Abstract: A system for managing electronic receipts is provided. According to one aspect, the system includes a portable device, a base device, a user device and an electronic receipts administration system. The electronic receipts administration system provides the base device with the appropriate data to allow the base device to generate, store and manage electronic receipts accordingly. A user uses the portable device to conduct a transaction with the base device. The base device uses a variety of information to generate an electronic receipt for the transaction. Such information includes, for example, information stored on the portable device, information stored locally on the base device and information stored on another device such as an electronic cash register. The electronic receipt is then stored on the portable device. The user device allows the user to subsequently retrieve the electronic receipt for management purposes.

Abstract: A fuel management system and method that permits accurate accounting of fuel consumption within the context of a fuel consuming system is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as comprising a fuel level sensor, fuel level sensor transponder, fuel accounting system, and optional regulated fuel dispenser. The fuel level sensor accurately determines the contents of a fuel tank. This information is reported via fuel sensor transponder to a fuel accounting system that tracks the fuel consumption of the fuel consuming system and provides billing information based on the detected fuel consumption. This accounting information may be utilized within an optional regulated fuel dispenser to refill/unfill the fuel tank to an accurately predetermined fuel level for the next fuel management accounting cycle. The present invention has many applications, including but not limited to management of rental/lease vehicles, transportation fuel surcharges, leased vehicle fleet returns, and/or fuel arbitrage.

Abstract: An automated system for facilitating sales in dynamically-changing mobile retail environments includes a vendor/supplier connector module, a carrier connector module, a provisioning module, and a point-of-sale (POS) customization module. The vendor/supplier connector module facilitates automated exchange of product data with a plurality of different vendors or suppliers of products or services. The carrier connector module facilitates automated exchange of transportation data with a plurality of different carriers, with the transportation data corresponding to specific mobile retail environments. The provisioning module automatically determines, based on the product data and on the transportation data, products or services corresponding to a specific mobile retail environment. The POS customization module automatically generates re-configuration data for each of a plurality of POS interfaces.

Abstract: A settlement system includes a register having a reception unit that receives a manual input of information corresponding to at least a part of deposited money from a customer and a transmission unit that transmits a sum amount of money corresponding to the purchased product and manually input information manually input through the reception unit to a cash settlement device and the cash settlement device that calculates an amount of inserted money by recognizing and counting the inserted money, calculates a total amount of the money deposited from the customer by using the amount of the inserted money and the manually input information received from the register, calculates an amount of change based on the total amount of money and the sum amount of money received from the register, and dispenses change money.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing tag information. According to a method of outputting tag information in a user terminal, tag information and attribute information are obtained by reading at least one tag and then mapped to a key word and stored, and when a message content is input through a message-writing application, tag information corresponding to a key word can be extracted and displayed if the key word is included in the message content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an inventory condition of objects based on captured images are described. An exemplary inventory control system or method utilizes a highly efficient and economical approach to apply suitable imaging parameters for capturing images of a storage drawer being accessed by a user, or for manipulating the captured images of the drawer. An inventory condition of the drawer is determined based on the captured images or manipulated images.

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.

Abstract: An RFID event tracking and management system provides a standardized approach that can be utilized by various industry verticals. Loss of captured event data, such as RFID generated through an RFID event, can be prevented through a series of guarantee semantics. Approaches also provide for role-based data visibility. Queries received from a user or entity can be dynamically modified based on the role of the user/entity using a virtual private database (VPD). The modified query can result in a virtual private database automatically hiding or restricting access to event data at row, column, and/or cell levels, so that an authorized user/entity is only able to access data to which that user/entity should have access.

Abstract: A merchandising unit has a merchandise support unit supporting items for sale and an electronic sign. The electronic sign displays a price for correctly stocked items on the merchandise support unit, detects incorrectly stocked items on the merchandise support unit, retrieves a price for the incorrectly stocked items, and alters display information so that the price for the correctly stocked items and the price for the incorrectly stocked items are displayed.

Abstract: A system is described that processes transactions as sales and non-monetary transfers. Processing occurs in a cycle where at a single prompt, a transaction is identified as a sale or a non-monetary transfer. A good that is the subject of the transaction is also identified. The good, and either a sales price or cost price, depending on whether the transaction is a sale or a non-monetary transfer, respectively, is displayed. A record of the transaction, including whether the transaction is a sale or a non-monetary transfer and the sales price or cost price, respectively, is created and stored. An inventory count record is adjusted to reflect an adjustment to inventory based on the occurrence of the transaction. The system that processes transactions as sales and non-monetary transfers may include multiple devices in a server/client architecture or may include a single device. A corresponding method and storage medium are also described.

Abstract: The method and system for a material cabinet for use in cooperation with a plurality of articles stored in the material cabinet is disclosed. Each of the plurality of articles having a radio frequency identification tag attached thereto is connected through at least an antenna or a plurality of antennas installed in the material cabinet to a radio frequency identification reader, which is interpreted through a software in a computer system. This method and system has capability to effectuate point of use control of the stored articles through a database in the computer system. This method and system also implements a security mechanism through a lock system to secure the store articles from unauthorized user/stock clerks.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for conducting sales transactions are provided. Embodiments include handheld, portable, electronic, point of purchase devices configured to acquire identification information from articles to be purchased, to determine a purchase price, and to acquire payment information for the purchase price. The point of purchase devices may include one or more input devices such as a near field communication device, a camera, a scanner, and a biometric sensor for acquiring the identification information and/or the payment information. In some embodiments, the near field communication device may be detachable from the point of purchase device. The point of purchase devices also may contain communication interfaces, such as a near field communication interface, a local area network interface, a short message service interface, and a personal area network interface, for transmitting the information to an external server.

Abstract: In selected embodiments video footage is automatically analyzed to determine whether product stock levels at particular product locations are low. Video analytics may be employed to track product removal from shelves and determine approximate quantities of product remaining on each shelf based on product size and dedicated shelf area. In selected implementations an alarm notification is generated to alert store personnel that restocking is appropriate. Such an alarm notification optionally includes a still image of the area corresponding to the alarm together with data related to the product and projected quantities needed to restock the shelf. In some embodiments the system automatically identifies the store personnel who are currently located in areas near where the alarm event occurred and the notification is wirelessly distributed to their mobile devices.

Abstract: An inventory of a consumable is managed by positioning a sensor within a storage tank holding the consumable and determining the volume of the consumable in the storage tank. A processor is also located on the vehicle for receiving data relative to the volume of the consumable in the storage tank, the mileage of the vehicle, and vehicle location, date, and time, and for transmitting such data to a remote inventory management server (“RIMS”). The RIMS also receives point-of-sale (“POS”) data, including location, date/time, purchase amount, and purchase price related to a consumable intake event at the storage tank of the vehicle. The RIMS then reconciles the data received from the vehicle processor with the POS data to determine whether there are any discrepancies between the fuel purchased and the volume of fuel measured.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device is provided. The method may include displaying, on a display, information related to at least one of a plurality of items to be managed or processed by the device, selecting at least one piece of item information displayed on the display, recognizing the selected piece of item information, and storing the recognized piece of item information into a memory as an object to be managed or processed by the device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing laundry services makes use of a laundry station having an interactive point-of-sale device operably connected to one or more laundry unit containers for housing items to be laundered. The laundry station is used: to receive and accept orders for laundry services from a customer, including the collection of payment from the customer; to provide information directing the customer to place their laundry in a designated laundry unit container in response to the order received from the customer; to generate and communicate an electronic message to instruct a laundry station operator or laundry services provider to fulfill the order.

Abstract: An inventory control system. The inventory control system includes a terminal, wherein the terminal is configured to allow a user to enter a sale of an item. The inventory control system also includes a cabinet. The cabinet is configured to store the item and is in electronic communication with the terminal. The cabinet dispenses the item in response to the sale.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a specific location in a brick and mortar retail store from which an item purchased by a customer in the store was likely obtained, so as to enable maintenance of inventory at the location level within the store is provided. The system includes a central database in which information regarding product inventory for a brick and mortar store location is maintained, a point of sale client capable of obtaining a product identifier from items being purchased by a customer, and a product location mechanism that utilizes the product identifier obtained by the point of sale client for the items being purchased by the customer, and other information from the point of sale client and/or from within the database to determine the most likely location from which an item was obtained by the customer and decrement the inventory unit amount stored in the database for the location by the number of such items purchased.

Abstract: In a parallel explosion unit of a parallel explosion apparatus, a processing unit extracts an end product, extracts an assembly directly constituting the end product, and an determines whether or not a BOM tree having the assembly as a vertex is already broken down. When the BOM tree of the assembly is not yet broken down, the processing unit registers the number of units of each component constituting the assembly in an explosion result list and generates a tree-specific list in which the number of units of each component and a registration position of the component in the explosion result list are recorded. When the BOM tree of the assembly is already broken down, the processing unit adds the number of units of each component recorded in the tree-specific list to the number of units at the registration position of the component likewise recorded in the explosion result list.

Abstract: A remote data acquisition and transmission system for vending machines may be provided. The system may comprise a vending machine and at least one host device. The vending machine may comprise a vending machine controller; and an Internet Protocol (IP) network interface operable to communicate operation data to and from the vending machine controller. The at least one host device may be communicatively coupled to the IP network interface via at least one IP network, and the host device may be operable to communicate operation data to and from the IP network interface.

Abstract: A system for monitoring inventory, dispensing activities and irregularities associated with service and sale of beverages primarily, but not exclusively, liquor beverages. A processor includes display facilities and communication capabilities and is operatively associated with a scale assembly disposed in supporting relation to each of a plurality of containers associated with each of the plurality of beverages. RFID tags are connected to each of the beverage containers for wireless communication between tag readers associated with the scale assembly thereby providing beverage identification and recognition. A tracking application is associated with the processor and structured to monitor usage activities of the plurality of beverages in association with the scale assembly.

Abstract: A method for sales and inventory management of items offered for sale by at least one merchant and supplied by at least one vendor is disclosed. The method may include configuring a sales and inventory management utility and report generator using a processor coupled to a data storage device. It may also include receiving, by the sales and inventory management utility, a plurality of sets of retailer inventory data from a plurality of retailer systems, wherein each set of retailer inventory data identifies a plurality of items, a tag, and for each of the plurality of items, a stock keeping unit (SKU), a quantity in stock, a retailer, and a vendor.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for version independent Point of Sale Activation (POSA) product download. The method comprises accessing a database, wherein the database comprises a plurality of entries associated with a plurality of Point of Sale Activation (POSA) cards available for purchase at a retail store; retrieving, from the database, a plurality of entries associated with a previous version of a software product, wherein the previous version of the software product has not been redeemed; generating a serial number for each retrieved entry, wherein each serial number is associated with a current version of the software product; and updating, in the database, each retrieved entry with the generated serial number.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for tagging and tracking surgical devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In general, the systems and methods allow for tracking surgical devices throughout distribution and sterilization thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a tray configured to seat a plurality of surgical devices and having a parent RFID tag attached thereto that contains information and/or facilitates access to information about the tray and each of the surgical devices seated therein. Each of the surgical devices seated in the instrument tray can have attached thereto a child RFID tag containing information and/or facilitating access to information about the surgical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically managing the allocation of reservation inventory for an individual POS terminal in a distributed reservation system having multiple POS terminals. Inventory allocation for an event for the individual POS terminal is calculated as a function of total reservation capacity for the event, the allocation and use of reservation inventory at the individual POS terminal, and/or the allocation and use of reservation inventory at other POS terminals in the reservation system. All POS terminals in the reservation system periodically share a token with one another to get updated inventory status for use in calculating inventory allocations.

Abstract: An ordering apparatus stores an order quantity, moreover, generates the order data for each ordered commodity by associating a plurality of the commodity identifiers which is accepted the input with the order quantities which is stored, during the period from the moment that the input of the commodity identifier is accepted to the moment that is determined that the input acceptation is terminated.

Abstract: Software applications that retrieve, log, and communicate vehicle-related data are implemented within a system that includes a plurality of vehicles, a worldwide network, at least one web server, at least one database server, and a plurality of internet-enabled back-end devices. Each vehicle has at least one internet-enabled front-end device, which is communicably coupled to the vehicle's computer system access device. The internet-enabled front-end device of each vehicle retrieves the vehicle-related data through a software application, which is also used to send the vehicle-related data to the web server. The web server collects data from each vehicle and properly organizes and stores the data on the database server. The web server and the database service implements a system software to manage and process the data from each vehicle. Once the system software processes the data, the internet-enabled back-end devices can access the data through external applications or information systems.

Abstract: Modelling a serialized object stream can include receiving a stream of bytes corresponding to the serialized form of a first object, creating an empty initial model for containing a generic object and a generic class, and, upon detection of a class from the stream, constructing a corresponding generic class object in the model using a processor. Upon detection of a new object from the stream, a corresponding generic object in the model can be constructed. Further objects and classes in the model that are associated with the generic objects and classes can be referenced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and program related to a Point of Sale (POS) web-based application/website and user interface that may be applied on any product that can be photographed, videoed, or transformed. The image created through the program can be provided to the customer electronically by email or other service who may want to purchase products or services listed in sequenced steps at a later date with auto generated links, while also allowing the retailer to be able to record the products the customer tried on or used but did not purchase. The program further enhances the shopping experience by allowing the customer or seller to record the sequenced steps with purchased and not purchased products used during any service for any product in any industry which then ties into the program's social media website or various other social media websites.

Abstract: One disclosed method includes recording a sale to a customer of a configurable mobile device at a retail point-of-sale system and providing the customer with a virtual stock-keeping-unit at the point-of-sale system. The virtual stock-keeping-unit represents a customized mobile device that has not yet been assembled. The method further includes granting the customer access to a mobile device configurator based on a configurator access code associated with the virtual stock-keeping-unit and generating, by the mobile device configurator, a bill of material in response to configuration input received by the mobile device configurator. The configurator then sends the bill of material to a manufacturing system for assembly of the customized mobile device and the customized mobile device is assembled in accordance with the bill of material and information associated with the virtual stock-keeping-unit. The customized mobile device is shipped from the place of assembly to the customer.

Abstract: A system for managing beverage sales and inventory, and for enabling customers to pour their own beverages while preventing shrinkage is disclosed. The system enables a user to access a beverage from a beverage dispenser by presenting a beverage-pour tracking device. The beverage dispenser can prevent a user from accessing the beverage without the beverage-pour tracking device. Further, the system can confirm whether the user is permitted to access the beverage dispenser before enabling the user to access the dispenser.

Abstract: A computer-controlled, automated checkout store outlet comprises at least one bay. A normally locked door is associated with each bay, and provides access to items within the bay by customers approved by a computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed within at least one bay, and adapted to hold items to be stocked by the bay. A sensor system is configured to detect the removal of an item from the bay and identify the removed item, such as when a customer is removing the item for purchase.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved efficiency and management of business processes are provided. The management of business enterprises such as convenience stores is improved by tracking and verifying shift data as relates to tracking fuel availability, settling and tracking inventory, and auditing lottery information.

Abstract: Joint pricing and replenishment of freshness inventory or products having different qualities determines the joint pricing and inventory strategies to optimize the retailer's benefits from product freshness, employing a dynamic programming formulation that incorporates a demand model that captures consumer choice based on both the freshness and price.

Abstract: A control and management system for defined areas, employs a card reader, vehicle sensing loop detectors and electric eyes, entrance door sensors and operators, truck securement devices, cameras, a control system with memory, and a wireless connection or internet/intranet connection, is provided to produce event log documentation. The event information is readily accessible by management or supervisory personnel, to see all of the recorded information concerning a specified event. Thus, an event can be readily reconstructed after the fact, using all available sensors and other information relevant to a manager or supervisor. An alert can be issued whenever an abnormal or unauthorized event occurs during operations. A QR code reader can be provided which communicates with the system to enable a person carrying the cell phone to scan QR codes at specified locations or on specified items or vehicles.

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 control and management system for defined areas such as loading docks, fire stations, and other designated defined areas, employs a card reader, vehicle sensing loop detectors and electric eyes, entrance door sensors and operators, truck securement devices, cameras, a control system with memory, and a wireless connection or internet/intranet connection, is provided to produce event log documentation. The event information is readily accessible by management or supervisory personnel, to see all of the recorded information concerning a specified event. Thus, an event can be readily reconstructed after the fact, using all available sensors and other information relevant to a manager or supervisor. This aids in locating lost packages, documents security procedures, preventing or detecting thefts and vandalism, and for other purposes. An alert can be issued whenever an abnormal or unauthorized event occurs during operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel systems and methods for manufacturing estimation, production assembly and inventory management. In an embodiment, a system is provided to create and respond to RFPs, perform capacity planning for an eventual production line, efficiently implement the production line in software, and track detailed warehouse data, including transaction data. Such tracking may allow process improvement, report generation, and market research analysis. In an embodiment, one or more systems may be used to implement one or more aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: A system for integrating multiple software modules configured to produce output according to established business rules is provided. The system in one embodiment coordinates the printing of a variety of labels and reports according to a set of complex business rules. Complex output tasks may be distributed to remote computers in a network for optimum efficiency. The system may be configured to comply with one or more standard database connectivity standards in order to provide a generic interface with foreign systems. The method in one embodiment includes acquiring an input, sending a query to a database, retrieving business rules and associated tasks, and building scripts or commands for each task. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules, which require an abstract to quickly inform a searcher or other reader about the subject matter of the application. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a specific location in a brick and mortar retail store from which an item purchased by a customer in the store was likely obtained, so as to enable maintenance of inventory at the location level within the store is provided. The system includes a central database in which information regarding product inventory for a brick and mortar store location is maintained, a point of sale client capable of obtaining a product identifier from items being purchased by a customer, and a product location mechanism that utilizes the product identifier obtained by the point of sale client for the items being purchased by the customer, and other information from the point of sale client and/or from within the database to determine the most likely location from which an item was obtained by the customer and decrement the inventory unit amount stored in the database for the location by the number of such items purchased.

Abstract: A secure online banking transaction apparatus to communicate with a server over a non-secure connection is provided and includes a selector configured to allow for a selection of a mode of the apparatus, a processing unit coupled to the selector and including a secure communication unit, which is configured to set up a secure connection, along which a secure transaction occurs, with the server via the non-secure connection in accordance with the mode, an input unit coupled to the processing unit and configured to allow for a input of data into the apparatus, which is at least partly related to the secure transaction, and an interface coupled to the processing unit and configured to convey at least a status of the secure transaction and the contents off the inputted data.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for calendaring reminders. Within the method, one or more point-of-sale transactions may be conducted. The transactions may involve a computer system and a customer possessing a mobile computing device. The computer system may store receipt data documenting the transactions. The computer system may also search the receipt data in an effort to locate one or more products having predictable purchase periodicity. When such products are identified, one or more appropriate reminders for subsequent purchases of the one or more products may be scheduled.

Abstract: Among other things, information is maintained that associates competitors with respective territories for which the competitors have rights that are to be exclusive relative to other competitors for items associated with the territories. A user can enter, through a user interface, an expression of interest that can be associated with one of the territories. In response to the expression of interest, a user is automatically enabled to interact with the competitor that has the exclusive right to the territory, without automatically enabling the user to interact with a competitor that does not have the exclusive right.

Abstract: In a method of processing customer applications at an event, an application is received from a customer on a customer interface computer. The data in said application is verified on the customer interface computer and encrypted. The encrypted data is transmitted wirelessly to a portal computer via a private wireless network, and then transmitted to a processing computer system for approval of the application.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing product location information within a store. The system comprises a first user interface fixed within the store and an inventory information unit coupled to the first user interface. The first user interface is configured to receive an input signal from a user related to the identity of a product within the store, to process the input signal and to provide a product inquiry signal in response to the input signal. The first user interface is further configured to receive a location information signal, and to provide an output signal in response to the location information signal. The inventory information unit comprises a database containing product location information and is configured to provide the location information signal to the first user interface after receiving the product inquiry signal from the first user interface.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for inventory replenishment utilize supply chain data comprising a demand mix, an inventory mix, and a composite product mix to generate a new composite product mix for at least one future period. The system geometrically discounts demand-inventory composite data. Thus, the older data carries less weight in determination of the new composite product mix percentage. Smoothing factors allow the discounting to be applied differently to demand and inventory data. The new composite product mix and an estimate of the total target replenishment quantity of a product family are used to estimate individual target replenishment quantities for each of a plurality of individual products in a product family. Replenishment quantities can be determined for an extended planning horizon. A server may provide the replenishment quantities to the user of a client computer over a computer network.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the utilization of inventory space for articles dispensable from an article dispensing machine is provided. A subset of articles in the article dispensing machine may be targeted for removal. Based on a list of the subset of articles, the article dispensing machine may move the subset of articles from a storage unit to a predetermined area. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area. Quicker and more efficient removal and loading of articles from and to the article dispensing machine may result.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles for automating the process of registering a product purchased by a consumer from a merchant in a purchase transaction. Product data including product identification data is obtained from a merchant electronic point of sale system as the consumer checks out. The product data is then automatically transmitted to a product registration system, such as via a consumer's mobile communication device having a product registration app. An auto-registration database is accessed to see if auto-registration is available for the product. If auto-registration is available for the product, then a request is made to the consumer to authorize auto-registration for the product. If the consumer accepts the auto-registration, then consumer data, such as the consumer name and contact information, is sent to the product registration system. The product registration system then creates a product registration record using the product data and the consumer data.