Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a network-based computer server assigns a shared cash device to one or more Mobile Point of Sale (MPOS) devices and to the corresponding users of the MPOS devices. The server also receives cash transaction requests from the MPOS devices indicating a request by the user to perform a cash transaction at the shared cash device using the MPOS device. If the MPOS device and the user of the MPOS device are authorized to perform the cash transaction, the server tracks an amount of cash that is expected to be at the shared cash device and links details of the cash transaction to the MPOS device and the user of the MPOS device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking sales and providing sales channel credit are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method may include creating as sales order for the purchase of one or more products. The method may also include adding the product(s) to the sales order. Further, the method may include creating a transaction number representing a sales channel and the product(s). The method may also include assigning the transaction number representing the sales channel to the sales order. Further, the method may include storing the sales order.

Abstract: A method and system for updating and verifying the accuracy of a retailer's planogram, while using a portable shopper device having a location sensing means and an RFID reader in conjunction with RFID shelf labels, is provided for. In part, the method provides a system and steps associated with collecting RFID product label information and comparing collected information with product information in relation to an initial planogram, via a software means. Once differences are identified, an updated planogram may be created for the retailer's use using the system and method of the present invention.

Abstract: In a network comprising a first node where raw business data is collected, and a second node connected to the first node, a method for converting the raw business data to transformed data, comprises steps or acts of monitoring the availability of raw business data at the first node and based on either relevant first node or second node conditions the raw business data is transformed to transformed data at respectively the first or second nodes.

Abstract: A method to use electronic tags in stores in conjunction with portable shopping devices by providing a means for deactivating an active electronic tag of a product to be purchased while permitting a consumer to purchase and transact using a portable shopper, while deterring the opportunity for shrinkage by theft associated with the use of portable shopping devices is provided.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch is disclosed which includes a plurality of optical input fibers, a plurality of optical output fibers and a plurality of the (1×N)-switches ganged together. Each of the switches includes a state selector, a lens for collimating light from a single one of the optical input fibers, a plurality of output coupling lenses, each of which corresponds to one of the optical output fibers, and a beam shaper for focusing light from the state selector onto a selected one of the coupling lenses for further focusing of the light onto the corresponding optical output fiber. Alternatively, the optical cross-connect switch can be a single an (L×K)-switch which includes a plurality of state selectors and a plurality of lenses for collimating light from the plurality of optical input fibers.

Abstract: A method to use electronic tags in stores in conjunction with portable shopping devices by providing a means for deactivating an active electronic tag of a product to be purchased while permitting a consumer to purchase and transact using a portable shopper, while deterring the opportunity for shrinkage by theft associated with the use of portable shopping devices is provided.

Abstract: A method and system for updating and verifying the accuracy of a retailer's planogram, while using a portable shopper device having a location sensing means and an RFID reader in conjunction with RFID shelf labels, is provided for. In part, the method provides a system and steps associated with collecting RFID product label information and comparing collected information with product information in relation to an initial planogram, via a software means. Once differences are identified, an updated planogram may be created for the retailer's use using the system and method of the present invention.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is disclosed which includes an electro-optic wafer, such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3) or PLZT, formed as an asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity with a totally reflecting dielectric mirror on its bottom face and a partially reflecting dielectric mirror on its top face. The electro-optic wafer is sandwiched between a transparent top electrode that forms a solid ground plane and a bottom electrode that is formed on a circuitry wafer and segmented into an array of electrode pads. Voltage source circuitry for each electrode is located immediately beneath the electrode in the circuitry wafer, which is bonded to the electro-optic wafer. Because the bottom electrode is segmented, a different voltage can be applied to each electrode so that the refractive index, and therefore the phase of an exiting light wave, can be spatially modulated.

Abstract: An electro-optic, phase-only spatial light modulator is disclosed which uses an electro-optic wafer, such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3) or lead-lanthanum-zirconate-titanate (PLZT). The electro-optic wafer is sandwiched between a transparent top electrode that forms a solid ground plane and a bottom electrode that is segmented into an array of electrode pads. Voltage source circuitry for each electrode is located immediately beneath the electrode. When a voltage is applied across the electrodes, an electrostatic field is generated between the conductors, and the refractive index of the electro-optic wafer changes slightly. The spatial light modulator can also include a totally reflecting dielectric mirror on the bottom face of the electro-optic wafer and a partially reflecting dielectric mirror deposited on the top face. Together, the mirrors and wafer form an asymmetric Fabry-Perot cavity.

Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch is disclosed which includes a plurality of optical input fibers, a plurality of optical output fibers and a plurality of the (1×N)-switches ganged together. Each of the switches includes a state selector, a lens for collimating light from a single one of the optical input fibers, a plurality of output coupling lenses, each of which corresponds to one of the optical output fibers, and a beam shaper for focusing light from the state selector onto a selected one of the coupling lenses for further focusing of the light onto the corresponding optical output fiber. Alternatively, the optical cross-connect switch can be a single an (L×K)-switch which includes a plurality of state selectors and a plurality of lenses for collimating light from the plurality of optical input fibers.