Abstract: Techniques of self-checkout alerts based on packaging detection. A given bag type of a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk is identified out of a bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk, the bag being an empty bag. A weight range of the empty bag is identified based on the given bag type. An allowed weight range of a combination of the empty bag and a desired item is determined based on the weight range of the empty bag, a weight of the desired item as measured by a terminal scale, and at least one of a measurement tolerance of the terminal scale and a measurement tolerance of a platform scale. A loss prevention alert is generated, and a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk is paused, upon determining that the allowed weight range is exceeded.

Abstract: Techniques for self-checkout alert reduction based on packaging detection. A deflection in a first bag reservoir associated with a self-checkout kiosk is determined. The first bag reservoir is positioned adjacent to a packing area and includes a first type of bags. The self-checkout kiosk includes a terminal scale and further includes a platform scale in the packing area. That an empty bag is retrieved from the first bag reservoir is determined based on the deflection in the first bag reservoir. A bag type and a weight range are identified for the empty bag. An allowed weight range of a combination of the empty bag and a desired item is then determined. Presence of the empty bag on the platform scale is prevented from causing a loss prevention alert to be generated when the desired item has been placed in the empty bag on the platform scale.

Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.

Abstract: A method includes supporting, by a support, a bag containing one or more items of an order and detecting, by a sensor coupled to an end of the support, a weight of the bag and the one or more items when the bag is suspended on the support such that the weight of the bag and the one or more items is exerted on the support. The method also includes comparing, by a hardware processor, the detected weight to an expected weight of the order and communicating, by the hardware processor, an alert when the expected weight is unequal to the detected weight.

Abstract: Techniques for self-checkout alert reduction based on packaging detection. A deflection in a first bag reservoir associated with a self-checkout kiosk is determined. The first bag reservoir is positioned adjacent to a packing area and includes a first type of bags. The self-checkout kiosk includes a terminal scale and further includes a platform scale in the packing area. That an empty bag is retrieved from the first bag reservoir is determined based on the deflection in the first bag reservoir. A bag type and a weight range are identified for the empty bag. An allowed weight range of a combination of the empty bag and a desired item is then determined. Presence of the empty bag on the platform scale is prevented from causing a loss prevention alert to be generated when the desired item has been placed in the empty bag on the platform scale.

Abstract: Techniques of self-checkout alerts based on packaging detection. A given bag type of a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk is identified out of a bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk, the bag being an empty bag. A weight range of the empty bag is identified based on the given bag type. An allowed weight range of a combination of the empty bag and a desired item is determined based on the weight range of the empty bag, a weight of the desired item as measured by a terminal scale, and at least one of a measurement tolerance of the terminal scale and a measurement tolerance of a platform scale. A loss prevention alert is generated, and a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk is paused, upon determining that the allowed weight range is exceeded.

Abstract: An active attestation apparatus verifies at runtime the integrity of untrusted machine code of an embedded system residing in a memory device while it is being run/used with while slowing the processing time less than other methods. The apparatus uses an integrated circuit chip containing a microcontroller and a reprogrammable logic device, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), to implement software attestation at runtime and in less time than is typically possible with comparable attestation approaches, while not requiring any halt of the processor in the microcontroller. The reprogrammable logic device includes functionality to load an encrypted version of its configuration and operating code, perform a checksum computation, and communicate with a verifier. The checksum algorithm is preferably time optimized to execute computations in the reprogrammable logic device in the minimum possible time.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved packaging detection at self-checkout kiosks by identifying a given bag type for a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk out of a plurality of bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk; identifying a weight range for the given bag type; in response to determining that the bag has been moved to a packing area of the self-checkout kiosk, comparing a first weight in the packing area from before the bag was moved to the packing area with a second weight in the packing area that includes the bag; and in response to a difference between the first weight and the second weight falling outside of the weight range, generating a loss prevention alert and pausing a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk.

Abstract: An active attestation apparatus verifies at runtime the integrity of untrusted machine code of an embedded system residing in a memory device while it is being run/used with while slowing the processing time less than other methods. The apparatus uses an integrated circuit chip containing a microcontroller and a reprogrammable logic device, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), to implement software attestation at runtime and in less time than is typically possible with comparable attestation approaches, while not requiring any halt of the processor in the microcontroller. The reprogrammable logic device includes functionality to load an encrypted version of its configuration and operating code, perform a checksum computation, and communicate with a verifier. The checksum algorithm is preferably time optimized to execute computations in the reprogrammable logic device in the minimum possible time.

Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.

Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.

Abstract: A method includes supporting, by a support, a bag containing one or more items of an order and detecting, by a sensor coupled to an end of the support, a weight of the bag and the one or more items when the bag is suspended on the support such that the weight of the bag and the one or more items is exerted on the support. The method also includes comparing, by a hardware processor, the detected weight to an expected weight of the order and communicating, by the hardware processor, an alert when the expected weight is unequal to the detected weight.

Abstract: A stickbait fishing lure includes an outer covering and an internal structure molded within the outer covering. The internal structure is of a material that is configured to be punctured by a fishing hook. With this configuration, a fishing hook can be passed through the outer covering and puncture the material of the internal structure. The internal structure helps secure the fishing hook within the fishing lure by providing an internal reinforcement that inhibits the inserted hook from ripping away from the fishing lure or otherwise tearing the outer covering.

Abstract: An active attestation apparatus verifies at runtime the integrity of untrusted machine code of an embedded system residing in a memory device while it is being run/used with while slowing the processing time less than other methods. The apparatus uses an integrated circuit chip containing a microcontroller and a reprogrammable logic device, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), to implement software attestation at runtime and in less time than is typically possible with comparable attestation approaches, while not requiring any halt of the processor in the microcontroller. The reprogrammable logic device includes functionality to load an encrypted version of its configuration and operating code, perform a checksum computation, and communicate with a verifier. The checksum algorithm is preferably time optimized to execute computations in the reprogrammable logic device in the minimum possible time.

Abstract: An active attestation apparatus verifies at runtime the integrity of untrusted machine code of an embedded system residing in a memory device while it is being run/used with while slowing the processing time less than other methods. The apparatus uses an integrated circuit chip containing a microcontroller and a reprogrammable logic device, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), to implement software attestation at runtime and in less time than is typically possible with comparable attestation approaches, while not requiring any halt of the processor in the microcontroller. The reprogrammable logic device includes functionality to load an encrypted version of its configuration and operating code, perform a checksum computation, and communicate with a verifier. The checksum algorithm is preferably time optimized to execute computations in the reprogrammable logic device in the minimum possible time.

Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved packaging detection at self-checkout kiosks by identifying a given bag type for a bag selected at a self-checkout kiosk out of a plurality of bag types available from a bag dispenser associated with the self-checkout kiosk; identifying a weight range for the given bag type; in response to determining that the bag has been moved to a packing area of the self-checkout kiosk, comparing a first weight in the packing area from before the bag was moved to the packing area with a second weight in the packing area that includes the bag; and in response to a difference between the first weight and the second weight falling outside of the weight range, generating a loss prevention alert and pausing a transaction at the self-checkout kiosk.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include computerized methods and systems that facilitate automated detection and precision correction of aggregated data collected by multiple, geographically dispersed mobile communications devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus detect a data outlier within portions of the aggregated data having numerical and/or categorical values. The apparatus may transmit information identifying the data outliner and a portion of the aggregated data that includes the data outlier to an additional communications device, which may present the aggregated data portion to a user in a manner that visually distinguishes the data outlined from other elements of aggregated data. In response to a request from the additional communications device, the apparatus may modify portions of the aggregated data in an effort to mitigate the data outlier.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for enabling selective file system access by applications. An application is installed in a computing device. An application manifest associated with the application is received. The application manifest indicates one or more file types that the application is allowed to access. The indicated file type(s) are registered in a location accessible by a broker service. The application is launched as an application process. The application process is isolated in an application container. The application container prevents direct access by the application process to file system data. An access request related to first data of the file system data is received at the broker service from the application process. Access by the application process to the first data is enabled when the broker service determines that a file type of the first data is included in the registered file type(s).

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include computerized methods and systems that facilitate automated detection and precision correction of aggregated data collected by multiple, geographically dispersed mobile communications devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus detect a data outlier within portions of the aggregated data having numerical and/or categorical values. The apparatus may transmit information identifying the data outliner and a portion of the aggregated data that includes the data outlier to an additional communications device, which may present the aggregated data portion to a user in a manner that visually distinguishes the data outlined from other elements of aggregated data. In response to a request from the additional communications device, the apparatus may modify portions of the aggregated data in an effort to mitigate the data outlier.