Abstract: Systems and techniques for dynamic edge cache for query-based services are described herein. A request for web content may be received that includes a fine-grained application programming interface (API) call. Instructions may be generated for at least one coarse-grained API call (e.g., a full dataset) to retrieve data requested by the fine-grained API call (e.g., a data element or subset of the full dataset). A dictionary may be generated to allow the fine-grained API call to retrieve data using the at least one coarse-grained API call. The dictionary and the instructions for the coarse-grained API call may be transmitted to a content delivery server. This technique allows the content delivery server to cache a full dataset via the coarse-grained API call and service fine-grained requests from the edge-cache. This may reduce data transfer and decrease web content delivery times.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for large product pre-sourcing search engine are described herein. A location may be determined for a user of an application. A search query may be received via the application. Search results may be returned based on the search query which may include a product with special handling constraints. A local availability may be determined for the product with special handling constraints using the location of the user. A delivery availability may be determined for the product with special handling constraints using the location of the user. The search results may be output to a user interface of the application including the local availability and the delivery availability.

Abstract: A system and method are presented relating to a hybrid portable charging device having an internal battery and an internal supercapacitor. Input logic is implemented as part of the management system for the charging device. In one embodiment, input power is analyzed to determine whether the input power level is low, medium, or high, with input power being diverted to the battery or supercapacitor depending on the determined input power level. At high input power, the supercapacitor is charged first. At low input power, the battery is charged first. At medium power, the input power is split between the supercapacitor and the battery. In another embodiment, output can be directed using output logic so that power flows first from the supercapacitor so that the supercapacitor is fully discharged before battery power is output to the load on the charging device.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for identifying search recall activities and performing changes to search criteria based on streaming event data are disclosed. In an example, electronic operations used for identifying search recall scenarios based on streaming events in a user interface include: obtaining a plurality of streaming events that represent user interaction from a user interface sessions, from inputs that are used to locate and select items; identifying search recall scenarios from the events based on vicinity and exposure, where the items are not retrieved by initial searches; determining changes to selection criteria, to locate and select the items; and updating the selection criteria such that subsequent searches are configured to locate the items using the updated search criteria. With this technique, search data and rules such as exclusion and inclusion lists or category/product information rules may be automatically updated to successfully locate product items in subsequent searches.

Abstract: A system for mounting a microwave or other appliance to the underside of a cabinet includes an under-cabinet mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is made up of a plurality of inside the cabinet support members, an under-cabinet base plate, an appliance mounting plate and a plurality of fasteners. First fasteners are engaged to and extend from the plurality of inside the cabinet support members to fixedly engage the under-cabinet base plate. A second plurality of fasteners are engaged to and extend from the under-cabinet base plate to the appliance mounting plate. A third plurality of fasteners are engaged to and extending from the appliance mounting plate to the appliance. The system may also include a wall mountable rear support assembly for supporting the rear and or bottom surfaces of the appliance.

Abstract: A video system and method are presented that uses an output-receiving microphone mounted on the housing of the video system to receive a signal representative of the output of a speaker in a use-environment. This signal is compared with a second signal received from a spoken-word microphone that is mounted more remotely from the speaker. In some embodiments, the spoken-word microphone is positioned in a low-pass filter tune pipe and is combined with a separate spoken-word microphone in a tuned microphone array so as to filter out frequencies not associated with the human voice. The two signals are magnitude matched, and the first signal is subtracted from the second to generate an improved voice signal for a voice recognition system.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for generating rankings and ranking models for information, including for new and updated items, based on streaming event data are disclosed. In an example, operations used for ranking and ordering information in a commerce user interface based on streaming events include: processing streaming events representing user interaction in a commerce user interface; calculating a simulated engagement score for a new or updated item based on the streaming events; applying the simulated engagement score in a ranking model for a subsequent information set; and generating output of the subsequent information set via the commerce user interface, using the ranking model, as the new or updated item of information is ordered based on the simulated engagement score. With this technique, an approach for presenting and organizing data may be offered in user interfaces considering actual and estimated engagement, including for new and updated products and information.

Abstract: A universal voice control system (aka: a Digital Voice Butler or DVB) is used to communicate with and control one or more voice activated smart devices (VASDs) with a single shared activation word. The DVB is embodied in a housing that contains a microphone, a speaker, a voice synthesizer, a list of understood spoken commands, a look up table having objects acted upon by the commands and ecosystem specific commands, and a processor in electronic communication with the microphone and speaker. A device such as a smart phone is in communication with the processor and provides a user interface for the DVB that allows specific VASDs and their associated functions to be linked to the DVB.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for demand-based product sourcing in an electronic commerce setting is described herein. In one example, information about an item corresponding to a plurality of fulfillment locations is stored in a database. The information includes a plurality of transit times and a plurality of transit costs corresponding to each of the plurality of transit times. A subset of transit times is selected upon receiving a location of a user. A subset of transit costs corresponding with the subset of transit times is selected. An indication of a selection of a transit time is received. The indication includes the item, a quantity of the item, and a destination. A preferred fulfillment location of a subset of fulfillment locations is calculated, the calculating using the transit time, the location, and a selection rule, wherein the selection rule is generated using a plurality of selection attributes.

Abstract: A system and method are presented that monitor components of an appliance for predicted, future failures. A sensor element is attached to the appliance to obtain movement and magnetic field data from the appliance. The sensor element can be attached to the metal shell of the appliance. A base sensor component receives data from the sensor element, and then divides individual signals into sub-frequencies. In one embodiment, 3-D signals relevant to position change, acceleration, and detected electromagnetic field at the sensor are all analyzed by the base sensor, along with a current draw signal for the appliance. Changes in the signals are reported to a server, that compares changes to a prepopulated database. This database correlates changes in sensor signals with predicted failures of appliance components. Identified components with a predicted, future failure are replaced before the failure.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for tracking customers and employees in a commercial environment such as a retail store are described herein. Customer devices that are operated by an associated customer may be tracked to determine customer shopping activities in a retail store, and to obtain promotions or affect targeted results based on the customer's activity and a profile associated with the customer. Employee devices that are operated by an associated employee also may be tracked to identify employee activities and manage the interactions that occur with customers in the retail environment. In-store activities and interactions accordingly may be enhanced as a result of advertising, marketing, and analytics derived from the tracked activities.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for the secure distribution of firmware and configuration updates to un-networked physical devices. A client component is provided for installation on a client device, which is configured to receive, via the client component, a status data packet including a status indication from a beacon, when the client is proximate to the beacon. A server receives the status data packet via the client component, determines whether an update is available for the beacon based at least in part on the status indication, and transmits, to the client device, an encrypted update data message relating to the update for installation at the beacon to complete the update of the beacon.

Abstract: Techniques and system configurations for providing content to a mobile device based on activity in a physical commercial environment such as a retail store are described herein. Mobile devices that are operated by an associated customer may be tracked with the use of beacons to determine customer activities in the retail store, including particular areas visited in the store, activities conducted by the customer in the store, and like tracking information. The customer activity and data for the activities and locations in the physical environment may be correlated to an identifier, profile, or other tracking information. This tracking information may be subsequently used by the mobile device to identify the user to an advertising network, or other information service, and obtain customized media content and information.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for using a plurality of data caches to increase the efficiency of a computing system in an e-commerce environment. Separate caches with distinct time-to-live values are created, one each for customer information, customer cart contents, and product pricing data. Product pricing is pre-analyzed using a pricing data engine that calculates multiple potential prices for a single item that is then stored in the product pricing data cache. This data can then be used in a variety of contexts to determine different pricing for the same product without requiring another request for product data from the pricing data engine. When a product is viewed during catalog browsing, all information needed to determine pricing for that particular user might be accessible from the data caches for fast processing.

Abstract: A wall-mountable enclosure including a front cover, a back panel, and a plurality of side panels. A wall opening can be located on the back panel of the enclosure. The wall opening configured for routing at least one first wire between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure. A room opening can be located on one of the plurality of side panels. The room opening configured for routing at least one second wire between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure. A connector mounting bracket coupled to the back panel and located between the back panel and the front cover. A cable routing channel can be defined between the back panel and the connector mounting bracket. The connector mounting bracket can be configured to support at least one wiring interconnect for the at least one first wire.

Abstract: A light bulb or other lamp device incorporating improved antenna configurations and integrated networking equipment is described herein. In one example, a LED light bulb is arranged to include a wireless transceiver and related wireless network processing circuitry, and is coupled to multiple antennas configured to receive and transmit signals using spatial diversity, beamforming, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), or other multi-antenna techniques. The heat sink in the light bulb may be purposed to provide one or more of the multiple antennas, such as use of respective heat sink structures to serve as a diversity antenna. The wireless network processing circuitry may be used for control of the light bulb or for operability with wireless and non-wireless networks. For example, the network processing circuitry may operate as a wireless network access point, repeater, relay, bridge, or like function.

Abstract: A DC power supply extension cable system includes a cord, a plurality of first barrel connectors and a plurality of second barrel connectors. The cord has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a first interface configured for the engagement of one of any of the first barrel connectors, and the second end likewise defines a second interface configured for the engagement of one of any of the second barrel connectors. The first interface is different than the second interface. Each of the first barrel connectors has a receiving opening therein and a first engagement mechanism configured to be accepted by only the first interface. Whereas each of the second barrel connectors has an external plug extending therefrom, and a second engagement mechanism configured to be accepted by only the second interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a subwoofer speaker assembly that has a housing which is convertible between a compact volume mode and an expanded volume mode. The speaker assembly includes at least one driver contained within the housing. The housing itself comprises an internal frame and an external shell, moveable relative to the internal frame. The internal frame and the external shell defining an interior volume of the housing, in the compact mode the internal volume is a first volume, in the expanded mode the internal volume is a second volume, wherein the second volume is greater than the first volume. Positioned between the overlapping and parallel walls of the internal frame and the external shell is at least one sealing member which provides an airtight seal between the internal frame and the external shell.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Upon a request from a consumer (or other user) in a fulfillment operation, the robot retrieves a bin holding the first item from the ISU. Upon a request from an operator in a replenishment operation, the robot transfers an empty bin to an operator station (such as a replenishing unit). Upon a request from an operator in a purge operation, the robot transfers bins containing the affected items to the operator station. The controller logic further allows certain operations to be prioritized and performed for the replenishment and purge operations.