Abstract: Embodiments of work stations for use in a medical dose preparation management system are disclosed. A work station may include a camera stand. The camera stand may include a housing enclosing a camera and one or more light sources therein. As such, the camera and light sources may be directed at a medical dose preparation staging region to capture medical dose preparation images of the medical dose preparation staging region. The camera stand may include an adjustable support positionable in a plurality of positions to dispose the camera and light source relative to the medical dose preparation staging region. The work stations may facilitate improved image quality and record work flows carried out at the work station for preparation verification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of predicting shopping events. The method includes obtaining a first set of events from a sensor and a second set of events from a camera, wherein the camera captures one or more users in front of a shelf unit; determining whether a first timestamp from the obtained first set of events and a second timestamp from the obtained second set of events are within a same time interval; determining whether a first bin number matches a second bin number based on a determination that the first timestamp and the second timestamp are within the same time interval; and generating a shopping event for a user based on a determination that the first bin number matches the second bin number, wherein the user is associated with at least one of the obtained first set of events and the second set of events.

Abstract: Radio base station, having a first radio module for radio communication with first radio communication devices, and a connection for connecting an ESL radio module for radio communication with electronic display panels, wherein the radio base station has a first, in particular software-based, control stage for controlling the radio communication of the first radio module according to a first communication protocol, and a second, in particular software-based, control stage for controlling the radio communication of the ESL radio module connectable to the connection according to a second communication protocol, and a, in particular software-based, third control stage for predictively changing a time sequence, defined for a future period, of radio activities of the first radio module on the basis of radio activities of the ESL radio module that are defined for said future period.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of improving labor of a registration operation of a product and enabling a checkout operator to recognize a recognition result. In order to solve the problem, the invention provides a registration apparatus (10) including: an image acquisition unit (11) that acquires an image obtained by imaging a placement surface of a table, on which a product is placed; an analysis unit (12) that recognizes the product included in the image, a registration unit (14) that registers the recognized product as a checkout target, and an output unit (13) that outputs a name of the recognized product by voice.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic shelf label includes a display configured to receive a touch input from a user and display information to a user on a screen; and a controller configured to control the screen displayed by the display based on the input received through the display, the display is configured to receive a division input, a virtual cell selection input, or a virtual cell adjustment input from the user and the controller is configured to: generate a plurality of virtual cells by dividing the screen based on the division input, assign a unique code to each of the plurality of virtual cells, and adjust the plurality of virtual cells or the unique code based on the virtual cell selection input or the virtual cell adjustment input.

Abstract: Authentication methods and systems using RFID-enabled payment cards are disclosed herein where a server receives a request corresponding to authorization of a payment associated with a payment card from an electronic terminal. The server identifies an electronic device of a user associated with the payment card. The server then transmits an instruction to the electronic device to cause an RFID reader of the electronic device to determine whether an RFID tag corresponding to the payment card is located within a predetermined proximity to the electronic device. When the payment card is located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a first authentication protocol. Moreover, when the payment card is not located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a second authentication protocol, wherein the second authentication protocol is more restrictive than the first authentication protocol.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically switching measurement information processing modes related to a self-checkout kiosk. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by an electronic device that includes processing circuitry. The method may include detecting, using object recognition, at least one object present in real-time captured imagery. The method may further include, responsive to detecting the at least one object present in the real-time captured imagery, switching measurement information processing modes from a first measurement information processing mode to a second measurement information processing mode.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for committing to a sale of loan products to selected buyers using a software application. The method includes establishing a plurality of pools using the application, each of the plurality of pools defined by a buyer selected from the prospective buyers and at least one characteristic common to each of the loan products placed in the respective pool; configuring a graphical user interface to allow a seller to place each of the loan products offered for sale in one of the plurality of pools, respectively; and receiving from the seller a single user input via the graphical user interface, the single user input committing the sale of the loan products in each of the plurality of pools, respectively. A commitment to the sale of the loan products in each of the plurality of pools occurs together on receipt of the single user input.

Abstract: Disclosed are a control method for electronic price tags, an electronic price tag and an electronic price tag system. The control method comprises: receiving at least one first service instruction by a wireless communication module, and receiving at least one second service instruction by a short-distance communication module; and performing, by a fusion processing module, fusion processing on the at least one first service instruction and the at least one second service instruction, which are of a same service type and have an effective duration overlap therebetween, to enable a response module to respond synchronously according to control parameters obtained after fusion processing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a collaborative offer portal is provided. A proposed offer is received from a manufacturer, including an offer structure and a number of consumers they wish to target. Transaction logs of a retailer are accessed to determine an audience for the offer by calculating a return on investment (ROI) for the customer base using the retailer's records given the offer type. The consumers are then grouped by their ROI distribution, and the ROI for the deal is calculated based upon the offer size in light of this distribution. From the offer ROI a discount percentage to be paid by the retailer versus the merchant can be created. The retailer may then choose to accept the offer for deployment.

Abstract: A cashdrawer exoskeleton system is disclosed. The system includes a modular base piece with an integrated fastener configured to facilitate a coupling to a cash drawer. An aperture is formed through the top surface of the modular base piece and leads to an area where the cash drawer is positioned when the modular base piece is coupled to the cash drawer utilizing the integrated fastener. At least one spacer is then configured to facilitate creation of a gap between the modular base piece and the cash drawer when the modular base piece is coupled to the cash drawer utilizing the integrated fastener.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking an object comprise a horizontal surface upon which objects are to be placed, a weight sensor disposed on one side of the horizontal surface, and a processor in communication with the weight sensor. The processor is adapted to detect a change in weight measured by e weight sensor, to associate the detected weight change with an identified object and with a location on the horizontal surface, and to confirm whether a cause of the weight change at the location on the horizontal surface corresponds to a proper handling of the identified object.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) broadcast signal is received. The RFID broadcast signal includes a broadcast identification value. The broadcast identification value is compared to an assigned identification value. Responsive to the broadcast identification value matching the assigned identification value, a processing device transitions a network interface to an active state.

Abstract: In general, intelligent fuel dispensers are provided. In at least some implementations, an intelligent fuel dispenser can determine customer identities and/or other characteristics and provide customized fueling sessions based on the determined customer identities and/or other characteristics. In at least some implementations, the fuel dispenser includes a touchless interface allowing customers to complete fueling sessions with minimal physical contact with the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A banking automation system comprising a robot for robotically assisting a plurality of individuals in retrieval and storage of goods deposited in a funk, wherein during said retrieval and storage of goods by the robot: (a) each of the plurality of the individuals maintains privacy by being placed in a private location, (b) the plurality of the individuals are able to retrieve and store goods simultaneously, and (c) identification of each of the plurality of the individuals is verified biometrically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alerting an individual is described. A determination as to whether an individual is within a sensing area of a first device is made. The first device may be configured to provide information about a product on a shelf on which the first device is attached. In response to determining that the individual is within the sensing area, a determination as to whether to notify an occurrence of the determination that the individual is within the sensing area of the first device to at least one second device is made. In response to determining to notify, a notification may be transmitted to the at least one second device that the individual is within the sensing area of the first device. An alert may be triggered at the at least one second device based upon the transmitted notification.

Abstract: In general, intelligent fuel dispensers are provided. In at least some implementations, an intelligent fuel dispenser can determine customer identities and/or other characteristics and provide customized fueling sessions based on the determined customer identities and/or other characteristics. In at least some implementations, the fuel dispenser includes a touchless interface allowing customers to complete fueling sessions with minimal physical contact with the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: The system and method described herein may be used to make a binary determination of whether to initiate an in-trip audit of self-scans in a self-checkout system. For example, the system may receive one or more audit parameters that are used to calculate an audit score. The audit score may be compared to a predefined audit threshold to determine, during a shopping trip, whether to initiate the in-trip audit. After or in combination with making the binary determination, the system may make a probabilistic determination of whether to initiate an audit based on historical audit points associated with the shopper. The audit points are incremented or decremented based on prior audits and other characteristics of the shopper.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transmitting receipt information using a mobile terminal. The receipt information transmitting system comprises: a merchant terminal ID provider configured to store a merchant terminal ID; a mobile terminal of a user configured to acquire the merchant terminal ID from the merchant terminal ID provider and to generate a first message for requesting receipt information including the acquired merchant terminal ID; a receipt information transmission server configured to receive the first message from the mobile terminal and to generate a second message for requesting the receipt information; and a merchant terminal configured to receive the second message from the receipt information transmission server and to transmit the receipt information to the receipt information transmission server, in response to the second message, wherein the receipt information transmission server transmits the receipt information received from the merchant terminal to the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A wireless charging mat and method of operating the same. The wireless charging mat includes a detection system configured to determine a location and an orientation of an electronic device on the wireless charging mat. The location and orientation are determined based on detected locations of one or more structural features of the electronic device. The wireless charging mat is operated according to the detected location and orientation.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods relating to checking and confirming merchandise purchased at shopping facilities. In one form, the system includes: a shopping cart containing merchandise items to be purchased; a sales transaction database; a point-of-sales system that creates transaction records identified by transaction identifiers; and a mobile device used by an employee that includes a sensor to scan a paper or digital receipt to obtain the transaction identifier and a camera to capture images of the items in the shopping cart. The system also includes a control circuit that receives the transaction identifier, accesses the database using the identifier to determine the purchased items; analyzes the images of the merchandise items in the shopping cart and creates a computer vision receipt listing detected items; compares the purchased items with the detected items; and takes an action if there is a discrepancy.

Abstract: A system and method of providing two-way communication between an isolated POS system and a website are described. The POS system operates as an air gap system. In response to detecting a trigger event the two-way communication is initiated for installation, diagnostic and repair services. POS information for transmission to the website through the internet is generated using a QR code that includes the website address and a data payload that depends on the desired service. The QR code is read by a smart phone and transmitted to the website. The website responds by sending response data dependent on the QR code and desired service. The response data is communicated to the POS system via another QR code for further operations by the POS system based thereon.

Abstract: An automated warehouse system can include automated pallet movers, a physical space in which the automated pallet movers operate, and a control system to provide commands to each of the automated pallet movers for operating in the physical space. The commands can include a pallet transportation command including a pallet identifier of a pallet to be transported by the automated pallet mover in the physical space, and a destination location to which the pallet is to be transported by the automated pallet mover. The commands can also include a control algorithm command that specifies a control algorithm for moving through the physical space. The automated pallet mover can be configured to transport the pallet to the destination location according to a route resulting from performance of the control algorithm, while other automated pallet movers concurrently transport other pallets to other destination locations.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to automatically annotating images. In some embodiments, a system for automatically annotating images comprises a database, wherein the database is configured to store images and annotations for the images and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is communicatively coupled to the database, and wherein the control circuit is configured to retrieve, from the database, an image, generate, based on the image, a collection of augmented images, generate segmentation maps for each image in the collection of augmented images, wherein each of the segmentation maps include segments, select, based on a threshold, ones of the segments above a threshold, merge the ones of the segments above the threshold to create a segmented image, and generate, for each segment of the segmented image, classifications, wherein an annotation for the image includes the segmented images and the classifications.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for removing a security tag from an article are disclosed herein. A device for removing a security tag includes a housing including an opening positioned to receive the tag and at least a portion of the article. A magnet is supported adjacent the opening to retain a tag body and to release a retainer pin therefrom when the tag is inserted into the opening. A pin retractor is positioned in the housing opposite the magnet to capture the retainer pin and retract it from the tag body. The pin retractor is retracted into a collar to strip the pin from the pin retractor. A release frame is positioned proximate the magnet and movable between a first position wherein the magnet retains the tag body, and a second position wherein the tag body is moved away from the magnet, thereby releasing the tag body from the magnet.

Abstract: A point of sales (POS) system includes a server configured to store a list of commodities registered for purchase in association with identification information about a customer and a terminal comprising first and second scanners through which a commodity code is read. The terminal is configured to acquire identification information, upon reading of a commodity code through the first scanner, transmit first data including the commodity code and the identification information to the server, and upon reading of a commodity code through the second scanner, transmit second data including the commodity code and the identification information to the server. The server is configured to, upon receipt of the first data, register the commodity having the commodity code in the first data in the list, and upon receipt of the second data, delete the commodity having the commodity code in the second data from the list.

Abstract: A transaction record is created showing a purchase transaction of a customer. A CV profile showing a list of items in the transaction obtained from images is also obtained. The items in the transaction record are compared to items on the list. When there is a discrepancy, an action to take is determined.

Abstract: In examples, a method of controlling customer access to an assay system comprises (a) receiving a system identifier; (b) identifying said system identifier; and (c) utilizing information obtained from the system identifier to perform one or more operations selected from: (i) enabling full access to said system and/or a consumable used in said system; (ii) enabling partial access to said system and/or a consumable used in said system; or (iii) denying access to said system and/or a consumable used in said system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for controlling smart devices are described. In one aspect a method includes capturing, by a camera on a user device, a plurality of successive images for display in an application environment of an application executing on the user device, performing an object recognition process on the images, the object recognition process including determining that a plurality of images, each depicting a particular object, are required to perform object recognition on the particular object, and in response to the determination, generating a user interface element that indicates a camera operation to be performed, the camera option capturing two or more images, determining that a user, in response to the user interface element, has caused the indicated camera operation to be performed to capture the two or more images, and in response, determining whether a particular object is positively identified from the plurality of images.

Abstract: A commodity management system includes a cart including a wireless tag reader/writer configured to read first information from first wireless tags attached to commodities displayed in a store and second information from second wireless tags each disposed in a different display area in the store, and a commodity management apparatus configured to acquire the first and second information read by the wireless tag reader/writer, determine a display area in the store using the acquired second information, and specify a quantity of a commodity displayed in the determined display area based on the acquired first information.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide electronic bidding on digital advertising placed on non-personal digital devices in public or semi-public settings and enable subsequent consumer actions taken on other media channels and devices to be attributed to such advertising in digital ad buying systems.

Abstract: In a POS terminal device (1) according to the present invention, a rotation center of an operator-side rotation shaft (31) is at a position spaced apart from a longitudinal center line of a housing (2), a rotation center of a customer-side rotation shaft (41) is at a position spaced apart from the center line on an opposite side of the operator-side rotation shaft (31), an operator display (3) is rotated by 90 degrees in a horizontal direction around the operator-side rotation shaft (31) in such a way that a lateral end surface having a shorter distance from the rotation center of the operator-side rotation shaft (31) approaches a customer display (4), and the customer display (4) is rotated by 90 degrees in the horizontal direction around the customer-side rotation shaft (41) in the same direction as the operator display (3).

Abstract: Authentication method and systems using RFID-enabled payment cards are disclosed herein where a server receives a request corresponding to authorization of a payment associated with a payment card from an electronic terminal. The server identifies an electronic device of a user associated with the payment card. The server then transmits an instruction to the electronic device to cause an RFID reader of the electronic device to determine whether an RFID tag corresponding to the payment card is located within a predetermined proximity to the electronic device. When the payment card is located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a first authentication protocol. Moreover, when the payment card is not located within the predetermined proximity, the server executes a second authentication protocol, wherein the second authentication protocol is more restrictive than the first authentication protocol.

Abstract: A self-service apparatus having a three-layer system architecture includes an application-layer device, an intermediate-layer device, and bottom-layer peripheral devices. The application-layer device is configured to provide a user interface for self-service and control the entire self-service apparatus according to an interaction with the user to provide the user with required self-service, and comprises a first processor and a first memory. The first processor executes an application program stored in the first memory and communicates with the intermediate-layer device. The intermediate-layer device comprises a terminal control module which comprises a second processor and a second memory. The second processor communicates with the bottom-layer peripheral devices, and the second processor executes a control program stored in the second memory to control operations of the peripheral devices based on an instruction from the application-layer device.

Abstract: A combination automated-service and self-service store for implementation at brick-and-mortar retail locations is provided. The store and corresponding method of implementation is an automated-service model in which robots, deployed at the brick-and-mortar location, fill orders for fungible goods placed by customers either online or in-store. The store also includes a shopping section where customers can select/order items and/or personally select non-fungible goods. The store includes a shopping section for non-fungible goods that customers prefer to pick out by hand and a back end automated order fulfillment section for other goods (e.g., fungible goods, dry goods, etc.). The two sets of goods are merged to a delivery bundle and delivered together for pickup by the customer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for product imaging and provisioning include a mobile application (app) installed on an imaging device, where the mobile app activates the imaging device to generate an image of a product tag associated with an unavailable product at a first location. The mobile app determines, based on the image, a product indicator associated with the unavailable product. A provisioning app, executing on a remote device, receives the product indicator associated with the unavailable product. The provisioning app also receives a user indicator associated with a first user and executes one or more product provisioning rules that determine, based on a product availability database and the user indicator, an availability result. The availability result indicates whether the unavailable product will be available to the first user. The provisioning app is further operable to send the availability result to the imaging device for presentation by the imaging device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reading device includes a communication interface for communication with a commodity registration device. A commodity reader of the reading device reads commodity information from a commodity and the commodity information can be used for identifying the commodity. An output device signals that the commodity reader has read commodity information. A controller causes the communication interface to transmit the commodity information read by commodity reader, initialize the communication interface when it is determined that transmission of the commodity information has failed, and signal a communication failure when transmission of the commodity information has failed.

Abstract: A vison-based self-checkout terminal is provided. Purchased items are placed on a base and multiple cameras take multiple images of each item placed on the base. A location for each item placed on the base is determined along with a depth and the dimensions of each item at its given location on the base. Each item's images are then cropped, and item recognition is performed for each item on that item's cropped images with that item's corresponding depth and dimension attributes. An item identifier for each item is obtained along with a corresponding price and a transaction associated with items are completed.

Abstract: A method of detecting a cart-based loss incident in a retail store includes decoding one or more video frames of a video stream to obtain one or more motion vectors therefrom, detecting motion of a shopping cart within a cash register lane bounded by pre-defined tracking start and end points based on the one or more motion vectors, tracking a location of the shopping cart till the shopping cart reaches the pre-defined tracking end point, dynamically classifying the shopping cart in one of a plurality of classification statuses based on recognition of one or more items present in the shopping cart till the shopping cart reaches the pre-defined tracking end point, and generating an alert signal when the shopping cart is classified in a pre-defined classification status from the plurality of classification statuses at an alert threshold point between the pre-defined tracking start and end points.

Abstract: An electronic price label system and an electronic price label, which include a communication device for receiving information related to a product. The electronic price label further includes a first display for displaying information related to the product, and a second display for displaying information related to the product. The first display and the second display are separate displays, and the first display and second display are adapted to be controlled separate from each other.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit (11) acquires a recognition processing image. A recognition unit (12) recognizes a product in the recognition processing image based on an estimation model. A registration unit (13) registers a result of the recognition in recognized product information. An output unit (14) outputs a result of the recognition. A correction reception unit (16) receives an input for correcting a result of the recognition. A correction unit (17) changes a result of the recognition to a result of the recognition after a correction, and also stores correction information in which a result of the recognition after a correction and the recognition processing image are associated with each other. A learning unit (18) performs relearning by using the recognition processing image stored as the correction information and updates the estimation model, when a number of the recognition processing image stored exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a fund access request from a user device associated with a user; generating a tokenized card number based on an actual card account number of the user that substitutes the actual card account number in a payment transaction; providing a code to the user device including the tokenized card number and a numeric or alphanumeric string of values; determining that the numeric or alphanumeric string of values in the code transmitted to the user device matches a numeric or alphanumeric string of values in a field of a code received from a separate computer system; determining that a location of the user device matches a merchant location; authenticating the payment transaction based on the numeric or alphanumeric match and the location match; and, transmitting the actual card account number to the separate computer system as part of the payment transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for premises theft prevention and detection. A system comprises a media capture device, a target area and target object at a workstation, and operably configured code in non-transitory computer readably storage media. A system recognizes a theft or misappropriation and can notify a business owner or police. The system is powered by machine-learning algorithms that progressively improve accuracy and precision in theft detection.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe providing feedback to a shopper at a POS system using a computer vision system. Many items at a store may lack barcodes or other identifying marks such as produce. The shopper may have to perform an action to identify the item to the POS system. The computer vision system can double check the identify provided by the shopper to reduce mistakes and deter nefarious actors. If the computer vision system cannot independently confirm that the item being purchased matched the identity provided by the shopper, the POS system can display a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes an image of the item captured by the computer vision system along with identification data of the item identified by the shopper. This gives the shopper a chance to correct any mistakes.

Abstract: A payment terminal includes a camera configured to capture an image, a card slot for inserting a contact type IC card, and a panel arrangement surface on which a touch panel is arranged. A lens of the camera, the card slot, and the panel arrangement surface are arranged in order in the height direction from a placement surface of the payment terminal. The panel arrangement surface is oriented obliquely upward toward a user positioned in front of the card slot. An optical axis direction of the lens is obliquely upward toward the user, and the lens is provided closer to the user than the card slot.

Abstract: A self-service checkout terminal includes an optical code reader, a platform on which items to be purchased are placed, a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of objects placed on the platform, and a processor configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. The processor carries out a registration process based on a merchandise code corresponding to a code symbol read from an item by the optical code reader while enabling a confirmation process to confirm proper item placement based on the weight detected by the weight sensor in the first mode, and carries out the registration process while disabling the confirmation process in the second mode.

Abstract: The system is configured to monitor and operate a hybrid reward system with a multi-channel point of sale terminal. The system may perform operations including receiving, by a computer based system and via a first connection from a point of sale terminal, reward program information and transaction information in response to a reward program instrument being presented at the point of sale terminal. A transaction authorization request associated with the reward program information may be provided by the point of sale terminal, via a second connection from the point of sale terminal, to a transaction authorization system to authorize a transaction. The transaction may be initiated by a transaction instrument. The reward program instrument is at least one of a transaction instrument and a reward program indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a device that transmits a message using a light pattern is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device receives an indication to transmit a message using the light pattern. In addition, the device activates a flash on the device. The device further encodes the message into instructions for transmitting the light pattern. The device additionally transmits the message using the flash according to the instructions for the light pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and/or modifying a shopping list from a mobile advertisement. The advertisement can be targeted from a predefined algorithm, from multiple algorithms, or generated in real time based on items presented to a user. The advertisement may be random. When the advertisement is selected for viewing, it provides the option for saving information about the advertised product to a shopping list. The list may be a remote list that may be accessed via a deep link URL, a cloud-based storage solution, and/or it may be local to the mobile device.

Abstract: A system and method for ordering and delivering food/drinks is described. Embodiments of the system and method can include an application running on a restaurant device and one or more user devices. Customers of the restaurant can order food via the application and the smart device can illuminate in a color assigned to the order via the application. The application can be implemented on the restaurant device to assign colors to orders and let workers of the restaurant know which color each order is associated with. Workers may then look for a smart device illuminated in a particular color to know where to deliver an order.