Abstract: A method to charge a battery pack including a plurality of cells connected in parallel, the method including setting a plurality of set cell charging current, a set cell charging current for each cell of the battery pack; charging the battery back with a total current from a single current source; sensing a plurality of cell currents which flows through each cell of the battery pack; comparing a value proportional to each set cell charging current with a value proportional to the cell current for the same cell; and modulating each cell current on the basis of the comparison for the same cell. A battery charging circuit for a battery pack is also provided.

Abstract: A handle or accessory is attached to mobile computers or similar devices. The handle or accessory includes the use of a wireless trigger employing a low energy technology. This trigger does not need a power source since it is provided with a piezoelectric element connected to a power management circuit. The mechanical energy applied from pressing a button is harvested and transformed in electricity and used to enable the low energy technology to communicate wirelessly with a mobile computer or similar device. Different pairing methods can be implemented in the invention to connect the handle or accessory with the mobile computer or similar device.

Abstract: A system and method for retail inventory checkout in which the customer selects items from the item shelves and as an item is taken from the shelf, the customer employs an input device, such as a portable data terminal, a smart phone provided with a store application or other suitable device that communicates with the store network, to identify the item either by scanning the optical code on the item or by other means, and then once scanned, the item is added to the purchase list and then placed in a shopping cart, basket or other container.

Abstract: A handle or accessory is attached to mobile computers or similar devices. The handle or accessory includes the use of a wireless trigger employing a low energy technology. This trigger does not need a power source since it is provided with a piezoelectric element connected to a power management circuit. The mechanical energy applied from pressing a button is harvested and transformed in electricity and used to enable the low energy technology to communicate wirelessly with a mobile computer or similar device. Different pairing methods can be implemented in the invention to connect the handle or accessory with the mobile computer or similar device.

Abstract: A system and method for retail inventory checkout in which the customer selects items from the item shelves and as an item is taken from the shelf, the customer employs an input device, such as a portable data terminal, a smart phone provided with a store application or other suitable device that communicates with the store network, to identify the item either by scanning the optical code on the item or by other means, and then once scanned, the item is added to the purchase list and then placed in a shopping cart, basket or other container.

Abstract: A method to charge a battery pack including a plurality of cells connected in parallel, the method including setting a plurality of set cell charging current, a set cell charging current for each cell of the battery pack; charging the battery back with a total current from a single current source; sensing a plurality of cell currents which flows through each cell of the battery pack; comparing a value proportional to each set cell charging current with a value proportional to the cell current for the same cell; and modulating each cell current on the basis of the comparison for the same cell. A battery charging circuit for a battery pack is also provided.

Abstract: A customer terminal of a “self-scanning shopping” system, which is configured to store at least one shopping session in a non volatile memory, includes a main processor, a product code reader, a location for non volatile storage of an open shopping session indicator and/or an identifier, either direct or indirect, of a shopping session, and a supervisor circuit. In a working operating state, the main processor periodically sends a heartbeat to the supervisor circuit. The supervisor circuit commands a reset of the main processor when, from the lack of receipt of the heartbeat, it detects a non working operating state of the main processor. The main processor, upon reset, checks whether there is an open shopping session based on the contents of said memory location and in the affirmative case restores said shopping session.

Abstract: A system and method for retail inventory checkout in which the customer selects items from the item shelves and as an item is taken from the shelf, the customer employs an input device, such as a portable data terminal, a smart phone provided with a store application or other suitable device that communicates with the store network, to identify the item either by scanning the optical code on the item or by other means, and then once scanned, the item is added to the purchase list and then placed in a shopping cart, basket or other container.

Abstract: A customer terminal of a “self-scanning shopping” system, which is configured to store at least one shopping session in a non volatile memory, includes a main processor, a product code reader, a location for non volatile storage of an open shopping session indicator and/or an identifier, either direct or indirect, of a shopping session, and a supervisor circuit. In a working operating state, the main processor periodically sends a heartbeat to the supervisor circuit. The supervisor circuit commands a reset of the main processor when, from the lack of receipt of the heartbeat, it detects a non working operating state of the main processor. The main processor, upon reset, checks whether there is an open shopping session based on the contents of said memory location and in the affirmative case restores said shopping session.

Abstract: A dispensing device of portable terminals for acquiring product data in a shopping centre comprises a plurality of static cradles for a corresponding plurality of portable terminals. The terminals are adapted to be withdrawn and used by the customers for acquiring product data. The dispenser has a customer verification unit which identifies each customer enabled to the use of the portable terminals, a communication unit for communicating to each identified customer a terminal to be withdrawn for carrying out the product data acquisition, and a control and data processing unit adapted to control the customer verification unit and the communication unit and to process the product data acquired through said terminals. The plurality of cradles is housed into a substantially flat portion of the container provided in close proximity of the customer identification means so as to allow access to the plurality of terminals.