: receiving, at the driver software module (40), data sent between the software module (17, 21) and the peripheral device (5, 7) in communication with the POS terminal (3); communicating with a further device (44, 60, 64) in dependence on the data received at the driver software module (40); receiving modified data from the further device (44, 60, 64); and outputting the modified data.

Abstract: A computer-automated system is disclosed for promoting specifiable items of merchandise in a retail shopping facility for specifiable time periods. The automated promotion system enables a customer with an appropriately configured mobile device to avail of promotional prompts within the shopping facility electronically (i.e., within the specified time period), substantiating redemption of a related benefit at checkout (i.e., within or beyond the specified time period). The system has three principal components: a source, a node, and a checkpoint. The source enables a retailer to script the parameters of the promotion (e.g., the duration, benefit, and relevant merchandise). The node—preferably, an electronic shelf label—provides means for publishing the promotion to a customer pursuant to information entered by the retailer at the source. The checkpoint consummates the promotion.

Abstract: A computer terminal located in an environment may include an actuator, retractable privacy barrier attached to the computer terminal by the actuator, a display, a memory, a processor, and a terminal application stored in the memory. The actuator is typically configured to extend the retractable privacy barrier to thereby reduce viewability of the computer terminal. The terminal application is typically configured for initiating an interactive session with a user, determining that a trigger event has occurred, and in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, transmitting a control signal to the actuator, the control signal causing the actuator to extend the retractable privacy barrier. The present invention is further configured for monitoring one or more parameters of the environment, and displaying, via the display, data associated with the one or more parameters of the environment.

Abstract: A distributed point of sale, electronic article surveillance, and product information system. The system can include a central database and at least one integrated POS/EAS/information terminal adapted to communicate with NFC-enabled devices, RFID and EAS tags, and the database, wherein, when a customer places an NFC-enabled device and a product having an RFID and EAS tag and proximate the terminal, the terminal facilitates a transaction for purchasing the product. The terminal can include a processor, an NFC transceiver, a UHF RFID reader, and a Bluetooth transceiver. The transaction for purchasing the product can be performed via the NFC-enabled device.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for extracting product purchase information from electronic messages transmitted between physical network nodes to convey product purchase information to designated recipients. These examples provide a product purchase information extraction service that is able to extract product purchase information from electronic messages with high precision across a wide variety of electronic message formats and thereby solve the practical problems that have arisen as a result of the proliferation of different electronic message formats used by individual merchants and across different merchants and different languages. In this regard, these examples are able to automatically learn the structures and semantics of different message formats, which accelerates the ability to support new message sources, new markets, and different languages.

Abstract: A dispenser for pillow napkins is provided that includes a carton having a bottom panel, opposite left and right panels extending vertically from the bottom panel, opposite front and back panels positioned between the left and right panels and extending vertically from the bottom panel, and a top panel extending parallel to the bottom panel. Left and right supports are positioned within a cavity of the carton. A plurality of pillow napkins are wound about a spool. The spool is positioned in the cavity such that the spool rotatably engages the left and right supports and the pillow napkins are spaced apart from the top and bottom panels. Methods of use are provided.

Abstract: Interactions with the lottery system may be stored to a central database or data store. The transactions stored in the lottery system may represent interactions with the lottery system, such as purchasing of tickets and validating tickets. The lottery system may link a current transaction with a previous transaction, allowing a transaction profile of a ticket to be generated. The transaction profile information may be used for various purposes including supporting an investigation.

Abstract: A method of determining room occupancy of a room in a facility having an indoor positioning system with wireless access point fingerprints each correlated to a location in the facility. The method may include receiving a request from a computing device for a room occupancy assessment associated with the room. It may further include obtaining location data that correlates to the locations of wireless devices associated with one or more people from the indoor positioning system and determining based on the location data whether the room is occupied. The determination of whether the room is occupied is then sent to the computing device.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) including multiple user screens is provided. The ATM preferably includes an ATM processor, an ATM user information input device and/or an ATM receiver, a customer-facing ATM touch screen configured to display an initial ATM display, an ATM dispenser configured to dispense a cash withdrawal amount in the event that an ATM central processing unit (CPU) receives information relating to a selection of the cash withdrawal amount. The ATM may further include a second, customer-facing, touch screen configured to selectably display an automated teller assist (ATA) display configured to provide a video display of a live teller located at a remote location.

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: Various embodiments concern a wireless accessory bus for a user device that enables accessories to be easily and securely attached to the user device. More specifically, the wireless accessory bus enables data to be wirelessly transmitted between the accessory and the user device when the accessory and the user device are located within close proximity to one another (e.g., when the accessory is securely attached to the wireless accessory bus). Power could also be wirelessly transferred from the user device to the accessory (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the user device includes fastening component(s) (e.g., magnets) that allow the user device and the accessory to be magnetically secured to one another. The accessory typically enables the user device to readily utilize a new functionality or an improvement to an existing functionality.

Abstract: A payment handling system may operate to handle payments for the cost of a transaction. The payment handling system may receive first information associated with a first payment instrument, receive second information associated with a second payment instrument, and cause a display to update the UI to indicate that an unallocated portion of the cost of the transaction is to be approximately split between the first payment instrument and the second payment instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to displaying a portion of an image representation of a paper receipt, the image portion corresponding to a selected item from a completed transaction. In embodiments, an “eReceipt,” a digital representation of a paper receipt, is transmitted to and displayed on a customer computing device, such as an app installed on a smartphone. The eReceipt may include a list of items purchased at the transaction and additional information related to the transaction and/or items purchased. In response to the customer selecting one of the items listed on the eReceipt, a snippet of the image of the paper receipt is displayed, the snippet depicting the line item from the paper receipt that represents the selected item.

Abstract: An object is to restrict the giving of points according to an object of payment for which payment was made with electronic money. An electronic money server (FIG. 11) receives transaction information in which a breakdown of the amount of payment of an electronic money card used in one payment processing is recorded and breakdown information in which a breakdown of the amount of payment for each object of payment in this payment processing is recorded. The breakdown includes a normal item into which general products are classified, a tax-free item into which tax-free articles such as a postage stamp are classified, and a collected item into which public utility rates collected by an agency payment service are classified. Among these breakdown items, points are given to the amount of payment made for a normal item, and no points are given to the others.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for tracking offline purchases. One of the methods includes receiving information from a first user device identifying a requested commerce object, a geographical area, and an advertising identifier, identifying a plurality of sources of available inventory data for physical retail locations, searching the plurality of sources to determine one or more physical retail locations that have available inventory of the commerce object, serving instructions for a presentation of a user interface to a second user device, providing instructions for presentation of a prompt regarding whether the requested commerce object was purchased, receiving a response indicating that the requested commerce object was purchased, and storing data indicating the purchase in a memory with the advertising identifier.

Abstract: An architectural structure incorporates advanced video conference communications systems that embody two-way mirrors to reflect room surfaces to appear superimposed with an image display device to create a perception of depth. The processes for delivering professional services using video conference systems with two-way mirror configurations are presented herein.

Abstract: A communication channel is provided between a transaction acquirer and a payment network, for the purpose of transmitting payment card account transaction authorization requests. Via the communication channel the payment network may receive a message containing additional information. The additional information may originate at the point of sale and may be in addition to a PAN (primary account number) or the like. The payment network may send a message including the additional information to an entity that is neither a payment account issuer nor the transaction acquirer.

Abstract: Determining a pricing information for an instance of an application program comprises: receiving a software discovery result for the application program instance; receiving, from a file with a predetermined name stored in an installation directory in an install path, at least one custom rule associated with an application program indicated in the software discovery result; evaluating, by a rule engine, one or more conditions of the received at least one custom rule on one or more parameter values of the received software discovery result; and in dependence on a result of the evaluation, processing the at least one custom rule, the processing comprising determining the pricing information for the application program instance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling and performing secured, single action payments from a mobile device are disclosed. One method includes transmitting user credentials from an application installed on a mobile device to a server alongside a device identifier. The method includes receiving data at least partially defining encrypted personal payment information and saving the encrypted personal payment information in a memory of the mobile device in association with the application. At least prior to receiving a user request to make a payment via the application, the mobile device lacks a decryption key capable of decrypting the encrypted personal payment information.

Abstract: A method and associated terminal, server, and system for information registration, especially payment account registration processes involving payment transactions, are disclosed. By scanning tangible information carriers such as a driver license and credit cards, a client terminal such as a smart phone can generate an image that is sent to a registration server. The registration server can extract user identity information and payment account information from the image. After verifying that the user identity information is associated with a payment account, the registration server generates a registration code for the user and sends the registration code to the client terminal and a bank server. The bank server can then establish corresponding relationships between the registration code, a terminal identifier for the client terminal, and the payment account so that later payment requests from the client terminal can be processed more efficiently and securely.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using wireless communication devices to track the effects of advertising are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes representing the identity of an advertising impression, that is, a specific advertisement, with an impression code. According to exemplary embodiments, the advertising impression is directed to at least one commodity, such as one or more products and services. The method may also further include receiving the impression into a computer-readable memory of a wireless communication device. The method further includes detecting the wireless communication device, and then providing the impression code during the purchase of the commodity. The method continues with obtaining the identity of the advertising impression from the impression code. The method additionally includes creating a transaction record, wherein transaction record includes the advertising impression identity and an identity of the commodity, and storing the transaction record in a database.

Abstract: A checkout station includes a display that is rotatable between a first position and a second position and a barcode scanner that is directed in a first direction in the first position and in a second direction in the second position.

Abstract: Exemplary voice call payment systems and methods provide parties to a voice call with features for sharing sensitive information over an active voice connection supporting the voice call. An exemplary method includes a voice call payment system detecting, during a voice call between a user of a user device and a representative of a merchant over an active voice connection between the user device and a merchant device of the merchant, a request by the user to submit inaudible payment information to the merchant over the active voice connection as payment in a transaction between the user and the merchant, directing, in response to the request, the user device to acquire the inaudible payment information, and directing, in response to the request, the user device to transmit the inaudible payment information to the merchant device over the active voice connection.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising receiving instructions at a first device. The instructions may correspond to an item transaction. The item may be a food product. The item transaction may comprise an item gift. The method may comprise generating a code based on the instructions received at the first device for the item transaction. The method may comprise generating a message at the first device. The method may comprise transmitting the code and the message from the first device to a second device.

Abstract: Methods, computing systems and computer program products implement embodiments of the present invention that include defining multiple primitives, each of the primitives including ranking and unranking methods. Two or more of the multiple primitives are selected, and an operation is performed on the selected primitives, thereby defining a complex format. Upon an encryption processor receiving a data record including a plaintext, the complex format is applied to the plaintext, thereby generating a non-reversible token. In some embodiments, the generated token is transmitted a remote computer.

Abstract: A document handler system and method includes timed operation functionality in which the manufacturer of the document handler may input coded information in the document handler to establish a timed operation of the document handler which may be contingent on continued payments for use of the document handler. Alternatively, or in addition, the timed operation may be used to establish an appropriate warranty period during which the manufacturer is obligated to provide repairs, modification and/or support for the document handler.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for processing jackpot events occurring at electronic gaming devices of a casino environment. Upon a player hitting a jackpot, tax documentation can be automatically populated with the player's information, such as social security number and mailing address. The populated tax information can be electronically transmitted to recipients, such as the player. The player's information used to populate the tax documentation can be based on personally identifiable information provided by the player to obtain a stored value payment vehicle that is issued to the player and tied to a player identifier used by the casino environment for player tracking.

Abstract: A method for securing a transaction by an electronic card paired with at least one mobile terminal, wherein a banking organization in charge of managing transactions involving the card has previously recorded an identifier of the mobile terminal among data relating to the owner of the card. The securing method includes: transmission, by the mobile terminal, of at least one first signal including a message containing the identifier; receipt, by at least one transaction device near the mobile terminal, of the first signal; transmission, by the transaction device, of a second signal including at least the message to at least one remote banking organization; assignment, by a control server of the banking organization, to a transaction involving the electronic card, by a control server of the banking organization, of information representing proximity between the electronic card and the mobile terminal, according to the second signal received by the banking organization.

Abstract: A portable proximity device and method of operation thereof. The method for proximity detection implemented on a portable device can include determining an initial perturbation data, a tracking point data, and a stable position data with a physical sensor of the portable device. The initial perturbation data can include previous state data and current state data. The tracking point data can include one or more track data. An action to be performed can be determined, by a processor within the portable device, based on the initial perturbation data, the tracking point data, and the stable position data. The portable proximity device can include a physical sensor and a processor configured to perform these steps.

Abstract: A transport carrier (i.e., an armored vehicle or any mode of transportation) may be equipped with cash storage and recycling capabilities. The transport carrier may be equipped to replenish funds as needed and/or pick up a surplus of funds. The transport carrier may be in communication with a financial institution and/or a central server. In some arrangements, the central server may dynamically route the transport carrier to cash handling devices as various locations in order to efficiently meet the needs of the devices and associated clients.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering a transaction cost in connection with a transaction between a customer and a merchant are provided. The transaction cost may be recovered from a transaction that originates at a merchant location associated with a merchant category code. The transaction cost may be recovered from a low-value purchase. A recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a fixed amount. The recovery amount associated with the low-value purchase may include a percentage of the acceptance cost. The recovery amount may be shared among two or more transaction participant. The recovery amount may be dynamically adjusted. Methods and apparatus may include providing adequate notice of changes in the recovery amount. The transaction cost may be recovered utilizing central control over network of merchant locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating media playback in online auctions. A method may include detecting an indication of an auction event associated with an online vehicle auction for a first vehicle. The method may also include determining current auction information associated with the online vehicle auction. The method may further include determining auction event information associated with the auction event. Additionally, the method may include identifying, based at least in part on the current auction information and the auction event information, one or more media files for playback on a bidder device. The method may also include transmitting, to the bidder device in response to the indication of the auction event, the one or more media files for playback on the bidder device according to a determined sequence, which may result in acoustic output of one or more auctioneer phrases.

Abstract: A system includes a physical machine that controls a virtual machine to execute a processing by using hardware resources of the physical machine, and a management apparatus includes a processor configured to execute: detect a first quantity of the hardware resources used by the virtual machine larger than a specific quantity set based on a second quantity of the hardware resources assigned to the virtual machine in accordance with a first usage fee corresponding to the virtual machine, calculate a second usage fee of the virtual machine based on a third quantity larger than the second quantity, and modify the second quantity to meet with the third quantity when the second usage fee is lower than the first usage fee.

Abstract: A method including interacting with a promotion code provider programmatically, providing a promotion code to a validation function of the promotion code provider, and evaluating a response from the promotion code provider. The act of interacting with a promotion code provider can include controlling an interface that simulates user actions, such as but not limited to controlling an in-memory web browser through an API, where the API provides a set of functions for simulating user actions. Accordingly, the method can be used to quickly and easily determine whether one or more promotion codes, such as online coupons, are valid.

Abstract: A mobile device including a touch panel and a processing unit is provided. The touch panel includes one transmitting electrode and one receiving electrode. The transmitting electrode performs signal transmission using a touch-link technology, and the receiving electrode performs signal reception using the touch-link technology. The processing unit receives a message from a terminal device via the receiving electrode, and transmits an identification number to the terminal device via the transmitting electrode according to the message, so as to use the identification number for a verification on the terminal device.

Abstract: A method is provided for verifying an authenticity of a payment terminal, implemented by using of a device for verifying authenticity. The method includes: transmitting to the payment terminal a request for obtaining a piece of identification data by using of a contactless communications interface; receiving a response, through said contactless communications interface and coming from the payment terminal, to said request for obtaining a piece of identification data; comparing a field of said response with at least one piece of pre-recorded identification data; when the field includes a piece of identification data identical to said at least one piece of pre-recorded identification data, for issuing an assertion of authenticity of said payment terminal; when the field comprises a piece of identification data different from said at least one piece of pre-recorded identification data, issuing a piece of information on absence of authentication of the payment terminal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices manage second screen media content that is associated with live or previously-recorded television programming while the programming is being viewed by a user. A control application provides an HTML5 or other application program interface (API) that allows advertisers, retailers or other third parties to access the remote control application for providing useful features.

Abstract: A method includes performing operations as follows on at least one processor: receiving credentials from a shopper, the credentials being associated with a purchase from a merchant, determining that the shopper is registered for a loyalty program with the merchant based on the credentials, determining that the shopper has a mobile payments account with a mobile payments processor associated with the loyalty program, the mobile payments account having a mobile phone number associated therewith, sending a payment request for the purchase to the mobile payments processor with the mobile phone number, and receiving an approval for advancing funds for the purchase from the mobile payments processor responsive to the shopper sending a payment request from a mobile device having the mobile phone number.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to validating the identity of a user. In one scenario, a computer system determines that a login account has been created for a user, where the creation includes generation of a first identifier for the user based on a user's determined location at the time of account creation. The computer system next receives a login attempt from the user that includes a second, different identifier and one or more login credentials. The computer system then determines the location from which the login attempt was received and, using the second identifier and the determined login location, identifies the user account corresponding to the user. The computer system further authenticates the user upon determining that the second identifier and login location match the first identifier.

Abstract: Assistance techniques that give customers more knowledge and more freedom to seek out employees or other help providers. In an example method, a mobile device of a customer sends a request for assistance to a host computer, receives a location of help provider from the host computer, and displays the location on a map. The customer may then seek out the help provider.

Abstract: A KVM (K: keyboard, V: video, M: mouse) switch to be connected between a computer, and a keyboard and a mouse, the KVM switch includes: a connector that is cascade-connected to another KVM switch; an inputter that inputs a creation instruction of control data including control information which controls the operation of the another KVM switch; a creator that creates the control data having a data format that is the same as a data format of key code data inputted from the key board or the mouse when a creation instruction of the control data is inputted, the control data including the control information and a first identifier indicative of the control data; and an outputter that outputs the created control data to the another KVM switch.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for smart line routing using wireless beacons. A merchant may set up a wireless beacon throughout a storefront or retail location for the merchant. The beacons may connect to a user's device and provide check-in services to the user. Based on the connections between the user's device and the wireless beacons, information about the user's behavior in the merchant location may be determined. The information may correspond to items/services the user may purchase and an amount of items/services the user may purchase. Using this information and a payment instrument the user utilizes to complete a transaction for the items/services, and expected time for the user to complete a checkout and payment to the merchant may be determined. The expected time can be used to direct the user to a checkout line that minimizes a wait time for each line.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) security system includes a POS device including a non-transitory memory, one or more hardware processors, and one or more environment sensors. A plurality of POS instructions are located on the non-transitory memory in the POS device and executable by the one or more hardware processors in the POS device to provide a POS engine that is configured to receive and transmit payment information for conducting a payment transaction associated with a purchase. A plurality of security instructions are located on the non-transitory memory in the POS device and are executable by the one or more hardware processors in the POS device to provide a security engine that is configured to receive environment signals from the one or more environment sensors in the POS device and analyze those environment signals to determine a security breach.