Abstract: A system and method include providing product location information to a user; prompting a user to provide check digits; receiving a subset of digits from a set of digits associated with a product that are used for a purpose different than for check digits; and comparing the subset of digits to product check digits to confirm the user has located the product.

Abstract: A method of product location identification includes receiving an indication of a product to be located in a retail environment; identifying a product location using the product as a key; determining associated visual symbols from the product location; and communicating the associated visual symbols to a worker to guide the worker to the product location.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining primary workflow having a list of activities being performed by a worker; obtaining a surprise activity; comparing a context of the worker to contextual needs of the surprise activity; and interleaving the surprise activity in the list of activities based on a best fit context of the worker.

Abstract: A method of characterizing inventory items to a planogram includes receiving images of view of a scene with inventory items and corresponding indicia using an imaging device; receiving utterances (such as spoken description of inventory items) from a user using a voice recognition system; identifying inventory items in the scene and a corresponding identification code based at least in part on the images and at least in part on the utterances; identifying a plurality of attributes corresponding to the inventory items; and characterizing the inventory items to a planogram based on the respective identification code and plurality of attributes.

Abstract: A mobile device can receive information from a computer; at least partially in response to the receiving of the information from the computer, the mobile device can communicate with a worker regarding a product type; the mobile device can receive information from the worker via voice, wherein the information received from the worker can identify a date or other product information associated with a product of the product type; and the mobile device can provide the product information to the computer. The mobile device can provide a second voice prompt to the worker, wherein the second voice prompt can request a quantity of products of the product type that are marked with the product information; then the mobile device can receive a quantity from the worker via voice; and the mobile device can report to the computer.

Abstract: A method of characterizing inventory items to a planogram includes receiving images of view of a scene with inventory items and corresponding indicia using an imaging device; receiving utterances (such as spoken description of inventory items) from a user using a voice recognition system; identifying inventory items in the scene and a corresponding identification code based at least in part on the images and at least in part on the utterances; identifying a plurality of attributes corresponding to the inventory items; and characterizing the inventory items to a planogram based on the respective identification code and plurality of attributes.

Abstract: A mobile device can receive information from a computer; at least partially in response to the receiving of the information from the computer, the mobile device can communicate with a worker regarding a product type; the mobile device can receive information from the worker via voice, wherein the information received from the worker can identify a date or other product information associated with a product of the product type; and the mobile device can provide the product information to the computer. The mobile device can provide a second voice prompt to the worker, wherein the second voice prompt can request a quantity of products of the product type that are marked with the product information; then the mobile device can receive a quantity from the worker via voice; and the mobile device can report to the computer.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of data collection devices to receive and provide retail store product inventory data, rate of sale data, and incoming product inventory data in real time; and a programmed computer coupled to receive the data from the plurality of data collection devices and execute code to generate and prioritize restocking workflow activities as a function of the received data. The programmed computer further provides the restocking workflow activities to at least one of the data collection devices to direct a worker to restock a product.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an indication of a product to be located in a retail environment; identifying a location of the product; communicating the location of the product to a visual display; and displaying a digital image of the product on the visual display.

Abstract: A method of product location identification includes receiving an indication of a product to be located in a retail environment; identifying a product location using the product as a key; determining associated visual symbols from the product location; and communicating the associated visual symbols to a worker to guide the worker to the product location.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining primary workflow having a list of activities being performed by a worker; obtaining a surprise activity; comparing a context of the worker to contextual needs of the surprise activity; and interleaving the surprise activity in the list of activities based on a best fit context of the worker.

Abstract: A system and method include providing product location information to a user; prompting a user to provide check digits; receiving a subset of digits from a set of digits associated with a product that are used for a purpose different than for check digits; and comparing the subset of digits to product check digits to confirm the user has located the product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for propagating data between multiple terminal devices includes determining the functional operability of a plurality of devices to assess which devices are properly configured. If a device is properly configured, operating the device in a transmit-mode to transmit functional operability data. If a device is not properly configured, operating the device in a receive-mode to receive the functional operability data. Coupling a transmitting device and at least one receiving device to a plurality of ports that are operably connected together so that the transmitting device and receiving device share the functional operability data.

Abstract: A method for sending messages in a voice-enabled system and a voice-enabled system to communicate a message are provided. The method comprises generating a message with a message generating device, analyzing the message to determine a voice-enabled device to send the message, and determining whether the voice-enabled device is available to receive the message. The method further comprises sending the message to the voice-enabled device in response to determining that the voice-enabled device is available to receive the message and, in response to determining that the voice-enabled device is not available, escalating the message based on an escalation protocol.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for propagating data between multiple terminal devices includes determining the functional operability of a plurality of devices to assess which devices are properly configured. If a device is properly configured, operating the device in a transmit-mode to transmit functional operability data. If a device is not properly configured, operating the device in a receive-mode to receive the functional operability data. Coupling a transmitting device and at least one receiving device to a plurality of ports that are operably connected together so that the transmitting device and receiving device share the functional operability data.

Abstract: A wearable, mobile and/or portable terminal for use in an inventory management system. The terminal includes a terminal housing, a battery pack removably receivable within an external battery-receiving cavity of the terminal housing, and a battery latching mechanism that secures the battery pack in the battery-receiving cavity in a latched condition. The battery pack has an unlatched condition in which the battery latch mechanism is disengaged from the battery pack. The terminal and battery pack are environmentally sealed to, for example, preclude entry of water into the interior of the terminal when the terminal is immersed.

Abstract: A communication system includes a voice-directed portable terminal with a voice user interface that is configured for being able to communicate with a computer system. The communication system includes a peripheral device having a cord coupled with the portable terminal and a connector adapted to disconnect from the portable terminal when a sufficient force is applied to the cord. This disengages the peripheral device from the portable terminal. The ability of the cord to break-away from the portable terminal prevents damage not only to the connector, but also to the cord, peripheral, and terminal.