Abstract: Alerts to object behaviors are prioritized for adjudication as a function of relative values of abandonment, foregroundness and staticness attributes. The attributes are determined from feature data extracted from video frame image data. The abandonment attribute indicates a level of likelihood of abandonment of an object. The foregroundness attribute quantifies a level of separation of foreground image data of the object from a background model of the image scene. The staticness attribute quantifies a level of stability of dimensions of a bounding box of the object over time. Alerts are also prioritized according to an importance or relevance value that is learned and generated from the relative abandonment, foregroundness and staticness attribute strengths.

Abstract: An identity verification device comprises a cellular telecommunications modem and a fingerprint scanner coupled to the modem, the verification device being configured for storing first fingerprint data in an enrollment process and being operable, in response to the modem receiving a verification command via a cellular telecommunications network, to perform a verification process in which the fingerprint scanner scans a fingerprint to obtain second fingerprint data, the first and second fingerprint data are compared with each other, and in the event of a match between the first and second fingerprint data, the modem transmits a response signal to a predetermined destination via the telecommunications network. The device may be used in a networked telecommunications system in which the electronic transactions may be initiated by smart cards and other devices.

Abstract: Techniques for checkout security using video surveillance are provided. A customer is video tracked while in a store, the pauses made in aisles and the arm movements are recorded. Expected purchased items, based on movements and pauses by the customer within the store, are then compared to actual purchased items and a determination is made whether a checkout audit is needed for the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for providing a geolocation check-in system. An exemplary apparatus is configured to collect positioning data related to a user. After collecting position data the apparatus may be configure to determine, based at least partially on the positioning data that the user has crossed a threshold of a geofence associated with a merchant's location. Based at least partially on this determination the apparatus may be configured to initiate a merchant check-in associated with the user and transmit user information to the merchant.

Abstract: A pair of overhead mirror portions splits a field of view of an imager into first and second subfields of view. An illuminating assembly is energized to illuminate a target. A first part of the imager is exposed to capture return illumination light from the target passing through a horizontal window of a workstation over the first subfield of view, and a second part of the imager is alternately and subsequently exposed to capture return illumination light from the target passing through the horizontal window over the second subfield of view.

Abstract: A user input pertaining to a question of whether a first electronic product is interoperable with a second electronic product is received. Based on the question a new message is generated and posted in at least one web based forum. The new message asks whether the first electronic product is interoperable with the second electronic product. Responses to the new message are monitored and analyzed to determine whether, for each response, the response pertains to the interoperability of the first electronic product with the second electronic product. Responsive to determining that at least one response pertains to the interoperability of the first electronic product with the second electronic product, information indicating whether the first electronic product is interoperable with a second electronic product, based on the response to the new message posted in the web based forum, is presented to the user.

Abstract: An information device is disclosed that makes it possible to simplify the operation of a user in selecting a device to be operated from among a plurality of controlled devices without any cost increase. In this device, a reception frequency indicating section instructs a frequency synthesizer to perform demodulation at a first frequency (5 GHz) first. The reception frequency indicating section instructs the frequency synthesizer to perform demodulation at a second frequency (920 MHz) when instructed from a user to select another controlled device while a menu button indicating all the controlled devices whose ID information has been detected is displayed.

Abstract: Automatic planogram programming for a glass front snack or cold drink vending machine is accomplished using tray, product and price barcodes, each preferably a different type of barcode. Trays within the vending machine are labeled with unique barcodes, and a set of price barcodes for predetermined prices is provided together with a USB-connected scanner. The barcode label affixed to any tray is scanned by the route driver. The UPC/EAN barcodes on products are then scanned for each selection progressing across the tray, together with a price barcode for the first selection and each subsequent selection having a different price from the prior selection on the tray. Planogram data for the tray may be reviewed and corrected on a customer interface display for the vending machine before moving on to another tray, with the trays programmed in any order. The planogram for the entire vending machine is quickly and accurately programmed.

Abstract: A weighing scale, digital control panel and a laser scanner are mounted on each “Automated Market Cart”, and the operation of purchasing items is based in coordinating a store's main Computer data with the weight of any item by means of the use of a weighing scale, digital control panel and a barcode on each item, scanned by the customer. The “Automated Market Cart” gives the customers the ability to purchase anything with minimal human assistance. The unique weight and the barcode for each item will be transmitted to the stores main computer. The main store's computer function is that once an item is weighted and the barcode is received from the digital control panel microprocessor, it will check against the database of that unique item and calculate the total price and it will also control all auditing, purchasing, receiving, inventory controls, transferring of products to and from other locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication apparatus and a communication method that can easily indicate the position of the antenna incorporated in the communication apparatus to a user and can align the antenna of the communication apparatus with the antenna of an external device. A portable device (1) includes a loop antenna (11) for performing near-field communication, a display unit (12) provided on a side of the portable device (1) opposite the orientation of the loop antenna (11), and an antenna position information storing unit (142) that stores antenna position information representing the position of the loop antenna (11) in the portable device (1). The display device (12) displays the position of the loop antenna (11) on the basis of the antenna position information stored in the antenna position information storing unit (142).

Abstract: A card reader for a point-of-sale system that is configured to accept both magnetic strip-type and integrated circuit (IC) chip-type payment cards. The card reader is a component of a point-of-sale system including a portable computing device in communication with the card reader that is configured to present a first graphical user interface (GUI) when a magnetic stripe-type card is detected and a second GUI when an IC chip-type card is detected in the card reader. The card reader comprises a slot configured to receive the payment card, a magnetic reading device and an IC chip reading device. The card reader also includes a discriminator contact disposed within the slot that is configured to conduct across a surface of a metal pad of the IC chip-type card prior to the CI chip reading device making contact with the IC chip.

Abstract: Disclosed are an image monitoring device capable of detecting a meaningful event on the basis of a scenario by providing a function of setting various combinations of monitoring events in a monitored image in which a plurality of monitoring events are set, and an event detecting method thereof. The event detecting method of an image monitoring device includes: obtaining a monitored image; detecting an occurrence of a first monitoring event with respect to an object from the obtained monitored image; detecting an occurrence of a second monitoring event with respect to the object from the obtained monitored image; and storing information regarding the detected occurrence of the second monitoring event.

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: Data objects stored in a data store include data attribute(s) and associated value(s) for the attributes. Data analysis tools (DATs) stored in a data store are associated with reference data attribute(s). The data objects are identified by one or more DATs based on each reference data attribute(s) of a corresponding DAT matching one of the data attribute(s) of the corresponding data object(s) and independent of the value for the data attribute(s). The DATs generate an additional data object as a function of the identified data object, and the additional data object is stored in the data store.

Abstract: A mobile point-of-sale system includes a cart frame and a battery housed in the cart frame. The cart frame includes a front having a bottom, a back having a bottom edge and a bottom. The bottom includes a pair of upper flanges and a lower housing. The pair of upper flanges have components for receiving wheels for supporting the cart frame and the lower housing includes at least one aperture for venting heat from the battery that is supported by the lower housing. At least a portion of the lower housing and the battery are located below the pair of upper flanges and are located below the bottom edges of the front and the back.

Abstract: Selecting one or more applications from the plurality of similar or near redundant applications to activate. A method includes retrieving information about current characteristics of one or more applications. The method further includes retrieving information about a current computing operational landscape. Based on the information about current characteristics of one or more applications and the information about a current computing operational landscape, the method further includes creating a ranking of applications. The rankings are made available to a system with a plurality of applications with similar or near redundant functionality. At the system, one or more of the applications in the plurality of applications are selected to activate based on the ranking of applications.

Abstract: A log information management apparatus acquires a card ID from an IC card to set a remaining processing flag to the IC card. The log information management apparatus determines whether the remaining processing flag is set to the IC card before the remaining processing flag is set after the card ID is acquired. The log information management apparatus cause an image forming apparatus to perform a job, and causes a storage device to store a job history based on completion of the performance of the job. The log information management apparatus writes a job history relating to the card ID in the IC card in which the remaining processing flag is determined to be set. The log information management apparatus releases the remaining processing flag after writing the job history.

Abstract: An interactive shopping system and method for use in a retail store. The system can include a removable sleeve which can be attached to a shopping cart or basket. The system can have a scanner for reading product codes and retrieving information on specific products and an onboard scale to match the product weight as products are placed in the cart or basket. A processor can be in communication with a network and configured to match products codes in real time to a store library of products. A display can be used to market products that might interest the user based on the user's shopping list and shopping history at the store. A light array and alarm system can be mounted to the removable sleeve to provide a visual or audible alarm to indicate the status of payment or nonpayment of products in the cart or basket.

Abstract: A POS control system 1 has a POS terminal 8 that transmits print control data; a printer 12 including a print unit 41, a print control unit 29 that controls the print unit 41 based on the print control data, and a print data communication unit 26 that transmits the print control data by a first WebSocket connection CT1; and a print data process unit 51 that executes a process based on the received print control data.

Abstract: A system and method for searching for and/or purchasing multiple items on the Internet is provided. The system identifies a plurality of purchasing alternatives based on predetermined criteria and allows the consumer to select from among the purchasing alternatives to purchase the desired items.

Abstract: A method for processing an automatic chargeback request includes: storing, in an account database, a plurality of account profiles, wherein each account profile includes data related to a payment account including at least an account identifier; receiving, by a receiving device, an indication of a product return, wherein the indication includes at least a specific account identifier, a product amount, and a merchant identifier; identifying, in the account database, a specific account profile where the included account identifier corresponds to the specific account identifier; generating, by a processing device, a chargeback request for a chargeback to be initiated against a merchant associated with the merchant identifier for the product amount for benefit to the payment account related to the specific account profile; and transmitting, by a transmitting device, the generated chargeback request.

Abstract: A combination weighing device facilitates the performance of operation using optimal operational settings. The combination weighing device includes a dispersion feeder, a plurality of radial feeders and a plurality of weighing hoppers. The dispersion feeder is disposed in an upper portion, and conveys and disperses supplied articles. The radial feeders are arranged radially on the periphery of the dispersion feeder, and convey the articles that are discharged from the dispersion feeder. The weighing hoppers receive the articles discharged from the radial feeders. The combination weighing device performs a combination weighing based on the weight of the articles in the weighing hoppers. In the combination weighing device, the operational settings are performed automatically.

Abstract: The wafer carrier information management system includes a reader unit for reading wafer carrier information from a transmitting/receiving unit attached to a wafer carrier in a buffer, and a reader unit controller for collecting the wafer carrier information from the reader unit. The system may further include a buffer controller for collecting the wafer carrier information from the reader unit controller, and a wafer manager for receiving the wafer carrier information from the buffer controller.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for presenting information about purchase transactions. One of the methods includes receiving a request for information about a merchant and identifying one or more purchase transactions conducted by the merchant in response to the request. A presentation is generated comprising a purchase transaction entry for each of the one or more purchase transactions, wherein each purchase transaction entry represents one of the one or more purchase transactions conducted by the merchant and identifies one or more items sold in the purchase transaction. The presentation is provided in response to the request.

Abstract: A method for detecting and determining a presence of at least one object in at least one storage location without a special reflection surface includes providing a bar code reading device which is connected to a control unit configured to manage an allocation of the at least one object to the at least one storage location. The bar code reader is used in an attempt to detect a bar code in the at least one storage location. Using information from which a grey value is derivable, it is determined whether the at least one object is in the at least one storage location upon the bar code reader being unsuccessful in detecting the bar code. A result is provided to the control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use by a buyer for a store includes a software application computer that is provided to the buyer at a buyer show. The application displays product features and pricing information and receives product order information from the buyer. The application displays information regarding sales of the products by the store. After completing an order, the application submits the order, and prints or transmits confirmation copies. The buyer leaves the computer at the show prior to departing. A virtual shopping cart is displayed on the computer into which goods are placed prior to submittal of the order. Multiple shopping carts can be opened by the user with differing shipping priorities and different shipping destinations for each cart. Multiple shopping carts can be used while the user is browsing an on-line catalog of products to be ordered.

Abstract: A method of performing power management in a protective case for a mobile computing device is provided. The method includes receiving electrical current from a power source connected to the protective case. The methods also includes commanding the mobile computing device to consume no more than a specified amount of the received electrical current by transmitting a data communication from the protective case to the mobile computing device indicating the specified amount of the received electrical current. The method further includes monitoring an amount of the received electrical current consumed by the mobile computing device and distributing at least a portion of the received electrical current not consumed by the mobile computing device to a rechargeable battery of the protective case.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information detection apparatus includes an image input unit, a symbol detection unit, a service information detection unit and an output unit. The image input unit inputs an image captured by an image capturing apparatus. The symbol detection unit configured to detect a first symbol and a second symbol, which are predetermined, according to the image input by the image input unit. The service information detection unit configured to detect a service information existing at a relative position predetermined for the first symbol and the second symbol in the image when the first symbol and the second symbol are detected by the symbol detection unit according to the image input by the image input unit. The output unit configured to output the service information detected by the service information detection unit.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a mobile device continuously and/or automatically scans a user environment for tags containing non-human-readable data. The mobile device may continuously and/or automatically scan the environment for tags without being specifically directed at a particular tag. The mobile device may be adapted to scan for audio tags, radio frequency tags, and/or image tags. The mobile device may be configured to scan for and identify tags within the user environment that satisfy a user preference. The mobile device may perform an action in response to identifying a tag that satisfies a user preference. The mobile device may be configured to scan for a wide variety of tags, including tags in the form of quick response codes, steganographic content, audio watermarks, audio outside of a human audible range, radio frequency identification tags, long wavelength identification tags, near field communication tags, and/or a Memory Spot device.

Abstract: An image matching system in which an imaging apparatus configured to capture an image and a storage unit configured to store matching information are connected to each other via a network and the imaging apparatus performs matching between the matching information and the captured image includes a selection unit configured to select, from among the matching information stored in the storage unit, matching information corresponding to predetermined time, and an updating unit configured to update the matching information to be used by the imaging apparatus to perform matching with the captured image with the matching information selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: An exemplary method and system of addressing an integrated circuit within a daisy chain network. In the exemplary method, the address of the integrated circuit may be initialized to a predetermined initial address. The integrated circuit may receive a command that includes a type identifier and an address field. Based on the type identifier, the type of command may be determined. As a result of the determination, reading the address from the address field. The read address may be stored in a register. The address may be modified, and may be output. Upon receipt of the data or a command, the integrity of the data including data within the received command, may be confirmed by an error checking algorithm.

Abstract: A device includes a housing, a rotatable platform, and a lift assembly supported by the housing and coupled to lift the rotatable platform above a working surface of the housing, the rotatable platform configured to support a checkout module and rotate the checkout module between a self-checkout position and an assisted checkout position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing fraud during retail checkout are described. A system includes: item identifier acquisition devices to acquire identifiers (e.g., barcodes) of items to be transacted; cameras or imagers to acquire images of the items to be transacted; an object recognition component to perform visual recognition of the acquired items through comparison of the acquired images of the items with a database and obtain identifiers of items represented in the database that correspond to an acquired image according to a correspondence criterion; a comparison component to compare a set of identifiers acquired through the item identifier acquisition devices with a set of identifiers obtained through the object recognition component; and an alerting component to provide an alert in case of discrepancies between the two sets.

Abstract: A system for identifying different types of products on a display hanger and determining a quantity of each of the different types of products includes a plurality of electrically conductive segments coupled to the display hanger, an electrically conductive rail coupled to the display hanger, and a sensor device electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electrically conductive segments and to the electrically conductive rail. The sensor device is configured to identify the different types of products on the display hanger and to determine the quantity of each of the different types of products based on a unique electrical signature associated with each of the different types of products.

Abstract: A record of a transaction of a customer includes the order the items were scanned. The reverse of this order is inferred to conform generally to the order items were placed in the cart. A route of the user is inferred from the locations of items and the reverse of the scanning order. Subsequent shopping lists of the customer may be ordered to conform to the inferred route as well as one or more route optimization criteria such as a preference for shorter routes or avoiding doubling back. Recommendations for items along the typical route may also be generated and transmitted to the customer. Non-conformal segments may be added to a route for a shopping list in order to route the customer past other portions of a store. Recommendations for items located along the non-conformal segments may also be added.

Abstract: A system and method provides a web interface which enables consumers to select nutritious meals and easily obtain needed ingredients for the meals. The web interface provides a plurality of user selectable meals to a user, obtains a selection of at least one of the user selectable meals from the user, provides a recipe for the selected meal to the user, generates a shopping list of ingredients for the selected meal, and provide the shopping list of ingredients and a store map illustrating locations of the ingredients in a specific store to the user.

Abstract: A system and method includes obtaining and storing video frames from a series of video frames on a computer readable storage device, calculating probability estimates for target locations in each frame for targets in a constrained environment, and determining candidate target locations in each frame.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus to scan coupons are described. A first visual code of a plurality of visual codes to be scanned may be displayed on an electronic screen. A scan signal indicating that the first visual code was scanned may be detected. Another of the plurality of visual codes may be displayed on the electronic screen in response to detecting the scan signal.

Abstract: A checkout stand having a circular turret rotatable about a central axis and a damping cylinder including a piston rod. The first end of the rod is pivotally attached to a location outside the perimeter of the turret, and the second end of the rod is pivotally attached to a location on the circular turret offset from the central axis.

Abstract: A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of bar coded quality indicators each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality affecting parameter, a barcode indicator reader operative to read the barcoded quality indicators and to provide output indications, the barcoded quality indicators being readable by the barcode indicator reader at all times after first becoming readable, including times prior to, during and immediately following exceedance of the at least one threshold by the at least one product quality affecting parameter, and a product type responsive indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product quality status outputs.

Abstract: A product recognition system comprises a product image data collector arranged to capture image data which is representative of an image of a product item. The product recognition system also comprises an acoustic energy source arranged to emit acoustic energy towards the product item. The product recognition further comprises a product acoustic data collector arranged to (i) capture acoustic energy deflected from the product item, (ii) process the captured acoustic data which has been deflected from the product item to provide product acoustic data which is representative of one or more characteristics of the product item, and (iii) compare the product acoustic data with a store of reference acoustic data to provide one or more subsets of items against which the captured image data can be compared to identify the product item.

Abstract: An imaging system for obtaining an image of a display of an electronic device presented by a presenter holding the electronic device includes a housing having an imaging subsystem disposed in the housing. The imaging subsystem includes an image sensor array and an imaging assembly operative for focusing an image of the display on the electronic device onto the image sensor array. A support includes a support surface and is operable for allowing the presenter to hold the electronic device against the support surface so that the display on the electronic device is positioned towards the imaging system while the image of the display is obtained.

Abstract: In some examples, a merchant device may control access to features based on an orientation of a display. For instance, the merchant device may present a first user interface (UI) for enabling a merchant to enter transaction information. Subsequently, the merchant device may present a second UI to enable the buyer to interact toward completion of the transaction, and the merchant may change the orientation of the display to face the buyer. While the display is oriented in the buyer direction, access to the merchant UI is prevented, thereby preventing initiation of a new transaction, cancellation of transaction, etc. When the display is returned to the first orientation, i.e., facing the merchant, the merchant device may enable certain UI features such as for initiating a new transaction, canceling a transaction, or perform other functions that a buyer may have been restricted from performing.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: The present technology is related to employing a template/macro-based order entry system. An initial order data message contains a macro that establishes the initial parameters for an order and a unique ID is associated with the template. Subsequent, and potentially smaller sized data messages contain the unique ID as well as relevant order details for placing an order. Of course, the technology described herein envisions a much broader concept of reducing message sizes to help improve overall latency and is not limited to order entry.

Abstract: An example carwash method involves a customer using a smartphone with an app for finding participating carwash locations, making online payments for select carwash options, and then using the smartphone app to start the washing process when the customer arrives at the carwash. Various means can be used for determining when the vehicle is at the carwash entrance. Examples of such means include, but are not limited to, reading the GPS coordinates of the smartphone in the vehicle; establishing Bluetooth, WiFi or some other limited-range wireless communication link between the smartphone and the local carwash controller; displaying and manually entering a code or password at the carwash; and scanning a QR code displayed on the smartphone. During the carwash operation, in some examples, the smartphone app provides the customer with an emergency stop option.

Abstract: To determine candidates for product purchase in electronic commerce more easily when a user purchases an attracting product through electronic commerce, the server (14A) includes a retrieval API (164A). The retrieval API (164A) receives and analyzes identifying information from a user terminal (12A) having a function of acquiring identifying information for identifying a product and thereby identifies one or more products from the identifying information. Then, the retrieval API (164A) reads one or more product sales information corresponding to the identified one or more products from a product database (168) that stores product sales information related to sales of products. The retrieval API (164A) then stores the read one or more product sales information as a retrieval history into a retrieval history database (170) and transmits the one or more product sales information to the user terminal (12A) to be displayed as candidate product information on the user terminal (12A).

Abstract: A storage device contains a smart-card device and a memory device, both of which are accessed though a controller. The storage device may be used in the same manner as a conventional smart-card device, or it may be used to store a relatively large amount of data in various partitions corresponding to the protection level of the data stored therein. The smart-card device stores critical security parameters that are provided to the controller to protect access to some or all of the partitions of the memory device. A host connected to the controller issues commands, and the controller analyzes the commands and responds to them in various ways depending upon the nature of the command. In particular, depending upon the nature of the command, the controller may either pass the command to the smart-card device, or ignore the command either indefinitely or until a predetermined event has occurred.

Abstract: Techniques for checking into a retail establishment are provided. A retailer provides a substrate having a magnetic-field encoded tag. A consumer waves the consumer's device over the tag to electronically capture the magnetic-field encoded tag. The consumer's device is used to communicate the tag to a retailer to validate that the consumer is physically present and now checked into the retail establishment of the retailer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a receipt data processing device includes a data generating section, an output section, and a converting section. The data generating section is configured to generate receipt data of a first data format including information about an item purchased by a customer. The output section is configured to output the receipt data to at least one of a printing device and an external device that is different from the printing device. The converting section is configured to convert a data format of the receipt data from the first data format to a second data format that is different from the first data format when the receipt data is output to the external device.