Abstract: Systems and methods of performing automated testing using a process flow of messages are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication that represents a time stamped message that is sent or received by a second electronic node and that is associated with a certain function. The method also includes generating a process flow of messages between the set of electronic nodes for the certain function based on the time stamped message of the second electronic node that is associated with the certain function and time stamped messages of the other electronic nodes associated with the same function so that the first electronic node is operable to simulate the certain function specific to that node based on the process flow of messages so as to test that at least one electronic node is operable to perform the certain function in conformance with the process flow of messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying infinite call loops using custom tracking headers are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a first instance of a microservice operated by a first network node in a distributed microservice system having instances of one or more microservices operated by network nodes with each instance having a data cache operable to share data between instances of that microservice. The method includes receiving an indication that includes a message to access data that may be available in a data cache of an instance of the microservice, the indication also including one or more tracking identifiers with each tracking identifier corresponding to an instance of the microservice that successively sends or receives the message so as to determine that the message corresponds to a same message previously sent or received by the same instance of the microservice.

Abstract: A system allows users to dynamically manipulate an orchestration flow to eliminate deprecated functionality and/or to include new or modified functionality. The system provides multiple layers configured to combine the functionality provided by a graphical user interface (GUI) with fixed software code associated with the orchestration flow. With the system, users can quickly and easily configure and/or re-configure various Point-Of-Sale (POS) devices to execute the functions of the modified orchestration flow.

Abstract: A network node associated with a retail store receives digital images from customers who have initiated a customer transaction at a first location. The digital images are unique and are associated with the transaction. The transaction is then temporarily suspended. To resume the transaction, the customer provides information describing features of the previously provided digital image. The network node uses this information to locate the corresponding digital image, and thus, the corresponding suspended transaction, and to authenticate the customer to resume the transaction. Provided the customer is authenticated, the node resumes the suspended transaction.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing data across an enterprise system including enterprise servers on an enterprise level and including store locations at a store level including edge devices operatively coupled to the enterprise servers can be provided by providing a changeplan that specifies updated data for microservice data operating within the enterprise system on an endpoint that utilizes the microservice in a microservice architecture to perform operations at a store location, executing the changeplan to initiate an export from an enterprise server that operates the microservice at the enterprise level to create an updated state for the microservice data on the endpoint, replicating the updated state for the microservice data at the enterprise server to provide an export updated state for the microservice data on the endpoint, storing the export updated state for the microservice data in an export table at the enterprise level, transmitting a message on a durable message bus from the enterprise level to the store

Abstract: Systems and methods of performing automated testing using a process flow of messages are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication that represents a time stamped message that is sent or received by a second electronic node and that is associated with a certain function. The method also includes generating a process flow of messages between the set of electronic nodes for the certain function based on the time stamped message of the second electronic node that is associated with the certain function and time stamped messages of the other electronic nodes associated with the same function so that the first electronic node is operable to simulate the certain function specific to that node based on the process flow of messages so as to test that at least one electronic node is operable to perform the certain function in conformance with the process flow of messages.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying infinite call loops using custom tracking headers are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a first instance of a microservice operated by a first network node in a distributed microservice system having instances of one or more microservices operated by network nodes with each instance having a data cache operable to share data between instances of that microservice. The method includes receiving an indication that includes a message to access data that may be available in a data cache of an instance of the microservice, the indication also including one or more tracking identifiers with each tracking identifier corresponding to an instance of the microservice that successively sends or receives the message so as to determine that the message corresponds to a same message previously sent or received by the same instance of the microservice.

Abstract: A production line for powder coating items, such as food pieces, having a conveyor and a powder depositor arranged having a powder reservoir, a screen, a vibratory actuator to apply intermittent vibrations to the screen to cause powder to pass through apertures in the screen; and a controller to control the interval between the intermittent vibrations so that powder is deposited predominantly onto the items as they pass below the screen.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing data across an enterprise system including enterprise servers on an enterprise level and including store locations at a store level including edge devices operatively coupled to the enterprise servers can be provided by providing a changeplan that specifies updated data for microservice data operating within the enterprise system on an endpoint that utilizes the microservice in a microservice architecture to perform operations at a store location, executing the changeplan to initiate an export from an enterprise server that operates the microservice at the enterprise level to create an updated state for the microservice data on the endpoint, replicating the updated state for the microservice data at the enterprise server to provide an export updated state for the microservice data on the endpoint, storing the export updated state for the microservice data in an export table at the enterprise level, transmitting a message on a durable message bus from the enterprise level to the store

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of generating business rules for a retail system. Particularly, a computing device receives rule data from a user interface. The rule data comprises retail context information associated with a retail business operating the retail system. A business rule template is then generated based on the retail context information included in the rule data, and validated based on the retail context information and on sample business data. Validation may occur by conditionally performing one or more Point of Sale (POS) functions on the sample business data according to the retail context information. If valid, the business rule template is activated for use in the retail system.

Abstract: Systems and methods of identifying infinite call loops using custom tracking headers are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a first instance of a microservice operated by a first network node in a distributed microservice system having instances of one or more microservices operated by network nodes with each instance having a data cache operable to share data between instances of that microservice. The method includes receiving an indication that includes a message to access data that may be available in a data cache of an instance of the microservice, the indication also including one or more tracking identifiers with each tracking identifier corresponding to an instance of the microservice that successively sends or receives the message so as to determine that the message corresponds to a same message previously sent or received by the same instance of the microservice.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for composition enablement for extensibility of a system. The techniques include delivering an interface to a first downstream provider, where the interface includes a bean implementation format. Then performing at least one of: (i) receiving a provider level (POL) selection from the first downstream provider, where the POL selection corresponds to a POL stored in an extender, and delivering a first bean implementation to the first downstream provider based on the POL, and (ii) receiving a constructed bean implementation from the downstream provider, determining a POL of the downstream provider, and storing the constructed bean implementation in the extender at the determined POL.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for data curation and image evaluation. A first image is captured, and a first indication of a first item is received. A first identifier of the first item is then identified based on the first indication. Further, based on the first indication, it is determined that the first image depicts the first item. The first image is labeled with the first identifier, and a machine learning (ML) model of an ML system is trained based on the labeled first image.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of generating business rules for a retail system. Particularly, a computing device receives rule data from a user interface. The rule data comprises retail context information associated with a retail business operating the retail system. A business rule template is then generated based on the retail context information included in the rule data, and validated based on the retail context information and on sample business data. Validation may occur by conditionally performing one or more Point of Sale (POS) functions on the sample business data according to the retail context information. If valid, the business rule template is activated for use in the retail system.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing data across an enterprise system including enterprise servers on an enterprise level and including store locations at a store level including edge devices operatively coupled to the enterprise servers can be provided by providing a changeplan that specifies updated data for microservice data operating within the enterprise system on an endpoint that utilizes the microservice in a microservice architecture to perform operations at a store location, executing the changeplan to initiate an export from an enterprise server that operates the microservice at the enterprise level to create an updated state for the microservice data on the endpoint, replicating the updated state for the microservice data at the enterprise server to provide an export updated state for the microservice data on the endpoint, storing the export updated state for the microservice data in an export table at the enterprise level, transmitting a message on a durable message bus from the enterprise level to the store

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided for digitally controlled powder deposition. The apparatus comprises a supply chamber configured to maintain a reservoir of powder in a fluidised state, and one or more dispenser elements. The supply chamber is further configured to direct a flow of the fluidised powder from the reservoir to an orifice, causing it to be dispensed from the orifice.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for data curation and image evaluation. A first image is captured, and a first indication of a first item is received. A first identifier of the first item is then identified based on the first indication. Further, based on the first indication, it is determined that the first image depicts the first item. The first image is labeled with the first identifier, and a machine learning (ML) model of an ML system is trained based on the labeled first image.

Abstract: A network node associated with a retail store receives digital images from customers who have initiated a customer transaction at a first location. The digital images are unique and are associated with the transaction. The transaction is then temporarily suspended. To resume the transaction, the customer provides information describing features of the previously provided digital image. The network node uses this information to locate the corresponding digital image, and thus, the corresponding suspended transaction, and to authenticate the customer to resume the transaction. Provided the customer is authenticated, the node resumes the suspended transaction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques for composition enablement for extensibility of a system. The techniques include delivering an interface to a first downstream provider, where the interface includes a bean implementation format. Then performing at least one of: (i) receiving a provider level (POL) selection from the first downstream provider, where the POL selection corresponds to a POL stored in an extender, and delivering a first bean implementation to the first downstream provider based on the POL, and (ii) receiving a constructed bean implementation from the downstream provider, determining a POL of the downstream provider, and storing the constructed bean implementation in the extender at the determined POL.

Abstract: A price verification system for efficient verification of a transaction price when the price is disputed or missing is described. The price verification system uses current images of the item location within a retail environment to determine a shelf price for the item. The shelf price is compared to the price registered a point of sale terminal and displayed to the customer in order to determine if a price adjustment is needed.