Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of engines, methods and systems for making computer-assisted choices among heterogeneous alternatives. More specifically, engines, methods, and systems for normalizing heterogeneous parameters for scoring proposals are contemplated. The present invention includes a comparison engine that generates a ranked list of alternatives such as proposals or items of consumer merchandise, in which each alternative is assigned a weighted score that reflects the importance of tradeoffs among various criteria.

Abstract: A control system for routing data in an automatic identification system includes an event management system (EMS), a real-time in-memory data structure (RIED) and a task management system (TMS). The control system can be provided in a distributed hierarchical arrangement. The EMS of each control system can include filters which limit the amount of information provided to the next level in the hierarchy. In this manner the hierarchical control system network acts as a high volume data collector and processor. In some embodiments a level of the hierarchy can be removed spatially and/or temporally from an adjacent level in the hierarchy.

Abstract: An RFID tag in a receptacle is active and includes a microprocessor, a data storage device operable to store a selected code (e.g. an ID code to identify said object or said product), the object including a display for displaying the aforesaid selected code upon a signal from the microprocessor and an energy storage device (e.g. a lithium ion battery), operable to energize the microprocessor, the display, and the transmitter. The tag has an antenna having a dimension thereof that is substantially as large as to a maximum dimension of receptacle.

Abstract: A retail terminal and method of operation thereof. The retail terminal has a weight scale, a bar code scanner, RFID tag antenna, a scan error indicator, means for communicating with a processor and a memory containing a weight learning database (WLDB). The method comprises the steps of: allowing placement of an item, having an RFID tag, to be weighed on the weight scale; allowing scanning of the item via the bar code scanner; allowing RFID tag to be read by antenna located in the scanner; obtaining a weight measurement of the item on the scale upon successful scanning of the item; and comparing the measured weight of the scanned item with a predetermined weight for that item stored in the WLDB.

Abstract: A revenue management system for a travel provider, such as airline, a car rental agency, a cruise line, a lodging provider; a travel agency; a bus line or a passenger rail service provider. The revenue management system comprises a database for storing revenue, product and service, and customer information; a logical data model comprising a plurality of entities and relationships defining the manner in which the revenue, product and service, and customer information is stored and organized within the database; and a revenue management application for analyzing the revenue, product and service, and customer information contained within the database to manage inventory, pricing and demand forecasting for the travel provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements of member management and business efficiency so that order information received through a customer's wired or wireless telephone can be used to write an order slip and then output through a print output unit while being displayed on a LCD screen window.

Abstract: A method, a system for practicing the method and a storage device storing the method for identifying product assets in a supply chain used to satisfy customer demands. The method including: receiving a feasible schedule of all components to be assembled into products; receiving customer schedules for delivery of the products; and generating from the feasible schedule, from the customer schedules and from bills of materials listing all components required for a particular product, a set of demand pegging records, the demand pegging records associating a quantity and an availability date of each component of each product with a required quantity of each of the products, each demand pegging record consistent with the feasible schedule.

Abstract: A method for assimilating and using pharmacy data to determine actual consumption of medications from particular sources, such as pharmaceutical companies. Transaction records are accumulated and correlated, and medication dispensing and usage data is extracted to determine actual consumption information. In an alternate embodiment, the transaction records and dispensing data are examined for identifiable usage patterns. The patterns form the basis for a set of rules that can then be used to calculate actual consumption data from transaction records.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for generating warranty and pricing information for one or more data storage apparatuses. In one embodiment, a system for processing status parameters of one or more data storage apparatuses comprises at least one host system configured to retrieve one or more status parameters of one or more data storage apparatus; a vendor system; and a network coupled with the at least one host system and the vendor system. The at least one host system is configured to send the one or more status parameters via the network to the vendor system. The vendor system is configured to use the one or more status parameters to generate any one or more of warranty information, pricing information, and design improvement information for the data storage apparatus.

Abstract: The photo laboratory management system manages a photo laboratory utilizing a digital photo print system and includes an order entry function of receiving an order from a customer by receiving order information that includes at least identification information of the customer, a type and a form of an original image from the customer, a type, a form, and a number of copies of an output image ordered by the customer, an order management function of managing the order information received from the customer and a workflow management function of managing a schedule according to which the order received from the customer is to be processed, and predicting a time required for finishing the output image ordered by the customer. Productivity in the digital photo print system can be improved and order automation is possible. The time required to process the order can be automatically estimated.

Abstract: An inventory management method or system for controlling amounts of stocks is provided.

Abstract: A method of operating a telematics unit comprising the steps of: first operating the telematics unit in a logistical support mode containing a first set of operations assisting tracking of at least one of (a) the telematics unit and (b) a vehicle containing the telematics unit through storage and travel; and second operating the telematics unit in a customer service mode containing a second set of operations supporting a customer associated with the vehicle, wherein the first set of operations contains at least one operation unique from the second set of operations.

Abstract: A system, computer product and method for monitoring and disseminating data form a plurality of electronic devices via the Internet is provided. The plurality of electronic devices, or further electronic devices connected to the plurality of electronic devices, generate signal data. A computer product of the present invention is loaded on the electronic devices such that the signal data is collected via the Internet at a remote web server. The web server stores this data in a database such that a client can monitor its signal data by means of the web server, via the Internet. The present invention also permits the client to disseminate the signal data, including signal data meeting alarm parameters, based on business rules established by the client. A method for deploying the system of the present invention across a plurality of electronic devices, including electronic devices across a plurality of locations is also provided.

Abstract: The system of the preferred embodiment includes a container that functions to hold objects for shipping and storage; a sensor system coupled to the container that functions to detect the state of the container and an area surrounding the container; an output element that functions to display the detected information; a power supply that functions to collect, convert, store, and supply energy to the elements of the system; and a processor that functions to collect and store detected information from the sensors in order to connect the power supply to the elements of the system and to supply power to these elements on an as-needed basis to conserve energy.

Abstract: The inventory of expiration date sensitive cards is tracked such that re-ordering can be automatically initiated. A first value is generated based on how many cards are in stock at a particular site. The site may be a card issuer site, although the site may also be a vendor site or other site. An expiration date is determined for each of the cards in stock at the particular site. Based on the current date and the expiration dates associated with the cards, a number of expired cards in the stock at the particular site is determined. An inventory total is generated based, at least in part, on the first value and the number of expired cards. The inventory total is compared with a threshold value to determine whether a re-order criterion for cards at the particular site has been satisfied.

Abstract: A system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order.

Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RIFD tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scheduling in a wafer fab. The method comprising means for weighting inventories according to at least one of logpoints or reticle, and photolithography units, means for scheduling one of said inventories on one of said photolithography units, wherein said one of said inventories has a maximal weighting and means for eliminating any of said inventories not scheduled according to constraints.

Abstract: A method for distributed inventory management includes receiving information regarding a number of participants in a value chain and information regarding one or more items relevant in the value chain. The method also includes modeling relationships between two or more of the participants based on the received information and modeling the one or more items based on the received information. Furthermore, the method includes receiving inventory data from the participants relating to the one or more items, processing the inventory data based on the models of the relationships and the items to generate inventory information related to one or more of the participants, and communicating the generated inventory information to one or more of the participants. The inventory information at least partially includes information regarding inventory data of participants other than those participants to which the inventory information is communicated.

Abstract: Disclosed is methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring and reporting liquid product dispenser transaction states for book to physical reconciliation purposes. The method can provide virtual real-time status of sales transactions in order to perform liquid product fuel reconciliation regardless of ongoing sales. The method can include receiving a request to perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation for one or more storage tanks at a retail facility. Once the requested is received, the method can entail identifying a duration for accumulation of measurement data used for the reconciliation and during the identified duration, monitoring the status of one or more dispensers that dispense liquid product from the one or more storage tanks. Based on the status of the one or more dispensers, the method can include updating either a physical inventory or a book value to appropriately determine the book to physical reconciliation.

Abstract: In order to freely construct an issue processing system which newly issues printed materials of necessary and sufficient amount by effectively using stocked printed materials, and thus achieve the issue process in a high-operability and high-convenience environment, a file information list is acquired and displayed from a document server, it is controlled by a controller of a printer to display a screen for accepting an acquirement indication for the file information, a stock of the file information selected on the screen is inquired to a stock management server, the stock information is thus acquired, and it is controlled, according to the acquired stock information, to cause a display unit to display a screen for accepting either one of a delivery indication and an information writing indication selectable by user or accepting both the delivery indication and the information writing indication selectable by user.

Abstract: System and method for integrating information concerning point of sale (POS) transactions and electronic article surveillance deactivations are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a POS station configured to collect and transmit first data pertaining to purchased merchandise having at least one EAS tag, the POS station further configured to transmit a deactivation signal, receiving the deactivation signal at the EAS deactivator, the EAS deactivator configured to deactivate at least one EAS tag, collect second data pertaining to deactivation of at least one EAS tag, and transmit the first and second data, transmitting the first and second data to an alarm management unit, the alarm management unit adapted for collecting and relaying the first and second data, and processing the first and second data at a data processing unit, the data processing unit configured to analyze the first and second data and generate third data pertaining to the first and second data.

Abstract: A location based service creates a bookmark to a physical point of interest by detecting a consumer presence at a physical location using a presence detector; determining a physical location and identity of the consumer from an identifier; prior to receiving a selection from the consumer, determining a set of points of interest in the physical vicinity; pushing to a consumer pervasive device the set of points of interest in the vicinity of the consumer; and receiving a selection by the consumer from the pushed set of points of interest; storing on a server the received selection to create a point of interest bookmark associated with the consumer.

Abstract: A method of inventory management is described. Upon activation of a button on a wireless device, the wireless device having a light source and a transceiver with a unique media address corresponding to a unique product, the device broadcasts a first signal including an order command and the unique media address by the transceiver via a wireless medium. A central controller then receives the first signal, identifies the unique media address included in the first signal, and using a database, identifies the unique product associated with the unique media address.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an inventory of point-of-care diagnostic devices. The inventory includes a main inventory and at least one subinventory. Each device has an ambient temperature shelf life. Data associated with the devices is entered, including: the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the main inventory; and the current quantity and predetermined minimum quantity of devices in the subinventory. A first timestamp is associated with each device when the device is transferred from the main inventory to the ambient temperature subinventory. The first timestamp is compared to a second timestamp prior to use of the device to determine whether the device's ambient temperature shelf life is exceeded. The current quantity of devices in the subinventory is updated in response to an event that causes a change in the current quantity of devices in the subinventory.

Abstract: A system for computer device component audit and inventory management operates in a data network and includes an inventory agent installed on a target computer device for detecting and compiling software and hardware inventory data associated with the target device. An inventory-commence message is deployed through an electronic message handling system, operable on the data network, which requests inventory data from the inventory agent which then compiles the inventory data into executable language statements for incorporation into a host database accessible by a client. Multiple reports may be generated regarding the inventory data. Fees may not be charged for aggregate inventory data. The system provides a client with the ability to remotely request, compile, analyze and report inventory data from target devices that do not necessarily have access to the data network at the time of the inventory request.

Abstract: A method and system for determining inventory health with respect to a disposition channel. A method may include specifying a target inventory level of an inventory item; determining a rate of sales demand of the item; and determining a breakeven holding time of units of the item in excess of the target level, where a cost of holding a unit until the breakeven holding time equals, within an equality threshold, a difference between a sales channel value and a disposition channel value for the item. The method may additionally include determining a healthy inventory level of the item that exceeds the target inventory level by the product of the sales demand rate and the breakeven holding time, and, if a current inventory level of the item exceeds the healthy level, disposing of excess units of the item via the disposition channel.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically managing a price of a product in a vending machine. The method and apparatus is disclosed for implementing dynamic price adjustments at various times including after stocking, after a sale of a product and at periodic intervals. The method generally includes the steps of updating inventory data, including a quantity of a product, accessing price management data associated with the product, and determining the price of the product. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, the determined price of the product is based on the price management data and the inventory data. The determined price is then stored in a memory of the apparatus and displayed for customers. The apparatus may be a vending machine, a processing module within the vending machine, or an external module remotely transmitting the dynamically adjusted price to a vending machine.

Abstract: Selectively deploying barriers for intra-order separation at a retail checkout terminal includes scanning products purchased by a consumer, determining a position of at least one product in a bagging portion of the retail checkout station relative to a plurality of selectively deployable barrier members, and activating a selector element on a user interface of the retail checkout station to deploy a select one of the plurality of selectively deployable barrier members based upon the position of the at least one product in the bagging portion serve to provide an intra-order separator that shields the at least one product resting in the bagging portion from other products moving toward the bagging portion on a product transport assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a virtual real-time liquid product book to physical reconciliation process within a dynamic environment. The method can include receiving a request to perform a liquid product book to physical reconciliation process for one or more storage tanks at a retail facility. Once received, the status of one or more liquid product dispensers corresponding to the one or more storage tanks can be identified. A plurality of measurements can be made while the one or more liquid product dispensers are in an active state and dispensing the liquid product. With the data indicative of the plurality of measurements, the method can automatically perform the liquid product book to physical reconciliation process.

Abstract: An assembly job tracking system includes tracking devices for employees and inventory sets required for the job. As the inventory moves from assembly location to assembly location, in one embodiment, wireless stations receive data identifying the tracking device and information related to the job. Various techniques for determining the location of the tracking devices include radio frequency signal source triangulation, assembly location specific RFID tags, local wireless stations located in the assembly location, and barcode scanning stations. A system controller and an associated data storage device control the tracking process and record data associated with the assembly job, equipment utilization, and employee efficiency. Based on location determination of the tracking devices, assembly job tracking records start and end times of multiple process steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the advanced batching of liquid colorant for dispensing into loads of wet concrete are described. A color station makes the batches of liquid colorant at the direction of a central authority. The color station includes numerous different liquid colorants that are combined to form a specific color of liquid colorant. The color station is in contact with the central authority and receives and transmits information and data to and from the central authority. Proximity detection is used to initiate the processing of the batches of liquid colorant.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: A method of electronically managing payment media, includes the steps of: (i) determining an amount of payment media dispensed from a payment media dispensing device, based on electronic point-of-sale data received from a point-of-sale register associated with the payment media dispensing device; and (ii) determining an inventory amount of the payment media remaining in the payment media dispensing device based on the determined amount of payment media dispensed from the payment media dispensing device. A computer program product can store a computer executable program that includes instructions to cause a controller of a transactions processing system to perform the above steps.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) system and a control method thereof are provided. The POS system comprises a bar code scanner scanning a bar code attached to the goods, a key input unit for selectively cancelling or shelving the scanned goods, a POS terminal receiving goods information from the bar code scanner or the key input unit, and a scan/key input indication unit having one or more indication lamps turned on in certain color through receiving a specified data signal from the POS terminal when the bar code scanner scans the bar code of goods, or the key input unit cancels or shelves the scanned goods whereby when a salesperson manipulates the key input unit so as to cancel or shelve the scanned goods by intention or by mistake after the bar code of goods is scanned, the corresponding indication lamp is turned on so that a manager or others as well as the salesperson recognizes the situation.

Abstract: A method and a system for preparing a new store for opening and operation are described herein. The system includes a plurality of network elements and a host computer operatively coupled to the plurality of network elements. The host computer includes a processor and a storage device operatively coupled to the processor. The storage device including information associated with a plurality of virtual stores based on information associated with at least one existing store. One of the plurality of virtual stores corresponds to the new store, and the information associated with the one of the plurality of virtual stores includes information associated with opening and operation of the new store.

Abstract: An overseas delivery and transport system includes a server, an overseas main terminal, and a domestic main terminal. The overseas main terminal reads identification information, receives predetermined information of a consignee related to the identification information from the servers, allocates the predetermined information to common label data, and sends the common label data to the server. The domestic main terminal reads an identification code written on an air waybill, and allocates a sign indicating an additional tax to the common label data. The server stores the consignee information written in the domestic language corresponding to the identification information.

Abstract: A computer system which permits inventory information to be used in connection with a technology enabled selling (TES) system to facilitate a sale is disclosed. The inventory information may be used during configuration of an item to be sold to a customer in a manner which allows the sales representative to more easily sell items from inventory if desired.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring present location and/or present status of a target inventory item, where the inventory items are located on one or more inventory shelves or other inventory receptacles that communicate with an inventory base station through use of responders such as RFIDs. A user operates a hand held interrogation and display (IAD) module that communicates with, or is part of, the base station, to provide an initial inquiry. Information on location(s) of the target inventory item is also indicated visibly and/or audibly on the receptacle(s) for the user. Status information includes an assessment of operation readiness and a time, if known, that the specified inventory item or class was last removed or examined or modified. Presentation of a user access level may be required for access to the target inventory item. Another embodiment provides inventory information for a stack as a sight-impaired or hearing-impaired person passes adjacent to that stack.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of and apparatus for analyzing projected future inventory against inventory budgets to determine open-to-buy inventory values. Inventory budgets are set, then demand is projected and some or all of notional deliveries, sales and inventory are simulated at the item level, capturing the interaction of inventory and sales. Analytic reports are generated that compare open to buy values and inventory budgets. The reports may indicate lost sales and may segregate saleable inventory from component inventory.

Abstract: Automated mapping of part numbers associated with parts in a bill of materials (BOM) to internal part numbers assigned by a BOM receiver. Historical data on bills of materials, known part number mappings, and parametric data describing the parts associated with bills of materials re received. Prediction models, for predicting BOM receiver internal part numbers, are learned from the historical BOM data, known part number mappings data and parametric data. The learned models are applied to unmapped BOM originator part numbers to assign BOM receiver internal part numbers.

Abstract: One or more parameters, such as time, are reported to a center using a form. The center then automatically extracts data from the form and converts it for storage and subsequent processing or review. The form is preferably a tangible form, which the sender completes, and then faxes or emails to the center. Image capture, registration, and feature recognition routines are included to enable the center to extract the reported data with no need for data reentry or human intervention. The invention is particularly suitable for remote employees who need to submit time sheets, expense reports, and the like to an employer, or for automatic analysis of submitted inventory reports, product orders, etc.

Abstract: A manufacturing process is migrated from an existing operation to a configure-to-order (CTO) system. As the CTO operation will eliminate the “machine-type model” (MTM) inventory of the existing operation, the emphasis is shifted to the components, or “building blocks”, which will still follow the build-to-stock scheme, due to their long leadtimes, and hence still require inventory. The solution involves an inventory-service trade-off of the new CTO system, resulting in performance gains, in terms of reduced inventory cost and increased service level. Other benefits of the method include better forecast accuracy through parts commonality and risk-pooling, and increased customer demand, as orders will no longer be confined within a restricted set of pre-configured MTMs.

Abstract: A pharmacy prescription order identification system that has a uniquely identified tag that travels with the prescription order throughout the pharmacy and is wirelessly connected to a computer system. The tag includes one or more worker signaling devices, such as lights or an audio speaker, that activate in response to either input from the pharmacy worker or other predetermined criteria to identify the prescription order to the pharmacy worker. In a preferred embodiment, the tag includes a plurality of worker signaling devices, and the activation of each transducer alerts a pharmacy worker to a different status of the prescription order. More preferably, the prescription order identification system includes a computer system that allows a pharmacy worker to individually access a customer's record, then activate the worker singling devices on the tag associated with that customer's prescription order, thereby allowing a particular prescription order within the pharmacy to be easily identified.

Abstract: A method and system for updating and verifying the accuracy of a retailer's planogram, while using a portable shopper device having a location sensing means and an RFID reader in conjunction with RFID shelf labels, is provided for. In part, the method provides a system and steps associated with collecting RFID product label information and comparing collected information with product information in relation to an initial planogram, via a software means. Once differences are identified, an updated planogram may be created for the retailer's use using the system and method of the present invention.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving item data at a network-based transaction facility, the item data related to an item categorized in at least a first category of a plurality of categories of the network-based transaction facility and including an item price-based value associated with the item. A category-specific threshold price-based value, for the first category of the plurality of categories of the network-based transaction facility, is automatically determined. The item data is automatically determined to the irregular, based on the item price-based value associated with the item and the category-specific threshold price-based value for the first category of the plurality of categories of the network-based transaction facility. Responsive to the determination that the item data is irregular, an electronic message is automatically communicated to an entity associated with the item.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.

Abstract: A client computer collects registration information and uploads the collected information to one or more remote registration databases. The collection and/or uploading of registration information for multiple manufacturers is performed in a unified manner, improving the user-friendliness of the computer. According to one aspect of the invention, a single user interface is used to collect the registration information for all of the manufacturers, preventing the same question from being asked multiple times. According to another aspect of the invention, a multiple posting method is used to upload the registration information to the registration databases. In the multiple posting method, a single network communication link is established between the client computer and a network that the registration databases are coupled to, via which multiple client computer to registration database connections are established.