Abstract: Systems and methods for product reader control are described. In various aspects, the product reader control is enhanced with image sensor(s) for steering product reader(s) to determine product attributes associated with scanned products. The product reader control system and methods may capture, with the image sensor(s), one or more images associated with a product. The product may have a product identifier and the product may be located within an onsite venue. Based on the detection of the product identifier in the image(s), a first product reader may be steered in a direction of the product, where the first product reader is located within the onsite venue with the product. The first product reader may scan the product such that the scanning determines at least one attribute associated with the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating a moving target in a venue and for capturing a sequenced timeline of target directed images is described. Target sensing stations having a wide-angle video camera, such as a 180° video camera, are positioned within the venue. Each sensing station includes a sensing unit, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver unit, that determines a location and/or direction of travel of the target. The sensing station correlates the RFID transceiver information with the wide-angle video camera to specifically filter and process a video stream from the camera, producing target directed image snapshots from the stream that are assembled at a centralized controller into the sequenced timeline images that may be used in monitoring target movement and to establish location chain for prevention of unauthorized movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying new radio frequency identification (RFID) tag events within a particular vicinity of an RFID reader are described. In various aspects, a processor causes image sensors to capture a first set and a second set of video images, where the first set depicts a first RFID tag environment and the second set depicts a second RFID tag environment. The first RFID tag environment is static without a person moving within the first RFID tag environment and the second RFID tag environment is active with at least one person moving within the second RFID tag environment. An environment database may be generated and updated with static analytic information and active analytic information based on the first set and second set of video images, respectively. The processor may determine a RFID tag event based upon the static analytic information and the active analytic information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptively optimizing RFID-based POS performance are described. In various aspects, one or more processors and one or more image sensors are configured to aggregate images, where the images are captured by the image sensor(s) and where the image sensor(s) are associated with an RFID reader. A first density value and a second density value may be determined based on the image(s), where each of the first density value and the second density value is associated with a respective a first or second set of individuals, or a first or second set of products, located within a respective first and second POS lane. The second POS lane is positioned adjacent to the first POS lane. The first density value and the second density value are used to update a reader parameter associated with the RFID reader to optimize the RFID reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for identifying subjects with an increased likelihood of responding to treatments that modulate chemokine or chemokine receptor activity by measuring the change in expression of immune mediated genes.

Abstract: Updating a multi-band reconfigurable electronic shelf label includes waking-up a transceiver and processor of the electronic shelf label, such that the transceiver can be reconfigured to operate on a selected frequency band in order to receive updated information on a data link associated with that selected frequency band. The selected frequency band is chosen based on a power efficiency of the associated data link. The updated information can be received on the associated data link of the selected frequency band, and can be displayed on a display of the electronic shelf label. A supplemental data link using a Radio Frequency Identification circuit can be provided among the other data link selections in the label.

Abstract: A method and device enables reading radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in a localized area. The method according to one embodiment includes commencing transmission of an interference signal from a reader device (step 505). A command signal is then transmitted from the device while the interference signal is still being transmitted (step 510). The command signal instructs non-target RFID tags to not respond to an interrogation signal, and the target RFID tags do not process the command signal because the command signal is blocked by the interference signal. Transmission of the interference signal from the device is then stopped (step 515). The interrogation signal is then transmitted from the device after the interference signal is no longer being transmitted (step 520). Finally, a response signal is received at the device from the target RFID tags that enables the device to read only the target RFID tags (step 525).

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for deconstructing biomass to produce aqueous and organic products using a solvent produced in a bioreforming reaction.

Abstract: A dual-mode RFID reader is capable of automatically switching from a far-field interrogation mode to a near-field interrogation mode upon the detection of certain operating or handling conditions. The RFID reader includes an RFID radio module configured to support a far-field interrogation mode and a near-field interrogation mode, an antenna arrangement coupled to the RFID radio module, and a mode-switch sensor architecture coupled to the RFID radio module. The mode-switch sensor architecture is configured to detect conditions indicative of near-field interrogation, and the RFID radio module automatically configures itself for operation in the near-field interrogation mode upon detection of such conditions.

Abstract: A method of implementing a product and/or service promotion membership program, comprising the steps of: enrolling at least one business to participate in the membership program; obtaining personal information from a consumer; contacting the consumer to: obtain confirmation that the consumer desires to participate in the membership program; and obtain information about the consumer's interest in products or services provided by the participating business; and periodically providing information to the consumer concerning a promotion available to the consumer at the participating business.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices and systems for characterizing an attached antenna to an electronic device, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) reader. One exemplary embodiment is related to a method comprising outputting a low amplitude modulation (“AM”) index radio frequency (“RF”) waveform, the waveform simulating tag data timing and bandwidth, removing a direct current (“DC”) component from the waveform to create a chopped portion of the waveform, applying at least one vector analyzer technique on the chopped portion of the waveform, characterizing at least one antenna impedance vector of the waveform.

Abstract: A device may include a battery and a plurality of components receiving power from the battery. A voltage of the battery is maintained above a threshold voltage by decreasing a current drawn by one of the components when the battery voltage approaches the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method and device enables reading radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in a localized area. The method according to one embodiment includes commencing transmission of an interference signal from a reader device (step 505). A command signal is then transmitted from the device while the interference signal is still being transmitted (step 510). The command signal instructs non-target RFID tags to not respond to an interrogation signal, and the target RFID tags do not process the command signal because the command signal is blocked by the interference signal. Transmission of the interference signal from the device is then stopped (step 515). The interrogation signal is then transmitted from the device after the interference signal is no longer being transmitted (step 520). Finally, a response signal is received at the device from the target RFID tags that enables the device to read only the target RFID tags (step 525).