Abstract: A system and method are provided for collecting activity data for a plurality of products displayed in a merchandising store. A transaction terminal identifies a product presented for purchase and prints an itemized receipt therefor. A remote price verifier permits price verification of the product independently of the terminal. Purchase data from the terminal is stored. Verification data from the verifier is stored. Comparison of the purchase and verification data for a specific product may be used for improving its sales performance.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) which includes a plurality of separately-addressable displays. The EPL includes a housing, a first display identified by a first unique identification number, a second display within the housing identified by a second unique identification number, and circuitry within the housing for controlling each of the first and second displays in response to messages received by the circuitry which are addressed to the first and second displays using the first and second unique identification numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create billing records in a rating engine. The method comprising the steps of assembling one or more sets of subscriber information; assembling a rating plan; associating a rating procedure with a rating engine; calculating billing records with the rating engine through the rating procedure using the rating plan and the subscriber information. The method and apparatus are applicable to any service where a subscriber is billed by the usage of a service or where the subscriber is billed a periodic basis for the service.

Abstract: A method of displaying temporary information by an electronic price label (EPL) which saves bandwidth and time. The method includes the steps of receiving a message containing second information by the EPL, ceasing display of first information by the EPL, displaying the second information by the EPL, reading the first information from a memory within the EPL by the EPL, and redisplaying the first information by the EPL.

Abstract: A system and method of installing and removing shelf talkers which works in connection with electronic price labels. The system includes a bar code reader for reading first bar code labels of first items following installation of first shelf talkers, second bar code labels of a number of second items having second shelf talkers already installed, third bar code labels of third items following removal of third shelf talkers, and fourth bar code labels of a number of fourth items having fourth shelf talkers already removed, and for transmitting bar code information for the first, second, third, and fourth bar code labels and errors for the second and fourth items. The system further includes a computer for generating a list of the items including the first and second shelf talkers to be installed and the third and fourth shelf talkers to be removed, and for generating a report identifying placement of the first and second shelf talkers for the first and second items and the errors.

Abstract: A pricing control system for multi-operation vending machines, such as those commonly found in laundromat facilities, incorporates an offset price setting field for storing at least one incremental offset price which is added to a pre-established base price in order to set the cost for a respective vending machine operation. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a single offset price is used to increment each of the base prices established for a given vending machine such that the costs associated with each of the operations is incremented an equal amount. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, multiple offset price amounts are stored and added to predetermined base prices to establish the cost of each of the respective vending machine operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for interactively providing selected site-specific messages asynchronously at a plurality of separate sites. At least one site-specific message is stored in an addressable memory for each site and is read out to control the output on an output device located at the site in response to the operation of an input device also located at the site. A plurality of site-specific messages may be stored for each site with the message to be read out from the addressable store and provided at the associated output device being selected in response to appropriate operation of the input device. The input device may also be initially utilized to select the appropriate message for a given site and to select a desired volume for the site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for disseminating over the Internet product information produced and maintained by product manufacturers using existing universal product codes (bar codes) as access keys. A cross-referencing resource, which may take the form of an independent HTTP server, an LDAP directory server, or the existing Internet Domain Name Service (DNS), receives Internet request messages containing all or part of a universal product code and returns the Internet address at which information about the identified product, or the manufacturer of that product, may be obtained. By using preferred Web data storage formats which conform to XML, XLS, XLink, Xpointer and RDF specifications, product information may be seamlessly integrated with information from other sources.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication system subscriber (110) has a unique identification code, public key and private key, and stores the identification code and public key for other system subscribers in its memory (115). When transmitting, the subscriber includes its identification code in a transmitted message (160) and encodes the transmitted message with its private key. When receiving, the subscriber authenticates a received message (170) by accessing the sending subscriber (120)'s identification code from the message, retrieving the sending subscriber's public key from memory and decoding the message with the retrieved key.

Abstract: A store controller stores a series of prices for a product and respective effective periods during which the prices are effective. A customer submits an offer to buy the product at an "offer price" that is one of the series of prices. The offer also has an offer period that elapses when the respective effective period of the product price elapses. The offer period thereby defines a period during which the offer is effective and after which the offer cannot be accepted. Each offer further specifies (i) a customer identifier for identifying the customer, and (ii) funds or a payment identifier for specifying an account from which funds (typically the offer price) may be collected if the offer is accepted. The store controller then determines whether to accept the offer. If the offer is accepted, the store controller (i) initiates use of the payment identifier, if any, to collect the funds, and (ii) uses the customer identifier to identify the customer as having paid for the product.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system including groups of electronic price labels and method of managing the groups which facilitate group definition, assignment of EPLs to groups, assignment of items to EPLs, and assignment of prices to items. The system includes a plurality of EPLs arranged in a single line of bays within a sign to define a group. A computer coupled to the EPLs defines the group, assigns the EPLs to the group, and assigns item identification numbers and prices to the EPLs. A storage medium stores group definition information, EPL assignments to the group, and item assignments to the EPLs. The storage medium additionally stores a price identifier, which is preferably added to the item identification numbers to form modified item identification numbers.

Abstract: A market research database includes industry code information containing industry codes (such as UPCs), naked product information containing information about naked products, package information containing information about packages, and product definition information linking naked product information, package information, and industry codes. Accordingly, the storage of information in the database is not dependent upon UPCs or other industry codes, making access to product related information difficult. The use of naked product information, together with the way of identifying products, facilitate a third normal form database.

Abstract: An automatic process for use in point-of-sale credit card or debit card systems for taking corrective action based on information returned from the banking system and/or the point-of-sale system. The automatic process replaces the human clerk as the interface in control of action by the point-of-sale device enabling unattended operation. The automatic process includes the maintenance of a hot list for denying use of repeatedly rejected cards, stopping the automatic operation if the banking system denies point-of-sale device access, and allows for local proprietary cards to be used independent of the banking system.

Abstract: A management librarian for shipping carriers is configured to access a registry containing carrier identifiers corresponding to the carriers and module identifier corresponding to carrier rate modules. The carrier rate modules contain item rating instructions arranged to rate the item for a respective carrier from among the carriers. The carrier management librarian is also configured to load into the executable space of a client application a selected carrier rate module corresponding to the selected carrier based on module identifiers accessed in the registry. An entry point for the item rating instructions is identified, based on an associated module identifier corresponding to the selected carrier.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) price verification system which ensures that a price for an item obtained from a price look-up (PLU) file by a bar code scanner is equal to another price displayed by an electronic price label (EPL) for the item. The EPL price verification system includes a computer system coupled to the EPL, which includes a terminal and a storage medium coupled to the terminal. The storage medium contains an EPL data file, which contains EPL identification information and an EPL price verifier. The computer terminal executes a price verification program which reads the PLU file to obtain the price of the item, calculates another price verifier from the price of the item in the price file, reads EPL data file to obtain the one price verifier, compares the one and the other price verifiers to determine whether they are equal, and changes the displayed price to the price in the PLU file if the one and the other price verifiers are different.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a computer-implemented on-line price comparison method for performing price comparison and price reduction of goods and/or services sold by a vendor over a computer network, such as the Internet. The price comparison method can be selected by a customer, whereupon the computer program requests a competitor's price by transmitting a price request over the computer network. When the competitor's price is received, it is displayed to the customer. The computer program compares the competitor's price to the item price for the specified item. If the competitor's price is higher, nothing is done. If the competitor's price is lower, however, the computer program presents to the customer the option of requesting a reduced price. If the customer requests a reduced price, the computer program checks to see if the competitor's price is below a predetermined threshold. If it is, the computer program advises the customer to buy the specified item from the competitor.

Abstract: An automated product pricing system including a physical store system, a virtual store system, and a control system. The physical and virtual store systems are capable of transmitting sales data indicative of the number of sales of identified respective products. The control system is adapted to receive the sales data from the physical store system and the virtual store system. In response thereto, the control system generates price change data including a changed price of an identified product based on the sales data received from at least one of the physical and virtual store systems. The price change data is then transmitted by the control system to at least one of the physical and virtual store systems to thereby change the price of the identified product.

Abstract: A POS terminal receives an order for a food product. The POS terminal in turn selects a complementary product based on the food product. The selected complementary product has an age within a predetermined age range, such as between seven and ten minutes since the product was assembled. The POS terminal outputs an offer to substitute the complementary product for the food product. In one embodiment, the substitution is performed with no additional charge, so the customer will pay the price of the food product for the complementary product if he accepts the offer. The customer's response to the offer is received. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the complementary product is sold in place of the food product.

Abstract: A method of displaying information associated with a special promotion by an electronic price label (EPL) which saves bandwidth at a start time of the special promotion. The method includes the steps of receiving a number of first messages containing the second information by the EPL prior to the special promotion, storing the second information in a second memory location within the EPL while the first information is being stored within a first memory location in the EPL by the EPL prior to the special promotion, receiving a second message containing a command to display the second information by the EPL at about the time of the special promotion, reading the second information from the second memory location by the EPL, and displaying the second information by the EPL.

Abstract: A system and method of determining price differences between price files which minimizes the possibility that an incorrect price is displayed by an electronic price label (EPL). The system includes a computer which reads the first and second price files, compares the prices for the items in the first and second files, and identifies predetermined items having different prices in the first and second files. The computer is preferably an EPL computer. Once a price discrepancy is identified, it may be logged and acted upon in accordance with rules established by an operator.

Abstract: A method of minimizing power consumption within an electronic price label (EPL) which conserves battery life. A time period for removing power from a transceiver within the EPL is determined by a computer from price change frequency data. A message to control circuitry within the EPL is sent by the computer as soon as possible following a change in price displayed by the EPL. The message includes a command to remove power from the transceiver and the power down time period. Power is removed from the transceiver by the control circuitry. The control circuitry counts until the power down time period is exhausted. Power is applied to the transceiver by the control circuitry when the power down time period is exhausted. Finally, a first time within the control circuitry is synchronized by the control circuitry to a second time indicated by the computer after the power down timer period is exhausted and before any additional message is sent to the EPL.

Abstract: In an intranet, servers provide services for a price. A user is allotted a budget consisting of a limited amount of electronic credits to pay for the services. When the user requests a selected service from a server, the server offers a service price which can be accepted or rejected by the user, depending on the importance of the service to the user. The service price is determined based on, for example, the workload attendant to the requested service, its quality of service (QOS) requirements and current conditions pertaining to the server, in accordance with a pricing strategy. The latter is implemented to achieve network-wide objectives such as reducing network congestion by balancing load among the servers.

Abstract: A method of sending information to an electronic price label (EPL) for display which requires only one message to be sent to the EPL. Second information is recorded in response to an operator request to change first information displayed by the EPL. The second information includes predetermined characters within a group of characters including numerals 0-9, letters A-Z, blanks, and predetermined symbols. The second information is encoded into a word using a number of translation tables. The word is sent to the EPL in a single wireless message. The word is received by the EPL. The word is decoded by the EPL using the translation tables. Finally, the second information is displayed by the EPL.

Abstract: A computer system (10) is provided which includes an electronic cash registers (11) electronically coupled to a cooking station monitor (12) and input (13), and a manager's station monitor (15), input (16), and printer (17). The system instructs the cook to initiate a cooking process in response to the number of items on hand and items currently being cooked in view of the number of items typically desired to have on hand at a particular time of the day.

Abstract: A system and method of managing displayed message priorities in an electronic price label (EPL) system through a data file containing message records including message priorities for each EPL. The system includes a computer which stores a plurality of records for an electronic price label in a data file, which reads the data file to identify all of the records for the electronic price label, which determines the priorities in the records, and which displays the messages at start times within the records in accordance with the priorities. The computer records the records in response to operator input and/or inputs received from an application program through an application programming interface. For inputs received from application programs, the computer establishes new priorities for the messages based upon different application priorities assigned to the application programs.

Abstract: A description is given of an electronic auction machine, which reacts to changing sales conditions with appropriately adjusted machine prices. For existing automatic vending machines restocking is based upon very vague experience figures and in particular customary fluctuations in sales are not taken into consideration. With the proposed machine, using a computer current market data are recorded (31) and using these data the current market situation is automatically assessed (32,34). A corresponding updated machine price (33,35) is then displayed.

Abstract: A price change verification system and method for an electronic price label (EPL) system which verifies that price changes have been implemented by associated EPLs. A storage medium contains a record associated with the EPL. The record includes a price change time and a new price for the EPL. An EPL computer sends a price change message containing the new price to the EPL at a time substantially equal to the price change time. The EPL computer additionally verifies that the EPL is displaying the new price by reading the record to determine the price change time, obtaining a currently displayed price from the EPL, and comparing the currently displayed price to the new price.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which a user's personal computer may access a variety of information regarding products and services, through a computer network, in real time. The computer network collects product/service information from various sources, such as gift stores, clothiers, computer dealers, etc. and formats the information in a recognizable manner to enable the information to be viewed by a user at the user's personal computer. The network performs a single search from a single search command from the user.

Abstract: A system and method of reporting a status of another system through an electronic price label (EPL). The system includes the EPL and a computer coupled to the EPL which monitors the status of the second system and causes the EPL to display a status message indicating the status of the second system. The second system may include a POS system, credit authorization system, or any other in-store system.

Abstract: A decision-making method suitable for production planning in an uncertain demand environment. To this end, the method comprises combining an implosion technology with a scenario-based analysis, thus manifesting, a sui generis capability which preserves the advantages and benefits of each of its subsumed aspects.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system which is capable of displaying price information in terms of a plurality of different currencies. The system includes an EPL and a computer. The EPL includes a display, and a control circuit which causes the display to display price information based upon a plurality of different currencies. The computer sends messages to the EPL instructing the EPL to display predetermined price information based upon a predetermined currency.

Abstract: A system and method of delaying availability of a price change to checkout terminals following a change in price displayed by an electronic price label (EPL) which minimizes server overhead required to change prices. The method includes the steps of storing a first time associated with the change in price displayed by the EPL, providing a price change file for changing the first price to the second price and containing a delay period, reading the price change file to obtain the delay period, determining whether a current time is later than the first time plus the delay period, and executing the price change file if the current time is later than the first time plus the delay period to replace the first price with the second price.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) system including groups of electronic price labels and method of managing the groups which facilitate group definition, assignment of EPLs to groups, assignment of items to EPLs, and assignment of prices to items. The system includes a plurality of EPLs arranged in rows and columns within a sign to define a group. At least one of the rows includes a plurality of EPLs and at least one of the columns includes a plurality of EPLs. A computer coupled to the EPLs defines the group, assigns the EPLs to the group, and assigns item identification numbers and prices to the EPLs. A storage medium stores group definition information, EPL assignments to the group, and item assignments to the EPLs. The storage medium additionally stores a price identifier, which may be incorporated into the item identification numbers.

Abstract: A variable margin pricing system and method that generates retail prices based on customer price sensitivity. Products are grouped into pools from a first pool for most price sensitive products to a last pool for least price sensitive products. A logical relationship between margins and the customer price sensitivity is determined for the products. Based on this logical relationship and each product's pool assignment, the system and method calculate each product's margin and corresponding retail price. The method is also used to generate retail price labels having retail prices based on customer price sensitivity for the products to which the labels are to be affixed or located proximate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking out an item to be weighed through a checkout station. The method includes the steps of sensing when the item is positioned on a scale, and displaying a visual indication which prompts a user to initiate a specific keystroke operation in response to the sensing step. The visual indication may be an item menu or a highlighted portion of a screen display. The item menu may include a listing of item names which are ranked based on a sales volume value associated with each of the item names listed in the item menu.

Abstract: A merchandise checkout system in which a first scanning device is brought into service at peak times to scan the bar codes of checkout items held by waiting customers in a checkout lane. Each first scanning device is preferably a mobile unit linked with a central computer tuned to a single transceiver frequency associated with each lane so that multiple scanning units may be placed into service simultaneously. Purchase information is transmitted both to a tote display screen for review by a customer and to a temporary holding memory of the computer, linked with the computerized cash register of a lane. A specialized bagging cart is described to assist a clerk during scanning. After the checkout items are totalled, a multi-part queue number-total/subtotal slip including a bar code readable by a second scanning device at a cash register component is generated and presented to the waiting purchaser for later presentation to the cashier.

Abstract: An item recognition system and method which is particularly suited for automating entry of items too small to carry readable bar code labels. The system includes a camera which digitizes the image to produce a digitized image and a gray-scale digitized image. A binary image of the gray-scale image is then produced from which the computer records an image of the item, and a computer coupled to the camera which digitizes the image to produce a digitized image and a gray-scale digitized image. A binary image of the gray-scale image is then produced from which the computer identifies the item from the binary image and obtains the price from a price-lookup file.

Abstract: A system and process for distributing a product in accordance with a subscription purchase agreement that includes the establishment by a customer of an account with a seller of a product, the assignment of a customer identification number to the account maintained by a customer, the receipt of a credit card number corresponding to the customer, and the receipt of a request from the customer to purchase the product from the seller. The request includes a set of purchase terms and conditions related to the product. Also, the set of purchase terms and conditions are recorded for the customer. The set of purchase terms and conditions indicate a purchase price for the product. A customer's credit card or other account may be assessed a penalty in the event that the customer does not honor the purchase terms and conditions.

Abstract: An electronic tag comprising a controller having a microprocessor, RAM, ROM, line drivers and receivers to interface with a main computer terminal. The electronic tag also has a plurality of switches that are connected to the controller so as to allow the input of data. Data may include selling price, description of the item, designer or brand name. Part of the data may be displayed on a display that is connected to the controller. The tag may be equipped with a receiver so that it may receive signals from another location that is connected to a micro-converter that converts the signals into a format recognized by the controller. A transmitter may also be connected to the controller so that information may be transferred from the controller to another location in the system.

Abstract: A method of assigning a promotional message to an electronic price label (EPL) which uses a promotional indicator in a price file to access a promotional message in a promotional message data file. The method includes the steps of storing promotional messages and associated promotional indicators in a promotional data file, storing one of the promotional indicators in an item record within a price file, reading the price file to obtain the one promotional indicator, comparing the one promotional indicator with the promotional indicators in the promotional data file to obtain a promotional message that is associated with the one promotional indicator, and causing the EPL to display the promotional message.

Abstract: A data processor system for promoting sales of products includes price storage devices for storing basic price information; criteria storage devices for storing predetermined criteria to be used in determining sales promotion prices; sensors for sensing the predetermined criteria; a data processor for receiving data from the above, and for automatically determining sales promotion prices of the products in accordance with the received data; and electronic displays controlled by the data processor for displaying the sales promotion prices. Also described is an interactive changeable display particularly useful in the sales promotion system, but also useful for other applications, such as for providing routing instructions to a plurality of destinations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inventory control system (10) comprising: a portable computer (12) having a portable computer stylus (12E) which has at least one portable computer stylus button (12EB). A portable printer (14) is electrically connected to the portable computer CPU (12A). A computer software (16) is contained within the portable computer (12). The computer software (16) comprises computer software inventory (16A) having computer software inventory items. The computer software (16) further comprises a separate computer software check box (16B) corresponding to each computer software inventory item. The computer software check box (16B) is positioned adjacent to and correlating with each computer software inventory item. The computer software (16) further comprises a separate computer software quantity (16C) corresponding to each computer software inventory item. The computer software quantity (16C) is positioned adjacent to and correlating with each computer software inventory item.

Abstract: Apparatus and a corresponding method for creating a coupon or other like incentive in response to a transaction. A record pertaining to the details of the transaction is examined to determine whether the transaction is intended to trigger the creation of a coupon or other like incentive having a border. The non-existence of a certain detail of the transaction examined will result in creation of a coupon or other like incentive having a border. Also, the existence of a certain detail of the transaction examined will result in the creation of a coupon or other like incentive having a border. Transactions that do not trigger the creation of a coupon or other like incentive having a border may result in creation of coupons or other like incentives not having borders or in creation of a transaction receipt not having a border.

Abstract: A method of assigning electronic price labels (EPLs) to groups of price look-up file items which is based upon the price change frequencies of the items in the groups. The items are divided into a plurality of groups. Price change frequencies for items within each group are determined. A minimum price change frequency for each group is determined. In a first embodiment, EPLs are assigned to items in any one of the groups only if a predetermined number of the price change frequencies in the one group exceed a predetermined minimum price change frequency for the one group.

Abstract: A system and method for influencing and potentially altering a consumer's purchase decisions at the point-of-purchase in a retail store using a portable bar code scanner that is in constant wireless communication with the store and a retailer/manufacturer's computer/controller. The consumer uses the portable bar code scanner to scan products in the store, and if a scanned product is currently under a promotion, the controller alerts the consumer's portable bar code scanner as to the promotion, so that the consumer can to take advantage of the promotion. In another embodiment, the consumer will be identified before beginning shopping by their frequent shopper card, so that the computer/controller, in communication with the portable bar code scanner, can utilize the consumer's past purchase history and offer the consumer promotional product discounts.

Abstract: A distinctive estimating method using a concise depiction, organization, and presentation of time, related to the number of items accomplished, to produce a Historical Data Block of information, that is a stable inference base. These Blocks of information can be stored, referenced, anatomized, multiplied or divided and restacked, to create other accurate totals and estimates. This stable Block easily allows the accurate calculation of future duration times and item quantity totals. The calculated item quantities can be used to calculate current item costs and totals, by using a current item cost database. Or the item totals can be printed and sent out, requesting a quote, or sent out as purchase orders. The accurate duration times can be used to automatically produce a schedule, concurrently with the estimate, by using a predefined templet.

Abstract: An electronic price label (EPL) price synchronization system and method which increase price reliability while conserving system bandwidth. A storage medium contains an audit file containing scheduled price change messages. The storage medium may additionally contain an EPL data file containing correct price information or a price file containing correct price information.

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 comprises a retail sales information collecting means, a production quantity setting means for determining a production quantity according to the information so collected, a directing means for directing the preparation and production of raw materials according to the determined production quantity, and a production means for producing the determined production quantity according to a direction to produce. Also provided is a raw materials ordering system, which determines production quantities of raw materials in accordance with production plans for ensuring flexible production of the products without the disadvantage of carrying excessive inventories and for economical and efficient control and supply of raw materials.

Abstract: An Internet system for delivering information about products from the source of those products, typically the manufacturer, to those who need that information, such as product resellers and consumers. The system employs a product code translator, which may be implemented by one or more servers accessed via the Internet. The product code translator stores cross-references between product codes and the address of Internet resources which provide information about the products designated by the codes. Web pages produced by online resellers may display lists of products in response to search requests from customers, and provide the customer with detailed information about any listed product by incorporating links to the product information made available by the participating manufacturers using the cross-referenced addresses provided by the product code translator.

Abstract: A computer aided method for calculating, valuating and appraising the value of artworks. The basic steps of the appraisal method include providing an appraisal structure of a multiplicity of "value-affecting" factors, where each factor is further divided into a plurality of levels each assigned a relative percentage rate, establishing a database of all known artworks of all known artists, including each artist's personal information, prior sales information and individual circumstances that also affect the prices of the artist's artworks, creating an imaginary "normal" artwork by each artist which has a "normal" price and a "normal" point corresponding to each value-affecting factor, obtaining the information of a "target" artwork to be appraised, and calculating the appraised price of the "target" artwork based on the information of the target artwork and the "normal" price and "normal" points of the same artist's "normal" artwork.