Abstract: Advertising information input control module of a POS system receives advertising information, and a billing amount calculating module calculates a billing amount based on advertising information received by input control module. A payment confirming module confirms payment of the billing amount calculated by the billing amount calculating module, and an advertising information storing control module stores the advertising information in a storing device. A check-out information input control module receives input of customer check-out information, and an advertising information retrieving module retrieves the advertising information stored in the storing device. A printing data generating module synthesizes or combines check-out information with the advertising information so as to generate printing data, which is output at a printing device, and printed as a receipt with an ad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for promoting taxpayer compliance. A computer-implemented data mining system mines taxpayer data to identify taxpayer profiles for taxpayer compliance issues. A computer-implemented decision management system assigns the identified taxpayer profiles into groups based on characteristics of the taxpayer profiles. A computer-implemented case management system implements different treatments to different groups, to improve taxpayer compliance.

Abstract: In a contents sale system, original contents data are encrypted into encryption-resultant contents data in response to original playback key data. The original playback key data are encrypted into first encryption-resultant playback key data. The first encryption-resultant playback key data are encrypted into second encryption-resultant playback key data in response to an ID of a sale destination terminal apparatus. The encryption-resultant contents data and the second encryption-resultant playback key data are transmitted to the sale destination terminal apparatus. The sale destination terminal apparatus is enabled to decrypt the second encryption-resultant playback key data into the first encryption-resultant playback key data in response to the ID of the sale destination terminal apparatus. The sale destination terminal apparatus is enabled to decrypt the first encryption-resultant playback key data into the original playback key data.

Abstract: A computerized method of automatically generating payment for electronic billing data including automatically obtaining billing data in an electronic format from a billing party for a billable party, and automatically comparing the billing data with rule data defined by the billable party. The method includes automatically authorizing generation of payment data for the billing party if the billing data satisfies the comparison with the rule data.

Abstract: An image printing apparatus comprises a digital medium reading device reading digital image data recorded on a digital medium, an image printer printing an image represented by the digital image data read by the digital medium reading device, and a charging information printer printing charging information necessary for print service charge, said charging information relating to image print processing executed in the image printer. The charging information printer issues an slip carrying thereon the charging information. The customer is correctly charged for the service performed by the image printing apparatus on the basis of the charging information appearing on the slip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a print-to-mail system and method. In one arrangement, the system and method pertain to obtaining data to be printed, facilitating arrangement of the data in a print-to-mail format, and printing documents in a print-to-mail format using the arrangement. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a print-to-mail device. In one arrangement, the print-to-mail device comprises hard copy generation hardware, a processing device, and memory including an embedded network server, the server hosting a print-to-mail service with which the arrangement of data to be printed can be selected by a user.

Abstract: A flexible electronic asset management system using Ethernet connectivity for electronic devices is presented. The invention enables multiple electronic devices to be controlled, monitored, and accessed from any browser connected to a computer network. A flattened stack approach is used to process network packet data. The flattened stack approach treats the network packet as a single string of data and uses the first few bytes of information to decide whether to drop or process the incoming data thus providing for faster network traffic processing. Since the lowest layer of the OSI stack has knowledge of what applications are active in the upper layers, the flattened stack allows the packet to be discarded at the earliest possible point so no processing power is wasted. The flattened stack also organizes its check/processing based on the raw data stream thus minimizing buffer requirements and providing for easier implementation into hardware.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) with customizable transaction receipts is provided. The automated banking machine may include a computer (30), at least one printer device (24, 44, 46), at least one input device (14, 16, 32) and at least one transaction function device (20, 22, 26, 36). The machine may be in communication with a further computer (37) which includes a data store (38) with document templates (42) stored therein. Each of the document templates may be associated with template attributes (48). A document template from the data store may be selected responsive to at least one characteristic of: a printer device of the machine, a consumer using the machine, and/or a transaction function being performed at the machine. The machine may generate and print one or more documents using one or more printer devices of the machine responsive to the document template and the transaction function.

Abstract: An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information.

Abstract: A system and method for processing product marketing rebate claims submitted by a consumer in satisfaction of a rebate offer, the consumer having purchased designated products in a qualified transaction recorded by a point-of-sale data processing and storage system that issues a receipt containing a corresponding transaction serial number. The method comprises providing a designated site of a computer information network and accessible by the consumer, and receiving a rebate claim on the designated site. The rebate claim comprises (i) the transaction serial number corresponding to the qualified transaction, and (ii) identifying information corresponding to the consumer. The transaction serial number and the identifying information is stored as a stored data record.

Abstract: A method for processing information through a clearinghouse wherein a rewards provider (2402) assembles the reward program information and forwards it to a store chain central office (2404) for implementation. The store chain central office (2404) then transmits information to one or more of its stores (2406). The store (2406) provides a reward to a customer (2408) based upon the purchase of discount triggering items. Upon meeting the requirements for redeeming a reward, the customer (2408) redeems the reward at a gas station (2410) for gasoline. Redemption information received by the central office (2404) in the form of electronic files and redemption slips is then sent to a clearinghouse (2412) for processing. The clearinghouse (2412), receiving the information on a daily basis as bundled sums, processes the redemption information by invoicing respective manufacturers (2416) for products sold, and making payment to the stores (2406) for the costs of the discount triggering items which were sold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transaction processing apparatus, and this transaction processing apparatus is made up of a processing section for processing data on a transaction, a printing section for performing printing on a journal form while rolling the journal form, a transaction information printing control section for controlling the printing section so that information on the transaction is printed on the journal form, a detecting section for detecting a timing for taking out the rolled journal form, and an identification information printing control section for controlling the printing section so that identification information is printed in an area appearing at the outermost circumferential portion of the rolled journal form when the rolled journal form is taken out. In this transaction processing apparatus, by specifically designing an identification information printing portion of the rolled journal form, it is possible to easily and certainly identify a desired rolled journal form.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a receipt for a transaction involving electronic payment includes accessing electronic point of sale transaction data, generating a receipt in text format from the transaction data, storing the generated receipt in an indexed database, and making the receipt accessible via one or more electronic communications networks. In an exemplary embodiment, the receipt can be accessed subsequent to the transaction at any time via an ATM, or other electronic banking network or via the Internet from a bank web portal, and viewed, emailed, stored and/or printed out as may be desired. In an exemplary embodiment, the receipt comprises an ASCII text file that can be transmission quickly even at low data transfer rates and has a low storage cost.

Abstract: A method of interaction between a customer and a point-of-sale system for a retail store. The method includes receiving customer transaction data from a select plurality of customers while interacting with a point-of-sale system. The data is stored and analyzed to formulate business strategies for the development and retention of the customers. Feedback is provided to the customers based on the formulated business strategies through a plurality of multi-media functions associated with the point of sale system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reducing the number of “pages”, e.g. HTML, JavaScript/ECMA Script, or XML documents or the like, in forms-based transaction applications. One disclosed method involves using dynamic contents documents such as JavaServer pages that include a list of required fields for completion of a transaction. When the transaction initiates the dynamic contents document interacts with a server process to determine if sufficient values for the required form fields are already available, for instance, from a user profile or previous transaction. If so, these values can be used. If, for one or more pages, a form field value is not available, these and only these pages are provided to the user; the others are suppressed. In another aspect, rather than having an ordered set of predetermined pages some of which can be suppressed, just in time pagination is obtained by determining which fields lack sufficient field values, a priori.

Abstract: A data processing system, method, and program including an automated software test environment are disclosed for generating a job to be executed within the automated software test environment to test a software application. A work flow manager is established for automatically managing the automated software test environment. The automated software test environment includes multiple computer systems coupled to a server computer system utilizing a network. The work flow manager is executed utilizing the server computer system. Execution of the automated test environment is controlled utilizing the work flow manager in response to a receipt of external events generated by the plurality of computer systems. A job description is created including an identification of one of the external events. A job described by the job description is executed utilizing the work flow manger in response to a receipt of the external event.

Abstract: Weight data of articles for sale is stored and a total weight is calculated every order. Measured weight of the prepared articles in a package is compared with the calculated total weight. If the measured weight substantially disagrees with the calculated total weight, error information is provided to the operator to correctly package the articles. Comparison may be effected every order number. An addition flag may be further stored with weight data every article to indicate that the article is a target of weight measuring. A non-addition key indicating that the corresponding article is not packaged may be further provided. When the non-addition key is depressed, the weight of the corresponding article is not included in the total weight. The total weight may be printed on the receipt, so that the operator can compare the printed total weight with the measured weight. The total weight may be printed with bar codes. A balance has a bar code reader for comparison.

Abstract: An electronic registration system which facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information.

Abstract: A request for a commodity that each office in an organization needs is sent from a terminal in the office to a general affairs service center in the organization. The request is then sent to a VAN center where it is entered into databases and appears in a home page of a WWW server. In the case of a request to order a commodity, a decision is made as to whether or not an estimate has been made for the commodity. If it has not been made, the order request is sent to the WWW server after a reply to the estimate request has been received from the vendor. The vendor acquires the request information that appears in a home page of the WWW server connected with a network and then makes an estimate for the commodity and delivers it.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for handling a merchandise return request from a customer of a merchant. The method includes receiving customer identification data, the customer identification data being capable of uniquely identifying the customer among customers of the merchant. The method further includes receiving a return transaction definition, the return transaction definition includes at least one of a problem type parameter and a return transaction type parameter. The method additionally includes automatically ascertaining, from a database of items previously ordered, a set of return-eligible items. Each return-eligible item in the set of return-eligible items represents an item of merchandise previously ordered by the customer that conforms to the return transaction definition and predefined return-related business rules of the merchant.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for coding data includes a coder for generating third data by coding first data and second data. A decoding-information generator generates decoding information, the third data being decoded into the first data and the second data based on the decoding information. An embedding coder embeds the decoding information generated by the decoding-information generator into the third data, thereby generating embedded data.

Abstract: A plurality of user interface devices 12, a plurality of product delivery stations 14, a plurality of delivery station display devices 16, a plurality of delivery attendant output devices 20, and a main computer 22 in communication with the user interface devices 12, the delivery station display devices 16, and the delivery attendant output devices 20. The user interface devices 12 receive the orders and payments from customers directly without needing an order-taking attendant, and the computer 22 sends the orders and associated identifiers to one of the delivery station display devices 16 and one of the delivery attendant output devices 20. The customers then match the identifier with the corresponding identifier displayed on the delivery station display devices 16 to determine at which of the delivery stations 14 to pick up their ordered products.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system for receiving and processing CPOs for packages of component goods or services. The package CPO management system preferably deconstructs an overall package CPO into component CPOs which are individually offered to sellers. If each component CPO of a given package CPO is accepted, the package CPO management system binds the buyer, on behalf of each of the accepting sellers, to purchase the entire package. An offer price for each component CPO is preferably calculated by initially determining the total market price of the package based on the market price of each individual component good or service within the package. The package CPO management system then calculates an offer price for each component CPO based on the total price offered by the buyer for the entire package (as adjusted by a reserved margin, if appropriate) multiplied by the ratio of the market price of the respective component CPO to the total market price of the package.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus provides a consumer means to access a digital receipt generated as a result of a purchase transaction and stored in a storage device. Additionally, the consumer is provided the means to access various applications, features, and/or functions related to the stored digital receipt. An address of the stored digital receipt is provided to the consumer in machine-readable form, preferably on a paper receipt for the purchase transaction that corresponds to the digital receipt for the particular purchase transaction. The address in machine-readable form allows the consumer to access the stored digital receipt by a machine operable to read the machine-readable form and connectable to the storage device. The address also allows the consumer to access applications, programs, features, and/or functions related to the stored digital receipt.

Abstract: Machine readable documents connect businesses with customers, suppliers and trading partners. The self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of these electronics business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partiers the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report. Also, composition of the input and output documents, coupled with interpretation information in a common business library, programs the transaction in a way which closely parallels the way in which paper based businesses operate.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: Memorialization of commercial transactions via an electronic receipt including establishing a connection between a mobile device and an electronic receipt terminal, and transmitting an electronic receipt of a commercial transaction from the electronic receipt terminal to the mobile device.

Abstract: A product locator system to permit a user of a first computer to received data stored in a second computer. The data stored in the second computer relates to the location of products and in addition may provide information such as pricing, coupons, special offers and other information the consumer utilizing the first computer. The data transmitted from second computer to first computer is obtainable by the consumer for use in locating various products and product pricing.

Abstract: An automated product pricing system including a physical store system, a virtual store system, and a control system. The physical and virtual store systems are capable of transmitting sales data indicative of the number of sales of identified respective products. The control system is adapted to receive the sales data from the physical store system and the virtual store system. In response thereto, the control system generates price change data including a changed price of an identified product based on the sales data received from at least one of the physical and virtual store systems. The price change data is then transmitted by the control system to at least one of the physical and virtual store systems to thereby change the price of the identified product.

Abstract: A distributed device management system. The system includes a set of distributed devices, such as point-of-sale devices. The devices are managed by a remote host.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods and apparatus for the generation, transmission, storage and manipulation of electronic receipts which communicate itemized purchase transaction information. Preferred embodiments comprise wireless vendor devices and wireless purchaser devices which transmit electronic receipts at a point-of-sale for documentation of a purchase transaction. Further processing of the electronic receipt information may be performed with a purchaser device or with a secondary computing device after subsequent receipt transmission to that secondary device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacture for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturing provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns.

Abstract: A system and method for distribution of electronic content over a network infrastructure and compensation of vendors of such data using prepaid media that includes a client device for operation by a user desiring to receive the electronic content and server that contains the electronic content and offering the electronic content for downloading to the client device via the network infrastructure. The client device communicates a unique identifier associated with a particular piece of media to which the electronic content is to be stored to the server. The server contacts a media tracking sever to determine if the media is valid and a remaining balance of the prepaid media. The cost of the electronic content to be downloaded is deducted from the remaining balance and credited to the vendor's account.

Abstract: It is enabled to easily consign forwarding of printed matters without requiring the addition of any special function other than an electronic mail environment. The consignor transmits a request for forwarding a printed matter as an electronic mail to a destination stated in a manner in which the domicile address and name of the destination and a forwarding consignee electronic mail server are combined in accordance with a certain rule. This enables the forwarding consignee electronic mail server to identify, in accordance with the rule, the domicile address from the destination statement of the electronic mail, take out the text of the electronic mail, print out the domicile address and name of the destination and the text into a printed matter, and forward it to its identified destination.

Abstract: A preferred printing system includes a printer configured to communicatively couple with a workstation, which incorporates a first code entry device for receiving first coding information from a user. The printer incorporates a second code entry device that is configured to receive second coding information from the user. Additionally, the printer is configured to print data in response to correlating the first coding information received at the first code entry device with the second coding information received at the second code entry device. Devices, methods and computer readable media also are provided.

Abstract: An improved credit card billing method and system is disclosed which permits multiple items purchased as part of a single transaction or order to be separately billed on a credit card in accordance with a payment schedule designed to minimize inquiries regarding the overall order by the customer. The billing system permits the billing descriptor appearing on the credit card billing statement to have sufficient detail to minimize subsequent customer inquiries. The billing descriptor preferably includes a different customer service number for each individual item. Goods or services are purchased from a merchant in a conventional manner. The customer provides the merchant with a list of the multiple items included in the order, as well as credit card information. The merchant will preferably establish a staggered schedule for billing each individual item in the order and submit the charge requests to the credit card issuer in accordance with the established billing schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for managing garment alterations. The system includes a workroom processor having a display and operating a garment alteration application system. Alterations tickets are created using a garment alterations ticket terminal, or display interfaces on the workroom processor that prompt the user for garment alteration data. The alteration data is stored in an alteration ticket data structure that relates to the workflow of a typical workroom. Alterations tickets are presented in the ticket list from which the alteration ticket status updated according to work performed. The reports module generates corporate and workroom management reports based on data stored in relation to the alterations.

Abstract: In order to improve the total print operation speed of a print system for printing data supplied from a host computer via a communications unit, with a printer, a rasterization level is determined in accordance with a data transmission capacity of the communications unit, print data is generated at the determined rasterization level, and the generated data is transmitted to the printer.

Abstract: A point of sale device having a verifiable electronic journal system which maintains an electronic journal file in lieu of using a journal print station. Transaction information is first stored in a non-volatile random access memory. A data signature is determined based on the contents of the random access memory for a journal. Both the transaction information and the data signature are transferred to the separate journal memory. The journal memory may, for example, reside on the point of sale terminal and tampering with the journal transaction information may be detected by reference to the data signature which is also transferred and maintained in the electronic journal file. Preferably, the data signature is encrypted such as by a shared key encryption scheme and the associated public key is also transferred and stored in the electronic journal file from the device, such as a fiscal base, which is tracking the transaction information as it is created.

Abstract: A method of motivating players to return to a casino includes receiving a request to convert a predetermined value of casino currency to cash. Upon the receipt of the request, a premium value is calculated based at least in part on the predetermined value. Subsequently, the customer is provided an instrument having a total value equal to the predetermined value plus the premium value when the instrument is used at the casino. The instrument may comprise a check having a negotiable value equal to the predetermined value, and a second pay-line defining the total value with the premium to be provided if the check is cashed at the issuing casino.

Abstract: An improved system for consumer payors to save and donate whenever they use cash at a point of sale terminal, write a check, use an ATM machine, or use a credit or debit card. The POS system is a network composed of subscriber/payors, neutral merchant/collectors, a central clearinghouse, and provider accounts. The Rounder system is a network composed of subscriber/payors, payees, account managers, and provider services. The systems together provide subscriber/payors with a seamless way to save/donate every time they spend.

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 method of completing a purchase utilizing a first network and a second network, the method being applicable for example to a case in which the second network (which may be the public telephone system) is considered by knowledgeable people to be more secure than the first network (which may be the Internet).

Abstract: Each item is assigned by a combination of a main code and a sub code. During a registration of ordered items, each ordered item is displayed according to a first classification based on the main code and the sub code. The display screen is changed in response to a depression of a subtotal key or a total key. After the subtotal key or the total key is depressed, the ordered item is displayed according to a second classification based on the main code only.

Abstract: An automated product pricing system including a physical store system, a virtual store system, and a control system. The physical and virtual store systems are capable of transmitting sales data indicative of the number of sales of identified respective products. The control system is adapted to receive the sales data from the physical store system and the virtual store system. In response thereto, the control system generates price change data including a changed price of an identified product based on the sales data received from at least one of the physical and virtual store systems. The price change data is then transmitted by the control system to at least one of the physical and virtual store systems to thereby change the price of the identified product.

Abstract: A cash management system that tracks bills received at at least one business establishment by cashier, by amount and by time while securing those bills immediately within a drop safe upon receipt from the customer in preparation for pickup by a courier service.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure of storing data inputted to a computer, wherein the inputted data are recorded on a memory unit in input time order such that the data is in between a pair of predetermined delimit symbols. This provides a novel data storage structure that can store all data occurred by the POS terminal.

Abstract: A register terminal is connected through a communications link to a kitchen video controller. The register terminal receives setting data for display control functions, and picture formats for the kitchen video controller display. The register terminal provides setting destination information related to the product item selected by a purchaser, and sets a display number on the kitchen video controller in response to the destination information. A customer's order is searched at the register terminal, for product items related to the destination information. Display data is forwarded to the kitchen video controller which displays the information to personnel servicing the order, following which the customer's orders can be erased. In one particular display mode, the controller can display the average sales numbers for specified product items, and for a given time range which includes a present time as well as immediately preceding and immediately time ranges for the day.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation in a retail setting for selling fuel and other products ordered by a customer interacting with an operator. A video control system interfaces an external audio/video signal source with an audio/video signal source from an other product ordering apparatus operator. The external audio/video source transmits advertising and promotional materials to a video display located on a card reader equipped fuel dispenser. Additionally, customers can signal and communicate through audio/video signals with the operator to order other merchandise. Total transaction costs for fuel and non-fuel products is provided and paid for at the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A method of motivating players to return to a casino includes receiving a request to convert a predetermined value of casino currency to cash. Upon the receipt of the request, a premium value is calculated based at least in part on the predetermined value. Subsequently, the customer is provided an instrument having a total value equal to the predetermined value plus the premium value when the instrument is used at the casino. The instrument may comprise a check having a negotiable value equal to the predetermined value, and a second pay-line defining the total value with the premium to be provided if the check is cashed at the issuing casino.