Abstract: A system includes a network of auto-id nodes and a processor. Each auto-id node includes index data that defines a hierarchical relationship between the auto-id node and another auto-id node within the network, and the auto-id nodes include a storage for storing status and history data about one or more assets that have been read by the auto-id node. The processor is operable to extract data from the network of auto-id nodes by following index data within the auto-id nodes to query only selected auto-id nodes within the network, and the selected nodes are arranged in a hierarchical network defined by indices of the auto-id nodes.

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

Abstract: Transaction management for financial institution-based transactions is facilitated in various example embodiments. According to one such embodiment, a transaction management approach involves the processing of financial aspects of a transaction using transaction rules associated with a buyer for auditing the transaction and any associated invoices. A processor arrangement processes transactions for merchant offerings subject to a related set of inventory data by auditing the transactions relative to inventory data corresponding to an inventory to which the transaction applies and stored contract data for the transaction, by processing payment in response thereto, and by assessing a processing fee against one or more parties to the transaction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information terminal includes a storing unit configured to store image pickup data picked up in time series by an image pickup apparatus that picks up images of a sales floor and sales data obtained by recording sales of a commodity displayed in the sales floor and date and time of registration of the sales; a list display unit configured to list-display videos of a predetermined sales floor in time series at every predetermined time interval on the basis of the image pickup data; a totalizing unit configured to totalize, at the every time interval, list-displayed sales of the commodity of the sales floor on the basis of the sales data; and a sales display unit configured to display the totalized sales of the commodity at the every time interval.

Abstract: A computerized system for vehicle management and purchase. The system may include a database including information regarding vehicles in a set of vehicles, wherein a plurality of the vehicles in the set of vehicles are in arrangements wherein third parties use the vehicles, wherein the information includes configuration of respective vehicles. The system may also include a computer interface that provides access to the description of the vehicles in the database and provides for setting price of respective vehicles; an option on the user interface to search; an option on the user interface to indicate intent to purchase a vehicle; a computer interface that receives information regarding a vehicle returned; and a computer interface to facilitate a purchase of the returned vehicle. Also described are an Internet-based system including a web server; a method for vehicle management and purchase; and a vehicle management and purchase system.

Abstract: An e-commerce based method for requesting information and purchasing products from a dealer through a manufacturer is disclosed. This method and system includes sending a request for detailed dealer information to a manufacturer server system using a client system and displaying real-time detailed dealer information on the client system based on the request, the real-time detailed dealer information received from the manufacturer server system, the manufacturer server system accessing the real-time detailed dealer information from a remote dealer server system via a middleware application system.

Abstract: Transaction processing in an offline environment for a prepaid product comprising a portable consumer device includes responding to presentation of the prepaid product at a reader for offline processing by initiating operation of the prepaid product, receiving data from the prepaid product at the reader that indicates the prepaid product is associated with a prepaid account balance, determining that the prepaid product is in a negative balance condition, and taking preventive action in response to the negative balance condition such that future acceptance of the prepaid product at a reader is prevented.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for inventory filtering includes filtering one or more inventory items offered for sale. A primary list of the inventory items from a primary logistics information database may be obtained. A first restriction requirement based on the primary list may be generated. A second list may be generated pertaining to the inventory items and may include a list of one or more internally generated second restriction parameters different than any parameters used to establish the first restriction requirement. A second restriction requirement may be generated based on the second list. A combined restriction requirement may be generated based on any combination of the first restriction requirement and the second restriction requirement. The sale of the item may be restricted based on the combined restriction requirement.

Abstract: Products and processes are provided in which an award for a commitment from an entity to post information, via a posting site, at or before a subsequent time is offered to an entity. In response to receiving the commitment, the award is provided to the entity.

Abstract: Displaying popular items that are available for sale at a merchant's physical location comprises creating a electronic document corresponding to the merchant's physical location. Then, a product availability database and a product popularity database are populated, the product availability database taking into account the inventory available at the merchant's physical location. Next, a cross-referencing engine identifies the popular products that are available at the merchant's physical location, and displays on the merchant's electronic document a plurality of popular items that are available at the merchant's physical location.

Abstract: A system has a storage bin used to hold a product and a product storage rack intended to hold the storage bin. The storage bin is provided with a near field communication (NFC) tag device and the product storage rack is provided with a NFC antenna device cooperable with the NFC tag device. The NFC antenna device and the NFC tag device are used to determine a relative position of or orientation of the storage bin relative to the product storage rack for the purpose of automatically determining if replenishment of the product within the product storage rack is required.

Abstract: An automated print and digital media and communications vending kiosk provides products for sale including printer ink cartridges, printer paper, digital media storage and other related products in a standalone unit which may be placed outside of convenience stores or other stores for convenient access by customers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inventory planning are described. An inventory reduction factor for an entity, based at least in part on an estimated ability of hosted merchants to fulfill demand for an item, may be determined. An adjusted target inventory estimate may be calculated using the determined inventory reduction factor and a target inventory quantity. The hosted merchants may be merchants offering the item for sale via a sales channel through which the entity also offers the item. The hosted merchants may in some cases be merchants offering the item for sale via the entity's website.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for a first business entity to provide a network-based supply chain framework for collaborative order management between at least a second and a third independent business entity, such as a service provider, vendor, reseller, manufacturer and the like. A request for an order is received over a network with an automated system, from at least a second business entity. The order is transmitted over a network, with an automated system, to at least the third business entity. Information is received from the third business entity relating to a status of completion of the order by the third business entity using a network. The progress in completing the order is tracked based on the information received from the third business entity. Progress reports from the tracking are generated periodically; and transmitted to the second business entity using the network.

Abstract: A computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier includes instructions that, when executed, perform operations that modify stock levels of a storage location in a logistic environment system. The operations include receiving information indicating a stock level change at storage location database objects that each represent a storage location for stock in a logistic environment. A storage location database object has associated with it a rule, a stock amount value specifying an amount of stock for the storage location, and a threshold that indicates a stock level to be maintained for the storage location. The operations also include determining, using the rule, if the stock level change would cause the stock amount value to cross the threshold, and if so, generating a request to modify the amount of stock at the storage location so that the stock amount value does not cross the threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for generating replenishment orders for products sold to a multi-store retailer. Store trait data is mapped with planogram information and the mapped data is used to generate a fixture level safety stock for a particular product in a particular store. The fixture level safety stock triggers fixture level replenishment orders.

Abstract: A pedigree tag for tracking and validating authenticity of contents in a container includes: a radio frequency modem operable at a low radio frequency, not exceeding one megahertz, and including a full duplex transmitter and receiver; an antenna operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a programmable microprocessor operatively coupled with the radio frequency modem; a memory operatively coupled with the programmable microprocessor; a clock; and a connector for connecting a power source for providing power to the microprocessor; wherein the pedigree tag is in a form factor conformable to the container to which it is affixed.

Abstract: A portable consumer device includes a base, and a computer readable medium on the base. The computer readable medium comprises code for an issuer verification value and a supplemental verification value. The issuer verification value is used by an issuer to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an on-line transaction and the supplemental verification value is used to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an off-line transaction.

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 for various purposes. 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, such as a merchandising zone of the storage unit or a separate article removal bin. The subset of articles may be removed from the predetermined area, followed by loading of new articles to the predetermined area.

Abstract: A non-serialized electronic product registration (ER) system and method which enables return qualification information to be provided upon request for non-serialized products. Retailer specific return policies are enforced by providing the ER system with retailer return policies for UPCs, SKUs, model numbers and/or other non-unique product identifiers. The retailer periodically provides information to the ER system that indicates the last date on which products having a particular non-unique identifier have been sold. The ER system then determine the last date on which such products can be returned and provides non-serialized return qualification information to the retailer upon request.

Abstract: A method and system for computing the price for shipping goods. The method includes causing a computer to deliver first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail transportation service for shipment of goods by one or more railcars. Information about a basic pool of railcars is received and filtered based on one or more filtering criteria to produce a filtered pool of railcars. The computer is then caused to deliver second information to the user prompting the user to select at the computer one or more railcars among the filtered pool of railcars for the shipment of goods. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the rail transportation service and the one or more characteristics of the railcars in the filtered pool of railcars selected by the user.

Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic quantity purchasing system which is a host computer that a user may access to purchase quantities of goods or services at a locked-in price for later redemption. The preferred communication means employed is via secure, high-speed Internet access. Data storage is electronic. Users employ the system to make an instant purchase of a small or large quantity of a commodity, such as gasoline at the current purchase price. Users can redeem all or part of their balance for real product at a physical location in the future when desired. The redemption will draw down the user's account balance at the locked-in purchase price, so the user is able to circumvent the market price in effect at the time of redemption.

Abstract: A system includes storage shelves and display shelves at a retail facility. The system also includes a management module operable to determine to replenish a display shelf with an inventory item stored by a storage shelf. The management module is also operable to coordinate movement of mobile drive units to replenish the display shelf with the inventory item at an inventory restocking station. The system also includes a first mobile drive unit and a second mobile drive unit. The first mobile drive unit is operable to receive first instructions from the management module to transport the display shelf to the inventory restocking station. The second mobile drive unit is operable to receive second instructions from the management module to transport the storage shelf to the inventory restocking station. At the inventory restocking station, the display shelf receives the inventory item.

Abstract: A PC lifecycle management (PCLCM) program assists an organization or set of organizations in the tracking and managing a PC inventory. At least one PC in the inventory is assigned to a primary user. The responsibilities regarding PC inventory tracking and maintenance are decentralized such that the primary user is responsible for tracking and maintaining accurate information regarding the PC assigned to the primary user. To support the decentralization, a computer-based tool is provided. The tool includes a database of information related to the PC inventory. The database has one or more records containing information regarding the PC assigned to the primary user. The tool also includes a PC validation component. The PC validation component includes processes and interfaces for accessing the database such that the primary user can view and update information in the database regarding the PC assigned to the primary user.

Abstract: A management system includes an electronic instrument that uses a managed article, and a management server. The electronic instrument is configured to acquire identification information from the managed article used by the electronic instrument with the identification information being read-only information, and to transmit information including the identification information to the management server.

Abstract: An architecture for a contactless smart card or payment device, where the smart card is intended for use in both commerce transaction payment and transit fare payment (or other venue access) environments. The payment device may function as both an electronic wallet for commerce transactions and as a transit system card, for access to and fare payment of transit services. Implementation of both functions may be achieved by use of a dynamic memory management system that permits data for both the payment and transit applications to be stored on the card, with the transit data and storage locations isolated from those used to store data intended for use in paying for commerce transactions. The transit application specific data may include access control data (keys, passwords, identification data) or data required for fare calculations (rates, historical data on system use), for example.

Abstract: A facility for processing a request for information about a specified item is described. The facility receives the request from an originator. In response to receiving the request, the facility generates a response to the request that contains information about the specified item. The facility also determines a current level of availability of the specified item, and, based upon this determined level of availability, determines, for each of a number of ordering actions, whether the ordering action is currently available for the specified item. For each ordering action determined to be currently available for the specified item, the facility augments the generated response by adding a control for performing the ordering action. The facility sends the augmented response to the originator of the request.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for tracking and monitoring high-value goods by scanning RFID tags associated with the goods. A central monitoring service verifies both the RFID tags and the devices used to scan the tags against a database of known and trusted tags and scanning devices. Local and centralized security protocols provide improved security and data integrity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in enabling verification by entities on a path across a supply network of an item identification means traversing said path, the network comprising: at least one supplier entity able to introduce into the network an item identification means having stored therein an item identifier and a digital signature associated with said supplier entity, and to forward said item identification means along a path across said network; at least one intermediate entity able to receive said item identification means from said at least one supplier entity or from another intermediate entity in said network and forward said item identification means along said path; and at least one receiver entity able to receive said item identification means from an intermediate entity in said network.

Abstract: A tracking device and system for tracking containers, in particular, containers and their contents, is disclosed. The tracking device utilizes AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/WiFi/RFID/Bluetooth®/TDMA technology to enable an individual to locate and monitor the movement of a Container at any given time and for any desired period of time. The tracking system utilizes virtual geo-fences to identify buildings or specific addresses to assist in determining the specific location of the containers in relation to these buildings or specific addresses. The tracking devices can also be activated by motion sensors to alert the tracking system of a possible theft of the container or sudden movement. The tracking system incorporates software which enables an individual to determine the location of the containers, determine the contents of the containers, and schedule the use of the containers by specific persons and at specific locations.

Abstract: Inventory replenishment that levels the flow of products from a collection of supplying distribution centers (DCs) to a receiving DC. Products are shipped in calculated, predetermined quantities at calculated, predetermined intervals to match the outflow rates at the receiving DC. Inventory levels at the receiving DC are monitored daily, and exceptions or adjustments to the shipment pattern (e.g., quantities and time intervals) are executed in a systematic manner when they stray outside of calculated minimum and maximum levels.

Abstract: Operations to manage statements relating to a computer system state include obtaining, in a computer system and from any of several sources, statements that relate to a current state of the computer system. Each statement comprises several elements. The operations comprise assigning focus values to the elements of each statement, each focus value indicating a relevance of the element to the current state of the computer system. The operations comprise identifying a subset of the statements based on the focus values. The operations comprise making a first output to a user, the first output being selected from several predefined outputs using the subset of the statements. The output may represent the current state to the user or it may present at least one of several predefined goals to the user for selection, the at least one goal being identified as being possible to accomplish based on the current state.

Abstract: The risk of losing sales of an item in a retail store due to the item not being on the retail store's shelves for customers to purchase is reduced. An item an item at a retail store may be identified as being at risk based at least in part on a sales volatility of the item and on a frequency of the item selling beyond its sales floor capacity within a day. A minimum number of facings for the item in the retail store may be determined based at least in part on an average daily capacity of the item, an average number of facings for the item, and a specified amount of daily sales of the item. The determined minimum number of facings for the item in the retail store may be reported.

Abstract: A system and a method for delivering information related to the evaluation values of products. The system includes an evaluation database (DB) for storing evaluation information; a user terminal for reading the product codes of products; and an inventory information DB for storing inventory information. The evaluation information is read, based on a product barcode obtained by the user terminal, from the evaluation DB, and a retail store within a predetermined distance from the user is searched based of the positional information (GPS) of the user terminal. Then, the inventory information DB, which is connected to the POS server of the retail store, is searched to acquire and display the inventory status of the product on the user terminal. Additionally, when the product is purchased, the evaluator who provided the evaluation information of the product is given points and paid a reward.

Abstract: A computer system and method of facilitating a sale which permits inventory information to be used in connection with a technology enabled selling (TES) system to facilitate a sale. 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: An electronic product code information service (EPCIS) interface is provided, where the EPCIS interface is capable of allowing one or more accessing applications residing on a variety of systems and associated with a plurality of enterprises to receive EPC-related data. Also provided is an enterprise profile for each enterprise that is allowed to receive the EPC-related data. An enterprise is authenticated based on its enterprise profile. A query is performed to generate a result set that is within an extent permitted by access authorization associated with the authenticated enterprise. The result set is then provided to the EPCIS accessing application of that enterprise.

Abstract: A refrigerator may include a main body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling device for cooling the storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber. A basket may be installed at the door and a pressure sensor may be provided on the basket to detect a pressure applied by a storage item stored in the basket. A controller may output a control signal based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor to a display that displays a residual amount of the item stored in the refrigerator.

Abstract: There is provided a method of regulating the formulation of a multi-component product comprising a product attribute profile, the method comprising providing a first and second component of the product, each component having a component attribute profile; supplying to a product formulation zone the first component and the second component in a desired ratio and combining the first and second components together to provide the product or a precursor thereof to yield a target product attribute profile; responsive to a change or predicted change in at least one component attribute profile, supplying information concerning the attribute change to a data processing apparatus and calculating with respect to that change an adjustment in the ratio to reduce the deviation of one or more attributes of the product attribute profile from the target product attribute profile. A production system is also provided.

Abstract: An inventory stock ledger system, apparatus and method including a process by which one can track inventory efficiently, but can also utilize to perform inventory analysis on a dynamic level. The method includes recording inventory snapshots across various dimensions of a retail business and tracking the inventory levels for select products in to provide real time reports. Central to the apparatus is the idea that inventory can be viewed from a central starting point, and then examined among various dimensions. Inventory management is readily modified and dynamic. The method includes a build capability for examining the inventory levels and snapshots of inventory for a retail market franchise.

Abstract: A point-of-sale interface receives point-of-sale quantities for a number of individual items, as well as point-of-sale quantity for a miscellaneous group item that includes undifferentiated sales of one or more of the individual items. An item indexer calculates an item index for at least one individual item, the item index comprising a fraction of the miscellaneous group item sales attributable to the individual item. A sales disambiguator then computes a revised point-of-sale quantity for the at least one individual item using the item index and the point-of-sale quantities for the miscellaneous group item and the at least one individual item.

Abstract: A method and system for mining a database for product migration analysis includes querying product usage data for a legacy product and a new product from the database as time series data. The product usage data is representative for a large number of consumers of the legacy and new products. A mathematical model may be used to determine a relationship between the two time series data. Product migration values and other features related to product migration, such as a transition period of product usage, may be estimated, determined or predicted.

Abstract: Image analysis techniques, including object recognition analysis, are applied to images obtained by one or more image capture devices deployed within inventory environments. The object recognition analysis provides object recognition data (that may include one or more recognized product instances) based on stored product (training) images. In turn, a variety of functionalities may be enabled based on the object recognition data. For example, a planogram may be extracted and compared to a target planogram, or at least one product display parameter for a product can be determined and used to assess presence of the product within the inventory environment, or to determine compliance of display of the product with a promotional objective. In yet another embodiment, comparisons may be made within a single image or between multiple images over time to detect potential conditions requiring response. In this manner, efficiency and effectiveness of many previously manually-implemented tasks may be improved.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for storing usual order preferences associated with a point of sale transaction involving an identification article. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an initial order involving the use of an identification article for purchasing at least one good or service. As part of receiving the initial order, a query asking if the initial order is to be designated as a usual order is issued. The method also includes registering the initial order as the usual order if a received response to the query indicates a usual order designation and storing an indication of the usual order in a storage medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a self healing andon system. One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a system comprising at least one server. The system further includes logic executed on the at least one server that retrieves a defect history associated with a vendor and at least one product from an inbound shipment from a memory. The at least one product is stocked in a materials handling facility, and the defect history is associated with a specified time period. The at least one server extracts at least one inventory defect from the defect history in a computer system and calculates an inventory defect rate. The at least one server imposes remedial measures if the inventory defect rate exceeds a specified threshold of the inventory defect rate.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a plurality of containers and a processing circuit. Each of the plurality of containers has a microsystem disposed thereon. Each microsystem is configured to sense at least one environmental condition and to sense movement of the corresponding container. The microsystem is configured to communicate information regarding the at least one environmental condition and the movement wirelessly. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive the information regarding the at least one environmental condition and the movement from each of the microsystems.

Abstract: A method and a system for inventory data entry. The method generates identification codes that correspond to labels affixed to items to be logged into inventory and stores information about items associated with the identification codes. The method further allows a user to search for an identification code in the database when the item is ready to be logged in. The system provides a memory and a processor for inventory data entry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for processing order messages exchanged between a client and an order server. The order messages can be for products and services that the customer orders from a vendor. The client provides the input order messages, which contain order commands in a predefined document format, to an order message manager of the order server, which also provides an order message sorter and message processing modules. The order message sorter reads the input document in the input order message to determine a type for the message and then directs the message to a message processing module capable of processing that type of order message. The message processing module processes the input document, obtains data if needed from an order database, and prepares an output document to include in an output order message to be returned to the client.

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 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 system for recording oil and gas inspection data comprising an inspection database server; a server-side vendor inspection database; at least one inspector client device; an inspector-side vendor inspection database; at least one customer client device; wherein at least one inspector inputs oil and gas inspection data to the inspection database server; wherein the inspection database server comprises computer instructions for instructing the inspection database server to provide at least one report; wherein the at least one inspector client device and the at least one customer client device are operable to access the oil and gas inspection data, the at least one report, or combinations thereof; and wherein the computer instructions instruct the inspection database server to formulate the at least one report for selected oil and gas inspection data and communicate the at least one report for viewing by at least one customer upon demand.