Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program for generating a barcode (200) representing one or more portions of data is disclosed. A block-based correlatable pattern of data is generated and the generated data patterns are arranged according to a predetermined arrangement. The one or more portions of data are interdispersed with the arranged data patterns to generate the barcode (200).

Abstract: A method (500) of generating a matching key (599) for an image (501) is disclosed. The matching key (599) is substantially invariant to rotation, scale and translation. The method (500) starts by forming a spatial domain representation of the image (501) that is substantially invariant to translation of the image (501). Rotation and/or scaling in the spatial domain representation is next transformed (580) into translation to form a transformed image. A representation of the transformed image is then formed that is substantially invariant to translation of the transformed image. The representation of the transformed image is the matching key (599) for the image (501).

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both larger and heavier products includes using a pusher mechanism along with one or more roller assemblies that, in combination, improve the merchandising of products on the shelves, especially on horizontal or non-inclined shelves or surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the product management display system includes a pusher mechanism mounted to a track that extends generally from the front of the shelf to the back of the shelf. The pusher mechanism is configured to urge product forward and toward the front of the shelf. At least one roller assembly is positioned beneath the product to be merchandised to assist the pusher mechanism in urging the product toward the front of the shelf.

Abstract: A method (300) is disclosed of performing chromatic adaptation The method (300) predicts final colour data viewed under a final illuminant from initial colour data viewed under a initial illuminant. The method (300) receives (310) the initial and final illuminant spectra and spectral sensitivity functions of the colors between which chromatic adaptation is to be performed. A linear chromatic adaptation transform is then determined (320) for transforming the initial color data to the final color data. The linear chromatic adaptation transform is determined (320) by minimising the residual error between color data predicted using the chromatic adaptation transform and the final color data. Different spectral bands of the illuminant spectra and the spectral sensitivity functions are weighted based on the contribution made by each spectral band to a predefined function. The method (300) then applies (330) the linear chromatic adaptation transform to the initial color data.

Abstract: An integrated “T” assembly combines into a single integrated assembly, a track portion along both sides of a divider. The T assembly may have a wide-base portion, which may include a spring-urged-pusher track, on one side of the divider and a narrow-base portion on the opposite side of the divider. An offset pusher may have an upper portion that is offset, via an angled offset portion, from a lower portion of the pusher. Additional supporting bases, any of which may include spring-urged-pusher tracks and/or a spring-urged pusher, may be used under a wide product. Left and right side finisher components may be paired with T assemblies near the sides of a merchandise-display shelf. The T assembly, base, and/or end finishers may be coupled to a front rail via a complimentary tongue and groove arrangement and/or a non-slidable engagement, such as mating teeth.

Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.

Abstract: An anti-tampering method for processing documents is disclosed. The method comprises, in regard to an encoding step, the steps of resolving (in a step 2303) in regard to an N-level image to be recorded, a pixel of the image into a major component having N possible values, selecting (in the step 2303) a pattern element depending upon the major component and the position of the pixel in the image, and recording the selected pattern element (in a step 2308) onto a transfer medium. In regard to a corresponding decoding step the method comprises extracting (in a step 2405) from the recorded document, a retrieved pattern element for said pixel, determining a pattern element (in a step 2407) depending upon a major component extracted from the retrieved pattern element and the position of the pixel on the recorded document, and comparing (in a step 2409) the retrieved pattern element and the said determined pattern element.

Abstract: A system for front facing products without the use of product pushers or shelf dividers is described. In an embodiment, the system includes a generally flat panel which supports products in a retail setting. A motion providing device is adapted to come into contact with the panel. The motion providing device moves the panel quickly in one direction and then slowly in the opposite direction. During the quick movement of the panel, the friction between the panel and the products resting on the panel is released and the panel generally moves under the products while the products remain generally stationary. During the slow movement of the panel, friction between the products and the panel maintains the contact between the products and the panel such that the products generally move with the panel. In this manner, products can be moved to the front end of a panel without use of a product pusher. A barrier can be incorporated into the system to prevent the products from falling off the front of the panel.

Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising both wide and narrow product includes a unique pusher mechanism having an extendable pusher face. The pusher mechanism is mounted to a track on a base that is, in turn, mounted to a store shelf. The pusher face is transversely extendable relative the track and is extendable from a retracted position to one of several extended positions. The extended pusher face locates the product pushing surface behind the approximate center of the wider product, thereby greatly enhancing the pushing leverage on the product.

Abstract: A system for managing and securing product and deterring theft in a retail setting includes a system that resides either on a standard retailer shelf or may be a stand-alone system. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of shelves and product dividers positioned between the shelves and extending from the front edges of the shelves toward the rear of the shelves. Front retaining walls are positioned at the front edges of the shelves and are configured to have a height that inhibits access to products on the shelves. Individual retaining tabs of varying height may be added in front of rows of taller product to inhibit access to these products. In an embodiment, rigid or moveable barriers may be positioned above retaining walls that further restrict access to the products. With the invention, the “sweeping” of numerous products by a thief is deterred.

Abstract: A self-facing merchandise pusher system for use in stores. Numerous products in a store are merchandised on shelves and a biased pusher is used to urge products toward the front edge of the shelf. The pusher includes ends that may be independently biased. The pusher system also includes removable dividers that separate product channels and also limit the amount of product that may be removed at a time from the shelf.

Abstract: A storage and display rack for supporting and displaying large substantially cylindrical objects, such as five gallon plastic water bottles. The storage and display rack is fabricated from one or more shelves, supported by a plurality of tubular legs. Where the storage and display rack includes more than one shelf, a plurality of tubular legs is employed to vertically separate and support successive levels of shelves. Each shelf is provided with one or more inclined slots for receiving a bottle. Each slot is provided with a back wall, having an inner resiliently support back wall member, and a plurality of ribs for raising the bottle above the bottom web of the slot. The resiliently supported back wall member is fabricated for resistance to fatigue failure. The ribs are provided to permit insertion and removal of the bottle(s) with reduced friction.

Abstract: An off-peak, electric, central air heating system for buildings incorporating a heat storage material that is used to store heat generated electrically during off-peak electrical power periods and to deliver heat on demand. The heat storage material is an alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal salt such as Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4, NaCl, CaCl.sub.2 and KCl individually or in combination with one another. Generation of heat during the off-peak electrical power periods is automatically controlled by an electronic time clock and time delay circuitry, and by selective variable temperature control. The heating unit is constructed with a casing having an inner jacket and an outer jacket with an air space between the two jackets. The storage material is surrounded by the inner jacket and the air space provides insulation as well as an air passage between the two jackets.