56 results about "Universal Product Code" patented technology

The present invention provides a payment system that allows a mobile communications device (MCD) to interact with a merchant processing device (MPD) and a payment engine. A communications component associated with the payment engine can send requested barcodes to the MPD, receive barcodes or alphanumeric Universal Product Codes from customer MCDs, and handle payment authorizations and settlements. A barcode management component can generate and interpret barcodes based upon merchant offerings and client requests. A security algorithms component can employ an offset pair algorithm to convert each digit from a payment card information into an offset pair of digits to facilitate security in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Methods and apparatus for disseminating over the Internet product information produced and maintained by product manufacturers using existing universal product codes (bar codes) as access keys. A cross-referencing resource preferably implemented by the existing Internet Domain Name System (DNS) receives Internet request messages containing all or part of a universal product code value and returns the Internet address at which data or services relating to the identified product, or to the manufacturer of that product, may be obtained. By using preferred Web data storage formats and protocol which conform to XML, XLS, XLink, Xpointer, RDF and Web service standards specifications, product and company information may be seamlessly identified, retrieved and integrated with information from other sources. A “web register” module can be employed to provide an Internet interface between a shared sales Internet server and an otherwise conventional inventory control system, and operates in conjunction with the cross-referencing server to provide detailed product information to Internet shoppers who may purchase goods from existing stores via the Internet.

Disclosed are methods and systems for influencing buying behavior. The methods include obtaining purchase information for a particular user and obtaining a product indication, such as a universal product code or product description, from the user. Based on the purchase information, the product information, and other user traits, the methods and systems allow specific variants of advertisements and specific purchase incentives to be provided to the user.

Methods and apparatus for disseminating over the Internet product information produced and maintained by product manufacturers using existing universal product codes (bar codes) as access keys. A cross-referencing resource preferably implemented by the existing Internet Domain Name System (DNS) receives Internet request messages containing all or part of a universal product code value and returns the Internet address at which data or services relating to the identified product, or to the manufacturer of that product, may be obtained. By using preferred Web data storage formats and protocol which conform to XML, XLS, XLink, Xpointer, RDF and Web service standards specifications, product and company information may be seamlessly identified, retrieved and integrated with information from other sources. A “web register” module can be employed to provide an Internet interface between a shared sales Internet server and an otherwise conventional inventory control system, and operates in conjunction with the cross-referencing server to provide detailed product information to Internet shoppers who may purchase goods from existing stores via the Internet.

This is a system to assist shoppers through a handheld wireless communications device which is Bluetooth-enabled (as an example) (a registered trademark), connected to a barcode reader to scan Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes on items in the store. The shopper is required to login to the store's shopping system using this device once a personal account has created. While shopping, scan the items, view their prices and running total and finally complete the purchase. This system is also capable of (as an example) consolidating a personal shopping list created remotely through vendor's web site or stored on the personal communication device and the shopping cart to help and enhance the shopping experience.

A system and method for calculating and communicating personalized product environmental information to users at the point of purchase, for accounting for pollution resulting from raw material production, manufacture, use disposal and packaging of the purchased product and for accounting for price surcharges paid by the purchaser. In a preferred embodiment, the user can scan a Universal Product Code on a product label using a handheld computer with a bar code reader and view personalized product information and ratings on the handheld computer. In another preferred embodiment, the information can be viewed on a desktop computer when purchasing online over a network. Preferably, individual pollution and price surcharge accounts are maintained for each user based on purchases, allowing for price surcharges and non-profit donations to be collected based on product lifecycle pollution quantities.

A cell phone is used to access product information. The cell phone obtains a universal product code (UPC) for a product. A product identifier for the product along with a request for information about the product is sent from the cell phone to a remote site. The remote site obtains the requested information. The remote site sends the requested information to the cell phone. The cell phone communicates the requested information to the user.

The prevention of counterfeiting labels for various products is addressed by introducing counterfeit-proof labels having an optically concealed, invisible universal product code.The label is printed on a high-resolution micro optic photo chromogenic material. The color bars of the code are optically split and compressed in high resolution image elements and arranged at the pre-calculated optical blind angles in relation to the optical center of the lenticule and the viewing distance of the label, and due to the optical effect of the micro lenticule, the complete color product code is not visible when viewing at a normal viewing distance.The camera of a mobile phone photographs the label at a close-up distance, with the lens of the camera regrouping the split image elements of all the color bars to reconstruct the product code that will be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone. The consumer can match the printed reference code on the label or the product with the product code displayed on the screen for visual identification, or the color photo of the universal product code can be sent by the mobile phone installed with a related software to an Anti-counterfeiting Control Center for computer matching and verification and the consumer will be advised of the result in a matter of seconds.

A method and apparatus for converting or translating descriptions of products encoded in the Universal Product Code (UPC) or Uniform Code Council 12 (UCC-12) format to the Electronic Product Code (EPC) format.

A cell phone is used to access product information. The cell phone obtains a universal product code (UPC) for a product. A product identifier for the product along with a request for information about the product is sent from the cell phone to a remote site. The remote site obtains the requested information. The remote site sends the requested information to the cell phone. The cell phone communicates the requested information to the user.

They object of the present invention is an TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM that integrates a static barcode together with a TIME VARIABLE label referred as TIME VALUE BAR or TVB. The TVB is then linked via a database to product information that vary with time such as useful shelf life, remaining shelf life, price, identity, and expiration of the article. The information is input, stored, linked, output, and managed by a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it is also partially available to the public via the TVB. In one of the preferred embodiments of the invention the variable bar code system is compatible with the Universal Product Code (UPC) currently in use in most retail shops. In another embodiment the TIME VALUE BAR of the present invention relates a 3D barcode with a VARIABLE TIME label effectively adding a fourth dimension to the barcode thus becoming a 4D barcode system.

A system and method for detecting fraudulent identification tags, such as Universal Product Codes (UPC) applied to goods to be purchased is disclosed. Images of the goods to be purchased and corresponding feature models are stored in a database. When a customer desires to purchase an item containing a UPC, a scanned image of the item about to be purchased may be acquired and a feature model of the scanned image may be created. The system may retrieve from the database the image and feature model previously stored for the item associated with the just-scanned UPC. A variety of image processing techniques may be used to compare the scanned and database images and / or the scanned and database feature models. In one embodiment, these image processing techniques may include determining a geometric transformation that maps the features of the scanned image onto the features of a database model.

This is a system to assist shoppers through a handheld wireless communications device which is Bluetooth-enabled (as an example) (a registered trademark), connected to a barcode reader to scan Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes on items in the store. The shopper is required to login to the store's shopping system using this device once a personal account has created. While shopping, scan the items, view their prices and running total and finally complete the purchase. This system is also capable of (as an example) consolidating a personal shopping list created remotely through vendor's web site or stored on the personal communication device and the shopping cart to help and enhance the shopping experience.

The present invention resides in a process for distributing product entitlements to frequent shopper program members. The process includes communicating with a central retailer server having product purchase histories of frequent shopper program members through a computer network. The frequent shopper program member data, including individual account numbers and related product purchase histories are then captured and copied to a central host system database. A database of available product entitlements is compared to the product purchase history of each member account number. A list of available product entitlements to be associated with each member account number is then selected. Dispensers are provided in the retail store so as to be accessible to the frequent shopper program members. The frequent shopper program member activates the dispenser by entering identifying information related to their specific member account number. Upon activation, the previously selected list of entitlements for the frequent shopper program member account number which has activated the dispenser is communicated to the dispenser. The previously selected list of entitlements are then printed at the dispenser. The entitlements can be printed as coupons or shopping lists. The entitlements are redeemed by matching the entitlements to universal product codes of purchased products scanned at the point-of-sale checkout stand.

An integrated breakaway package with one or more stored value card is presented in which a card magnetic stripe is found on each stored value card and a package magnetic stripe is found on an end portion of the breakaway packaging. Each card magnetic stripe identifies an account associated with the stored value card. The package magnetic stripe contains both a Universal Product Code associated with the package as well as account activation information. The Universal Product Code identifies the package and card at a point of sale device to allow completion of a sales transaction. The activation information identifies all of the accounts associated with the stored value cards attached to the package. The breakaway package can also be attached to or enclosed within a card carrier package.

The prevention of counterfeiting labels for various products is addressed by introducing counterfeit-proof labels having an optically concealed, invisible universal product code.The label is printed on a high-resolution micro optic photo chromogenic material. The color bars of the code are optically split and compressed in high resolution image elements and arranged at the pre-calculated optical blind angles in relation to the optical center of the lenticule and the viewing distance of the label, and due to the optical effect of the micro lenticule, the complete color product code is not visible when viewing at a normal viewing distance.The camera of a mobile phone photographs the label at a close-up distance, with the lens of the camera regrouping the split image elements of all the color bars to reconstruct the product code that will be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone.

A memory device includes a memory array, a processor, and a decoding apparatus. The processor is coupled to the memory array and configured to read encoded data from the memory array. The encoded data includes a plurality of data blocks and each data block is included in two or more data codewords. Further, data codewords belonging to a same pair of data codewords share a common data block. The decoding apparatus is configured to iteratively decode data codewords using hard decoding and soft decoding, and to correct stuck errors by identifying failed data blocks based on shared blocks between failed data codewords.

The present invention is generally directed to a label having graphical marks, graphical logos or other brand identifiers for easy product association and identification in a commercial environment, and a method of manufacturing the same. A label in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a first section onto which a graphical mark, graphical logo, or other brand identifier is printed. The label may also I include sections onto which textual description information, price / quantity / specific property information, and a Universal Product Code (UPC) may be printed.

The present solution provides a new tool for digitally verifying the use or consumption of a product. The methods and systems disclosed herein allow a consumer to easily verify their purchase of a product without removing a product identifier, such as a universal product code (UPC), from the product packaging and mailing it back to the manufacturer. Using the methods and systems disclosed a user can capture an image or a video of a product being, among other actions, opened. The system then analyzes the image or video to automatically verify the product that was consumed and also verifies that the video or image has not been previously submitted to the system. The system can then provide the manufacturer, or other loyalty system, with a product identification and verification the product was consumed.

A memory device includes a memory array, a processor coupled to the memory array, and a decoding apparatus. The decoding apparatus is configured to perform coarse decoding and fine decoding. In coarse decoding, the decoder decodes in parallel two or more codewords, which share a common block of bits, to determine error information. Next, the decoder corrects errors in a first codeword based on the error information. Then, it is determined if the shared common block of data bits is corrected. If the shared common data block is updated, then error correction based on the error information is prohibited in codewords sharing the common block of data bits with the first codeword. In fine decoding, a single codeword is decoded at a time for error correction.

A computer-implemented method for communicating about a product includes under control of one or more configured computer systems, selecting a product having a unique identifier (UID), using the unique identifier (UID) for the selected product to link a unique social media feed to the selected product, and enabling users to access the unique social media feed for engaging in social media conversations about the selected product. The method includes selecting a second product having a second unique identifier (2UID), using the second unique identifier (2UID) for the selected second product to link a second unique social media feed to the selected second product, and enabling users to access the second unique social media feed for engaging in social media conversations about the selected second product. The unique identifier (UID) is serial numbers, random numbers, names maintained by a central registry, or codes maintained by a central registry. The unique identifier (UID) assigned to the selected product is a Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), a Universal Product Code (UPC), a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), an International Article Number (EAN), or an Australian Product Number (APN).

The present invention provides an improved product holding package and an improved method for manufacturing, holding, storing and selling products, especially consumable products. In an embodiment, a package for a consumable product is provided. The packaging includes a housing which holds a plurality of products including bar codes such as Universal Product Code symbols. The package includes a housing for receiving the products where at least a portion of the housing enables the products to be visible and prevents the bar codes on the products to be read by a scanner. In an embodiment, at least one bar code is attached to the housing, which is readable by the scanner.

A POS terminal for a retail environment, comprising a data acquisition device for generating event data from a user scan of a product along a scanning path of the POS terminal, said path comprising an entry point and an exit point; and a processing unit for receiving at least a portion of event data from the data acquisition device and process the event data according to a set of predefined rules, to determine a control parameter for the POS terminal, generate a user alert based on the control parameter and communicate the user alert to the end user; the data acquisition device comprising: a universal product code, U PC, scanner; a plurality of illumination units arranged along the scanning path for illuminating the product; a plurality of sensors for sensing event data including a shape, size and volume of the product and a parameter of a hand of the user as the product is scanned along the scanning path.

A method, system, a computer program product, and mobile device application product that uses item and / or product identification number and / or identification code information (product serial number, item number, universal product code, barcode, custom code, system generated code, quick response code, electronic product code, unique product identifiers, and / or any other identifying item and / or product code), contact information (email, phone, etc.), and user location information (IP address, Mobile GPS, etc.) to send real-time alerts, notifications, or messages to individual users, organizations, external systems, and / or any other entity and / or third party systems.

The present invention provides a payment system that allows a mobile communications device (MCD) to interact with a merchant processing device (MPD) and a payment engine. A communications component associated with the payment engine can send requested barcodes to the MPD, receive barcodes or alphanumeric Universal Product Codes from customer MCDs, and handle payment authorizations and settlements. A barcode management component can generate and interpret barcodes based upon merchant offerings and client requests. A security algorithms component can employ an offset pair algorithm to convert each digit from a payment card information into an offset pair of digits to facilitate security in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

A system and method for generating well qualified sales leads to a service provider, using a novel buckslip, brochure or coupon promoting a product or service not usually carried by a retailer. The buckslip has a universal product code (UPC) barcode which can be scanned at a retailer's point-of-sale device, along with the customer's retail loyalty card or other unique identifier that is linked to a database of customer contact information. The buckslip provides instructions to the customer to contact the service provider to purchase the service. In a daily process, the service provider sends a list of the customers who have purchased the service, to the retailer. The retailer then sends a list to the provider with contact information for interested customers who have not yet purchased the service, within a predetermined time period.

A method for encoding the color of an object in multispectral form by adaptive compression, includes the following steps: determining an identifier of the color in the form of a logistics-dedicated code and having a European Article Numbering, Universal Product Code, or Domain Name System distributed management structure; inserting a marker at the beginning of the code indicating that it is a color code, and the type of storage; and creating a color encoding that can be interpreted by both a human being and a computer by being directly read, in the form of three elements, a sample of the color or texture, a name, and a barcode / chip, using the code and the marker, which provides access to the bidirectional spectral reflectance of the color stored either locally and / or on a network, and having a rendering model that is predetermined by the marker. The associated decoding method is also described.

A system, method and computer program product for processing promotions, including a universal product code (UPC) injection sub-system coupled between a UPC reader device and a point-of-sale (POS) device. The universal product code (UPC) injection sub-system including an interface device coupled between the UPC reader device and the POS device and incorporating an OR function to prevent disruption of an existing data stream between the POS device and the UPC reader device; and a controller device coupled to the interface device. The controller device via the interface device is configured to detect a UPC transmitted between the UPC reader and the POS device, block a UPC transmitted between the UPC reader and the POS device, and inject a UPC into the POS device. The POS device performs a POS function based on a received UPC from the controller device.