Abstract: Techniques for adding more complex instructions and their attendant multi-cycle execution units with a single instruction multiple data, stream (SIMD) very long instruction word (VLIW) processing framework are described. In one aspect, an initiation mechanism also acts as a resynchronization mechanism to read the results of multi-cycle execution. This multi-purpose mechanism operates with a short instruction word (SIW) issue of the multi-cycle instruction, in a sequence processor (SP) alone, with a VLIW, and across all processing elements (PEs) individually or as an array of PEs. A number of advantageous floating point instructions are also described.

Abstract: A system for recognizing an auxiliary display attached to an electronic price label which also recognizes a unique type designation of the auxiliary display. The system includes a number of auxiliary display recorders which sense a number of indicators on the auxiliary display. The indicators are arranged in a predetermined pattern which uniquely identifies a type designation for the auxiliary display. The system also includes an auxiliary display sensing circuit coupled to the auxiliary display recorders which determines the type designation of the auxiliary display from the pattern.

Abstract: A mobile scanning station for pre-scanning retail merchandise includes a frame, and a pair of arms mounted to the frame, positioned to hold an open bag for receiving pre-scanned items. A platform is mounted to the frame, positioned under the pair of arms for providing a supporting surface for items contained in an open bag held by the pair of arms. The frame further includes an EAS deactivator support for holding an EAS deactivator for deactivating EAS tags on pre-scanned items before they are placed in the open bag. In a method for pre-scanning retail merchandise, a mobile pre-scanning station is positioned proximate to a shopping cart of a retail customer waiting in a checkout line, and a transaction identifier card is scanned. Bar-coded items from the customer's shopping cart are then scanned. If the scanned item has an EAS tap, an EAS deactivator seated in the mobile pre-scanning station is used to deactivate the EAS tag.

Abstract: Techniques for using a scan pattern to estimate imaging information for an object reflecting the scan pattern are described. As an object is brought within range of a scan window, a scan beam tracing out a scan pattern comprising a plurality of scan lines causes reflection of the scan beam back into the scan window to produce a scanner signal based on reflections of the scan beam. The time at which the scanner signal indicates the presence of an object is noted and this timing information is mapped to position information identifying the position of the scan beam. The timing and position information is used to estimate imaging information about the object, including position, size, shape and motion information.

Abstract: An apparatus for concurrently executing controller single instruction single data (SISD) instructions and single instruction multiple data (SIMD) processing element instructions comprising a combined controller and processing element. At least first and second simplex instructions each comprise a mode of operation bit, said mode of operation bit in the first simplex instruction specifying a controller SISD operation for execution by the controller, and the mode of operation bit in the second simplex instruction specifying a procesing element SIMD operation for execution by the processsing element. A very long instruction word (VLIW) contains said at least first and second simplex instructions.

Abstract: Techniques for quantitatively assessing the visual quality of information displays are described. A group of flat panel displays are tested to produce quantitative visual test data to allow an assessment of the visual quality of each of the flat panel displays. In one aspect, eight key photometric indices of visual quality are produced. Additionally, composite indices composed to two or more individual photometric indices are provided.

Abstract: A dispersion compensating fiber is described having a core and cladding as well as methods for making such fiber. The cladding has a first cladding region surrounding the core, a second cladding region surrounding the first cladding region, and a third cladding region surrounding the second cladding region. The core, and the first, second, and third cladding regions are doped to create a refraction index profile characteristic of dispersion compensating fiber. The core is doped with germanium, the first cladding region is doped with fluorine, and the second cladding region is doped with germanium and fluorine. A portion of the cladding is doped with phosphorus, thereby resulting in splice loss reduction.

Abstract: Techniques for activating a voice recognition system are described. The system disclosed can be non verbally started and stopped without the need for the system user to use his or her hands facilitating hands-free operation in an environment with a relatively high degree of ambient background verbal noise. For example, a user may start the voice recognition system by blowing once on a microphone and stop the system by blowing twice on a microphone. The user may alternately start and stop the system by using other nonverbal inputs such as facial expressions, clearing the throat or moving one's head. Such other nonverbal inputs may be detected by pressure sensors or motion sensors. The operational state of the system may alternately be toggled from off to on, or from on to off, with each subsequent nonverbal input.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) such as an ATM has a secure enclosure (12) and an external column (14) extending from the secure enclosure (12). The column (14) has a bore (54) for routing electrical conductors and one or more access slots (58) connecting the bore (54) with an external surface (52) of the column (14). A module (40,42) is mounted onto the column (14) using a bracket (50) defining a channel (94) through which the module's electrical conductors (88) are routed. The electrical conductors (88) are routed from the bracket (50) to a central processor within the secure enclosure (12) by means of an access slot (58) and the bore (54). The modules (40,42) are height adjustable relative to the secure enclosure (12).

Abstract: There is provided a network of self-service terminals, in the form of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): the ATMs comprising a printer and a means for communicating with a remote database. The printer is arranged to print first information onto a token, which includes a unique bar code. The remote database contains second information regarding the purchase of each token.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouping electronic price labels (EPLs) which facilitates installation of electronic price labels in signs and promotional displays rather than standard shelf edges. The apparatus primarily includes a frame member for mounting the EPLs including a plurality of bays arranged in a plurality of rows and columns. The apparatus additionally includes a product description sheet mounted to the frame member including apertures for exposing displays within the EPLs. Optionally included are a product description sheet holder which mounts to the frame member for retaining the product description sheet against the front surface and a base for supporting the frame member on a flat surface.

Abstract: A cost-effective package is described that creates a visual impression of a packaged item floating within a frame. The package includes a chassis having a compartment for holding the item and a frame for holding the chassis. The chassis includes a front panel and a rear panel. The chassis compartment is formed by a cavity in the front panel and a corresponding cavity in the rear panel. The chassis further includes a flange for installing the chassis into the frame. The flange is formed by first and second flange flaps that extend respectively from the front and rear chassis panels. The frame for holding the chassis includes a series of panels that fit around the outer perimeter of the chassis. One of the panels includes a guide channel and slot for receiving the chassis flange. The package is formed by sliding the chassis into the frame and folding the frame closed around the chassis.

Abstract: Techniques are described for implementing the automatic generation of a DynaKey™ GUI external file that is then used by the corresponding builder <B>, runtime <R>, and tester <T> systems. The automation begins by data-mining <D> a design document, screen-by-screen, to extract pertinent text, icon, static key, screen branching, and other necessary information. The data-mined file is then used to create a new GUI external interface file or to modify an existing interface file. During the process, information is provided in list boxes to insure the design document is free of errors as well as to provide a log of update modifications when an interface is modified. The list box contents can also be printed to allow for viewing an expanded version of the list box contents. Accordingly, many successive prototypes leading to the final production system can be implemented much more quickly and efficiently than with typical preexisting approaches.

Abstract: An indirect VLIW (iVLIW) architecture is described which contains a minimum of two instruction memories. The first instruction memory (SIM) contains short-instruction-words (SIWs) of a fixed length. The second instruction memory (VIM), contains very-long-instruction-words (VLIWs) which allow execution of multiple instructions in parallel. Each SIW may be fetched and executed as an independent instruction by one of the available execution units. A special class of SIW is used to reference the VIM indirectly to either execute or load a specified VLIW instruction (called an “XV” instruction for “eXecute VLIW”, or LV for “Load VLIW”). In these cases, the SIW instruction specifies how the location of the VLIW is to be accessed. Other aspects of this approach relate to the application of data memory addressing techniques for execution or loading of VLIWs that parallel the addressing modes used for data memory accesses.

Abstract: A produce recognition method which determines an optimal number of candidate identifications in a candidate identification list. The method includes the steps of obtaining produce data associated with a produce item, determining distances between the produce data and reference produce data, determining confidence values from the distances, determining first confidence values which are greater than a threshold confidence value, displaying candidate identifications associated with the first confidence values, and recording an operator choice of one of the candidate identifications.

Abstract: A magnetically recordable label embedded within a plastic object such as a microtiter plate. The label comprises a magnetic recording medium such as a recording wire, and is concealed within the object or within a sealed enclosure attached to the object. The label can be written to or read from by a recording head passing adjacent to the label. Because the label is completely enclosed, it is shielded from degrading effects that may be present in the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for grouping electronic price labels (EPLs) to form an electronic sign. The apparatus primarily includes a frame member which defines a plurality of bays arranged in a single line for containing the EPLs. The apparatus additionally includes a product description sheet mounted to the frame member including apertures for exposing displays within the EPLs. Optionally included are a product description sheet holder which mounts to the frame member for retaining the product description sheet against the frame member and a base for supporting the frame member on a flat surface. A method of grouping EPLs includes the steps of providing a frame member defining a plurality of bays arranged in a line for containing the EPLs, retaining the EPLs within the bays, placing a product description sheet adjacent to the frame member, and orienting apertures in the product description sheet to expose displays within the EPLs.

Abstract: In a system for processing store interventions in a network of self-checkout terminals, self-checkout terminals monitor the self-checkout activities performed to determine whether an issue has arisen requiring intervention by store personnel. Detected issues are prioritized and placed into an issues log. A remote authorization station connected into the network accesses the issues log to review and resolve the issues that have arisen in priority order. Further, where it is determined that an issue has arisen at a self-checkout terminal that cannot be resolved at that terminal, the transaction is suspended and then resumed at a personnel-operated terminal.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described for splicing together first and second optical fibers. A thermal treatment station is described, having a chassis, a fiber holding block for holding a pair of optical fibers that have been spliced together at a splice point, the fiber holding block including a cutaway portion exposing the splice point, and a torch, the fiber holding block and the torch being mounted to the chassis such that the positions of the splice point and the torch can be adjusted with respect to each other so that the splice point lies in the flame. A technique for splicing together two optical fibers is further described, in which the optical fibers are first spliced together using a fusion splicer and then thermally treated by positioning the splice point in a flame while monitoring splice loss.

Abstract: A universal price/reward system for determining product prices or reward values. The system disclosed is implemented by utilizing a table of prices, reward information, or the like distinct from a POS system's existing Price Look-Up (PLU) file format. The table data utilized may be appended to an existing PLU file, or it may exist in a separate file located on the same file server, or on a separate file server. This approach allows a retail merchant to easily create and modify incentive pricing programs and promotional reward programs without having to modify the basic structure of the PLU file or the POS application program. The universal price/reward system can be implemented as part of the PLU file, or through a separate companion file on a POS store controller or file server.