Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using beacon signals are described. One or more sectorized base stations are used in some embodiments to transmit beacon signals into zones, e.g., each zone being at least partially covered by one or more beacon signals. Use of sectorized base stations allows a single base station, e.g., a Bluetooth or other base station capable of transmitting beacon signals, to cover a number of different zones avoiding the need for multiple different beacon transmitters at different locations to establish different beacon coverage areas. Sectorization of a Bluetooth base station and the ability to remotely or locally configure the base station allows for great flexibility to use beacon signals in stores or other locations without the need for numerous individual battery powered beacon transmitters at floor or display level.

Abstract: Various examples are described for improving accessibility in a user interface. A is generated to manipulate a floorplan. A list user interface element can be included that allows a user to assign unassigned locations in a floorplan without having to drag and drop within the user interface.

Abstract: A method for identifying products removed from bulk packaging includes receiving one or more images acquired by a camera arranged to capture interactions between a shopper and one or more bulk packages each configured to contain a plurality of products, analyzing the one or more images to identify the shopper and a particular bulk package among the one or more bulk packages with which the identified shopper interacted, receiving an output from at least one sensor configured to monitor changes associated with the particular bulk package, analyzing the output to determine a quantity of products removed from the particular bulk package by the identified shopper, and updating a virtual shopping cart associated with the identified shopper to include the determined quantity of products and an indication of a product type associated with the particular bulk package.

Abstract: A voice information processing method and an electronic device are provided. The voice information processing method may include: a first device (1100) obtains first voice information, and when the first voice information includes a wakeup keyword, the first device (1100) sends a voice assistant wakeup instruction to a second device (1200), such that the second device (1200) launches a voice assistant; then the first device (1100) obtains second voice information and sends the second voice information to the second device (1200), the second device (1200) determines a voice triggered event corresponding to the second voice information by using the voice assistant, and feeds target information associated with performance of the voice triggered event back to the first device (1100), such that the first device (1100) performs the voice triggered event based on the target information. The method can reduce the computing burden of the first device (1100).

Abstract: An electronic shelf label (ESL) system is discussed. An ESL affixed to a shelf facing assists stock associates in managing products on the shelf. More particularly, the ESL may receive and display step-by-step instructions and/or graphical depictions on a display screen of the ESL that are received from a computing device-executed optimization module. The instructions may be generated to minimize the number of required actions by the stock associate and guide the associate in arranging products on the shelf. The displayed instructions may be determined based on a planogram. The planogram may be generated from a range of criteria including historical profit and loss data, inventory data, supply and demand data and/or labor cost data.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for automatically modifying a financial product associated with a user, where the modified financial product is associated with an updated benefit at a partner system. One example method comprises receiving an indication of acceptance associated with a particular partner-related product for replacing a current product associated with a first customer. At least one term or condition associated with the particular partner-related product different than terms or conditions associated with the at least one current product are identified, including a change to at least one benefit associated with the partner system. The terms associated with the current product are modified without changing the unique identifier, and an indication of the at least one updated benefit associated with the partner system is transmitted to the partner system for immediate usage by the first customer.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for controlling a detail level of shopping data provided to frictionless shoppers. In one implementation, a method may comprise: receiving image data captured using one or more image sensors in a retail store; analyzing the image data to detect a shopper in the retail store; determining a likelihood that the shopper will be involved in shoplifting; controlling a detail level associated with frictionless shopping data provided to the shopper based on the determined likelihood that the shopper will be involved in shoplifting.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying and communicating with a user through the user's mobile device. One example method includes receiving, from the mobile device, a user identifier associated with the user and an entity identifier associated with an entity location, the entity identifier being obtained by the mobile device from a wireless transmitter located adjacent to an entrance of the entity location; retrieving user profile data associated with the user identifier from a user database, the user profile data including a user qualifier; providing the user profile data to a display device at the entity location, the display device configured to display the user profile data, including the user qualifier; and sending at least one notification to the mobile device for display thereon, the at least one notification comprising at least one of information related to the entity location and a portion of the user profile data.

Abstract: A computing system comprises, in one example, a display system, a user profile update system configured to update a user profile for a given user, a data extraction system configured to analyze a data source and to extract, from the data source, at least one work attribute associated with the given user, and a surfacing system. The surfacing system comprises a suggestion generator component configured to generate a user profile suggestion based on the at least one work attribute, and a display system controller configured to control the display system to generate a user interface display, with user input mechanisms, that displays the user profile suggestion and to detect a user interaction with the user input mechanisms. The user profile update system updates the user profile based on the detected user interaction.

Abstract: Various examples are described for improving accessibility in a user interface. A is generated to manipulate a floorplan. A list user interface element can be included that allows a user to assign unassigned locations in a floorplan without having to drag and drop within the user interface.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include sorting items to a truck-level, inducting items for a first truck into a first portion of a mobile robot field, accumulating the items in the first portion of the mobile robot field until all the items for a first cart of the first truck are in the first portion, moving, by one or more mobile robots, all of the items for the first cart in a sequence that corresponds to a store aisle layout, loading the first cart in the sequence, and moving the loaded first cart into the first truck, which can be accomplished in a particular sequence with other carts for the first truck.

Abstract: A system is provided for file capture and in-line error correction. The system comprises: a controller configured to capture and process a file during a file capture sequence comprising one or more capture events, the controller being configured to: capture a file using a file capture device associated with a user device, wherein capturing the file comprises receiving a file image and a user input data field associated with the file; identify, using an in-line file analysis module, an error with a capture event during the file capture sequence, wherein the error is a discrepancy identified between the user input data field and an image-derived data field; correct the error in the file before the file capture sequence is completed and the file is exported; and export the file, wherein the file capture sequence is completed.

Abstract: A graphical user interface, referred to herein as a virtual whiteboard, that provides both: (1) an automatically prioritized display of information related to a particular patient that is tailored to the current user of the system, and (2) a “scratch pad” area in which multiple users of the system may input free-form text and other data for sharing with other users of the system. When each user of the system accesses the virtual whiteboard, the system: (1) automatically prioritizes the patient information based on characteristics of the user and displays the automatically prioritized patient information to that user, and (2) displays the contents of the scratch pad to the user. As a result, the whiteboard displays both information that is tailored to the current user and information that is common to all users (i.e., not tailored to any particular user).

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.

Abstract: A method for processing data to generate a graphical user interface may include receiving a set of referral requirements for a first department of a facility, wherein the set of referral requirements indicates data requested by the department for making a referral to the first department. The method may also include creating a plurality of data entry fields associated with the set of referral requirements into an electronic form, receiving a referral request directed to the first department, and providing the electronic form. The method may further include processing received data input to the plurality of data entry fields, automatically filling data fields of a referral notification form using the received input, generating a graphical user interface for notification of a referral to the first department, and providing the graphical user interface to the first department.

Abstract: A virtual smart card service corresponds to an execution of a smart card application. A key is stored at a server side. Application metadata is used to emulate a smart card application logic. The method comprises: processing, by a client, the smart card application logic; running the smart card application while retrieving smart card data from the smart card application logic; identifying key operation within the smart card application; generating a key operation request by using the identified key operation and data relating to the client; sending to the server the key operation request; processing, by the server, the key operation request by using the key and client data; getting a key operation result from the identified key operation on the client data; and sending to the client the key operation result.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for graphical user interfaces that enable users to graphically design nodes and interconnections of pipelines for preprocessing data later ingested into an indexing system. The preprocessing can include receiving messages published to a first publish-subscribe messaging system, the messages containing raw machine data generated by one or more components in an information technology environment, performing one or more processing operations on at least some of the messages to generate preprocessed messages, republishing the preprocessed messages to a second publish-subscribe messaging system, and providing to the indexing system, a subset of the messages from the second publish-subscribe messaging system. Nodes in the pipeline can specify the preprocessing operations, and interconnections in the pipeline can represent data flow through the nodes of the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for determining whether shoppers are eligible for frictionless checkout is disclosed. The system has a processor that obtains image data captured using image sensors positioned in a retail store. The processor analyzes the image data to identify at least one shopper at one or more locations of the retail store. The processor detects, based on the analysis of the image data, at least one product interaction event associated with an action of the at least one shopper at the one or more locations of the retail store. Further, based on the detected at least one product interaction event, the processor determines whether the at least one shopper is eligible for frictionless checkout. In response to a determination that the at least one shopper is ineligible for frictionless checkout, the processor causes delivery of an indicator that the at least one shopper is ineligible for frictionless checkout.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for tracking frictionless shopping eligibility relative to individual shopping receptacles.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing control unit is provided that includes at least one electronic circuitry processor configured to function as a web server, at least one generic purpose input/output block for connecting to a fluid dispensing system device being a fluid valve, a meter, a pump or a tank for controlling or metering the dispensed fluid or for controlling the fluid pump or tank. The fluid dispensing control unit further includes at least one web input/output block that is provided for connecting the web server to a web enabling a remote control of the fluid dispensing control unit and the connected fluid dispensing system device via the web. The at least one generic purpose input/output block and the one web input/output block are connected with the at least one electronic circuitry processor.

Abstract: System and method to provide contextual services, the method including: capturing a characteristic of a first person inside or within a predetermined distance of a monitored space; accessing a database of identifying characteristics of potential visitors to the monitored space; identifying the first person by use of the database, to produce an identified visitor; and providing to a second person an information related to the identified visitor. The system may include: a database of identifying characteristics of potential visitors to a monitored space; a surveillance device configured to capture a characteristic of a first person inside or within a predetermined distance of the monitored space; a processor configured to identify the first person by use of the database, to produce an identified visitor; and a communication interface configured to provide to a second person an information related to the identified visitor.

Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of automatically sorting and sequencing items can be implemented to streamline and expedite order fulfillment and store replenishment processes in a cost-effective manner. Some embodiments described herein include sorting items to a truck-level, inducting items for a first truck into a first portion of a mobile robot field, accumulating the items in the first portion of the mobile robot field until all the items for a first cart of the first truck are in the first portion, moving, by one or more mobile robots, all of the items for the first cart in a sequence that corresponds to a store aisle layout, loading the first cart in the sequence, and moving the loaded first cart into the first truck, which can be accomplished in a particular sequence with other carts for the first truck.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method and apparatus for placing a request for an Internet chat session between a visitor and a chat persona. A client device displays to the visitor (i) a plurality of chat personas, and (ii) a plurality of chat actions determined by a visitor-identifier associated with the visitor. In response to visitor selections, a chat system server selects (i) at least one chat persona and (ii) at least one chat action. The client device sends to the chat system server (i) a chat request to begin a chat session, and (ii) the visitor-identifier. The chat system server receives the chat request and the visitor identifier. The chat system server retrieves from memory additional information corresponding to the received visitor-identifier. The chat system server generates a personalized chat session between the identified visitor on the client device and the selected persona on the chat system server, using the retrieved additional information.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and methods for analysis of financial data and customization of financial products. Time-dependent data is obtained for a relatively large set of users, and from the data are determined a relatively small set of trajectories that model user behaviour. New users are characterized according to the trajectories and financial products are automatically personalised to suit the new user.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for increasing comment visibility are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a comment request for a comment to be included in a comments field of a content page, determining that the comment will be hidden from users when online content is presented to the users based on a number of other comments presented in the comments field exceeding a threshold number, and modifying a position of the comment in relation to positions of the other comments presented in the comments field to increase visibility of the comment to the users, including modifying the position of the comment from a first position that is hidden from the users to a second position that is visible to the users.

Abstract: Realtime communications between communicants in a virtual area are administered. Assemblies of copresent communicants in the virtual area are detected. For each of respective ones of the detected assemblies, a respective meeting object linked to information relating to communicant interactions in the assembly is generated. Respective meeting summary data is determined based on the information linked to selected ones of the meeting objects. The determined meeting summary data is transmitted to a network node for display. A visualization of summaries of respective assemblies of copresent communicants in the virtual area is presented on a display.

Abstract: A service request system comprises: a call bell device transmitting service request information in response to a customer's input; a first gateway device receiving the service request information through a local area communication; a service server connected to the first gateway device over an Internet and, in an online status, receiving the service request information from the first gateway device through the Internet; a staff terminal connected to the service server over the Internet and receiving the service request information from the service server through the Internet; a local server connected to the first gateway device and the staff terminal over the local area communication, monitoring availability of the Internet and, in an offline state, receiving the service request information of the call bell device from the first gateway device and transmitting the service request information of the call bell device to the staff terminal through the local area communication.

Abstract: A method of managing a cardless payment transaction between a customer and a merchant includes receiving, from a device of a customer, an indication of consent to join the customer to a cardless payment transaction, where the cardless payment transaction is between one or more other customers and the merchant; receiving from the customer device, location data indicating that the customer device is in proximity with the merchant; joining the customer with the cardless payment transaction between the one or more other customers and the merchant; receiving transaction data between the merchant and each customer; and submitting, for each customer associated with the cardless payment transaction, a transaction between the merchant and the customer to a financial service for authorization.

Abstract: A system and method for managing on-demand services includes integrating a consumer's personal resources with institutional service providers. The consumer's service request is fulfilled by streamlining the selection of resources and seamlessly extending the search to a larger system when the consumer's personal resources are exhausted. The system and method advantageously provides focused communications to selected contacts and automates the selection process.

Abstract: A method for reward-based surrogate shopping may include receiving remote orders from remote shoppers, each including order parameters defining items for purchase and a desired date or time of day of fulfillment of the remote order, receiving assignment requests from surrogate shoppers, each including request parameters identifying a brick-and-mortar store and a desired date or time of day for fulfilling by the surrogate shopper of one or more remote orders, comparing the received remote orders with the received assignment requests and pairing together ones in which at least one order parameter matches at least one request parameter, and for each matched pair, receiving a completion indicator identifying fulfillment by the surrogate shopper of the remote order paired therewith, and providing a reward to the surrogate shopper for completion of surrogate shopping at the identified store for the paired remote order.

Abstract: A computing system comprises, in one example, a display system, a user profile update system configured to update a user profile for a given user, a data extraction system configured to analyze a data source and to extract, from the data source, at least one work attribute associated with the given user, and a surfacing system. The surfacing system comprises a suggestion generator component configured to generate a user profile suggestion based on the at least one work attribute, and a display system controller configured to control the display system to generate a user interface display, with user input mechanisms, that displays the user profile suggestion and to detect a user interaction with the user input mechanisms. The user profile update system updates the user profile based on the detected user interaction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a computer-implemented method comprising storing data in an application using an application custom data type and application custom data structure. The data is stored in a database using the application custom data type and the application custom data structure. In one embodiment, a request is sent to access the data from the application to the database. The data is retrieved from the database in response to the request in the application custom data type and the application custom data structure. In one embodiment, the data is sent from the database to a shared memory in the application custom data type and the application custom data structure and the data is retrieved by the application from the shared memory in the application custom data type and the application custom data structure.

Abstract: A system and method for managing on-demand services includes integrating a consumer's personal resources with institutional service providers. The consumer's service request is fulfilled by streamlining the selection of resources and seamlessly extending the search to a larger system when the consumer's personal resources are exhausted. The system and method advantageously provides focused communications to selected contacts and automates the selection process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method performed by a network node of managing online charging, and a network node performing the method. In an aspect of the invention, a method performed by a network node of managing online charging of sponsored data connectivity is provided. The method comprises receiving (S101) a user request for service related to the sponsored data connectivity, estimating (S102) a number of users that are expected to use said service, and acquiring (S103), from an Online Charging System authorizing access to the sponsored data connectivity, authorisation for the estimated number of users that are expected to use said service.

Abstract: A method for processing data to generate a graphical user interface may include receiving a set of referral requirements for a first department of a facility, wherein the set of referral requirements indicates data requested by the department for making a referral to the first department. The method may also include creating a plurality of data entry fields associated with the set of referral requirements into an electronic form, receiving a referral request directed to the first department, and providing the electronic form. The method may further include processing received data input to the plurality of data entry fields, automatically filling data fields of a referral notification form using the received input, generating a graphical user interface for notification of a referral to the first department, and providing the graphical user interface to the first department.

Abstract: A mobile device including a biometric or passcode scanner, scanning a biometric or passcode of a user of the mobile device, a biometric or passcode validator, validating the biometric data or passcode, a connection controller logging in to a secure network, and an access requestor, submitting to a server computer via a connection over the secure network, an access request for secure data, access to which is controlled by the server, and prompting the user to enter a biometric or to enter a passcode, wherein the biometric or passcode scanner scans the biometric or passcode entered by the user, the biometric or passcode validator validates the scanned biometric or passcode, and contingent upon the validating being affirmative, the access requestor submits to the server over the secure network, a request that the server generate an authentication for the mobile device to access the secure data.

Abstract: Consolidated lists of items provided by or generated based on data provided by multiple provider systems can be presented, at a requestor system, in a series of pages. Navigation between pages in the series of pages can occur with a re-querying of the multiple provider systems in a manner that correctly populates the requested new page to reflect up to date information about the items that belong on that page.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method, including: detecting, using a processor, an electronic communication between a user device and an entity device; thereafter accessing, using a processor, a contextual information store including automatically selected text data derived from past communications associated with the entity device; and providing, using an output element of the device, contextual information obtained from the contextual information store during the electronic communication between the user device and the entity device. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product is disclosed for identifying the purpose and context of a line of people using mobile devices. A message is generated for transmitting to one or more mobile devices, and the message identifies a purpose of a line of people. The message is transmittable using a beacon at a starting point of the line. The message includes the purpose of the line to a first mobile device of a first person in the line. The message transmitted by the beacon is receivable by at least the first mobile device. In sequence, the message is transmitted, to each of a plurality of mobile devices belonging to people in the line, from the first mobile device to a next mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices, thereby relaying the message including the purpose of the line to multiple mobile devices, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques for collaborative shopping are presented. During a shopping transaction, a customer collaborates in real time with one or more additional participants. Real-time and dynamic feedback is provided to the customer from the participants throughout the shopping transaction. Furthermore, real-time and dynamic feedback is provided from the customer to the participants throughout the shopping transaction.

Abstract: A system is described that identifies, based on contextual information associated with a device that is located at a physical location associated with a merchant, a product that a user of the device is at the physical location to purchase. The system executes an autonomous search query for product information that is predicted to assist the user in completing a purchase of the product, from the merchant, at the physical location. The system sends the product information to the device, and for subsequent output. The system determines whether a degree of likelihood that the user will complete the purchase in response to receiving the product information satisfies a likelihood threshold, if not, the system executes a remote assistance module accessed by the device to provide a virtual environment in which a human provides additional information that the user needs to complete the purchase.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product is disclosed for identifying the purpose and context of a line of people using mobile devices. A message is generated for transmitting to one or more mobile devices, and the message identifies a purpose of a line of people. The message is transmittable using a beacon at a starting point of the line. The message includes the purpose of the line to a first mobile device of a first person in the line. The message transmitted by the beacon is receivable by at least the first mobile device. In sequence, the message is transmitted, to each of a plurality of mobile devices belonging to people in the line, from the first mobile device to a next mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices, thereby relaying the message including the purpose of the line to multiple mobile devices, respectively.

Abstract: A decision-making process is implemented by a decider processing unit. The decision-making process includes the propagation of a proposition in a distributed network of processing units, with each processing unit being provided with decision intelligence.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communications module that establishes a telephonic connection between a customer service representative of a merchant and a customer. An identification module receives an identifier. The identifier alerts a computer system of the merchant that the customer is associated with a billing profile stored on a computer system external to the computer system available to the merchant and the customer service representative. A billing profile access module receives information from the billing profile. The billing profile includes billing information of the customer. The billing profile is electronically accessed using the external computer system, via a network, to process a sales order between the customer and the merchant. A transaction module processes the sales order using the billing profile of the customer in response to a customer approval of the sales order. The transaction module shields the billing information of the billing profile from the customer service representative.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided real estate management. The systems and methods permit a real estate agent to provide personal service provider recommendations to their homeowners. The systems and methods also provide access to information relevant to the homeowners, which may include documents relating to the purchase and/or maintenance of the homeowners' homes.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods provide media content through an electronic commerce server. In one implementation, a method for providing electronic content is provided. The method includes receiving an order of a user. The order of the user may comprise a request of the user for a physical copy of media content. The commerce server may determine whether to provide to the user an electronic copy of the media content based at least on the order. Further, a request to access the electronic copy of the media content is received from the user. The method further grants the user access to the electronic copy of the media content based at least on the request to access the electronic copy of the media content.

Abstract: The present invention obviates the need for restaurants to install expensive physical hardware such as swings, slides, etc that consume valuable property real-estate, to provide playing entertainment to customers, by constructing a virtual playground out of objects typically found in restaurants such as salt and pepper shakers, napkin dispensers, spoons, forks, plates, glasses, menu cards, pizza-boxes, etc. The present invention virtualizes these real-world objects and uses the virtualized characters to populate a virtual playground that is overlaid on top of real-world objects. This virtual playground allows users to manipulate virtual characters facilitating gameplay and entertainment.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to determining and displaying item preferences associated with geographic areas. Each of a plurality of item selections is associated with a respective geographic location. Item selections associated with a geographic area are identified. A preference for an item from among a group of items is determined based on the identified ones of the item selections. The preference is sent to a client for rendering.

Abstract: A vehicular communication terminal is provided. A reception strength acquirer acquires a reception strength of a signal transmitted from a service provider terminal. When the vehicle communication terminal receives a signal corresponding to service initiation information from the service provider terminal, a transmission terminal determiner determines whether a transmission source of the signal is the service provider terminal that provides a service targeted for the vehicular communication terminal, based on at least either one of magnitude of the reception strength of the received signal acquired by the reception strength acquirer and a degree of reception strength change in signal received from the service provider terminal serving as a transmission source of the received signal.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for distributed discussion collaboration is provided. The computer-implemented method includes selecting a featured discussion item for each of one or more collaborators based on information associated with each respective collaborator. The method also includes providing selected featured discussion items for display to respective one or more collaborators. The method further includes receiving voting information for the featured discussion items displayed to the respective one or more collaborators. In another embodiment, a system for distributed discussion collaboration includes a selection module configured to select a featured discussion item for each of one or more collaborators based on information associated with each respective collaborator. The system also includes a view controller and a voting module.