Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes defining a valid scan or range of valid scans as a valid activity of an object in an application-specific activity taking place through a light curtain sensing area of a light curtain, defining an invalid scan or range of invalid scans as an invalid activity of the object in the application-specific activity taking place through the light curtain sensing area of the light curtain, storing parameters and activity-specific rules for processing a plurality of objects, monitoring and processing the object in the application-specific activity taking place through a light curtain sensing area of a low cost light curtain in conjunction with the stored parameters and activity-specific rules, and reporting a status and results of the processing of the object.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes defining a valid scan or range of valid scans as a valid activity of an object in an application-specific activity taking place through a light curtain sensing area of a light curtain, defining an invalid scan or range of invalid scans as an invalid activity of the object in the application-specific activity taking place through the light curtain sensing area of the light curtain, storing parameters and activity-specific rules for processing a plurality of objects, monitoring and processing the object in the application-specific activity taking place through a light curtain sensing area of a low cost light curtain in conjunction with the stored parameters and activity-specific rules, and reporting a status and results of the processing of the object.

Abstract: The principals and designs described in my application—provide essential tools for automation of a number of vending applications. It is unique in the way the content (item) is handled, and the levels of flexible, modular automation and security, which together could fully automate the entire process from point of Item manufacturing to point of Item sale, to achieve superior efficiency, compared to any existing or patented methods. An Automatic Distributed Vending System (System) is disclosed that could consist of more than one Automatic Vending Module (Module), support components and more than one Central Computer (Computer), which control entire System. Each Module has a conveyor with a number of linked carriers and with a mechanism and a control system for automatic loading and/or unloading of an Item out of a carrier upon request. Each carrier's inner receptacle could have an insert shaped to match the outline of the carrier's content.