Abstract: A system for generating market pricing information for a non-fungible target item includes one or more databases containing historical pricing information for at least one reference item, historical pricing information for at least the target item, and market pricing information for at least the reference item. A pricing engine determines a pricing differential between the target item and the reference item that reflects historical pricing information for the target and reference items. The pricing engine applies the pricing differential to the market pricing information for the reference item to generate market pricing information for the target item. The market pricing information for the reference item may include a substantially real-time current market price for the reference item, and the market pricing information for the target item may be generated in the form of a substantially real-time current market price quote for the target item for communication to a market participant.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a user with an album including a plurality of pages is disclosed. The method and system include allowing a user to purchase at least a portion of the album including a portion of the plurality of pages. The user is allowed to set a plurality of defaults for configuring the plurality of pages. At least one default of the plurality of defaults is capable of being altered using information provided by the user. The information is received from the user separately from the user setting the plurality of defaults. The information, if any, is received together with an initial providing of digital image data for a plurality of images captured using a digital imaging device. The at least one default is altered if the user has provided the information. The portion of the plurality of pages is provided using the plurality of defaults and the user is allowed access to at least the portion of the album.

Abstract: A method, system, and processor readable medium allows a user to download information to a device within a predetermined period of time at a predetermined price. In an embodiment of the present invention, a processing device is coupled to a wide area network, including a cellular network, and transfers information to the device. A user selects a representation of the information to be downloaded. A user also selects a displayed associated predetermined price, in a plurality of prices, and respective predetermined download periods of time. A processing device transfers the information to the device within the selected predetermined period of time. The respective download periods of time are determined in response to a measured download rate and size of the information. In embodiments of the present invention, the information includes processor executable software such as a ring tone or a software game.

Abstract: A part cost estimation system including a processing cost information storage device; a shape designating device configured to designate the shape of the part; a processing designating device configured to designate contents of processing to be performed on a material to form the part having the designated shape; a processing facility designating device configured to designate a processing facility; a processing time calculating device configured to calculate a processing time; a processing cost calculating device configured to calculate a processing cost spent on manufacturing the part based on a unit machining cost and the processing cost calculated by the processing time calculating device; and an adding device configured to add the processing cost to determine a cost of the part.

Abstract: A data contents distribution system in which a contents distribution server puts contents and trial contents of the contents in question on a Web site on a network and a client side device of a user reproduces the trial contents to confirm the details of the contents before obtaining the contents, which includes a function of detecting the number of requests for reproduction of trial contents made by a user or a reproduction time of trial contents, a contents estimation function of determining user's estimation of the contents based on the detection result, and a function of feeding back the estimation result to the relevant contents on the Web site.

Abstract: A method of readily realizing electronic payment service at low cost with a high level of convenience and security for a consumer is disclosed. A personal information input terminal notifies a purchase price, an MSN (Mobile Subscriber Number) of an MS (Mobile Station), and personal information for identifying a purchaser through a public mobile communication network to request payment processing. A payment center device compares the information from the personal information input terminal with personal information stored in the device to determine whether the purchaser is qualified for electronic payment. If the purchaser is qualified for electronic payment, the payment center device notifies the MS of the purchase price with the MSN to request the purchaser to verify the purchase price.

Abstract: An electronic price label (ESL) system providing a delta update of an ESL's registers. In one aspect, an ESL manager receives and indication that an update to one or more of the registers of the ESL may be necessary. The ESL manager sends a data request to a data reader to provide a data reader image to the ESL manager. The data reader image contains a complete listing of the intended or planned contents of all the ESL's registers, some of which may require an update. The ESL manager reads a copy of an ESL data image from an ESL table which includes the current contents of all the ESL's registers. The ESL manager compares the data reader image with the ESL data image to determine an update data image which includes a subset of only those fields which have different content in the data reader image and the ESL data image.

Abstract: A store management system executes store operations, employing a communication apparatus In the store, connected with at least one store terminal by way of a first line Inside the store and connected with a server by a second line outside the store.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for uniformly pricing chargeable items in a healthcare provider's chargeable item database is disclosed. The method applies uniform pricing to identical or related chargeable items. A system for uniformly pricing related chargeable items is also disclosed.

Abstract: A character display comprises fifty-nine segments arranged into rows and columns. Twenty eight of the fifty-nine segments define a periphery of the display, eleven additional segments define horizontal and vertical dividers that define four quadrants, and five additional segments are disposed in each of the four quadrants to define diagonals thereof.

Abstract: A specific-item-information storing unit stores information on a specific item that can be contained in one container together with other item. A specific-item judging unit judges, when the registration for the purchased-item is received, whether the purchased-item is a specific item based on the information stored. A reception control unit controls, when the specific-item judging unit judges that the purchased-item is a specific item, a self-scanning system to continue to receive a registration for other purchased-item and to perform a weight determination according to an instruction for completing the registration from a customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a price quote for a product. The product is selected from among a plurality of products. A determination is made as to whether the product is a member of a particular product collection. This determination includes evaluating a dynamic selection rule set associated with the particular product collection. When the product is determined to be a member of the particular product collection, the method includes the additional steps of (i) identifying one or more price rules associated with the particular product collection and (ii) applying these price rules to the product in order to determine the price quote for the product.

Abstract: A network computer server system for controlling a plurality of network access lines to provide subscriber access to a computer network comprising an access line interface for partitioning the plurality of network access lines as first and second stage lines, including a processor encoded with instructions. The instructions include determining an available number of second stage lines; queuing arriving subscribers bidding for network access in the first stage lines; determining a spot price of the resource based on at least one arrival subscriber not admitted to the second stage lines; determining a reservation fee for secured access to the network; determining whether a subscriber has accepted or rejected the reservation fee; controlling the access line interface to disconnect from the network non-reserved subscribers whose bid prices are below the spot price; and activating a reservation of reserved subscribers whose bid price is below the spot price.

Abstract: The invention discloses a printed label and a display shelf for a business establishment, including a display shelf having a length and at least one area on which at least one product is to be placed. The area has a length and a depth. The label includes product information printed thereon for identifying the at least one product for display on the shelf, and first and second space indicators for indicating a position, corresponding to a portion of the length of the shelf, at which the at least one product is to be placed. The label is constructed and arranged to have a predetermined length that is coextensive with the portion of the length of the area of the shelf on which the at least one product is to be placed. The first and second space indicators define the predetermined length. The first space indicator indicates where the portion of the length of the area of the shelf begins and the second space indicator indicates where the portion of the length of the area of the shelf ends.

Abstract: A service managing system comprises: order terminals for enabling customers to view contents of service items and to order desired items, and being portable and driven by a battery; order-receiving terminals for receiving and indicating orders from the order terminals; an accounting unit for casting accounts in response to a customer's request and indicating a calculated result; and a control unit for processing data between the order terminals, order-receiving terminals and an accounting unit. In the system, data are transmitted and received using radio communications between the order terminals, order-receiving terminals, accounting unit and control unit. When an ordered item or service is ready, it is indicated on the order terminal via the order receiving terminal.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for dynamically adjusting data values and preventing conflicts in response to remote user input. Namely, the system and method provides a remote user with real time interaction of data values, such as a set of results, associated sub-items or dependencies, and rules of enforcement of sub-item combinations produced by a host system. Adjustment of conflicting sub-items is prevented with the rules of enforcement and predefined interactive options. As such, the user can dynamically adjust the set of results and sub-items from a remote location. The system and method of the present invention preferably utilizes client-side processing to achieve real time interaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a plurality of products from a vending machine is disclosed. The method generally allows an offer for a package to be output, in which the package defines a plurality of products, including a selected product. An apparatus is also disclosed to carry out the method steps of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for computing a price quote for a product using a contract. The method includes identifying the set of price rules for a plurality of products associated with the contract. Each price rule in the set of price rules is either a hard price rule or a soft price rule. Each hard price rule includes a price rule expression and a price rule type and each soft price rule comprises a price rule type. A collection of price rules is generated including, for each soft rule in the set of price rules, hard price rules that are associated with the product and that have the same price rule type as the soft price rule. Hard price rules that are associated with the contract are also added to the collection of price rules. A pricing scheme that is to be used in order to determine the price quote for the product is selected and used to resolve the hard price rules in the collection of price rules in order to determine the price quote.

Abstract: A method, a computer system and a computer program product to facilitate comparison-price shopping over a data network, such as the Internet, is provided that includes a price availability feature guaranteeing a price of a product associated with product-related information stored on a server. To that end, information that concerns a product is rendered on a display in a browser window. The information rendered typically includes offered price data. A server is provided that includes a plurality of addresses in an address space, and a subportion of the plurality of addresses is associated with an identification code. Acceptance to the offered price data is achieved by storing the information in the subportion, defining agreed price data. The agreed price data is maintained in the absence of a predetermined system event.

Abstract: The present invention is an Internet wire-mesh merchandising system that comprises a webserver for generating a web presence. Potential customers looking to select and buy wire mesh are allowed to log-on to a website operated by a wire-mesh retailer, distributor, and manufacturer. An HTML product page includes navigation buttons that link to other HTML product pages. Each page further includes JPG or GIF type pictures that allow the shopper to see a particular wire mesh product corresponding to a presently displayed HTML product page. A group of alternate-view buttons link to other pictures of the same product that show variations or different perspectives. A set of four navigation buttons permit the shopper to hyperlink to HTML product pages where the wire mesh is finer, coarser, thinner, and thicker. Once the link is taken, a graphic is presented that corresponds to the selected wire-mesh.

Abstract: This invention relates to a production system for retail goods which is intended for timely collection of accurate sales information from retail outlets and flexible production of goods in accordance with the same information, and includes sales information collecting units for collecting sales information at a plurality of sales outlets, a production size determining unit for determining a production quantity to be produced in the future for a plurality of goods based on the sales information received from the plurality of sales information collecting units, and a production unit for flexibly manufacturing the plurality of goods based on the sales information which is collected at the plurality of sales information collecting units.

Abstract: A billing method and billing system to determine usage fees which are charged to the user of a digital telecommunications network, whereby a usage fee charged for a connection is determined prior to establishing this connection from statistical characteristics of previous connections of the user, is described. Usage fees are determined from a dynamic client profile, derived from one or multiple random variables of previous connections of the user, which is stored in memory and rederived after each new customer connection. In a simple variant, the client profile contains a value proportional to the average price per connection or to the average duration of a connection of the user. The random variables used to derive the client profile include, for example, the connection duration, the time of day, the day of the week, and/or geographic characteristics of previous connections.

Abstract: A shopping environment process includes determining when a shopper is in proximity to an item by detecting a wireless transmission from a shopper device associated with the shopper. A purchase price of the item is determined based in part on the identity of the shopper. A graphical interface of a shelving device associated with the item then displays the purchase price. The interface enables the shopper to purchase the item. The item is then included in a virtual shopping cart associated with the user if the user purchases the item. The shopper device may include a card reader enabling the shopper to associate with the shopper device by swiping a loyalty card. The shelving device can communicate with a customer database server by sending a wireless communication to an intermediate shelving device and transmitting the communication from the intermediate shelving device to a repeater device connected to a wired network.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the display state of a bistable liquid crystal display on a display tag having a plurality of electrical contact pads connected to a corresponding plurality of electrodes in the liquid crystal display includes a body defining a slot for receiving and locating the display tag with respect to the body; a plurality of contact pins located in the body and being mounted for movement into the slot to contact the electrical contact pads of a display tag located in the slot; drive electronics electrically connected to the contact pins for receiving display command signals from an external source and for applying electrical drive signals to the electrodes of the display when the contact pins are in contact with the electrical contact pads; and operator control means for moving the contact pins into electrical contact with the electrical contact pads and causing the drive electronics to apply the electrical drive signals to the contact pins.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless data tags associated with a plurality of retail products. The transceiver is further configured to communicate with a retail server system. A display displays information related to the plurality of retail products. A controller sends data to the retail server system related to the plurality of wireless data tags.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of selling articles of manufacture. The method comprises an electronic communication system to identify one or more articles of manufacture, from at least one manufacturing entity, which are available for purchase by a plurality of potential purchasers and identify pricing milestones in each of a manufacturing phase and a distribution phase, corresponding to a change in commercial risk. Determining a separate price for each pricing milestone to establish a range of prices for the selected articles of manufacture and making conditional offers for sale to potential purchasers at each pricing milestone, with the conditional offers specifying at least a minimum number of articles which must be ordered in aggregate before the conditional offer becomes binding upon a manufacturing entity. Communicating with potential purchasers and aggregating commercial commitments for each pricing milestone, corresponding to a period of availability, thereby selling one or more articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic commerce, includes electronically visiting, by a customer interested in shopping for an item, a comparison shopping site (“CompShop”), and inquiring about the item and comparative prices thereof, running, by the “CompShop”, a query on all a plurality of electronic stores it is aware of asking for a price of the item, and selectively determining, by at least one of the electronic stores, an offer price of the item and selectively returning one of a static price and a modified price. The modified price results from the at least one of the electronic stores learning the best (e.g., lowest or highest depending upon the embodiment) offer price received by the CompShop from all of the electronic stores.

Abstract: A user interface displays markdown price recommendations for a given set of retail merchandise aimed at attaining optimal gross margin while clearing merchandise from a retailer by a given date and adhering to the retailer's business rules and operational constraints.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying promotional information by providing an electronic sign (ES) which displays promotional information, display slogans, bundled pricing, bulk pricing, and other types of information. The ES can be used by retailers to increase sales, provide an alternate technique for advertising and reduce costs. According to one aspect, an EPL computer reads an EPL/ES data file to determine if an entry is associated with an EPL or an ES. The EPL computer then reads a promotional message from a promotional data file. An index in the EPL/ES data file may be used to determine the correct promotional message. The EPL computer transmits a message to the ES which includes a command for the ES to display the promotional message. The ES then displays the promotional message, providing valuable information to customers who are in the process of making purchasing decisions. In one aspect, an ES displays promotional information associated with an offer and is not associated with any particular single item.

Abstract: Upsells are made accessible to customers so customers may select upsells as they select items in their purchase. Each upsell has an associated rounding code. For example, the rounding code may be determinable from a bar code printed on an adhesive label that is affixed to the upsell. A POS terminal receives the rounding code, by scanning the label or other means. Typically, the rounding code is read in a manner similar to the manner in which items in the purchase are read by the POS terminal. The purchase price (sum of all item prices and any tax) is rounded, based on the rounding code. For example, given a purchase price of $8.26, and a rounding code that indicates a multiple of $5, the purchase price would be rounded up to the next-higher multiple of $5 ($10.00). The customer would pay the rounded price in exchange for the items and the upsell. Thus, the difference between the rounded price and the purchase price ($10.00?$8.26 =$1.74) is effectively the price the customer pays for the upsell.

Abstract: A notification method in a computer database system includes receiving a notification instruction from an owner associated with a search listing stored in the computer database system, monitoring conditions specified by the notification instruction for the search listing, and sending a notification to the owner upon detection of a changed condition of the search listing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, media and systems for generating imputing econometric variables from raw econometric data. A method for generating cleansed initial dataset from corrected raw econometric data comprises inputting raw econometric data, formatting and classifying the raw econometric, conducting an initial error detection and correction, defining a store data set hierarchy, conducting a second error detection and correction, defining product attributes and demand groups, updating attribute information, defining equivalizing factors, conducting a third error detection and correction, subsetting data to facilitate increased processing speeds, conducting a fourth error detection and correction and outputting the cleansed initial dataset.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label including an LCD display, a housing including a protective at least partially transparent cover layer disposed over the LCD display and in spaced relationship thereto, and an at least partially transparent intermediate layer formed over the LCD display and substantially filling a space between the LCD display and the protective at least partially transparent cover layer.

Abstract: Settlement systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession of a product at a retailer. In one embodiment, a purchasing system arranges through a communication network for a buyer to purchase a product from a seller at a first price. The purchasing system also arranges for the buyer to take possession of the product at a retailer that offers the product for sale at a second price. Payment of an amount based on the first price is received from the buyer, and the purchasing system arranges for the retailer to receive payment of an amount based on a settlement price in exchange for providing the product to the buyer.

Abstract: An advertising compliance monitoring system is provided that includes a tag affixed to a sign or marketing material or shopper ID card, the tag communicating with a reader on a periodic basis. The tag includes a memory for storing tag data, a transmitter and a receiver. The tag uses sleep modes to conserve power. The tag transmits tag data to a reader in response to an interrogation request, or automatically on a periodic basis. The tag data includes an identification number used to identify the tag associated with a particular sign, price, marketing material or shopper, status data (e.g., delivered, displayed), and time and date information. This data is processed by a central server to determine compliance with and/or exposure to a particular advertising program.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto.

Abstract: Price label system comprising a price label system server connected to transceivers adapted to communicate price label information to price labels using a communication protocol. A predetermined number of transceivers defines a sub-cell and each sub-cell is associated with a communication profile that defines communication protocols to be used when communicating with the price labels in that sub-cell.

Abstract: A method for use in marketing includes detecting, at the point-of-sale, a plurality of Uniform Product Codes associated with respective items purchased by a customer. The method also includes transmitting, on a substantially real-time basis, the plurality of Uniform Product Code over the Internet to a remote computer connected to the Internet.

Abstract: Purchasing system methods and apparatus are provided wherein a buyer purchases a first product through a purchasing system, such as by submitting a buyer offer. A retailer receives product redemption information from a buyer, the product redemption information enabling the buyer to take possession of the first product. The retailer determines a substitute product to provide to the buyer, the substitute product being different than the first product. The determination may be based on information contained in the buyer offer, such as a product category, a product class and one or more product features.

Abstract: A method of selling articles of manufacture which utilizes an electronic communication system to identify a plurality of articles of manufacture, from a plurality of manufacturing entities, which are available for purchase by said plurality of potential purchasers. The steps of the method include: Identifying pricing milestones in each of (1) a manufacturing phase and (2) a distribution phase, which correspond to an increase in commercial risk. Determining a separate price for each of said pricing milestones to establish a range of prices for said selected ones of said plurality of articles of manufacture, taking into account a change in said commercial risk as said pricing milestones are experienced. Making conditional offers for sale to potential purchasers at each of the pricing milestones, with the conditional offers specifying at least a minimum number of articles which must be ordered in aggregate before the conditional offer becomes binding upon a manufacturing entity.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a shopping system, the system including a shopping cart including a plurality of wheels; a portable electronic device (e.g., a CST or POS terminal), coupled to the shopping cart, for displaying shopping data; and a position mapping system, coupled to the electronic device, for developing a shopper location relative to a start location, the mapping system including a distance measuring system, coupled to one of the plurality of wheels; for providing a distance signal indicating a distance of movement of the shopping cart; and a direction measuring system for providing a direction signal concurrent with the distance signal. Another embodiment is a shopper tracking system including a shopping cart having a plurality of wheels; a portable electronic device, coupled to the shopping cart, for displaying shopping data; and an energy generator, coupled to one of the plurality of wheels, for adding energy to a power source of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An alert notification system for customers and sales personnel in a shopping area and a method of use is disclosed. In a first aspect, a system for alerting customers and sales personnel that merchandise has been left in a shopping area is disclosed. The system comprises a merchandise detector for detecting merchandise purchased by a customer and a customer detector for detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise. The system further includes a notification system responsive to the customer and merchandise detectors for alerting the customer when the customer has left the purchased merchandise. In a second aspect, the method comprises detecting the presence of merchandise associated with a customer via a second detector and detecting whether the customer has left the merchandise via a second detector. The method further includes alerting the customer, responsive to the first and second detectors, via a notification mechanism if the customer has left the merchandise.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which a first field and a second field of a data record are displayed to a user using a client program, the second field having one or more attributes that are dependent upon the value of the first field. In response to a detection that the value of the first field has changed, the value of the first field is sent to a server program. The server program is configured to process the change in value of the first field and determine corresponding changes with respect to the one or more attributes of the second field. The corresponding changes with respect to the one or more attributes of the second field are sent from the server program to the client program.

Abstract: A mobile retail signage management system includes a communication device capable of transmitting a specific location for which a corresponding sign needs to be positioned at the specific location; a portable workstation including a product database that associates product information with the specific location, wherein the product information includes display information for a corresponding sign positioned at the location. Moreover, the portable workstation communicates to the communication device as the portable workstation comes within the communication range of the communication device, wherein the communication range corresponds to the near vicinity of the portable workstation with respect to the communication device. A sign writer for imaging the corresponding sign in real-time, in the near vicinity of the specific location; and a computer network for updating the database are provided.

Abstract: A method of displaying an item name having a first word, a second word, and a third word on an item list of an item selection menu of a retail terminal includes the step of displaying a first version of the item name on the item list of the item selection menu such that the first word is followed by the second word which is followed by the third word. The method also includes the step of displaying a second version of the item name on the item list of the item selection menu such that the second word is followed by the first word which is followed by the third word. Moreover, the method includes the step of displaying a third version of the item name on the item list of the item selection menu such that the third word is followed by the first word which is followed by the second word. A retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic label system for displaying prices in stores comprises a central station and a plurality of distributed electronic labels. The central station provides pricing information to the electronic labels that includes assignment instructions linking a calculated price associated with the labels with a price display area.

Abstract: An electronic price label (ESL) system with communication error correction is described. In one aspect, the ESL system automatically locates an ESL after the ESL fails to respond to a message. After a number of retries to the ESL have gone unanswered, the host computer system causes all CBSs to transmit an automatic find for the ESL which is not responding. This automatic find is transmitted by all the CBSs on all timeslots. Alternatively, the find can be transmitted by one CBS or a group of CBSs in a predetermined pattern calculated to quickly find the ESL failing to respond. If the ESL responds to the automatic find command, the host computer system logs which CBS heard the response and which timeslot the ESL responded on.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for handling alternate information on electronic price labels. The system uses a price look-up file reader to determine the presence or absence of alternate data in a price look-up file. If alternate data are present for a merchandise item, the price look-up file reader generates an alternate message to be displayed by the electronic price label, in lieu of the item's unit price. The system includes a computer which maintains a first data file containing item identifiers for items associated with electronic price labels, and which determines the presence or absence, in such first data file, of alternate data, to be displayed by an electronic price label in lieu of an item's unit price. If alternate data are present, the system transmits messages to the electronic price labels containing the alternate messages and a command to display the alternate messages in lieu of unit price information.

Abstract: A price comparison and adjustment system can be used in the context of an Internet environment. The system is generally comprised of a server based browser, a shopping cart manager, an extract and verify module, a validation module, and a counter offer module. The system provides an Internet shopper with a convenient method for comparison shopping online while allowing the shopper control over the comparison-shopping search, which also enables a host merchant to counter offer prices at rival merchant's web sites. The system also provides information about rival merchants to the host merchant, which allows the host merchant to develop an optimal pricing and counter offer strategy. The system creates a portable virtual shopping cart that allows the Internet user to browse rival merchants without the appearance of leaving the host merchant's web site, and further allows the shopper to quickly return to the host merchant's web site to purchase items in the virtual shopping cart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for reducing the power consumption of an electronic label (1). The label (1) comprises control means (3) for supplying a transmitter (17) with power from a charge pump (23) after a signal intended for said label (1) has been received by label receiver means (15).