Abstract: A method of operating a health tracking system is disclosed. The method comprises: storing a food knowledge graph having a plurality of labels describing consumable items and a plurality of relationships between pairs of labels, some of the labels being generic names for consumable items; receiving a data record having a descriptive string regarding a consumable item from a first health tracking device; matching the descriptive string to at least one label in the plurality of labels; and updating one or more information fields of the data record to associate the data record with the at least one label to which the descriptive string was matched. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a request for data records from a health tracking device and matching the request to the plurality of labels to provide an improved response to the request for data records.

Abstract: In order to enable a reduction in complexity in setting a communication parameter, a communication apparatus operable to provide a communication parameter to an external apparatus, generates a first image that is used in a first setting scheme for providing a communication parameter and in which information including a communication parameter is encoded; and generates a second image that is used in a second setting scheme for providing a communication parameter and in which information that does not include the communication parameter and that does include authentication information for performing an authentication is encoded. Then, the apparatus accepts information used to determine which of the first setting scheme and the second setting scheme to use; and, displays, based on the information, either the first image or the second image.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to automatically recommending an item. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for automatically recommending an item to a customer comprising a plurality of items available for purchase; a portable electronic device configured to obtain identifying data corresponding to a first item collected by a user; and a control circuit configured to receive data associated with the first item; determine a location in the retail store of the first item; identify one or more items previously purchased by the user that are located within a threshold proximity to the location; determine a most frequently bought item of the identified one or more items; and cause a portable electronic device to display a suggestion for the user to collect the most frequently bought item and add the most frequently bought item to an electronic shopping list of items to purchase.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an apparatus having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include monochrome pixels and color sensitive pixels. The monochrome pixels can be pixels without wavelength selective color filter elements. The color sensitive pixels can include wavelength selective color filter elements.

Abstract: This application relates to systems, methods, devices, and other techniques for a hybrid autonomous store that can be utilized within a retail environment. This system with doors, cameras, and sensors is designed to have many functions within a store with identification system and sometimes can be utilized in a store with or without human cashier.

Abstract: A reading system includes a portable information terminal configured to recognize information in a symbol on the basis of an acquired image, and a wearable camera that functions as a peripheral device for the portable information terminal. The camera has an image sensor configured to generate the image, and is configured to transmit the generated image to the portable information terminal.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus that is easy for a user to operate even if different functions are required for each situation is provided. A base module includes a control unit which performs control by using three functional modules assembled thereto, that is, a top module, a bottom module, and a back module, and a touch panel whose display content is controlled by the control unit. The top module is connected to a one end of the base module in the longitudinal direction, the bottom module is connected to the other end of the base module in the longitudinal direction, and the back module is connected to a rear side of the base module, which faces away from a display screen of a touch panel. The control unit recognizes each function on the basis of the information obtained from the three functional modules connected to the base module.

Abstract: A system for sending medical emergency alerts including a device body adapted to be attached to a user, an accelerometer connected to the device body, a wireless communications module, a user interface, a processor in communication with the accelerometer, the wireless communications module, and the user interface, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive acceleration data from the accelerometer, analyze the acceleration data to determine if a fall condition is present, and when the fall condition is present, communicate, via the wireless communication module, an alert to a caregiver mobile device, wherein the alert is adapted to indicate that the user wearing the device body has fallen.

Abstract: A system and method of imaging barcodes may include generating a first light beam from an illumination surface having first dimensions. The first light beam may be directed into an input aperture of an optical component to form a second light beam. The input aperture has second dimensions, where the first dimensions are at least as large as the second dimensions. The second light beam having irradiation spatially distributed across the second light beam may be projected to read a machine-readable indicia.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a character recognition unit that recognizes a handwritten character in creating a tag which is attachable to a mount, a sound recognition unit that recognizes a sound, and a correction unit that corrects a recognition result obtained by the character recognition unit by using a recognition result of the sound recognition unit.

Abstract: A communication apparatus accepts from a user a display setting regarding a two-dimensional code in which one or more parameters related to communication with a communication apparatus are encoded, and determines a parameter set that includes one or more parameters to be encoded in the two-dimensional code related to communication with the communication apparatus. When the accepted display setting is a first setting, a first two-dimensional code for a first application in which a first parameter set corresponding to the first setting is encoded is displayed, and when the accepted display setting is a second setting, a second two-dimensional code for a second application in which a second parameter set corresponding to the second setting is encoded and which is different from the first two-dimensional code is displayed, and wherein the first two-dimensional code includes a parameter that is not included in the second two-dimensional code.

Abstract: Described embodiments may provide transferring a file to a mobile device via scanning quick response codes displayed via a display output device. A media device in communication with a server may receive a request to access a file on the server. A file converter of the media device may encode the file obtained from the server into a plurality of quick response (QR) codes. The media device may display the plurality of QR codes via a display output device. A mobile device may scan each of the plurality of QR codes displayed on the display output device. A file downloader of the mobile device may interpret each of the scanned plurality of QR codes to form a file on the mobile device.

Abstract: In order to enable a reduction in complexity in setting a communication parameter, a communication apparatus operable to provide a communication parameter to an external apparatus, generates a first image that is used in a first setting scheme for providing a communication parameter and in which information including a communication parameter is encoded; and generates a second image that is used in a second setting scheme for providing a communication parameter and in which information that does not include the communication parameter and that does include authentication information for performing an authentication is encoded. Then, the apparatus accepts information used to determine which of the first setting scheme and the second setting scheme to use; and, displays, based on the information, either the first image or the second image.

Abstract: An interactive content distribution system with handheld charging device and docking station. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an interactive content distribution system comprising a venue paging system comprising one or more handheld charging devices and docking station. In certain embodiments, the docking station serves as a communications hub between a remote server, the handheld charging devices, an administrator computing device, and one or more peripheral devices. Certain embodiments of the system may enable an administrator user to configure various systems controls of the handheld charging devices, including variable charging speed controls and geo-fencing boundaries for the handheld charging devices. In certain embodiments, a user of a mobile electronic device may be presented with digital content via the handheld charging device and/or a user application executing on the mobile electronic device.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system including a server device, and a non-contact communication tag readable through NFC. The non-contact communication tag includes an identification information retaining unit that retains identification information for uniquely identifying the tag, an authentication information retaining unit that retains authentication information to be used in authentication of the non-contact communication tag, and a NFC unit that transmits the identification information and the authentication information to another device, which will transmit the received identification information and authentication information to the server device, in NFC with the other device.

Abstract: An illuminator is provided, comprising a support frame arranged symmetrically around an optical axis of an optical sensor. The illuminator includes at least one light bar connected to the support frame. At least one light source is connected to the support frame, wherein each of the at least one light source is configured to direct light towards one of the opposing ends of one of the at least one light bar. The illuminator further includes a peripheral cover configured to receive light emitted from the front face of each of the at least one light bar. The peripheral cover is further configured to emit dark field illumination at a low incident angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and to emit bright field illumination at a high incident angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A multi-function sound chamber for a handheld barcode reader may include the ability to (i) amplify or otherwise efficiently project an audible signal generated by a buzzer of the barcode reader to sound window(s), and (ii) provide stiffening support to a printed circuit board (PCB) on which an electromechanical switch is mounted that a trigger of the handheld barcode reader engages when activated by a user of the reader. The sound chamber may provide other functions, including isolating light between good/bad read signals and battery level status. Another function may include reducing electrostatic discharge (ESD) by providing a high-impedance seal around connecting screws. Another function may include retention of the PCB by providing a pocket with a compliant material to retain a top or other edge of the PCB. By having the sound chamber perform multiple functions, the barcode reader may be produced more efficiently and cost effectively.

Abstract: A control method of presented information in a control device, having first and second sensor sections and that is connected to a network, is provided. The method includes acquiring information concerning a human activity detected by first and second sensor sections during first and second periods. The method also includes a first control operation of (i) determining content that is to be output by the first output section during the second period, based on the information concerning a human activity detected during the first period by the first and second sensor sections, and then (ii) causing the first output section to output the determined content in a case where it is determined that a human activity is performed during the second period in a space in which the first sensor section is disposed, based on the information concerning a human activity during the second period acquired from the first sensor section.

Abstract: A mobile computing device includes: a housing with a lower wall, a keypad seat and side walls joining the lower wall to the keypad seat and extending upwards from the keypad seat to a bay opening. The walls define an access compartment between the lower wall, the side walls and the keypad seat, and a keypad bay for a keypad module between the keypad seat, the side walls and the bay opening. The device includes a latch slidably mounted to the keypad seat between locked and unlocked positions, including: a hook to engage a keypad module recess in the locked position and secure the keypad module in the bay, and to disengage from the recess in the unlocked position to enable removal of the keypad module; and an activation member in the access compartment to receive an input to transition the latch from the unlocked position to the locked position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Point Of Sale (“POS”) system. The methods comprise: performing operations by the POS system to machine learn at least information about a condition of an article to be purchased using at least one of imaging, sensing, and short range communications; determining by the POS system if the article is accepted for purchase based at least on the machine learned information about the condition of the article; and completing a purchase transaction by the POS system if a determination is made that the article is accepted for purchase. The POS system may also perform operations to deactivate a security tag coupled to the article or actuate a detachment mechanism of the security tag, if the article was successfully purchased during the purchase transaction.

Abstract: An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.

Abstract: A mobile computing device includes: a device housing including a base, a perimeter wall extending from the base to a perimeter upper edge and having a forward section and a rear section, and a display seat within the forward section of the perimeter wall; a display module including a display assembly supported adjacent to the perimeter upper edge by the display seat, and a display module cover overlaid on the display panel; an external frame member including: (i) a U-shaped wall removably affixed to the forward section of the perimeter wall and terminating at the rear section of the perimeter wall; and (ii) a retaining bezel extending from the U-shaped wall over the perimeter upper edge.

Abstract: Embodiments can provide a smart interface card control method and apparatus. Under such a method or apparatus, after a smart interface card is inserted into a smart interface card slot of a host, a virtualized management interface can be registered with the host using a protocol stack of a preset type. A virtual link can be created to connect a baseboard management controller management interface to the virtual link. A management address configuration instruction sent by the host can be received for configuring a management address of the management interface. A control instruction sent by the host by using the management address can be received, and the control instruction to the BMC management interface can be sent by using the virtual link. According to the foregoing smart interface card control method and apparatus, scalability of the smart interface card can be improved.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a power storage management system includes a user terminal, a power storage apparatus and an information processing apparatus. In one example embodiment, the information processing apparatus is configured to, using a mobile communication network (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications or the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), communicate with the power storage apparatus.

Abstract: A point-of-sale device (“POS”) is described to include a secure transaction tunnel generator (“STG”). The STG may generate secure tunnels between peripherals attached to the POS and remote network resources. The secure tunnel may be generated using a trusted execution environment (“TEE”) of the POS. The STG may be alerted to the need to generate the secure tunnel based on an alert from the peripheral. The STG may execute under a protected environment and may generate two ends of a secure transaction tunnel using the TEE. The STG may also check the peripheral against whitelists and/or blacklists to determine whether the peripheral is allowed or not disallowed to participate in secure transactions. By generating the secure tunnel, the STG may facilitate performance of transactions in such a way that sensitive information is not available to unsecured processes in the POS. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment a system, method and apparatus for an indicator driven by a RFID tag for localization purposes may be disclosed. An RFID tag may be disposed on an item. The RFID tag may have an indicator element. A RFID reader may be in communication with the RFID tag such that the indicator element can be activated in order to localize the item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a bi-directional communication link between a reader and a base station using wireless charging components includes positioning the reader within the base station, and electrically charging a rechargeable power source of the reader by an induced current carried through an induction coil in response to an electromagnetic field generated by an induction coil of the base station. The reader receives a communication parameter that uniquely identifies a short-range communication transceiver of the base station by detecting a modulation in the induced current. In response, a short-range communication transceiver of the reader transmits an RF signal that includes the identification data and a request to establish a bi-directional communication link with short-range communication transceiver of the base station.

Abstract: A touch screen panel including a display panel; a first flexible circuit board including a first end connected to the display panel, the first flexible circuit board having at least one first opening; a touch panel disposed on the display panel and the first flexible circuit board; and a second flexible circuit board including a first end connected to the touch panel, the second flexible circuit board having at least one second opening corresponding to the at least one first opening.

Abstract: Illumination systems for illuminating objects to be read or imaged by optical readers, such barcode scanners and direct part marking (DPM) barcode readers, are provided. One implementation includes an illumination apparatus including a light source and a freeform lens having a cavity configured to at least partially surround the light source. The freeform lens is configured to provide both dark field illumination and bright field illumination to an object to be imaged.

Abstract: A barcode reader and an accessory are disclosed. The accessory may include an interface system and a wireless and/or wired interface for communication with a host computer such that the barcode reader may communicate with the host computer via the accessory. The interface system includes an authentication coprocessor such that the barcode reader may establish mutual authentication with the host computer using the authentication coprocessor of the interface system. The barcode reader may send a request for an accessory identifier, and the accessory may then query the authentication coprocessor for the accessory identifier and provide the accessory identifier to the barcode reader. The barcode reader may send an authentication challenge to the accessory, and the accessory may then present the authentication challenge to the authentication coprocessor to obtain an authentication response, and provide the authentication response to the barcode reader.

Abstract: A communication device transmits a communication parameter to connect to a wireless network established by an access point to another communication device using information obtained from a captured image and stores the information obtained from the captured image. When the communication parameter is changed, the changed communication parameter is transmitted to the another communication device by reusing the stored information.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a first notification unit, a second notification unit, a reception unit, and a sharing unit. The first notification unit provides first information containing information unique to the communication apparatus and information on a predetermined channel for use in sharing a communication parameter for wireless communication with a different communication apparatus. The second notification unit provides second information containing the information unique to the communication apparatus but not containing information on the predetermined channel. When the first information is provided, the reception unit waits to receive a predetermined signal containing information corresponding to the information unique to the communication apparatus without shifting to another channel. When the second information is provided, the reception unit waits to receive the predetermined signal using a plurality of channels.

Abstract: A portable scanner with improved user feedback provides scan data to a networked computing node via a wireless interface and the Internet. The portable scanner receives user feedback information from the networked computing node via the wireless interface and the Internet. The user feedback information indicates successful entry of the scan data into a database, or alternatively successful receipt of the scan data by the networked computing node. The portable scanner sets a scan status indicator to a final state in response to the user feedback information. Optionally, the database is a remote database that a local database is synchronized with, and/or the database is associated with the networked computing node. Optionally the portable scanner is wearable. Optionally the portable scanner is compatible with barcode and/or RFID technologies.

Abstract: Examples herein disclose a plug coupleable to a connector housing on a computing device. The examples disclose an electrical contact supported by the plug, the electrical contact interfaceable with a connector pin in the connector housing, wherein the computing device is to detect the interfaceability of the electrical contact with the connector pin, the detection of the interfaceability is to indicate an installation of the plug within the connector housing.

Abstract: A communication apparatus searches for a device by reading a two-dimensional code displayed by the device and notifies a user to use a direct wireless communication function of the device in a case where the device cannot be detected.

Abstract: A method of generating a DC power from incident RF waves, includes, in part, measuring the amount of power being received by a device generating the DC power, and controlling the phases of the RF waves being transmitted by a multitude of RF transmitters in accordance with the measured power. A programmable test load is optionally used at the device to measure the received power. The device optionally includes, an antenna, an RF-to-DC converter to generate the DC power, an impedance matching/transformation circuit, and an RF load/matching circuit.

Abstract: A PDA terminal is provided. The PDA terminal includes: a main body; a processor disposed in the main body; a memory accessible by the processor; and a display unit disposed on a front surface of the main body to display information processed by the processor. A rear cover detachable from the main body is disposed on a rear surface of the main body. After the rear cover is removed, a gun handle is usable in a state of being connected to a coupling part formed under the rear cover. Since the gun handle with a switch is usable in a state of being connected to the main body of the PDA terminal, the operation of the PDA operation can be more conveniently used in an industrial site or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for processing transactions at an in-store POS where some of the items of the transaction have not been retrieved, i.e. the customer neglected to add a needed item to a shopping cart. A customer selects a product on a user computing device and invokes display of an optical code corresponding to an unretrieved product. A point of sale (POS) device then scans the optical code to add the product to the transaction. The POS device or user computing device may transmit an alert to a representative computing device instructing a store representative to retrieve the product and deliver it to the POS or some other location.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a first communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus using a first wireless communication, a second communication unit that communicates with the external apparatus using a second wireless communication, and a control unit, wherein in a case where the communication with the external apparatus is performed using the first wireless communication in response to an acceptance of an instruction, the control unit controls the first communication unit to communicate with the external apparatus with an identifier that is different for each connection, and wherein in a case where the communication with the external apparatus is performed using the first wireless communication in response to the communication with the external apparatus by the second communication unit, the control unit controls the first communication unit to communicate with the external apparatus with a predetermined identifier for each connection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for operating robotic actors in a human/robotic environment. A safety controller that is configured to communicate with one or more robotic actors can receive actor information about at least a location of one or more actors. The safety controller can receive robot information comprising at least a location of a particular robotic actor of the one or more robotic actors. The safety controller can determine a command for controlling operation of the particular robotic actor of the one or more robotic actors by applying one or more safety criteria to the actor information and the robot information. The safety controller can generate an output including the command for controlling operation of the particular robotic actor.

Abstract: Provided are computer implemented methods and systems for messaging, calling, and single-touch and one-scan payments and buying via mobile and wearable devices. An exemplary system comprises a processor and a database in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to provide a haptic control associated with the system. The haptic control is shown on a display of a mobile and wearable device overlapping other visual elements. The haptic control provides mode selection elements associated with a payment, messaging, and calling modes. The processor receives a selection of the payment mode via the mode selection elements from a user. Upon the selection, context is extracted from the display. Based on the context, a payment transaction type which the user intends to perform is determined. The payment transaction type includes a payment receiving transaction and a payment sending transaction. Based on the determining, a transaction request is sent to a financial institution using the extraction.

Abstract: A barcode reader and an accessory are disclosed. A barcode reader may include an interface for communication with a host computer via a wireless or wired link and an authentication system to establish mutual authentication with the host computer. The barcode reader may include a connector for connecting the barcode reader to the external power source or the host computer. The connector may be a combined power and data connector. An accessory may provide operating power to a barcode reader and provide decoded data of an image of a barcode received from the barcode reader to a host computer. The accessory may include connectors and an interface system. The interface system may include a processor configured to send the decoded data to the host computer, an authentication system, and a power interface. The accessory may include RF circuits for communicating with the host computer via a wireless link.

Abstract: This invention presents an improved RFID method, system or apparatus which includes integrating one or more RFID elements or devices in an object, placing one or more RFID elements or devices on an object, and providing a smart placer which determines and places the RFID in the most efficient location in respect to interference, attenuation or frequency shifts that may exist, to improve the performance or efficiency of the RFID transponder and reader system ability.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a food safety management system, including a web portal for management and reporting and a handheld computing device for checklist completion. A checklist of tasks to be performed in a food service establishment is obtained and displayed on a touchscreen of the handheld computing device. Confirmation is obtained on the touchscreen whether a task has been completed. An identifier at a location in the food service establishment is inputted to verify that a task has been completed. Temperature and humidity readings are obtained from one or more stationary sensors monitoring a food storage environment. Task completion data, temperature data, and humidity data are sent to a server.

Abstract: An integrated circuit such as a SoC may indicate the critical battery status without powering-on a substantial portion including the host processing cores. The SoC may include a microcontroller, which may cause the critical battery status data to be stored in a static memory and the display unit may retrieve such data from the static memory to display a visual symbol on the screen. The other portions of the SoC such as the dynamic memory, system agent, media processors, and memory controller hubs may be powered-down while the critical battery status is displayed in the visual form on the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing Bluetooth data in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a first control unit for transmitting a predetermined data transmission condition, a second control unit for receiving and storing the data transmission condition, for determining whether the data transmission condition is satisfied when data is received from an accessory through Bluetooth communication, and for transmitting the received data to the first control unit when the data transmission condition is satisfied as a result of the determination.

Abstract: A barcode reader and an accessory are disclosed. A barcode reader may include an interface for communication with a host computer via a wireless or wired link and an authentication system to establish mutual authentication with the host computer. The barcode reader may include a connector for connecting the barcode reader to the external power source or the host computer. The connector may be a combined power and data connector. An accessory may provide operating power to a barcode reader and provide decoded data of an image of a barcode received from the barcode reader to a host computer. The accessory may include connectors and an interface system. The interface system may include a processor configured to send the decoded data to the host computer, an authentication system, and a power interface. The accessory may include RF circuits for communicating with the host computer via a wireless link.

Abstract: A processor implemented method of configuring an application on a mobile device comprising a code reading device is disclosed herein. The method comprises: reading a code with the code reading device, the code relating to an organization; and configuring at least one parameter of a first application of the mobile device based on the code.

Abstract: A virtual touch-control lock includes a processing module electrically connected to a latch device. A storage module, at least one image pick up device, and an input platform including a transparent or non-transparent non-touch-control screen are electrically connected to the processing module. The input platform is configured to permit a user to proceed with handwriting on the input platform and/or touching the input platform. The at least one image pick up device picks up a handwriting trace of the handwriting and/or the touching sequence. The handwriting trace and/or the touching sequence is transmitted to the processing module and is compared with authorized door-opening identification information stored in the storage module. The identification result is used to control movement of a latch of the latch device from the latching position to the unlatching position or to permit the latch to move from the latching position to the unlatching position.

Abstract: A system for automatically activating a function of a mobile device with a remote device is described. The system includes a first device having an illumination component for generating illumination having a signature. A second mobile device includes a display and a light sensor. A function of the second mobile device is activated in response to the light sensor receiving the illumination having the signature.