Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080235102 | SMALL FOOTPRINT SELF CHECKOUT SYSTEM - Aspects of a self checkout system are described. The system includes a product imaging scanner. Also included is a bag rack with scales substantially adjacent the product imaging scanner for holding a bag to receive imaged products. A computer system is coupled to the product imaging scanner and the bag rack for processing data from the product imaging scanner and the bag rack to ensure complete and secure product purchasing. | 09-25-2008 |
20080243626 | POS FOCUSED MEDIA ENHANCED SHOPPING SYSTEMS - PRICING AND SHRINKAGE CONTROL - A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, a plurality of wheels, a read component for performing a proximity scan of the shopping cart, a locationing component for determining a location of the shopping cart within a store based on the scan, and a display component for displaying at least one advertisement for a product based on the location of the shopping cart within the store, wherein the locationing component is further operable to determine a location of the product within the store relative to the shopping cart based on the scan, and wherein the display component is further operable to display an indication of the location of the advertised product relative to the location of the shopping cart. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243627 | Presentation Instrument Display And Activation Systems And Methods - A method of validating and activating a purchase card includes providing a purchase card that is removably attached to a card carrier. The purchase card has an account identifier associated therewith and has a card indicium affixed thereto. The purchase card includes a machine-readable information encoding region into which the account identifier is encoded. The card carrier has a carrier indicium affixed thereto. The method includes populating a database with a stored card indicium that relates to the card indicium, a stored carrier indicium that relates to the carrier indicium, and a stored account identifier that relates to the account identifier, thereby uniquely coupling the account identifier to the card indicium. Activating the card by associating value to it includes comparing the information from the card indicium and the information from the carrier indicium with the stored card indicium and the stored carrier indicium | 10-02-2008 |
20080249883 | Self Checkout Kiosk and Retail Security System - A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID} tag. The kiosk includes a frame defining a portal through which the patron must exit from a vending area in which product is stored and available for purchase. A card reader, bill acceptor and a computer monitor adjacent the portal enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The frame carries RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without completion of a purchase transaction. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249884 | POS-centric digital imaging system - A POS-centric digital imaging system for installation at a retail point of sale (POS) station having a countertop surface. The POS-centric digital imaging system includes a system housing having at least one imaging window, and providing a cashier side and a customer side for the POS-centric digital imaging system. An omni-directional digital image capturing and processing subsystem is disposed in the system housing, for generating a 3D imaging volume adjacent the imaging window. A cashier/customer terminal is integrated within the system housing, for simultaneously supporting (i) cashier product scanning/imaging and checkout operations on said cashier side, and (ii) customer payment and other services on said customer side. | 10-09-2008 |
20080300993 | COMPUTERIZED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECIPE PRESENTATION - A method for interactive recipe presentation including initially receiving, at a server, an indication from a user of at least one first ingredient, querying the user, by the server, whether at least one additional ingredient is available, additionally receiving from the user in response to the querying, an indication of which, if any, of the at least one additional ingredient is available and providing to the user at least one recipe, which requires the at least one first ingredient and which requires any of the at least one additional ingredient which is available and which does not require other non-staple ingredients. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300994 | System and method for conveying information - A computer system is provided that may include a platform, a display device, and a processor in communication with the platform and the display device. The processor may be configured to receive a bill of materials listing elements, receive models of the elements, and receive information on the quality of the elements. The processor may also be configured to identify matches between the information and the elements by comparing the information to each of the elements. The processor may further be configured to generate visual indicators on the models based on the matches, and display the models and the visual indicators on the display device. | 12-04-2008 |
20090125406 | Method and Apparatus for Automated Shopper Checkout Using Radio Frequency Identification Technology - A method and apparatus involve: providing a plurality of products that are each associated with a respective radio frequency identification tag; using radio frequency identification technology to automatically identify specific products in a group of products collected by a shopper; and evaluating whether or not to obtain payment from the shopper based on the radio frequency identification of products in the group. Based on the result of the evaluation, either payment is obtained from the shopper on the basis of the radio frequency identification of products in the group, or else the products in the group are audited, and then payment is obtained on the basis of the products identified by the audit. | 05-14-2009 |
20090171801 | SELF- CHECKOUT TERMINAL - In the case of displaying a button in a predetermined scene during an item sales data process on a self-checkout terminal, an operation history stored in association with an input customer code is referred to. When it is determined that the number of times of touching a button to be displayed in the scene is equal to or larger than a predetermined number of times, display of the button is skipped, and the process is continued without stopping the item sales data process. | 07-02-2009 |
20090210310 | DATA CODE READER - In a data code reader, an image pickup section takes an image of at least a data code attached to a commodity, a decode section decodes the data code based on image data acquired by image pickup of the image pickup section, and a data code selection guide section gives a notice to urge selection of one data code from plural data codes when determining, based on the image data acquired by the image pickup of the image pickup section or a decode result of the decode section, that the plural data codes exist. | 08-20-2009 |
20090216652 | POINT-OF-SALE ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM - A point of sale system including a point of sale register and a processor operatively coupled to the point of sale register, wherein the processor is physically discreet from the point of sale register. The system further includes a scanner operatively coupled to the processor. The scanner is configured to scan and capture data such that the processor and the scanner provide additional functionality to the point of sale register. | 08-27-2009 |
20100005003 | Automated dry cleaning assembly system - An automated assembly conveyor method and apparatus for dry-cleaners, wherein the system is disposed to recognize, associate, and consolidate garments in customer transactions by reading garment identification tags located within each item. The system further includes an optional point-of-sale system and mark-in station to facilitate the intake of items from a customer to ensure each item is input into a database. | 01-07-2010 |
20100088189 | Processing A Sale Using A Redemption Code and Applications Thereof - Embodiments of the present invention process sales using a redemption code to enable customers to purchase a products. In a first embodiment, a method processes a sale. A plurality of redemption codes are issued. Each redemption code corresponds to a product identifier that identifies a product. A redemption code from the plurality of redemption codes is received from a customer sent via one or more networks. A product corresponding to the redemption code received from the customer is determined using a computer storage medium. Finally, the product is sent to the customer. | 04-08-2010 |
20100223147 | COMMODITY SETTLEMENT SYSTEM, METHOD THEREFOR AND MOBIL TERMINAL - A commodity settlement system processes settlement for a commodity carrying an RF tag, communicating with the RF tag for data associated with the commodity stored in an RF tag. The RF tag comprises a capacitor, a memory, and an antenna, the RF tag being capable of receiving a radiowave from an external device, charges the capacitor with a direct current converted by the rectifier circuit from a current induced in the antenna by receiving a radiowave from an external device, and stores temporary settlement information in the memory. The commodity settlement system includes a first RF tag reader/writer connected to an antenna disposed on a commodity shelf. The first RF tag reader/writer sets the temporary settlement information in the memory to an “unsettled” state through the antenna disposed on the commodity shelf at intervals of a predetermined time. | 09-02-2010 |
20100235250 | TRACKING ITEMS IN A DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL - A method of providing inventory control service to a point of sale, the method comprising: providing readers adapted to read a unique identifier (UID) of a purchased item and transmit the UID to a database together with a reader identification code (RIC) of a specific reader; implementing reading of UIDs by the readers as items are purchased; and allowing access to data transmitted from a designated set of readers to an authorized party. | 09-16-2010 |
20100241522 | CHECKOUT TERMINAL APPARATUS - A checkout terminal apparatus includes an apparatus body, an operation unit provided in the apparatus body and adapted for inputting transaction information of an article, and a cover member which is removably attached to the apparatus body according to need and covers at least the operation unit. | 09-23-2010 |
20100287058 | Service Plan Product and Associated System and Method - A service plan product providing a tangible representation of a service plan includes a support backer and a tag removably coupled with the backer. The tag includes service plan account identification means corresponding to a service plan account stored in a database and plan administrator contact indicia. The tag is configured to be removed from the backer and applied to a primary product for which the service plan is provided, and wherein only the service plan account identification means is required for the service plan administrator to access the database to identify details regarding the service plan account. Related systems and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages. | 11-11-2010 |
20100299217 | WARRANTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A warranty management system comprises a hardware device for inputting warranty information and a copy of a receipt. A network permits communication between the hardware device and a server. The server stores the warranty information and the copy of the receipt. The warranty management system also includes a means for verifying the authenticity of the warranty information and the related receipt. Some embodiments of the warranty management system may further include a means for comparing the failure rates of products and services. | 11-25-2010 |
20110010256 | COMMODITY SALES SYSTEM, HANDY TERMINAL, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE HANDY TERMINAL - According to one embodiment, a handy terminal includes an information detecting unit, a storing unit, and an output unit. The information detecting unit detects commodity information of a commodity purchased by a customer and benefit information indicating content of a benefit provided to the customer. The storing unit stores the commodity information and the benefit information detected by the information detecting unit. The output unit outputs the commodity information and the benefit information stored in the storing unit to a commodity sales data processing apparatus configured to subject the commodity indicated by the commodity information to sales processing. | 01-13-2011 |
20110022487 | Food Container Sale Method - A method for selling individual containers used for the storage of fresh foods comprising the steps of providing individual containers in store and adjacent a fresh food product to be purchased, and charging the shopper for the container on a per container basis separately from the food purchased. The bags or containers used in the method of the invention will include at least one feature or characteristic that adds value for the consumer over and above the bags currently provided for free by grocery stores in the produce section. | 01-27-2011 |
20110029397 | RF-ID PRODUCT TRACKING SYSTEM WITH PRIVACY ENHANCEMENT - A method for using electronic product identification devices to track product sales and enable sales transactions to be registered in an electronic registration (ER) system without causing privacy or security concerns for the purchasers. RF-ID devices are placed on products being sold and include detailed information about the products. When the products are purchased, the detailed information is loaded into an ER database and all but a limited amount of information is removed from the RF-ID device. The limited information is sufficient to enable the detailed information to be located in the ER database by authorized individuals in connection with a return transaction or the like. | 02-03-2011 |
20110196755 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND SOFTWARE FOR HOUSE AUTOMATION CONFIGURATION AT POINT OF SALE - A Point of sale device, system and computer program for configuration of house automation, including a reader arranged to read an identity associated with a sensor for home automation, an interface arranged to receive input of installation data of the sensor; and a communication module arranged to send the installation data and associated identity of the sensor to a server. | 08-11-2011 |
20110251911 | SYSTEMS AND/OR METHODS FOR DETERMINING ITEM SERIAL NUMBER STRUCTURE AND INTELLIGENCE - Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for determining the correct item serial number structure, even when information regarding the serial number data and/or structure is lacking. Such techniques advantageously promote data integrity by helping to ensure that the desired data is captured correctly, while also reducing (and sometimes even eliminating) the need to obtain detailed information regarding serial number structure and intelligence that sometimes is guarded by producers/manufacturers. Statistical sampling of collected unknown data formats may be used to help decipher product identification numbers (or other numbers) such as product serial numbers through a repetitive process of scanning a known constant such as the UPC number, followed by a variable number such as a products serial number. Certain exemplary embodiments check serial number against a database containing algorithms to determine if and which algorithm is used to create such serial numbers. | 10-13-2011 |
20110264543 | REVERSE PAYMENT FLOW - Systems and methods for facilitating transactions using contactless proximity communication technology include information or payment flows that are reversed from the conventional sense in that information may flow in direction from a merchant via a consumer mobile device to a financial services provider (FSP). Such payment and information flows can be accomplished without needing to modify infrastructure—such as point-of-sale NFC readers, mobile handsets, or advertising tags and may provide “bridge solutions” for quickly implementing mobile proximity purchase payments. Embodiments provide for receiving some transaction information at a financial services provider in response to a contactless proximity communication that occurs between either a consumer proximity tag and a merchant device, consumer mobile device and merchant proximity tag, or consumer mobile device and merchant device, in which some of the transaction information flow is reverse; validating the transaction; sending payment confirmation to the merchant; and sending transaction confirmation to the consumer. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270696 | REUSABLE PRODUCE AND BULK-ITEM SHOPPING SYSTEM AND RELATED SALES METHOD - A reusable produce and bulk-item shopping system and related business method designed to eliminate the need for using plastic film bags in retail sales of produce and other grocery items sold by weight. Disclosed are a caddy and a plurality of relatively smaller, reusable bags that fit neatly into the caddy. The caddy and bags are preferably sized and shaped to allow close engagement between the caddy and the smaller bags when the caddy and the bags are in the open position and filled. The smaller bags are of uniform weight, and the associated business method teaches several unique methods to easily and properly account for the weight of the bag at the check stand, in order to easily effect a net weight sale of the items in the bag. | 11-03-2011 |
20110276422 | SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS IN A SELF-SERVICE LIBRARY TERMINAL - A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal(i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal. | 11-10-2011 |
20110320296 | Methods and Apparatus for Self-Service Checkout - A context aware process is utilized to speed self-checkout. In one aspect, such a process is utilized to simplify response to a weight mismatch condition where a produce scale weight and a bagging scale weight for an item differs by more than a predetermined amount. Other examples of the application of such a process to other aspects of self-checkout are provided. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320297 | PREPAID CARD PROCESSING DEVICE, PREPAID CARD PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND PROCESSING METHOD FOR A PREPAID CARD DEVICE - A processing system for managed prepaid cards can be introduced at low cost without requiring changing POS terminals. An expansion board is used connected to an activation server that activates prepaid cards, a barcode scanner, and a POS terminal. The expansion board has a product information acquisition unit that acquires product information from the barcode scanner; a product information discrimination unit that determines if the acquired product information is for a managed prepaid card that requires activation; a product information conversion unit that converts the product information to product information data that can be interpreted by the POS terminal; a product information data output unit that outputs the product information data to the POS terminal; and an activation request unit that sends the product information with an activation request to the activation request for validation. | 12-29-2011 |
20120016760 | POINT OF SALE DATA COLLECTION - A point of sale (POS) data collection system includes a POS data collector that is implemented as a hardware device and/or in software. The collector may be installed at the point of sale in retail stores, for example, between a barcode scanner and the POS application running on a POS terminal (for example, the cash register). When a product is scanned at the point of sale, the collector may intercept the barcode as it transmitted from the barcode scanner to the POS application. After intercepting the barcode, the collector may transmit the barcode to the POS application without noticeable delay, so that the collector does not interrupt standard business processes. In addition, the collector may send the barcode to a remote server via a network connection. In this manner, the remote server may collect POS data that covers a significant number of products, retailers, and locations. | 01-19-2012 |
20120047037 | STORE SYSTEM AND SALES REGISTRATION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a store system includes: an image output section configured to output an image picked up by an image pickup section; an object recognizing section configured to recognize a specific object by reading a feature value of the output image; a similarity determining section configured to calculate similarity indicating to which degree the recognized object is similar to a reference image of the object determined in advance and determine whether the calculated similarity exceeds a threshold set in advance; and a defective informing section configured to inform, if the similarity determining section determines that the calculated similarity does not exceed the threshold set in advance, that the object is not recognized as a regular commodity. | 02-23-2012 |
20120047038 | STORE SYSTEM AND SALES REGISTRATION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a store system includes: an image output section configured to output an image picked up by an image pickup section; an object recognizing section configured to recognize a specific object by reading a feature value of the output image; a registering section configured to perform sales registration, concerning the recognized object, on the basis of a file that stores information concerning the object and used for the sales registration; and a check-image display section configured to set an image concerning the recognized object in a state viewed from a customer side during counter selling and display the image on a display section together with the information related to the sales registration of the object. | 02-23-2012 |
20120047039 | STORE SYSTEM AND SALES REGISTRATION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a store system includes: an image output section configured to output an image picked up by an image pickup section; an object recognizing section configured to recognize a specific object by reading a feature value of the output image; a check-image display section configured to display, on a display section, at least an image concerning the recognized object; and a problem solving section configured to receive, when there is a problem in the recognition of the object, an instruction indicating the problem and solve the problem according to content of the received instruction. | 02-23-2012 |
20120047040 | STORE SYSTEM AND SALES REGISTRATION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a store system includes: an image output section configured to output an image picked up by an image pickup section; an object recognizing section configured to recognize a specific object by reading a feature value of the output image; a registering section configured to perform sales registration, concerning the recognized object, on the basis of a file that stores information related to the object and used for the sales registration; and a check-image display section configured to display an image concerning the object on a display section together with the information related to the sales registration of the object. | 02-23-2012 |
20120136737 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING AN IMPROVED USER INTERFACE - An apparatus, system and method are presented for implementing a user interface on a self-service or assisted service terminal. The terminal includes a computer, LCD display and touch-screen device. Software implemented by the computer receives input from the touch-screen device to determine complex interactions with the display that are then used to select and/or modify functions and features provided by the terminal. | 05-31-2012 |
20120158529 | DYNAMIC SECURITY FOR A SELF-CHECKOUT TERMINAL - An item level security system is provided that uses dynamic security settings to optimize the competing requirements for high security and transaction throughput. Customer metrics such as customer traffic volume and the number and type of items purchased change over the course of a day and are further influenced by the day of the week and by holidays and certain vacation schedules for local schools and employers. The invention provides dynamic security settings for the item level security system that address the changing customer metrics. | 06-21-2012 |
20120203647 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR UNIQUELY RESPONDING TO CODE DATA CAPTURED FROM PRODUCTS SO AS TO ALERT THE PRODUCT HANDLER TO CARRY OUT EXCEPTION HANDLING PROCEDURES - A code reading system capable of signaling exception handling procedures for products being handled in a work environment, such as, for example, consumer product being purchased in a retail store or a product or package being sorted by a logistics company. The system includes a system housing containing one or more one or more signal sources for generating distinctive visual and/or audible exception handling signals for special classes of products identified in the environment. Such special products may include: EAS tagged products requiring EAS tag deactivation: alcohol and tobacco products requiring proof of age; controlled products requiring additional customer tracking; age restricted products requiring identification; product purchases requiring personnel to show up and approve or assist in a product transaction; and the like. | 08-09-2012 |
20120209734 | Machine, Methods, and Program Product for Electronic Inventory Tracking - Machine, methods, and computer program encoded on non-transitory memory for facilitating electronic inventory tracking and management of products through messaging over an existing financial services payment network are provided. An example includes an inventory management computer in communication with a merchant POS apparatus or terminal over an existing financial services payment network and configured to receive and process purchase transaction data associated with a product being purchased. The computer can also include, for example, electronic inventory management computer program configured to perform various operations including generating product identifiers, forming product look up tables to correlate the identifiers with the products, and providing inventory data to product providers. | 08-16-2012 |
20120221423 | COMMODITY CARRIER - According to one embodiment, a commodity carrier includes a container, an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a first display, a second display and a control unit. The container holds one or more commodities. The acquisition unit acquires an identification information of each of the one or more commodities held in the container. The determination unit determines completion of the settlement about all commodity identified by the one or more identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. The first display displays a notice information for the customer purchasing the one or more commodities held in the container. The second display enables to see in a range wider than a visual range within which the information displayed on the first display is recognized. The control unit controls the second display to display whether or not the determination in which the settlement is completed is performed by the determination unit. | 08-30-2012 |
20120221424 | MOBILE PRODUCT DETECTING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - The invention relates to a system for detecting products, comprising a plurality of portable reading devices, wherein each customer can be assigned at least one portable reading device by means of which identification data about the products to be purchased by the respective customer in a sales room can be detected irrespective of location, and wherein the portable reading device has a control unit and a memory for buffering the identification data. | 08-30-2012 |
20120265628 | SELF-CHECKOUT METHOD AND APPARATUS - A point-of-sale self-checkout terminal includes a code reader device for automated entry of a product identification code present on items for purchase and a customer input device for receipt of data from a customer. A customer can initiate a purchase of a non-scannable item and, in response, a database is queried to identify items based on a prediction of purchase of the items, and the identified items are displayed for selection by the customer to purchase the item. Image processing and voice processing, can also be implemented to assist customers with the purchase of non-scannable items. | 10-18-2012 |
20120290424 | PERSONALIZED ITEM SORTING AND PACKING RECOMMENDATIONS AT A POINT OF SALE - A method and system for determining a recommendation for packing an item at a point of sale (POS). A preference indicating a maximum bag weight is received at a POS device. The weight of a next item to be packed is determined. Based on the maximum bag weight preference and based on the determined weight of the item, the recommendation for packing the item is determined by selecting a bag from multiple bags that are available to pack items to be purchased by a customer. The bag is selected so that a sum of the weight of the item and a weight of zero or more other items already packed in the bag does not exceed the maximum bag weight preference. The recommendation for packing the item in the selected bag is presented to a user. | 11-15-2012 |
20120296751 | POINT OF SALE DEVICE FOR USE WITH A SHOPPING CART - A point of sale device for use with a shopping cart, the shopping cart having a basket for holding products, the basket having a bottom, and an upstanding sidewall extending from said bottom and defining open top. The point of sale device has a product detector for monitoring and validating the products in the basket, a control unit communicating with the product detector, the control unit having a user interface with a display screen, and an information detector communicating with the control unit for detecting product information and sending the product information to the control unit. The control unit communicates with the store's accounting/inventory system and has a calculator which calculates the cost of the products in the basket of the shopping cart using the product information and displays at least the cost of the products on the display screen. | 11-22-2012 |
20120310758 | Guideline-Based Food Purchase Management - Techniques for guideline-based food purchase management are provided. The techniques include generating a personalized set of nutrition guidelines for a user, generating a user profile for the user, wherein the user profile comprises health information and nutrition preferences, and using the personalized set of nutrition guidelines and the user profile to generate a guideline-based shopping list for the user. Techniques for generating location-based food purchase guidance are also provided. The techniques include obtaining a shopping list of food items and a list of stores to be considered in connection with the food items on the shopping list, using the shopping list, list of stores, a store location map and inter-store routing guidance to generate an inter-store shopping route, and generating an in-store shopping route, for each of the stores in the inter-store shopping route, based on the shopping list, intra-store routing guidance and a floor plan for the store. | 12-06-2012 |
20130006787 | SELF-CHECKOUT TERMINAL - An article code reading device optically reads a code symbol on an article, and decodes and outputs an article code. An image pickup image part picks up an image of an area of an article, the code symbol of which is read by the article code reading device, and outputs pickup image data. An article registration is executed by searching an article data file for a corresponding price for the article, and an extraction process extracts an exterior characteristic of an article from the pickup image data outputted by the pickup image part. A consistency is determined between a first data obtained based on the extraction process and a second data obtained based on an output from the article code reading device, and an alarm is generated when it there is not a consistency between the first data and the second data. | 01-03-2013 |
20130013437 | System for Packaging, Processing, Activating, and Deactivating Multiple Individual Transaction Cards as a Singular Unit - A transaction card processing and activation system comprising the identification of a unique identifier corresponding to an aggregate of transaction cards of affiliated or non-affiliated card issuers and the activation of each transaction card corresponding to the unique identifier of the aggregate irrespective of the number, types, or card issuers of the transaction cards. Additionally, the present invention allows a point of sale entity to initiate the activation of each of the multiple, disparate transaction cards in the aggregate by merely processing the unique identifier associated with the aggregate. | 01-10-2013 |
20130054397 | STORE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A store system comprises an image output section configured to output an image captured by an image capturing unit, an object recognition section configured to recognize a specific object by reading the characteristic quantity of the output image and a reporting section configured to report that an object other than a commodity subjected to sales registration is recognized in the condition that the recognized object is the object other than the commodity included in a commodity file storing information for the sales registration. | 02-28-2013 |
20130080278 | SELF CHECKOUT KIOSK AND RETAIL SECURITY SYSTEM - A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The customer exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, and a computer monitor, either adjacent the portal or separated there from, enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without a patron completing a purchase transaction using the self-checkout station. The security system itself is also usable in conventional retail environments when an attendant is present. | 03-28-2013 |
20130080279 | SELF CHECKOUT KIOSK AND RETAIL SECURITY SYSTEM - A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase or allocate to an account a product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The patron exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, a computer monitor and/or a mobile device enables the patron to complete a purchase or allocate transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for marking products stolen when transferred through the portal without a transaction. Alternatively, a smart shelf keeps track of products on the smart shelf and keeps a checkout tally of removed products. If the patron does not complete a purchase or allocate transaction, or returns the product to the smart shelf within a user-defined set of time, the smart shelf will mark the product as stolen. A security system responds to products marked as stolen. | 03-28-2013 |
20130085878 | System and Method for Performing a Security Check at a Checkout Terminal - A system and method for performing a security check at a checkout terminal is disclosed. Various heuristics are utilized to verify that a customer or clerk has properly identified an item being purchased. In various embodiments, the weight or other physical characteristics of an item placed on a product scale are measured and compared with expected physical characteristics for the item. If a mismatch is detected between the actual physical characteristics and the expected physical characteristics, the transaction may be flagged for further investigation. | 04-04-2013 |
20130085879 | Time Multiplexing POS for INAisle Scanning - Multiplexing techniques are addressed to allow multiple in store devices to share point of sale instances thereby reducing the overall number of point of sale instances employed. Customer scanning applications, such as price checking and phone based in aisle scanning are addressed. | 04-04-2013 |
20130103519 | Express easy-pass checkout at grocery stores and retail establishments for preferred members - A grocery store or retail establishment easy-pass (E-Z) lane system for enabling express non-contact payment of a plurality of items is presented including an E-Z pass express checkout lane having at least a scanner for scanning the plurality of items and provided exclusively to preferred members pre-registered with the grocery store or retail establishment. The system includes an RFID antenna positioned about the E-Z pass express checkout lane for communicating with an RFID transponder issued to a preferred member when the RFID transponder is in close proximity to the RFID antenna. The E-Z pass checkout lane is activated thereafter for use by the preferred member for express checkout without the preferred member furnishing direct payment at the E-Z pass express checkout lane via a personal payment account that is separate and distinct from a prepaid vendor-established and maintained purchasing account. | 04-25-2013 |
20130232021 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIFFERENTIAL WEIGHING OF ITEMS AND REUSABLE CONTAINER FOR USE THEREWITH - A differential weighing method for determining the weight of an item or a group of like items that must be weighed, and a reusable container for use in the differential weighing process. The reusable container may be, for example, a reusable basket or bag. The reusable container is sized to fit on the load receiving surface of the differential weighing scale or is equipped with a series of bottom locating projections that contact the load receiving surface and transfer the weight of the container and its contents thereto when the container sits on the scale. The scale is adapted for differential weighing, whereby the scale will report the weight of an item or group of like items that are removed from the reusable container as a positive net weight. | 09-05-2013 |
20130238458 | RETURNED PRODUCT DATA PROCESSING METHOD, RELATED SYSTEM, AND DEVICE - According to one embodiment, the returned product data processing method reads a first code symbol that represents the order code that specifies the order data from a slip, reads a second code symbol that represents a commercial product code that uniquely specifies the commercial product from the slip, generates a returned product code that includes the order code and the commercial product code, and revises the order data that are correlated with the order code based on the returned product data. | 09-12-2013 |
20140019278 | METHOD FOR SELLING GENUINE GOODS - A method for selling genuine goods by a barcode and network is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) generating a barcode for a product; b) attaching the barcode on the product and registering the barcode and the product in a server; c) a retailer updating the server to render the product sellable by reading and sending the barcode; d) a customer reading the barcode and sending to the server for verifying the product; e) the server answering if the product is genuine or not; f) informing the customer not to buy the product when the product is not genuine; g) informing the customer the product is OK when the product is genuine; and h) the retailer updating the server to render the product unsellable when the product has been sold. | 01-16-2014 |
20140040057 | NON-LINEAR CHECKOUT STAND - A non-linear checkout stand which offers retailers additional options for configuring a store. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first end and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items in a plurality of different directions along a non-linear path connecting the first end to the second end, and an item identifier within the housing on the non-linear path for automatically identifying the items. | 02-06-2014 |
20140052555 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR IDENTIFYING OBJECTS - In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modelled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 02-20-2014 |
20140067573 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND COMMODITY RECOGNITION METHOD BY THE SAME - According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an image capturing module, an extraction module, a recognition module, a determination module and an output module. The image capturing module photographs a commodity. The extraction module extracts a feature amount of the commodity contained in the image photographed. The recognition module recognizes the commodity as a commodity candidate in the feature amount the commodity. The determination module determines whether or not there is a commodity sold in a disparate sales form for the standard commodity which is recognized by the recognition module as a candidate. The output module outputs in a selectable manner information concerning the standard commodity recognized by the recognition module as a candidate and the commodity sold in a disparate sales form for the standard commodity if the determination module determines that there is a commodity sold in a disparate sales form. | 03-06-2014 |
20140067574 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD - In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquisition module configured to acquire the image captured by an image capturing module having sensitivity to visible light and near-infrared ray, a first extraction module configured to extract a first feature amount of the captured commodity from an infrared ray image representing the near-infrared ray component of the captured image, a second extraction module configured to extract a second feature amount of the captured commodity from a visible light image representing the visible light component of the captured image and a recognition module configured to recognize the commodity based on at least one of the first feature amount and the second feature amount. | 03-06-2014 |
20140081786 | POS SYSTEM, BAR CODE SCANNER, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POS SYSTEM - Provided is a POS system including: a storage part for storing a product code for identifying a product and a radiation dose or a radioactivity threshold defined for each product code, the product code and the radiation dose or the radioactivity threshold being associated with each other; a scanner part including a product reading part for reading a product code attached to a product, and a radioactivity measurement part for measuring a radiation dose emitted from the product or radioactivity defined based on the radiation dose; a comparison part for comparing a radiation does or a radioactivity threshold corresponding to the product code read by the product code reading part and a value measured by the radioactivity measurement part with each other; and an alert output part for outputting an alert when the measured value exceeds the threshold. | 03-20-2014 |
20140089121 | ARRANGEMENT FOR AND METHOD OF ALERTING A USER TO CONTEXT-BASED TRANSACTIONAL INFORMATION UNDER WHICH PRODUCTS ARE TO BE TRANSACTED AT A POINT-OF-TRANSACTION SITE - A user is alerted to context-based transactional information under which products are to be transacted at a point-of-transaction site by a speaker on an electro-optical reader. The speaker announces, as an audible message, to the user a detailed context under which each product identified to the reader is to be transacted. The audible message is broadcast as a sound wave either corresponding to a pattern of original speech, or to a sound effect. The detailed context can, for example, be a reminder to deactivate an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag associated with each identified product, or a reminder that the identified product is on sale. | 03-27-2014 |
20140129362 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESOLVING EXCEPTIONS DURING A RETAIL CHECKOUT - Systems and methods for retail checkout and, more particularly, systems, methods, computer programs, and checkstands for managing and/or resolving exceptions generated using a multi-item identification device, are provided. In one embodiment, the method of performing retail checkout comprises: providing a multi-item identification device; collecting identification data regarding each of a plurality of items using the multi-item identification device; generating an active itemized order record that comprises information regarding each of the plurality of items using the identification data; recording at least one exception record in the active itemized order record relating to one or more of the plurality of items; providing a user with access to the active itemized order record; and using input from the user to resolve the exception record in the active itemized order record. | 05-08-2014 |
20140172607 | Checkout Station - A checkout station includes a scale fixedly attached to a framework of the checkout station and a track, surrounding the scale, through which a display moves between a first position and a second position. | 06-19-2014 |
20140180857 | SELF-CHECKOUT METHOD AND APPARATUS - A point-of-sale self-checkout terminal includes a code reader device for automated entry of a product identification code present on items for purchase and a customer input device for receipt of data from a customer. A customer oars initiate a purchase of a non-scannable item and, in response, a database is queried to identify items based on a prediction of purchase of the items, and the identified items are displayed for selection by the customer to purchase the item. Image processing and voice processing, can also be implemented to assist customers with the purchase of non-scannable items. | 06-26-2014 |
20140207598 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PREPAID CARDS - A point-of-sale system is provided that permits users to self-manage prepaid debit cards. Such a system may be capable of identifying and managing a number of different prepaid debit cards provided by different card issuers. The system may permit, for example, a user to purchase, activate, load funds, or perform other management operations with such cards. The system may also enforce restrictions associated with particular card types, and follow process flows for activating and performing other operations of such cards. The system may also be easily extendible to other types of prepaid cards through established card network relationships. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207599 | SYSTEMS AND/OR METHODS FOR DETERMINING ITEM SERIAL NUMBER STRUCTURE AND INTELLIGENCE - Certain exemplary embodiments relate to techniques for determining the correct item serial number structure, even when information regarding the serial number data and/or structure is lacking. Such techniques advantageously promote data integrity by helping to ensure that the desired data is captured correctly, while also reducing (and sometimes even eliminating) the need to obtain detailed information regarding serial number structure and intelligence that sometimes is guarded by producers/manufacturers. Statistical sampling of collected unknown data formats may be used to help decipher product identification numbers (or other numbers) such as product serial numbers through a repetitive process of scanning a known constant such as the UPC number, followed by a variable number such as a products serial number. Certain exemplary embodiments check serial number against a database containing algorithms to determine if and which algorithm is used to create such serial numbers. | 07-24-2014 |
20140214577 | SHOPPING PROCESS INCLUDING MONITORED SHOPPING CART BASKET WEIGHT - A computer-implemented process aiding a customer scan and rapid checkout process can include monitoring a shopping cart basket weight. The process includes monitoring, in a computerized processor installed to a shopping cart of a customer, a signal from a weight device configured to monitor the shopping cart basket weight. The process further includes automatically generating a basket weight output value based upon the shopping cart basket weight. The basket weight output value includes one of a check against an expected weight of an item from a database, a billing statement total for a bulk good, a check against an expected total order weight to confirm presence of an un-scanned item in the shopping cart basket, and a check against unsafe use of the shopping cart. The process further includes providing a message based upon the basket weight output value. | 07-31-2014 |
20140222602 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING STAIN ON IAMGE CAPTURING SURFACE THEREOF - An information processing apparatus comprises an image capturing module configured to capture image of a commodity, an extraction module configured to extract feature amount of the commodity from the image captured by the image capturing module, a calculation module configured to calculate a similarity degree by comparing feature amount of each standard commodity with the feature amount of the commodity extracted by the extraction module, a recognition module configured to recognize a standard commodity of which the similarity degree calculated by the calculation module is greater than a given value as a candidate of the commodity, a detection module configured to detect, from a plurality of captured images captured by the image capturing module, a static object existing in the captured image, and a notification module configured to notify the detection of a stain if the static object is continuously detected in the plurality of captured images by the detection module for a given time. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222603 | COMPUTER-CONTROLLED, UNATTENDED, AUTOMATED CHECKOUT STORE OUTLET - A computer-controlled, automated checkout store outlet comprises at least one bay. A normally locked door is associated with each bay, and provides access to items within the bay by customers approved by a computer of the automated store outlet. At least one tray is disposed within at least one bay, and adapted to hold items to be stocked by the bay. A sensor system is configured to detect the removal of an item from the bay and identify the removed item, such as when a customer is removing the item for purchase. | 08-07-2014 |
20140249950 | STORE SYSTEM - In accordance with first embodiment, a store system comprises an image capturing apparatus configured to optically capture an image through an image capturing window; a display for customer configured to be selectively arranged in a horizontal or vertical manner at a side opposite to a side where the image capturing window is arranged to display the display data; a determination unit configured to determine whether the display for customer is placed vertically or horizontally; a sales registration unit configured to execute a sales registration processing in response to an image captured by the image capturing apparatus; and a display content changing unit configured to change, in response to a determination result based on the determination unit, the display data of the sales registration processing carried out by the sales registration unit displayed on the display for customer. | 09-04-2014 |
20140279119 | MOBILE POINT-OF-SALE - A mobile point-of-sale system includes a cart frame and a battery housed in the cart frame. The cart frame includes a front having a bottom, a back having a bottom edge and a bottom. The bottom includes a pair of upper flanges and a lower housing. The pair of upper flanges have components for receiving wheels for supporting the cart frame and the lower housing includes at least one aperture for venting heat from the battery that is supported by the lower housing. At least a portion of the lower housing and the battery are located below the pair of upper flanges and are located below the bottom edges of the front and the back. | 09-18-2014 |
20140297441 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BARCODE TRANSLATION - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for converting barcodes to facilitate fast and convenient payments. In one embodiment, the systems and methods are for imaging a first barcode having a first barcode format; determining a second barcode format used at a point-of-service; converting the first barcode to a second barcode in the second format; and generating an image of the second barcode. In another embodiment, a service provider barcode-conversion system receives with a communications interface an image of a first barcode having a first barcode format from a customer; determines with a processor a second barcode format used at a point-of-service; generates with the processor an image of a second barcode in the second barcode format; generates with the processor a link between the first barcode and the second barcode; stores in memory the first barcode, the second barcode, and the link between the first barcode and second barcode; and transmits with the communications interface the image of the second barcode to the customer. | 10-02-2014 |
20140310117 | BILL PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method to use quick response (QR) codes encoded with a bill from a merchant, such as, for example, provided by a restaurant. A code scanner ( | 10-16-2014 |
20140316919 | AUTOMATED SECURE CHECK-OUT AND DROP-OFF RETURN OF PRODUCTS USING MOBILE DEVICE - Generally, this disclosure describes a method and system for automated check-out and drop-off return of products using a mobile device. A method may include purchasing at least one product of a plurality of products wherein each product is located at a respective associated product location in a store that sells the plurality of products and a point of sale of each purchased product corresponds to the respective associated product location. | 10-23-2014 |
20140324613 | High-Velocity Scanned Item Distribution Method and Apparatus - A high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus and method are presented. The high-velocity scanned item distribution apparatus permits bagging operations for multiple purchase transactions to occur in parallel. Overlapping the bagging operation of multiple purchase transactions allows the scanning and payment operations of the purchase transactions to continue at higher speeds. In addition, point of sale terminals with high-velocity item scanners are allowed to function at higher speeds. | 10-30-2014 |
20140351073 | ENROLLMENT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FEATURING THREE DIMENSIONAL CAMERA - An apparatus for enrolling a package is disclosed including: a receiving surface for receiving the package; at least one weight sensor in communication with the receiving surface which generates a weight signal indicative of the weight of the package; at least one RGB video camera which generates a first video signal indicative of an image of the package on the receiving surface; at least one infrared three-dimensional camera which generates a second video signal indicative of an the dimensions of the package; and a processor in communication with the at least one weight sensor and the at least one video camera. | 11-27-2014 |
20140372237 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FACILITATING IN-AISLE SCANNING - Various methods are described for facilitating in-aisle scanning of one or more items to be purchased at a store. One example method may comprise scanning a barcode associated with an item. The method may further comprise adding the item to a list of items to be purchased. Additionally, the method may comprise receiving an indication that the item needs to be weighed. The method may further comprise flagging the item in the list to be weighed during checkout. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 12-18-2014 |
20140372238 | SURCHARGE AUDITING - Apparatus and methods for auditing a transaction record are provided. The transaction record may correspond to a credit card transaction. The auditing may include identifying a surcharge violation. The surcharge violation may be an unlawful surcharge. The auditing may identify patterns of double surcharging. Transaction-level auditing may include ensuring that a surcharge is returned upon a product return. A mobile wallet application may allow consumers to access and/or report merchant surcharge compliance activity. Functionality may include surcharge receipt scanning for use in crosschecking authenticity of a consumer report. Additional crosscheck functionality provided by geographic location support. Embodiments may include a registry for merchants that certify their surcharge calculations. | 12-18-2014 |
20150019358 | ADJUSTMENT OF A SECURITY LEVEL OF A SELF-CHECKOUT SYSTEM BASED ON SHOPPER ASSISTANT INTERVENTION - Methods and systems for adjusting a security level of a self-checkout system based on shopper assistant intervention are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes deducing that shopper assistant intervention occurs in a self-checkout environment based on detection of one or more events in a self-checkout system. The events may occur at shopper terminals of the self-checkout system and may require attention of a shopper assistant monitoring the shopper terminals. The method also includes adjusting a security level of the self-checkout system in response to deducing that shopper assistant intervention occurs. Further, the method may include implementing a predetermined action in response to adjusting the security level of the self-checkout system. | 01-15-2015 |
20150039456 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting Misidentification of Items Sold by Weight - A point of sale terminal that performs purchase transactions is presented. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner and weigh scale device. The optical code scanner portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device continuously scans for an optical code while the weigh scale portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device weighs an item placed on the scale. When the point of sale terminal receives data for an optical code that is read during the time an item is being weighed, the point of sale terminal compares information from the optical code data to the identification data entered by an operator for the item being weighed. If the item information does not match, the point of sale terminal halts the current purchase transaction until a supervisor intervenes. | 02-05-2015 |
20150046277 | PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION APPARATUS WITH DICTIONARY REGISTRATION - A product identification apparatus includes a storage device which stores a dictionary including reference data of each of a plurality of products stored in association with identification information of the product, an imaging section which captures image data of a target product, and a processor which performs a dictionary registration process. The processor extracts reference data of the target product from the image data captured by the imaging section. The storage device adds the extracted reference data to previously stored reference data in association with the identification information of the target product. Alternatively, the storage device stores the extracted reference data in association with the identification information of the target product when no reference data is previously stored in association with the identification information of the target product. | 02-12-2015 |
20150051994 | Indoor Location Mapping and Wayfinding System - An Indoor location mapping and wayfinding system for mapping waypoints on an interactive mapping system that can function both indoors and outdoors based on user selections and location. It can include a shopping system that allows users to pre-select items for purchase, maps the items on an indoor map of the store, and provides a route to the user for the collection of the selected items. | 02-19-2015 |
20150088677 | TRANSACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items. | 03-26-2015 |
20150100445 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTERACTION WITH OBJECTS TO IMPLEMENT A RETAIL FUNCTION - Systems and methods for interaction with objects to implement a retail function are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system may be implemented by a computing device and a wearable detection device. The detection device may obtain data associated with a user part and an object. For example, the detection device may be an image capture device, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of a retail item and interaction of a user's finger with the item. The computing device may implement a retail function manager operable to receive data associated with a user part and an object. For example, the detection device may communicate to the computing device image data representative of the interaction of the user's hand or finger with the retail item. Further, the retail function manager may implement a retail function based on the interaction of the user part and the object. | 04-09-2015 |
20150112825 | CHECKOUT TERMINAL - A checkout station includes a checkout terminal having a detecting unit at a front surface thereof, and first and second shopping cart parking regions on opposite lateral sides of the checkout terminal. The detecting unit is configured to detect an item to be purchased by a customer as the item is transferred from a shopping cart parked in the first shopping cart parking region to a shopping cart parked in the second shopping cart parking region. | 04-23-2015 |
20150310414 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE AND METHOD OF CHANGING A TRANSACTION STATEMENT - An information processing device includes: a registration processing unit that, in response to a request for registration of a product as an item to be checked out, acquires a product code that enables identification of the product, and transaction information, each of which concerns the product serving as a target of request, and sequentially stores, in a transaction-information storage unit, the product code and the transaction information, which are acquired on a request basis, as one transaction statement record in the requested order; a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a registration screen that presents plural items of data corresponding to plural transaction statement records stored in the transaction-information storage unit; an acquiring unit that acquires a product code and request change information corresponding to data designated on the registration screen; and a change processing unit that applies a predetermined record process using the request change information to plural transaction statement records stored in the transaction-information storage unit and each containing the product code acquired by the acquiring unit. | 10-29-2015 |
20150324782 | Automated Purchasing and Dispensing System for Livestock Feed - An automated purchasing and dispensing system for livestock feed comprises a plurality of bulk storage containers for storing and dispensing bulk product such as animal feed. The bulk storage containers are enclosed within an enclosure, the enclosure comprising a consumer-accessible point of sale terminal for initiating a purchase. After a consumer initiates a purchase at the point of sale terminal, a system controller actuates a conveyor, causing the product to dispense from the bulk storage container onto a conveyor that moves the product to a dispensing station for access by the consumer. | 11-12-2015 |
20150339644 | System and Method of Creating an Anonymous Customer Exercisable Call Option at a Retail Point of Sale for the Future Provision of Goods and/or Services - One embodiment of the present invention deals generally with a system and method of selling an anonymous customer exercisable call option at a retail point of sale exercisable in the future securing the provision of goods and/or services. Such a system has the multiple advantages of: 1) Eliminating the need for the collection of customer identifying contact information such as name and address at the point-of-sale; 2) Since only a call option is sold, customers may elect to delay exercising the option, or indeed not exercise the option at all. Both of these instances likely benefit the supplier of goods and/or services in an economic sense; and, 3) The transaction may be anonymous to the maximum extent possible. | 11-26-2015 |
20150339650 | MERCHANDISE IDENTIFICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING MERCHANDISE - A merchandise identification apparatus includes an image acquiring unit configured to acquire an image of an item to be purchased by a customer, a controller configured to compare the acquired image with one or more reference images, each being associated with an item on sale, to identify reference images that are similar to the acquired image, and a display unit configured to display one or more items on sale for selection, each of the displayed items being associated with the reference images that are similar to the acquired image. The controller is further configured to cause the acquired image to be associated with an item selected from the one or more of the displayed items. | 11-26-2015 |
20150356535 | MODULAR MULTI-COMPONENT CHECKOUT STAND - A modular checkout stand system including a number of modules that function independently of each other. The various modules may include intake transport sections, scanning sections, outtake transport sections, bagging sections, and other sections. These sections can be operatively coupled together in numerous different orientations and with varying numbers of each of the different sections to create customized checkout stands to meet the particular needs and applications of a merchant. | 12-10-2015 |
20150363760 | INTERACTIVE VENDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLING GOODS IN BOTH ACTUAL EXHIBIT SPOT AND ONLINE SHOP - Disclosure herein is related to a vending system and a method for selling goods such as furnishings or artwork both in an actual exhibit spot and online shop. According to one of the embodiments, the system allows consumer to browse the goods displayed in an actual exhibit spot, and complete a purchase order when he manipulates a terminal device to read identification tags of interested items. The read IDs are then transmitted to a server. In the server, the corresponding goods information such as purchase data can be obtained and sent to the terminal device. The server may go on follow-up checkout and shipping procedure. In particular, the actual exhibit spot is such as the house to be sold where the goods are displayed. Not only could the consumer visit the open house, but also to shop the designed items simultaneously. | 12-17-2015 |
20160026989 | MMS TEXT MESSAGING FOR HAND HELD INDICIA READER - A method of operating a reader system includes: establishment a hand held reader configured to read an information bearing medium at an establishment and accepting text message communications from the establishment; reading the information bearing medium at the establishment with the reader; and, sending at least one text message communication to an operator of the reader at the establishment on the reader GUI from the establishment when the establishment recognizes a need for a specific notice requirement after reading the information bearing medium. | 01-28-2016 |
20160034882 | OBJECT RECOGNITION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING DATA USED FOR OBJECT RECOGNITION - An apparatus for managing data used for object recognition includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of an object, a storage unit storing image data of products registered for sale, an operation panel configured to receive a user selection, and a processor configured to determine the products registered for sale that are similar to the object, based on the captured image and the image data, display the similar products on the operation panel as user selectable items, determine one or more of the similar products designated by the user selection, and invalidate the designated similar products so that efficiency of object recognition by the apparatus can be improved. | 02-04-2016 |
20160048826 | ON-SCREEN CODE STABILIZATION - Methods and systems for stabilizing an on-screen code on a display of a mobile device are described. A code is displayed on a mobile device as an on-screen code. The user holds the mobile device in front of a code scanner so that the on-screen code can be scanned. A code stabilization application on the mobile device assists in stabilizing and/or centering the on-screen code through changing its position, shape, and/or size based on data and/or measurements from sensors. The code stabilization application stabilizes the on-screen code for easy scan-ability to speed up the scanning process. | 02-18-2016 |
20160055479 | DIGITAL TICKET COMPUTING - The authenticity inspection of ticket images by visual observation in a ticket use scene. In a portable terminal, a ticket purchase program performs first display processing to display a ticket still image including ticket attribute information and information showing completion of purchase, on the basis of the ticket attribute data and still image formation description of a purchased digital ticket. In the portable terminal, the ticket purchase program performs second display processing to display a ticket moving image including animation representation in which a predetermined image element varies in a predetermined mode, on the basis of the ticket attribute data and moving image formation description of the digital ticket, on condition that the current date and time has passed the use start date and time of the purchased digital ticket. | 02-25-2016 |
20160063456 | Methods and Apparatuses for Point of Use Consumption of Renewable Energy Credits - The present invention provides methods and apparatuses that can establish a correspondence between individual energy consumption and renewable energy resources. The invention can described as comprising two elements combined into an independently verifiable system: (1) a suitably accurate means of tracking or otherwise determining the power consumption of a device or devices of interest; and (2) a third-party auditable, renewable energy credit tracking system that matches (whole or fractional) renewable energy credits to the power consumed by the device or devices. The inventions are described herein in the context of various example embodiments. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063499 | SERVER AND POINT-OF-SALE TERMINAL CONFIGURED FOR HIGHER THROUGHPUT PROCESSING OF RETURNED MERCHANDISE - A server includes a communication interface through which the server communicates with a mobile computing device of a user, a storage unit storing transaction data of a product purchased by the user, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the communication unit to transmit, to the mobile computing device, the transaction data and a link for retrieving a code symbol of the product, and in response to an operation of the link on the mobile computing device, transmit to the mobile computing device image data of the code symbol, such that the code symbol is displayed on a display unit of the mobile computing device. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063821 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR IDENTIFYING OBJECTS - In some arrangements, product packaging is digitally watermarked over most of its extent to facilitate high-throughput item identification at retail checkouts. Imagery captured by conventional or plenoptic cameras can be processed (e.g., by GPUs) to derive several different perspective-transformed views—further minimizing the need to manually reposition items for identification. Crinkles and other deformations in product packaging can be optically sensed, allowing such surfaces to be virtually flattened to aid identification. Piles of items can be 3D-modeled and virtually segmented into geometric primitives to aid identification, and to discover locations of obscured items. Other data (e.g., including data from sensors in aisles, shelves and carts, and gaze tracking for clues about visual saliency) can be used in assessing identification hypotheses about an item. Logos may be identified and used—or ignored—in product identification. A great variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed. | 03-03-2016 |
20160086148 | MERCHANDISE ITEM REGISTRATION APPARATUS, AND MERCHANDISE ITEM REGISTRATION METHOD - A merchandise item registration apparatus includes: a left photoelectric sensor that senses an object in a first area located on one side of a recognition area for merchandise items in a merchandise item identification device; a right photoelectric sensor that senses the object in a second area located on the other side of the recognition area; and a camera that captures an image of the recognition area. A merchandise item is identified by sensing the object from the image of the recognition area captured by the camera, and a POS terminal is made to perform a merchandise item registration process or a provisional registration cancellation process in accordance with the temporal sequence of results of the sensing performed by the camera in the respective areas. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086149 | MERCHANDISE ITEM REGISTRATION APPARATUS - A merchandise item registration apparatus includes: an item code acquiring unit configured to read a merchandise item code associated with an object to be identified; an image information acquiring unit configured to acquire image information about the object to be identified by imaging the object to be identified at a time of sales registration; and an identifying unit configured to identify a merchandise type of the object to be identified based on the read merchandise item code when the merchandise item code is successfully read by the item code acquiring unit, and associate the image information acquired by the image information acquiring unit with the identified merchandise type, the image information being accumulated as a piece of a plurality of pieces of reference image information to be referred to at a time of merchandise type identification based on object recognition. | 03-24-2016 |
20160098689 | APPLICATION FOR DEVICE EVALUATION AND OTHER PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH DEVICE RECYCLING - Software application systems and associated methods for recycling, purchasing, and/or performing other processes with mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices at a kiosk are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic device to facilitate a consumer-operated kiosk processing (e.g., purchasing) the electronic device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a mobile app to identify an electronic device, evaluate the electronic device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the electronic device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein. | 04-07-2016 |
20160110703 | METHOD, PRODUCT, AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING ITEMS FOR TRANSACTIONS - A method, computer program product, and system to identify one or more items in a transaction are provided. The method includes capturing images of the items, determining a set of possible identifications for each item based on the images, determining information regarding the transaction, selecting an identification for each item from the sets of possible identifications, based on the determined information, and adding the selected identifications to the transaction. Identifications for items may be selected based on confidence factors, price thresholds, and customer information. | 04-21-2016 |
20160113422 | ICE MERCHANDISER WITH ON-PRODUCT FINANCIAL PAYMENT SYSTEM - An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer is provided. The ice merchandiser includes a payment system for facilitating a bagged ice product transaction at the ice merchandiser. The payment system includes a mass determination module structured to determine a mass of bagged ice product removed during the bagged ice product transaction and a transaction module structured to determine an amount of currency required for the bagged ice product transaction based on the determined mass of bagged ice product removed. | 04-28-2016 |
20160117664 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASSOCIATING OBJECT MOVEMENT WITH A PREDETERMINED COMMAND FOR APPLICATION IN A TRANSACTION - Systems and methods for associating object movement with a predetermined command for application in a transaction are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes associating an object with a transaction. The method also includes determining whether the object moves in accordance with a predetermined movement. Further, the method includes applying a predetermined command in the transaction in association with the object in response to determining that the object moves in accordance with the predetermined movement. | 04-28-2016 |
20160132854 | SELFCHECKOUT USING GUIDANCE - Method and apparatus for performing security checks at a self-checkout kiosk in a retail store. The customers can create lists of items for purchase as they shop. When a customer is ready to pay, his list can be divided into sub-lists. Each sub-list can include items that require the same type of security check. The customer can then be provided with the sub-lists and an instruction for each sub-list that explains how the customer should arrange the items on the sub-list for a security check. After the customer has properly arranged the items on a sub-list, the relevant security check can be performed. | 05-12-2016 |
20160132855 | COMMODITY SALES DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS, READING APPARATUS AND METHOD BY THE SAME - A commodity sales data processing apparatus comprises an image capturing module which photographs a commodity and output the appearance image of the commodity; an extraction module which extracts barcode information from the appearance image of the commodity output from the image capturing module; an object recognition module which performs an object recognition processing on the appearance image of the commodity output from the image capturing module; an exclusion module which excludes, if barcode information is extracted from the appearance image of the commodity by the extraction module, the appearance image of the commodity from targets of the object recognition processing by the object recognition module; a determination module which determines the commodity to be sales-registered according to the result of the object recognition processing; and a sales registration module which carries out a sales registration of the commodity determined by the determination module. | 05-12-2016 |
20160140534 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, STORE SYSTEM AND METHOD - An information processing apparatus comprises an image capturing module configured to photograph an object held over an image capturing section; a first recognition module configured to compare a feature amount of the object photographed by the image capturing module with a feature amount for collation of each of commodities pre-stored in a dictionary to obtain a similarity degree therebetween and recognize, from different commodities, a commodity matching with the object through the similarity degree; a display control module configured to display, on a first screen, a first input section corresponding to the commodity recognized by the first recognition module and a second input section corresponding to commodities in advance; an input module configured to receive the selection on the first or second input section displayed by the display control module; and a registration module configured to sales-register the commodity corresponding to the first or second input section received by the input module. | 05-19-2016 |
20160163162 | Checkout Station - A checkout station includes a display that is rotatable between a first position and a second position and a barcode scanner that is directed in a first direction in the first position and in a second direction in the second position. | 06-09-2016 |
20160171426 | COMMODITY PROCESSING SYSTEM | 06-16-2016 |
20160171456 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECYCLING CONSUMER ELECTRONIC DEVICES | 06-16-2016 |
20160171473 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING A PRODUCE SCALE MENU AT A RETAIL ENTERPRISE BASED ON CUSTOMER PURCHASE HISTORY | 06-16-2016 |
20160180315 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS USING OBJECT RECOGNITION, AND COMMODITY IDENTIFICATION METHOD BY THE SAME | 06-23-2016 |
20160180326 | Method And System For Dynamically Interactive Visually Validated Mobile Ticketing | 06-23-2016 |
20160189128 | STORE SYSTEM AND SALES REGISTRATION METHOD - According to one embodiment, a store system includes: an image output section configured to output an image picked up by an image pickup section; an object recognizing section configured to recognize a specific object by reading a feature value of the output image; a registering section configured to perform sales registration, concerning the recognized object, on the basis of a file that stores information concerning the object and used for the sales registration; and a check-image display section configured to set an image concerning the recognized object in a state viewed from a customer side during counter selling and display the image on a display section together with the information related to the sales registration of the object. | 06-30-2016 |
20160194195 | A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING DISPENSATION OF FUEL FROM A PLURALITY OF FUEL STATIONS | 07-07-2016 |
20170236111 | MMS TEXT MESSAGING FOR HAND HELD INDICIA READER | 08-17-2017 |
20180025591 | READING APPARATUS | 01-25-2018 |