Interconnection Or Interaction Of Plural Electronic Cash Registers (ecrs) Or To Host Computer (e.g., Network Detail, Transfer Of Information From Host To Ecr Or From Ecr To Ecr, Etc.) Patents (Class 705/21)
  • Publication number: 20150142592
    Abstract: There is provided a system and a method for the generation and management of point-of-sale (POS) electronic payment transaction receipts. The system and method include a POS component that performs a transaction at a location at which a customer and the POS component are physically present together generates content relating to the transaction; and a payment card that identifies a contact address to which an electronic receipt is to be sent. The POS component generates the electronic receipt based on the content relating to the transaction and causes the electronic receipt to be sent to the contact address identified on the payment card. The electronic receipt management system and method are based on payment transaction receipt information across a plurality of merchants, providing customers with an efficient solution for managing their receipts, and allowing merchants to offer better and more targeted recommendations for customers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Rohit Chauhan
  • Publication number: 20150142590
    Abstract: Embodiments recommend network coverage for a user based on a connection history of the user and connection quality data for networks. The connection history describes connection of the user over time via at least one mobile computing device to one or more networks. Connection quality data describing performance of the networks is obtained. Based on the connection history and the connection quality data, recommended network coverage for the user is defined. In some embodiments, a customized out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) for wireless services is provided for the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: James Christopher Gray, Triptpal Singh Lamba, David Neil MacDonald, Sidharth Uday Nabar
  • Publication number: 20150142591
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for facilitating collaborative shopping. Notifications may be sent to remote devices in response to a shopper's device entering a store or within a given proximity to a store. Notifications may invoke or include an interface to add items to a shared shopping list. Notifications from the shopper's device may be sent in advance of a user entering a store to alert friends and family to add items to the shared shopping list. A remote device may be used to authorize and instruct the shopper's device to pick up items that have been previously purchased either automatically or in response to an input from a user of the remote device. Authorization to pick up the previously-purchased item may be transmitted to one or both of a merchant and the shopper's device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Ray High, Eric Eugene Welch, Michael Atchley
  • Patent number: 9037513
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing and managing electronic event tickets are provided. For example, a device for managing an electronic event ticket may include a processor configured to run an electronic ticket management application, a memory device configured to store data associated with the electronic ticket management application, an electronic display configured to display at least a portion of the data associated with the electronic ticket management application, and an input/output interface configured to receive an electronic ticket and the data associated with the electronic ticket for management by the electronic ticket management application. The electronic ticket management application may be configured to enable the electronic device to gain entry to an event and to obtain at least one other event-related benefit after the electronic ticket is received by the input/output interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rosenblatt, Andrew Hodge
  • Publication number: 20150134470
    Abstract: A self-checkout shopping system improves the retail shopping experience, permitting the self-serve customer to perform checkout tasks that are typically performed at the retailer's checkout area as the customer is selecting items for purchase. The system includes a mobile computer device and an indicia reader. The customer uses the mobile computer device to scan items selected for purchase. The item numbers are then compiled onto a list of acquired merchandise. When the customer has finished shopping, the system transmits the list of acquired merchandise, and any additional information such as customer financial information, to a point-of-sale terminal to facilitate the customer's payment for the merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin Hejl, Timothy Williams, Jianfeng Gao, HongJian Jin, Xiaodong Zhou, Qi Zhu, Zhiqiang Yuan, Huyu Qu, Mehul Patel, Ynjiun Paul Wang, Tao Xian
  • Publication number: 20150134441
    Abstract: A table-side device is seamlessly and securely integrated to an existing customer POS system within an operating environment, irrespective of the particular operating characteristics of the POS system. In one embodiment, this is achieved by providing a middleware component that executes in the POS system, preferably in the form of an agent that interfaces each table-side device to the POS system for one of: order entry and update, check management, and payment handling. The POS agent is associated with a plug-in component, which is uniquely associated with the particular POS system. The POS agent preferably includes a communication interface through which table-side devices issue requests to the POS system through the plug-in component. The agent middleware enables the single service provider system to interoperate with various types of POS systems irrespective of the underlying differences in implementation among these various third party POS systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Viren R. Balar, Vernon Y. Franklin, Kevin Mowry, David C. Perez, Scott A. Rudy
  • Patent number: 9030706
    Abstract: Various kinds of value can be easily added to print data output from an existing application without modifying the existing application program. A value-adding method executes a process of adding value to print data output from an application on a computer that has one or more communication ports and executes a specific process by means of an application, and includes a data acquisition step of acquiring the print data at the operating system kernel layer before the print data is received at the communication port, and a data processing step that applies at the application layer a process of adding and/or deleting print content in the print data based on previously registered information, and outputs the data after processing to the specified communication port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kodama, Hitoshi Oyama, Tadashi Furuhata, Akio Takamoto
  • Publication number: 20150127477
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: ALBERT BRUCE URQUHART
  • Publication number: 20150127401
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to electronically computing and indicating queue characteristics for electronic terminals (e.g., POS terminals) in a specified environment, such as a store. In exemplary embodiments, queue-related information from one or more sources is received, code is executed to process the queue-related information. One or more queue characteristics are identified and/or generated for active electronic terminals in a store based on the queue-related information. Indicators are programmatically associated with the active electronic terminals to indicate the queue characteristics to one or more users to assist the one or more user in selecting one of the active electronic terminals at which to enter a transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hogg, Issa Abboud
  • Publication number: 20150120428
    Abstract: Mobile payment systems and methods allow a customer to make payments at a point-of-sale device using their mobile device. In the mobile payment method, a single bundle of transaction information is received at an aggregator server from a mobile device and the server creates a bundle ID for the received bundle. The bundle ID is sent to the mobile device, which presents it to the POS device. The POS device sends the received bundle ID back to the aggregator server and, if the bundle ID matches the expected ID, then payment processing is initiated according to preferences outlined in the transaction information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: U.S. Bank, National Association
    Inventors: Derrick HARDISON, Colin SMITH, Wally MLYNARSKI
  • Publication number: 20150120476
    Abstract: Systems and processes may provide for commerce at a fuel dispenser. In one general aspect, a system and process at a fuel dispenser may have the ability to present a user interface including data regarding at least one merchant remote from the fuel dispenser's fueling facility and to determine if ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received. If ordering data corresponding to the remote merchant has been received, the system and process may have the ability to present a user interface regarding payment data. The system and process may also have the ability to determine if payment data has been received and, if payment data has been received, generate a message regarding the ordering data for a remote merchant computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel C. Harrell
  • Publication number: 20150112824
    Abstract: A receipt issuing device, control method for a receipt issuing device, printing device, and a control method for a printing device can eliminate issuing unnecessary receipts without requiring changing the application of the host device. A transaction information reception unit 61 receives transaction information from a host device 2 that outputs transaction information and specific commands. A transaction identification command reception unit 62 receives a specific command after the transaction information is received. A decision unit 64 decides whether or not to issue a receipt R based on whether or not the specific command was received and/or the content received. A receipt issuing unit 65 prints the transaction information and issues a receipt R when the decision unit 64 decides to issue a receipt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Toshihiro TSUKADA
  • Publication number: 20150112823
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an acquirer that, when a sales assistant device is connected to a portable communication terminal, acquires, via the portable communication terminal, specifying information for specifying the sales assistant device, a driver executor that executes a driver program corresponding to the specifying information and controls the sales assistant device, an application executor that executes a sales management application program corresponding to the specifying information and transmits sales processing screen information to the portable communication terminal, and a specifier that specifies, based on the specifying information, a sales management database in which sales-related information acquired under control of the sales assistant device should be accumulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9015066
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for loading money from a gift card into a digital wallet. The transfer can be done at a point of sale (POS), such as during a purchase of the gift card. The digital wallet can be a digital wallet of a user who is purchasing the gift card. The money in the digital wallet can be used to purchase products from the same merchant or another merchant. The money can be transferred from the digital wallet to any other person or entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: German Scipioni, Loc Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20150106216
    Abstract: Computerized methods, systems and computer program products for determining how an identity of a consumer can be verified during a transaction involving the consumer and a merchant. Embodiments access and analyze data of an account the consumer has with an online social network to derive a challenge question response options. The social-network based challenge question and response options are presented to the consumer, and the consumer's selection of certain response options is used to confirm that the consumer is the person named on a credit card or other payment instrument or that other identification or verification information should be requested by the merchant before completing the transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Intuit Inc.
    Inventor: Stoyan Kenderov
  • Publication number: 20150106218
    Abstract: A method for providing interaction information, such as, for example, settlement information, by which a device provides the settlement information to a counterpart device, includes displaying an image which relates to an item to be used for performing the interaction, such as, for example, a credit card image of a credit card of a user of the device, on a lock screen of the device, and receiving a touch input from the user with respect to the credit card image. In the method, settlement information which corresponds to the touched credit card image is used for performing a settlement via the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-seok MOON, Hee-won JUNG
  • Publication number: 20150105901
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for kiosk accessibility via a mobile device. In some embodiments, a wireless mobile device has input features such as voice-control and GUI-based buttons that assist visually impaired people to send wireless messages for accessing features of a kiosk. The kiosk is equipped with wireless communication hardware and or software to receive messages from the mobile device for performing various kiosk-related operations, such a renting, vending, and or returning a product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: REDBOX AUTOMATED RETAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Holly Jean Joshi, Roe J. McFarlane
  • Publication number: 20150106215
    Abstract: A method and system for making electronic payments is disclosed herein. The method for making a payment for items being purchased by a customer at a point of sale comprises acquiring and sending a payment pending notification comprising an account number of the customer and a first terminal identification number to a host system. A payment request comprising a total cost of the items, a second terminal identification number, and a control bank card number is then acquired and sent to the host system. The host system associates the customer's account in the host system with the purchase by correlating the first terminal identification number with the second terminal identification number. A payment decision using information in the customer's account is made with the host system and is sent to the point of sale, where the transaction is closed. A system configured to perform the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Edward Craig, Premal V. Patel, Rebecca Burch
  • Publication number: 20150106217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a token device for securely executing a data transaction. The token device comprises: a secure element; a web server module configured within the secure element and arranged to transmit data messages over a network; a terminal application module configured within the web server module; and an application module configured within the secure element. The terminal application module and the application module are arranged to execute the data transaction protocol as one or more data exchanges therebetween within the secure element, upon receipt of a service request data message, received over the network at the web server module from an authorised remotely located Point of Sale (POS) terminal. The web server module is subsequently arranged to generate a transaction response data message for transmission to the remotely located POS terminal, on successful completion of the transaction protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Cristian Radu, David A. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20150095173
    Abstract: A system to facilitate integration of software includes a core integration portion and first and second modules. The core integration portion includes one or more input interfaces and output interfaces. The input interfaces receive incoming data from the first module and the output interfaces interact with the second module. The core integration portion further includes a parsing unit parsing the incoming data received through the input interfaces into transformed data which is passed to the second module to add new functionalities to the first module and/or integrating the first module with the second module. The first module is connected to the input interfaces through a network via a standard protocol. By the system, integration of software is facilitated without modification of software of an existing system, and neither direct access to internal data of the existing system nor exposure of APIs of the existing system is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: SINOGAEL TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Hoichau Wong
  • Publication number: 20150095174
    Abstract: A novel system and methodology for conducting financial and other transactions using a wireless device. Credentials may be selectively issued by issuers such as credit card companies, banks, and merchants to consumers permitting the specific consumer to conduct a transaction according to the authorization given as reflected by the credential or set of credentials. The preferred mechanism for controlling and distributing credentials according to the present invention is through one or more publicly accessible networks such as the Internet wherein the system design and operating characteristics are in conformance with the standards and other specific requirements of the chosen network or set of networks. Credentials are ultimately supplied to a handheld device such as a mobile telephone via a wireless network. The user holding the credential may then use the handheld device to conduct the authorized transaction or set of transactions via, for example, a short range wireless link with a point-of-sale terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Robin Dua
  • Publication number: 20150095134
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and non-transitory media for providing point-of-sale functionality are discussed herein. Some embodiments may include a system including a merchant device and a consumer facing device. The merchant device may include a merchant display device configured to present interactive displays of a merchant facing interface configured to be used by merchants. The consumer facing device may be configured to present interactive displays of a consumer facing interface configured to be used by consumers. The point-of-sale system may be configured to facilitate financial transactions and other forms of consumer service. For example, merchant inputs provided via the merchant facing interface (e.g., entered menu items) may be shown on the consumer facing interface. In another example, consumer inputs provided via the consumer facing interface be sent to the merchant device and/or otherwise used by the merchant device to facilitate a financial transaction, among other things.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: David Scott Parker, Tim Loong Mun, Raúl Eduardo Acuña Carrasco, Kavin Arasu, Peter Hong
  • Publication number: 20150095169
    Abstract: An order placement and fulfillment system allows orders to be automatically placed, for instance on entry to a retail establishment, permitting customers to avoid long ordering queues. An interrogation system may interrogate wireless communications devices, for instance wireless passive transponders to detect an order placement. The wireless transponder may include one or more user actuatable switches, allowing a customer to avoid unintentionally placing an order, or to select between a number of predefined orders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Havoc LLC
    Inventor: Eric S. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20150095175
    Abstract: A novel system and methodology for conducting financial and other transactions using a wireless device. Credentials may be selectively issued by issuers such as credit card companies, banks, and merchants to consumers permitting the specific consumer to conduct a transaction according to the authorization given as reflected by the credential or set of credentials. The preferred mechanism for controlling and distributing credentials according to the present invention is through one or more publicly accessible networks such as the Internet wherein the system design and operating characteristics are in conformance with the standards and other specific requirements of the chosen network or set of networks. Credentials are ultimately supplied to a handheld device such as a mobile telephone via a wireless network. The user holding the credential may then use the handheld device to conduct the authorized transaction or set of transactions via, for example, a short range wireless link with a point-of-sale terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Robin DUA
  • Publication number: 20150088676
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed including software components that run on a computing device to allow extension of services to customers of a provider of services and/or goods, such as a restaurant. The extension of services include remote pre-selection and pre-ordering of goods and services prior to making contact with a Point Of Sale (POS) by a customer, authorization and/or authentication of users, association of the customer with one of multiple POS via a Quick Response Code (QRC), updating of orders, adaptive learning of order patterns to generate customer profiles, recommendation of goods/services, normalization of data, separate billing for various payers, and the like. The software components provide a set of integrated interfaces for data communication between a customer's computing device, such as a smartphone, and the POS Normalization and Extension Services (POSNES), and between the POSNES and a business having one or more POS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Seth Daniel Elliott, Anthony Ramin Togrye, Joseph George Peter Natour
  • Publication number: 20150081463
    Abstract: A system and method for fundraising and charitable giving at a point of sale is disclosed. In one example of a method for fundraising and charitable giving at a point of sale includes the steps of: a customer selecting a product from a store shelf; the customer removing a fundraising tag from the product; the customer completing the information on the fundraising tag, which can include designating an organization to benefit from the fundraising; and a retailer processing the fundraising tag after receiving the completed tag from the customer at the point of sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Cathy Horton, Dennis Nolan, Adam Short, Michael Kobyluck, George Nanchoff, William Beard
  • Publication number: 20150081462
    Abstract: Systems and methods for secure virtualized intermediated configuration and control of payment processing peripheral devices, as may be embodied in a SNIPP system, are provided. Such systems and methods enable the request of purchaser payment information from payment processing peripheral device(s) on behalf of a POS system and the aggregation and association of that purchaser payment information with a corresponding purchase transaction received from the POS system. The purchase transaction and the payment transaction are aggregated and thereby associated; and the resulting aggregated payment transaction is submitted to an electronic payments processing facility that responds with a confirmation indicating ‘acceptance’ or ‘denial’ of the payment transaction. The confirmation is relayed to the POS system and possibly to the payment processing peripheral device(s) such that it may be displayed to the purchaser and/or an attendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ozvat, John Berkley, Zachary A. Kurka, Lisa C. Killigrew
  • Publication number: 20150066670
    Abstract: A method for managing mobile payments in a mobile phone. The method includes receiving data associated with a plurality of issuer specific payment services at a mobile phone, selecting one of the issuer specific payment services, and conducting a transaction using the phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: David Wentker, Erick Wong, Doug Diebert, Gavin Shenker
  • Patent number: 8972283
    Abstract: A wearable mobile scanner system processes a retail store purchase in a convenient, time efficient and reliable manner. The wearable mobile scanner system includes a forearm portion and a hand portion. The forearm portion comprises a main body member and at least one strap member and is adapted to secure the forearm portion upon a user's forearm. The hand portion comprises a central forehand member, a palm member, and a forefinger aperture, wherein the hand portion is aligned with the forearm portion and wherein the hand portion is adapted to receive a hand of the user. A trigger member is located on the forefinger aperture in communication with a USB scanner input device mounted on the central forehand member of the hand portion. A system integrated therein enables store level real-time inventory management and a fully functioning mobile POS for selling merchandise throughout the store and beyond its walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Retail Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce J. Hicks, Brian K. McWhirter, DeVan McArthur, Bromley Williams
  • Publication number: 20150058146
    Abstract: Embodiments automatically select one of the multiple pre-generated payment cards provisioned on a mobile device. The multiple pre-generated payment cards (real or virtual) may each have a different credit limit. The mobile device may automatically select one of the multiple payment cards based on a transaction value of a transaction that is being conducted. An available credit limit of the selected payment card may be equal to or slightly greater than the transaction value. In some embodiments, the available credit limit of the selected payment card may be closer to the transaction value than the available credit limits of the remaining payment cards. In some embodiments, the different payment cards may be provisioned in a chip-and-pin based smart credit card or mobile wallet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Ajit Gaddam, Gyan Prakash, Selim Aissi
  • Patent number: 8965781
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention may involve systems, methods, and computer readable medium. In an embodiment of the invention, a computer-implemented method for paying for usage of a pay per use device may be provided. The method may transmit device identification information from the device to a server. Device setup information and vend price may be received and the vend price may be displayed. User identification may be received and transmitted to the server. An account balance value may be received and displayed on the display. A start request may be received and transmitted to the server. The device may start and an updated account balance may be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Albert Bruce Urquhart
  • Publication number: 20150046276
    Abstract: Systems and related methods facilitating interactions between a merchant device, a central system and a consumer device are discussed herein. Wallet identifying data may be used to secure messages between the consumer device and the merchant device over a wireless link. For example, the merchant device may include circuitry configured to wirelessly receive the wallet identifying data from a consumer device and to transmit the wallet identifying data to the central system. In response, consumer identifying data associated with the wallet identifying data may be received by the merchant device from the central system. In some embodiments, the consumer identifying data may be associated with a unit of location, such as a dine-in location at a restaurant, to facilitate consumer service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Tuomas Artman, Jyri Engestrom, Ulf Schwekendiek
  • Patent number: 8954350
    Abstract: An order supporting apparatus connected to a monitoring apparatus over a network, the monitoring apparatus determining a supply status of devices in the network and sends supply shortage information regarding at least one of the devices determined to have a supply shortage to the order supporting apparatus. In particular, the order supporting apparatus includes a device information storage part that stores device information describing whether each device is monitored as a monitoring target, and maintenance contract information of each device, and a determination part that determines, based on the device information, whether each device is subject to the maintenance contract when the order supporting apparatus receives the supply shortage information. Further, the determination part deselects, in the device information, a device as the monitoring target when the device is determined to have a supply shortage by the monitoring apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Nagai, Yutaka Nakamura, Koji Dan, Masato Takahashi, Yuuki Inoue, Fujio Takahashi, Yoshiaki Murata
  • Publication number: 20150032559
    Abstract: A mount for a mobile telecommunications terminal device includes a receptacle for the mobile telecommunications terminal device, a first interface for transmitting data from the mobile telecommunications terminal device to the mount, a second interface for transmitting data from the mount to a point-of-sale or cash register system and a first fastening device for detachably fastening the mount to a shopping cart. A payment system, a mobile telecommunications terminal device, a scanner wall and software for locking and/or unlocking the mount are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: HORST SONNENDORFER, FRANZ WIETH
  • Publication number: 20150032558
    Abstract: The system to facilitate purchase and dispense fuel from a dispensing site using a mobile device employs a site connector computer that administers a site database and provides a secure connection to the point-of-sale system. The site database stores site-specific information about the dispensing site including the site location and pump identifying information from which the number of pumps at the dispensing site may be ascertained. A mobile app server communicates with the mobile device and issues queries to the site database to obtain the pump identifying information. The mobile app server communicates the pump identifying information to the mobile device for use in making a pump selection. After pump selection by the user, the mobile app server issues a fuel purchase instruction that includes the pump selection identifier to a financial processing computer network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Rodney A. Bonk, Devin F. Miller, Bryant Russell, Stephen P. Bown
  • Patent number: 8942996
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining a customer's progress through a checkout line at a store and for correlating customer satisfaction thereto. A mobile electronic device with mobile self checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The software may provide detailed data about the shopping and checkout experience. This information may be correlated to customer satisfaction and used identify particular strengths and weaknesses in the shopping experience offered by a store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Publication number: 20150025969
    Abstract: An interface device fits between a point-of-sale terminal and a peripheral element, for example, the UPC scanner, to permit a rapid checkout of groceries or the like by simulating rapid scanning of a stored grocery list accumulated by a consumer in a roaming checkout through the store. The consumer scans items as he or she shops to create the stored grocery list. A promotional system for providing coupons at the point of purchase decision and the novel method of handling items that need to be weighed are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Wes Schroll, Keith Jackson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150019356
    Abstract: A system is provided which includes a point of sale (POS) terminal (101) equipped with a touch screen display (103) and having a first instance of POS software thereon that renders a first window (105) on the display which is populated with a plurality of interactable objects. A second instance of POS software installed on the POS terminal generates a user selectable object (107a-d) on the display, wherein selection of the user selectable object generates a floating window (109) which occupies a first region of the display and which floats over any objects rendered in the first region by the first POS software.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: CONNECTED MERCHANT, INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Bagdonas, Bryan R. Menell
  • Publication number: 20150012169
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating a diagnosis of a vehicle in need of repair in advance of performing any diagnostic tests on the vehicle. The invention further estimates the costs for a repair to a vehicle in need of repair in advance of performing any diagnostic tests to the vehicle. The system is particularly useful at a point-of-sale system in a vehicle repair center or in a off-site customer access tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: PRECISION AUTO REPAIR CENTER OF STAMFORD, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher C. Coard
  • Patent number: 8930240
    Abstract: A kiosk dispenses and receives recorded optical media using an interconnected central server, through an Internet Service Provider. The central server has databases and processing capabilities and is connected to a credit verification system. The databases collect inventory administration information and customer data (e.g., credit card information and email addresses) from the kiosks. The central server initiates credit verification, sends receipts to customers via email and maintains databases for remote inventory-control and administration of the kiosk network. A kiosk may identify a recorded disk for automated restocking and perform quality assessment of a recorded disk. The kiosk may provide publishing-on-demand or act as a portal for remotely served advertisements. The kiosk preferably includes a rotatable carousel with a selection of DVDs. A digital camera captures a digital image of a disk barcode and internal software rotates the image to “read” the barcode, to control inventory and access issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Redbox Automated Retail, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Barber, Philip J. Tomasi
  • Publication number: 20150006305
    Abstract: Disclosed are payment system and methods in which a shopper pays with a temporary payment token that is a number (such as a 7-digit number that appeared on the screen of the shopper's mobile phone) at a POS device, without the shopper needing have his own mag-stripe card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph R. Randazza, Danilo Portal
  • Publication number: 20150006307
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for managing transaction card accounts involves enabling a transaction card account by a card issuer for use with pre-defined categories of providers of goods/services and goods/services sold and issuing a transaction card and establishing an associated pre-qualified category card account. Upon receiving data for a transaction with the transaction card at a transaction terminal by a processing platform of the card issuer via a card association processing network, the category of the provider and goods/services is interrogated to determine whether or not the transaction can be posted on the pre-qualified category card account of the cardholder, and the transaction is approved and posted to the pre-qualified category card account if the transaction falls within the pre-qualified category of the cardholder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: CITICORP CREDIT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventor: William JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20150006306
    Abstract: Provided are a system, a server, a method of controlling a system, and a method of controlling a server capable of enabling a user to perform a setup at a time of installing a new POS device in a store or at a time of relocating the POS device. The system includes: a server (10) installed in a supplier company; and POS devices (20) to be installed in stores of a user company and to be connected to the server (10) via a communication network. The POS device (20) includes: an input unit (23) for inputting an identification code for uniquely specifying the POS device (20); and a transmission/reception unit (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: NEC INFRONTIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidetada Nishimagi
  • Patent number: 8924257
    Abstract: A generic RFID reader is provided that can function across a large range of computing devices including mobile computing devices, without customization or with minimal customization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Zone 24x7
    Inventors: Llavanya Fernando, Schayne Jallow, Sankalpa Gamwarige, Ushan Karunathilaka, Dilan Weerakkody, Dinuth de Zoysa
  • Publication number: 20140379505
    Abstract: A system includes a computerized appliance at a point-of sale (POS) and a coupled peripheral device. The computerized appliance prepares an enhanced transaction record comprising receipt data and promotional information, and transmits the enhanced transaction record to the peripheral device, or to a third-party Internet connected repository without transmitting to the peripheral device, or transmits the enhanced transaction record to both destinations, enabling the specific consumer to contact either or both of the enterprise or the third-party, Internet-connected repository, and to interact with one or both in regard to the promotional information included in the enhanced transaction record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Fang Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140379504
    Abstract: A method for the secure use of a personal identifier and/or financial instrument that may take place simultaneously with traditional methods of authorization for credit card, check, funds withdraw/transfer or purchase. Authorization according to the present invention may take place as follows: A) the Owner provides a pre-approval of authorization if the request meets an array of Owner-defined parameters; B) a authorization may be granted based on proximity of the Owner to the point of use; or C) the Owner provides a real time approval by smart device. In each case the invention subjects the request for authentication to a sequential verification procedure in which the request is tested against one or more pre-defined verification protocols, the deployed authentication protocol being pre-determined by the Owner and pre-selected in accordance with a user profile that was pre-programmed by the Owner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Marc George
  • Publication number: 20140379449
    Abstract: Virtual mobile rewards, gift cards, and/or physical world retailers' loyalty and reward programs are aggregated into a common account accessible and transactional from an Internet capable mobile radio device. Subscribers gain access to discounted codes, coupons, rebates, gift cards, and/or limited time offers, on their mobile device for food, travel, lifestyle, electronics, and entertainment products that fit their lifestyle spending habits, enabling users to edit participating retailers, manage separate account balances, and present preferred discounted offers at retailers and apply discount towards purchase of goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: William H. Bollman
  • Publication number: 20140379503
    Abstract: A device capable of receiving, parsing, storing and sending sales data from multiple sales terminal devices (2), or more commonly known as point of sale terminals, electronic cash registers (ECRB), computers having POS software and other types of electronic transaction data to a remote server. The device further contains a redundancy or backup unit (8) which continues to receive sales or transaction data from the connected sales terminal devices (2) when the device itself is non-operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: MY E.G. Services Berhad
    Inventor: Jason Ling Khee Chan
  • Publication number: 20140372198
    Abstract: Described herein are apparatus and methods for collecting and manipulating transaction data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Yair Goldfinger, Amichay Oren
  • Publication number: 20140372234
    Abstract: Computing systems and methods for facilitating merchant controlled point of sale (“POS”) transactions in retail and other establishments. These systems and methods include communication interfaces adapted to connect a computing system to remotely located devices having information regarding a plurality of third-party financial service providers, one or more storage components adapted to store merchant information, third-party financial service provider information, or both, and one or more processors in communication with the communication interfaces and storage components. Such processors facilitate merchant controlled point of sale transactions that involve receiving terms of or evaluating criteria of a transaction between a purchaser and the merchant and then selecting a particular third-party financial service provider from a plurality of possible providers to facilitate processing the transaction for the merchant based upon the specific terms or criteria of the transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Anup Tikku