Abstract: Determining one or more concepts associated with a query is disclosed. A query is received. A list of concepts and associated scores is received. The concepts fit within a concept hierarchy. A density function is used to evaluate the received concepts. One or more concepts are associated with the query based at least in part on the results of the density function.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, and methods of manufacture are described herein. In one implementation, a RFID device comprises: a near field only RFID tag that does not function as a far field RFID tag and is pre-manufactured; and a conductive element independent from the near field only RFID tag and configured to function as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag and the conductive element are coupled in proximity to each other such that the RFID device functions in both a near field and a far field.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for use in RFID-based sensors and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an RFID sensor system includes an RFID device having a near field only RFID tag and a conductive element which functions as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag and the conductive element are located in at least a first position and a second position relative to each other; wherein in the first position, the RFID device only operates in a near field, and in the second position, the RFID device operates in both the near field and a far field. The system may also include an RFID reader and controller located within the far field to read the RFID device only when the components are located in the second position.

Abstract: Delivering a search result is disclosed. A query is received. A term in the query that is a first portion of an abbreviation pair is identified. A second portion of the abbreviation pair is determined. A search result for the query is determined based at least in part on the second portion of the abbreviation pair and the search result is returned.

Abstract: An interactive shopping system, apparatus and methods are provided for use at a brick-and-mortar merchant location. The interactive shopping system includes a basket for holding items selected by a shopper, and a unique identifier for the basket. An input device is associated with said basket to obtain information regarding specific items as they are placed in the basket. A point of sale system is associated with the input device to collect information obtained from the input device, associate that information with the unique identifier for the basket, and complete a purchase transaction for all items located in the basket at checkout.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method and system for ranking Web pages in a Web search engine is described. One illustrative embodiment receives a Web search query from a particular user, the query including at least one keyword; identifies one or more Web pages that contain the at least one keyword; determines, for each of the one or more Web pages, a raw page ranking; adjusts the raw page ranking of each of at least one Web page among the one or more Web pages based on direct evidence of how interesting that Web page is to users to produce an adjusted page ranking, the direct evidence being derived from clickstream data collected from the users; and presents, as search results, the at least one Web page to the particular user in accordance with the adjusted page rankings.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide methods and apparatus to improve communications between an RFID reader and one or more RFID tags. In one implementation, an apparatus comprises a first antenna configured to communicate with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader; a second antenna separate from said first antenna, and configured to communicate with at least one RFID tag; and structure electrically coupling said first and second antennas.

Abstract: A network device identification process and system where a centralized global master is coupled to multiple local masters that locally retain a portion of the data from the global master, and that coordinate the dynamic performance of discovery and identification processes within the domains assigned to those local masters. The processes identify and validate devices on the network.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may comprise a brew system, at least one sensor, a display and a control circuit. The brew system may comprise a heater, a reservoir and a container for receiving a brewed beverage. The at least one sensor may be positioned to sense an end of a brew cycle. The control circuit may be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor indicative of the end of the brew cycle. Upon detecting the end of the brew cycle, the control circuit may be configured to initiate a timer and cause a current value of the timer to be shown on the display.

Abstract: Categorizing documents is disclosed. A hierarchy of topics is received. A seed for each topic is determined. One or more documents is received. The seed is used to evaluate the relevance of each document to one or more of the received topics. One or more topics is associated with each document.

Abstract: Determining a mapping between a textual representation in a document and a concept is disclosed. A document is received. A set of candidate textual representations in the document is identified. For at least one candidate textual representation included in the set, an associated concept included in a taxonomy of concepts is determined. The candidate textual representation and the associated concept are provided as output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for retrieving data within a linear grid management system are disclosed. Data having multiple dimensions is associated with physical locations, where a first dimension of the data is associated with a set of nodes and a second dimension of the data is associated with a set of memory storage locations. A received data query can be divided into multiple subqueries or data requests, such that each subquery is directed to a particular node identified by the first dimension of data referenced by the data query. When receiving a subquery, a node generates a unique and efficient parsing process to retrieve data from the memory storage locations identified by the second dimension of data referenced by the data query.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for use in RFID-based sensors and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an RFID sensor system includes an RFID device having a near field only RFID tag and a conductive element which functions as a far field antenna. A coupling structure selectively locates the near field only RFID tag and the conductive element in at least a first position and a second position relative to each other; wherein in the first position, the RFID device only operates in a near field, and in the second position, the RFID device operates in both the near field and a far field. The system may also include an RFID reader and controller located within the far field to read the RFID device only when the coupling structure locates the components in the second position.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices, and methods of manufacture are described herein. In one implementation, a RFID device comprises: a near field only RFID tag that does not function as a far field RFID tag and is pre-manufactured; and a conductive element independent from the near field only RFID tag and adapted to function as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag is coupled to a first portion of an item; and the conductive element is coupled to a second portion of the item, the first portion and the second portion located such that the near field only RFID tag is coupled in proximity to the conductive element such that the RFID device functions in both a near field and a far field.

Abstract: A processing apparatus and method includes a housing, including: a motor, and a drive shaft rotatable by a motor about a drive axis, including a drive engagement device movable along the drive axis, a bowl, the drive shaft extending into the bowl when the bowl is secured to the housing in a working position, a bowl lid including a chute, a lid shaft including a lid engagement device axially aligned with the drive shaft when the bowl and bowl lid are in the working position, and a pusher including a pusher engagement portion for causing the lid engagement device to move the drive engagement device into the retracted position when the bowl and bowl lid are in the working position, wherein, when the drive engagement device is in the retracted position, the drive shaft is rotatable by the motor.

Abstract: An improved data access layer (DAL) architecture enables database connection pooling or multiplexing across machine boundaries. Drivers installed at web servers communicate with servers in a DAL. The DAL servers present a virtual database to the web servers, and the DAL servers in turn open connections to a set of physical databases. DAL servers are able to recycle connections that are no longer needed, or to move available connections from one DAL server to another, so as to provide improved efficiency in connection management, burst management, and peak load management. Scalability is thereby improved, and more efficient use of system resources is facilitated.

Abstract: Techniques for including a hyperlink in a document is disclosed. A document is received via a communications interface. An entity pair is determined by a processor. The entity pair includes a concept included in a concept taxonomy and a textual representation included in the document. As output, a hyperlink is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a variable light source where a variation in the light source can be triggered by utilizing a product identifier, such as for example RFIDs associated with the product being displayed to tell the controller to control the variable display case lighting to vary its color/intensity to change the lighting to best showcase the product; or utilizing UPC codes, scanned using a handheld device to accomplish the same objective; or utilizing motion/infrared/ultrasonic sensors particularly when lighting is to be turned off to conserve on power consumption. For example, red meat and poultry each may require their respective different lighting to be best displayed; thus red meat products may have a different RFID than poultry items; and gold jewelry items may have a different RFID than sterling silver jewelry items.

Abstract: Scoring a document is disclosed. One or more metrics is determined in a forward direction. One or more backwards metrics is determined. The document is scored based at least in part on a combination of the metrics.

Abstract: A mobile sensor system and method for managing inventory of a store includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) scanner for receiving readings from RFID tags, at least one external sensors for detecting at least one external events other than RF signals from the RFID tags, and a processor configured to update an RFID database for storing the readings from the RFID tags, wherein the update is based on a correlation function of the readings from the RFID tags and the external events detected at the at least one external sensors.

Abstract: Determining one or more concepts associated with a query is disclosed. A query is received. A list of concepts and associated scores is received. The concepts fit within a concept hierarchy. A density function is used to evaluate the received concepts. One or more concepts are associated with the query based at least in part on the results of the density function.

Abstract: Performing an operation on a web graph is disclosed. A plurality of computers is initialized. The web graph is divided into portions. The portions are distributed to the plurality of computers. The results of the computation are propagated from the plurality of the computers to each of the plurality of computers. Optionally, a coordinator is used.

Abstract: Credit card applications typically involve the help of a third party to input the necessary data required by a credit card issuing agency. Using the present invention, a customer at a fuel dispenser can complete a credit card application and have it approved or denied in a quick and easy transaction, without the need of assistance from a third party. All required data at the fuel dispenser is entered through a user interface which includes card swipe inputs and numeric inputs through a numeric key pad. The customer does not make any alphabetical inputs on a typical keyboard because fuel dispensers do not have keyboards.

Abstract: A customer interface device for interfacing with a customer at a store may include a touch screen for displaying information and receiving customer instructions, a keypad, a wireless sensor for scanning tags attached to merchandise of the store, and at least one user input component to accept customer payment for items to be purchased, wherein the touch screen, the keypad, the wireless sensor and the at least one user input component are detachable modular components.

Abstract: A method using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for managing a promotional merchandise display at locational spots in a store includes providing a locational spot in the store with a locational RFID tag uniquely identifying the locational spot, providing the locational spot with the promotional merchandise display associated with merchandise RFID tags, wherein each of the merchandise RFID tags uniquely identifies one or more products in the promotional merchandise display, scanning for radio frequency signals from the locational RFID tag and the merchandise RFID tags at or near the locational spot, transmitting information obtained from the scanning to a server, analyzing the information at the server for a determination of whether the promotional merchandise display is in compliance with a promotional display plan; and if not, generating a notice to the store, the notice including information relating to the locational spot and the promotional merchandise display.

Abstract: An RFID Point-of-Sale system for completing a sale transaction to a customer of a plurality of items associated with a plurality of unique RFID tags at a store includes an arrangement of a plurality of RFID tag scanners for detecting the plurality of unique RFID tags associated with the plurality of items, and a checkout platform including a transaction panel, wherein a list of the plurality of items is displayed on the transaction panel based on a matching of the detected plurality of unique RFID tags with information stored in an inventory database.

Abstract: A scalable fulfillment system is presented that supports business processes, manages the transport and processing of business-related messages or documents between a business entity and clients, such as customers, vendors, and business partners, and generally supports business document processing. The system intelligently manages the transportation of files from clients, through processing of files, to generating responses that return to the clients. To accommodate a heterogeneous interfacing and processing with different clients in a central system, a file normalization technique is used that captures a common meta-data format from the numerous heterogeneous file types used by numerous clients. The meta-data files, also referred to as messages, contain links to their associated data files and are processed separately.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for deterring product theft and preventing the fraudulent return or exchange of products. Products are associated with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Tag readers located at store access points can detect the presence of the RFID tag and can be used to help determine a direction of travel of the RFID tag. When a product is determined to be leaving the store, the transaction history of the product can be accessed, as well as the supply chain history of the product, to confirm the product has been validly purchased and therefore authorized for removal from the store. When a product is determined to be entering a store, the supply chain history and transaction history of the product can be consulted to determine if the product can be validly exchanged or returned.

Abstract: A scalable fulfillment system is presented that supports business processes, manages the transport and processing of business-related messages or documents between a business entity and clients, such as customers, vendors, and business partners, and generally supports business document processing. The system intelligently manages the transportation of files from clients, through processing of files, to generating responses that return to the clients. To accommodate a heterogeneous interfacing and processing with different clients in a central system, a file normalization technique is used that captures a common meta-data format from the numerous heterogeneous file types used by numerous clients. The meta-data files, also referred to as messages, contain links to their associated data files and are processed separately.

Abstract: A solar heating system for a building and other architectural structures including a solar heating system. The solar heating system comprises a solar heating module with an enclosure of panels bounding a plenum. An interior panel is disposed inside the enclosure. A collector panel, which is separated from the interior panel to define a heating chamber, is exposed to, and heated by, solar radiation. Outside air enters the heating chamber though passages in the collector panel, where the air is heated by heat transferred from the collector panel. An air-moving device is coupled with an air outlet from the plenum. The air-moving device applies a negative pressure in the heating chamber effective for drawing the outside air through the passages into the heating chamber and for withdrawing the heated air from the heating chamber through a delivery opening to the plenum for subsequent removal through the air outlet.

Abstract: A system and methods for organizing and querying data within a linear grid management system. Data having multiple dimensions is associated with physical locations, where a first dimension is associated with a node and a second dimension is associated with a data storage identifier of a memory storage device. The data may have a third dimension which provides a field for ordering data within the memory storage device. Metadata may be used to map a logical table to data stored in the memory storage device. The data query may be divided into multiple subqueries, wherein each subquery is related directly to one node associated with a data storage identifier related to a memory storage device. A preSQL and postSQL process may be generated to access an external database. A dispatcher may manage data subrequests and a node may generate a unique and efficient parsing process from the received data subrequest.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multi-directional RFID reader system where multi-directional readers can be place on opposing sides of a hallway leading from a back storage area to a retail floor area. The readers can be operable to detect an RFID tag associated with a product as well as its direction of movement, for example whether the product is moving from a back store room to a retail store or the opposite movement is occurring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-scanning retail merchandise. A mobile scanning station includes a frame, and a pair of arms mounted to the frame, positioned to hold an open bag for receiving pre-scanned items. A platform is mounted to the frame, positioned under the pair of arms for providing a supporting surface for items contained in an open bag held by the pair of arms. The frame further includes an EAS deactivator support for holding an EAS deactivator for deactivating EAS tags on pre-scanned items before they are placed in the open bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method reads magnetic stripe data and bar code data from a stored value card. The magnetic stripe data and the bar code data originally applied to the card are associated with one another. For instance, the magnetic stripe data may be encrypted to determine a number that corresponds to a numerical sequence embedded in the bar code data. The magnetic stripe and the bar code data are compared at the point of sale. If the comparison produces a match, the card activation, store purchase or other transaction may proceed. Otherwise, the stored value card may be discarded. When the stored value card is originally purchased, the activation of the card may be delayed until payment for the card is actually received.

Abstract: Credit card applications typically involve the help of a third party to input the necessary data required by a credit card issuing agency. Using the present invention, a customer at a fuel dispenser can complete a credit card application and have it approved or denied in a quick and easy transaction, without the need of assistance from a third party. All required data at the fuel dispenser is entered through a user interface which includes card swipe inputs and numeric inputs through a numeric key pad. The customer does not make any alphabetical inputs on a typical keyboard because fuel dispensers do not have keyboards.

Abstract: A cart is described that has a wheeled base and an upright frame extending upwardly from the base. A side frame extends upwardly from the base and abuts the upright frame. The upper face of the base, the front face of the upright frame and the inside face of the side frame together form an open cargo bay. A horizontal work surface projects outward from the rear face of the upright frame. A storage compartment is attached to the rear face of the upright frame below the work surface.

Abstract: A box includes a base having a substantially rectangular perimeter. A pair of side walls and a pair of end walls extend upward from the perimeter of the base to form a box bottom having rounded corners and vertices. The box bottom includes a mouth at the top thereof. The mouth has a substantially rectangular perimeter. Reinforcing ridges are formed at the corners and vertices of the box bottom, and a lip formed at the perimeter of the mouth. A lid fits over the mouth of the box bottom. The lid includes a collar having a cuff that engages the lip to hold the lid in position over the mouth of the box bottom. At least one air hole is formed in the base and in the lid. A plurality of inwardly protruding panels is formed in the lid and in the base and walls of the box bottom.

Abstract: A cart is described that has a wheeled base and an upright frame extending upwardly from the base. A side frame extends upwardly from the base and abuts the upright frame. The upper face of the base, the front face of the upright frame and the inside face of the side frame together form an open cargo bay. A horizontal work surface projects outward from the rear face of the upright frame. A storage compartment is attached to the rear face of the upright frame below the work surface.

Abstract: A hardware display unit includes a front grid having a front matrix of openings, and a rear grid having a rear matrix of openings corresponding in position to the first matrix of openings. The front grid is positioned with respect to the rear grid such that corresponding pairs of openings in the front and rear matrices together define downward sloping bays for receiving hardware. The display unit further includes side brackets mounted to side edges of the front and rear grids, the side brackets extending behind the front and rear grids for attaching the display unit to a vertical supporting structure. The display unit further includes a cap mounted to the front and rear grids. The cap includes a substantially horizontal surface extending from the front and rear grids towards a vertical supporting structure to which the first and second side brackets are attached. An adapter unit allows smaller items to be loaded into the display unit.

Abstract: Techniques for more accurately analyzing the additional capacity of very large hierarchical databases are described. More particularly, techniques and tools for looking at physical sequential data files, such as the OSAM files used in IMS databases, to determine how much file space an IMS OSAM dataset is using are described. These tools may be effectively utilized to generate appropriate reports if the database is running out of space, thereby allowing a user to take proactive steps.

Abstract: First and second pant legs are removably attached to a pair of shorts to form a pair of long pants. A pouch is attached to an interior surface of the first pant leg. The pouch has a mouth that is accessible through an opening in the first pant leg. The pouch is dimensioned and positioned to receive the first and second pant legs after they have been removed from the shorts and folded up.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for more efficient checkout are described. A triangular carousel having a relatively small footprint is employed proximate a bar code scanner and point of sale (POS) terminal so that a checker can efficiently load scanned items into bags, and a customer on the other side of the checkout counter and proximate the bar code scanner can also efficiently load filled bags into his or her shopping cart.

Abstract: Techniques are described for improved line and clarity of sight for a freezer bank having multiple individual freezers. By selective angling of walls of the freezers, individual doors and the products behind those doors for two or more freezers can be more clearly seen with reduced glare. With this arrangement, more freezer doors can be as clearly seen as typical for product doors at an end of a row or an end of an aisle thereby improving the overall merchantability of a store's freezer section. Applications to a warehousing store environment are described in detail.

Abstract: A mobile scanning station for pre-scanning retail merchandise includes a frame, and a pair of arms mounted to the frame, positioned to hold an open bag for receiving pre-scanned items. A platform is mounted to the frame, positioned under the pair of arms for providing a supporting surface for items contained in an open bag held by the pair of arms. The frame further includes an EAS deactivator support for holding an EAS deactivator for deactivating EAS tags on pre-scanned items before they are placed in the open bag. In a method for pre-scanning retail merchandise, a mobile pre-scanning station is positioned proximate to a shopping cart of a retail customer waiting in a checkout line, and a transaction identifier card is scanned. Bar-coded items from the customer's shopping cart are then scanned. If the scanned item has an EAS tap, an EAS deactivator seated in the mobile pre-scanning station is used to deactivate the EAS tag.