Abstract: Methods and systems for passing information using a mobile client are disclosed. For example, a method for a mobile client may include initiating a transaction between the mobile client and a transaction host using a near field communication (NFC) link, and receiving on the mobile client, information relating to the transaction using the NFC link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically processing accounts receivable (AR) check transactions via a location-base device associated with a merchant. The location-base device, such as a point-of-sale (POS) device, can be configured to perform various functions that facilitate processing of AR checks. Such functions may include improved user interface, an ability to handle a repetitive input parameter, an ability to handle multiple merchant identifiers, an ability to generate multiple receipt types, an ability to edit check transactions, an ability to manage throughput of the device, and an ability to allow scanning of different types of checks so as to allow subsequent processing of the scanned checks to be different based on the type of the check. The location-base device configured in one or more of the foregoing manner facilitates a check authorization process performed by a check processing service.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods to support import-export transactions. More particularly, it includes methods and systems for generation of bank-required documents that are consistent with a documentary credit instrument and collaborative application for or amendment of the documentary credit instrument. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.

Abstract: A method and system for generation of ticket security codes is provided. The method includes generating, by a host computing system, a lottery transaction authentication code for each transaction, generating an additional security code for the transaction, and including the generated additional security code on a lottery receipt for the transaction. The additional security code includes information that cannot be reproduced in the host computing system without access to the lottery ticket receipt and allows verification of critical data for the transaction.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for processing transactional data in a point of sale environment is provided. The system includes a video device that can record video output, a POS terminal that generates unfiltered transactional data, a filtering unit that filters the unfiltered transactional data to create filtered transactional data, and a recording device that can combine said video output and said filtered transactional data, such that the filtering unit filters the unfiltered transactional data using automatic rules identification. A POS printer that prints the unfiltered transactional data can also be included, such that the filtering unit transmits unfiltered transactional data to the POS printer.

Abstract: A system for tracking and facilitating control of body weight of a person including a computing device to execute software elements including a weight tracker to receive undated body weights from the user and to display a graphical representation of the body weight of the person over time, a journal to display food items consumed by the person, and a display to present the graphical representation of the body weight of the person over time to the person, the graphical representation including at least one user selectable indicia consisting of at least one point on the graphical representation of the body weight of the person over time indicative of a past time period, which, when selected displays the food items consumed during the past time period, the graphical representation including a plurality of milestones plotted on the graphical representation indicative of weight targets reached by the individual over time.

Abstract: A POS (point of sales) apparatus has: database constructing means for classifying a commodity with a high level of relation to a commodity sold to the customer to prepare a database for related commodities; and processing means for retrieving a related commodity with a high level of relation to a commodity sold to the customer from the database by using, as a key word, the above commodity sold to the customer and for printing information of the related commodity on the receipt.

Abstract: The banknote handling device of the invention notifies both a customer and a clerk at a financial institution of the occurrence of a counterfeit problem in the course of a transaction. When banknotes received from a customer include any counterfeit banknote, the banknote handling device collects the counterfeit banknotes to be not returnable to the customer. This desirably forbids circulation of the counterfeit banknotes. The occurrence of the counterfeit problem is described in a transaction statement on conclusion of the transaction. The transaction statement includes a transaction date/time, customer information, transaction details, a message, and financial institution information. The transaction details show the total amount of money received from the customer, the amount of money accepted for the transaction, that is, the amount of banknotes excluding the counterfeits, and the breakdown of the banknotes accepted for the transaction. The message suggests the customer a step to be taken.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a product ordering apparatus, information of a service entrusted from a service-providing company is selected from an operating unit, and when product information in that service is selected from the operating unit, the service-providing company is designated, the format of an order form is determined by designating the service-providing company, personal information and store information are automatically input along with product information to data of the determined order form, and after a payment procedure in a settlement device, order form data in which the information has been automatically entered is automatically sent by facsimile to a device of the service-providing company due to a request from the settlement device, and after sending the facsimile, when outputting a communications results report, the contents of the order form are printed on paper as a copy together with the communications results report.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for aggregating and processing product information are disclosed. Embodiments include hardware and/or software for receiving an electronic receipt from a merchant that describes a transaction for a product by a purchaser and gathering product information from one or more sources such as the merchant, the product's manufacturer, the purchaser's bank, and/or an accessories dealer. Upon gathering the product information, the product information is associated with the transaction for the product on the electronic receipt and packaged in a standard, electronic format, an aggregated package, that is accessible and manageable by the purchaser's software, such as a personal finance manager (PFM) like Quicken™, Quickbooks™, Microsoft Money™, or the like. The aggregated package can then be sent to the purchaser via an email address supplied by the purchaser at the time of the purchaser or by the purchaser's bank while completing a funds transfer for the transaction.

Abstract: A method of borrowing an item from a lender to a borrower, in which the item has an RFID tracking device affixed thereto. While the item is in the possession of the borrower, the lender uses data transmitted from the RFID tracking device to monitor the item, to be assured of its location and security and optionally to compile an inventory of borrowed items. Whilst the item is in the possession of the borrower, the borrower may pay an interest payment to the lender agreed between the borrower and the lender and derived from the monetary value of the item. The borrower may sell the borrowed item to a third party for a price and pay the lender a sum agreed between the borrower and the lender and derived from a monetary value of the item when it is sold.

Abstract: Methods of, and systems for, multi-lingual two-sided printing are provided. According to one embodiment, a method of multi-lingual two-sided printing is provided, the method comprising: initiating a transaction; identifying a first language for printing on a first side of two-sided media and a second language for printing on a second side of the two-sided media based on one or more aspects of the transaction; printing information on the first side of the two-sided media in the first language; and printing information on the second side of the two-sided media in the second language, wherein the first language is different from the second language. Variations including the printing of transaction information on a first side of two-side media and additional information on a second side of the two-sided media when an identified first language is not different from an identified second language are also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-service terminal with passport photo processing.

Abstract: A method for paying services includes steps or acts of: receiving a request for making a payment for a service; receiving a selection of the type of service to be paid and an account number; receiving identifying information from the consumer and the amount of the payment; and providing a payment voucher to be used as payment for the services.

Abstract: A transaction card includes an audio circuit, housing and an account identifier. The audio circuit includes memory configured to store an audio file having audio properties. The audio circuit is configured to transform at least one audio property of the audio file such that upon playback of the audio file, the audio file sounds different than when the audio file was initially stored to the memory. The housing substantially encloses the audio circuit, and the account identifier links the transaction card to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a purchaser a purchase transaction receipt having a reduced set of information including a transaction identification number, where the transaction identification number can be used by the purchaser to access rebate information and the purchase transaction related information.

Abstract: A process for increasing profits of a business engaged in the purchase of large numbers of products and/or products of volatile pricing from numerous vendors that operates to identify pricing errors, preferably typically before payment, by automatically reviewing all invoices typically in the order they are received to determine a best system price for each line item of each invoice by reference to pricing factors such as volume discount, seasonal pricing, price protection, commodity pricing, competition pricing, and cash discount recorded in memory for the subject item and reference to payment history data, accounts payable data and invoice data. From the pricing factors and associated data, a best system price is determined and compared to the invoice price for the item so that pricing errors are automatically uncovered and, if appropriate, flagged to identify the same as an exception for warning or notification.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal including a printer and electronic circuitry governing the operation of the printer, the electronic circuitry including transaction voiding responsive functionality for providing a visual indication of transaction voiding on transaction documentation.

Abstract: A system for enabling reliable verification of items being purchased using a self checkout system. The self checkout system is equipped with a verification mark dispenser and verification mark detectors that respectively dispenses a mark on an item as the item is being scanned for purchasing and then verifies, by detecting the mark on the item, that the item being bagged (or passed through the tunnel) is the same item that was scanned. When a customer scans an item for purchase, and if purchase transaction is successful, a mark (made of a non-reactive but detectable material or ink) is placed on the exterior packaging of the item. When the item is placed in the tunnel, the detector, sensitive to the activation of the specific marking and located at or in the tunnel, detects the marking on the item. If the activated marking is not detected by the detector, an alert condition is triggered.

Abstract: A computer implemented actual costing method for collecting and presenting an actual cost of performing a business activity includes the steps of carrying a first and/or a second step, the first step including collecting the actual cost of at least one job performed in furtherance of the business activity, the second step including collecting the actual cost of at least one item manufactured in furtherance of the business activity. A unique cost source identifier is created for each collected actual cost and the collected actual cost is stored therein. Each unique cost source identifier is then associated with its corresponding item or job within the business activity. A selected accounting costing method for actual cost collection and a selected accounting costing method for actual cost presentation based upon the stored cost source identifiers may then be implemented.

Abstract: Apparatus for decreasing the circulation of money of small denominations and coins, includes a first input unit for inputting the amount to be paid, connected to a central unit, a second input unit for inputting a rounded amount to be paid connected to the central unit and controlling a rounding unit, a display unit showing a rounded payable sum defined by the rounding unit and a printing unit connected to the central unit. A method and arrangement for drawing lots include an input unit for entering data of participation in the drawing, and a drawing centre including a database of game rules, a game rule interpreting unit, an odds creating unit and a drawing unit connected to a prize indicating unit. The input unit is connected to the drawing centre via a control unit; a game database is connected to the control unit.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing users to specify using commonly available mobile devices such as mobile telephones, transactions to be performed is described. More particularly, the invention provides a transaction interface layer which uses a predetermined lightweight message syntax to allow a user to specify transactions to be performed. The particular transactions envisaged are financial transactions such as stock or share trades, but the invention also allows other transaction types, such as information transactions, to be specified. When an information transaction is specified, the system of the invention acts to filter received information in accordance with a user-specified transaction, and to forward filtered information to a user mobile device as appropriate.

Abstract: A system for managing real estate purchase transactions is provided. The system collects various types of information relating to real estate purchase transactions. The system then tracks various milestones under a real estate purchase contract and provides automated alerts to one or more users. The system further allows different users with varying functional roles to monitor their respective real estate purchase contracts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods to support import-export transactions. More particularly, it includes methods and systems for negotiating terms for settlement of an international shipment, for advising an agreed bank that the terms have been met and for remittance from a line of credit or similar credit facility or a demand deposit account.

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: A system and method for accelerating customer sales transactions in a retail store. A customer checkout accelerator provides a customer user interface to initiate a request for a preapproval amount for a sales transaction before reaching the point of sale terminal for completion of the purchase transaction. A card reader integrated into the customer checkout accelerator reads a customer payment card number when the payment card is swiped through the reader. A customer checkout accelerator server module resident on a store controller server determines a preapproval amount for the sales transaction and transmits the request to an external card services system for payment approval. The customer checkout accelerator also provides the ability to purchase additional promotional items in the checkout lane with this process integrated into the payment preapproval process.

Abstract: A self-service terminal includes a self-service application and a network search engine. The self-service application is configured to direct operation of the self-service terminal as it engages with a human user in conducting a self-service transaction between the human user and a business entity. The network search engine is configured (1) to execute a search of information stored across a network while the self-service terminal is engaged in the self-service transaction using search parameters taken from information that is specific to the user, and (2) to deliver one or more items taken from results of the network search for display to the user through the self-service terminal.

Abstract: A POS system and method having a POS terminal, at least one input device for providing input data such as product sale information to said POS terminal, a POS server to enable the POS terminal to complete a POS transaction based upon such product sale information, a display device and a printing device further including an input/output control apparatus 12 and at least one function adding server 50 to enable the POS system to perform at least one new functional application without requiring any change in the POS system terminal or server. At least one of connection ports 21b to 23b of an input/output control apparatus 12 is connected to at least one the connection ports 21a to 23a of an existing POS terminal 30 having at least a POS printer 34, a input device 32, or a display 33 connected thereto. The input devices 32 to 34 conventionally connected to the ports 21a to 23a of the POS terminal 30 are connected to the corresponding ports of the I/O control apparatus 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like.

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: A printer 10 has a reception unit 28 for receiving print commands from a host 12, and has print heads 64, 66 capable of printing multiple colors. A data processing part 24 applies a specific colorization process according to a print command received by a reception unit 28 and generates color print data for printing multiple colors. The content of a colorization process is determined by colorization information stored in a colorization information storage unit 62. The colorization information is set by a data configuration unit 26 according to a color setup command from the host 12.

Abstract: A networked computer architecture (AgoraNet) facilitates and conducts secure electronic commerce based on national deployment independent of the Internet. A “publish and subscribe” model is used in which vendors may publish catalogs and information about product and service offerings to AgoraNet applications hosted at a national site. Subscribing organizations may browse and search vendor data using a Global Naming Service as well as search engines, agents, queries and a subscription service. Buyers and Sellers may communicate directly using an integrated messaging system. Buyers may obtain quotations from Sellers and calculate the Total Landed (delivered) cost of goods prior to purchase. Buyers may place Blanket and standard Purchase Orders and track order shipments to destination. Sellers receive payment electronically for goods and services.

Abstract: Feedback is provided to customers based on the use of transactional accounts. The feedback may be of various forms such as a coupon or lottery number resulting from use of a particular transactional account to make a purchase. Other forms of feedback include purchase related feedback such as current sale prices at a merchant based on use of a particular transactional account or items previously purchased from a merchant when using the particular transactional account. The feedback may be of other forms as well such as transactional account information such as the current interest rate applicable to the current purchase or the remaining balance after the purchase is complete.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which make use of outbound calling systems to automate notification campaigns. Automated campaigns using outbound calling systems can provide a number of significant advantages over the traditional notification campaign, potentially resulting in faster, more efficient, more accurate, and more cost-effective notification campaigns.

Abstract: A client PC is arranged to receive store information on stores that sell media to be purchased from a management server, the store information including data on stocks of the media, store name and address, a unit price of media, a transportation cost (shipping cost), and time required. Based on the received store information, an image of a store information list is created and displayed on a store retrieval screen arranged in a store information display area.

Abstract: A method, carrier server and system are provided for shipping a package wherein a shipper can arrange for shipment of a package, simply through an interactive contact with the carrier, without the need for the shipper to use official carrier documentation or forms. In particular a shipper may contact a carrier using any communication device, such as a cellular telephone, standard landline telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), personal computer (PC), laptop, or other wired, wireless or optically-based device, in order to communicate shipping information to the carrier and, in response, receive a unique easy identifier. Thereafter, the shipper need only associate the easy identifier with the package, for example by simply hand writing the identifier on the package, and either deposit the package at the closest drop off box or carrier facility, or leave the package to be picked up by a carrier vehicle that has been, or will shortly thereafter be, dispatched fort the purpose of picking up the package.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of facilitating compliance to one or more information sharing regulations. The present invention provides a computer system equipped with a processing unit capable of receiving input information and extracting one or more data sharing guidelines. The present invention utilizes the relationship between the parties and the data at issue to construct a data sharing arrangement. Each data sharing arrangement may be cross-referenced to one or more data sharing guidelines designed to assist the user to determine what privacy regulations apply and how to comply with same.

Abstract: A system and method for electronic purchase of prepaid telephone services is provided. An initiating terminal receives input of a customer's request to purchase a specified amount of prepaid telephone services and receives input of the customer's designation of a financial account from which to electronically debit the price of such purchase. A central terminal receives these inputs from the initiating terminal, obtains authorization for the request, and transmits data to the initiating terminal for the initiating terminal to, in turn, print on a receipt and provide to the customer. This receipt is then used instead of a telephone card to obtain telephone services up to the specified amount. Such receipt may also detail instructions and an authorization number, such as a personal identification number or PIN, to initiate the pre-paid telephone service.

Abstract: A multi-function transaction processing system including a transaction terminal having a data entry facility and a transaction processor, the transaction processor being communicatively associated with a control processor that defines user accounts and issues one or more authorization codes associated with the user account(s) in response to payment authorities provided at the transaction terminal utilizing a payment authority input of the data entry facility. Furthermore, a printer assembly is communicatively associated with the transaction terminal and generates a card assembly, the card assembly including a first portion containing the authorization code thereon, a second portion including additional promotional materials thereon, and an indicator structured to signify to the printer assembly the orientation of the card assembly relative thereto so as to prevent improper printing.

Abstract: An automated way for sales establishments to extend point of sale (POS) cash transactions to allow consumers to save change or transfer discretionary funds into saving or donating accounts managed by a central clearinghouse. The system includes a network composed of consumer/payors with identification cards, neutral merchants who enter data and funds into remote POS terminals, central clearinghouse that offers/process accounts, and service providers for participating consumer/account holders, i.e. nonprofit giving, travel, mutual funds, savings, etc. The network provides consumers with a seamless, convenient, and painless way to save/donate every time they spend at multiple POS counter locations.

Abstract: A transaction managing apparatus for a POS terminal has: a transaction defining unit for defining a plurality of kinds of unsettled transaction types by combining a plurality of predetermined categories; and a management control unit for designating one of the plurality of kinds of unsettled transaction types by the interactive operation with the operator and managing and controlling processes in a lump from the start of the transaction to the end. The transaction defining unit defines four kinds of unsettled transaction types by combining at least three items such as sales sum-up timing, presence or absence of necessity of prepayment, and delivering method of goods as categories.

Abstract: A system and method for electronic purchase of prepaid telephone services is provided. An initiating terminal receives input of a customer's request to purchase a specified amount of prepaid telephone services and receives input of the customer's designation of a financial account from which to electronically debit the price of such purchase. A central terminal receives these inputs from the initiating terminal, obtains authorization for the request, and transmits data to the initiating terminal for the initiating terminal to, in turn, print on a receipt and provide to the customer. This receipt is then used instead of a telephone card to obtain telephone services up to the specified amount. Such receipt may also detail instructions and an authorization number, such as a personal identification number or PIN, to initiate the pre-paid telephone service.

Abstract: A system and method for managing one or more applications deployed on a mobile electronic device, such as a cellular phone, are disclosed. The system and method enable the user of a mobile electronic device to select one of a plurality of applications deployed on the mobile electronic device for use in a transaction and to authenticate himself or herself prior to initiating the transaction. The transaction may occur via a wireless interface and/or a contact-based interface. In addition, the system and method allow the user to manage applications deployed on a mobile electronic device, including adding new applications, designating nicknames for the applications and setting security codes for each application.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image synthesizing device that is provided with a mode switching device for switching over between an overlay mode and an inlay mode. In the overlay mode, image data of a subject image is input into a memory in a size corresponding to a designated print size of a composite image, and at least an additional image is overlaid on a predetermined portion of the subject image. So the composite image having a simple structure will be produced promptly in the overlay mode without the need for complicated operations. In the inlay mode, a mount area is defined in the memory in correspondence with a designated print size of a composite image, and the subject image and at least an additional image are inlaid in those ranges which are defined in variable sizes at appropriate locations within the mount area.

Abstract: A data processing method for the capture of customers' wet signatures in retail store transactions, using a point of sale terminal interfaced with a printer and a 2D imager-based device used to capture signatures, the terminal and the 2D signature capture device communicating with a central computer. The data processing method employs a printed sales receipt with a barcode containing indicia that guide the 2D signature capture device to the area on the printed sales receipt containing the customer's wet signature.

Abstract: An automatic journalizing method and system enable even a novice in accounting to conduct automatic journalizing of transaction data by employing a reverse-journalizing technique. Further, the automatic journalizing method and system are capable of conducting exact journalizing by using preset binary transaction classification criteria. Further, by integrating multi-aspects of transaction classification including fundamental characteristics of transaction, original characteristics of journalizing and simplicity/complicacy characteristics of transaction, the automatic journalizing method and system allow even the novice to correctly perform automatic journalizing for both a simple and a complex transaction.

Abstract: A service station for the sale and dispensing of fuel into customers' vehicles and a method of optionally delivering a transaction accounting thereof to the customer, wherein the receipt station is located separately from the fuel dispensers. Costs to manufacture and maintain a plurality of fuel dispensers are reduced by migrating this function to a single station. Upon fueling, an indicia is associated with each transaction, and this indicia is input at the receipt station to retrieve the associated transaction data. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia is sensed automatically by the receipt station via a transponder mounted on the customer's vehicle or carried by the customer.

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: The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods by which information concerning the shelf-life limitations of a particular product item is made available to the purchaser electronically; that the electronically recorded shelf-life limitation information is provided to, or made accessible by, the purchaser; that the electronically recorded shelf-life limitation information is communicated to a computer equipped with a microprocessor, or to a computer system network, accessible by the purchaser, programmed to receive the shelf-life limitation data for each product for that purchaser; that the computer or purchaser-accessible computer system network, is further programmed to provide the purchaser with on-screen and/or printed reports of various formats that list the items purchased and the corresponding shelf-life limitation information; and that the computer or purchaser-accessible computer system network provides interactivity with the purchaser to allow the purchaser to identify further informat

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.