Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for providing instructions when receiving biometric data associated with a user. For instance, a device may detect a portion of a user, such as a hand. The device may then display a first graphical element indicating a target location for placing the portion of the user above the user-recognition device. Additionally, the device may determine locations of the portion of the user above the device. The device may then display a second graphical element indicating the locations, such as when the locations are not proximate to the target location. Additionally, the device may display instructions for moving the portion of the user to the target location. Based on detecting that the location of the portion of the user is proximate to the target location, the device may send data representing the portion of the user to a remote system.

Abstract: An identification system includes one or more infrared light sources and a camera that acquires images of a user's palm. For example, at a first time, one or more first images may be acquired by the camera using infrared light with a first polarization that represent external characteristics of the user's palm. At a second time, one or more second images may be acquired using infrared light with a second polarization that represent internal characteristics of the user's palm. These images are processed to determine a first set of feature vectors and a second set of feature vectors. A current signature may be determined using the first set of feature vectors and the second set of feature vectors. In addition, a user may be identified based on a comparison of the current signature and previously stored reference signatures that are associated with candidate user identifiers.

Abstract: A system may use sensor data from a facility to generate tentative values associated with an event, such as the identification of an item removed from a shelf of the facility. A confidence value associated with each of the tentative values may be less than a confidence threshold. In response, inquiry data seeking confirmation of a tentative value from an associate is generated and sent to one or more associates in the facility. Responses from the associates are collected to determine a selection of one of the tentative values. The selected tentative value is designated as output data for the system. Thereafter, the output data and the original sensor data are designated as training data, which can then be used to train or update machine learning systems. Subsequent use of the updated machine learning systems can yield more accurate results.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques to present information to a user of a materials handling facility using a representative color. A representative color at an inventory location is determined based on one or more colors used at the inventory location. Once determined, the representative color may be used in the presentation of a user interface that includes item data and visual elements therein. The use of the representative color in the user interface facilitates the identification of items or an inventory location within the material handling facility.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to provide a user interface for an unauthenticated user of a materials handling facility. A transient profile indicative of one or more user preferences may be created and associated with the unauthenticated user. As the unauthenticated user interacts with the facility, preferences may be determined and included in the transient profile. Subsequent operation of the facility may take into account the transient profile. As the unauthenticated user moves throughout the facility, the transient profile may “follow” them, providing an ongoing user experience. Should the unauthenticated user later be authenticated, the transient preferences may be incorporated into a persistent profile.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for identifying users that are enrolled for use of a user-recognition system and updating enrollment data of these users over time. To enroll in the user-recognition system, the user may initially scan his or her palm. The resulting image data may later be used when the user requests to be identified by the system by again scanning his or her palm. However, because the characteristics of user palms may change over the time, the user-recognition system may continue to build more and more data for use in recognizing the user, in addition to removing older data that may no longer accurately represent current characteristics of respective user palms.

Abstract: Functionality of sensors on a shelf or other inventory location is tested by encouraging an interaction and determining if the output from the sensors on the shelf is consistent with the interaction. An interaction at the shelf can include, for example, a user adding or removing an item from the shelf. To encourage this type of interaction with the shelf or items therein, an announcement may be generated and presented to a user. The announcement may comprise an advertisement with some type of incentive for the user to add or remove an item from the shelf. Upon verifying such an interaction, sensor data before and after the interaction can be compared to generate diagnostic data for the sensor, which can indicate whether the sensor is operational or malfunctioning.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for assisting users in locating items from inventory locations and/or obtaining additional information about items. In some instances, a user may experience difficulty in locating an inventory item in a materials handling facility. By detecting one or more expressions presented by the user, an inventory management system may determine that assistance is to be provided to the user, determine and provide the appropriate assistance to the user.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for identifying users that are enrolled for use of a user-recognition system and updating enrollment data of these users over time. To enroll in the user-recognition system, the user may initially scan his or her palm. The resulting image data may later be used when the user requests to be identified by the system by again scanning his or her palm. However, because the characteristics of user palms may change over the time, the user-recognition system may continue to build more and more data for use in recognizing the user, in addition to removing older data that may no longer accurately represent current characteristics of respective user palms.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for providing instructions when receiving biometric data associated with a user. For instance, a user-recognition device may detect a portion of a user, such as a hand. The user-recognition device may then display a first graphical element indicating a target location for placing the portion of the user above the user-recognition device. Additionally, the user-recognition device may determine locations of the portion of the user above the user-recognition device. The user-recognition device may then display a second graphical element indicating the locations, such as when the locations are not proximate to the target location. Additionally, the user-recognition device may display instructions for moving the portion of the user to the target location. Based on detecting that the location of the portion of the user is proximate to the target location, the user-recognition device may send data representing the portion of the user to a remote system.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for propagating, synchronizing and expiring user specific information among multiple output devices. In some implementations, retention information is provided along with the user specific information and the output device and/or output device controller will determine when to expire the user specific information based on the retention information. In other implementations, the output device controller and/or output device may periodically request updates from other output devices, output device controllers and/or the inventory management system to determine whether to expire user specific information.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to determine a tote placement indicative of a position of a user relative to a tote, or vice versa. The determination may be based at least in part on data such as images acquired from cameras onboard the tote, images acquired from cameras external to the tote, proximity sensors onboard the tote, weight sensors, and so forth. Orientation of information presented on a display device of the tote may be based on the tote placement.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for identifying users that are enrolled for use of a user-recognition system and updating enrollment data of these users over time. To enroll in the user-recognition system, the user may initially scan his or her palm. The resulting image data may later be used when the user requests to be identified by the system by again scanning his or her palm. However, because the characteristics of user palms may change over the time, the user-recognition system may continue to build more and more data for use in recognizing the user, in addition to removing older data that may no longer accurately represent current characteristics of respective user palms.

Abstract: A non-contact biometric identification system includes a hand scanner that generates images of a user's palm. Images are acquired using light of a first polarization at a first time that show surface characteristics such as wrinkles in the palm while images acquired using light of a second polarization at a second time show deeper characteristics such as veins. Within the images, the palm is identified and subdivided into sub-images. The sub-images are subsequently processed to determine feature vectors present in each sub-image. A current signature is determined using the feature vectors. A user may be identified based on a comparison of the current signature with a previously stored reference signature that is associated with a user identifier.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to present information to a user of a facility that uses a wearable device. Using sensor data acquired from sensors in a facility, operational data associated with the user is generated. Such operational data may be related to providing customer assistance. The operational data is used to generate user interface data, which is transmitted to the wearable device. Upon receipt, the wearable device presents the operational data as a user interface using a display device, which may help provide customer assistance as needed.

Abstract: Described are systems for a materials handling facility to emit air from a floor which is used to generate an air cushion upon which one or more totes may move. The floor may contain one or more apertures which receive air from an air reservoir which is supplied by an air source such as a compressor. Air emitted by these apertures is constrained by a deck of the tote, forming an air cushion upon which the tote rests. In some implementations the air cushion may be maintained while a user is within a threshold distance, and discontinued when the user is beyond the threshold distance.

Abstract: Described are systems and techniques configured to present information to a user of a materials handling facility that stores items in inventory locations. Some or all of the information may be designated as confidential or have restrictions on presentation to reduce or eliminate dissemination of the confidential information to unauthorized users. A device such as a display carried by the user, mounted on a tote or shelf, and so forth may present the confidential information on a user interface. Presentation of the confidential information, acceptance of user inputs to the user interface, or both may be based on identification of an authorized user, a relative position between the user and the display, or other factors.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for associating multiple totes with a single profile so that items placed into any of the multiple totes are identified on a profile item identifier list. For example, if two users located in a materials handling facility are picking items that are to be consolidated or otherwise treated together, each user may select a different tote and move separately through the materials handling facility. As either user picks items and places those items into a corresponding tote, a profile item identifier list is updated to include an item identifier for each picked item.

Abstract: Described is an interactive data processing system configured to facilitate selection by a human associate of tentative values generated by an automated system from sensor data. In one implementation, an event may take place in a materials handling facility. The event may comprise a pick or place of an item from an inventory location, movement of a user, and so forth. The sensor data associated with the event is processed by an automated system to determine tentative values associated with the event. In some situations, an uncertainty may exist as to which of the tentative values accurately reflects the actual event. The sensor data and tentative values may be provided to a human associate. The associate may select one of the tentative values. The selected tentative value and the sensor data may be used to train the automated system.