Abstract: A method includes receiving a first time series of video frames depicting a first area of interest that includes a display area in a retail environment, and using classification by a convolutional neural network to detect instances of people picking up inventory items from the display area. The method also includes receiving a second time series of video frames depicting a second area of interest in the retail environment, and determining, based upon one or more portions of the second time series of video frames, that at least one inventory item picked up at the display area was not, or will not likely be, checked out. The method also includes causing one or more alert messages to be displayed, including causing an alert message to be displayed based on the determining.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first time series of video frames depicting a first area of interest that includes a display area in a retail environment, and using classification by a convolutional neural network to detect instances of people picking up inventory items from the display area. The method also includes receiving a second time series of video frames depicting a second area of interest in the retail environment, and determining, based upon one or more portions of the second time series of video frames, that at least one inventory item picked up at the display area was not, or will not likely be, checked out. The method also includes causing one or more alert messages to be displayed, including causing an alert message to be displayed based on the determining.

Abstract: Methods and systems monitor activity in a retail environment, such as activity in a display area (e.g., aisle) of the retail environment. A convolutional neural network is used to detect objects (e.g., inventory items) or events (e.g., instances of people picking up inventory items from shelves). Various algorithms may be used to determine whether suspicious activity occurs, and/or to determine whether to trigger alerts. Monitored/detected activity may be stored in a database to facilitate a deeper understanding of operations within the retail environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems monitor activity in a retail environment, such as activity in a checkout area (e.g., checkout station) of the retail environment. A convolutional neural network is used to detect objects (e.g., inventory items) or events. Various algorithms may be used to determine whether valid checkout procedures are followed, and/or to determine whether to trigger alerts. Monitored/detected activity may be stored in a database to facilitate a deeper understanding of operations within the retail environment.

Abstract: A shopping trolley includes a basket, two or more wheel assemblies, a chassis coupled to the basket and the two or more wheels assemblies, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly is coupled to the basket and/or the chassis, and includes a handle and one or more optical sensors. The shopping trolley also includes a processing unit that is configured to facilitate classification of items scanned by at least one of the one or more optical sensors, at least in part by (i) processing electronic signals generated by the at least one optical sensor, or (ii) causing a transmitter of the shopping trolley to transmit the first electronic signals, or data derived therefrom, to a server. The shopping trolley also includes a power unit configured to provide power to the processing unit and the one or more optical sensors.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for topping up a mobile device account associated with a mobile device includes causing a wireless communication link to be established with the mobile device, receiving, via the wireless communication link, information indicative of identification of the mobile device, receiving information indicative of a desired payment associated with the mobile device account, and causing the desired payment to be applied to the mobile device account, at least in part by sending the information indicative of identification of the mobile device and the information indicative of the desired payment to one or more remote servers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for topping up a mobile device account associated with a mobile device includes causing a wireless communication link to be established with the mobile device, receiving, via the wireless communication link, information indicative of identification of the mobile device, receiving information indicative of a desired payment associated with the mobile device account, and causing the desired payment to be applied to the mobile device account, at least in part by sending the information indicative of identification of the mobile device and the information indicative of the desired payment to one or more remote servers.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a mobile device comprises a housing with a faraday cage. The faraday cage may include a chamber having an ingress mechanism allowing a user to position the mobile device within the chamber, a wireless transceiver coupled to one or more antennas, and one or more imaging devices. The apparatus may also include one or more processors communicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver and the imaging device(s). When the mobile device is positioned within the chamber, the processor(s) may use the wireless transceiver to establish a wireless communication link with the mobile device, and use the imaging device(s) to capture one or more images of the mobile device. Alone or in conjunction with a remote server, the apparatus may use information obtained from the mobile device, and/or one or more images of the mobile device, to assess the mobile device for various purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a mobile device comprises a housing with a faraday cage. The faraday cage may include a chamber having an ingress mechanism allowing a user to position the mobile device within the chamber, a wireless transceiver coupled to one or more antennas, and one or more imaging devices. The apparatus may also include one or more processors communicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver and the imaging device(s). When the mobile device is positioned within the chamber, the processor(s) may use the wireless transceiver to establish a wireless communication link with the mobile device, and use the imaging device(s) to capture one or more images of the mobile device. Alone or in conjunction with a remote server, the apparatus may use information obtained from the mobile device, and/or one or more images of the mobile device, to assess the mobile device for various purposes.

Abstract: A calibration standard or check plug provides calibration standards in the permeability range of 10-10,000 nanoDarcy. The check plug is of similar exterior dimensions to a core sample that would be used with existing permeameters. The check plug is constructed from an impermeable material that is insensitive to moisture. The check plug has one or more channels of known diameter from which the permeability may be calculated. Methods for use thereof and methods of manufacture thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A calibration standard or check plug provides calibration standards in the permeability range of 10-10,000 nanoDarcy. The check plug is of similar exterior dimensions to a core sample that would be used with existing permeameters. The check plug is constructed from an impermeable material that is insensitive to moisture. The check plug has one or more channels of known diameter from which the permeability may be calculated. Methods for use thereof and methods of manufacture thereof are also disclosed.