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.

Abstract: A food identification and tracking system includes a plurality of containers adapted to hold food items. An electronically-readable tag is affixed to each of the containers. The data stored on the tags may include information, such as an identification of a food item being held by the container, the ingredients of the food item, and/or the price of the food item, for example. The containers may be distributed by way of a conveyor system offering the food items in the containers for consumption. One or more sensors positioned relative to the conveyor may electronically read the data stored on a tag and cause the identification of the food item in a container to be shown on a display. When the data in each tag includes an indicator of the price of the food item, the cost of all the food item(s) consumed by a consumer may be calculated for payment.

Abstract: A method for using electronic product identification devices to track product sales and enable sales transactions to be registered in an electronic registration (ER) system without causing privacy or security concerns for the purchasers. RF-ID devices are placed on products being sold and include detailed information about the products. When the products are purchased, the detailed information is loaded into an ER database and all but a limited amount of information is removed from the RF-ID device. The limited information is sufficient to enable the detailed information to be located in the ER database by authorized individuals in connection with a return transaction or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and associated database structure for tracking in production in a plant for liquid foods. Each production unit in the plant is allocated a unit identity which is registered in a database. Each production unit can be a source or a destination. Each material quantity which is included in the production is allocated a work identity which is registered in the database. A material quantity includes a given product of a given quantity. Each event in the plant is registered in the database. The registration takes place as a transport from a source to a destination, with references to the unit identities of both the source and the destination.

Abstract: A system has a speech control interface operable to provide a speech sequence to which a user response is required before system functionality is operational. A user response can be provided via a spoken command. The system is operable, in response to interruption of the speech sequence to permit a non-verbal user response using an alternative interface.

Abstract: A method for selling individual containers used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual containers in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, and charging the shopper for the container on a per container basis separately from the food purchased. The bags or containers used in the method of the invention will include at least one feature or characteristic that adds value for the consumer over and above the bags currently provided for free by grocery stores in the produce section.

Abstract: A computer receives a schema that lacks information required by a directory access protocol (e.g. LDAP) and automatically generates information that conforms to the directory access protocol and supplies the generated information as output in a new schema. Such automatic schema transformation allows a human who is creating the schema, to enable usage of the directory access protocol to interface with a directory implementing the schema, without knowing the directory access protocol. The computer of some embodiments receives the schema being input, in a predetermined human-readable language (e.g. XML). Hence, an XML developer who lacks knowledge of LDAP can use traditional XML tools to prepare an LDAP-incompatible schema, for use in implementing a directory (e.g. address book) that is accessed by an LDAP client (e.g. cell phone) via an LDAP server. The new schema can be output in any form (e.g. text/binary) and in any language.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a handy terminal includes an information detecting unit, a storing unit, and an output unit. The information detecting unit detects commodity information of a commodity purchased by a customer and benefit information indicating content of a benefit provided to the customer. The storing unit stores the commodity information and the benefit information detected by the information detecting unit. The output unit outputs the commodity information and the benefit information stored in the storing unit to a commodity sales data processing apparatus configured to subject the commodity indicated by the commodity information to sales processing.

Abstract: A multi-purpose input device (2500) for providing conventional positional tracking, and one or more read capabilities for automatically connecting a user PC (302) to remote node. In one embodiment, a user reads optically encoded indicia (1606) of a product by passing the input device (2500) thereover. A software interface (2505) processes the read information, assembles a message packet, and appends routing information thereto to connect the user PC (302) to an ARS (308) disposed on a common network (306). The ARS (308) performs a matching operation with the received product information to obtain an associated network address of a vendor server (314) having the desired product information. The ARS (308) returns the vendor server address to the user PC (302) whereby the vendor advertiser server (312) is automatically accessed by the user PC (302). The respective product information is then returned from the vendor server (312) to the user PC (302) for presentation to the user.

Abstract: A code management system is provided for reducing an amount of data on a product identification number assigned to a product in traceability system and enabling to reduce an information management burden required for a history reference. In a weighing label attaching process, a main server distributes unused individual product code complying with a request from a weighing machine. The weighing machine creates and stores a weighing related information that relates a case code previously read to a weighing result (weight), a calculating result (price), a label code (a product identification information) determined as any of individual product codes, and a content of a label information. The main server requires the weighing related information to provide, complying with a request submitting the label code from a purchaser of the product. The weighing machine searches and transmits the weighing related information to the main server complying with the request from the main server.

Abstract: A method for promoting the sale of a substitute product at the point of sale (POS). At least one POS terminal communicates with a POS server which in turn communicates with various manufacturer servers to transmit information therebetween. Upon the presentation of an original product for purchase by a consumer at a POS terminal, various manufacturers may decide to offer a substitute product to the consumer, prior to completing the purchase of the original product. As such, various manufacturers may offer promotional offers to encourage the buyer to favorably “switch” products. If the customer accepts the offer, the point of sale terminal completes the sale of the substitute product.

Abstract: A commodity information acquisition and display apparatus includes a commodity information input unit that has a reading window to read commodity information, and reads a commodity code attached to a commodity through the reading window so that the commodity information is inputted, a display unit that has a screen made of a transparent or semitransparent member and to display specified settlement information based on the commodity information, and is provided to be adjacent to the reading window to enable a customer to simultaneously and visually confirm the commodity and the settlement information through the screen, and a display control unit to control the display of the settlement information.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for supporting supply chain facility performance analysis. Methods include maintaining supply chain facility configuration information for a plurality of supply chain facilities. The method also includes identifying variables that are attributed to performance of the supply chain facilities. Data corresponding to one or more of the variables for selected supply chain facilities in the plurality of supply chain facilities is collected. Performance analysis is performed for the selected supply chain facilities using the data as input. The performance analysis includes executing a data envelope analysis (DEA) based three-stage performance analysis model, executing a statistical analysis and executing a sensitivity analysis. The results of the performance analysis are output. The results include a performance ranking of the selected supply chain facilities, a prescription for performance improvement, a correlation analysis, and a sensitivity analysis.

Abstract: A method of using a point of service terminal (POS) to provide a discount on a purchase is presented. The method includes receiving a portable coupon device associated with a consumer account. Stored in the memory of the portable coupon device is an electronic coupon associated with a sponsor account and which is receivable by a merchant for a discount on a purchase, the discount being debited from the sponsor's account. Also stored in memory is the discount information, which includes identifiers for the sponsor's account, a discount amount, and the purchase eligible for the discount. The discount information is then read from the portable coupon card and a transmission is formed requesting authorization of the electronic coupon. An authorization response is received and, if it includes an approval, the discount is applied to the cost of the purchase and payment for the cost less the discount amount is accepted.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for measuring purchase items. An identification module identifies a purchase item conforming to a specified characteristic. A communication module directs the customer to place the purchase item in an auxiliary receptacle in response to the purchase item conforming to the specified characteristic. A measurement module measures the parameter for the purchase item when placed in the auxiliary receptacle. In one embodiment, a verification module verifies that the measured parameter is substantially equivalent to an expected parameter for the purchase item. In a certain embodiment a notification module communicates a security notification in the response to the measured parameter not being substantially equivalent to the expected parameter.

Abstract: A warranty management system comprises a hardware device for inputting warranty information and a copy of a receipt. A network permits communication between the hardware device and a server. The server stores the warranty information and the copy of the receipt. The warranty management system also includes a means for verifying the authenticity of the warranty information and the related receipt. Some embodiments of the warranty management system may further include a means for comparing the failure rates of products and services.

Abstract: A system for accounting an item sold by weight according to the present invention detects the weight of the item sold by weight taken in a package, calculates the sales price for the item sold by weight taken in the package based on the detected weight, and writes information on the detected weight and information on the calculated sales price in a recording unit provided on a tray for holding the package and from which data can be read and in which data can be written. Then, the system checks whether an unjust purchase is done for the item sold by weight before the system makes accounts square for the item sold by weight or before the system starts selling the item sold by weight by measuring the weight of the tray and checking whether the weight of the tray identified by the recorded information of the recording unit and the measured weight match or not.

Abstract: A method for using electronic product identification devices to track product sales and enable sales transactions to be registered in an electronic registration (ER) system without causing privacy or security concerns for the purchasers. RF-ID devices are placed on products being sold and include detailed information about the products. When the products are purchased, the detailed information is loaded into an ER database and all but a limited amount of information is removed from the RF-ID device. The limited information is sufficient to enable the detailed information to be located in the ER database by authorized individuals in connection with a return transaction or the like.

Abstract: A service plan product providing a tangible representation of a service plan includes a support backer and a tag removably coupled with the backer. The tag includes service plan account identification means corresponding to a service plan account stored in a database and plan administrator contact indicia. The tag is configured to be removed from the backer and applied to a primary product for which the service plan is provided, and wherein only the service plan account identification means is required for the service plan administrator to access the database to identify details regarding the service plan account. Related systems and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for assigning, tracking and storing equivalent emission values associated with a transaction. When a transaction takes place the system identifies the purchaser, the vendor, and at least the cost of the transaction. The system contains a database comprising a pre-selected parameter related to an emission value. The system uses this parameter to calculate the emission value of the transaction. The emission value is stored in at least one data-file contained in the system.

Abstract: A product sampling system including a sample code associated with a product sample, and a plurality of sample units provided to a retail location at no cost to the retail location, each sample unit including an indicia indicative of the sample code. The system further includes a database including identification data associated with loyalty members, software for reading the indicia from the sample units at the retail location and debiting a sample price associated with the sample units, and software for indentifying one or more consumers presenting the sample units at the retail location as being loyalty members based on the identification data. The system further includes software for crediting a price reduction equal to the sample price to each consumer identified as being a loyalty member, and for crediting the sample price to the retail location for each of the consumers not identified as being a loyalty member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and managing information from a plurality of individual items sold in a commercial transaction between a consumer and a merchant can include capturing, at a point-of-sale, transactional data for the a plurality of individual items sold during the transaction. The transactional data can include item identification information for each of the a plurality of individual items sold. The transactional data can further be used to authorize the transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing and managing information from a plurality of individual items sold in a commercial transaction between a consumer and a merchant can include capturing, at a point-of-sale, transactional data for the a plurality of individual items sold during the transaction. The transactional data can include item identification information for each of the a plurality of individual items sold. The transactional data can further be used to authorize the transaction.

Abstract: A checkout terminal apparatus includes an apparatus body, an operation unit provided in the apparatus body and adapted for inputting transaction information of an article, and a cover member which is removably attached to the apparatus body according to need and covers at least the operation unit.

Abstract: A method of providing inventory control service to a point of sale, the method comprising: providing readers adapted to read a unique identifier (UID) of a purchased item and transmit the UID to a database together with a reader identification code (RIC) of a specific reader; implementing reading of UIDs by the readers as items are purchased; and allowing access to data transmitted from a designated set of readers to an authorized party.

Abstract: A Domain Ontology Oriented Resource System (DOORS) and a Problem Oriented Registry of Tags And Labels (PORTAL) are infrastructure systems for resource metadata within a paradigm serving as a bridge between the original web and the semantic web. IRIS registers domain names while DNS publishes domain addresses with mapping of names to addresses for the original web. Analogously, PORTAL registers resource labels and tags while DOORS publishes resource locations and descriptions with mapping of labels to locations for the semantic web. They provide an analogous resource label system, semantic search applications, and the benefits of collaborative semantic networks. Advertising is supported in several ways. Businesses purchase the right to display their products or services in association with searches. Also, content providers accept placement of advertising. Ads are then selected for display based on the content displayed utilizing the invention to match service providers with advertisers.

Abstract: A commodity settlement system processes settlement for a commodity carrying an RF tag, communicating with the RF tag for data associated with the commodity stored in an RF tag. The RF tag comprises a capacitor, a memory, and an antenna, the RF tag being capable of receiving a radiowave from an external device, charges the capacitor with a direct current converted by the rectifier circuit from a current induced in the antenna by receiving a radiowave from an external device, and stores temporary settlement information in the memory. The commodity settlement system includes a first RF tag reader/writer connected to an antenna disposed on a commodity shelf. The first RF tag reader/writer sets the temporary settlement information in the memory to an “unsettled” state through the antenna disposed on the commodity shelf at intervals of a predetermined time.

Abstract: A business method for products and services. The business model provides for retail purchase of a product or service. The product or service is then transported from the retail point of purchase to a professional. The professional then activates the product or service for the consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: Systems and processes may receive and analyze billing information and/or business expenditures to determine costs associated with jobs corresponding to an internal development of software for internal use. The billing information and/or business expenditures may be analyzed according to accounting rules. Capitalizable costs and/or expenses may be determined based on business information and/or business expenses.

Abstract: Crop information related to a particular crop is collected and stored in data storage during the performance of an agricultural operation. A harvested particular crop is segregated from all other genetically distinct crops by storing the particular harvested crops in one or more segregated storage volumes for storing the particular crop. Each segregated storage volume has a corresponding storage identifier. An electronically accessible data profile, associated with the particular crop, is provided or made available to a user. The data profile includes the collected crop information.

Abstract: Methods and system for managing demand for an object includes capturing information about the object through a mobile device associated with a user. The mobile device is configured to capture information about the object that include one or more of a spatial, temporal, topical and social attributes of the object. The identity of the object is verified and validated using this metadata captured by the user through the device from the real world object or its proxy. Upon successful verification and validation, the object and its metadata are automatically added to a wish list of the user. An aggregate list is generated using the attributes and metadata of the object from a plurality of users. The aggregate list defines a source of demand for the object. The object is tracked as it progresses through various phases of ownership cycle using dynamic demand calculations based on the information associated with the objects, the users and the aggregate lists.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates implementing a binding between a radio frequency identification (RFID) process and a device. An RFID process can receive a tag read event from a device and make the tag read event available for at least one high level application. A binding engine can bind the RFID process to the device while decoupling a design time activity and a deployment time activity associated with the RFID process. In addition, the binding engine can include at least one of a device mapping component that employs a device binding; and a component configuration module that employs a component binding.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) based checkout system comprises an NFC enabled mobile telephone that reads product data from an NFC tag associated with a product. The mobile telephone updates a shopping list when the consumer scans an item. The consumer uploads the shopping list at a payment terminal at the checkout via an NFC link. The payment terminal connects with a price look up (PLU) database and downloads the price data for the items in the shopping list to provide a total price. The payment terminal requests authorisation of the total price from the consumer's financial authorisation.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product that uses statistical sampling to determine whether a pallet has been received when the pallet-level RFID tag is not read. When a shipment is unloaded, the system keeps track of the item-level RFID tags that are received. A threshold is retrieved and compared with the number of item-level RFID tags that were received. If the threshold is 50%, then the pallet would be assumed to be received and marked accordingly in the manifest if 50% of the items in the pallet were received. Threshold levels can be customized based upon the vendor shipping the goods, the type of goods being shipped, or both. In addition, the vendor quality rating and the type of good rating can be combined to form a single threshold that incorporates the vendor's quality along with the material (interference) quality of the goods on the particular pallet.

Abstract: System and methods of use are discloses that default routing of an ID read by an ID reader as part of a purchase transaction in a retail store, to a first computer system (MCS) instead of the POS computer system for the retail store, the first computer system processes the ID, and the POS computer system receives the results of the processing in the form of a IDs recognizable by the POS computer system and for which the POS computer system has associated costs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of sharing state information. In the method, data presented to a user from a template file of a referring site of a distributed computer network is presented to the user in a style dictated by the referring site. During interaction between the user and the referring site, user entered data is captured at the referring site where it is used to modify data of the template file as part of a transaction. At a point in the transaction at which it is desired or required to transfer transaction data to a nominated site to further process the transaction, state information comprising both data from the template file and style data concerning the style of the referring site are transferred by the referring site to the nominated site. Thereafter, the nominated site when continuing processing of the transaction utilises the style data of the referring site.

Abstract: An account application product includes a package, an account identifier and a terms sheet. The package includes a first panel extending from a free edge to a first fold line, a second panel extending away from the first fold line to a second fold line, and a third panel extending away from the second fold line. The first panel is folded back along the first fold line toward a first surface of the second panel to define a storage area between the first panel and the second panel. The third panel is folded forward along the second fold line toward a second surface of the second panel. The account identifier indicates an account associated with the account application product and is configured to be machine readable. The terms sheet is selectively stored in the storage area and includes printed terms for the account. Associated packages and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention process sales using a redemption code to enable customers to purchase a products. In a first embodiment, a method processes a sale. A plurality of redemption codes are issued. Each redemption code corresponds to a product identifier that identifies a product. A redemption code from the plurality of redemption codes is received from a customer sent via one or more networks. A product corresponding to the redemption code received from the customer is determined using a computer storage medium. Finally, the product is sent to the customer.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a product code having product information contained therein for interfacing over a network. A representation of the product information is extracted from the product code, which product code is disposed on or in close association with an associated product. In response to this extraction, network routing information is associated with the product code information.

Abstract: A reader device for locating and tracking multiple tags includes a plurality of closely packed antenna circuits and at least one controller configured to control the plurality of closely packed antenna circuits. The at least one controller is configured to activate one or more of the antenna circuits to generate at least one resonance signal field configured to interrogate at least one tag associated with the one or more active antenna circuits while substantially preventing or reducing cross-coupling of signals between the one or more active antenna circuits and at least one antenna circuit within the at least one resonance signal field to a sufficiently low level, wherein the sufficiently low level substantially prevents misreads from unwanted tags, to thereby track the multiple tags in a substantially controlled manner.

Abstract: An appliance supply distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing appliance supplies to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which facilitates dispensing or using one or more supplies from an appliance. The computerized system monitors the supply level(s) and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers additional supplies. In addition, the computerized system automatically detects dispensing, use or appliance problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: The inventions relate to systems and methods for reusing recyclable materials used in the manufacturing and transportation of goods, including containers used in the packaging and shipment of such goods. The disclosed systems and methods include the use of data devices to collect and report data associated with the recyclable materials. The data devices may collect information about recyclable materials and containers, including the amount of a deposit paid by a customer for a container, the receipt of the container at a service center and any amounts returned to the customer from a secure merchant account after an inspection of the condition of the container. The data device may also record the condition of the container, whether it is reused, refurbished and reused, or recycled, and how many cycles of use the container experiences.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the inventory of perishable goods. An advanced weighing scale serves as a portal to the output of a perishable goods inventory management software application and a perishable goods price optimization software application that receive and analyze inventory and sales data relating to perishable goods of interest. Inventory suggestions and/or price changes recommended by the software applications with respect to a particular perishable good of interest are viewable directly at a corresponding advanced weighing scale. Operation of the perishable goods inventory management software application and perishable goods price optimization software application may be controlled by the advanced weighing scale. An electronic pricing device may be included for displaying the price of a perishable good of interest.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for influencing shoppers while they consider making purchasing decisions in a retail establishment. Specifically, the systems and methods for influencing shoppers may occur during a shopper's first moment of truth by transmitting through a communication network one or more influential messages to a handheld wireless electronic device or intelligent shopping cart, which is in close proximity to a shopper during a shopping trip throughout a retail establishment.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for optical character recognition in an image. The method comprising identifying a connected component in an image, computing at least one parameter for the connected component and selecting a portion of the image corresponding to the connected component for optical character recognition when the at least one parameter is within a predetermined threshold range.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting purchase items. A selection module selects a plurality of categories. In one embodiment, the selection module receives a category selection. In addition, the selection module may receive a criterion selection for the category selection and receive a modification for the criterion selection. The selection module may further modify the criterion of the selected category with the modification. An identification module identifies a purchase item. An association module associates a selected category of the plurality of categories with the purchase item. A sorter sorts the purchase item to a specified bin. The specified bin is associated with the selected category. In one embodiment, a bagger may bag one or more purchase items from a bin.

Abstract: A system and method for virtual markets with product pickup generally comprised of a three-dimensional user supermarket interface, where a user places an order, and a retail/warehouse hybrid procurement center, comprised of a fulfillment warehouse and a pickup bay, where the order is generally fulfilled, packaged and picked-up by a user.

Abstract: An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information.

Abstract: An automated assembly conveyor method and apparatus for dry-cleaners, wherein the system is disposed to recognize, associate, and consolidate garments in customer transactions by reading garment identification tags located within each item. The system further includes an optional point-of-sale system and mark-in station to facilitate the intake of items from a customer to ensure each item is input into a database.