Abstract: A computer-implemented method for allocating gratuities is disclosed that includes employing at least one processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored in memory to perform the following acts: receiving transaction information from a point of sale, wherein the transaction information comprises at least gratuity data for each of a plurality of transactions during an accounting period; receiving employee information from the point of sale, wherein the employee information comprises at least hours worked for each of a plurality of employees during the accounting period; receiving gratuity distribution rules for allocating gratuities among at least a portion of the employees; and determining a gratuity allocation for each applicable employee of the plurality of employees based on at least the received transaction information, the received employee information, and the received gratuity distribution rules. Also disclosed is a computer-implemented system for managing gratuity allocations.

Abstract: Technologies for managing payment authorization request messaging for payment transactions include a transaction management controller for receiving a transaction amount for a payment transaction from a business management engine and payment card data for the payment transaction from a point of interaction device. The transaction management controller inserts the transaction amount and the payment card data into a payment authorization request message, which is transmitted to a payment network. A payment authorization response message is received from the payment network and transmitted by the transaction management controller the business management engine. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable object (OP) suitable for rendering at least one secure service (S) via a near field (NFC). The object comprises: a near field module (NFC) having an antenna (AN) and a microcontroller (CLF) for managing near field communication with a near field reader unit (2) external to the portable object; and a secure element (SE) comprising: memory means (MEM) for storing applications (APS) and data (DPS) relating to at least one secure service (S); and a communications module (I1) for communicating with the near field module (NFC) in order to exchange data relating to the secure service (S). The object is characterized in that it also includes a serial communications module (USB) connected to the security element (SE, SIM, I4), and in that the applications (APS) and the data (DPS) of the secure service (S) are transmitted to the security element via said serial communications module (USB).

Abstract: A device with one or more processors, memory, and two or more communication capabilities obtains, from a payment module, an authorization request via a first communication capability (e.g., Bluetooth). The device sends, to a server, the authorization request via a second communication capability distinct from the first communication capability (e.g., cellular or WiFi technology). In response to sending the authorization request, the device obtains, from the server, authorization information via the second communication capability. After obtaining the authorization information, the device detects a trigger condition to perform a transaction with a payment accepting unit associated with the payment module. In response to detecting the trigger condition, the device sends, to the payment module, at least a portion of the authorization information via the first communication capability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for managing rechargeable batteries to provide power to electrical vehicles. The system comprises a plurality of charging stations each if the intelligent charger includes at least an intelligent battery charger for charging the rechargeable batteries. The intelligent battery chargers further comprises a battery diagnostic detector for detecting and storing data of designated battery health management parameters. The intelligent battery chargers further comprises a transmitter for transmitting the data of the designated battery health management parameters as wireless signals to a networked server in a battery management center.

Abstract: Identifying the geolocation of POS terminals using non-payment events to predict when the geolocation of a computing device at a time when the device detects events corresponds to the geolocation of the terminal. The device monitors for pre-selected events and transmit data to the account system. The account system determines a frequency of the events and it reaches a pre-defined threshold, the account system identifies the location of the terminal by identifying the common geolocation of the events. The identified geolocation is saved so that when a user then enters the location and transmits event data to the account system, the system can compare the geolocation of the event data to the saved geolocation to determine whether the computing device is located at the terminal. If the computing device is located at the terminal, the account system transmits offers or other content for display and use at the identified terminal.

Abstract: Data records and associated data confidence of data in each data record are both stored in a database system. Each data record includes a data confidence. The data confidence indicates an accuracy or reliability level of the data of corresponding data record. The data records with confidence information are constructed in memory before they are stored into the database system. When the data records are retrieved from the database for analysis, the data confidence is retrieved as well. The analysis of data contained in the data records further considers the data confidence. The analysis result is thus affected by the data confidence.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of individual level learning that include receiving purchase event data from a merchant device that indicates that a purchase event occurred by a user on a user device, and transmitting the purchase event data to an analytics server. The methods may also include processing the purchase event data. The processing may include calculating a time gap for each of two sequential purchase events in a list of purchase events, and calculating an average duration of consecutive events by averaging all of the purchase events in the list of purchase events. The method may determine a purchase hazard probability that a purchase event will occur on a given day, when the average duration of consecutive events is larger than a standard deviation of the event occurring. When the purchase hazard probability is above a threshold, the system may push a message to the user device.

Abstract: A mobile payment system and method are described that facilitates the secure and real time user authentication and activation of a mobile payment account for a user portable electronic device over a communications network.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for defining, generating, utilizing, and/or detecting a geo-fence are described. A trigger is obtained, the trigger generated in response to a change in a geo-fence criteria. One or more boundaries of the geo-fence based on the geo-fence criteria are defined in response to obtaining the trigger.

Abstract: One or more implementations shown in the present specification provide an offline payment method. A communication connection between a collection device and a payment device is established, wherein both the collection device and the payment device are in an offline state. Payment data sent by the collection device is received by the payment device through the communication connection established to the collection device. Payment processing based on the payment data and account information of the payment device is performed by the payment device, to obtain a payment result. The payment result is returned, by the payment device to the collection device through the communication connection. Collection processing is performed, by the collection device, based on the payment result and obtained account information of the payment device, to obtain a collection result.

Abstract: Techniques and arrangements for allowing modification of transaction flows, user interfaces (UIs), receipt configuration and control of buyer-facing displays associated with transactions between a payment service, a merchant and a buyer are provided. Payment service payment functionality is exposed by the payment service via one or more application programming interfaces (API)s, software development kits (SDKs), or some other web-based communication technique (e.g., a uniform resource locator). The payment service payment functionality exposed by the payment service allows a merchant to customize one or more steps of a transaction between a user and a merchant. A merchant can use the exposed payment service payment functionality to configure and modify the look and feel and/or the steps within a transaction flow. The merchant can also modify a receipt to include other information from the information that is included in a default receipt.

Abstract: Introduced here is a technology that enables a merchant to create customer-targeted, customized digital receipts by use of a merchant platform executing on a financial service system. The merchant platform generates feature programs for incorporating in a digital receipt based on customer segmentation. The customer segmentation includes one or more groups of customers segmented based on one or more attributes associated with each group of customers. An attribute is determined based on data collected by the financial service system, where the data is related to the merchant and other merchants that are either similarly situated as the merchant or similarly located in a geographical area as the merchant. The feature programs can include a feedback program, a loyalty reward program, a promotion program, and/or a tipping program.

Abstract: In a general aspect, orientation information is used to generate a unique code. In some aspects, orientation information is extracted from an object. The object includes multiple elements, and the orientation information indicates the relative spatial orientations of the respective elements. The orientation information can be extracted, for instance, by a scanner system that detects the elements. A unique code is generated for the object based on the orientation information. In some examples, the elements are diamond particles that each have one or more color centers, and the orientation information is extracted by detecting the color centers.

Abstract: A digital targeting system is configured to access data to determine users that satisfy content factors, such as pre-validation criteria, based on user information stored in a database having restrictions on sharing of user data, such as government regulations on sharing of the user information. The digital targeting system may then generate a pre-validated user ID list indicating those users that match the content factors. Users on the pre-validated user ID list may then be matched to users in other databases, such as a digital ID database, to identify digital IDs for the users that are usable by a digital display entity.

Abstract: A system includes at least one hardware processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one hardware processor, cause the at least one hardware processor to perform operations including identifying a component of tracked conduct, the component of tracked conduct including a first conduct trigger condition and a reward, the first conduct trigger condition is associated with conduct of a user related to retirement, receiving conduct data associated with the first conduct trigger condition from a first data source, determining, using the conduct data, that the first conduct trigger condition is satisfied, and causing the reward to be provided to the user.

Abstract: Within the EMV payment specification, the use of an unattended terminal to accept a payment is allowed. Creating a device that has both the EMV level 1 (L1) and level 2 (L2) payment components combined with a virtual merchant creates a “card present” transaction for an on-line or e-commerce merchant. This device can be called a personal Point of Sale (pPOS). This specification discloses personal Point of Sale (pPOS) devices and methods that can provide for card present e-commerce transactions. In some embodiments, a pPOS device can include only a secure microcontroller function (MCF), a payment kernel, a secure element, and an interface to an external system with an EMV level 3 (L3) payment application. In some embodiments, a pPOS device can further include a reader. In some embodiments, a pPOS device can still further include a sensor switch and/or a user interface function.

Abstract: A commodity sales data processing apparatus, including a portable information terminal having a battery and a display on which an executable job name is displayed and a docking station on which the information terminal is mounted to charge the battery, monitors whether or not the information terminal is mounted on the docking station to detect the separation therebetween. The processing apparatus restricts jobs permitted at the time the information terminal is separated from the docking station to a part of jobs permitted at the time the information terminal is mounted on the docking station if the separation between the information terminal and the docking station is detected and the display of the information terminal displays job names permitted at the time the information terminal is separated from the docking station if the separation between the information terminal and the docking station is detected.

Abstract: A system (10) and method (30) comprises a detector that is configured to enable a mode of a first device (14) and/or to enable a mode of a second device (15) responsive to a detection that a proximity criterion is satisfied between the first device and an entity (Entity 1) and responsive to at least one of a position, velocity and a Time-of-Day and where the second device is not the entity and is not associated with the entity, and where the entity is not involved in providing a communications service to the first and/or second device.

Abstract: An intelligent marketing and advertising platform which provides an innovative merchandising solution for retailers by effectively transforming the glass surface of retail product containers (such as cooler doors) into a non-transparent display of planograms. The merchandising solution provides for digital planograms and pricing management, real time promotional updates and sales data, etc. This is accomplished by converting/transforming the simple glass surface of a retail product container (such as cooler/freezer doors) into digital “smart” screens that provide for innovative advertising solutions.

Abstract: A display device (1) includes a screen (3), at least one sensor, and a processing unit (6) configured to manage content displayed on the screen (3) based on information received from the at least one sensor. The device (1) is configured to detect the presence of one or more user in the vicinity of the device (1) and display content, such as advertisements, on the screen based on information received from the sensors. A plurality of display devices may be interconnected to form a composite display system. The device/system may further use sensors to determine information/advertising content relevant to the demographic of the user(s).

Abstract: A user of a control server 15 can be made aware of the need for a rule change. A control server 15 has an acquisition unit 401 that acquires printed text data containing the object values of multiple objects printed on roll paper according to a specific layout as text data corresponding to the specific layout; an analyzer 402 that executes a search process on the printed text data acquired by the acquisition unit 401 to find the object value of an object targeted by the search based on an analytical rule set that is set relationally to object of the search target; a detector 403 that detects change in the analytical rule set defined for the analyzer 402; and at least one of a control server display 43 or control server network communicator 41 that reports change in the analytical rule set.

Abstract: A portable wireless communication terminal installed on a shopping cart includes a reader, a wireless communication interface, a display, and a processor. The processor is configured to control the reader to read a commodity code that identifies a commodity to be purchased by a customer in a store, determine whether or not the commodity code read by the reader is associated with the store, determine a retrieval code based on a result of the determination about the commodity code, wirelessly retrieve from a database through the wireless communication interface, one or more pieces of information for promotion using the determined retrieval code, and control the display to display one of the retrieved pieces of information about a commodity available for sale in the store.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods related to collecting return items using an automated kiosk based on a real time risk decision. The automated kiosk captures return item information representing a return item and transmits the return item information and a request for return risk level relating to the return item to a server operable to execute a machine learning model trained on historical information to determine the risk level. The server determines the risk level based on the received return by using the machine learning model and transmits the determined risk level to the kiosk in real-time. Based on the determined risk level and a return amount associated with the return item, the server may also process a refund in real-time.

Abstract: A system for tracking the quantity of an item is disclosed. The system includes a portable terminal, a client, and a cabinet. The portable terminal is configured to receive information indicating a change in the quantity of the item in a container. The portable terminal includes a unique identifier, an input device configured to be actuated to indicate the change in the quantity of the item in the container, and a transceiver configured to transmit the information indicating. The client is configured to associate the portable terminal with the item based on the unique identifier, and includes a transceiver configured to receive and transmit the information. The cabinet includes the container and a controller configured to change a value indicating a quantity of the item based on the information transmitted from the client. A method for tracking the quantity of an item is also provided.

Abstract: A method for consumer verification of a payment transaction that exceeds previously established account limitations includes: storing account profiles, each including data related to a transaction account including a primary account number and transaction controls; receiving a transaction message related to a payment transaction including a specific primary account number, a point of sale identifier, and one or more additional data elements configured to store transaction details; identifying a specific account profile that includes the specific primary account number; determining that the payment transaction exceeds the account controls in the specific account profile based on the transaction details; transmitting question data for a plurality of questions to a point of sale associated with the point of sale identifier; receiving answer data from the point of sale; and transmitting the transaction message to a financial institution based on the answer data.

Abstract: A system for provisioning credentials onto an electronic device is provided. The user device may include a secure element and a corresponding trusted processor. A contactless registry service (CRS) applet running on the secure element may be used to manage the activation of one or more associated payment applets during a mobile payment transaction. The CRS applet may include at least a user input received flag and an authorization received flag. The user input received flag may be asserted in response to detecting a required user input for initiating payment. The authorization received flag may be asserted when the trusted processor sends an activation request to the secure element. A payment applet should only be activated when at least one of the user input received flag and the authorization received flag has been asserted.

Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for managing consumer savings initiated from a payment card transaction is included. The payment card transaction involves a cardholder and a payment card of the cardholder. The method uses a computer device in communication with an issuing bank. The computer device includes a memory. The method includes receiving, by the computer device, transaction data associated with the payment card transaction. The transaction data separately identifies a payment amount and a savings amount. The savings amount is an amount the cardholder selects to save. The method also includes identifying, by the computer device, a savings account number associated with the cardholder. The method further includes transmitting the savings amount and the savings account number to the issuing bank for recording as a savings accrual for the cardholder. The issuing bank is the issuer of the payment card.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitoring and restocking merchandise in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, there is provided a system including: an array of image sensors disposed about a shopping facility for capturing image sequences; a memory device configured to store the image sequences; a plurality of barcodes disposed on merchandise display containers about the shopping facility; a barcode database including a plurality of barcodes corresponding to merchandise; and a control circuit configured to: compare the image sequences with the images from the image database; determine the presence of a barcode at a display container to identify a type of merchandise in the merchandise display container; and estimate or determine the amount of merchandise in the display container.

Abstract: An identity authentication method is provided, including: obtaining a virtual-resource data processing request sent by a mobile terminal, the virtual-resource data processing request carrying a prestored digital fingerprint, and the digital fingerprint being generated by using device information and user information; performing virtual-resource data processing authentication on the virtual-resource data processing request according to a pre-established user value transfer behavior model; after virtual-resource data processing authentication succeeds, generating a value transfer token according to the digital fingerprint, and returning the value transfer token to the mobile terminal; receiving a value transfer request sent by the mobile terminal, the value transfer request carrying the value transfer token; and checking whether the value transfer token is valid, if the value transfer token is valid, identity authentication succeeding; otherwise, identity authentication failing.

Abstract: A wrapper interface is provided. The wrapper interface maps transaction and monitoring operations of a Point-Of-Sale (POS) transaction interface within an operator-facing interface. The wrapper interface also embeds a POS administrative interface within the operator-facing interface and permits interaction with administrative operations of the POS administrative interface within administrative views rendered by the POS administrative interface within the operator-facing interface.

Abstract: A mobile device includes at least one internal device including a processor to control the mobile device, an area including a main battery, a first antenna to receive power wirelessly transferred from an auxiliary battery of an accessory coupled to the mobile device, and a power manager. The power manager selects the main battery or the auxiliary battery of the accessory as a power source for the at least one internal device, supplies the at least one internal device with power from the main battery when the main battery is selected as the power source, and supplies the at least one internal device with the power received through the first antenna when the auxiliary battery is selected as the power source.

Abstract: A share table issuance device (1) issues first through N-th share tables (T1 to TN) to first through N-th object persons, respectively. N represents an integer of 2 or greater. The first through N-th share tables (T1 to TN) each include first through N-th ticket fields (D1 to DN), first through N-th share fields (E1 to EN), and an object person field (Cn). The same draw ticket is allocated to n-th ticket fields (Dn) included in the first through N-th share tables (T1 to TN). n represents an integer from 1 to N. A share written in an n-th share field (En) included in an n-th share table (Tn) differs from a share written in an n-th share field (En) included in a k-th share table (Tk). k represents an integer from 1 to N, which differs from the integer represented by n.

Abstract: A settlement apparatus in an embodiment includes a settling section, a discharging section, an article detecting section, and a processing section. The settling section performs settlement processing for settlement concerning a commercial transaction. The discharging section discharges a prescribed article to a receiving section after the end of the settlement processing by the settling section. The article detecting section detects reaining of the article in the receiving section. The processing section performs, if the article detecting section detects the remaining of the article at a point in time when a prescribed time elapses after the article is discharged by the discharging section, predetermined processing for making it possible to check the remaining of the article afterwards.

Abstract: Online transactional processing systems, methods, and computer program products for processing an alternative method of electronic payment (AMOP) in online transactions. A mass storage memory device hosts a database that stores data for transforming one or more virtual payment forms into data that relates to one or more AMOP's. Each of the one or more virtual payment forms stored in the database is compatible with a legacy system of a merchant. In response to receiving, in relation to an online transaction with the merchant, data that relates to an AMOP, the data that relates to the AMOP is transformed to create a virtual payment form that is compatible with the legacy system of the merchant. The virtual payment form is then transmitted to the legacy system of the merchant for processing, and data for transforming the virtual payment form into data relating to the AMOP is stored in the database.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to systems and method to facilitate omnichannel retailing. A networked system determines a location of the user device within a store and accesses a map of the store. An item from a list of one or more items is identified, whereby the item has a plurality of locations within the store. A first location of the item from the plurality of locations is selected. The networked system causes display, on a user interface on the user device, of the location of the user device and the first location of the item and causes display of a user interface element that is operable to receive user selection of a different location from the plurality of locations. In response to receiving the user selection, the networked system ceases display of the first location on the map and causes display of the different location on the map.

Abstract: A method controlling reservations at an electric vehicle charging station is disclosed. The method includes: sending, from the mobile device, the charge transfer request for the electric vehicle of a first user at an electric vehicle charging station to the cloud server, wherein a user of the mobile device is associated with the electric vehicle to be charged; in response to authorizing the charge transfer request using identification information and credit account information received from the mobile device, charging the electric vehicle of the first user at the electric vehicle charging station for a first charging session; reserving a second charging session for an electric vehicle of a second user; and facilitating communication with the first user and the second user to modify the scheduled end time of the first charging session for the first user an amount of time and modify the scheduled start time of the second charging session of the second user an amount of time.

Abstract: Selecting payment instruments for proxy card transactions comprises associating a plurality of financial accounts with a user proxy account; establishing a model for the user account based on configuration data received from a user, the model comprising identification of a particular financial account to use as a backing instrument for a transaction; receiving data associated with a pending transaction regarding the pending transaction; identifying a financial account to use as a backing instrument for the pending transaction based on a comparison of the model with the pending transaction data; receiving a selection of an alternate financial account to use instead of the identified financial account as the backing instrument; modifying the model account based on the selection of the alternate financial account and the data associated with the pending transaction; and utilizing the modified model in a subsequent selection of a financial account for a subsequent transaction.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods are described herein for predictive use of resources across a dispersed Internet protocol capable network connecting devices electrically attached to the network. The present invention is configured to determine a resource utilization profile associated with a first user; receive an indication from the first user to improve the resource utilization profile; initiate a first user interface, wherein the first user interface comprises one or more target resource utilization profiles associated with one or more users; receive a first user selection of a target resource utilization profile associated with the resource utilization profile that the first user wishes to change; determine one or more access paths associated with the at least one target resource utilization profile; and display on the first user computing device the one or more access paths to enable the first user to achieve the at least one target utilization profile.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided herein for collecting web browser click events across a plurality of web sites from a data collection agent (DCA), as a click-stream, at a data collection server (DCS) to record and provide user on-line activity, filtering the user online activity to include activity from a time period prior to a sale from the sales transaction data and identifying one or more shopping touch-points based on the filtered user online activity and the sales transaction data. Further, an engagement index, an influence index, and an opportunity index is calculated. A digital touch-points facility may perform the identifying and calculating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shopping system wherein a self-contained shopping vehicle allows for both physical and electronic interface by the consumer with the shopping vehicle to both execute and complete a shopping transaction at the shopping vehicle of the shopping system.

Abstract: A tablet terminal includes a detection unit that detects a distance to a printing apparatus, a tablet terminal radio communication unit that transmits a command indicating control of the printing apparatus, and a processing unit that suppresses transmission of a command to be transmitted by the tablet terminal radio communication unit when the distance to the printing apparatus detected by the detection unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

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: 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 is provided for authorizing a device for consuming content. In method includes the steps of generating an authorization request, the authorization request for authorization data including device diagnostic data (instructions) an device remedial data (instructions), transmitting the authorization request from the device to an authorizing service, and authorizing or remediating the device according to an authorization response to the authorization request received from an authorization server.

Abstract: Fuel dispensers, systems and methods are provided for electronically transmitting data characterizing fueling transactions in a fueling environment, and in particular from a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided having a printer module that can perform operations that enable any one or more of replacing a printer, providing a user with a printed transaction record at a remote location, and/or provide the user with an electronic transaction record. The application of the printer module can facilitate providing a user with a printed and/or electronic transaction record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard communication protocol associated with components of a payment terminal that can deliver formatted transaction data to a typical printer.

Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for an augmented display system. A computing system can determine whether a physical object is absent from a designated location in a facility in response to data retrieved from the database. The computing system can insert a virtual element in a planogram corresponding to the designated location of the facility in response to determining the physical object is absent. The computing system can augment via interaction with the application executing on the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for providing a discount or reward at the point of sale. In one embodiment a system for providing a discount at the point of sale is disclosed. The system may be configured to receive transaction data relating to one or more purchase transactions and determine discount eligibility of the one or more purchase transactions. The system may also be configured to determine a discount amount based on the determined discount eligibility and the transaction data and apply the discount to the one or more purchase transactions. Further, the system may also be configured to display the applied discount to the user.

Abstract: A system includes an online shopping platform, a ingredient database assembly and a control unit. The control unit transmits to the online shopping platform entries of active ingredient data and preservative ingredient data respectively corresponding to an active ingredient and a preservative ingredient and respectively stored in an active ingredient database and a preservative ingredient database of the ingredient database assembly, for allowing selection of at least one of the entries via the online shopping platform to result in a desired formula. The desired formula is used for subsequent production of a customized ingredient composition when it is determined that the desired formula conforms with rules of formulation.