Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for determining a restocking state of a product in a retail store. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: acquiring an image of a current state of a product at an assigned shelf location; determining a remaining number of the product at the assigned shelf location based on the acquired image; comparing the remaining number of the product at the assigned shelf location to a predetermined restocking level for the product; and generating a restocking alert if the remaining number of the product at the assigned shelf location is less than the predetermined restocking level for the product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a virtual fence provided using a plurality of video cameras. A method for providing a virtual fence in accordance with an embodiment includes: positioning a plurality of video cameras about a perimeter to be monitored, the perimeter comprising a plurality of designated areas; for each of the designated areas: capturing video data of the designated area using at least one video camera; analyzing the captured video data to detect an event; and sending at least one of image or video data to a central facility only in response to the detection of the event.

Abstract: The biometric system disclosed herein comprises device for providing a pattern; the device having a source of light and a source for providing a pattern. The source of light is operative to illuminate an object with light. An imaging device is disposed at a different location from the source of light to capture an image from the object. The system further comprises a pattern comparison device; the pattern comparison device being operative to compare details of the pattern disposed upon the object and details of a reference pattern; the pattern comparison device rejecting the object if the pattern disposed upon the object does not match the reference pattern.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring an area while accounting for camera motion and/or monitoring tasks is provided. For example, a physical area corresponding to a new field of view can be estimated for a camera for which motion is detected. The physical area can be estimated using a set of reference images previously captured by the camera, each of which comprises a unique field of view previously captured by the camera. Based on the physical area, a status for a monitoring task of the camera (e.g., an alert) can be updated and/or a location of an area for the monitoring task within an image captured by the camera can be updated. Further, based on the update(s), a field of view for a second camera can be automatically adjusted and/or a status for the monitoring task on the second camera can be automatically updated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an item scanning system in which an appearance of an item is received (e.g., at checkout). The appearance is captured with an image capture device (e.g., still frame camera, video camera, etc.) that can be collocated with a barcode scanner. In being collocated, the image capture device can be positioned proximate (e.g., near, attached to, etc.) the bar code scanner, integrated within a common housing/unit with the barcode scanner, etc. In any event, a search engine will then search a database of items based on the appearance to identify a set of items that potentially match the item. When one of the set of items is selected (e.g., by the checkout clerk), the selection will be received and stored for future investigation/auditing.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a secure checkout system comprising an image capture device (e.g., a camera) that is collocated with a handheld/portable scanner. The barcode of an item is scanned and an image of the item is recorded. It is then determined whether the identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is consistent with its appearance as determined from the image. If not, a discrepancy is registered. It is then determined whether the discrepancy is due to fraud (e.g., theft) or device error. In the case of the latter, the system can be updated to prevent a repeat of the error.

Abstract: The present invention provides portable-device based store checkout. Specifically, a portable device is configured for store checkout. When the shopper obtains an item, he/she scans its barcode and captures its image using the portable device. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared with its appearance as determined based on the image. If the two are consistent with one another, the item is added to an inventory of items. The shopper can checkout by linking (e.g., porting) the portable device to a checkout station. The linking will cause the inventory of items to be made known to the checkout station, which will arrange payment using the portable device. Optionally, as an additional validation, the shopping receptacle can be weighed at the checkout station to make sure it reasonably meets an expected weight determined based on the inventory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart scanning system comprising an integrated scanning and image capture system in which one or more image capture device(s) (e.g., still camera, video camera, etc.) and a barcode scanner are positioned within a common enclosure that is a component of a checkout station. The barcode of item is scanned and an image of the item is recorded. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared to its appearance as determined based on its image. If the identity is inconsistent with its appearance, a discrepancy is registered. It is then determined whether the discrepancy is due to fraud (e.g., theft) or device error. In the case of the latter, the system can be updated to prevent a repeat of the error.