Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for testing a radio frequency identification reader. The radio frequency identification reader transmits a test signal to a diagnostic tag during a diagnostic period. Responsive to receiving a return signal from the diagnostic tag, the radio frequency identification reader compares the return signal with an expected return signal to form a comparison. The radio frequency identification reader identifies an operational status for the radio frequency identification reader using the comparison.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method, an apparatus, and a computer usable program product for authenticating a transaction. A confirmation device receives an authentication data pattern from a data processing system, wherein the authentication data pattern is generated in response to completing a transaction processed by the data processing system. Responsive to receiving the authentication data pattern from the data processing system, the confirmation device monitors a transmission comprising the data pattern from a wireless mobile device. Responsive to receiving the transmission comprising the data pattern from the wireless mobile device, the confirmation device authenticates the data pattern from the wireless mobile device using an authentication form.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a magnetic reader assembly, a magnetic reader subassembly, a computer implemented method, and a computer program product for diagnosing a magnetic reader subassembly. A processor generates a test signal during a diagnostic period. The processor then receives a return signal from the magnetic reader subassembly. The processor then compares the test signal and the return signal and diagnoses an operational status of the magnetic reader subassembly in response to the comparison of the test signal and the return signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for stamping a piece of ePaper. A grid is positioned within a selected distance to a first side of the piece of ePaper. A grounding pin conductively connects a conductive backing plate located on a second side of the piece of ePaper. The grounding pin completes a voltage path from the grid through the piece of ePaper to the conductive backing plate. A voltage is supplied to the grid and supplying the voltage to the grid changes the appearance of the piece of ePaper to form a stamped image.

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: Apparatus is provided to limit the current drawn from a power supply output connected to furnish power to a docking station or electronic device, when a fault connects the output to ground or other docking connection. The power supply is disconnected when such fault is present during power-up. In one embodiment, the apparatus controllably limits current delivered to a docking station and a mobile device connected thereto. The apparatus includes a switch device located along a current path extending between the power supply and docking station, to regulate current flow. A current limiting entity operates the switch device to prevent current flow, when the fault affects the circuit, and current through the path exceeds a pre-specified threshold level. The pre-specified current threshold level can be less than the current level provided to the docking station and mobile device without said fault.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, system, and computer usable program code are provided for determining the location of a device. A light beam is emitted from a source to a target at a first time. A reflection of the light beam is received from the target at a second time. A distance from the source to the target is determined using the difference between the second time and the first time. An angular position of the target is identified using a position of the source when the reflected light beam was received. Polar coordinates of the target are determined using the distance from the source to the target and the angular position of the target. The light beam is encoded and then emitted from the source to the target. The target does not require power.

Abstract: A method for improving position beacon tracking using spatial probabilities is provided. A beacon identity recognition device receives a central probability file from a remote data processing system to form a local probability file. The device receives a current position beacon identity. The device compares current position beacon identity to a previous beacon identity stored in the local probability file to form a comparison. The device determines if the current position beacon identity is valid based on the comparison. The device transmits a valid position beacon identity to the remote data processing system. The device updates the local probability file and then combines a weighted version of the local probability file with a new copy of the probability file from the remote data processing system to form a combined probability file. The combined probability file is then sent to the remote data processing system and replaces the existing probability file.

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 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: 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: 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 method and system for brokering a transaction between a plurality of wireless communication devices is disclosed. The method and system includes enabling a plurality of wireless devices to communicate with one another, allowing a user to enter a request related to an object to be brokered into a first enabled wireless device, and exchanging the request with a plurality of enabled wireless devices. The system and method also includes receiving a response to the request by a third party facilitator from a user of a wireless device interested in completing the transaction. The third party facilitator will then complete the transaction between users of the first wireless device and the wireless device interested in completing the transaction. In another aspect of the present invention, at least one wireless broker device helps disseminate the request from the first wireless device to the wireless device interested in completing the transaction.

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 of the type for aiding a user in navigating a route through a facility so as too efficiently locate specific items within a facility is provided. The system includes a facility processor having a database and software stored thereon for mapping an interactive route from selected location to selected location within a facility, a label located proximate individual items, the label electronically communicating information specific to the item it is associated with, and a digital device having the interactive route electronically stored thereon, the digital device electronically communicating with the facility processor and the labels for tracking movement of the digital device along the route via communication with the labels and communicating a direction to move to follow the route.

Abstract: A system and method of the type for aiding a user in navigating a route through a facility so as too efficiently locate specific items within a facility is provided. The system includes a facility processor having a database and software stored thereon for mapping an interactive route from selected location to selected location within a facility, a label located proximate individual items, the label electronically communicating information specific to the item it is associated with, and a digital device having the interactive route electronically stored thereon, the digital device electronically communicating with the facility processor and the labels for tracking movement of the digital device along the route via communication with the labels and communicating a direction to move to follow the route.

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 point of sale terminal includes an input device, for reading information to be stored as part of a financial transaction, and a storage device in which data derived from the information is stored, with the amount of data stored being determined by the financial value of the transaction. The terminal may include a document scanner providing an image of a check or of another form of identification associated with a check, and a digitizing tablet, which provides an indication of movement of a pen or stylus to form a signature. The terminal may also include optical character recognition, which is used to obtain a name and address from the check, which is also stored according to the value of the check.

Abstract: A computer system enabled with a Universal Serial Bus data communication interface and a USB enabled input device, such as a computer keyboard, capable of operating in a standard USB mode or in one or more non-standard USB modes. Also disclosed is a method of communicating between the input device and the computer's application program while the device is operating in each mode and a method for switching between operating modes.

Abstract: When a universal serial bus (USB) device is plugged in, the USB device enumerates as a “mass storage device” (or any device capable of input) even though the device is not actually a “mass storage device.” A USB device agent would be included in a storage device on the USB device in the form of an executable file. After the device enumerates the first time as a “mass storage device,” the user selects the “mass storage device” and executes the appropriate executable file containing the agent. The agent would then install itself on the host hard file and thereafter it could function with any other compatible USB device. The agent could then command compatible devices to re-enumerate as what they actually are. The agent could also enable enhanced host/device interactions and enhanced device functionality and diagnostics.