Abstract: A system providing self-service access to locked merchandise comprising: (a) providing a fixture that restricts access to the locked merchandise, wherein the fixture can automatically lock or unlock, allowing or restricting access to the locked merchandise; (b) providing a means of uniquely identifying an individual attempting to access the merchandise; (c) measuring a set of behaviors of the individual during any time the fixture is an open mode; (d) assessing whether the set of behaviors of the individual are suspicious or not relative to a set of suspicious event thresholds; (e) storing the individual and their set of behaviors as accessible records in at least one database; and (f) providing an algorithm which determines future access privileges of the individual to the enclosure based on a set of variables.

Abstract: Disclosed herein relates to a self-checkout anti-theft vehicle system, comprising: a self-checkout vehicle having a plurality of sensors and components implemented thereon, the self-checkout vehicle being used by shoppers for storing selected merchandises in a retail environment; and a centralized computing device. The centralized computing device is configured to: obtain information related to each merchandise selected and placed into the self-checkout vehicle by a shopper by exchanging data with the plurality of sensors and components via a first communication network, identify each merchandise via a second, different communication network based at least upon the information obtained from the plurality of sensors and components, and process payment information of each merchandise.

Abstract: A device configured to detect a triggering event at a platform and to capture a depth image of items on the platform using a three-dimensional (3D) sensor. The device is further configured to determine an object pose for each item on the platform and to identify one or more cameras from among a plurality of cameras based on the object pose for each item on the platform. The device is further configured to capture one or more images of the items on the platform using the identified cameras and to identify items within the one or more images based on features of the items. The device is further configured to identify a user associated with the identified items on the platform, to identify an account that is associated with the user, and to associate the identified items with the account of the user.

Abstract: A method, system and barcode reader for transmitting barcode scan information from a barcode reader to an external imaging system including one or more image capturing devices when the barcode reader is within a field of view of the external imaging system. Responsive to successfully decoding an indicia, the barcode reader transmits, to the external imaging system via an optical signal assembly, a first optical signal based at least in part on the indicia. Responsive to detecting an object within a product scanning region of the barcode reader and no successful decode of an indicia, the barcode reader transmits, to the external imaging system via the optical signal assembly, a second optical signal indicating the object being passed within the product scanning region with no successful decode.

Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing the time required for a scale to weigh a set of ingredients. A weighing tolerance is obtained for each ingredient in the set. Based on the weighing tolerance, a readability parameter is determined for each ingredient. Based on the determined readability parameter, the scale is configured before each ingredient is weighed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile electronic device platform for automated visual product recognition. As part of the platform, a mobile electronic device comprising a processing element and computer-readable media performs automated product-recognition processes based on input image frames received from a photographic element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for use in evaluating the trustworthiness of an artificial intelligence (AI) process. The trustworthiness evaluation may include both automated and manual evaluation of the AI process. Further, the system is provided with functionality for automatically evaluating and modifying the criteria used in evaluating the AI process.

Abstract: Device(s) with camera and medical event image capture app and method(s) are provided to capture images of medical condition management events involving products with indicia, perform image processing and analysis of captured images to discern product characteristics, artifacts and/or related informatics from indicia and other image elements in the captured image, and perform human machine interaction (HMI) operations or other logical operations that alert a user regarding a selected informatic or request input or otherwise educate the user about an aspect of medical condition management. The medical event image capture app provides any one or more of confirmation of correct or compatible product(s), dose confirmation, and detection of defective product or medication or misuse.

Abstract: An automated resource management system for a retail business includes a point-of-sale system and an access control system in communication with the point-of-sale system. The access control system can be configured to detect, and/or receive a signal from, an electronic device associated with a customer of the retail store, such as a cellular phone. Upon automatic detection of a billable event (e.g., retrieving an item from a vending machine) while the access control system determines that the user is within the retail store, automatic billing or invoicing of the customer by the point-of-sale system can occur.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, method, and user interface to facilitate a camera sharing session between two or more users. A request for an image depicting an image target is received from a first device associated with a first user. A notification of the request is transmitted to a second device associated with a second user. Image data comprising at least one image generated by a camera communicatively coupled to the second device is received from the second device and the image data is transmitted to the first device. A reward is provided to the second user based on the image data including a depiction of the image target.

Abstract: A information processing apparatus (2000) includes a determination unit (2160) and a deletion unit (2180). The determination unit (2160) determines whether feature information to be determined satisfies a predetermined condition. When feature information to be determined is determined to satisfy the predetermined condition, the deletion unit (2180) deletes the feature information to be determined from the storage apparatus (120).

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying sales data, the method including: a first displaying operation of displaying an image including at least one point of sales; and a second displaying operation of displaying sales data mapped to the at least one point of sales of the image, wherein the sales data includes one or more items, wherein the second displaying operation includes a display format determining operation in which an item corresponding to a keyword from among the one or more items is determined to be displayed according to a first display format, and the remaining items other than the item corresponding to the keyword are determined to be displayed according to a second display format.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electronic tagging technology. An electronic tag may include a scanner configured to scan an article identification information associated with one of a plurality of categories of articles; a controller configured to acquire the article identification information from the scanner; a communicator configured to, based on a pairing of the article identification information with an identification information associated with the electronic tag, acquire a product information corresponding to the article identification information; a storage unit configured to store the identification information associated with the electronic tag; and a display screen configured to display the product information corresponding to the article identification information.

Abstract: An exemplary mobile communication device for facilitating manufacturer-independent interface between mobile computers and remote data storage comprises a transceiver, a processor, and a memory with executable instructions that configure the device to: connect to the remote data storage via an available communication channel; transmit to remote data storage a first remove list identifying files previously transferred by the device to a first storage device associated with a first mobile computer; receive from remote data storage a second download list identifying files to be transferred to a second storage device associated with a second mobile computer; and delete files identified in the second download list but not in a locally-stored first download list of files to be transferred to the second storage device. Exemplary embodiments also include methods and computer-readable media embodying such operations that the device is configured to perform.

Abstract: An article input device includes a processor. The processor acquires identification information read from a wireless tag by a reading unit installed in a first carrier carrying an article. The processor registers the acquired identification information in a first list when the acquired identification information is not registered in a second list in which identification information read from a wireless tag by a second reading unit installed in a second carrier carrying an article is registered. The processor causes a display on the first carrier to output a notification when the acquired identification information is registered in the second list.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features an identification tag as described herein. In a related aspect, the invention features packaging for a product that includes the identification tag and is useful in discouraging and/or detecting counterfeiting and product diversion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport equipment with at least one transport device (1a) which is individualised by an identification mean, which has at least one goods depositing device and at least one handle and which can be stacked with respectively identical transport devices, wherein the transport equipment has at least two power-supplied electronic devices arranged on an identical and/or on different transport devices, of which at least one performs the function of a user interface and at least one performs the function of a detection device, and which each have integrated data-processing means and means for wireless data transmission.

Abstract: An identity system for the Internet of Things (IOT) that enables users and machines to identify, authenticate and interact with products and collectibles without relying on a third-party-controlled authentication service. The system includes wireless tamperproof tags coupled to products and an open registry database where a chain of ownership of the items is able to be stored. The open registry enables public access to the item identity and data combined with item registration anonymity.

Abstract: Methods and systems monitor activity in a retail environment, such as activity in a checkout area (e.g., checkout station) of the retail environment. A convolutional neural network is used to detect objects (e.g., inventory items) or events. Various algorithms may be used to determine whether valid checkout procedures are followed, and/or to determine whether to trigger alerts. Monitored/detected activity may be stored in a database to facilitate a deeper understanding of operations within the retail environment.

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include an image processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, an image capture device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the image capture device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The image capture device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatically monitoring and managing inventory in real time within a retail environment are presented. To monitor and manage inventory of electronic devices configured to communicate wirelessly, the electronic devices are configured to send device status messages via wireless communication to wireless connection devices, which in turn send inventory messages to a remote inventory server via a communication network. To monitor non-communicating inventory, wireless tags are included within or affixed to inventory packaging to communicate with the electronic devices or wireless connection devices. Based upon such inventory messages, the remote inventory server monitors inventory location and levels at retail locations. Inventory levels may be adjusted according to inventory distribution plans based upon such inventory information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Bluetooth connection establishment method, a Bluetooth connection establishment device and a Bluetooth connection establishment system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to detecting and registering unrecognized or unregistered objects. A minimum viable range (MVR) may be derived based on inspecting image data that represents objects at a start location. The MVR may be determined to be a certain MVR or an uncertain MVR according to one or more features represented in the image data. The MVR may be used to register corresponding objects according to the certain or uncertain determination.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a billing server and the like capable of receiving email using the same address irrespective of whether or not an object is to be billed, and which can differentiate between and handle both situations.

Abstract: A scanner is integrated as a peripheral device into a POS terminal. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are selectively activated and deactivated during item scanning for items being processed during a transaction at the POS terminal. The activation and deactivation of the LEDs are visible to an overhead security camera during the transaction. The selective activation and deactivation providing indications during the transaction as to whether the items are successfully scanned or unsuccessfully scanned during the transaction as the items are passed in front of at least one scan window of the scanner.

Abstract: A promotion processing system may include user devices that may include a mobile device to acquire an image of a given product having a brand associated therewith. The system may include a promotion processing server to obtain the acquired image of the given product from the mobile wireless device, and use image recognition to determine the brand associated with the given product based upon the acquired image. The server may also operate a chatbot with the user devices. The chatbot may include a social media wall having user-obtained images of different products, and each different product may be associated with the brand. The server may add the acquired image to the social media wall and solicit voting, within the chatbot and from the user devices, for a favored image on the social media wall, and determine and communicate a reward value to the mobile device based upon the voting.

Abstract: A promotion processing system may include a first mobile wireless communications device associated with a gift giver and configured to obtain a unique identifier from a product label of a product to be gifted, and record a video message associated with the unique identifier. The system may also include a second mobile wireless communications device associated with a gift recipient and configured to obtain the unique identifier. A promotion processing server may be configured to cooperate with the first mobile wireless communications device to obtain the video message and the unique identifier, and cooperate with the second mobile wireless communications device to obtain the unique identifier. The promotion processing server may also be configured to operate a chatbot and communicate the video message within the chatbot to the second mobile wireless communications device to display the video message thereon.

Abstract: A container with a wireless IC tag includes a container having a container body and a sealing member for sealing an opening portion of the container body; and a wireless IC tag and a cap seal attached to the container. The container body includes a neck (extending from the opening portion. The wireless IC tag includes an antenna for contactless communication, a wiring for wire break detection, and an IC chip connected to the antenna and the wiring. The cap seal includes a cylindrical member that surrounds the neck, the cylindrical member having a metal section disposed on a side face of the neck. The wireless IC tag is disposed to extend between opposite lateral sides of the neck via the sealing member and is partially sandwiched between the neck and the cylindrical member with the IC chip exposed from the cap seal.

Abstract: A height measuring apparatus comprising a main body portion adapted for placement upon an object to be measured, and a movable portion which is movable relative to the main body portion, wherein the movable portion comprises a laser source and a photo detector, the movable portion being movable so that a laser beam from the laser source can be directed to the ground when the main body is placed on the object to be measured.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication system includes: receiving a conditional communication for communicating the conditional communication from a sender to a receiver; determining with a control circuit a delivery condition for communicating the conditional communication to the receiver based on the sender; and communicating the conditional communication based on the delivery condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a navigation method, a shopping cart and a navigation system. The navigation method includes: after a user has selected a shopping cart, associating the user with the shopping cart; acquiring a position of the shopping cart and a parking spot where a vehicle of the user is located; and generating a navigation route in accordance with the position of the shopping cart and the parking spot where the vehicle of the user is located.

Abstract: An electronic device displays a user interface object that corresponds to a first application. While displaying the user interface object, the device detects, via an input element, an input directed to the user interface object. In response: if the input meets an input threshold and includes less than a threshold amount of movement, the device generates a non-visual output corresponding to the input before detecting an end of the input, and after detecting an end of the input, displays a system user interface that includes information about the first application without displaying the first application; and, if the input does not meet the input threshold and includes less than the threshold amount of movement, the device forgoes generating a non-visual output corresponding to the input, and after detecting an end of the input, displays the first application on the display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for registering personal electronic devices (PEDs) with an aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. Some methods include generating a different token image for each IFE passenger seat display, each generated token image comprising unique information for registering the PEDs with the IFE system. Different ones of the generated token images are communicated to different ones of the IFE passenger seat displays for display to passengers. A request comprising a captured image of the generated token image that is displayed on one of the IFE passenger seat displays is received. The at least one PED is registered with the IFE system by associating the unique identification information of the generated token image received in the request from the at least one PED. A communication link is established with the PED using the unique information.

Abstract: A product registration apparatus (20) includes a comparison unit (22) and a registration unit (24). The comparison unit (22) compares a first frame and a second frame of a video. The second frame is generated at a time later than the first frame. The comparison unit (22) determines a product that is not included in the first frame but included in the second frame. Then, the registration unit (24) registers the determined product (product that is not included in the first frame but included in the second frame) as a payment target.

Abstract: A method implemented in an autonomous vehicle (AV) for facilitating property hunting includes receiving a first command to direct the AV to a geolocation of an individual. An itinerary is received for a property hunting trip for the individual in a geographical area. The itinerary includes a plurality of properties. After the individual enters the AV, a second command is received from the individual to direct the AV to a geolocation of a first property on the itinerary. Feedback is received from the individual regarding the first property. An adjustment to the itinerary based on the feedback is received.

Abstract: There is provided a checkout apparatus (10) including an image data acquisition unit (11) which acquires data on an image, an image analysis unit (12) which recognizes a product in the image, using a feature value of appearance of each of a plurality of products registered in a feature value storage unit (14) and the image data; a registration unit (13) which registers the product recognized by the image analysis unit (12) as a checkout target, and a projection unit (15) which projects an image related to a checkout process on the product and/or a placement surface of a placement platform of the product.

Abstract: In some examples, a merchant device at a point of sale (POS) location may present information to a merchant in a first language preferred by the merchant, and may present information to a buyer in a second language preferred by the buyer. The merchant device may switch between the different languages in response to detecting a change in the physical orientation of a display. For instance, in a first orientation in which the display is viewable from a merchant direction, the merchant device may present information in the language preferred by the merchant. When the orientation of the display is changed to a second orientation in which the display is viewable from a buyer direction, the merchant device may present information in the language indicated to be preferred by the buyer. Various techniques may be used for determining the preferred language of a particular buyer.

Abstract: A reading device includes display and an image capturing device to image objects on a checkout counter. A control unit receives a first image including at least one object on the checkout counter, extracts a first object that is closest to the image capturing device in the first image, then displays an image of the first object and a frame around the first object. Generic object recognition is performed on the first object. A second image is received from the image capturing device. The control unit determines whether the first object is still closest to the image capturing device. A second object is extracted from the second image if the first object is no longer closest to the image capturing device and the second object is the one closest to the image capturing device in the second image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for purchasing a product from a merchant by a consumer using an electronic device. An association between a transaction identifier and transaction information is stored in a database, the transaction information comprising a merchant identifier, which is associated with merchant information, and a transaction amount. The consumer may purchase the product by having the transaction identifier provided to an application on an electronic device and transmitting the transaction identifier from the application to a transaction processing server. The merchant information and the transaction amount associated with the transaction identifier is transmitted from the transaction processing server to the application and the transaction completed using the application on the basis of the transaction information on the database.

Abstract: A system for preparing a pharmaceutical compound comprises: a scale having a platen configured for placement of an object thereon; a supporting arm comprising a first end coupled to a portion of the scale and a second end extending to a position above the platen of the scale; and an enclosure housing extending from the second end of the supporting arm and configured to house at least one input device. The enclosure housing has a curved front profile to minimize flow disturbance when the system is positioned within a flow hood.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus comprises a screen, a camera, a distance sensor, and a processor. The screen has one surface where an object is put. The camera photographs an image from the other surface of the screen. The distance sensor measures a distance from the one surface of the screen and generates distance information indicating the distance. The processor extracts a region of the object from the photographed image, specifies the object from the image of the region of the object, acquires an outer dimension preset to the specified object, calculates a length, from the screen, of the object put on the one surface of the screen based on the distance information, and outputs an alert when the outer dimension does not match the length of the object.

Abstract: A mobile device storage and tracking system includes a housing and a carousel disposed in the housing and having a plurality of storage spaces. Responsive to a user input that is indicative of a particular user, a control rotates the carousel to position a selected storage space at a door and unlocks the door, whereby the particular user can store a mobile device at that selected storage space. After the user stores the mobile device at that selected storage space, the control closes and locks the door. When the particular user again provides the user input, the control unlocks the door and rotates the carousel to position the selected storage space at the door. The control is operable to track, for each particular user, when the particular user's mobile device is at the carousel and when the particular user's mobile device has been removed from the carousel.

Abstract: Systems for providing efficient manufacturing of paper, sheet, and/or box products of varying size and structure, often with pre-applied print (“pre-print”), are provided herein. One or more controllers can be used to aggregate upcoming orders and information needed to complete the manufacturing process for the order. A controller enables a user to prepare control plans (e.g., reel maps, reel plans, etc.) for processing rolls of web product through the manufacturing process. Criteria filtering and/or various features enable generation of efficient and effective control plans for rolls of web product, including, in some cases, multiple orders. The control plan may include a set of instructions for operating one or more systems within the manufacturing process to form the desired finished paper-based product.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for sorting mechanisms at a POS terminal. A POS terminal in a secondary mode of operation, receives input of categories. Information of items received by the POS terminal is used to sort the items into the categories.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method, a system, a computer program product and a computer program for creating and using a journey map and for associating user interactions with a system such as a computer system to steps of the journey map. Embodiments of the invention relate to user interactions with an organisation across a range of different communication channels and associating these interactions with steps of a journey map.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at systems, methods, and apparatus for precisely inventorying items placed within a user-portable container. The system may comprise one or more interrogators configured to repeatedly send interrogation signals to detect tagged items placed within the portable container by a user. The system may also comprise one or more readers configured to detect response signals produced by the tagged items in response to the repeated interrogation signals. The system may also comprise a communication interface configured to provide information regarding the detected response signals to an adjunct processor configured to analyze the signals and determine whether they originate from items within the user-portable container, as well as to maintain an inventory of items within the portable container.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for an augmented reality output based on item acquisition limitations. A user may capture visual data utilizing a device at a location, where the visual data includes one or more items available for acquisition at the location. A device may perform object recognition to identify the items within the images, and determine an item identifier. Using the item identifier, item data may be retrieved, and may be compared to restrictions on item acquisitions set for an account of the user. A visual output of a representation of the item in the visual data may then be configured to enhance or diminish the item's representation. The change in the item's representation may be output as an augmented reality visible to the user as the user views captured data of a scene including the item.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing customer shopping help include a system provider device that receives first customer location information from a plurality of beacon devices at a merchant physical location. The first customer location information is collected during a shopping session from a first customer device that is associated with a first customer. The system provider device analyzes the first customer location information to determine a merchant physical location area that is included in the merchant physical location and in which the first customer has not been located during the shopping session. The system provider device then selects a first product, from a plurality of products that are associated with the merchant physical location in a database, which is located in the merchant physical location area. The system provider device then provides a product recommendation for the first product over the network for display on the first customer device.

Abstract: A product registration apparatus (2000) includes a recognition unit (2020), an imaging unit (2040), a detection unit (2060), and a determination unit (2080). The recognition unit (2020) recognizes a product. The imaging unit (2040) images an action of a customer to generate a customer image. The detection unit (2060) uses the customer image to detect that a product is disposed in a detection target area. The detection target area is a space including an area in which a product is recognized by the recognition unit (2020). The determination unit (2080) determines whether or not a product is recognized by the recognition unit (2020) in a case where it is detected that a product is disposed in the detection target area.

Abstract: Examples described herein pertain generally to network computer systems, and more specifically, to network computer systems for evaluating contingency based outcomes for network transactions.