Abstract: A method of inserting a data structure into a component using a 3D printer is provided. The method includes providing the data structure having at least one structural parameter associated with the component, converting the data structure into indicia representative of the data structure, and manufacturing the component containing the indicia.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a two-dimensional (2D) barcode and an apparatus for extracting 2D barcode information. The apparatus for generating a 2D barcode includes a metadata creation unit for creating metadata corresponding to insertion data and a 2D barcode, a data conversion unit for generating data blocks by converting the insertion data based on the metadata, a pattern generation unit for generating metadata patterns and data block patterns by substituting respective predefined symbols for the metadata and the data blocks, and a 2D barcode generation unit for generating a 2D barcode that contains distortion correction patterns, the metadata patterns, and the data block patterns.

Abstract: The present invention embodies a technique, referred to as Secure QR Codes, which not only provides aesthetically enhanced QR codes but also allows for security. It can embed a standard black and white QR code, referred to as a public QR code, and a secret QR code, both into a secure QR code. The secure QR code produced is composed of colored cells. The public black and white QR code must first be, either aesthetically enhanced into an enhanced colored QR code, or transformed into a colored QR code with cells of uniform color obtained by transforming each of the black and white cells of the public QR code into cells that takes a color from a subset of possible colors, such that the luminance of each colored cell approximates accurately the black or white luminance values of the public QR code.

Abstract: A method of capturing an image of a barcode from a backlit display device includes monitoring radio signals proximal to a device operable for scanning barcodes, with at least one coil, wire, and/or antenna disposed within the device operable for scanning barcodes; detecting radio interference caused by a backlit display device proximal to the device operable for scanning barcodes; interpreting a pattern of the radio interference to determine one or more technical characteristics of the backlit display device; using the determined technical characteristics of the backlit display device for automatically adjusting scanning settings of the device operable for scanning barcodes; and capturing an image of a barcode displayed on the backlit display device.

Abstract: A method for visual transmission and reception of repeatedly changing information comprises repeatedly performing the following set of actions, receiving a first set of information to transmit, the first set of information is an update of a previously received set of information, generating an information carrying first pattern representing the first set of information; displaying the information carrying first pattern in a first color; receiving a second set of information to transmit, the second set of information is an update of the first set of information; generating an information carrying second pattern representing the second set of information; displaying the information carrying second pattern in a second color, the second color differs from the first color; and wherein one of the information carrying patterns is statically displayed when another one of the information carrying patterns is updated.

Abstract: An authentication article includes: a substrate including: a first surface; a second surface disposed laterally to the first surface and at a depth below the first surface; and a plurality of indentations including the depth at the second surface of the substrate; and an array disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of analytes, the analytes being disposed in the indentations at a depth below a first surface of the substrate and provided to emit an authentication signature in response to being subjected to a probe stimulus. A process for authenticating the authentication article includes: providing the authentication article; subjecting the analytes to a probe stimulus; acquiring a response from the plurality of analytes in response to being subjected to the probe stimulus; and determining whether the response is the authentication signature to authenticate the, wherein the authentication article is not authenticated if the response is not the authentication signature for the array.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag adapted to wirelessly communicate with a remote transceiver. The RFID tag includes a substrate; and first and second circuits disposed on the substrate and comprising respective first and second antennas magnetically coupled to one another. At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a RFID tag having a plurality of RF circuits, where each RF circuit is electronically coupled to a sensing element.

Abstract: An identification badge system having an image relaying device for communicating an electronic image, a base station for communicating with the image relaying device, a readiness indicator, and a reusable badge. The badge has a housing, a colored e-paper display, a radio frequency identification tag, and a Wi-Fi transponder and related circuitry that sends radio frequency signals to Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth beacons in the facility using the system for real-time location tracking of the badge using GPS. Backscatter can be used to encode information on the Wi-Fi signals with little or no battery energy. Tracking information can be stored apart from the badge. The base station has at least one docking receptacle for docking the badge for charging only or also for communication of the electronic image to the badge e-paper display and for erasing the image from the display.

Abstract: A transaction card may comprise a first card component having an electrically conductive surface configured to receive an electrically applied coating. An electrically applied coating may be formed on the electrically conductive surface. The transaction card may be manufactured by forming a first card component having an electrically conductive surface configured to receive an electrically applied coating. The method may also include applying an electrically applied coating to the electrically conductive surface.

Abstract: A transaction card construction and a method for making a transaction card are provided for improving card performance. The transaction card construction comprises an inlay component comprising wood and a housing component. The inlay may comprise a wood or wood-containing layer and a backer layer. The backer layer may comprise the same or a different wood or wood-containing layer, or a non-woven fiber material.

Abstract: A transaction card may include a first card component having a first structural feature associated with a first surface, a second card component separate from the first card component and attachable thereto, and having a second structural feature associated with a second surface. The first and second structural features are adapted to engage each other. The card may include a transaction component, and a bracing layer disposed between the first and second card components. One of the first and second card components may include a first locating feature configured to accommodate the transaction component, and the bracing layer may include a second locating feature separate from the first locating feature. Each of the first and second surfaces may be adapted to engage with the bracing layer. The first and second structural features may be configured to interconnect via a tongue and groove connection, a lattice pattern.

Abstract: Identification labels and their incorporation in rubber-based articles are described. The labels include RFID components and can be incorporated in tires. The labels can withstand the relatively harsh conditions associated with vulcanization.

Abstract: Recurrent neural networks are powerful tools for handling incomplete data problems in machine learning thanks to their significant generative capabilities. However, the computational demand for algorithms to work in real time applications requires specialized hardware and software solutions. We disclose a method for adding recurrent processing capabilities into a feedforward network without sacrificing much from computational efficiency. We assume a mixture model and generate samples of the last hidden layer according to the class decisions of the output layer, modify the hidden layer activity using the samples, and propagate to lower layers. For an incomplete data problem, the iterative procedure emulates feedforward-feedback loop, filling-in the missing hidden layer activity with meaningful representations.

Abstract: A method for accelerated decision tree execution in a processor of a digital system is provided that includes receiving at least some attribute values of a plurality of attribute values of a query for the decision tree in a pre-processing component, evaluating the received attribute values in the pre-processing component according to first early termination conditions corresponding to a first decision to determine whether or not the received attribute values fulfill first early termination conditions, and querying the decision tree with the plurality of attribute values when the received attribute values do not fulfill the first early termination conditions.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing an Adaptive Analytical Behavioral and Health Assistant. These systems and methods may include collecting one or more of patient behavior information, clinical information, or personal information; learning one or more patterns that cause an event based on the collected information and one or more pattern recognition algorithms; identifying one or more interventions to prevent the event from occurring or to facilitate the event based on the learned patterns; preparing a plan based on the collected information and the identified interventions; and/or presenting the plan to a user or executing the plan.

Abstract: Features are disclosed for distributing the training of models over multiple computing nodes (e.g., servers or other computing devices). Each computing device may include a separate copy of the model to be trained, and a subset of the training data to be used. A computing device may determine updates for parameters of the model based on processing of a portion of the training data. A portion of those updates may be selected for application to the model and synchronization with other computing devices. In some embodiments, the portion of the updates is selected based on a threshold value. Other computing devices can apply the received portion of the updates such that the copy of the model being trained in each individual computing device may be substantially synchronized, even though each computing device may be using a different subset of training data to train the model.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided in a stream computing platform for data stream change detection and model swapping. The mechanism builds a model for each input data stream in a stream computing platform. Each tuple of each given input data stream is tagged with a key corresponding to the given input data stream. The mechanism performs an operation on each input data stream using its corresponding model. The mechanism detects a misdirected input data stream, which is tagged with a key that does not correspond to the misdirected input data stream. The mechanism pauses the misdirected input data stream swaps a model corresponding to the misdirected input data stream with another model corresponding to another paused input data stream.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for combining raw data from multiple metrology tools. Reference values are obtained for at least one parameter of a training component. Signals are collected for the at least one parameter of the training component, utilizing a first metrology tool and a different second metrology tool. Further, at least a portion the signals are transformed into a set of signals, and for each of the at least one parameter of the training component, a corresponding relationship between the set of signals and the reference values is determined and a corresponding training model is created therefrom. Signals from a target component are collected utilizing at least the first metrology tool and the second metrology tool, and each created training model is applied to the signals collected from the target component to measure parametric values for the target component.

Abstract: An asset tracking system includes sensors installed on an asset, where the sensors include a positioning sensor, and a remote central computing device configured to receive data from the sensors, process the data, associate it with a date/time of generation, and store the data in a database and including modules. A communication module receives requests for data and transmits the requested data, a display module displays the requested data, including indicating asset position on a map, an asset information module receives asset information and associates it with the asset, a route module receives route information, associates a driver with a route, and determines from the data whether the driver completes the route and whether the driver leaves the route, and a dashboard module displays a time-period data summary detailing information associated with the asset position over a set period of time.

Abstract: An appointment and payment handling system may operate to handle payments for appointments. In advance of an appointment, the appointment and payment handling system may send a reminder to customer devices of the customers associated with the appointment, and then receive a response that includes a requested change to the appointment. The requested change may comprise a net increase in the number of customers associated with the appointment and an updated cost-splitting arrangement for dividing appointment costs between the customers. The appointment and payment handling system may seek and receive approval of the change from the merchant. Upon determining that the appointment is completed, the appointment and payment handling system may process payment based at least in part on the updated cost-splitting arrangement.

Abstract: A method for customer-based outcome prediction that includes receiving recordings of interactions with customers in a customer group, analyzing the recordings of the interactions to generate interaction data, and building a predictive model using the interaction data, the predictive model identifying a variable relevant to predicting a likelihood of an identified outcome occurring in association with future interactions with customers in the customer group. The method also includes receiving a recording of a current interaction with a first customer, the first customer being in the customer group and analyzing the recording of the current interaction with the first customer to generate current interaction data. Further, the method includes adding the current interaction data to a first customer profile associated with the first customer and applying the predictive model to the first customer profile to predict the likelihood of the identified outcome occurring in association with the current interaction.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for creating and managing accumulator tables for use in generating reports for a business entity. Embodiments include identifying a report for a business entity. A plurality of data fields are determined across two or more database tables that are used to generate the report. Embodiments include creating an accumulator table and populating the accumulator table with data values for all of the plurality of data fields. Upon receiving, from a point of sale system, an indicator of an occurrence of a business event for the business entity, an instance of the report is automatically generated using the populated accumulator table.

Abstract: A method of demand response (DR) assessment may include reading energy economics data from a third party for an interval of a DR event period. The energy economics data may include a day-ahead demand, a day-ahead locational marginal pricing (LMP), and a real-time LMP. The method may also include estimating a real-time energy demand for the interval. Based on the energy economics data and the estimated real-time energy demand, the method may also include determining a demand imbalance for the interval. The method may also include calculating a cost of a DR event that exploits the demand imbalance. The method may also include selecting an energy curtailment request amount for the interval that optimizes profitability of the DR event.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for evaluating relationships between individuals and within organizations based on electronic evaluations of personal interactions. At least one of the participants in the personal interactions completes an electronic evaluation by providing a binary level input in response to a statement or question to indicate whether the interaction with another individual is favorable or not.

Abstract: Techniques described herein are directed towards dynamically adding new pickup orders to an existing route structure. In at least some embodiments, a service provider separates a number of vendors into separate clusters based on one or more attributes. For example, the vendors may be separated by geographic region. The service provider may then identify a set of routes that are associated with each of the vendor clusters and run optimization techniques on that set of routes. The set of routes may be filtered based on attributes of the route. In some embodiments, the service provider may make a route alteration that accommodates the new pickup order.

Abstract: A shipping system and method for managing shipping of electronic devices with customer personal information. One or more electronic devices are scanned prior to shipping to a destination. A determination is made whether the one or more electronic devices include customer personal information in response to the scanning. An identification and metadata of the one or more electronic devices are recorded in response to determining the customer personal information is included on the one or more electronic devices. The one or more electronic devices are prevented from shipping by stopping generation of a shipping label for the one or more electronic devices.

Abstract: Building and maintaining an accurate and up-to-date inventory of applications deployed throughout an organization are described. In one aspect, an application directory facilitates automated and standardized entry of information on an application. The application directory provides a series of browser-rendered interfaces that collects data about the application. These different types of data are organized according to a logical data model that defines multiple hierarchical levels of data types and relationships amongst the hierarchical levels. The collection of registered applications forms an inventory that may be used to manage these assets. In another aspect, the application directory allows authorized users to manage the inventory of applications.

Abstract: An apparatus tracks medical items through various transition points in a medical facility and maintains a chain of custody for each item through each transition point, indicating who is responsible for each item at any particular time. The apparatus also generates messages directed to various medical facility personnel who are responsible for the medical items at the various transition points, which messages prompt the personnel to take appropriate action with regard to the medical items depending on the particular transition point.

Abstract: Mapping boxes in a storage bay is provided, which includes: ascertaining storage bay boundaries; wirelessly reading, using a mobile device, identifying information from tags associated with the boxes, each box having one or more associated tags, and the identifying information including size information for the associated box; determining position of the tags in the storage bay by triangulating tag locations relative to, in part, one or more locations of the mobile device; and creating, by a processor, a mapping of boxes in the storage bay using the tag positions and the identifying information wirelessly read from the tags. In one or more implementations, the tags are near-field communication (NFC) tags associated with the boxes, and the creating may include automatically reorienting a floating box in the mapping of boxes, as well as automatically repositioning a box when boxes overlap each other, or overlap an edge of the storage bay.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing inventory pricing. The methods comprise: programming, at a first location, an Electronic Smart Tag (“EST”) with at least first item level information comprising a first item description in a first language and a first item price in a first monetary currency; outputting the first item level information from the EST; and automatically replacing the first item level information being output from the EST with second item level information in response to the ESTs arrival at a second location different than and remote from the first location. The second item level information comprises the first item description in a second language different than the first language and the first item price in a second monetary currency different than the first monetary currency.

Abstract: A process management system uses a radio frequency identification (RFID) detection system in the form of, for example, a phased array antenna based RFID detection system to track and manage material storage and flow in a manufacturing process or plant. The process management system operates in conjunction with the various machines that implement manufacturing stages or steps of the manufacturing process to assure that the correct materials and processing procedures are used at or on the various production machines of the process to produce a particular product as defined by a job number or job order. The process management system is thereby able to increase the efficiencies of the plant and to increase the quality of the plant production by reducing or eliminating waste, manufacturing errors and shipping errors in the production facility.

Abstract: Methods and systems for governing service identification in an SOA governance model according to embodiments of the present invention are provided. Embodiments include receiving a set of input parameters for identifying candidate services for the SOA; determining whether the set of input parameters comply with a predetermined input parameter validation policy. If the set of input parameters comply with a predetermined input parameter validation policy, governing service identification includes identifying in dependence upon the set of input parameters one or more candidate services available for the SOA in existing SOA business applications and determining whether each candidate services available in existing SOA business applications comply with a predetermined service selection policy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring collaboration between members of a group and providing feedback are described. A count of group members m of a group G, a count of group items i, and a characteristic of an action a performed by a member m on an item i, where a?A, m?M, and i?I, are obtained. A member-item score is computed for a time quantum Tq, where the time quantum Tq is a fixed-length amount of time with an arbitrary start point. A collaboration score QG for the group G is computed, where QG=??m?m ??i?IQm,i.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a source application part may be established having a source data object with a set of source attribute identifiers and associated source attribute values. A target application part may also be established having a target data object with a set of target attribute identifiers. An object reuse platform may then receive, from a user via a graphical interface, an indication that the source data object relates to the target data object. The object reuse platform may then calculate, for each source attribute identifier, a probability that the source attribute identifier is associated with one of the target attribute identifiers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method of calculating a match score and mapping the match score to a level. Interested contractors in a list are ranked based on a rank score that is calculated for each of the interested contractor using a set of factors. The rank score is a combination of factor scores associated with the factors. A mapping engine, implementing a machine learning model, maps each of the interested contractors to one of at least two levels based on the set of factor scores, by comparing the set of factor scores to historical data collected to determine the likelihood of the contractor having that set being chosen by the client. Any interested contractor who has been mapped to the highest level is distinguished from others in the list. The mapping engine continuously learns from the historical data to improve future mappings.

Abstract: Techniques for providing predictive metrics relating to employment positions are provided. A method may include receiving, by a computing device, data relating to a plurality of employment positions, wherein the data is received from a plurality of customers. The computing device may aggregate the data received from the plurality of customers and may determine statistics using the aggregated data, which are based on each of the plurality of employment positions. The computing device may generate one or more predictive metrics relating to the plurality of employment positions using one or more of the statistics.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus comprises: a processing unit that determines, if received type information of one or more other monitoring apparatuses does not match type information of the monitoring apparatus, one or more apparatuses that serve as monitoring targets of the monitoring apparatus from among a plurality of apparatuses that were being monitored by the one or more other monitoring apparatuses; a notification unit that notifies a management server of information on the one or more other monitoring apparatuses whose monitoring target was changed and of the type information of the monitoring apparatus; and a transmission unit that collects, after the notification unit made notification, operation information on the one or more apparatuses that were determined by the processing unit as monitoring targets of the monitoring apparatus, and transmits the collected operation information to the management server.

Abstract: A payment server configured to share payments among occupants of a vehicle. The payment server receives a payment request comprising a payment amount and a vehicle identification, accesses a database record associated with the vehicle identification, the record including an identification and seat position of each vehicle occupant as determined from a mobile device of each occupant, and identifies the vehicle driver. The server transmits to an in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system a first billing message associated with the payment request, the IVI system displaying the first billing message on a screen of an IVI head unit. The first billing message offers the driver an option to share the payment amount with a second occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating a purchase are described. When a payment processor declines a transaction, an error code is sent to a merchant. The error code indicates to the merchant that the failed transaction is recoverable if the user chooses a new funding source or payment instrument. The merchant sends the user back to a payment service provider site where the user can either choose a new funding source or enter a new payment method.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for facilitating a wireless transaction by coupling or associating an identifier to a location. The identifier is read, retrieved, or received by a customer's wireless communication device to connect to a POS terminal. Once connected, the wireless communication device sends a location identifier to the POS terminal, so that the POS terminal can associate the wireless communication device with the location. Once an association is established, the POS terminal then presents options. The POS terminal receives selections, and alerts a staff member of selections and the location. In many instances, the POS terminal also adds the selection to a bill or an invoice.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of providing a gift icon using a communication network. The method includes: providing, by a terminal, information about products to a messenger, which is a terminal operating software for transmitting and receiving messages and data in real time through a wired communication network; when the terminal selects a product, a counterpart terminal and a request button for a gift request, transmitting, by the terminal, a gift icon corresponding to the product to the counterpart terminal connected with the terminal through the messenger; and when the counterpart terminal selects an acceptance message in response to the gift request, providing, by the counterpart terminal, the gift icon corresponding to the product to the terminal or a first mobile terminal registered in the messenger.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for analyzing a medical condition of a user. The apparatus may include a user interface configured to receive user identification information inputted by the user, an analyzer, and a processor all disposed within a common housing. The analyzer is configured to receive a biological specimen from the user and to analyze the biological specimen to generate analysis information. The processor is configured to store and forward the analysis information and to receive prescription information. The apparatus may include a communication unit configured to transmit the user identification information and the analysis information to a doctor at a remote location for review and to receive the prescription information from the doctor. The apparatus then may dispense the prescribed medication or print a medication prescription.

Abstract: A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items.

Abstract: A peripheral controller implemented on a server facilitates a transaction initiated at a payment user interface (UI). The peripheral controller is configured to pair the payment UI with a peripheral device, which is configured to receive payment information from a user. The peripheral controller also is configured to communicate with a payment processing system to facilitate processing of a payment request.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for secure device binding that provides user convenience through avoiding repetitive logging in when changing apps or moving from website to website. A mobile device undergoes binding to an account so that customers do not always have to enter their password when going through a financial transaction process, on a known (e.g., registered) mobile device. A device may be bound during an initial login, and once logged in, the user can select an option to be “remembered” so that the user need not re-login on the same device for future visits with an app or to a website that shares the service provider library.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a wireless transceiver, a host processor, a secure element (SE), and a near field communication (NFC) system having an NFC transceiver and an NFC controller implementing a contactless front end. The contactless front end routes a near field communication related to a payment transaction between the NFC system and the SE without going to or from the host processor. The contactless front end routes a near field communication not related to a payment transaction, but requiring a security function, between the NFC system and the SE without going to or from the host processor. The contactless front end routes a near field communication not related to a payment transaction, and not requiring a security function, between the NFC system and host processor without going to or from the SE.

Abstract: A terminal device includes a first communication unit that performs communication via a first short-range wireless communication method, and a second communication unit that performs communication via a second short-range wireless communication method different from the first short-range wireless communication method. The terminal device further includes an obtaining unit that obtains payment information including information on a monetary amount for goods or a service by using the first communication unit, a confirmation unit that accepts input of information indicating payment approval for the obtained payment information, and a transmission unit that, in response to acceptance of input of the information indicating the payment approval, transmits the obtained payment information to an information terminal by using the second communication unit. The information terminal communicates with a payment server via a network.

Abstract: Value documents such as coupons and event tickets that are represented or indexed in the form of QR codes or other types of two-dimensional encoding techniques may be acquired by imaging with a suitably-enabled mobile device, and then translated in the mobile device into a form suitable for presentation as a one-dimensional barcode at a point-of-sale/service using light-simulated barcode technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and managing dynamic customized electronic tokens for electronic device interactions. A system for transferring data between a user device associated with a user and a remote device may include a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the stored instructions. The stored instructions may configure the processor to receive, via a network, transaction information from the remote device, access information associated with an electronic token, and provide the electronic token to the remote device. The electronic token may be associated with at least one of the user or the user device, and a token server may generate the electronic token based on the received transaction information, and determine one or more expiration parameters for the electronic token.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for browser-based payment for content. A request for content is obtained from a client. It is determined whether a payment is sought for the content. It is determined whether a payment-signifying token is presented in a request protocol header of the request. A response protocol header indicating that the payment is sought is returned to the client in response to the request when the payment is sought for the content and the payment-signifying token is not presented in the request protocol header. The content is returned to the client in response to the request when the payment is sought for the content and the payment-signifying token is presented in the request protocol header.