Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130327839 | RECEIPT IMAGES APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for printing an image on a receipt is disclosed. The method may begin with the initiation of a transaction such as a purchase or return at a point-of-sale system. Next, an image unique to the transaction may be obtained or generate. The image may comprise non-textual graphics. While the transaction is being performed, the image may be passed to a receipt printer and stored with memory thereof. Accordingly, the images may be stored in memory of the receipt printer before the other tasks associated with the transaction have all been performed. Finally, to complete and document the transaction, the receipt printer may print a receipt. The receipt may have the image printed thereon. | 12-12-2013 |
20130341417 | IMAGE EMBEDDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for embedding an image during a transaction at a point-of-sale system. The method may include obtaining a first digital image coded to display a call to action and a placeholder occupying a specific position with respect to the call to action. A computer system associated with the point-of-sale system may interpret the first digital image to collect data identifying the specific position of the placeholder. The computer system may obtain a two-dimensional barcode encoded with a transaction identification unique to the transaction. Using the collected data, the computer system may generate a third digital image coded to display the call to action and the two-dimensional barcode. The two-dimensional barcode may occupy the specific position with respect to the call to action. The point-of-sale system may display the third digital image to a customer associated with the transaction via a receipt, a customer-facing screen, or the like. | 12-26-2013 |
20140012658 | ADVERTISEMENT TESTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for testing the effectiveness of one or more advertisements. The method may include conducting a plurality of point-of-sale transactions. In conjunction with these transactions, an advertisement may be presented a first number of times. Each time the advertisement is presented, it may contain a machine-readable code encoded with an identification unique to the advertisement. A computer system may receive first data identifying the number of times the advertisement is presented. The computer system may further receive second data identifying the number of times a machine-readable code encoded with the identification is scanned by a customer. Accordingly, the computer system may calculate and display a success rate for the advertisement. | 01-09-2014 |
20140019200 | LOCATING A SPECIFIC PRODUCT WITHIN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT IN FURTHERANCE OF A COMPARISON OF PRODUCT INFORMATION BASED ON PRODUCT CODES - A method for comparison of product information based on product codes to determine the cost per unit weight per product and hereby determine the cheapest product per unit weight is disclosed herein. The method further comprises of displaying the location information of the cheapest product within the retail store and providing navigational information for enabling the consumer to access the product easily. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019236 | SELECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR PRESENTATION USING PURCHASE DATA OF PENDING TRANSACTION - A method is disclosed for selecting an advertisement. The method may begin with identifying a computer system comprising a point-of-sale system and an expert system. The point-of-sale system may be used to conduct a point-of-sale transaction involving a customer and one or more items. The computer system may generate a plurality of advertisements, each comprising a machine-readable code encoded with a transaction identification unique to the transaction. During the transaction, data corresponding to the one or more items (e.g., an identification of the items) may be passed to the expert system. The expert system may use the data to identify or predict which advertisement of the plurality of advertisements is most likely to elicit a desired response from the customer. The point-of-sale system may then present that advertisement to the customer. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019256 | SELECTING ADVERTISEMENT FOR PRESENTATION USING PREVIOUSLY STORED DATA CORRESPONDING TO IDENTIFIED CUSTOMER - A method is disclosed for selecting an advertisement. The method may begin with identifying a computer system comprising a point-of-sale system and an expert system. The computer system may store first data corresponding to a customer. After this storing, the point-of-sale system may be used to conduct a point-of-sale transaction involving the customer and one or more items. The computer system may generate a plurality of advertisements, each comprising a machine-readable code encoded with a transaction identification unique to the transaction. During the transaction, a link between the customer and the first data may be established. Accordingly, the first data may be passed to the expert system. The expert system may use the first data to identify or predict which advertisement of the plurality of advertisements is most likely to elicit a desired response from the customer. The point-of-sale system may then present that advertisement to the customer. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019279 | System and Method for Requesting Assistance from a Store Attendant - An approach is provided for requesting assistance from a store attendant. One method includes receiving a request from a customer via mobile phone. The request may be received via scanning of the barcode located nearby to the customer. After scanning of the barcode, a notification is sent to the store attendants comprising aisle location to the store attendants. Subsequently, estimated time for assistance is received from the store attendants by the system. Thereafter, based on the received estimated time from the store attendants, a store attendant is selected from the store attendants. Finally, the system sends the estimated time for assistance to the mobile phone of the customer and the most appropriate store attendant is sent to the customer's location. | 01-16-2014 |
20140019303 | Comparison of Product Information - A method for comparison of product information based on product codes to determine the cost per unit volume per product and hereby determine the cheapest product per unit volume is disclosed herein. Embodiments herein enable the consumer to easily access the cost per unit volume of products, without putting an additional burden on the retailer or any other component in the product supply chain. | 01-16-2014 |
20140025515 | TRANSFERRING DIGITAL RECEIPT DATA TO MOBILE DEVICES - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for transferring digital receipt data to mobile devices. A point-of-sale (“POS”) system generates digital receipt data as part of a sales transaction. The point-of-sale (“POS”) system and a mobile device, possibly also along with a receipt data server, interoperate with one another to transfer digital receipt data generated to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data for a sales transaction to the receipt data server. An identifier, such as, for example, an application identifier or transaction identifier, is stored along with the digital receipt data to match the digital receipt data with the mobile device. The mobile device subsequently uses the identifier to access the digital receipt data from the receipt data server. In other embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data directly to the mobile device. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025516 | TRANSFERRING DIGITAL RECEIPT DATA TO MOBILE DEVICES - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for transferring digital receipt data to mobile devices. A point-of-sale (“POS”) system generates digital receipt data as part of a sales transaction. The point-of-sale (“POS”) system and a mobile device, possibly also along with a receipt data server, interoperate with one another to transfer digital receipt data generated to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data for a sales transaction to the receipt data server. An identifier, such as, for example, an application identifier or transaction identifier, is stored along with the digital receipt data to match the digital receipt data with the mobile device. The mobile device subsequently uses the identifier to access the digital receipt data from the receipt data server. In other embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data directly to the mobile device. | 01-23-2014 |
20140025517 | TRANSFERRING DIGITAL RECEIPT DATA TO MOBILE DEVICES - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for transferring digital receipt data to mobile devices. A point-of-sale (“POS”) system generates digital receipt data as part of a sales transaction. The point-of-sale (“POS”) system and a mobile device, possibly also along with a receipt data server, interoperate with one another to transfer digital receipt data generated to the mobile device. In some embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data for a sales transaction to the receipt data server. An identifier, such as, for example, an application identifier or transaction identifier, is stored along with the digital receipt data to match the digital receipt data with the mobile device. The mobile device subsequently uses the identifier to access the digital receipt data from the receipt data server. In other embodiments, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system transfers digital receipt data directly to the mobile device. | 01-23-2014 |
20140032343 | PUSH NOTIFICATION INFORMING CUSTOMER OF AVAILABILITY OF RECEIPT DATA - A method is disclosed for transferring receipt data to a computing device corresponding to a customer. The method may include initiating a transaction at a point-of-sale system. During the transaction, a computer system comprising the point-of-sale system, may identify a computing device corresponding to a customer associated with the transaction. Once the transaction has been completed, the computer system may direct a push notification to the computing device. In response to the push notification, the computer system may receive a request for receipt data documenting the transaction. Accordingly, the computer system may provide the receipt data to the computing device. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032344 | PUSH NOTIFICATION CARRYING RECEIPT DATA - A method is disclosed for transferring receipt data to a computing device corresponding to a customer. The method may include initiating a transaction at a point-of-sale system. During the transaction, a computer system comprising the point-of-sale system, may identify a computing device corresponding to a customer associated with the transaction. The computer system may collect receipt data documenting at least a portion of the transaction. This receipt data may be incorporated into a push notification. Once the transaction has been completed, the computer system may direct the push notification to the computing device. Accordingly, the computer system may provide the receipt data to the computing device. | 01-30-2014 |
20140032347 | BARCODE TRANSFERRING RECEIPT DATA TO A COMPUTING DEVICE OF A CUSTOMER - A method is disclosed for transferring receipt data to a computing device corresponding to a customer. The method may include initiating a transaction at a point-of-sale system. During the transaction, a computer system comprising the point-of-sale system, may collect receipt data documenting the transaction. The computer system may generate a barcode unique to the transaction and comprising encoded data. Once the transaction has been completed, the computer system may present the barcode to the customer. This may be done via a printed receipt, a customer-facing display, or the like. Using the encoded data, the computer system may deliver the receipt data to a computing device in the possession of the customer. For example, the encoded data may comprise the receipt data. Alternatively, the encoded data may comprise a URL directing the computing device to a resource system from which the receipt data may be downloaded. | 01-30-2014 |
20140040050 | USE OF SOUND TO AUTHENTICATE AND ENABLE A RETURN WITH AN ELECTRONIC RECEIPT - A method is disclosed for authenticating and enabling returns at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. The electronic receipts software may use sound recordings to verify whether a customer is present at a returns terminal at a physical store location. The electronic receipts software may recode particular sounds or ambient noise at a returns POS terminal and analyze and compare this sound recording against known sounds to determine whether a customer is present at a returns POS terminal. The electronic returns software may prevent the customer from accessing returns features if the customer is not at a returns terminal and allow the customer to access returns features if the customer is at a returns terminal. | 02-06-2014 |
20140040053 | USE OF OPTICAL IMAGES TO AUTHENTICATE AND ENABLE A RETURN WITH AN ELECTRONIC RECEIPT - A method is disclosed for authenticating and enabling returns at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. The electronic receipts software may use machine readable codes to verify whether a customer is present at a returns terminal at a physical store location. More particularly, the electronic receipts software may contain a bar code reader module and use the camera of the mobile electronic device to capture a machine readable code such as a bar code or QR code. The electronics receipts software may recover data from the machine readable code which identifies the store, retail location, etc. This information may be compared against known values to determine that the customer is present at a returns terminal. | 02-06-2014 |
20140058861 | DELIVERING CUSTOMER SPECIFIED RECEIPT TYPES AT CHECKOUT - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for delivering customer specified receipt types at checkout. A customer specifies receipt delivery preferences at a mobile device (e.g., specifying delivery of a digital receipt and/or a paper receipt at checkout). The mobile device sends the customer's receipt delivery preferences to a receipt preferences database server for storage in a receipt preferences database. During a sales transaction, a point-of-sale (“POS”) system refers to the receipt preferences database (or a relevant portion thereof) to access the customer's receipt delivery preferences. Based on the customer's receipt delivery preferences, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system delivers appropriate types of receipts (e.g. digital and/or paper) to the customer. | 02-27-2014 |
20140058869 | DELIVERYING CUSTOMER SPECIFIED RECEIPT TYPES AT CHECKOUT - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for delivering customer specified receipt types at checkout. A customer specifies receipt delivery preferences at a mobile device (e.g., specifying delivery of a digital receipt and/or a paper receipt at checkout). The mobile device sends the customer's receipt delivery preferences to a receipt preferences database server for storage in a receipt preferences database. During a sales transaction, a point-of-sale (“POS”) system refers to the receipt preferences database (or a relevant portion thereof) to access the customer's receipt delivery preferences. Based on the customer's receipt delivery preferences, the point-of-sale (“POS”) system delivers appropriate types of receipts (e.g. digital and/or paper) to the customer. | 02-27-2014 |
20140067568 | LOCATING AND ORGANIZING DIGITAL RECEIPT DATA FOR USE IN IN-STORE AUDITS - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing in-store sales transactions when a digital receipt is issued. A receipt application server formulates a digital receipt from digital receipt data received from a POS system. The digital receipt is sent from the receipt application server to an auditor mobile device at the location of the POS system. A human auditor can view the digital receipt during an in-store audit. In some embodiments, one or both of the receipt application server and the auditor mobile device reorder receipt entries so that items having specified characteristics are presented more prominently on a display. For example, receipt entries can be re-ordered such that higher profit margin items, bulkier items, or more likely to be stolen items are presented more prominently. As such, a human auditor is more likely to expressly audit these types of items. | 03-06-2014 |
20140088951 | TRANSLATING DIGITAL RECEIPTS BETWEEN WRITTEN LANGUAGES - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for translating digital receipts between written languages. In response to a user request, digital receipts (e.g., for retail sales transactions) can be translated from a first written language to a second written language. Translated digital receipts can be presented on a display at a mobile device. Translation can be handled at a receipt data server or at the mobile device. Translation can be performed locally or can be referred to a translation server. Digital receipts can be translated from and/or to any of a variety of different written languages. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089086 | GIFT-RECOMMENDATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for using receipt data within a social network is disclosed. The method may include obtaining, by a computer system, access to a computer-hosted social networking service. The computer system may also obtain access to receipt data documenting one or more purchases made by a first human user of the social networking service. The receipt data may be classified. Based at least in part on the classifications produced, the computer system may generate one or more recommendations for gifts for the first human user. Accordingly, the computer system may present, via the social networking service, the one or more recommendations to a second human user of the social networking service. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089087 | DETERMINATION OF CUSTOMER PROXIMITY TO A REGISTER THROUGH USE OF SOUND AND METHODS THEREOF - A method is disclosed for providing notifications and other communications to a customer based on the customer's proximity to a checkout register at a store. A mobile electronic device with mobile self checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The mobile self checkout software may present information to the customer according to the customer's position in the checkout line. The type and nature of the information presented to the customer may be changed according to the customer's distance from the checkout terminal as well as how quickly the customer is approaching the terminal. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089112 | Determination of Customer Proximity to a Register Through Use of Sound and Methods Thereof - A method is disclosed for determining a customer's proximity to a checkout register at a store. A mobile electronic device with mobile self-checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The mobile self-checkout software may present information to the customer according to the customer's position in the checkout line. The type and nature of the information presented to the customer may be changed according to the customer's distance from the checkout terminal as well as how quickly the customer is approaching the terminal. The software may provide detailed data about the shopping and checkout experience. This information may be correlated to customer satisfaction and used identify particular strengths and weaknesses in the shopping experience offered by a store. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089116 | DETERMINATION OF CUSTOMER PROXIMITY TO A REGISTER THROUGH USE OF SOUND AND METHODS THEREOF - A method is disclosed for determining a customer's progress through a checkout line at a store and for correlating customer satisfaction thereto. A mobile electronic device with mobile self checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The software may provide detailed data about the shopping and checkout experience. This information may be correlated to customer satisfaction and used identify particular strengths and weaknesses in the shopping experience offered by a store. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089129 | TECHNIQUES FOR DETERMINING SUBSTITUTES FOR PRODUCTS INDICATED IN AN ELECTRONIC SHOPPING LIST - Systems and methods are disclosed for determining a set of substitutes to recommend to a user. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an item from a remote computing device the item being indicative of a product sold by a retailer. The method also includes determining one or more potential substitutes for the product based on the item, wherein a plurality of attributes are associated with each potential substitute, including a substitute cost corresponding to the potential substitute and a substitution weight corresponding to the potential substitute. The method also includes for each of the one or more potential substitutes, determining a score of the potential substitute based on the plurality of attributes associated with the potential substitute. The method further includes determining a set of recommended substitutes based on the scores and providing the set of recommended substitutes to the remote computing device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140089133 | TECHNIQUES FOR DETERMINING SUBSTITUTES FOR PURCHASED ITEMS IN A PURCHASE HISTORY OF A USER - Systems and methods are disclosed for determining a set of substitutes to recommend to a user. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a product indicator from a remote computing device, with the product indicator being indicative of a brand of a product sold by a retailer. The method also includes determining one or more potential substitutes for the product based on the product indicator, wherein a plurality of attributes are associated with each potential substitute, including a substitute cost corresponding to the potential substitute and a substitution weight corresponding to the potential substitute. The method also includes for each of the one or more potential substitutes, determining a score of the potential substitute based on the plurality of attributes associated with the potential substitute. The method further includes determining a set of recommended substitutes based on the scores and providing the set of recommended substitutes to the remote computing device. | 03-27-2014 |
20140095290 | SAVINGS-GUARANTEE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for comparing pricing of selected products over a certain period of time is disclosed. The method may begin with completing, by a computer system, a plurality of transactions between a first business and a particular customer. The plurality of transactions may comprise the purchase, by the particular customer, of a plurality of goods from the first business. The method may further including recording, by the computer system, an actual cost charged the particular customer for the plurality of goods. The computer system may also calculate a first hypothetical cost reflecting what the particular customer would have been charged for the plurality of goods had the plurality of goods been purchased from a second business. Accordingly, the computer system may generate a comparison between the actual cost and the first hypothetical cost and present the comparison to the particular customer. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095481 | SEARCHING DIGITAL RECEIPTS AT A MOBILE DEVICE - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for searching digital receipts at a mobile device. A customer mobile device receives and stores one or more digital receipts. The one or more digital receipts correspond to transactions conducted with a merchant. A user can select search criteria for searching stored digital receipts. The search criteria can be applied to stored digital receipts. Any stored digital receipts that satisfy the search criteria can be returned for display. In some embodiments, search criteria are selected to search for digital receipts associated with a specified payment method, such as, for example, cash, check, credit card, debit card, gift card, etc. In other embodiments, search criteria are selected to search for digital receipts having a purchase date within a specified purchase date range. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095482 | SEARCHING DIGITAL RECEIPTS AT A MOBILE DEVICE - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for searching digital receipts at a mobile device. A customer mobile device receives and stores one or more digital receipts. The one or more digital receipts correspond to transactions conducted with a merchant. A user can select search criteria for searching stored digital receipts. The search criteria can be applied to stored digital receipts. Any stored digital receipts that satisfy the search criteria can be returned for display. In some embodiments, search criteria are selected to search for digital receipts associated with a specified payment method, such as, for example, cash, check, credit card, debit card, gift card, etc. In other embodiments, search criteria are selected to search for digital receipts having a purchase date within a specified purchase date range. | 04-03-2014 |
20140095985 | ARRANGING DIGITAL RECEIPT ITEMS - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for arranging digital receipt items at a mobile device. A customer's digital receipts are stored at a mobile device. Receipt items are accessed from one or more stored digital receipts. Each receipt item includes item information for a purchased item. The plurality of receipt items are displayed in a first display arrangement at a display of the mobile device. A user request is received to change the first display arrangement. The user request includes arrangement criteria indicating how the plurality of receipt items is to be rearranged for display. In response to the user request, a second display arrangement is formed in accordance with the arrangement criteria. The plurality of receipt items are displayed in the second display arrangement at the display. | 04-03-2014 |
20140117079 | LAYAWAY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for associating a computing device of a customer with a layaway transaction corresponding to the customer is disclosed. The method may begin with a computer system initiating a layaway transaction with a customer. The computer system may then issue a receipt documenting the layaway transaction and comprising a machine readable code. The customer may use a computing device (e.g., mobile telephone) in his or her possession to scan the machine readable code. Accordingly, the computer system may receive, from the computing device, data extracted by the computing device from the machine readable code. The computer system, in response to the receiving, may link the computing device with the layaway transaction. The computer system may then serve an electronic receipt to the computing device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122166 | CROWDSOURCED BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing crowdsourced contest for a behavior modification plan such as a plan to modify a user's diet, spending habits, or meals. A contest definition may be formulated based on a request received from the user and an analysis of the user's purchase history. The contest may be published to potential respondents based on analysis of the respondent's own purchase history. Payments may be authorized upon selection of a respondent's plan. The user's purchasing activity may be monitored and reported to the selected respondent to facilitate coaching. Coaching activity may be facilitated and or detected and payment authorized for such activity. Achievement of goals may be verified using the purchase activity of the user and payment authorized to the selected respondent to the extent goals are achieved. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122191 | ENCOURAGING SHOPPING ASSISTANCE BY CHILDREN USING DIGITAL SHOPPING LISTS - Systems and methods are disclosed for encouraging participation of children in a shopping trip. A parent assigns a number of items or specific items of a shopping list to a child and the assignment is transmitted to a child's device. A child's selection of a reward item is received from the child's device. An interface on the child's device enables check off of the items as the child retrieves them. Upon completion of the assignment, a parent may authorize check off of the reward item and this authorization may be transmitted to the child device. Check off of the reward item may then be enabled on the child device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122208 | CROWDSOURCED BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing crowdsourced contest for a behavior modification plan such as a plan to modify a user's diet, spending habits, or meals. A contest definition may be formulated based on a request received from the user and an analysis of the user's purchase history. The contest may be published to potential respondents based on analysis of the respondent's own purchase history. Payments may be authorized upon selection of a respondent's plan. The user's purchasing activity may be monitored and reported to the selected respondent to facilitate coaching. Coaching activity may be facilitated and or detected and payment authorized for such activity. Achievement of goals may be verified using the purchase activity of the user and payment authorized to the selected respondent to the extent goals are achieved. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122209 | CROWDSOURCED BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing crowdsourced contest for a behavior modification plan such as a plan to modify a user's diet, spending habits, or meals. A contest definition may be formulated based on a request received from the user and an analysis of the user's purchase history. The contest may be published to potential respondents based on analysis of the respondent's own purchase history. Payments may be authorized upon selection of a respondent's plan. The user's purchasing activity may be monitored and reported to the selected respondent to facilitate coaching. Coaching activity may be facilitated and or detected and payment authorized for such activity. Achievement of goals may be verified using the purchase activity of the user and payment authorized to the selected respondent to the extent goals are achieved. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122268 | Point-Of-Sale-Customer-Identification Apparatus And Method - A method is disclosed identifying a customer during a point-of-sale transaction. Within the method, a computer system may associate or link a first character string to a computing device possessed by a customer. Subsequently, the computer system may initiate a point-of-sale transaction with the customer at a point-of-sale system. In the transaction, the computer system may receive payment data from the customer and first location data from the computing device. From the payment data, the computer system may obtain a second character string. Accordingly, the computer system may identify a match between the first character string and the second character string and between the first location data and second location data corresponding to the point-of-sale system. Thus, the computer system may determine that the computing device is a proper recipient of an electronic receipt documenting the transaction and send the electronic receipt to the computing device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122269 | LAYAWAY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method for associating a computing device of a customer with a layaway transaction corresponding to the customer is disclosed. The method may begin with a computer system initiating a layaway transaction with a customer. A point-of-sale system forming part of the computer system may then receive identification information from the customer. The customer may use the identification information to link the layaway transaction to the computing device. The computer system may then serve an electronic receipt to the computing device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122270 | MANAGING RETURNS USING ELECTRONIC RECEIPTS - Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining an electronic receipt. An electronic receipt is created and stored for a transaction. The electronic receipt is updated for returns and the electronic receipt may be viewable by a user, as a number of versions of the receipt or a markup showing modifications to the transaction. To make a return, a POS may request the some or all of versions of the receipt. An item to be returned for a transaction may be evaluated with respect to the current version of the receipt to determine if the item has been previously returned. An item to be returned may be selected by a user by selecting the item on a graphical representation of the receipt displayed on the user's mobile phone or other computing device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122273 | Customer Reprint Of A Physical Receipt From An Electronic Receipt - A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. A customer may pair their mobile electronic device with a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the customer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122274 | Customer Reprint Of A Physical Receipt From An Electronic Receipt - A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. A customer may pair their mobile electronic device with a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the customer. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122275 | Reprint Of A Physical Receipt And Receipt History From An Electronic Receipt For Reducing Fraudulent Returns - A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location. The receipt printing may be based off of an electronic receipt. A customer may provide receipt identification to a returns associate at a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the returns associate. A modified receipt may be printed which includes receipt information for additional transactions. A modified receipt may be printed which includes additional information regarding items on the receipt. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122276 | Reprint Of A Physical Receipt And Receipt History From An Electronic Receipt For Reducing Fraudulent Returns - A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location. The receipt printing may be based off of an electronic receipt. A customer may provide receipt identification to a returns associate at a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the returns associate. A modified receipt may be printed which includes receipt information for additional transactions. A modified receipt may be printed which includes additional information regarding items on the receipt. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122278 | Automatic Sharing Of A Receipt With A Place Of Employment - A method is disclosed for a customer sharing a receipt with other persons. An electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. A customer may select the receipt for sharing as well as selecting modifications to the receipt and persons to share the receipt with. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be shared. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the contact person requested by the customer. The receipt may be shared via data transfer, facsimile or email, or may be shared through a receipts management software or application. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122279 | Automatic Sharing Of A Receipt With A Place Of Employment - A method is disclosed for a customer sharing a receipt with other persons. An electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. A customer may select the receipt for sharing as well as selecting modifications to the receipt and persons to share the receipt with. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be shared. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the contact person requested by the customer. The receipt may be shared via data transfer, facsimile or email, or may be shared through a receipts management software or application. | 05-01-2014 |
20140122345 | SHARING OF A RECEIPT AMONG MOBILE DEVICES - A method is disclosed for a customer sharing a receipt with other persons. An electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. Using a device configured according to one or more embodiments of the invention, a customer is able to select the receipt for sharing as well as adding additional information to the receipt such as comments, ratings, reviews, etc. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be shared with other persons. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the contact person requested by the customer. The receipt may be shared via the contact person's mobile electronic device. | 05-01-2014 |
20140144977 | SCANNABLE RECIPE CARD TO ADD ITEMS TO SHOPPING LIST - A system and method for automatically importing retail grocery products into an electronic shopping list by importing the ingredients listed on a recipe card, page in a recipe book, or the like. The recipe card may contain an identifier code that is uniquely associated with that recipe. The identifier code may be presented on the recipe card as a bar code. The system includes a database of recipes that returns a list of products when queried with a recipe identifier code. A user may scan or otherwise import the recipe identifier code through a mobile computing device, which then presents the ingredients as products in an electronic shopping list. The electronic shopping list may be implemented in a smartphone app. | 05-29-2014 |
20140147018 | Detecting Customer Dissatisfaction Using Biometric Data - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for improving customer service. A video feed of a camera viewing a POS queue is analyzed to identify customers and measure customer biometric data. The biometric data is analyzed and used to generate customer service actions such as alerting a representative or calling in additional staff if the data indicates customer dissatisfaction. The biometric data of a customer may be correlated to transaction data of the customer in order to detect changes of the purchase habits of the customer due to dissatisfaction. Changes in purchase habits, such as a loss of a customer, may be used in combination with the biometric data to establish thresholds of biometric data used to generate customer service actions. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149160 | FACILITATING PERSONAL SHOPPING ASSISTANCE - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for facilitating shopping assistance. A shopping list is posted by a principal and presented to a plurality of potential agents. Responses are received from the potential agents and a response manually or automatically selected. Partial access to a shopping account of the principal is provided to the selected agent. Partial access may enable the agent to view a shopping list generated by the agent and to associate transactions of the agent with the principal. At a point of sale (POS) an agent may be authenticated and enabled to select a principal with which to associate a transaction. Real time data may be transmitted to a principal as items of a shopping list are checked off by the agent and updates and feedback from the principal may be provided to the agent. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149214 | PROOF POINTS OF PRODUCT PRICE REDUCTIONS - A system and method for notifying a retail customer with respect to recent price reductions for products of interest to the customer. The system and method include identification of such products of interest by gathering and analyzing past purchase behavior, demographic data, and the like. By analyzing such data to identify products of relatively high importance to the customer and presenting notifications of price reductions of such identified products, the retailer may successfully instill in the customer the impression that the retailer offers lower prices than its competitors. Such impressions may be likely to increase customer loyalty and encourage repeated return shopping trips. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149236 | REMINDER CALENDARING BASED ON RECEIPT DATA - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for calendaring reminders. Within the method, one or more point-of-sale transactions may be conducted. The transactions may involve a computer system and a customer possessing a mobile computing device. The computer system may store receipt data documenting the transactions. The computer system may also search the receipt data in an effort to locate one or more products having predictable purchase periodicity. When such products are identified, one or more appropriate reminders for subsequent purchases of the one or more products may be scheduled. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149238 | GIFT-REGISTRY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method is disclosed for administering a gift registry. Within the method, a computer system may associate or link a gift registry to a computing device in the possession of a customer. A point-of-sale system forming part of the computer system may then initiate a transaction comprising the purchase of an item by the customer. The computer system may identify a link between the computing device and the transaction, determine that the item is listed within the gift registry, and receive confirmation that the item was purchased for the gift registry. Accordingly, the computer system may modify the gift registry to reflect the purchase of the item. | 05-29-2014 |
20140149239 | RECIPE-SUGGESTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for suggesting recipes. Within the method, one or more point-of-sale transactions may be conducted. The transactions may involve a computer system and a customer possessing a mobile computing device. The computer system may store receipt data documenting the transactions. The computer system may also receive a request from the mobile computing device for one or more recipes, analyze the receipt data to identify at least one of the food patterns and food preferences of the customer, and identify one or more recipes corresponding to at least one of the food patterns and food preferences. The computer system may then pass the one or more recipes to the mobile computing device. | 05-29-2014 |
20140156394 | Targeted Advertisement Generation For Travelers - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for generating targeted advertisements to traveling consumers. A user's location is tracked or inferred and compared to a home region identified for the user. For user's located with in a home region targeted advertisements are selected according to a user profile generated from analysis of the user's purchases over time. Upon detecting the user located outside the home region, selection of advertisements according to the user's home region profile may be suspended and advertisements may be selected according to one or more of a generic traveling consumer model, a traveling consumer category model, and a user-specific traveling profile. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156395 | SHIFTING MARKETING MESSAGING ACCORDING TO CUSTOMER LIFESTYLE CHANGES - A process and method for tailoring marketing messaging to retail customers is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a system adapted to identify significant lifestyle changes in a customer's life by recording and analyzing the customer's purchasing behavior and to adjust marketing messaging directed at the customer in accordance with the identified lifestyle change. The marketing messaging system may search a customer's purchase history for known correlations between shopping behavior and demographic, socioeconomic, and other similar classifications of retail customers. By identifying changes in shopping patterns, the system of the present disclosure can tailor marketing messaging for the recipient consumer, thereby increasing marketing effectiveness. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156415 | TECHNIQUES FOR DETERMINING THE AGE AND GENDER OF A CONSUMER - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, at least one of a video signal and an audio signal from a head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of deriving, at the processing device, a demographic value in response to the at least one of the video signal and the audio signal. The demographic value is indicative of at least one of a gender and an age of a user of the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of obtaining, at processing device, an advertisement in response to the demographic value. The method also includes the step of transmitting the advertisement to the head mountable unit with the processing device of the commerce server. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156423 | Suggesting Expired Product Replenishment Based On Receipt Data - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for suggesting purchases. Within the method, one or more point-of-sale transactions may be conducted. The transactions may involve a computer system and a customer possessing a mobile computing device. The computer system may store receipt data documenting the transactions. Sometime after the transactions, the computer system may search the receipt data in an effort to locate one or more products that have a high probability of having passed (or are very near) their expiration dates. When such products are identified, the corresponding customer may be so informed. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156432 | Approximating Alternate Currency Equivalents In Digital Receipts - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for approximating alternate currency equivalents in digital receipts. In response to a user request, item prices in one currency in a digital receipts (e.g., for retail sales transactions) can be approximated in a second different currency. Digital receipts with approximated item prices can be presented on a display at a mobile device. Currency conversion can be handled at a receipt data server or at the mobile device. Currency conversion can be performed locally or can be referred to a conversion server. Item prices in digital receipts can be converted from and/or to any of a variety of different currencies. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156508 | Splitting A Purchase Among Multiple Parties Using An Electronic Receipt After The Transaction - A method is disclosed for a customer splitting the cost of a purchase with other persons. An electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. Using a device configured according to one or more embodiments of the invention, a customer is able to select the receipt for splitting as well as selecting other persons to share the cost of items on the receipt. The customer may allocate item cost among those other persons. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to provide notifications to the other persons. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information/notifications to the person requested by the customer. | 06-05-2014 |
20140156517 | SPLITTING A PURCHASE AMONG MULTIPLE PARTIES USING AN ELECTRONIC RECEIPT AFTER THE TRANSACTION - A method is disclosed for a customer splitting a bill with other persons. A bill may be obtained and viewed electronically on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. Using a device configured according to one or more embodiments of the invention, a customer is able to select the bill for splitting as well as selecting other persons to share the cost of items on the receipt. The customer may allocate item cost among those other persons and each person may pay for their individual portion of the bill. Notifications and/or receipt copies may be sent electronically to each person associated with the bill. | 06-05-2014 |
20140166749 | Providing Electronic Receipts For Vending Machine Transactions - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing an electronic receipt for a vending machine transaction. Upon conclusion of a vending machine transaction a screen on the vending machine displays an optically encoded electronic receipt. The optically encoded electronic receipt may encode a transaction identifier and may additionally encode details of the transaction. The vending machine may also transmit transaction data to a server. A user computing device may scan the optically encoded electronic receipt and retrieve a transaction identifier. Using the transaction identifier, the user computing device may request transaction data from the server either directly or by way of a server owned or controlled by a different entity. Additional content, such as advertisements may be transmitted with or for display with transaction data. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167960 | Detecting Defective Shopping Carts - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for identifying defective shopping carts are disclosed. A microphone is positioned to detect sound emitted by passing shopping carts and the output of the microphone is analyzed and compared to sound signatures for one or both of normal and defective shopping carts. If the output indicates a passing cart is defective one or more cart removal actions may be taken such as generating an audible alert, capturing an image of the defective cart, transmitting an alert to a store employee indicating one or both of a location of the cart and an identifier of the cart captured from an image or some other means. In some embodiments, a signal may be transmitted to a cart detected to be defective effective to lock one or more wheels of the cart. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168427 | NOTIFY ASSOCIATES OF CLEANUP JOBS - A process and method for identifying spills or other types of floor messes through computer-implemented image processing techniques are disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure include notifying cleanup tasks when such floor messes are identified. Image processing techniques may be employed to analyze images captured by surveillance cameras installed in a retail, commercial or industrial setting. Analyzed images may be forwarded to human operators for additional analysis or classification. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172554 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING A PREFERRED MESSAGE - A computer-implemented method is described and includes, in a computerized server, receiving a candidate message from each of a plurality of designers. The candidate message is sent to a plurality of target recipients, and actions of the target recipients are monitored in response to the candidate message, including compiling metrics associated with the actions of the target recipients. The metrics for the candidate messages are compared, and one of the candidate messages is selected as a preferred message based upon the comparing. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172555 | TECHNIQUES FOR MONITORING THE SHOPPING CART OF A CONSUMER - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, one or more signals from a head mountable unit associated with each of a plurality of products physically placed in a shopping cart by a consumer. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, each of the plurality of products in response to the corresponding one or more signals received from the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of correlating, with the processing device, each of the plurality of products with a price. The method also includes the step of maintaining, with the processing device, a summation of the prices of the plurality of products. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, the summation to the head mountable unit. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172599 | Determining Point Of Sale Advertisement Effectiveness - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for characterizing the effectiveness of an advertisement displayed at a point of sale (POS). A transaction reported by a POS may identify a consumer and a transaction time as well of details such as a product purchased. The transaction time may be compared to an advertising schedule to identify an advertisement displayed adjacent the POS at the time of purchase. Transactions subsequent to identified advertisements may be analyzed to identify any increase in purchasing activity for an advertised product. Increases in purchasing activity and impressions identified in this manner for the general population or demographic groups may be aggregated to characterize an advertisement's effectiveness. Video data or transaction frequency data may be used to estimate an in-queue time for a customer in order to identify advertisement impressions. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172604 | REPRINTING A PAPER RECEIPT WHERE AN ELECTRONIC RECEIPT WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED - A method is disclosed for reprinting a receipt. Where a customer has elected to receive electronic receipts, an electronic receipt may be received on a mobile electronic device following a customer purchase or other transaction at a brick and mortar retail store. Where a customer requests that the receipt be reprinted at the time of the transaction, the election to receive electronic receipts is overridden and a paper copy of the receipt is printed at the register or terminal where the transaction was completed. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172628 | Approximating Customer Location Within A Store - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products approximating customer location within a store. Consumers can load a shopping list onto a mobile device. The mobile device can communicate via wireless communication with a customer location server. The customer location server can contain a map of a store as well as the location of items for sale within the store. The mobile device can send a notification to the customer location server when an item has been checked off of the mobile device shopping list. The customer location server can determine the location of the item that was checked off of the mobile device shopping list. The customer location server can infer that the customer is near the location of the item that was checked off of the mobile device shopping list. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172640 | AUGMENTED REALITY SHOPPING GAME - Augmented reality programs permit graphics to be projected upon a view. A scavenger hunt game can be operated within a retail store utilizing a processing device operating an augmented reality program. The game includes receiving, at a processing device, a list of objects being sought, each object indicating one of a product being sold by the store or a task to be performed within the store. The game further includes, for each object being sought, determining an in-store location for the object, displaying though the augmented reality program in-store navigational instructions for each object being sought based upon the in-store location for the object, and confirming, at the processing device, retrieval of each object being sought. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172894 | Recipe Suggestion System And Method - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of storing, in a consumer purchase history database, identities of items purchased by a consumer. The method also includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a recipe suggestion server, a recipe request signal from the consumer after said storing step. The method also includes the step of maintaining, in a recipe database, a plurality of recipes wherein each recipe is defined by a plurality of ingredients. The method also includes the step of comparing, with the processing device, the identities of items purchased by the consumer with the respective plurality of ingredients associated with one or more of the plurality of recipes. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, at least one of the plurality of recipes to the consumer wherein the plurality of ingredients of the at least one of the plurality of recipes is correlated with the identities of items purchased by the consumer. | 06-19-2014 |
20140175162 | Identifying Products As A Consumer Moves Within A Retail Store - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, a video signal containing a barcode from an augmented reality device worn by a consumer shopping in a retail store. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, the barcode in the video signal. The method also includes the step of correlating, with the processing device, the barcode with a product offered for sale in the retail store. | 06-26-2014 |
20140175167 | Method For Transferring Shopping Cart Contents To A Register From A Mobile Electronic Device - A method is disclosed for allowing a customer to create a digital shopping cart on a mobile electronic device while shopping at a brick and mortar store. The customer may scan barcodes, e.g. UPC variants, from a product with the camera of the mobile electronic device and record these product barcodes into the mobile electronic device. The shopping cart contents may be transferred to a checkout register without a data connection between the register and the device. The mobile electronic device may create one or more | 06-26-2014 |
20140176707 | Determining The Position Of A Consumer In A Retail Store Using A Light Source - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of positioning at least one light source at a position in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a position detection server, a video signal from an electronic device possessed by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. At least one image frame of the video signal contains the at least one light source. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, a location of the consumer within the retail store in response to the receiving step. | 06-26-2014 |
20140177907 | FAULTY CART WHEEL DETECTION - A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems. | 06-26-2014 |
20140177924 | FAULTY CART WHEEL DETECTION - A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180479 | Bagging With Robotic Arm - Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or semi-automatically depositing retail items into a bag using a robotic arm. Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise a camera, an image processor, and a robotic arm control module to analyze and attempt to identify an item. Human intervention may be utilized to assist in item identification and/or robotic arm control. A human operator may visually identify the item and/or remotely control the robotic arm from a remote control station. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180528 | FAULTY CART WHEEL DETECTION - A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180757 | Techniques For Recording A Consumer Shelf Experience - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of recording, with a processing device of a commerce server, video of a product as a consumer is viewing the product in a retail store. The method also includes the step of correlating with the processing device, the video recorded in the recording step with consumer data. The consumer data can be demographic data associated with the consumer or a purchase history of the consumer. The method also includes the step of offering the correlated video and consumer data for sale to the manufacturer of the product. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180782 | Techniques For Linking Consumers For Coupon Matching - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a shopping list containing a plurality of items from a primary consumer. The method also includes the step of controlling, with the processing device, a display of an electronic computing device of a secondary consumer to display the shopping list. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, a coupon list containing one more coupons from the secondary consumer wherein each of the one or more coupons corresponds to one of the plurality of items on the shopping list. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a message containing the coupon list to the primary consumer. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180785 | REPORTING OUT-OF-STOCK ITEMS - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for maintaining product available on store shelves. An optical code is positioned adjacent a location where a product is located when in stock. A customer finding the product to be out of stock may scan the code and report this fact. A computer system receives the notification and may transmit a message to an employee computing device. Notice of restocking or unavailability may be transmitted from the employee computing device and subsequently reported to a customer computing device. A location of the user computing device may be reported to an employee to facilitate hand delivery of the product if available. Where inventory is not available at a store, notice of availability at a proximate store may be transmitted to the customer computing device. An incentive in the form of a promotion or points may be assigned to notifying customers. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180805 | Arranging Advertisement Content In Digital Receipts - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for arranging advertisement content in digital receipts. A receipt database server formulates a digital receipt for a sales transaction. When the digital receipt is requested for viewing by another computer system, the receipt database server can arrange content in the digital receipt for an advertising purpose. In some embodiments, the digital receipt server places an advertisement insert into the digital receipt. In other embodiments, the digital receipt server (re)arranges receipt items of the digital receipt so that some receipt items appear more prominently (e.g., are moved towards the top of the digital receipt, are displayed in a different color, are highlighted, etc.). Thus, in response to requesting a digital receipt, a customer mobile device can receive an advertisement digital receipt. The advertisement digital receipt can include content arranged for an advertising purpose. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180848 | Estimating Point Of Sale Wait Times - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for providing an estimate of the delay to check out at a store for a target time and date. A user computing device may receive or infer target data such as a time, date, and location at which a user would like to go shopping. The target data may then be input to a delay model for a target location. The delay model returns a checkout delay estimate that is provided to a requesting user. In some embodiment, alternate locations to a target location that provide a shorter wait time may be identified. In some embodiments, delay estimates may be based on throughput data for cashiers working at a target time. The delay model may be trained or updated using observations of wait times based on images of a queue at a POS station. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180855 | PRE-PURCHASE FEEDBACK APPARATUS AND METHOD - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for enabling pre-purchase feedback. Within the method, a primary customer carrying a first computing device may be received within a brick-and-mortar store. A computer system corresponding to the store may receive via the first computing device an instruction to share with a secondary customer data describing a proposed purchase of one or more products. The computer system may then pass the data to a second computing device corresponding to the secondary customer. The computer system may also receive, via the second computing device, feedback corresponding to the proposed purchase and pass the feedback to the first computing device. Accordingly, the primary customer may receive pre-purchase feedback from the secondary customer. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180865 | INFORMING CUSTOMERS REGARDING ITEMS ON THEIR SHOPPING LIST - Systems and methods are disclosed for alerting a customer when an item is out of stock or in stock. In embodiments, the customer may add items to a shopping list within a shopping list software application (commonly known as an “app”) installed on a mobile computing device such as a smart phone. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, if one or more items on the shopping list become out-of-stock, and/or later become in-stock, the system may transmit an alert to be displayed on the shopping list app to notify the customer. The system may notify the customer regarding relevant changes in product inventories at selected retail store branches where the customer is most likely to shop and/or has recently shopped. | 06-26-2014 |
20140184802 | TECHNIQUES FOR REDUCING CONSUMER WAIT TIME - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of monitoring a plurality of locations within a retail store with respective cameras directed at each location and generating respective monitoring video signals. The method also includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, an access signal from a head mountable unit worn by a consumer in the retail store containing a request for access to at least one of the monitoring video signals. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, at least one of the monitoring video signals to the head mountable unit in response to said receiving step. | 07-03-2014 |
20140184818 | Techniques For Detecting Depleted Stock - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, at least a video signal from a head mountable unit worn by a consumer in a retail store. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, an indication of depleted stock in the retail store in response to the video signal received from the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a restock signal in response to the identifying step. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188591 | Techniques For Delivering A Product Promotion To A Consumer - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, one or more signals from a head mountable unit corresponding to a forward direction and a position of the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, at least one product that is in the forward direction of the head mountable unit based on the signal received from the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of obtaining, with the processing device, at least one product promotion for the at least one product. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, the at least one product promotion to the head mountable unit. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188605 | Techniques For Delivering A Product Promotion To A Consumer - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, one or more signals from a head mountable unit corresponding to a forward direction and a position of the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, at least one product that is in the forward direction of the head mountable unit based on the signal received from the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of obtaining, with the processing device, at least one product promotion for the at least one product. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, the at least one product promotion to the head mountable unit. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188641 | WARRANTY STORING AND PRESENTING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for storing and presenting warranties to one or more customers. Within the method, a computer system may store at least one warranty. Subsequently, a point-of-sale system forming part of the computer system may initiate a point-of-sale transaction involving a customer. The computer system may then determine that a first product forming part of the point-of-sale transaction corresponds to a first warranty of the least one warranty and offer to display the first warranty. In response to the offer, the computer system may receive a request to display the first warranty from a computing device corresponding to the customer. Accordingly, the computer system may present the first warranty to the customer via the computing device. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188647 | Searching Digital Receipts At A Mobile Device - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for searching digital receipts at a mobile device. A customer mobile device receives and stores one or more digital receipts. The one or more digital receipts correspond to transactions conducted with a merchant. A user captures an image (e.g., a barcode scan, picture, etc.) from or of an item. Search criteria (e.g., barcode data, item characteristics, etc.) are derived from the captured image. The search criteria are used to search digital receipts stored at the customer mobile device for instances of the item. One or more instances of the item are identified from among the stored digital receipts. The one or more instances of the item are presented at a display. | 07-03-2014 |
20140188648 | Searching Digital Receipts At A Mobile Device - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for searching digital receipts at a mobile device. A customer mobile device receives and stores one or more digital receipts. The one or more digital receipts correspond to transactions conducted with a merchant. A user captures an image (e.g., a barcode scan, picture, etc.) from or of an item. Search criteria (e.g., barcode data, item characteristics, etc.) are derived from the captured image. The search criteria are used to search digital receipts stored at the customer mobile device for instances of the item. One or more instances of the item are identified from among the stored digital receipts. The one or more instances of the item are presented at a display. | 07-03-2014 |
20140210621 | THEFT DETECTION SYSTEM - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a monitoring server, a theft detection signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a first employee of a retail store. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, the first augmented reality device in communication with an electronic computing device operated by a second employee in response to said step of receiving the theft detection signal. The second employee can assist the first employee in assessing whether a theft is occurring. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211017 | LINKING AN ELECTRONIC RECEIPT TO A CONSUMER IN A RETAIL STORE - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, a first video signal containing an image of a consumer's face. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, a receipt of a purchase by the consumer of at least one product with the image of the consumer's face. The method also includes the step of receiving, at the processing device, a second video signal generated at an exit of a retail store. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, the consumer in the second video signal based on the image of the consumer's face in the first video signal. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a receipt signal containing the receipt to a display positioned at the exit of the retail store in response to the identifying step. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213366 | METHOD TO CREATE A GAME LIKE COMPETITION BETWEEN TWO OR MORE SHOPPERS USING MOBILE SELF CHECKOUT SOFTWARE - Techniques for allowing customers to participate in a competition while shopping are disclosed. The techniques include electronically joining a first mobile electronic device into a shopping competition among customers at a brick and mortar store. The techniques also include receiving a UPC code from a first physical item at a brick and mortar store into the first mobile electronic device, creating an electronic shopping cart which includes the first item on the first mobile electronic device, assigning a point value to the first mobile electronic device for selecting the first item for purchase, and selecting a winner among competition participants based on points earned by the competition participants in selecting items for purchase. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214481 | Determining The Position Of A Consumer In A Retail Store Using Location Markers - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of positioning at least one location marker at a position in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a position detection server, a video signal from an electronic device possessed by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. At least one image frame of the video signal contains the at least one location marker. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, a location of the consumer within the retail store in response to the receiving step. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214563 | Product-Description-Improvement Apparatus And Method - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for obtaining improved product descriptions via crowd-sourcing. Within the method, a point-of-sale system forming part of a computer system may initiate a point-of-sale transaction involving a customer. The computer system may identify a first product description describing a first instance of a product being purchased as part of the point-of-sale transaction. The computer system may invite the customer to improve the first product description. In response to such an invitation, the computer system may receive, from a computing device corresponding to the customer, a second product description comprising an improved description of the first instance of the product. The second product description may then be stored by the computer system. The second product description may be vetted to ensure a certain level of quality. Subsequently, the second product description may be passed to other customers when they purchase other instances of the product. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214564 | METHOD TO ALLOW TWO OR MORE MOBILE DEVICES TO CONTRIBUTE ITEMS TO THE SAME VIRTUAL SHOPPING CART IN MOBILE SELF CHECKOUT SOFTWARE - Techniques for allowing multiple mobile electronic devices to contribute items to a single electronic shopping cart are disclosed. The techniques include electronically pairing a first mobile electronic device with a second mobile electronic device. The techniques also include receiving a UPC code from a first physical item at a brick and mortar store into self-checkout software on the first mobile electronic device, receiving first item information for the first item into the self-checkout software on the first mobile electronic device, creating an electronic shopping cart with the first item information on the first mobile electronic device, and transmitting information regarding the first item to the second mobile electronic device to thereby create a synced copy of the electronic shopping cart on the second mobile electronic device. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214568 | RETAIL LOSS PREVENTION USING BIOMETRIC DATA - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for estimating the risk of criminal activity in a retail setting. Using video data, biometric data for an individual may be obtained. A baseline biometric measurement is taken upon enqueuing of an individual, which may include entry of the individual into the field of view of a camera having a point of sale (POS) in its field of view. A biometric measurement is also taken when the individual is adjacent the POS. According to an analysis of these measurements, an estimate of risk is calculated, such as by comparing the baseline measurement to a POS measurement. Based on this risk assessment, an alert may be generated. The alert may be a graphical indicator displayed on the POS or transmitted to a device operated by a store representative. The risk assessment may also be used to select transactions for auditing in a self-checkout system. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214573 | Helping Customers Select A Checkout Lane With Relative Low Congestion - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for helping customers select lesser congested checkout lanes. A cashier can adjust a user-interface control to indicate customer congestion at his or her checkout lane. The indicated customer congestion is combined with indicated customer congestions for other checkout lanes (which may be more or less congested). The combined indicated customer congestions are used to form a lane congestion report for a physical store location. The lane congestion report can be sent to and presented at customer mobile devices at or near the physical store location. Customers can use the information presented in the lane congestion report to select a lesser congested checkout lane. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214574 | Method To Facilitate An In-Store Audit After Issuance Of An Electronic Receipt - Techniques for allowing a store security associate to complete a purchase audit for a customer leaving a brick and mortar store are disclosed. The techniques include preparing an electronic receipt for completed purchase transaction and transmitting a copy of the electronic receipt to a store audit electronic device at the brick and mortar store. The techniques also include receiving customer information into the store audit electronic device to identify the copy of the electronic receipt associated with a customer, displaying the copy of the electronic receipt on the store audit electronic device, and reviewing the copy of the electronic receipt on the store audit electronic device to verify that the customer has purchased items which are in the customer's possession as the customer exits the store. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214590 | TECHNIQUES FOR DETERMINING SUBSTITUTES FOR PRODUCTS INDICATED IN AN ELECTRONIC SHOPPING LIST - Health related attributes of a consumable product can be used to propose substitutes for the product. A computer-implemented method to propose substitutes includes receiving from a user an original shopping list comprising the consumable product, determining health related attributes for the product, generating a proposed healthy choice substitute for the product based upon the health related attributes, and displaying the proposed healthy choice substitute to the user. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214595 | COOPERATIVE EXECUTION OF AN ELECTRONIC SHOPPING LIST - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more consumer signals from a first augmented reality device and a second augmented reality device. Each augmented reality device can be worn by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a first procuring signal containing data associated with the shopping list to the first augmented reality device and a second procuring signal containing data associated with the shopping list to the second augmented reality device, such that the consumers can cooperatively shop for items on the shopping list. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214597 | Method And System For Managing An Electronic Shopping List With Gestures - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a first item signal to an augmented reality device worn by a consumer within the retail store. The first item signal corresponds to one of the plurality of items. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more movement signals from the augmented reality device worn by the consumer corresponding to movement of the consumer. The method also includes the step of changing, with the processing device, from transmitting the first item signal to transmitting a second item signal different from the first item signal in response to the step of receiving the one or more movement signals. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214600 | Assisting A Consumer In Locating A Product Within A Retail Store - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of storing locally, at an augmented reality device worn by a consumer, a shopping list of products that a consumer desires to purchase in a retail store. The method also includes the step of identifying, with a processing device of a commerce server, a location within the retail store of a product on the shopping list and a location of the consumer within the retail store. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, directions from the location of the consumer to the location of the product, the directions being transmitted to an augmented reality device worn by the consumer in the retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, a video signal from a camera of the augmented reality device as the consumer moves through the retail store. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214601 | Method And System For Automatically Managing An Electronic Shopping List - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, one or more shopping list signals from an electronic computing device to establish a shopping list of a plurality of items offered for sale in a retail store. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, one or more signals from an augmented reality device worn by a consumer as the consumer shops in the retail store. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, that an item from the shopping list has been placed in a shopping container from the one or more signals received from the augmented reality device. The method also includes the step of modifying, with the processing device, the shopping list in response to said determining step. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214605 | Method And System For Answering A Query From A Consumer In A Retail Store - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a signal from a consumer transmitted through an augmented reality device worn by the consumer. The method also includes the step of confirming, with the processing device, the signal contains a query from the consumer. The method also includes the step of retrieving, with the processing device, a proposed answer to the query. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, the proposed answer to the augmented reality device. The method also includes the step of verifying, with the processing device, the proposed answer is accepted by the consumer. The method also includes the step of prompting, with the processing device, the consumer to resubmit the signal if the query is not confirmed in the confirming step or if the proposed answer is not accepted in the verifying step. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214612 | CONSUMER TO CONSUMER SALES ASSISTANCE - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a help request signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a current consumer considering an item for purchase in a retail store. The method also includes the step of searching, with the processing device, a consumer database wherein the consumer database contains purchase histories for a plurality of past consumers. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, a past consumer in the consumer database who purchased the item. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a communication request signal to a second augmented reality device worn by the past consumer containing data indicative of a request that the past consumer communicate with the current consumer about the item. The past consumer can assist the current consumer in considering the item for purchase. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214628 | Gesture-Based Product Wishlist And Shared Social Networking - A portable computerized device can implement a method to collect a preference of a user for a product and share that preference over a social media application. The method includes monitoring an indication of a user of the device to a product of interest, identifying the product of interest by referencing a product information database, communicating the product of interest to the social media application, and displaying the product of interest through the social media application. | 07-31-2014 |
20140215409 | ANIMATED DELETE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for deleting an electronic receipt. Within the method, a computer system may present a receipt image documenting a point-of-sale transaction to a customer via a display of a computing device corresponding to the customer. While the receipt image is being presented, the computer system may receive one or more multi-touch pinch commands applied by the customer to the display of the computing device. In response to such commands, the computer system may virtually crumple the receipt image in a manner tracking the one or more multi-touch pinch commands. Once the receipt image is fully crumpled and/or crumpled and flicked, the computer system may delete receipt data corresponding to the receipt image from the computer device or an account accessed through the computing device. | 07-31-2014 |
20140236652 | REMOTE SALES ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a help request signal from an augmented reality device worn by a current consumer shopping in a retail store. The method also includes the step of selecting, with the processing device, a sales assistant to help the current consumer. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, the augmented reality device in communication with an electronic computing device operated by the sales assistant. The method also includes the step of receiving, at the processing device, a receipt signal containing a list of items purchased by the current consumer. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, if any item on the list of items was the subject of the help provided to the current consumer by the sales assistant. The sales assistant can enjoy a commission, a performance bonus, a quota, or receive some other form of enhanced remuneration in response to the determining step. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236764 | REMOTE SALES ASSISTANCE TRACKING - A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of providing, with a processing device of a commerce server, sales assistance to a consumer shopping in a retail store and considering a first item for purchase. The method also includes the step of receiving, at the processing device, a receipt signal containing a list of items purchased by the consumer. The method also includes the step of determining, with the processing device, if the first item is among the list of items purchased by the consumer to track the effectiveness of the providing step. | 08-21-2014 |
20150058186 | Searching Digital Receipts at a Mobile Device - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for searching digital receipts at a mobile device. A customer mobile device receives and stores one or more digital receipts. The one or more digital receipts correspond to transactions conducted with a merchant. A user can select search criteria for searching stored digital receipts. The search criteria can be applied to stored digital receipts. Any stored digital receipts that satisfy the search criteria can be returned for display. In some embodiments, search criteria are selected to search for digital receipts associated with a specified payment method, such as, for example, cash, check, credit card, debit card, gift card, etc. In other embodiments, search criteria are selected to search for digital receipts having a purchase date within a specified purchase date range. | 02-26-2015 |
20150088366 | FAULTY CART WHEEL DETECTION - A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems. | 03-26-2015 |
20150112832 | EMPLOYING A PORTABLE COMPUTERIZED DEVICE TO ESTIMATE A TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN A RETAIL ENVIRONMENT - A computer-implemented process for determining a probable total expenditure for selected goods is described, and includes employing a portable computerized device to capture an image of a plurality of selected goods. An itemized list of probable selected products is generated based upon the image. A price is determined for each of the probable selected products, and a total probable expenditure for the itemized list of probable selected products is determined based upon the price for each of the probable selected products. The total probable expenditure is displayed on the portable computerized device. | 04-23-2015 |
20150317642 | PROCESS TO QUERY ELECTRONIC SALES RECEIPTS WITH A PORTABLE COMPUTERIZED DEVICE - A process permitting a customer to access a stored electronic sales receipt and provide information from the electronic sales receipt to a customer service associate can include, in a computerized device operated by the customer, accessing the stored electronic sales receipt and generating a displayed indication to the electronic sales receipt. The process can further include, in a computerized device operated by the customer service associate, receiving the displayed indication and processing a transaction related to the electronic sales receipt based upon the displayed indication. | 11-05-2015 |
20150319333 | Digital Watermark Feature For Device To Device Duplication Of A Digital Receipt - A computer-implemented process can be operated to create a watermarked copy of a unique original copy of an electronic sales receipt in a first computerized device to a second computerized device. The watermarked copy includes an electronic watermark identifying the copy. The process includes creating the watermarked copy of the electronic sales receipt by copying information from the original copy of the electronic sales receipt to the watermarked copy and providing the electronic watermark within the watermarked copy. | 11-05-2015 |