Abstract: A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, a plurality of wheels, a read component for performing a proximity scan of the shopping cart, a locationing component for determining a location of the shopping cart within a store based on the scan, and a display component for displaying at least one advertisement for a product based on the location of the shopping cart within the store, wherein the locationing component is further operable to determine a location of the product within the store relative to the shopping cart based on the scan, and wherein the display component is further operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product relative to the location of the shopping cart.

Abstract: A method of validating and activating a purchase card includes providing a purchase card that is removably attached to a card carrier. The purchase card has an account identifier associated therewith and has a card indicium affixed thereto. The purchase card includes a machine-readable information encoding region into which the account identifier is encoded. The card carrier has a carrier indicium affixed thereto. The method includes populating a database with a stored card indicium that relates to the card indicium, a stored carrier indicium that relates to the carrier indicium, and a stored account identifier that relates to the account identifier, thereby uniquely coupling the account identifier to the card indicium.

Abstract: Aspects of a self checkout system are described. The system includes a product imaging scanner. Also included is a bag rack with scales substantially adjacent the product imaging scanner for holding a bag to receive imaged products. A computer system is coupled to the product imaging scanner and the bag rack for processing data from the product imaging scanner and the bag rack to ensure complete and secure product purchasing.

Abstract: An input device for allowing interface to a web site in association with a unique input code. A method for interconnecting a first location on a global communication network with a second location thereon is disclosed. An input device is provided at the first location on the global communication network having associated therewith a unique input device ID. A product code disposed on a product is scanned with the input device, which product code is representative of the product in commercial transactions, the operation of scanning operable to extract the information contained in the product code to provide a unique value as an output. The unique value is then associated with the unique input device ID. In response to the operation of scanning and associating, the first location is connect to the second location.

Abstract: A bank account opening method capable of opening a bank account easily, safely and reliably only by a user and financial institution is provided. In the method for opening an account to a financial institution, an identification document is converted into digital data and the digital data of the identification document is sent to a server of the financial institution via a web content for opening an account, provided from the server of the financial institution, or via e-mail.

Abstract: Inventory control with inventory item attributes wherein the attributes describe an inventory item, the inventory item has an RFID identification tag having an RFID identification tag code, and the inventory item attributes include an RFID identification tag code field, a control value, an acceptable control value range, and an out of range action. Detecting changes in the inventory item attributes, including reading, through an RFID reader, the RFID identification code from the RFID tag associated with the inventory item, recording detected changes in inventory item attributes, comparing the control value and the acceptable control value range, and taking action in dependence upon the result of the comparing and the out of range action.

Abstract: The problem with Point of Sale (POS) receipts is that the information is “dead” because it is only printed. A solution is to send it to the customer by the Internet allowing it to remain in a digital format. A system and a method for transmitting by the Internet cash register information to a customer. The cash register looks up the customer's digital record, updates it with the current sales, selects an appropriate protocol, attaches additional information and sends the current sales information with the additional information to the customer's Internet address. All the sales information is processed in a repeating fashion. Furthermore handling of coupons is costly. In one embodiment sales receipts contain rebates, allowing them to be later redeemed digitally. In a further embodiment the rebates are personalized by using content-based and collaborative-based technology.

Abstract: An electronic price label (ESL) system for performing asynchronous ESL transactions. An event notification technique allows a communication base station (CBS) manager to directly notify an ESL manager when responses from an ESL are received, without the ESL manager needing to constantly poll the CBS manager. In one aspect, an inter-process communication layer (IPC) to allow for such event notification by the CBS manager. When initially beginning operation, the ESL manager subscribes to a CBS manager's event and provides the name of a function in the ESL manager to be called when this event occurs. When the ESL manager instructs the CBS manager to send a message to an ESL, the CBS manager provides the ESL manager with a handle or unique identification number to identify the message. When a response is received from the ESL, the CBS manager “fires an event” utilizing the IPC and indicates the identification number of the response.

Abstract: An administration system (10) for administering medication (25) to peoples the system comprising: a medicine cabinet (20) to contain a plurality of medication (25), each medication (25) identified by at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (26); at Feast one RFID reader (40) to monitor the storage and removal of medication (25) from the medicine cabinet (20); a database (70) to store information related to the medication (25); an alert module (35) to provide an alert to the person if incorrect medication (25) have been removed from the medicine cabinet (20) or if correct medication (25) have not been removed from the medicine cabinet (20) at the correct time, wherein the information stored by the database (70) includes any one from the group consisting of: contraindications combination of medication (25) which may be safely taken, allergic reactions of medication (25), the recommended dosage for each medication (25), the administration schedule for each medication (25), and expiry date of each

Abstract: An information delivery method and system includes a first token receiving device located at the point of display of a product in a store. The first device receives a token and a request for product-related information. A second token receiving device is positioned at or after a point of sale in the store. If the token holder purchased the product, the token holder may use the second token receiving device to receive the requested product-related information.

Abstract: A vertical sensor array is placed along a weighing conveyer in a self-checkout system. Successive products are scanned and then placed on the weighing conveyer. As a product traverses the sensor array, a firmware control sends a measured height of the product to processor software, and also indicates the time taken by the product to pass the array. From the time, conveyer speed, and distance from the array to the end of the weighing conveyer, the software determines the time when the product will be transferred from the weighing conveyer to a location adjacent to the weighing conveyer. Since this transfer time is variable, depending on the product and the particular orientation of the product when it is placed on the weighing conveyer, the software can dynamically enable the scanner input device for the associated system to accept the next following product or item. The software can accurately determine the correct weight of a product, even when multiple products are present on the conveyer simultaneously.

Abstract: A self-checkout lane in a store comprises an incoming goods path for receiving goods, first and second goods collection zones, and a segregation device operable under control of a computer processor to divert goods from the incoming goods path into one or the other of the two goods collection zones. The incoming goods path includes a product scanner electrically coupled to the computer processor and operable to evaluate the total retail price of a plurality of goods. The goods of a first customer are diverted to the first goods collection zone. After receiving payment for the goods, the computer processor operates the segregation device to allow the first customer to access their goods, and to meanwhile divert subsequent goods of a second customer to the second goods collection zone, thereby facilitating the swift and efficient use of the self-checkout terminals by customers. The invention also includes security means to help guard against misappropriation of goods.

Abstract: A product sales processing system includes a portable terminal; a cash register, a customer operating the portable terminal so that product codes are read and stored in the portable terminal, and payment is made at the cash register based on the stored data; and an intermediating device that connects the portable terminal to the cash register such that the portable terminal and the cash register can communicate with each other, the portable terminal comprising: a code reading section that reads the codes that are provided to products; a storage section that stores the codes which have been read by the code reading section; and a communication section that, when the portable terminal is connected to the intermediating device, transmits product purchase information which includes the codes stored in the storage section to the cash register via the intermediating device.

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: The present invention discloses systems and methods for enabling cashless fueling transactions through the use of vehicle-based decal sticker RFID tags. The tags store a unique customer identification number as well as other frequent purchase information. When read by a reader installed at the fuel dispenser, the tag information is sent to the network host via the Point of Sale (“POS”) system, where it is linked to a customer's account for transaction processing and subsequent activation of the fuel dispenser. Several tags may be read by a single interface unit, avoiding the need to connect a tag reader to each fuel dispenser.

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

Abstract: A sales information architecture detects user interaction with a tagged item and in response displays product information about the item to the user. The architecture can process a sales transaction involving the item and report the sale in real-time to other enterprises such as manufacturers using a publish subscribe messaging service.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for translating between bills of material based on an identifier associated with a component definition and a function definition. The component definition and the function definition are a component and function definition for a bill of material such that another component from that bill of material having a different function does not satisfy the component and function definition.

Abstract: A programmable expiration date verification system is disclosed. According to one aspect, a programmable expiration date verification system including a programmable expiration date module is provided. The programmable expiration date module includes a memory device operable to store an expiration date and a communication port operable to receive a communication including the expiration date. The programmable expiration date module further includes a processor operably coupled to the memory and the processor is operable to determine the expiration date. A visual indicator operable to be altered by the processor in response to determining the expiration date.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a controlled dispensing system comprising at least one dispensing machine having a data input means for receiving information from an individual, an inventory of one or more products available for purchase provided that at least some of the products are scheduled products, a dispensing means for retrieving one or more products from the inventory and delivering such product(s) to a retrieval point, a verification means for establishing the identity of the individual; and a searchable database that contains information that correlates an individual's identity to purchases of at least one scheduled product, a method for use of such systems.

Abstract: A product pricing and incentive system uses a label supply in which continuous label stock has a series of laterally extending weakening lines spaced apart to define multiple label segments of common size. Single segment labels or multiple segment labels can be printed and output by a printing device based on whether an incentive-free product pricing label is to be produced or a combined product pricing and incentive label is to be produced.

Abstract: A method of marking products purchased through a self-service checkout terminal includes scanning a product to be purchased into a computer and issuing a tamper resistant label from a printer at the self-service checkout terminal. The tamper resistant label includes a visual indicator including product data section, and a radio frequency identifier including product data portion. The method also includes adhesively bonding the tamper resistant label to the product scanned into the computer such that removal of the tamper resistant label from the product destroys the product data section of the visual indicator and the radio frequency identifier. Finally, the method includes scanning for each of the visual indicator and the radio frequency identifier after the product passes through the self-service checkout terminal to verify that the product was scanned into the computer.

Abstract: A refrigerator capable of transmitting and receiving information over a network and having an automatic food ordering function and a method for operating the same, wherein the residual amounts of food articles stored in containers of the refrigerator are measured through sensors installed in the containers and then displayed on a screen of a display unit, thereby enabling a user to easily recognize the residual amounts of the food articles stored in the refrigerator without opening the door of the refrigerator. The measured residual amounts of the food articles are compared with minimum proper amounts of the food articles preset by the user, respectively. In the case where the measured residual amount of a specific one of the food articles is smaller than the minimum proper amount of the specific food article, the specific food article is automatically ordered and delivered.

Abstract: A system for information management consists of a product, for instance a notepad sheet, which has a writing surface (3) with a position code (5), which codes a plurality of positions on the surface, and a device, which is adapted to record the information which is being written on the writing surface by detecting the position code. Moreover, on the product there are a number of activation icons (7a-g). When such an activation icon is detected by the device, the device initiates a predetermined operation which utilizes the recorded information. Such an operation can, for instance, consist of sending the recorded information to an indicated address. A product, a device, a method and a computer program for information management are also shown.

Abstract: A specific-item-information storing unit stores information on a specific item that can be contained in one container together with other item. A specific-item judging unit judges, when the registration for the purchased-item is received, whether the purchased-item is a specific item based on the information stored. A reception control unit controls, when the specific-item judging unit judges that the purchased-item is a specific item, a self-scanning system to continue to receive a registration for other purchased-item and to perform a weight determination according to an instruction for completing the registration from a customer.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a product code having product information contained therein for interfacing over a network. 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 system and method in a computerized healthcare environment for updating supply inventory data to reflect the use of a medical supply item is provided. A patient identifier identifying a patient and a scanned supply item identifier identifying a supply item for use for the patient are received. Use of the scanned supply item in a supply item is indicated in an inventory database.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting data relating to at least one individualized instructional program, comprising: receiving filtering criteria, accessing at least one repository of data relating to the individualized instructional program, and identifying data responsive to the filtering criteria.

Abstract: A method and computer apparatus determines the value of a derivative by introducing risk premiums. The method includes determining the underlying security and derivative, determining the risks and trading costs associated with the derivative, formulating the RAP equation for the derivative, solving the RAP equation for the derivative and outputting a value of the derivative based on the solution of the RAP equation. The computer apparatus employs this method in a financial analysis application. The system includes an input unit for taking inputs of derivative characteristics and model parameters, a processing unit for computing a value of the derivative based on the input characteristics and parameters using a risk-adjusted pricing equation, and an output unit for displaying the value of the derivative.

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: A system and/or method for managing patients and products used in the treatment of their sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is provided. A barcode scanner preferably scans product data and wirelessly communicates it to a database for use in an inventory management system for tracking and generating product and patient information for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) treatment, for example, when receiving items into stock, dispensing products, returning loaned, rented, and/or defective products, etc. Custom patient reminders, notes, reports, and the like may be generated automatically based on the scanned data.

Abstract: There is disclosed a commodity information registering apparatus which registers commodity information while a commodity is moved, comprising a radio tag reading section which reads a radio tag within a first field to acquire commodity identification information stored in the radio tag, an optical reading section which reads a code symbol within a second field to acquire commodity identification information described in the code symbol, and a registering section which registers one of the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identification information acquired from the radio tag and the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identification information acquired from the code symbol.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to online payments via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting payment transactions over a network.

Abstract: The invention is a method for picking an object from a source transport device vehicle using a mobile computer with text-to-speech software adapted for communication between a pick-by-line server and a user wherein the method entails transmitting a request from the server to the mobile computer to identify at least one source transport device from which an object is to be picked by a step, generating a summary of the objects to be picked, providing the summary using via the text-to-speech software, acknowledging receipt of the summary, identifying an object to determine if the object is to be picked, advising the user with the text-to-speech software if the object is correct, acknowledging the object has been picked, repeating these steps until all objects have been picked, providing an acknowledgement to the pick-by-line server of the results of the picking, and transferring the results from the server to the at least one external computer system.

Abstract: Image capture devices attached to a computer processor are located in a retail store. Items of merchandise for sale are tracked from their display position to a shopping container using optical tracking software. The software is capable of identifying the items and containers optically. A list of items in each container is maintained in a database. A customer may request a listing of items in a cart at any time via a query. At checkout time, there is no need to scan the items.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the display state of a bistable liquid crystal display on a display tag having a plurality of electrical contact pads connected to a corresponding plurality of electrodes in the liquid crystal display includes a body defining a slot for receiving and locating the display tag with respect to the body; a plurality of contact pins located in the body and being mounted for movement into the slot to contact the electrical contact pads of a display tag located in the slot; drive electronics electrically connected to the contact pins for receiving display command signals from an external source and for applying electrical drive signals to the electrodes of the display when the contact pins are in contact with the electrical contact pads; and operator control means for moving the contact pins into electrical contact with the electrical contact pads and causing the drive electronics to apply the electrical drive signals to the contact pins.

Abstract: An embodiment of an access control system is disclosed herein that is easily customized by a user. A user defines cardholders, clearance levels, and logic scripts that dictate how the system will operate. User-entered changes propagate through the system automatically. The disclosed embodiment includes personality modules coupled to both field devices and a server. However, the personality modules operate autonomously from the server. Personality modules can also be added to the system dynamically and are auto-configuring. Display modules may also be included for locally and remotely programming, testing, managing, and operating personality modules and field devices. The system may include an intelligent display station that includes a reader and a display, displaying information in an interactive user interface in accordance with an individual's clearance level.

Abstract: A method including 1) generating an asset record in a management system database when an order for components of an asset corresponding to said asset record are ordered; and 2) tagging said asset when deployable with an asset identification (ID), said asset ID uniquely referring to said asset record.

Abstract: Provided is a method, system, and program for transferring data from a first server to a second server through a client computer over a network. The client performs downloading and displaying content in a first page from the first server and downloading and displaying content in a second page from the second server including transfer data to communicate to the first server. The client computer displays the transfer data with the content from the first page and communicates the transfer data to the first server.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method of using a device that is communcatively disposed between a scanner and a conventional point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The device (IPDP) can be used to process and distinguish between product-specific information, such as a UPC bar code, and item-specific information, such as a serial number. The IPDP transfers product-specific information to the POS terminal where it is processed in a conventional manner. The item-specific information is transferred to a separate item-level processor that analyzes the data and communicates with an item-level database. The item-level database can be used to verify the specific item's authenticity, expiration date, warranty registration, and the like. As a result, the system can be used to help prevent counterfeiting.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a scale for weighing items to be purchased. The scale is operative to obtain a settled or stable weight of items placed thereon either after a predetermined time delay from when the items were placed on the scale or the receipt of an actuation signal from a trigger or actuator. This allows time for the scanning of an item of the items on the scale via a scanner of the retail terminal generally associated with the lifting of the item from the scale in order for the item to be scanned.

Abstract: Upsells are made accessible to customers so customers may select upsells as they select items in their purchase. Each upsell has an associated rounding code. For example, the rounding code may be determinable from a bar code printed on an adhesive label that is affixed to the upsell. A POS terminal receives the rounding code, by scanning the label or other means. Typically, the rounding code is read in a manner similar to the manner in which items in the purchase are read by the POS terminal. The purchase price (sum of all item prices and any tax) is rounded, based on the rounding code. For example, given a purchase price of $8.26, and a rounding code that indicates a multiple of $5, the purchase price would be rounded up to the next-higher multiple of $5 ($10.00). The customer would pay the rounded price in exchange for the items and the upsell. Thus, the difference between the rounded price and the purchase price ($10.00?$8.26 =$1.74) is effectively the price the customer pays for the upsell.

Abstract: Pure random numbers from a sheet within a one-time pad are employed to encrypt the bytes of a source data packet and to order the encrypted bytes in a random order within the encrypted data packet. Pure random numbers fill remaining positions within the encrypted data packet. The resulting encrypted data packet is unconditionally secure (i.e., unbreakable). Sheets within the one-time pad are utilized only once, and the one-time pad is replaced when exhausted. For electronic checking applications, the one-time pad is distributed to the user stored in an electronic checkbook, with a copy retained by the bank. For cellular telephone applications, the one-time pad is stored in a replaceable memory chip within the mobile unit with a copy retained at a single, secured central computer. For client-server applications or applications involving sales over the Internet, the one-time pad may be provided to the user on a floppy disk or CD-ROM, with a copy retained by the vendor.

Abstract: A method, system, article of manufacture, and propagated signal which provides an easy and flexible way for consumers to print digital photographs received and processed from a variety of different sources and a variety of different ways. Image information, which represents a photographic image, is received from several different sources, order information is received from an external network, the order is processed based on the digital image and the order information, and the photographic images are then output or uploaded in order to produce a photographic print or merchandise with an image printed thereon. The ordering of products is also improved by maintaining the images to be uploaded in a local memory until the order is complete.

Abstract: A method for providing sales support includes issuing a customer a mobile device and a corresponding identification, wherein the mobile device issues an electronic service request including a customer purchase order for a product having a product identifier, receiving the electronic service request including the customer purchase order, tracking a location of the mobile device issued to the customer, and delivering the product to a checkout register according to the location to which the mobile device is tracked.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting an inventory of tags, wherein each tag is assigned a Tag ID and a manufacturer number. Each tag can be attached to an item to take inventory of those items. A tag reader transmits a wake-up signal followed by at least one clock signal. Each tag increments a first tag count in response to the clock signals, and transmits the Tag ID assigned to the tag when the first tag count corresponds to the Tag ID assigned to the tag. The tag reader records the transmitted Tag IDs. When more than one tag transmits simultaneously, the tag stores the Tag ID in order to resolve the contention when the first read cycle is complete. In the second read cycle, the tag reader transmits the contended Tag ID followed by at least one clock signal.

Abstract: A system controls security devices to enhance the security of self-checkout stations. The system includes security agent applications executing in the terminals of a plurality of self-checkout stations. The security agent software generates and transmits event messages regarding security events occurring at a station to a server. The server assigns a priority level to the event messages and sends the prioritized event messages as alert messages to a security controller. The security controller is coupled to security cameras, image data storage devices, and image data display devices and generates control messages for these devices in accordance with the alert messages received. The control messages for the security cameras operate the cameras to zoom, focus, tilt, or pan with respect to the events occurring at a station. Image data storage devices are coupled by the controller to cameras for the purpose of recording image data from the station in either a continuous or still image manner.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of manufactured goods, a smart tag is attached to the goods containing encrypted authentication information, such as a serial number, a description of the good's physical appearance or chemical decomposition, its color, or digital images of the good etc. The encryption procedure comprises public/private key encryption with zero-knowledge protocols. Zero knowledge protocols allow a smart tag to be authenticatable and yet be duplication resistant by allowing the verifying agent to convince him/herself that the smart tag is authentic without revealing its authentication information. The verification procedure can be done using a reader at a point of sale (POS) machine equipped with the appropriate public key and zero-knowledge protocols to decrypt the authentication information. A printed version of the serial number or other authentication information may be placed on the goods in human readable form to quickly verify the information electronically read from the smart tag.

Abstract: One or a plurality of commodities are placed in a commodity exhibition shelf (8). Information peculiar to any commodity is read using an input device (2) under the control of a control device (1). It is checked from the information whether any condition, for example, a discount should be given or the like, is stored with respect to the commodity in an information storage device (4). If a condition is stored, then the condition is displayed on a display device (3).