Abstract: A computing device retrieves a stabilized weight and a weight-based item count for one or more items to be purchased. Responsive to retrieving the stabilized weight, the computing device retrieves an image-based item count and an expected weight based on the image-based item count for the one or more items to be purchased. The computing device selects between authorizing and blocking checkout of the one or more items based on the weight-based item count, the image-based item count, the stabilized weight, and the expected weight.

Abstract: Networked devices in a communications network share a common firmware key. Using the common firmware key, one networked device can encrypt configuration data it uses to operate in the network for distribution to other networked devices of the same or similar type. The networked devices that receive the encrypted configuration data then use the common firmware key to decrypt the encrypted configuration data, and using the decrypted configuration data, self-configure to operate on the network. This allows for the secure distribution of configuration data, as well as the self-configuration of networked devices without exposing the sensitive data needed for such configuration to a human.

Abstract: Networked devices in a communications network share a common firmware key. Using the common firmware key, one networked device can encrypt configuration data it uses to operate in the network for distribution to other networked devices of the same or similar type. The networked devices that receive the encrypted configuration data then use the common firmware key to decrypt the encrypted configuration data, and using the decrypted configuration data, self-configure to operate on the network. This allows for the secure distribution of configuration data, as well as the self-configuration of networked devices without exposing the sensitive data needed for such configuration to a human.

Abstract: A rotary encoder with free floating flexible sensor carrier provides a sensor carrier that eliminates the traditional need for bearings and a housing in a rotary encoder, as well as allowing for significant cost savings in material and installation costs, improving acceleration and reducing startup and running torque. A bushing is rotationally fixed to a shaft the rotation of which is desired to be measured. An encoder disc is axially connected to the bushing. A sensor is held in an alignment above the encoder disc by a sensor carrier. The sensor may be connected directly to the sensor carrier or to a circuit board which is connected to the sensor carrier. A shaft alignment portion of the sensor carrier encircles the shaft and a plurality of stabilizing arms hold the sensor carrier in place, thus maintaining the sensor in proper alignment.

Abstract: A rotary encoder with free floating flexible sensor carrier provides a sensor carrier that eliminates the traditional need for bearings and a housing in a rotary encoder, as well as allowing for significant cost savings in material and installation costs, improving acceleration and reducing startup and running torque. A bushing is rotationally fixed to a shaft the rotation of which is desired to be measured. An encoder disc is axially connected to the bushing. A sensor is held in an alignment above the encoder disc by a sensor carrier. The sensor may be connected directly to the sensor carrier or to a circuit board which is connected to the sensor carrier. A shaft alignment portion of the sensor carrier encircles the shaft and a plurality of stabilizing arms hold the sensor carrier in place, thus maintaining the sensor in proper alignment.

Abstract: A serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus and method of communicating over an SPI bus to multiple slave devices without requiring the master device to have an independent slave select pin for each slave device. The SPI bus comprises an SPI master device coupled to an SPI multiplex slave device and a plurality of SPI non-multiplex slave devices. The SPI multiplex slave device includes an independent slave select (SS) output pin coupled to each one of the SPI non-multiplex slave devices for sending an activation signal to a selected SPI slave device in response to receiving a command from the master device containing identification of the selected SPI slave device.

Abstract: A serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus and method of communicating over an SPI bus to multiple slave devices without requiring the master device to have an independent slave select pin for each slave device. The SPI bus comprises an SPI master device coupled to an SPI multiplex slave device and a plurality of SPI non-multiplex slave devices. The SPI multiplex slave device includes an independent slave select (SS) output pin coupled to each one of the SPI non-multiplex slave devices for sending an activation signal to a selected SPI slave device in response to receiving a command from the master device containing identification of the selected SPI slave device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products for emulating a keyboard on a touch screen monitor of a computer system are described that include displaying on the touch screen monitor through an on-screen display (‘OSD’) module of the touch screen monitor a merged image comprising a graphics display image from a video adapter of the computer system and a keyboard image; receiving, by a touch screen module, an input on the merged image displayed on the touch screen monitor; determining, by the touch screen module, whether the input is a keyboard keystroke; if the input is a keyboard keystroke: converting, by the touch screen module, the input to a keyboard keystroke in a native keyboard format; and sending, by the touch screen module, the converted keyboard keystroke in the native keyboard format to a keyboard input adapter of the computer system.

Abstract: A fault detector apparatus for a printer having a first print head and a second print head with a plurality of print head elements in each print head is disclosed. The apparatus includes a test circuit in signal communication with all the print heads to test the plurality of print head elements. The test circuit includes a test power supply for generating a test voltage, a first resistor, a second resistor, and an analog to digital converter in signal communication with the second resistor. The first resistor is in series connection between the test power supply and the plurality of elements in the first print head. The second resistor in series connection with the test power supply, the first resistor, and the plurality of elements in the second print head. The fault detector apparatus will also work for a printer with only one print head.

Abstract: A fault detector apparatus for a printer having a first print head and a second print head with a plurality of print head elements in each print head is disclosed. The apparatus includes a test circuit in signal communication with all the print heads to test the plurality of print head elements. The test circuit includes a test power supply for generating a test voltage, a first resistor, a second resistor, and an analog to digital converter in signal communication with the second resistor. The first resistor is in series connection between the test power supply and the plurality of elements in the first print head. The second resistor in series connection with the test power supply, the first resistor, and the plurality of elements in the second print head. The fault detector apparatus will also work for a printer with only one print head.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring location based service emitter infrastructure. Beacon data is stored, the beacon data transmitted by beacons in an area and detected by a client device that is moved along a path at the location. The beacon data along the path of the client device is analyzed to determine whether any of the detected beacons have failed.