Patents by Inventor Joshua Migdal

Joshua Migdal has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130265433
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Brian Frank O'Donnell, Matthew K. Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal
  • Patent number: 8538820
    Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include a reviewer interface for providing random-access review of point-of-sale (POS) video, visual indicators to point to point to objects within the point-of-sale video, and/or display of interactive statistical features. The system obtains video data of point-of-sale transactions, and corresponding transaction data correlated with the video data. The system identifies and displays transaction events of interest. In one embodiment, such a display includes displaying a visual indicator positioned at a spatial location within displayed video to identify a location of an object in the displayed video that corresponds to the transaction event identified as a transaction event of interest. The system also includes functionality to display visual indicators associated with transaction data to convey magnitude or quantity of transaction events of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Migdal, Matthew Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Malay Kundu
  • Patent number: 8462212
    Abstract: According to one configuration, a computer environment includes a first monitoring system, a second monitoring system, and an analyzer. The first monitoring system produces video of an item being entered into a point of sale system. The second monitoring system monitors events associated with entering of the item into the point of sale system. The analyzer detects, via a communication from the second monitoring system, an occurrence of at least one event associated with entering of the item. Based on communication, the analyzer correlates the at least one event to a particular time in the video when the at least one event occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Joshua Migdal, Vikram Srinivasan, Matthew Farrow
  • Patent number: 8448858
    Abstract: A system performs video identification of items involved with transactions, as captured in video data, and compares this item identification information with transaction data obtained from a transaction terminal such as a point-of-sale register to identify situations that are suspicious and may indicate fraudulent activity or operator error. In particular, the system as disclosed herein utilizes unique camera positions, and can use video data from more than one camera, to perform robust detections of fraudulent or suspicious activities associated with transactions in the transaction area. By obtaining video data originating from at least one video camera that monitors a transaction area, the system can automatically (i.e. no human involvement needed) analyze the video data to track items involved in a transaction in the transaction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Joshua Migdal, Vikram Srinivasan, Matthew Farrow
  • Patent number: 8430312
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Brian Frank O'Donnell, Matthew K. Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal
  • Publication number: 20130004090
    Abstract: A processing resource receives original image data by a surveillance system. The original image data captures at least private information and occurrence of activity in a monitored region. The processing resource applies one or more transforms to the original image data to produce transformed image data. Application of the one or more transforms sufficiently distorts portions of the original image data to remove the private information. The transformed image data includes the distorted portions to prevent access to the private information. However, the distorted portions of the video include sufficient image detail to discern occurrence of the activity in the retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Joshua Migdal
  • Publication number: 20120321146
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include novel ways of alerting store personnel when various activities, events, conditions, etc., occur at the checkout in retail establishments. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the alerting can take place in substantially real-time, when the event occurs, allowing personnel to take appropriate measures, corrective or otherwise, to deal with the detected event. Examples of such events may include situations such as when a person of interest is detected as shopping at the store, when a cashier has missed scanning an item at the checkout, or to alert store personnel if a non-empty shopping cart has exited the store without payment (a.k.a., a cart push-out). Although the discussion below uses a grocery store as an example retail environment, embodiments herein can be used in any type of retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Joshua Migdal, James Morrin, Matthew Farrow
  • Publication number: 20120320214
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include novel ways of alerting store personnel when various activities, events, conditions, etc., occur at the checkout in retail establishments. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the alerting can take place in substantially real-time, when the event occurs, allowing personnel to take appropriate measures, corrective or otherwise, to deal with the detected event. Examples of such events may include situations such as when a person of interest is detected as shopping at the store, when a cashier has missed scanning an item at the checkout, or to alert store personnel if a non-empty shopping cart has exited the store without payment (a.k.a., a cart push-out). Although the discussion below uses a grocery store as an example retail environment, embodiments herein can be used in any type of retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Joshua Migdal, Matthew Farrow
  • Publication number: 20120320199
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include novel ways of alerting store personnel when various activities, events, conditions, etc., occur at the checkout in retail establishments. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, the alerting can take place in substantially real-time, when the event occurs, allowing personnel to take appropriate measures, corrective or otherwise, to deal with the detected event. Examples of such events may include situations such as when a person of interest is detected as shopping at the store, when a cashier has missed scanning an item at the checkout, or to alert store personnel if a non-empty shopping cart has exited the store without payment (a.k.a., a cart push-out). Although the discussion below uses a grocery store as an example retail environment, embodiments herein can be used in any type of retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Joshua Migdal
  • Publication number: 20120188377
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Brian Frank O'Donnell, Matthew K. Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal
  • Publication number: 20120127316
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Sirinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen
  • Patent number: 8146811
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Brian Frank O'Donnell, Matthew K. Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal
  • Patent number: 8132725
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen
  • Publication number: 20100166324
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen
  • Patent number: 7631808
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Stoplift, Inc.
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen
  • Publication number: 20080226129
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Brian Frank O'Donnell, Matthew K. Farrow, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal
  • Publication number: 20070057049
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen
  • Publication number: 20060243798
    Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Malay Kundu, Vikram Srinivasan, Joshua Migdal, Xiaowei Chen