Abstract: The invention relates to a product identification system when the goods are purchased by a buyer in a self-service store. The product identification system in the self-service store includes a scanning device, a goods collecting device with an individual identification number, a camera, at least one self-service payment terminal and a server. The scanning device reads the identification number, scans the barcodes of goods, creates a list of goods and a resulting barcode. The camera is installed on the goods collecting device and reads images of the goods and tracks its movement. The terminal sends information to the server, wherein the server receives and analyzes information from the camera and terminal. In case when the information from the camera and from the resulting barcode coincide, the buyer pays for the purchase, and receives a check.

Abstract: Technologies for identifying product sources include a product source management server. The product source management server receives an unidentified Universal Product Code (UPC) corresponding to a product of a manufacturer. The unidentified UPC is compared to a library including reference Universal Product Codes (UPCs) and corresponding manufacturer identification data to identify the manufacturer of the product. A brand of the product is determined when the product manufacturer is not identified via the reference UPCs. The determined brand is compared to another library including reference brands and corresponding manufacturer identification data to identify the product manufacturer. When the determined brand does not match one of the reference brands, the product source management server compares product description data corresponding to the product to a different library including reference product description strings.

Abstract: A network based system and method for managing inventory is disclosed. A smartphone device is connected to a portable barcode scanner using a communication connection. A scanner adapter application on the smartphone device receives output date comprising order data, and parses the order data, passing it to an upload application. The smartphone device further comprises an order management application to take order data from the scanner adapter application and smartphone user data entry to access a backend server system to retrieve and collect detailed order data in support of order submission. The detailed order data contains data elements necessary for completion and submission of orders. An API configured to receive the at least part of the order data from the upload application processes the order information into an electronic order, and sends the electronic order to a vendor server.

Abstract: An image identification system may identify key points on a known image, variations of the known image in different levels of blur, and an unidentified image. One or more geometric shapes may be formed from the key points. A match between the unidentified image and either the known image or a blurred variation of the known image may be determined by comparison of the respective geometric shapes.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for providing product information. The present invention implements a system for defining product variations and assigning references to them at the point of sale or delivery. The present invention is unique in allowing a seller to assign or modify a reference associated with such a bar code or similar device at the point of sale or delivery, thereby changing the information delivered to the buyer based on details about the specific unit sold, the circumstances of the transaction, or the identity of the buyer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the ability to efficiently track inventory using RFID tags (e.g., RFID tags). For example, an inventory shelf located within a materials handling facility may include a series of antenna elements arranged in rows embedded into the shelf that are coupled with an RFID reader. The antenna elements are configured to establish electromagnetic fields oriented along shelf rows. The fields can be used to read RFID tags included or attached to inventory items placed on the shelf row.

Abstract: Real-time consumer feedback collection includes: receiving a unique product code from a device associated with a consumer of a product, the unique product code, when decoded, revealing an address of an on-line survey site; providing an interface within the on-line survey site for providing feedback about the product; receiving the feedback; storing the feedback; and supplying the feedback to the producer of the product.

Abstract: The present invention, which is applicable to the field of electronic anti-counterfeiting technology, provides an electronic anti-counterfeiting system and an electronic anti-counterfeiting method using the same.

Abstract: Methods and systems using unique item identifiers and a wireless device to (a) authenticate authorization to take possession of an item and (b) specifying and/or tracking service processing of the item.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that provides advanced parental control features. As described herein, these advanced parental control features may allow parents to establish parental controls in a dynamic and individualized manner. Moreover, the media guidance application may relieve a first user (e.g., a parent) of the burden of continually monitoring the statistical analysis (e.g., a ratio) of the programming choices of a second user (e.g., a child) by establishing one or more threshold analyzes (e.g., a threshold ratio) that the media guidance application may automatically compare to the statistical analysis of the programming choices of the second user.

Abstract: The current document is directed to systems and methods that stream real-time, processed data from remote processor-controlled user appliances, including personal computers, tablets, mobile phones, and laptops, to application programs for display, analysis, and other purposes and to other data-consuming devices and systems. In one implementation, a real-time processed-data streaming system includes instrumentation within remote, processor-controlled user devices, data collection at geographically distributed data-collection centers, consolidation of event messages generated by the geographically distributed data-collection centers within consolidation systems, processing of the consolidated event messages within one or more processing centers, and streaming of processed data, in the form of various types of processed-data-containing messages, to consumers of the data, including application programs that render the data for display on electronic display devices.

Abstract: A user device requests a web page from a web server of a third-party website, which is separate from a social networking system. The web server from the third-party website sends a markup language document for the requested web page to the user device which includes an instruction for a browser application running on the user device to incorporate information obtained from the social networking system within the web page. Based on the instruction in the received markup language document, the user device requests personalized content from the social networking system, which generates the requested personalized content based on social information about the user. The user device then renders the web page with the personalized content contained in a frame and displays the rendered web page and the frame to the user.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for enhancing users' overall experiences with physical items by supplementing their physical experiences with digital experiences. According to an embodiment, an electronic device scans a smart tag associated with an item to obtain an item identifier of the item, and sends the item identifier to a server, which selects digital content to be made available to a user of the item.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides example methods and apparatuses of data processing based on a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is generated upon receiving a data processing request from a user of a first communication device. Information relating to the data processing request obtained through scanning the two-dimensional code by a second communication device is received. A user interface for data processing is generated at the second communication device based on the information relating to the data processing request. The present techniques for data processing based on the two-dimensional code use the two-dimensional code to complete logging-in and avoid the tedious logging-in process, thereby conveniently, efficiently, and securely implements data output processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing authentication of items such as goods, as they are passed through commerce and change ownership. As described herein, the systems and methods certify authenticity of product origin and provide proof of current ownership by creating a publicly verifiable live audit trail using digital signatures, asymmetric (public/secret) key cryptography, an item labeling system, and a mobile authentication client application to capture information about transactions related to an item, perform transactions and record transactions in conjunction with the back end servers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customer shopping help include a system provider device that receives first customer location information from a plurality of beacon devices at a merchant physical location. The first customer location information is collected during a shopping session from a first customer device that is associated with a first customer. The system provider device analyzes the first customer location information to determine a merchant physical location area that is included in the merchant physical location and in which the first customer has not been located during the shopping session. The system provider device then selects a first product, from a plurality of products that are associated with the merchant physical location in a database, which is located in the merchant physical location area. The system provider device then provides a product recommendation for the first product over the network for display on the first customer device.

Abstract: A language setting system, for use by a user having a native language and carrying a personal electronic device, when using an informational device having an active language setting. As the user approaches the informational device, the informational device determines that the personal electronic device is associated with the user. The system determines the native language of the user by contacting the personal electronic device and sets the active language informational device to the native language. The informational device provides messages and information to the user in the native language of the user. When the user retreats from the informational device, the active language of the informational device may be reset to a default language.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for providing private stable matchings through a re-encryption mix network is presented. Preferences are encrypted. Bids are created. An initial mixing is performed. A set of unmatched bids and a set of matched bids are externally mixed independently. A union of the set of unmatched bids and the set of matched bids are internally mixed. For the number of participants in a set of active participants, a stable match for one of passive participants is determined, while the set of unmatched bids remains non-empty. The set of matched bids for the last stable match is externally mixed. The preferences in the set of matched bids are decrypted to identify the passive participants stably matched to the active participants.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for generating reminders to shoppers to purchase products. Using a customer's current location, products stocked at that location are identified and compared to the customer's purchase history. Items regularly purchased by the customer found among the products stocked at the location are identified. Upon departing the location without adding the product to an electronic shopping cart an alert may be generated to remind the customer to purchase the product. In some embodiment, an alert is generate for a product found in the purchase history if an elapsed time since purchase of the product exceeds an expiration period or purchase period for that product. The methods disclosed herein may be used in the context of a self-checkout using an electronic shopping cart and navigational aids to facilitate retrieval of items on a shopping list.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides example methods and apparatuses of data processing based on a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is generated upon receiving a data processing request from a user of a first communication device. Information relating to the data processing request obtained through scanning the two-dimensional code by a second communication device is received. A user interface for data processing is generated at the second communication device based on the information relating to the data processing request. The present techniques for data processing based on the two-dimensional code use the two-dimensional code to complete logging-in and avoid the tedious logging-in process, thereby conveniently, efficiently, and securely implements data output processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing an indication of data consumption by an application, which is executable on an electronic device and operable to consume data, via a network, from at least one remote content provider server. The method includes: providing, on the electronic device, an iconic representation for the application, the iconic representation having an indication of previous data consumption by the application from the at least one remote content provider server during previous execution of the application; executing the application in response to selection of the iconic representation; receiving, from the network, data representative of new data consumption with the at least one remote content provider server during the execution of the application; and providing an updated iconic representation for the application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing user devices and contents with quick response (QR) codes. An image of a QR code displayed on a user terminal is captured; the captured image of the QR code is analyzed, and a domain registration request message is generated based on the QR code; and the domain registration request message is transmitted to a domain server, and a domain registration response message is received from the domain server.

Abstract: A subscription-based system for providing commerce information for one or more mobile devices for one or more merchants. Some techniques employed feature a subscription-based method for presenting commercial resources to a mobile device. The method involves receiving mobile device user information relating to a geographic location to locate one or more merchants within a subscription-based shopping network, and receiving mobile device user information relating to a merchant type within the subscription-based shopping network. The method also involves receiving, from a database over a communication network, information for one or more merchants associated with the mobile device user information for the geographic location and the merchant type, and presenting the associated merchant information on the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an item registration apparatus and a measuring device cooperating with a mobile terminal to allow smooth registration of sold-by-weight items being purchased by a customer. The item registration apparatus comprises: a measuring device having a weighing tray on which an item is put; and a mobile terminal which can be connected to the measuring device via communication channel (access point or the like). When the item is put on said weighing tray of the measuring device and the measurement of the item is thus completed, the measuring device transmits transaction information of the measured item to the mobile terminal via the communication channel so that the transaction information is stored. This eliminates printing of code information on a label issued from the measuring device and operation of scanning the printed code information by using the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of constructing and managing virtual planograms are presented. Contemplated systems allow for construction of a virtual planogram, which can be used to present consumers virtual inventory items as being available for purchase via a display device. The display device can include an electronic billboard within an establishment, a mall for example, or include a user's smart device, a cell phone or tablet for example.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a temperature dependent device. Embodiments of the invention provide information regarding the useful life of perishable goods.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a content reference that is related to a public information display to reduce third party interference with the content reference is provided. The method comprises reading information from a tag, the information including a content reference, wirelessly transmitting the information, and comparing the information with authentication information associated with the content reference. The content reference identifies a content. The method also comprises sending an authentication result, wherein the authentication result is based on the comparing, and requesting the content when the authentication result is positive.

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: 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: A checkout station includes a checkout terminal having a detecting unit at a front surface thereof, and first and second shopping cart parking regions on opposite lateral sides of the checkout terminal. The detecting unit is configured to detect an item to be purchased by a customer as the item is transferred from a shopping cart parked in the first shopping cart parking region to a shopping cart parked in the second shopping cart parking region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interaction with objects to implement a retail function are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system may be implemented by a computing device and a wearable detection device. The detection device may obtain data associated with a user part and an object. For example, the detection device may be an image capture device, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of a retail item and interaction of a user's finger with the item. The computing device may implement a retail function manager operable to receive data associated with a user part and an object. For example, the detection device may communicate to the computing device image data representative of the interaction of the user's hand or finger with the retail item. Further, the retail function manager may implement a retail function based on the interaction of the user part and the object.

Abstract: A checkout station includes a scale fixedly attached to a framework of the checkout station and a track, surrounding the scale, through which a display moves between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items.

Abstract: A system and method for fundraising and charitable giving at a point of sale is disclosed. In one example of a method for fundraising and charitable giving at a point of sale includes the steps of: a customer selecting a product from a store shelf; the customer removing a fundraising tag from the product; the customer completing the information on the fundraising tag, which can include designating an organization to benefit from the fundraising; and a retailer processing the fundraising tag after receiving the completed tag from the customer at the point of sale.

Abstract: An interrogating and processing system and method is described. A wireless communication device interrogates an information source, having a barcode or tag, and wirelessly transmits data indicative of the information source. The interrogator can be built into or adjunct to the wireless communication device. An automated processing subsystem receives the transmitted data and identifies an item corresponding to the data. A fulfillment subsystem effects delivery of the item to a destination. There can be a coupon code scanning and processing system and method. A wireless computing device having an interrogator reads a coupon code. An automated processing subsystem receives the corresponding data and provides a benefit associated with the coupon. The benefit can be a discount on a product or service. Alternatively, at least a portion of the coupon including a code is displayed on a screen of the computing device for processing at a point of sale terminal.

Abstract: An Indoor location mapping and wayfinding system for mapping waypoints on an interactive mapping system that can function both indoors and outdoors based on user selections and location. It can include a shopping system that allows users to pre-select items for purchase, maps the items on an indoor map of the store, and provides a route to the user for the collection of the selected items.

Abstract: A product identification apparatus includes a storage device which stores a dictionary including reference data of each of a plurality of products stored in association with identification information of the product, an imaging section which captures image data of a target product, and a processor which performs a dictionary registration process. The processor extracts reference data of the target product from the image data captured by the imaging section. The storage device adds the extracted reference data to previously stored reference data in association with the identification information of the target product. Alternatively, the storage device stores the extracted reference data in association with the identification information of the target product when no reference data is previously stored in association with the identification information of the target product.

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 point of sale terminal that performs purchase transactions is presented. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner and weigh scale device. The optical code scanner portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device continuously scans for an optical code while the weigh scale portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device weighs an item placed on the scale. When the point of sale terminal receives data for an optical code that is read during the time an item is being weighed, the point of sale terminal compares information from the optical code data to the identification data entered by an operator for the item being weighed. If the item information does not match, the point of sale terminal halts the current purchase transaction until a supervisor intervenes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a security level of a self-checkout system based on shopper assistant intervention are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes deducing that shopper assistant intervention occurs in a self-checkout environment based on detection of one or more events in a self-checkout system. The events may occur at shopper terminals of the self-checkout system and may require attention of a shopper assistant monitoring the shopper terminals. The method also includes adjusting a security level of the self-checkout system in response to deducing that shopper assistant intervention occurs. Further, the method may include implementing a predetermined action in response to adjusting the security level of the self-checkout system.

Abstract: A commodity search device includes a storage unit, a measuring unit, a number input unit, a unit average weighing value calculator, and a first commodity search unit. The storage unit stores commodity information including a reference unit weight determined for each commodity. The measuring unit measures a total weight of commodities placed at a predetermined weighing position. The number input unit allows inputting the number of the weighed commodities. The unit average weighing value calculator divides the total weight of the commodities weighed by the measuring unit by the number input by the number input unit to calculate a unit average weighing value per one commodity. The first commodity search unit searches for commodities falling within a weight deviation from the storage unit using the unit average weighing value.

Abstract: A ratings device in a purchase environment receives a rating of goods, and writes the rating of goods to a physical medium. A point of sale device in the purchase environment reads the rating of goods from the physical medium and transmits the rating of goods to a ratings server. The ratings server can integrate and distribute the rating. The ratings device can include a scale configured to weigh a portion of the goods, logic configured to price the portion of goods based at least in part on the weight of the portion of goods, a user interface configured to receive a rating of goods of the type of the portion of goods, and a writer configured to write the rating to the physical medium.

Abstract: A POS system includes: input means for receiving an input of an order; memory means for storing item information containing an individual theoretical weight of each item; calculating means for calculating, based on input information containing item types and item quantities of ordered items and on the item information, a theoretical total weight of the ordered items; weight measuring means for measuring an actual total weight of the ordered items, which are put in a bag; judging means for comparing the theoretical total weight and the actual total weight, and when there is a weight difference therebetween, identifying a side item and/or included item close in weight to the weight difference from among the ordered items; and output means for outputting the identified side item and/or included item as an item candidate corresponding to the weight difference.

Abstract: Various methods are described for facilitating in-aisle scanning of one or more items to be purchased at a store. One example method may comprise scanning a barcode associated with an item. The method may further comprise adding the item to a list of items to be purchased. Additionally, the method may comprise receiving an indication that the item needs to be weighed. The method may further comprise flagging the item in the list to be weighed during checkout. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for auditing a transaction record are provided. The transaction record may correspond to a credit card transaction. The auditing may include identifying a surcharge violation. The surcharge violation may be an unlawful surcharge. The auditing may identify patterns of double surcharging. Transaction-level auditing may include ensuring that a surcharge is returned upon a product return. A mobile wallet application may allow consumers to access and/or report merchant surcharge compliance activity. Functionality may include surcharge receipt scanning for use in crosschecking authenticity of a consumer report. Additional crosscheck functionality provided by geographic location support. Embodiments may include a registry for merchants that certify their surcharge calculations.

Abstract: An apparatus for enrolling a package is disclosed including: a receiving surface for receiving the package; at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package; at least one RGB video camera which generates a first video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface; at least one infrared three-dimensional camera which generates a second video signal indicative of an the dimensions of the package; and a processor in communication with the at least one weight sensor and the at least one video camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting products, comprising a plurality of portable reading devices, wherein each customer can be assigned at least one portable reading device by means of which identification data about the products to be purchased by the respective customer in a sales room can be detected irrespective of location, and wherein the portable reading device has a control unit and a memory for buffering the identification data.

Abstract: A high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus and method are presented. The high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus permits bagging operations for multiple purchase transactions to occur in parallel. Overlapping the bagging operation of multiple purchase transactions allows the scanning and payment operations of the purchase transactions to continue at higher speeds. In addition, point of sale terminals with high-velocity item scanners are allowed to function at higher speeds.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for produce identification for transaction processing. A produce item to be entered into a transaction is identified using time resolved reflectance spectroscopy. A produce item is injected with laser light over a selected range of wavelengths, and light emitted from the produce item is detected and measured over time. The measurement is processed to generate absorption and scattering spectra for the produce item. The absorption and scattering spectra are compared against those of known produce items, and upon determination that an acceptable match has been achieved, a transaction record is updated with information relating to the produce item.