Abstract: Described is a navigation system. The navigation system comprises a route planning module and a route guidance module. The route planning module is configured to receive a request from a user for guidance to a particular destination. Based on a starting point, the route planning module determines a route from the starting point to the particular destination. The route guidance module is configured to receive the route, and based on the route and current location of the user, provide location-specific instructions to the user. The location-specific instructions include reference to specific visible objects within the vicinity of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-checkout system that selectively activates an alarm when an item is determined to be stolen, engages the user regarding the purchase of the item, and informs the user of the purchase status of the item. When an item is determined to be stolen, and a number of occurrences of the item in the database indicating it is stolen is greater than a predetermined amount over a predetermined period of time, a theft detection module does not transmit a security signal to activate an alarm. The invention can also include a touch-screen display including a first portion dedicated to displaying POS transactions and online shopping and a second portion dedicated to displaying interactive digital media related to the item. Furthermore, the invention can include indicators on the touch screen display to indicate the status of an item.

Abstract: A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID} tag. The kiosk includes a frame defining a portal through which the patron must exit from a vending area in which product is stored and available for purchase. A card reader, bill acceptor and a computer monitor adjacent the portal enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The frame carries RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without completion of a purchase transaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-checkout kiosk that utilizes RFID tags and a distance and direction RFID reader to detect sales merchandise. The kiosk includes POS software, which automatically detects items selected by a patron that have previously been received into inventory and tagged, which facilitates the completion of the sale by detecting the distance and direction of the RFID tag. The kiosk incorporates a communication system and means for the patron to communicate with a store employee located distant from the kiosk. The POS software utilizes multiple payment methods and has the capability to display advertisements based on product being detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for storing control information associated with RFID tags that allows entities that do not share common tracking systems to access relevant information to determine the status and location of tagged items. The tracking system may include a drop box having a housing for receiving a package with an RFID tag, a RFID reader positioned within the housing for scanning the RFID tag to obtain control information and transmitting package received information, and a RFID processing module for receiving the package received information from the RFID reader and scheduling a pick up of the package using the package received information.

Abstract: The manufacturer and use of an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes an improved foam substrate that is fire-resistant that utilizes an adhesive that allows the use of the tag in hot and cold environments without regard to the dielectric constant of the surface of the product that the tag is affixed. The sensitivity of the tag is sufficiently maintained to allow the trimming of the antenna when it is desirable to reduce the size of the affixed RFID tag.