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 merchandise item registration apparatus includes: a left photoelectric sensor that senses an object in a first area located on one side of a recognition area for merchandise items in a merchandise item identification device; a right photoelectric sensor that senses the object in a second area located on the other side of the recognition area; and a camera that captures an image of the recognition area. A merchandise item is identified by sensing the object from the image of the recognition area captured by the camera, and a POS terminal is made to perform a merchandise item registration process or a provisional registration cancellation process in accordance with the temporal sequence of results of the sensing performed by the camera in the respective areas.

Abstract: A method for updating the position of electronic price tag by graphic code including: step 1, placing a plurality kinds of commodities on a commodity shelf, mounting an electronic price tag screen on the commodity shelf and below the commodities; step 2, displaying at least n position graphic codes with an even interval on the electronic price tag screen; step 3, carrying out a first scan to send the commodity information to a server; step 4, carrying out a second scan to check a position of the commodity; step 5, sending a plurality of size graphic codes with different size information to a position where the position graphic code in step 4 locates; step 6, selecting a size graphic code with a proper size for a third scan by the supermarket tally clerk; step 7, generating a commodity tag by the server.

Abstract: A device may monitor, based on location information, a proximity of a vehicle and a third party location of a third party using a set of sensors. The location information may have been received from the vehicle. The location information may identify a location of the vehicle and the third party location. The device may process personal information to determine that an order is associated with the vehicle or an individual associated with the vehicle. The personal information may have been received from the vehicle. The device may receive, via another device associated with the vehicle or the individual, confirmation to complete a transaction for the order. The device may perform a first action to complete the transaction. The device may perform a second action to facilitate a good or a service associated with the order to be delivered to the vehicle in association with performing the first action.

Abstract: A multi-mode ring scanner (MMRS) has a ring unit for wearing on a finger. The MMRS optionally has a wrist unit coupled to the ring unit, such as via a cable. The MMRS optionally communicates wirelessly with a computing device. The ring unit has one or more scanners (such as an optical scanner or an RFID tag reader). The ring unit optionally has two paddle switches for activation by inward pressure from fingers adjacent to the finger. The two switches enable specifying operation of the MMRS in a plurality of modes and/or to communicate a plurality of information codes to the computing device. The computing device is optionally enabled to assign a function to each combination of activation of the two switches. A scanning system including the MMRS optionally provides feedback to a user based on feedback from a host processor.

Abstract: Rich media content, such as advertising, can be provided for display on a two-dimensional screen to give the user an impression that the screen is a window into a three-dimensional (3D) environment. For example, the user's head can be tracked and the graphical elements of the advertisement can be rendered based on the position of the user's head relative to a computing device such that the graphical elements appear to have 3D depth. A full or substantially full 3D view of a product can be presented. Additional information, such as a product description, features, pricing, user ratings, user reviews, among others, can also be displayed based on the position of the user's head relative to the computing device. A 3D video can also be presented, and a user can view different perspectives of the video based on the position of the user's head with respect to the computing device.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing separate views for items. A network page providing a summary view of at least a portion of a pool of items is encoded in a computing resource for rendering by a client computing device. A window superimposed over at least a portion of the summary view is rendered by the client computing device. The summary view is deemphasized relative to the window that is superimposed. The window provides a separate view for examination of one item from the pool of items, and the window facilitates a serial examination of the pool of items.

Abstract: A shelving and package locating system for delivery vehicles includes one or more shelves for storing packages within a package-delivery vehicle during delivery. Each package is associated with both a geographic delivery address and an assigned location on a particular shelf within the package-delivery vehicle. A GPS unit determines the location of the package-delivery vehicle during delivery, and a computer provides the shelf location of a particular package when that package's delivery-location information substantially corresponds to vehicle-location information.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring system (10) is provided, which includes a number of merchandise detectors (12) that each include a number of sensors that are configured to detect the presence or absence of products in a predetermined merchandise position, a position on a shelf in a retail space, and to emit a detect signal confirming such presence or absence. Each of the merchandise detectors (12) also includes a rear unit (28) with a transmitter that is connected to the sensor and that transmits the detect signal. The system (10) includes one or more gateway device (36,40) that receives the detect signals from the merchandise detectors (12) and compiles a merchandise data signal from the detect signals, and transmits it a computer (42) to be used in monitoring and managing inventory.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and stored instructions are provided for improving opaque transactions where the identity of the seller is not revealed to the user until after the user purchases an item from the seller. In response to a conditional purchase offer received from the user, a subset of travel items are selected. An eligibility of the user for enhanced information such as a discounted price and/or an identity of at least one of the sellers of the subset of travel items is determined. Based on the eligibility of the user, the user is matched to one or more pieces of enhanced information. A user interface including an enhanced description of a travel item and a limited description of remaining travel items is provided. In response to a user selection of a travel item, a purchase transaction is completed between the user and the seller of the selected travel item.

Abstract: A baler is provided with binding material having identification tags at spaced intervals. A formed bale is bound with the binding material using a knotter system on the baler to obtain a completed bale. The identification tag is identified with a read module and sensed parameters of the crop material or bale are associated with the identification tag on the completed bale. A number of identified bales are then joined into the aggregation of bales. The identification tag for each of the identified bales in the aggregate is associated to the aggregation of bales. A person then could read a single identification tag of one of the identified bale in the aggregate which would then populate a characteristic field in the software for each identified bale in the aggregate based off the single identification tag that was read.

Abstract: A portable container (2) for one or more articles (16) each tagged with a respective Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device (18). The container (2) comprises: a bay (6) having at least one opening (O) for removal and/or placement of RFID-tagged articles (16) into the bay (6); a lid (15) for covering the at least one opening in the bay (6), wherein the lid (15) is openable to permit access to the bay (6); a detector device (21,22) for detecting RFID-tagged articles (16) located in the bay (6); a power supply (30) for supplying electrical power to the detector device (21,22). The container (2) further comprises: an electromagnetic shield (19,19a,19b,19c,19d) wherein the bay (6) and the at least opening in the bay (6) is enclosed by the electromagnetic shield and wherein the lid (15) forms part of the electromagnetic shield.

Abstract: In some examples, a merchant device at a point of sale (POS) location may present information to a merchant in a first language preferred by the merchant, and may present information to a buyer in a second language preferred by the buyer. The merchant device may switch between the different languages in response to detecting a change in the physical orientation of a display. For instance, in a first orientation in which the display is viewable from a merchant direction, the merchant device may present information in the language preferred by the merchant. When the orientation of the display is changed to a second orientation in which the display is viewable from a buyer direction, the merchant device may present information in the language indicated to be preferred by the buyer. Various techniques may be used for determining the preferred language of a particular buyer.

Abstract: A context aware process is utilized to speed self-checkout. In one aspect, such a process is utilized to simplify response to a weight mismatch condition where a produce scale weight and a bagging scale weight for an item differs by more than a predetermined amount. Other examples of the application of such a process to other aspects of self-checkout are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for radio beacon includes: a transmission circuit configured to transmit a radio beacon signal; a detection circuit configured to detect an entrance of an obstacle into a radio space of the transmission circuit; and a control circuit configured to control the transmission circuit, based on a control value corresponding to a number of times of detection which indicates the number of times the entrance of the obstacle has been detected in a given time in the detection circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for creating a communicable linkage for information retrieval and notifications between devices. In this way, the invention identifies a mobile device at an entity location. The system may integrate into the mobile device and present an interactive display onto the display of the mobile device, allowing the user to select products/services associated with the entity. Based on the general interaction and selection a user makes via the mobile device, the system identifies the interaction and presents interaction data to the entity representative at the entity location for assisting the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating online and in-store shopping are disclosed. The systems include a cashier station located in a store. The cashier station has a register, a product ID input device, and a screen accessible to a customer at the cashier station. An online site configured to facilitate ecommerce transactions between users and the store is also provided. The cashier station is in communication with the online store whereby recommended products are presented to the customer on the screen in response to the input of a product ID at the cashier station allowing the customer to make additional related purchases from the online site contemporaneously with the in-store purchase.

Abstract: Described are techniques for storing and retrieving items using a robotic device for moving items. Any combinations of image data depicting a manipulator interacting with an item, sensor data from sensors instrumenting the manipulator or item, item data regarding characteristics of the item, and constraint data relating to characteristics of the robotic device may be used to generate one or more configurations for the robotic device. The configurations may include points of contact and force vectors for contacting the item using the robotic device.

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: Customers would like to minimize the time waiting in lines; however, it is often difficult to understand which lane to choose. The present invention embraces a device, system, and method to help customers understand which lanes are open and operating most efficiently. The invention utilizes Bluetooth-low-energy (BLE) transmitters located at each lane to transmit updated information related to (i) the lane's status (e.g., open or in-use) and (ii) the lane's quality (e.g., throughput efficiency). Portable electronic devices used by customers may receive the BLE signals and understand (e.g., using augmented reality) which lane would be most likely to provide a quick process.

Abstract: A payment terminal, including: a display, an input device configured to generate input signals indicative of a user input, a payment instrument reader configured to receive payment instrument data from a financial payment instrument, a secure processor connected to the payment instrument reader, a main processor connected to the display, the main processor separate and distinct from the secure processor, a secure input processor connected to the input device and the secure processor, wherein the secure processor is operable between an unsecured mode, wherein the secure processor sends input coordinates based on the input signals received from the secure input processor to the main processor; and a secured mode, wherein the secure input processor ceases input coordinate forwarding to the main processor.

Abstract: A computing apparatus is configured to formulate and adjust offers to users of mobile devices that are configured to capture identification information of products, such as UPC codes. The transaction data of the user, the activities of the user capturing the identification information of products, the location of the user, and the user's reactions to the offers are used to incrementally adjust the offers according to offer rules specified by the merchants. The mobile devices can be used to initiate a checkout process for purchasing items identified by the captured identification information of the products from the physical retail store at which the user is currently located, or via an online store associated with an offer presented via the mobile device.

Abstract: A system, in a first radio frequency (RF) device, dynamically selects a plurality of reflector devices along a non-line-of-sight (NLOS) radio path based on a first set of criteria. The plurality of reflector devices comprises at least an active reflector device and a passive reflector device. The first RF device further controls the dynamically selected plurality of reflector devices based on a second set of criteria. A plurality of RF signals transmitted by the controlled plurality of reflector devices is received at a second RF device. A first type of signal associated with the received plurality of RF signals is converted to a second type of signal. Transmission of the second type of signal to one or more electronic devices associated with the second RF device is controlled based on one or more device characteristics of the one or more electronic devices or the second RF device.

Abstract: Utilities that allow for configuring rack space in a growing operation. In one aspect, a utility for generating a rack sheet report is disclosed that indicates a determined quantity of a plurality of inventory items to be disposed on each shelf of a rack for use in loading a vehicle with the plurality of inventory items in an economically efficient manner. Additionally, the present disclosure includes embodiments that relate to generating a maser pull report that includes total quantities of each identified common instance of the plurality of inventory item objects in a master pull group object for use in harvesting or otherwise collecting the plurality of inventory items from the growing operation and loading the plurality of inventory items into a vehicle in a coordinated manner (e.g., based on a priority value).

Abstract: A payment reader includes a contactless interface for communicating with a contactless device. The payment reader has a processor that executes instructions stored in memory, and the instructions include instructions for a plurality of firmware modules including a message dispatcher module and a plurality of functional modules. The functional modules generate messages and the message dispatcher module stores the messages in a queued data structure such as a stack or a queue. The messages are provided to the functional modules from the queued data structure. Some of the messages are timed messages that are returned to the queued data structure.

Abstract: In embodiments, apparatuses, methods, and storage media may be described for identifying a quick response (QR) image. A QR control code (QRCC) may be identified in the QR image based on a QR tag in the image. Based on the QRCC, a control command of an apparatus may be identified. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: Stock management for electronic transactions includes receiving an indication that an item of stock has been selected to be purchased by a purchaser. Stock management for electronic transactions also includes obtaining information relating to the purchaser, and determining whether to remove the item from stock based on the obtained information.

Abstract: Device with RFID radio frequency identification window that couples to the mouth of a shopping cart, or another container, that includes a frame with a window horizontally crossed by a plurality of light rays coming from a light curtain, an infrared sensor configured to detect an object that approaches the window, an RFID reader configured to detect and identify codes contained in RFID labels incorporated in the objects that enter or exit the basket of the cart through the window, UHF antennas, the radiation beams of which cover the space of the window, configured to be activated once the infrared sensor detects the object that approaches; and a processor configured to store the objects that stay inside the cart in an electronic shopping list.

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: Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention is a method of compiling a register for processing a transaction. The method includes: providing a scanner having a housing with a first and second side that are opposite each other; providing a data capture device that is configured to capture data contained in a target being swiped past the housing; providing a controller operably connected to the data capture device, and operable to maintain the register and identify a direction of the target being swiped; adding an item associated with the target to the register by swiping the target past the housing and the data capture device in a first direction from the first side to the second side; and removing the item from the register by swiping the target past the housing and the data capture device in a second direction from the second side to the first side.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus useful within vehicles for causing provision of location-based services to users via a portable wireless computerized device. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a global positioning system (GPS) based receiver capable of providing location data to the computerized apparatus.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model, a display module, a motion capture module and a perspective switch module is provided. The perspective switch module is respectively connected to the display module and the motion capture module. A preset-sized graphic displaying area is defined in the display module. The motion capture module changes the relative position between the graphic displaying area and the three-dimensional model according to the manipulation of the user. The perspective switch module adjusts the three-dimensional model according to the control instruction transmitted by the motion capture module. Simultaneously, the different graphic data are displayed within the graphic displaying area. The graphic data are the projections of the three-dimensional model in the plane of graphic displaying area.

Abstract: A barcoded indicator operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, the barcoded indicator including a first barcode including a first plurality of barcode bars and at least a first colorable area, at least a second barcode including a second plurality of barcode bars and at least a second colorable area, and at least one interposed line extending between the first barcode and the second barcode, the interposed line being capable of preventing a barcode reader from reading parts of the first barcode and of the second barcode as part of a single barcode.

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: A high velocity checkout terminal is provided. The high velocity checkout terminal includes first and second input terminals for selectively transporting products to a cashier station and first and second output conveyors for transporting products from the cashier station to first and second bagging stations. The high velocity checkout terminal also includes first and second payment terminals for accepting payment for a cost of the products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to allow a customer to acquire product information from a scanning system. For example, in some embodiments, a method performed by a control circuit comprises establishing a wireless communication connection between a user's personal mobile device and a portable scanning system configured to optically scan identification codes of distinct products; wirelessly receiving at the mobile device product identifying information from the scanning system of each product scanned by the scanning system and available for purchase at the retail store; associating, at the mobile device, a plurality of the product identifying information received from the scanning system with each of a plurality of user specified product information locally accessible through the mobile device; and communicating from the mobile device to a checkout system, during a checkout process, the product identifying information received from the scanning system of each product scanned by the scanning system.

Abstract: An enhanced shopping system for facilitating grocery shopping and in-store advertising is disclosed. The system utilizes uniquely changes (1) the way grocery retail industry captures and retains customers, (2) how customers organize their shopping efforts in grocery stores, (3) the approach to advertising and reaching customers, and (4) the information available to retailers and merchandisers related to customer (a) shopping patterns, (b) responses to merchandising and advertising, and (c) specific impact of discounting/coupons.

Abstract: An information entry and reporting system and method for tracking data associated with retail transactions at the point of sale. Transaction data is converted into a machine readable dataform pattern and printed onto a sales receipt provided to the purchaser. Subsequently, the purchaser uses a suitably configured scanning device to read the dataform pattern into his or her computer. Software algorithms decode the scanned dataform pattern, extract the transaction data and store it for subsequent analysis and reporting. The system includes a computer, software adapted to retrieve selected data, assemble the retrieved data in a format suitable for encoding and encode the data in a dataform pattern, a printer to print the encoded transaction data, a scanning device to capture the encoded data, software to decode the transaction data and software to display the data in human readable form.

Abstract: A system to detect and maintain retail store promotional price tags (PPTs) includes a heuristic PPT description extractor module, a heuristic rule deriver module, a store shelf image acquisition system, a barcode locator and recognizer module, and a heuristic PPT classifier module. The heuristic PPT description extractor module extracts heuristic descriptions of PPTs. The heuristic rule deriver module derives a set of heuristic parameters for the PPTs. The barcode locator and recognizer module analyzes images acquired by the store shelf image acquisition system to localize and recognize barcodes. The heuristic PPT description classifier module extracts heuristic attributes from the images acquired by the store shelf image acquisition system using the set of PPT parameters supplied by the heuristic rule deriver module.

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: Methods and systems for improving a shopping experience are described. When a shopper walks into a store, the shopper's mobile device transmits a signal with the shopper's shopping preferences and shopper profile. Any items that are within a certain distance of the mobile device and satisfy at least one of the shopper's preferences may light up to indicate that the item matches something the shopper is looking for. In addition, the price of the item based on the shopper profile for that shopper is displayed.

Abstract: A process, including a mobile application, for tracking the drayage driver and vehicle movement and reporting where the driver is and how much time he has been at a location, as well as details about the driver and cargo is described. This process can correlate driver and vehicle identification and allow for the transfer of bill of lading or hazardous material restrictions. Data captured is easily be made available in advance to the port terminals (which must have container ready for pick up); available for the shipping company (which can see cargo en-route—regardless of which company the driver works for); and available for the destination warehouse (which must receive and process the shipment). The association of cargo owners, shippers, terminal yards, drayage companies, drivers, and drayage job assignments can further be linked.

Abstract: A commodity recognition apparatus comprises an image interface configured to acquire the image of a commodity photographed by a camera and a processor configured to detect a commodity image from the images acquired via the image interface, carry out a commodity recognition processing for recognizing commodity candidates according to the feature amount extracted from the commodity image and a code reading processing for reading a commodity recognition code from the same commodity image in parallel, and as a result determine a commodity recognition code if the commodity recognition code is read through the code reading processing or output the result of the commodity recognition processing if no commodity recognition code is read and the photographing period for the commodity is ended.

Abstract: Providing a reminder of a task to be performed at a task location includes receiving location information identifying a location of a user via a mobile communication device associated with the user, receiving information that identifies a task, receiving information that identifies a task location, and providing a reminder for the task based on a current location of the user and on a comparison of an estimated probability of the user traveling in a trajectory leading toward or away from the task location.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods of tracking uniquely labeled products are provided. An item representing one unit of a consumer product may be labeled with a unique label via automatically generating a random identifier unique to the item, associating the randomly-generated identifier with the item in a record of an electronic database, creating a label comprising a substrate and the randomly-generated identifier, applying the label to the item, and tracking the item via obtaining the randomly-generated identifier from the label. Products labeled with unique identifiers via such methods are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label for displaying information. The electronic shelf label includes: a casing; an information display area; a printed circuit board; fastening structure for fastening the electronic shelf label on a shelf; and a recess extending from the side surface of the casing. The recess includes attaching structure for attaching external information display devices to the electronic shelf label. An information display device for use in combination with the electronic shelf label is further provided.

Abstract: Described are techniques for establishing secure communication channels between user devices and service providing devices. Correspondence between a request received from a user device and security data may be used to determine that the user device has provided a valid access credential. The access credential may be replaced with a subsequent access credential after use. Correspondence between the request and service data may be used to determine that the request may be processed by the receiving service and that the user device has the permissions necessary for the request to be processed. Portions of the request that meet these criteria may be provided to the service. The secure communication channel may also be used to provide the response from the service to the user device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method includes receiving media content for interactive product display systems used with different products in different retail establishments. Product interaction data characterizing consumer gestures performed in connection with the different products in the different retail establishments is collected. The media content and product interaction data is analyzed to form marketing data. The display of media content at an interactive product display system of a retail establishment is remotely initiated.

Abstract: A method and system for control of bailment inventory is disclosed. The method includes receiving a customer identifier from a customer, receiving from the customer at least one customer item for bailment, associating the customer identifier with the at least one customer item, storing the at least one customer item, and returning the at least one customer item to the customer.