Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically switching measurement information processing modes related to a self-checkout kiosk. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by an electronic device that includes processing circuitry. The method may include detecting, using object recognition, at least one object present in real-time captured imagery. The method may further include, responsive to detecting the at least one object present in the real-time captured imagery, switching measurement information processing modes from a first measurement information processing mode to a second measurement information processing mode.

Abstract: A method includes supporting, by a support, a bag containing one or more items of an order and detecting, by a sensor coupled to an end of the support, a weight of the bag and the one or more items when the bag is suspended on the support such that the weight of the bag and the one or more items is exerted on the support. The method also includes comparing, by a hardware processor, the detected weight to an expected weight of the order and communicating, by the hardware processor, an alert when the expected weight is unequal to the detected 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: Thermal printing systems are described. The thermal printing systems and methods described provide efficient, compact, and fast thermal printing by providing preheating components that generate a priming thermal energy which preheats thermal paper in the printing system. The priming thermal energy decreases the amount of energy needed to activate the thermal paper during printing. The system and methods also include an optical print head which activates thermal paper using optical energy, which provides for multiple different types of efficient component configuration and increased speed of printing.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing navigation information associated with a retail space are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method comprises, a network node operationally coupled to a set of optical sensor devices positioned throughout a retail space, the network node receiving a sequence of images from each optical sensor device. The method comprises, obtaining a current position of a certain subject in the retail space based on one or more sequence of images received. The method comprises, obtaining a current position of an obstacle in the retail space based on one or more sequence of images received. The method comprises, sending to a wireless device associated with the certain subject, navigation information associated with the current positions of the certain subject and the obstacle in the retail space.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically switching measurement information processing modes related to a self-checkout kiosk. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by an electronic device that includes processing circuitry. The method may include detecting, using object recognition, at least one object present in real-time captured imagery. The method may further include, responsive to detecting the at least one object present in the real-time captured imagery, switching measurement information processing modes from a first measurement information processing mode to a second measurement information processing mode.

Abstract: Thermal printing systems are described. The thermal printing systems and methods described provide efficient, compact, and fast thermal printing by providing preheating components that generate a priming thermal energy which preheats thermal paper in the printing system. The priming thermal energy decreases the amount of energy needed to activate the thermal paper during printing. The system and methods also include an optical print head which activates thermal paper using optical energy, which provides for multiple different types of efficient component configuration and increased speed of printing.

Abstract: A method includes supporting, by a support, a bag containing one or more items of an order and detecting, by a sensor coupled to an end of the support, a weight of the bag and the one or more items when the bag is suspended on the support such that the weight of the bag and the one or more items is exerted on the support. The method also includes comparing, by a hardware processor, the detected weight to an expected weight of the order and communicating, by the hardware processor, an alert when the expected weight is unequal to the detected weight.

Abstract: A method includes scanning, by a checkout station, a plurality of items and determining, by the checkout station, a total price for the plurality of items. Each item of the plurality of items is coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that identifies that item. The method also includes detecting, by an RFID scanner of a centralized payment station, one or more of the RFID tags of the plurality of items moving within a threshold distance of the centralized payment station and retrieving, by a hardware processor of the centralized payment station and based on the detected one or more RFID tags, the total price. The method further includes processing, by the hardware processor, a payment in satisfaction of the total price.

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.