Abstract: A scanner, which reads machine readable information on an item and determines its location on the item, also includes one or more video cameras for determining dimensions of features on the item. A computer uses the machine readable information to find a record within a data structure. The record includes dimensions of one or more visible features of an item corresponding to the machine readable information and identified according to their location relative to the machine readable information. These dimensions of features are then compared to the dimensions of features of the item being scanned to determine whether the machine readable information read by the scanner matches the item being scanned.

Abstract: A scanning printer including a scanner unit having an adjustable scanning light output may be adjusted by determining a minimum response for each pixel and a maximum response for each pixel when scanning a calibration document and setting the light output to correlate to a maximum response value. The scanner unit may include a reference plate for internal and routine performance adjustments which include comparison of initial and operational response to the reference plate. Performance adjustments may be designed to account for and overcome various typical operational problems encountered with frequent use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer program product for obtaining the location of, for example, a mobile device. An image of a target in a defined space is obtained, the target encoding data from which its location in the defined space may be determined. The position of a reference point in the image which represents the location of, for example, a mobile device, is determined relative to the target. The location of the mobile device in the defined paces is then determined by combining the location of the target in the defined space with an appropriately scaled version of the relative position of the reference point to the target in the image.

Abstract: A system and method for conserving power in an electronic device. The system includes a processor and a tilt sensor operatively coupled to the processor. The processor utilizes the tilt sensor to monitor a tilt angle of the electronic device, and causes the electronic device to enter a power conservation state if the tilt angle falls outside of a predetermined range. As a result, the electronic device goes into a power conservation state immediately when the electronic device is no longer in use.

Abstract: A system and method for data input into a data processing system. The data processing system includes a host computer and a multi-function terminal that includes a non-planer document-guidance track, only one scanner for retrieving data from a document and sending the data to a host computer for processing, and a one print module, located adjacent to the document-guidance track. The print module also includes at least one print head, where the position of the print head and/or platen may be altered to accommodate documents of different thickness, sizes, and rigidity to facilitate data retrieval of said scanner.

Abstract: A method and system for providing accurate location of a consumer service device (CSD) in a retail establishment via light modulated by a reflector with a location code. A plurality of location code reflectors (LCRs) are hung from the ceiling of the retail establishment. Each LCR is placed at a preset angle to reflect and modulate a laser beam (or other light source) with a unique location code down to the ground. A laser generation device (LGD) emits a laser beam, which is modulated by the location code when it is reflected off of the LCRs and is reflected to the ground. The modulated laser beam is captured/received by a photo detector/digitizer of the CSD. When the CSD's photo detector/digitizer receives the modulated location code, the location code is utilized to determine an actual physical location of the CSD. The items at that physical location and/or discounts, etc., may be outputted to the consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for inducing an electrical current for use by an electronic device. The apparatus includes an inductor and an interface coupling the inductor to an electronic device. The inductor comprises a continuous wire looped spirally, the inductor deriving power from an insulated conductor positioned within the bore of the inductor. The electronic device is substantially wholly energized by the power induced within the inductor. The system includes a non-conductive tube, an arc lamp tube, a light fixture, an inductor, and an interface. The inductor comprises a continuous wire wound spirally around the non-conductive tube, the inductor deriving inductor and is mounted in the light fixture. The light fixture powers the arc lamp tube. The interface couples the inductor to an electronic device.

Abstract: An unintended recipient initiates a reply to the sender and all other recipients of an original email. The reply contains a “hot button” feature in the email client application to enable the email client application of the recipient of the reply to auto designate the unintended recipient in the recipient of the reply's address book. When the recipient of the reply's email client application creates a future email, it is determined if the recipient of the future email has been designated as a potential unintended email recipient. If so, the email client generates a notification that the future email recipient potentially is an unintended recipient of the future email. The designation enables notification means for avoidance of initiating future erroneous emails addressed to an unintended recipient.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for a shopping system, the system including a shopping cart including a plurality of wheels; a portable electronic device (e.g., a CST or POS terminal), coupled to the shopping cart, for displaying shopping data; and a position mapping system, coupled to the electronic device, for developing a shopper location relative to a start location, the mapping system including a distance measuring system, coupled to one of the plurality of wheels; for providing a distance signal indicating a distance of movement of the shopping cart; and a direction measuring system for providing a direction signal concurrent with the distance signal. Another embodiment is a shopper tracking system including a shopping cart having a plurality of wheels; a portable electronic device, coupled to the shopping cart, for displaying shopping data; and an energy generator, coupled to one of the plurality of wheels, for adding energy to a power source of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for an autonomic composite display. The display includes an n number of display positions in the autonomic composite display where n is at least equal to two; an m number of display devices for engaging the n number of display positions where m is not greater than n; and a composite display controller for presenting an l number of presentations on the m number of display devices wherein the controller automatically detects a change to m and modifies the l number of presentations responsive to the change. The method includes monitoring m number of display devices in the composite display, and adjusting autonomically the presentations on the active displays of the composite display after detecting the change. The adjustments are based upon arrangement parameters that include, for example, order (sequence), priority, and number of duplicate presentations (k) values assigned to each presentation.