Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for charging devices. The system includes a master device and a slave device. Some embodiments provide a method for charging devices in a system that includes a slave device and a master device. The slave device includes (1) an antenna to receive a radio frequency (RF) beam and (2) a power generation module connected to the antenna that converts RF energy received by the slave antenna to power. The master device includes (1) a directional antenna to direct RF power to the antenna of the slave device and (2) a module that provides power to the directional antenna of the master device.

Abstract: A device includes a memory configured to store instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to obtain image data of a region of interest included in an image frame. The processor may also be configured to compare the image data of the region of interest with image data of a background to detect a change in the region of interest. The processor may further be configured to detect the object in image frame based on the detected change.

Abstract: Provided is a system for identification of an item, wherein the system includes a conveyor belt, a positioning device and a reader operable to receive at least one reading, wherein the positioning-device is configured to retrieve a first position of the item) at a first time instant before the first antenna and a second position of the item at a second time instant after the first antenna, the first and second time instants defining a time window, wherein the reader is configured to extract from each reading retrieved by the first antenna a measurement of the phase of the signal transmitted by the tag and perform a data processing of the phase measurements, whereby the identification of the item is accomplished.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are provided for facilitating the exchange of an item. For example, a containment component is configured to receive one or more items. A locking component is configured to selectively restrict or allow access to the item. A code generation component is configured to generate and provide an unlocking code to a requestor (e.g., based upon payment by the requestor that requests access to the item). A code entry component is configured to receive user input of a code. The code entry component either retains the locking component in a locked state if the code is not validated as the unlocking code or transitions the locking component into an unlocked state if the code is validated as the unlocking code.

Abstract: To enable issuance of an electronic receipt without previously registering personal information and carrying out a special operation in execution of a payment by a customer.

Abstract: A method for providing advertising content, performed by a display device, the method including forming a first pairing between a first terminal and the display device; receiving first advertising content from an advertising server corresponding to a first habit of a user of the first terminal; allocating the first advertising content to a first region among a plurality of regions of a display unit according to at least one of a distance between the first terminal and the display device and a duration for which the first pairing is maintained; and displaying the first advertising content on the first region.

Abstract: An IO link module has at least one electrical terminal for connecting an electronic device and an electronic display device for displaying connection identification information of the at least one terminal. The display device is designed to permanently display the connection identification information free of a power supply using an electrical energy source which is independent of the IO link module.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a camera module for detecting first image data of an item to be refrigerated at a first time point and second image data of the item to be refrigerated at a second time point. A freshness determination device is provided for determining the state of freshness of the item to be refrigerated based on the first image data and the second image data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for generating memorial products using a memorial product design and ordering system (the “design system”). The design system may generally be configured to provide users with a platform, tools, design elements, automated processes, and/or the like for designing, customizing and ordering memorial products. The design system may be configured to present users with graphical or virtual representations of physical memorial products (“virtual product templates”) that may be customized by specifying product characteristics and adding various design elements. In some embodiments, the virtual product templates may be and/or may include photo-realistic and/or three-dimensional (3D) representations of the actual physical memorial products. In this manner, the design system may be configured to provide a customer with a realistic user experience from a virtual and/or online design tool.

Abstract: An electrical assembly for detecting failures in an LCD source driver includes a plurality of active channels on the source driver which communicate electronically with an LCD. A split active channel on the source driver is provided with an original signal and splits the original signal into an active split channel and a dummy split channel. The active split channel is sent to the LCD. A microprocessor receives the dummy split channel and compares the received dummy split channel signal to the original signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authenticating a user to access a public terminal are described. Disclosed embodiments may include reading, using the physical credential reader, a user identifier from the physical credential device. Disclosed embodiments may also include transmitting the public terminal identifier and the user identifier to a secure server. Further, disclosed embodiments may include receiving, after completing the transmission, a unique code from the secure server. Disclose embodiments may additionally include displaying the unique code on the display device. Disclosed embodiments may include receiving, after displaying the unique code, an authentication message from the secure server. Disclosed embodiments may further include, responsive to receiving the authentication message, authorizing the user to use a terminal command at the public terminal.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for charging devices. The system includes a master device and a slave device. Some embodiments provide a method for charging devices in a system that includes a slave device and a master device. The slave device includes (1) an antenna to receive a radio frequency (RF) beam and (2) a power generation module connected to the antenna that converts RF energy received by the slave antenna to power. The master device includes (1) a directional antenna to direct RF power to the antenna of the slave device and (2) a module that provides power to the directional antenna of the master device.

Abstract: An expedited checkout system allows a customer to generate a virtual shopping list on a client application operating on the customer's mobile device, and expedite checkout from a store using the client application. While shopping within a store, a customer can temporarily secure a mobile device to a portable checkout unit that is attached to a shopping cart. The portable checkout unit can receive item identifiers from an item scanner and transmits item identifiers to the customer's mobile device. The customer's mobile device generates a virtual shopping list of the items collected by the customer and, when the customer is ready to check out of the store, the customer can select a checkout option presented on the mobile device. In response to receiving the checkout selection, the mobile device initiates a checkout transaction to check out the customer from the store.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system comprising a plurality of electronic shelf labels is provided. A central computing system transmits data transmissions to the plurality of electronic shelf labels at a first power level. A candidate electronic shelf label from the plurality of electronic shelf labels periodically activate from a sleep mode to identify whether there is an existing master electronic shelf label from the plurality of electronic shelf labels. The candidate electronic shelf label becomes a new master electronic shelf label based on a set of specified conditions to transmit programming instructions received from the central computing system to one or more electronic shelf labels.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system may include: a near field communications (NFC) card apparatus including an NFC chip having an identification (ID) and performing purchasing reservation through NFC communications; a plurality of electronic tags each including an NFC chip and wirelessly transmitting purchasing reservation information including the identification (ID) of the NFC card apparatus and product information when the purchasing reservation from the NFC card apparatus through the NFC communications is present; and a management apparatus providing the product information to each of the plurality of electronic tags, receiving the purchasing reservation information from the electronic tag, and managing the purchasing reservation information for each identification (ID) included in the purchasing reservation information.

Abstract: A gestural checkout system includes a sensor-equipped server programmed with a gestural context application that authenticates a customer's identity upon entry to a retail store. The sensors include cameras. The sensors are identify products and detect gestures of the customer indicating a purchase decisions. Gestures include product pick-up, product movement and product-commit-to-container actions. For bulk items, an Implicit Gestural Scale communicates product identity and volumetric data wirelessly to the implicit gestural checkout. Recognition of shopper locomotion, past a line of demarcation near the exit, automatically authorizes electronic payment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a communication method, which includes: requesting, by a first base station, a second base station to add a cell of the second base station as a serving cell of first user equipment; when finding that a first identifier of the first user equipment is the same as an identifier of second user equipment served by the second base station, indicating, by the second base station to the first base station, that the first identifier is the same as the second identifier; and adjusting, by the first base station, the first identifier to a third identifier, and sending the third identifier to the second base station.

Abstract: A time-temperature tracking and indicator system including a laminated label and a computer application. The laminated label is capable of tracking and recording information associated with a product having a time-temperature threshold. If the time-temperature threshold is exceeded, the product is considered unsuited for its intended purpose. The information recorded by the label is wirelessly communicated from the label to the computer application for manipulation. One or more of the label and the computer application provides indication as to whether the time-temperature threshold of the product has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method and program product includes scanning for at least one identification means of an object. An image of the object is captured. An identification associated with the image and the image are communicated to a training system. The training system is configured for at least training a neural network system with identifications and images to produce synaptic weights. Synaptic weights are received from the training system. A predicted identification from a captured image of an object is predicted. The predicting uses at least the synaptic weights.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smart shopping cart and a method of using a smart shopping cart. The smart shopping cart may hold a set of containers that the customer can place their items in as they are shopping. The customer will associate their mobile device with the physical cart as an electronic shopping cart.

Abstract: A method of and system for authorizing a transaction remotely is disclosed. A customer uses a computer to browse for a product displayed on the Internet. The customer may enter a unique number into the computer. The unique number is authorized and an authorization code is sent to the customer's communication device. The customer enters the authorization code into the computer to complete the transaction.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for tracking removal or placement of items at inventory locations with a materials handling facility. In some instances, a user may remove an item from an inventory location and the inventory management system may detect that removal and update a user item list associated with the user to include an item identifier representative of the removed item. Likewise, if the user places an item at an inventory location, the inventory management system may detect that placement and update the user item list to remove an item identifier representative of the placed item.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system for charging devices. The system includes a master device and a slave device. Some embodiments provide a method for charging devices in a system that includes a slave device and a master device. The slave device includes (1) an antenna to receive a radio frequency (RF) beam and (2) a power generation module connected to the antenna that converts RF energy received by the slave antenna to power. The master device includes (1) a directional antenna to direct RF power to the antenna of the slave device and (2) a module that provides power to the directional antenna of the master device.

Abstract: A method and system for cross-channel shopper behavior analysis. Tracking individual shopper behavior across many retail locations (i.e., across multiple channels) can be extremely valuable for product manufacturers and retails. A configuration of vision sensors and mobile access points can be used to detect and track shoppers as they travel a retail environment, forming a trajectory. The trajectory data can then be associated with Point of Sale data to form a full set of shopper behavior data. The shopper's data can then be aggregated for multiple visits to many retail locations in a geographic area. The aggregated shopper data can be filtered using application-specific criteria for further analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a compact currency recycling and accounting device and system for use wherein the device can fit under a counter and is capable of receiving, sorting and dispensing both bills and mixed denomination coins. The present invention offers the currency recycling functionality of larger safes in a more compact safe capable of fitting under the counter of a convenience store. The compact currency recycler of the present invention includes a coin recycling unit, a banknote recycling unit, a touchscreen display, a power supply, a CPU and an integrated printer. To overcome the challenges of limited access to only the front of the device in these under counter applications, the device relies upon a sliding, coin-receiving tray and sliding touchscreen display. Additionally, the banknote recycler and the coin recycler are able to slide into and out from the front of the device for ease of access.

Abstract: An accounting device according to an embodiment includes an input device that receives an instruction to start a job. A first display device includes a first screen facing a first direction towards a person who operates the input device. A change machine includes a depositing port for receiving money and a dispensing port for dispensing money. A second display device includes a second screen facing a second direction different from the first direction and towards a person who deposits money into the depositing port or receives money from the dispensing port. When the instruction received by the input device is to start a predetermined job that is different from the accounting transaction and that includes depositing money into the change machine or dispensing money from the change machine, the processor causes information supporting execution of the predetermined job to be displayed on the second screen.

Abstract: Successive products associated with targets to be electro-optically read are swiped, in their respective turns, past a window in a point-of-transaction workstation. A motion detector detects movement of each product. A reader electro-optically reads a target associated with each moving product. If the target associated with each moving product has not been read, then this event is deemed suspicious, and the event is flagged for a security investigation designed to deter product theft by sweethearting.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a checkout station having a housing, a customer interface and a customer unloading station. A point-of-sale system has a microprocessor and memory operatively associated with one another to identify products being purchased, payments tendered therefor and to store transaction information locally at the checkout station or remotely from the checkout station. The microprocessor has programming configured to allow an item to be scanned by a product identification scanner, and an attendant command module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitoring product placement within a shopping facility. Some embodiments provide an apparatus configured to determine product placement conditions within a shopping facility, comprising: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications; a product monitoring control circuit coupled with the transceiver; a memory coupled with the control circuit and storing computer instructions that when executed by the control circuit cause the control circuit to: obtain a composite three-dimensional (3D) scan mapping corresponding to at least a select area of the shopping facility and based on a series of 3D scan data; evaluate the 3D scan mapping to identify multiple product depth distances; and identify, from the evaluation of the 3D scan mapping, when one or more of the multiple product depth distances is greater than a predefined depth distance threshold from the reference offset distance of the product support structure.

Abstract: A method may include receiving at an online payment service hosted on a first system, detailed information from an auction management (AM) system, the AM system hosted on a second system remote from the first system. The information may concern an item purchased by a user from a network-based commerce facility and placed in a virtual shopping cart on the AM system. The detailed information may be sent by the AM system in response to receiving an intent to proceed with payment for the item. A user interface may be communicated to the user that facilitates processing of the payment for the item. The processing may include marking the payment as being an AM payment. The interface may allow the user to view the detailed information and the detailed information describing contents of the virtual shopping cart on the AM system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for enabling mobile device-based item acquisition and tracking. One exemplary method performed on a mobile device comprises entering a wireless scan mode, detecting a signal from a tag associated with an item in a first area and in proximity to the tag, presenting information associated with the tag, and adding the information to a list. The method further comprises detecting a second tag in a second area, and sending the list to a second device. A second exemplary method performed by a processing terminal comprises receiving the list from a mobile device, entering a wireless scan mode, detecting a signal from a tag associated with an item in proximity to the tag, determining whether the item associated with the detected tag is present on the received list, and enabling the mobile device to complete a transaction to purchase the item.

Abstract: An inventory packing system and method are described. In some examples, a plurality of items having various dimensions may be accessed. A plurality of trays having various height dimensions into which the plurality of items can be packed may be identified. The plurality of items may be grouped into one or more groups based on height. Allocated inventory trays may be searched to locate free space that can function as a packing location for a first item. If free space is not found in the allocated inventory trays, other inventory trays can be allocated, searched, and free space identified in one of the other inventory trays.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable medium are provided for autonomous item identification in an environment including a mobile computational device and a container. One or more sensors are disposed at the container to sense a selected item being placed in the container. In response to sensing the selected item being placed in the container, a location of the container is determined using a positioning system. One or more physical characteristics of the selected item is sensed via the one or more sensors at the container. A set of stored characteristics is retrieved from a database for available items proximate to the location of the container. An identification code for the selected item is identified based on a comparison of the one or more physical characteristics of the selected item with the stored characteristics retrieved from the database of the available items based on the location of the container.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods are disclosed to reduce wait time experienced by customers during order fulfillment and pick-up. The system utilizes cameras and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) to quickly identify vehicles associated with customer accounts and pending pick-up orders upon arrival. Proximity detectors provide an additional layer of vehicle detection. A concierge tool provides manual inputs from a user relating to vehicle or customer status. The system provides for synthesis and fusion of these diverse input types to accurately detect and identify arriving and departing customers.

Abstract: An auto repair quote platform may be provided. The platform may allow a user to enter a set of parameters and request quotes from service providers based on those parameters. Service providers may also enter parameters for matching their quotes to a request. The platform may further allow a user to accept a quote and schedule an appointment with the chosen service provider.

Abstract: An antitheft protection device that includes an electronic antitheft element. The device also includes an element for deactivating the electronic antitheft element; an energy supply at least indirectly powering said element for deactivating the electronic antitheft element; and an element to receive a command to deactivate the electronic antitheft element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reprinting a receipt. Where a customer has elected to receive electronic receipts, an electronic receipt may be received on a mobile electronic device following a customer purchase or other transaction at a brick and mortar retail store. Where a customer requests that the receipt be reprinted at the time of the transaction, the election to receive electronic receipts is overridden and a paper copy of the receipt is printed at the register or terminal where the transaction was completed.

Abstract: A checkout counter includes a support surface for a standing person to place and remove items. A powered conveyor transports placed items in a direction from a first end of the conveyor toward an opposite end. The conveyor has a discharge end, and part of the support surface extends toward the opposite end beyond the conveyor. An upward-oriented bar code scanner in the support surface reads bar codes as an attendant passes them over the scanner. At least one bag mount extends laterally from the support surface and the support surface define an attendant cockpit located laterally of the checkout counter near the discharge end, allowing an attendant to stand in the cockpit facing the counter at a substantially right angle. The attendant can handle items discharged from the conveyor, pass them over the scanner, and place them in a bag without having to twist or turn his or her body.

Abstract: A checkout terminal for customers in a retail store. The terminal provides a path for products from a loading conveyor section, via a scanning section and a common transfer conveyor section, to reach a respective one of a plurality of plurality of packing stations to be bagged or packed by or for the customer. Conveniently, three of these packing stations are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each packing station may be associated with a corresponding payment interface. Customer throughput is increased by providing multiple packing areas associated with one loading and scanning area, and customer convenience is improved by the faster and more efficient configuration of the checkout terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed aspects relate to food freshness management. A freshness triggering event may be identified for a food item. The freshness triggering event may indicate that a criterion related to the food item has been achieved. A food freshness management action may be determined. The food freshness management action may be determined to respond to the freshness triggering event for the food item. The food freshness management action may be initiated. The food freshness management action may be carried-out with respect to the freshness triggering event for the food item.

Abstract: In a checkout system, a registration apparatus is set to be capable of executing data communication with any one of a plurality of checkout apparatuses before data input of a commodity purchased by a customer at the registration apparatus is started or during a period from the start to the termination thereof. Details of the commodity of which the data is input in the registration apparatus capable of executing data communication with any one of the checkout apparatuses capable of executing the data communication are displayed on a display of the corresponding checkout apparatus before the data input of all commodities purchased by the customer is terminated. Settlement is executed based on input payment data at any one of the checkout apparatuses capable of executing the data communication if the data input of all the commodities purchased by the customer in the registration apparatus is terminated.

Abstract: Described in detail herein is an autonomous fulfillment system. The system includes the first computing system, with an interactive display. The first computing system can transmit a request for physical objects from a facility. A second computing system can transmit instructions autonomous robot devices to retrieve the physical objects from the facility. The second computing system can control the image capturing device of the autonomous robot device to capture a live image feed of the at least one physical object picked up by the at least autonomous robot device. The second computing system can switch an input feed of the first computing system to display the live image feed on the display of the first computing system. The second computing system, instruct the autonomous device to discard the physical objects picked up by the at least one autonomous robot device and to pick up a replacement physical object.

Abstract: Registry verification is used in a mechanized store. A camera is used to count a first number of items taken by a user. Radio frequency tags are used to determine a second number of items. The first number of items is compared to the second number of items to reduce a likelihood of errors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ordering items from an electronic menu and servicing thereof, in a networked computing environment that communicably connects via at least one network at least a plurality of first handheld electronic devices (e.g., wait staff operated devices in a restaurant), a plurality of second handheld electronic devices (e.g., patron operated devices in a restaurant) configured to display the electronic menu, and a venue computer are described. Corresponding apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: Provided are a goods buying and selling method for buying goods through offline shopping and a shopping support system supporting the same. A buyer collects delivery information for delivery of bought goods based on short-range wireless communication using his or her own terminal. The collected delivery information includes any one of information about a destination to which bought goods are to be delivered and buyer identifier information, and information about the bought goods, and at least one of a payment terminal, a merchant server and a relay server requests delivery of the bought goods from a delivery server based on the collected delivery information. In addition, the buyer collects goods purchase information recorded in recording media arranged in an offline store using his or her own terminal, and pays for desired bought goods based on the collected goods purchase information.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus is provided. The information reading apparatus enables stable contactless communication with a contactless communication medium even when the apparatus includes a display device for displaying information associated with reading results, in addition to an information reading device and a contactless communication device. The information stored in the contactless communication medium held over a reading surface is read by the contactless communication device according to transmission/reception of electromagnetic waves via an antenna. The reading surface includes a reading port on the inside of the antenna in plan view of the reading surface, and includes a mark arranged not to overlap the antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure facilitate providing a marketplace for accessories of a remote monitoring and management product. In some embodiments, the system may be configured to create a first user account for a first user with a first number of points, and a second user account for a second user with a second number of points. The system may obtain a first RMM accessory item (e.g., a monitor, a data view, an antivirus definition, a search, a report, a script, a system component, a plugin, a probe, or a definition) and a corresponding price. Responsive to receiving an indication of interest, the system may transmit the first RMM accessory item to the second user, add to the first number of points a first multiplier times the price, and subtract from the second number of points a second multiplier times the price.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for assisting users in locating items from inventory locations and/or obtaining additional information about items. In some instances, a user may experience difficulty in locating an inventory item in a materials handling facility. By detecting one or more expressions presented by the user, an inventory management system may determine that assistance is to be provided to the user, determine and provide the appropriate assistance to the user.

Abstract: Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined.

Abstract: A system and method are described for Internet of Things (IoT) shelf tags.