Abstract: A camera-based barcode reader captures an image, determines a region of interest of a barcode within the image, and generates a barcode image from the region of interest. The camera-based barcode reader aligns each of multiple horizontal regions within the barcode image to a reference horizontal region within the barcode image. The alignment of a horizontal region includes (i) determining a set of alignment parameters to apply to the horizontal region based on a comparison of the reference horizontal region to the horizontal region when adjusted to different combinations of alignment parameters and (ii) adjusting the horizontal region according to the set of alignment parameters for that horizontal region. After aligning the barcode image, the camera-based barcode reader decodes the barcode from the barcode image.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe a location aware, RFID-enabled pallet mover for tracking inventory moving in a warehouse. The pallet mover includes a RFID system for detecting a pallet currently loaded on the pallet mover and a real-time location system (RTLS) tag for identifying a location of the pallet mover in the warehouse. In one embodiment, the RFID system includes an antenna and an RFID reader for detecting RFID tags in order to track inventory such as a pallet or packages. The RFID reader can communicate with the RFID tags in the environment to identify which pallet is currently loaded on the mover. In one embodiment, the RFID system waits until the pallet mover is moving before activating the RFID reader and monitoring a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of an RFID tag to determine whether the corresponding pallet is currently loaded onto the pallet mover.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe design techniques for generating a fingerprint for a shipping label using symbols or bit segments. These symbols or bit segments can be read using lower resolution cameras at greater distances than 1D or 2D barcodes in the shipping labels. In one embodiment, a label designer identifies blank zones in the design of a shipping label and selects symbols to place in those zones. The label designer can select random types of symbols and random sizes for those symbols. When reading the shipping label, a CV system can identify the symbols and their sizes and generate the fingerprint. In another embodiment, the label designer places bit segments in the identified blank zones. The CV system can then read the blank zones in a predefined order and merge the bits segments to form a digital fingerprint for the shipping label.

Abstract: A method of interrogating a plurality of RFID tags comprises interrogating a first RFID tag with a read command comprising a masking value for a predefined portion of a User Memory Bank of the first RFID tag. The predefined portion stores state information for the first RFID tag. The masking value corresponds to a non-quiesced state relative to the read command interrogation. The method further comprises receiving a response from the first RFID tag that indicates that the first RFID tag is in the non-quiesced state. The method further comprises interrogating the first RFID tag with a write command that instructs the first RFID tag to write a predefined value to the predefined portion of the User Memory Bank, wherein writing the predefined value to the predefined portion places the first RFID tag in a quiesced state relative to a subsequent read command interrogation comprising the masking value.

Abstract: Techniques for tracking a location of an item retainer are described. In an example, a computer system may receive one or more signals from one or more devices. At least one device may be located at a distance from a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. The RFID reader may be located at a space opening and may cover a read zone around the space opening. The signal(s) may indicate that a condition to activate the RFID reader is met. This condition may be associated with a state of the space opening or a proximity of an item retainer to the read zone. The computer system may activate the RFID reader based on the condition being met and may determine a progress of the item retainer through the space opening based on whether an RFID tag was read by the RFID reader while the RFID reader was activated.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for a wearable scanning device that can passively initiate scanning for wireless identifiers such as RFID tags. The wearable scanning device may include a force sensor, an accelerometer, or a motion activated switch that can initiate the scanning when detecting an action performed by an associate (e.g., lifting) without an express intent from the associate to scan.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for collecting wireless identifier signals such as from RFID tags to accurately determine the location of items associated with the wireless identifier. Carefully coordinating when to begin and end collection of the signals and analysis of the signals and signal characteristics (e.g., received signal strength) allow a carried item to be identified and its location determined. Additional features are described to further validate the location of the item.