Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to control operation of a portable media device based on machine readable information of a graphical artifact shown on a display concurrently with presentation of a video portion of a media content event. A portable media device, using a portable media device provisioned with an image capture device, captures at least one image that includes the display that is presenting the graphical artifact and the video portion of the media content event, identifies the graphical artifact in the captured at least one image, determines the machine readable data based on the identified graphical artifact, and operates the portable media device to perform at least one operation based on the determined machine readable data.

Abstract: A tag store system and method for making contactless tags available to end users of tag-related software applications is described. The system and method employs an identifier for a tag ordering interface, which is generated using tag framework data for a contactless tag associated with a tag-related software application. The tag ordering interface allows the contactless tag to be ordered using the tag ordering interface. The identifier is included in the tag-related software application and is used to request for the tag ordering interface from an end user device running the tag-related software application.

Abstract: A bar code reading terminal can, in one embodiment, include a two-dimensional image sensor and an imaging assembly. The terminal can be configured, in response to receipt of a trigger signal, to buffer a set of frames and subject each frame of the set of frames to a decode attempt. The terminal can also be configured to convert the convert the captured set of video frames into a compressed video format, and transfer the resulting video file to a file server or to one or more playback devices, in response to a user interface action, or in response to difficult read condition having been detected. The terminal can also be configured to establish two-way video- and audio-communication with a remote video- and audio-streaming device. The video capturing and streaming operation of the terminal can be controlled remotely from a playback device via web interface.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically creating and presenting a network based application for any number of a plurality of products. The method and system upon receiving a request to apply for one or more of a plurality of products, dynamically creates an application pages that includes fields to input the specific information required to apply for the selected products. The application page is provided to the applicant through the network and the application data is received by the system. The method and system causes the application data to be processed and provides the results to the applicant. The applicant is provided the results of multiple specific applications in with minimal data input and in real time.

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 method, system and computer program product for managing transportation and storage of goods, including a personal computer device; and a package control device associated with a package. The personal computer device is configured to store transport and storage operations information regarding the package in the package control device. The package control device is configured for identifying an operator responsible for at least one of transport and storage of the package based on the transport and storage operations information. The package control device is configured to allow the operator to have access to the package for at least one of transport and storage of the package based on the transport and storage operations information.

Abstract: A label creation apparatus includes a drawing processing section that draws a label image of a label, a first object specifying section that arranges a first object in the label image, a second object specifying section that specifies whether or not a second object having a window area transparent to the first object and having a drawing area along the outermost contour of the label image is arranged in the label image, and the drawing processing section arranges the first object in the label image in such a way that the first object falls within the window area of the second object when the second object is arranged, whereas arranging the first object in the label image in such a way that the first object extends to an area containing the outermost contour of the label image when the second object is not arranged.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal that performs purchase transactions is presented. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner and weigh scale device. The optical code scanner portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device continuously scans for an optical code while the weigh scale portion of the optical code scanner and weigh scale device weighs an item placed on the scale. When the point of sale terminal receives data for an optical code that is read during the time an item is being weighed, the point of sale terminal compares information from the optical code data to the identification data entered by an operator for the item being weighed. If the item information does not match, the point of sale terminal halts the current purchase transaction until a supervisor intervenes.

Abstract: Lighting control for location finding is disclosed. According to embodiments, lighting control can include determining, using a group of location detectors, a first location of a computing device of a user, and obtaining, from the computing device, a target location for the user. Lighting control can include determining a path from the first location to the target location, the path determined at least based on a lighting system including a group of light emitting diode (LED) arrays, and indicating, using a first LED array of the group of LED arrays, a first portion of the path to the target location. The first portion of the path can be indicated by determining, for the plurality of LEDs of the first LED array, at least one LED that is visible at the first location, and outputting light from the at least one LED that is visible at the first location.

Abstract: There is provided an image registration device and an image registration method. The device includes: a feature extractor configured to extract, from a first image, a first feature group and to extract, from a second image, a second feature group; a feature converter configured to convert, using a converted neural network in which a correlation between features is learned, the extracted second feature group to correspond to the extracted first feature group, to obtain a converted group; and a register configured to register the first image and the second image based on the converted group and the extracted first feature group.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (600) for controlling operations of a Handheld Scanning and Deactivation (“HSD”) device. The methods comprise: determining whether a human is located within a defined distance range of the HSD device; preventing first operations from being performed by the HSD device which cause a magnetic field to be generated, if it is determined that said human is located within the defined distance range of said HSD device; and initiating the first operations if it is determined that the human is not located within the defined distance range of the HSD device. The first operations comprise (1) interrogation operations for detecting a presence of an electronic article surveillance security tag and/or (2) deactivation operations for deactivating an electronic article surveillance security tag.

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: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for determining the products involved in a transaction, and transmitting messages containing product specific data. Systems may be implemented to product identifiers during payment processing. The messages may be sent including product identifiers, and further information regarding the products associated with the product identifiers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and system for determining a location of an identification tag (100) in a monitored area. The method comprises using a plurality of beacons (200) to broadcast (2010) beacon messages comprising an identification element relating to the originating beacon; receiving (2020) at a first set of beacons a localization message from an identification tag (100), the tag having received (1010) a beacon message, extracted (1020) the identification element from the received beacon message, and transmitted (1030) information related to the identification element as part of the localization message; performing (3010) a first level of localization of the tag on the basis of characteristics of the respective copies of the localization message received at the first set of beacons; and performing (3020) a second level of localization of the tag on the basis of the information related to the identification element.

Abstract: Lighting control for location finding is disclosed. According to embodiments, lighting control can include determining, using a group of location detectors, a first location of a computing device of a user, and obtaining, from the computing device, a target location for the user. Lighting control can include determining a path from the first location to the target location, the path determined at least based on a lighting system including a group of light emitting diode (LED) arrays, and indicating, using a first LED array of the group of LED arrays, a first portion of the path to the target location. The first portion of the path can be indicated by determining, for the plurality of LEDs of the first LED array, at least one LED that is visible at the first location, and outputting light from the at least one LED that is visible at the first location.

Abstract: A technique for effecting electronic commerce using a data network is described. The data network includes a plurality of subsystems which, together, form an integrated system for receiving customer orders for selected items via a data network, fulfilling the customer orders, and delivering the ordered products to the customers. Moreover, according to a specific embodiment, the integrated nature of the system architecture of the present invention allows the on-line merchant to provide a guarantee to the customer that the ordered items will be available to be delivered to the customer at the specified delivery date, time, and location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated generation of QR codes with embedded images therein are provided. The QR code has an active, machine-readable portion and a background portion. An example system comprises an image identification module to identify a human-readable image. A primitive creation module generates a primitive QR code. The primitive QR code comprises a machine-readable QR code having the image embedded in the QR code. An overlay interface module generates an intermediate QR code by modifying the active portion of the QR code using a first modification and modifying the background portion using a second modification.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate retail transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a retail terminal includes: a user interface to receive a phone number of a customer; a memory; a data communication interface; and a processor coupled with the memory and the data communication interface to transmit the phone number to a server computer to cause the server computer to communicate with a mobile phone at the phone number to confirm a transaction at the retail terminal and to transmit one or more premium messages to the mobile phone to collect funds for the transaction, and to receive from the server computer a message indicating that the funds are available for the transaction. The retail terminal is to perform the transaction in response to the message from the server computer.

Abstract: A system and method for providing, as a service over a computer network (especially a packet-switched computer network) to a body of merchants connected to the computer network, verification of consumer identification based on data provided over the computer network by scanning devices attached to the computers operated by consumers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing access to a collection of related binary files via a collection of machine-recognizable codes provided on a device or consumer item.

Abstract: A barcode scanner should output one scanned result per scanned item at checkout. Scanners with large scan areas and multiple scan lines may scan an item more than once as it is dragged through the scan area during the checkout process. A timeout period, during which duplicate scans are ignored, may prevent duplicate scans from being transmitted. Scanners with integrated weight scales may require the use of the scan area for a weight measurement. As a result, weighed items may linger in the scan area longer than the regular timeout period and may be re-scanned. The invention embraces a method and system for mitigating this problem by using information from the scanned barcode and information from the scale to affect how duplicate barcode scans are handled for items requiring a weight measurement and not adversely affected with speed of input as may result with gating and virtual gating with disable/enable scanning commands.

Abstract: Food miles for a product can be determined by comparing a present location for the product to an origin location. A traceability code associated with the product is linked to the origin location, while the present location can be determined in a variety of ways such as with the GPS capabilities of a mobile device. The food miles can be provided on an electronic signage in a retail store, or displayed on a mobile device.

Abstract: A trusted authority, validation system and method are provided. The system and method may employ Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies to prepare and write signed validation signatures to tags as well as read and analyze validation signatures from tags. An NFC-enabled phone is also provided as a mechanism for facilitating the trusted authority and validation services described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for executing a first transaction at a checkout system at substantially the same time that a second transaction is started at the checkout system. For example, a cashier can scan one or more items, adding the items to a first transaction. When all items have been added to the first transaction and a first customer is making a payment in the first transaction, the cashier can begin to add items to a second transaction, such that execution of the first transaction occurs at substantially the same time that items are added to the second transaction.

Abstract: A credit card Emergency Fund system, comprising the steps of a credit card provider opening one or two accounts with two different card numbers, with a first “main credit card” and a second credit card for a spare. Alternatively, one credit card is provided with one or two accounts. Upon the customer's request, when the credit limit of the main credit card is fully expended, the spare credit card, with the Emergency credit line, or the Emergency credit line with a single card, is activated for a limited time period.

Abstract: A scene is monitored by receiving image data representing a thermal image captured by a thermal image sensor (13) and a visual image captured by a visual image sensor (15), the thermal image and the visual image depicting a same view of the scene. Objects (9) are detected in the visual image and in the thermal image. A mask (17a) is defined in the view of the scene, and it is determined if an object (9) or an object part, inside the mask (17a), is present in both the thermal image and the visual image. If so, a modified mask (17b) is provided by excluding an area occupied by the object (9) or the object part from the mask (17a).

Abstract: Signal interference is automatically avoided between product proximity subsystems that emit signals through mutually facing presentation windows of different workstations. A magnetometer in each workstation determines a direction faced by a respective presentation window. A controller in each workstation controls a respective product proximity subsystem to emit and receive a signal with a first signal characteristic when the respective magnetometer determines that the respective presentation window faces a first direction, and controls a respective product proximity subsystem to emit and receive a signal with a different second signal characteristic when the respective magnetometer determines that the respective presentation window faces a different second direction.

Abstract: A robotic logistics system is disclosed. The system includes multiple robots each having an image capture unit and a server communicatively coupled to the multiple robots. The server is configured to transmit a location of a first item to a first robot and the location of a second item to a second robot; track the positions of the first robot and the second robot; transmit a first image of the first item captured by the first robot to an operator device; receive a first verification signal from the operator device in response to the first image; transmit a second image of the second item captured by the second robot to the operator device; and receive a second verification signal from the operator device in response to the second image.

Abstract: A virtual computing resource provider may implement reconfiguration of reserved compute instance marketplace offerings for requested reserved compute instance configurations. A request for listings of reserved compute instances available for resale according to a specified instance configuration may be received. Reserved compute instances may be identified that are reconfigurable to satisfy the specified configuration (e.g., a particular type, location, or reservation term length). Listing may be provided for reservation by a client that include modified listings that describe a configuration for the reconfigurable reserved compute instances that satisfies the specified configuration. In some embodiments, a reservation request for a modified listing may be received, and in response the reserved compute instance associated with the modified listing may be reconfigured (e.g., modified, upgraded, downgraded, or term adjusted) as described in the modified listing.

Abstract: Embodiments for determining a completing a purchase transaction at a waypoint where a customer is located within a retail store are disclosed. The embodiments include determining waypoint of the customer, receiving waypoint data including the location of the customer positions within the retail store and a shopping list identifying items that the customer desires to purchase, and completing the purchase transaction for the items at the waypoint.

Abstract: In one embodiment, first data, indicative of a first selected application to be accessed via a remoting application, is received at a computer system from a first mobile device. Second data, indicative of a second selected application to be accessed via a remoting application, is received at the computer system from a second mobile device. A first view of the first selected application, as executing at the computer system, is displayed at a first display sector of a display device that is part of the computer system. A second view of the second selected application, as executing at the computer system, is displayed at a second display sector of the display device. At least a portion of the first view is sent to the first mobile device for display, and at least a portion of the second view is sent to the second mobile device for display.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus to scan visual codes are described. An image of a first visual code marked on an item is captured and the image of the first visual code is displayed on an electronic screen of the apparatus for a point-of-sale terminal that is enabled to scan the image of the first visual code. A scan signal emitted by the point-of-sale terminal is detected, the scan signal indicating that the image of the first visual code was scanned. A second image of a second visual code is displayed on the electronic screen of the apparatus.

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: A semantic note taking system and method for collecting information, enriching the information, and/or binding the information to services is provided. User-created notes are enriched with labels, context traits, and relevant data to minimize friction in the note-taking process. In other words, the present invention is directed to collecting unscripted data, adding more meaning and use out of the data, and binding the data to services. Mutable and late-binding to services is also provided to allow private thoughts to be published to a myriad of different applications and services in a manner compatible with how thoughts are processed in the brain. User interfaces and semantic skins are also provided to derive meaning out of notes without requiring a great deal of user input. Linking physical objects to notes are also provided, such as through QR codes.

Abstract: Methods and picking devices for storing a plurality of identical piece goods in the picking device in which the number of identical piece goods is automatically detected are provided. Multiple piece goods are placed in a support area of a storage device and a determination that a last piece good has been placed is made. Upon detection, the piece goods are moved into a removal area of the storage device and a gripping apparatus of an operating unit moves into the removal area, grasps the piece goods, and moves them from the removal area onto a support table of the operating unit. The number of piece goods situated in the support area is determined based on piece goods data and size data of the piece goods that are detected with a sensor system, after it has been detected that a last piece good has been placed in the support area.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, the free space attenuation of illumination with distance, according to a square law relationship, is used to estimate the distance between a light source and two or more different areas on the surface of a product package. By reference to these distance estimates, the angular pose of the product package is determined. Plural frames of imagery, captured both with and without illumination from the light source, can be processed to mitigate the effects of ambient lighting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing e-receipts to customers. Embodiments receive authorization from a customer for the customer to be enrolled in a point of transaction e-receipt communication program; receive transaction data corresponding to at least one transaction performed by the customer at a point of transaction of a merchant; and initiate communication, to the customer, of an e-receipt based at least in part on the received transaction data. Some embodiments receive authorization from a plurality of enrolling merchants for enrollment in the point of transaction e-receipt communication program; and build a cooperating merchant list comprising information corresponding to a plurality of cooperating merchants cooperating with a financial institution implementing the point of transaction e-receipt communication program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic reorganization of pick slot assignments in a warehouse are described. Replenishments of products from storage slots to pick slots are used to perform product relocation to new pick slots for active items, along with traditional relocation moves for inactive items to establish open pick slots. By use of replenishments, the blocking of product relocations to new pick slots due to order picking activity is reduced or eliminated, enabling product relocation for improved slotting to be performed during normal warehouse operations. A dynamic slotting method is described where each item is assigned to a zone having a designated set of slots and each item is replenished to any new slot, as compared to an originally assigned slot, in the zone as stock is depleted by picking. Inactive items may be proactively relocated to temporary slots to reduce or eliminate the blocking of relocations of active items.

Abstract: Method for managing mobile point of sale (mPOS) operations using a wireless network to detect location data includes capturing video data of one or more customers within a retail store premises. The video data is analyzed to determine one or more customer behavior indicators potentially indicating a need for mPOS services. The location data is used to correlate the customer behavior indicators with the one or more customers. The method also involves determining a probability that at least one of the customers will be requesting mPOS services within a predetermined interval of time.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method includes receiving a request to perform a transaction between a merchant and a user having a mobile device and an account at a financial institution, determining a first location of the user based on a location of the mobile device, determining a second location of the user based on a location of the merchant, comparing the first and second location to ensure a match, receiving an identifier, the identifier being embedded in a code displayable on the mobile device, and transmitting an indication that the transaction has been completed, the transaction being completed based on the identifier and based on the match of the first and second location.

Abstract: A store can stock items that have the same appearance but have different prices. For instance, organic bananas can look like conventional bananas, but can be priced higher than conventional bananas. In some examples, a higher-priced item can be tagged with an identifier, which can include a visual cue that indicates, to the naked eye, that the item is higher-priced. For instance, organic bananas can include tape that visually indicates that the bananas are organic. In some examples, the problem of a person purchasing a higher-priced item at an imaging checkout terminal, but selecting a price of a corresponding lower-priced but visually similar item, can be overcome by capturing an image of the purchased item, determining from the image that an identifier is attached to the item, determining that a lower-priced item is selected at the terminal, and producing an alert for an attendant.

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: Systems and methods relating to preparing data for use in a printing operation are provided. One method includes receiving selected records from a first data source. The selected records have been subjected to a first record characteristic updating step and the selected records comprise mail information useful for delivery of printed materials. The method further includes updating the selected records with a second record characteristic updating step. A time at which the second record characteristic updating step is performed is determined in relation to a print production schedule for the printed materials. The method further includes creating a postal pre-sort file based upon the updated selected records for use in the printing operation. The printing operation is performed on a printing device based on the pre-sorted records.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a commodity recognition apparatus detects, from a captured image, an object imaged in the captured image and extracts an appearance feature amount of the object from the image of the object; compares the extracted appearance feature amount with feature amount data of a dictionary file in which feature amount data indicating the surface information of a commodity is stored for each recognition target commodity to calculate a similarity degree indicating how similar the appearance feature amount is to the feature amount data for each recognition target commodity; recognizes whether or not the object is a commodity based on the calculated similarity degree; and specifies and notifies the reason in a case in which the object is not recognized as a commodity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus provide a paperless electronic receipt. A storage device stores a communication identifier prior to a transaction at a point of transaction. Further, a transmitter sends the communication identifier to a point of transaction receipt transmission device at a point of transaction so that the point of transaction receipt transmission device sends an electronic receipt of a transaction at the point of transaction to the communication identifier based upon a selection being received at the point of transaction receipt transmission device to send the electronic receipt to the communication identifier. In addition, the electronic receipt is received and stored at the storage device based upon a selection being received at the point of transaction receipt transmission device to store the electronic receipt at the storage device.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, systems to perform context-based image recognition for consumer market research are disclosed. Disclosed example methods include comparing a first subset of feature points in a first region of interest of a reference image with a first subset of feature points of a first image residing within a first region corresponding spatially to the first region of interest and located at a first location in the first image to determine a first match value. Disclosed example methods also include, in response to determining the first match value satisfies a first threshold, comparing a second subset of feature points in a second region of interest of the reference image with a second subset of the feature points of the first image residing within a second region of the first image corresponding spatially to the second region of interest to determine a second match value.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus of the present invention has a bottom surface on which a first connection terminal is disposed, and a rear surface on which a second connection terminal is disposed. The first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are formed on a common substrate. An edge formed by the bottom surface and the rear surface is formed by the substrate. The electronic apparatus is to be connected to an expansion unit including a first connection-target terminal to which the first connection terminal is to be connected and a second connection-target terminal to which the second connection terminal is to be connected.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for point-of-sale customization service. A processor executing a point-of-sale customization service can receive a unique identifier associated with a user device detected in a proximity of a computing device. The processor can query preferences stored in a data store using the unique identifier and identify point-of-sale preferences associated with the user device based upon the querying. The processor can transmit the point-of-sale preferences to the computing device to apply to a transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to beverage preparation machine (1) with a virtual shopping functionality. The machine comprises a touch screen (10) and a control unit (21). The touch screen (10) is adapted to display an image (80) of the interior of a shop offering goods (81) related to the machine (1) on the touch screen (10), to display an image of a container (82) on said touch screen (10), and to submit information on a touch operation to the control unit (21). The displayed interior corresponds to the interior of a physical shop offering said goods (81), in particular to the interior of a shop of a chain of physical shops having a standardized presentation of said goods (81). The control unit (21) is adapted to accept selection of a good (81) for purchase upon detecting a touch operation on a good (81) on the touch screen (10) and on the container (82) on the touch screen (10).

Abstract: The present invention is a robotic system for maintaining product inventory and dispensing products upon request from a customer or other user. Product items are stored in an inventory storage unit (ISU), one item per bin. Controller logic allows items to be stored in, and retrieved from, arbitrarily-assigned storage locations. The bins hang on rails within drawers. Upon a request from a consumer (or other user) for a plurality of product items, the robot retrieves a bin holding the first item from the ISU, and places the bin onto a shelf that moves with the robot. The additional items are handled similarly. Once all the items are on the shelf, the robot transfers them to a dispensing chute to the consumer.