Abstract: In a motion capture system having a depth camera, a physical interaction zone of a user is defined based on a size of the user and other factors. The zone is a volume in which the user performs hand gestures to provide inputs to an application. The shape and location of the zone can be customized for the user. The zone is anchored to the user so that the gestures can be performed from any location in the field of view. Also, the zone is kept between the user and the depth camera even as the user rotates his or her body so that the user is not facing the camera. A display provides feedback based on a mapping from a coordinate system of the zone to a coordinate system of the display. The user can move a cursor on the display or control an avatar.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to the use of identity information to help avoid the occurrence of false positive speech recognition events in a speech recognition system. One embodiment provides a method comprising receiving speech recognition data comprising a recognized speech segment, acoustic locational data related to a location of origin of the recognized speech segment as determined via signals from the microphone array, and confidence data comprising a recognition confidence value, and also receiving image data comprising visual locational information related to a location of each person in an image. The acoustic locational data is compared to the visual locational data to determine whether the recognized speech segment originated from a person in the field of view of the image sensor, and the confidence data is adjusted depending on this determination.

Abstract: Within a surface computing environment users are provided a seamless and intuitive manner of modifying security levels associated with information. If a modification is to be made the user can perceive the modifications and the result of such modifications, such as on a display. When information is rendered within the surface computing environment and a condition changes, the user can quickly have that information concealed in order to mitigate unauthorized access to the information.

Abstract: A method is provided for personalizing the user interface of an appliance by creating a user-specific interface based on the identified biometric characteristics of a user.

Abstract: A method of providing security during operation of a self-service checkout terminal includes the step of creating a transaction table which includes a plurality of records corresponding respectively to a plurality of items entered into the checkout terminal during a checkout procedure. The method also includes the step of analyzing the plurality of records. The method further includes the step of generating a characteristic value in response to the analyzing step. Moreover, the method includes the step of comparing the characteristic value to a characteristic trigger point and generating a characteristic control signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A dynamic key terminal including a choice-driven interface which employs multi-pathing to guide a retail operator through a retail transaction. A display displays choices vertically on one side of the display to an operator. A first keypad, vertically oriented in the front surface of the housing adjacent the choices displayed by the display, is used by an operator for entering choices. A second keypad adjacent the first keypad is used by the operator to enter item information. The terminal may also have a card reader. A processor controls operation of the terminal and executes a graphic user interface including a plurality of overlays wherein each overlay is associated with a choice selected by the operator using the first keypad. A method for guiding an operator through a retail transaction is also disclosed, wherein each user choice causes the processor to display an overlay specific to the choice entered.

Abstract: A dynamic key terminal including a choice-driven interface which employs multi-pathing to guide a retail operator through a retail transaction. A display displays choices vertically on one side of the display to an operator. A first keypad, vertically oriented in the front surface of the housing adjacent the choices displayed by the display, is used by an operator for entering choices. A second keypad adjacent the first keypad is used by the operator to enter item information. The terminal may also have a card reader. A processor controls operation of the terminal and executes a graphic user interface including a plurality of overlays wherein each overlay is associated with a choice selected by the operator using the first keypad. A method for guiding an operator through a retail transaction is also disclosed, wherein each user choice causes the processor to display an overlay specific to the choice entered.

Abstract: A dynamic key terminal including a choice-driven interface which employs multi-pathing to guide a retail operator through a retail transaction. A display displays choices vertically on one side of the display to an operator. A first keypad, vertically oriented in the front surface of the housing adjacent the choices displayed by the display, is used by an operator for entering choices. A second keypad adjacent the first keypad is used by the operator to enter item information. The terminal may also have a card reader. A processor controls operation of the terminal and executes a graphic user interface including a plurality of overlays wherein each overlay is associated with a choice selected by the operator using the first keypad. A method for guiding an operator through a retail transaction is also disclosed, wherein each user choice causes the processor to display an overlay specific to the choice entered.

Abstract: A self-service checkout terminal includes a base having a bagwell defined therein. The terminal also includes a first counter supported on the base. The first counter has a first surface which is positioned at a first height. The terminal further includes a scanner secured at a first end of the first counter. The terminal yet further includes an automated teller machine secured at a second end of the first counter. Moreover, the terminal includes an arcuate shaped second counter secured to the first counter, the second counter having a second surface which is positioned at a second height. The first counter has a bagwell opening defined therein at a location interposed between the scanner and the automated teller machine. The bagwell opening is aligned with the bagwell. The first height is less than the second height.

Abstract: A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items.

Abstract: In a merchandise checkout system including an electronic cash register having a touch screen panel and a cash till including a plurality of compartments for storing a particular bill or coin denomination, there is disclosed a method for checking out purchased merchandise items including the steps of displaying on the touch screen panel a receipt listing the items purchased together with the amount due, displaying on the panel a plurality of bill denominations which may be submitted by the customer for the purchase of the merchandise items and displaying on the touch screen panel a representation of the cash till together with the particular bill and coin denominations and the number of such denominations which are to be dispensed as the change due the customer in response to the submission of the particular bill denomination by the customer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring item shuffling in a post-scan area of a self-service checkout terminal having a post-scan shelf, a bagwell with a grocery container positioned therein, and a weight scale positioned so as to detect weight of items positioned both on the post-scan shelf and in the grocery container, includes the step of detecting removal of a first number of items from the post-scan shelf with the weight scale and generating a first weight decrease value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the first number of items. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of a second number of items into the grocery container with the weight scale and generating a first weight increase value in response thereto which corresponds to the weight of the second number of items.