Abstract: Method for producing a label having at least one identifier and at least one authenticator printed on a printable medium. A unique identifier is generated by a centralized system or a printing device, and the unique identifier is printed on the printable medium incorporating the authenticator. The unique identifier is generated without relation to a product. The method is implemented with a system including one or more printing devices, one or more recording devices and one or more activation devices communicating with the centralized system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneous programming of data to individually addressed Tags. Tags contain a being addressed indicator that allows for processing of simultaneous programming commands. Specified Tags are individually pre-addressed to receive simultaneous programming. Tag data is programmed simultaneously for all Tags in a specified group of Tags. Data is individually verified for each specified Tag in the group of Tags and verification includes tracking a command counter for each specified Tag.

Abstract: The problem of the present invention is to provide a tablet-type portable electronic device that can perform payment by way of a card, as well as having a compact size. A tablet-type portable electronic device of the present invention includes a plate-shaped housing having a front surface, a touch panel and display unit provided to the front surface of the housing, and reading units that perform reading processing of a card related to payment. The reading units are configured integrally with the housing.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.

Abstract: Restocking cards with machine readable tags are placed on article packaging in a supply room. When an employee wishes to order an article, the employee removes the restocking card from the article packaging and presents the restocking card to a container equipped with a machine readable tag reader. The machine readable tag of the restocking card enables the container to generate an order for a predefined quantity of the identified article. The order is sent to a central stock server which processes the order and sends it to the appropriate fulfillment server.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a removable and reusable tracking device feature in an inventory management system may be described. For example, an inventory transfer request may be received for transferring inventory within a facility. A first indication may be received that indicates one or more reusable tracking devices are associated with the inventory included in the inventory transfer request. Information about the inventory transfer request may be mapped to the association of the one or more reusable tracking devices and the inventory. In an embodiment, a location of the inventory may be determined based on location information provided by the associated one or more reusable tracking devices. The mapping between the inventory transfer information to the one or more reusable tracking devices and the inventory may be removed based at least in part on the location information indicating that the inventory is located at a particular location within the facility.

Abstract: A register for counting and tracking items in a bag includes a manifest and an RFID reader. The RFID reader is used to query a plurality of RFID tags attached to items contained in the bag. The register creates reports counting and/or identifying changes to items contained in the bag while the bag is routed and/or items in the bag are processed for a customer.

Abstract: A system for tracking at least one object configured to be transported by at least one vehicle may include at least one computer system. The at least one computer system may be configured to determine at least one location of the at least one vehicle and determine at least one location of the at least one object. The at least one computer system may be further configured to determine at least one location of at least one geofence adjacent the at least one vehicle based on the at least one location of the at least one vehicle. Also, the at least one computer system may be configured to determine whether the at least one object is located within the at least one geofence to determine whether a load of the at least one vehicle includes the at least one object.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a housing configured to accommodate therein the image forming unit, a reading device, which is provided above the housing, and which is configured to read a content on the sheet, a protruding part, which protrudes from a side surface of the housing, and which is positioned within an outer edge of the reading device projected on a virtual horizontal plane when the protruding part is projected on the virtual horizontal plane, and a wireless board for a wireless communication, at least a part of the wireless board being arranged within the protruding part.

Abstract: An IC card of an embodiment is provided with a receiver to receive a first command transmitted from an external device, a determining processor to determine whether or not the first command is a switching request command to request switching the IC card from a passive mode to an active mode, a switching processor to switch oneself from the passive mode to the active mode, when the first command is the switching request command, an identification information acquiring processor to acquire identification information of other IC card existing in a communicable range of the external device from the switching request command, a command generating processor to generate a second command which includes the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring processor so as to make the other IC card execute processing, and a command transmitter to transmit the second command to the other IC card.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reading Radio Frequency Identified (RFID) tags. In an embodiment, an enclosure having, within it, an antenna and processor is provided. The processor may be configured to record tag observations for tag identifiers received by the antenna from RFID tags. For one or more time intervals, tag observations may be identified which satisfy a tag filter, and a confidence that RFID tags satisfying the tag filter were in the field of view of the antenna during the time interval may be computed based on the identified tag observations. According to an embodiment, reports for tag filters may be then generated using the computed confidences, and these reports may be transmitted to an external system over a network.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A mobile terminal inputs a sound effect output from a communication device through a microphone in response to completion of access to an IC module, and determines whether a sound pattern of the input sound effect indicates a preset sound pattern. When it is determined that the sound pattern of the input sound effect indicates the preset sound pattern, the mobile terminal transmits specific information to a specific destination.

Abstract: An exhibition device includes a support stage, a display panel, a position sensor, a camera module, a memory, and a processor. The support stage includes a support surface defining a support area for supporting an exhibition object. The position sensor is aligned with the support area. The position sensor detects whether the exhibition object is picked up. The camera module is located on the display panel and orientates toward the support area to capture images in real time. The memory stores basic information and detail information of the exhibition object. The processor analyzes the images to determine whether a face feature exists in the images, and controls the display panel to display the basic information if the sizes of the face feature become bigger, and controls the display panel to display the detail information when the exhibition object is picked up.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality radio frequency identification tags is described. The system uses at least one set of radio frequency identification tags. Each tag is attached to a container and includes several sensors for detecting physical conditions of said container. The system includes at least one autonomous intermediate reader in wireless communication with the frequency identification tags. The intermediate reader includes external wireless communication system, intermediate reader logic controller, and a self-contained rechargeable power supply. The system uses a central status reporting system in communication the intermediate reader.

Abstract: A bearing system and a cage for a bearing are provided. The bearing system includes a bearing, the bearing including: an outer race; an inner race; a roller which is disposed between the outer race and the inner race in a radial direction of the bearing; and a cage which is also disposed between the outer race and the inner race in the radial direction of the bearing and used for keeping the roller. The bearing system further includes a condition monitoring system, the condition monitoring system including: an RFID chip which is fixed to the cage; a printed circuit wire with which the RFID chip is electrically connected, and which is disposed along a circumferential body of the cage and remains conductive so long as a portion of the cage covered by the printed circuit wire is kept intact; and an RFID reader which can communicate with the RFID chip through a radio frequency signal to monitor a condition of the cage.

Abstract: An encoded information reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, a communication interface, and an RFID reading device configured to output raw message data comprising an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to receiving one or more target item identifiers, to attempt to locate at least one RFID tag transmitting an encoded representation of a binary string, at least part of which is equal to at least part one of the specified one or more target item identifiers. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to successfully locating at least one RFID tag, to notify a user via a visual message and/or an audible message.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a housing configured to accommodate therein the image forming unit, a reading device, which is provided above the housing, and which is configured to read a content on the sheet, a protruding part, which protrudes from a side surface of the housing, and which is positioned within an outer edge of the reading device projected on a virtual horizontal plane when the protruding part is projected on the virtual horizontal plane, and a wireless board for a wireless communication, at least a part of the wireless board being arranged within the protruding part.

Abstract: A method for a communication device to automatic respond to an incoming call is provided. The method includes: configuring a destination and a message template; detecting whether there is an obstruction in front of the communication device and a picture taken by a rear camera is in an even color when an incoming call is received; turning off a ringtone of the incoming call if there is an obstruction and the picture is in an even color; detecting a current position and position variation by a GPS unit; calculating an average speed based on the position variation; and hanging up the incoming call, calculating a time required to reach the destination, filling out the message template with the time required to form a predefined message, and then transmitting the predefined message to the caller of the incoming call if the average speed equals to or exceed a predefined value.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for supplying rich multimedia metadata usable to generate, e.g., sophisticated entertainment user interfaces in the home. These methods and systems can be implemented as a server-based software application that feeds multiple, diverse clients. The server functionality could be distributed, even co-located physically with one or more clients, or centralized. The server aggregates, filters, validates, augments and links metadata from disparate sources. The server transforms the metadata into a more manageable and extensible internal format. The server communicates with client devices using a schema-independent protocol, providing metadata in the appropriate format that suites the clients needs.

Abstract: A method of locating a smartphone or electronic device may include determining a location of a such device (e.g. smartphone), continuously monitoring time and location of the smartphone, predicting expected locations of the smartphone, and issuing alerts regarding the location of the smartphone.

Abstract: A method, system, and corresponding apparatus are provided for translating components of a data set from a barcode to complete an information set. In particular, a method may include receiving a first data string corresponding to a first scanned barcode; decoding the first data string according to the first barcode format to generate a first data payload; and identifying, by a processor, from the first data payload a first set of rules for extracting information from the first data payload. Methods may include extracting information from the first data payload according to the first set of rules to obtain one or more components; translating the one or more components of the first data payload into at least one translated component; and providing for display of the at least one translated component.

Abstract: A method for processing waste in a material handling system includes detecting an occurrence of a trigger event associated with a waste holder located at a first location and, in response to detecting the trigger event, moving a mobile drive unit to the first location. The method also includes loading waste material onto the mobile drive unit at the first location and transporting the waste material to a waste station using the mobile drive unit.

Abstract: A barcode device including a barcode scanner to scan barcode labels and provide raw barcode data signals, a processor to receive and process the raw barcode data signals to provide processed barcode data signals and compare at least two of the processed barcode data signals, an indicator to notify a user of barcode data information based on the receipt of barcode data and comparison performed by the processor, and a housing to contain the barcode scanner, the processor, and the indicator, the housing comprising a first end, an opposing second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end, the housing configured to couple to a back of a glove.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods operate to identify, by a scanning device, whether barcode data includes one of a primary type or a secondary type. Additional activity includes reconfiguring the scanning device to receive secondary barcode data when the primary type comprises a non-standalone primary barcode, reporting a standalone secondary barcode of the secondary type to a transaction processing system, and buffering a non-standalone secondary barcode of the secondary type. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a device to engage in a zero-knowledge proof with an entity requiring authentication either of secret material or of the device itself. The device may provide protection of the secret material or its private key for device authentication using a hardware security module (HSM) of the device, which may include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) accessible or programmable only by the device manufacturer. In the case of authenticating the device itself a zero-knowledge proof of knowledge may be used. The zero-knowledge proof or zero-knowledge proof of knowledge may be conducted via a communication channel on which an end-to-end (e.g.

Abstract: A server and rack system includes at least one server rack; multiple server slots within the rack; multiple near field communication (NFC) tags; a server located within one of the server slots; an NFC reader within and powered by the server; and an entity that needs to receive locations of servers within racks of the system. Each of the multiple NFC tags is positioned on the rack so as to individually correspond, on a one-to-one basis, with each of the multiple server slots, and each of the NFC tags is programmed with an identifier of the specific rack and slot with which it corresponds, and the NFC reader is positioned such that, when power is supplied to the NFC reader by the server, the NFC reader will read the identifier that corresponds to the slot the server is located within and automatically communicate that identifier to the entity.

Abstract: A radio frequency identity (RFID) chip. The RFID chip comprises an antenna to receive and transmit information signals and to receive power radiated by a radio frequency power source, an electrical power induction component coupled to the antenna, a radio transceiver coupled to the antenna, a memory, a connector that is configured for connecting the RFID chip into a communication bus of a circuit board and to a battery derived source of power provided by the circuit board, and a processor coupled to the connector, the memory, and the radio transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to read from the memory and to provide the information read from the memory to the radio transceiver for transmitting and to read from the connector and write the information read from the connector to the memory.

Abstract: A method of choosing an object from multiple objects using a wireless device includes receiving a backscatter communication signal from each of the objects, determining one or more analog parameter of each backscatter communication signal, and, using the wireless device, selecting one object based at least in part on the analog parameter of each backscatter communication signal. Each of the objects includes an RF interface configured to communicate using backscatter communication.

Abstract: In an approach for suggesting an item to pack, a processor receives an indication that a user is packing a first item of luggage, wherein the indication includes information about a trip. A processor generates a packing list based on the information about the trip. A processor receives a request to link the first item of luggage and a second item of luggage for the trip. A processor links the first and second items of luggage such that contents of each item of luggage are jointly compared to the packing list. A processor receives, via a short-range point-to-point communication reader of the first item of luggage, a signal from a short-range point-to-point communication device operably affixed to a first item. A processor identifies the first item based on the signal. A processor determines that the first item is an item of the packing list.

Abstract: A method for filtering scanned objects displayed on a reader is provided. The reader may scan one or more transponders, and obtain, from a database, an image for each scanned transponder. Each transponder may be associated with an object (e.g., an item of retail inventory). The obtained image for each object may be presented on an interface, and a selection of an object category may be received using the obtained images. A determination may be made as to which objects are associated with the selected object category. A display screen may display data associated with only the objects associated with the selected object category.

Abstract: A dispenser use monitor provides a housing configured to be removably attached to a portable dispenser, such as a soap dispenser. The housing includes a controller that stores one or more reference ID codes that match the tag ID codes associated with each of one or more data tags. The data tags are used to identify predetermined areas in which the portable dispenser is to be used. Thus, as the use monitor is brought into proximity with each data tag, indicating that the portable dispenser has been used in the associated area, the use monitor validates the reference ID codes if it matches the tag ID code of the particular data tag. In addition, an indicator displays the remaining number of reference ID codes that have not been validated, thereby providing a reminder to the user of the portable dispenser of the progress of their job completion.

Abstract: In a component mounting system, a portable operation terminal is wirelessly connectable to mounting machines. The portable operation terminal includes: a processing portion which displays a screen allowing a worker to select one of the mounting machines to be connected to the portable operation terminal; and a terminal-side connection processing portion which issues a connection request to the selected mounting machine and which connects the portable operation terminal to the mounting machine upon reception of an acknowledgement from the mounting machine. The mounting machine includes: an equipment-side connection processing portion which connects the mounting machine to the portable operation terminal in response to the connection request, and a notification unit which notifies the worker of the fact that the mounting machine has been connected to the portable operation terminal, directly by at least one of sound and light.

Abstract: Models of a distribution network grid are automatically updated in response to real-time location data of uniquely identified temporary devices. Current geographical coordinates are determined within a distance tolerance that is selected as a function of a type of device indicated by the identity indicia. The geographical information system model is updated with a location of a unique identity of the device at the determined current geographical coordinates within the distance tolerance if unique identity of the device not already present within the geographical information system model, or if it is present and a displacement distance from the determined current geographical coordinates of the temporary device to existing geographic coordinates that are stored in the geographical information system model in association with the unique device identity exceeds a specified distance margin.

Abstract: To facilitate conducting a financial transaction via wireless communication between a portable electronic device (such as a smartphone) and another electronic device (such as a point-of-sale terminal), the portable electronic device may, after a final command is received from the other electronic device, determine a unique transaction identifier for the financial transaction. In particular, the final command may be specific to a payment applet, stored in a secure element in the portable electronic device, which conducts the financial transaction. The secure element may generate the unique transaction identifier based on financial-account information associated with the payment applet, which is communicated to the other electronic device. Moreover, the financial-account information may specify a financial account that is used to pay for the financial transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining discrepancies between physical inventory and virtual inventory includes a memory and a processor. The memory can store a virtual inventory associated with an inventory bin, and an image representing a physical inventory associated with the inventory bin. The processor is coupled to the memory and can determine from the image a physical inventory comprising one or more units of inventory from the inventory bin. The processor can also determine discrepancies between the determined physical inventory of the inventory bin and the virtual inventory associated with the inventory bin.

Abstract: Object tracking anti-jitter filtering systems and methods. A plurality of raw location points for a tracking tag attached to a tracked object is received. The raw location points are stored within a raw location points buffer. Raw location points within an averaging window are averaged to generate an averaged location point. The averaged location point is stored within an averaged location points buffer for use within the object tracking system.

Abstract: A data sensing and threat detecting network comprising a plurality of wireless sensor devices for communication with wireless detector units in a multi-hop arrangement to allow transmission of data there between in optimized paths. The network further has a plurality of low power sub-sensor devices for transmission of data to respective sensor devices in close proximity thereto due to their low power, but their low cost allows them to be used in large numbers to blanket substantially all of the physical space in a venue. The sensor and sub-sensor devices may include portable sensor devices and condition sensing devices.

Abstract: A method of locating a smartphone or electronic device may include determining a location of a such device (e.g. smartphone), continuously monitoring time and location of the smartphone, predicting expected locations of the smartphone, and issuing alerts regarding the location of the smartphone.

Abstract: Locations of animate and inanimate items are tracked over time. Tracking policies concerning the items are enforced, based on detected spatiotemporal events. Multiple routers each maintain a captive network to which mobile computing devices automatically connect. Users register mobile computing devices, which are associated with items to be tracked. A backend server maintains records concerning registered mobile computing devices. Records contain identifiers of registered mobile computing devices and their associated items, as well as categorization information and tracking policies concerning the items. Over time, registered mobile computing devices are moved around, causing them to connect to and disconnect from different captive networks. These connection events are reported to the backend, which uses this data to track locations of items over time.

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.

Abstract: A system contains one or more non-electronic components, each of which has a near field communication (NFC) identification chip attached thereon and/or associated therewith. A non-electronic component inventory controller identifies the non-electronic components in the system by interrogating the NFC identification chips with an NFC electromagnetic field that is emitted an NFC electromagnetic field emitter.

Abstract: The present invention is a discrete signal-identifying badge and operative system for recognizing, differentiating and distinguishing among the many kinds, shapes and sizes of surgical instruments and tools commonly used today for human and veterinary surgeries and in scientific research. The signal-identifying badge is a discrete millimeter-sized article of manufacture which can be easily affixed to an exposed surface of any type, any configuration and any dimension of surgical instrument or tool; and includes a well-cushioned and protected photovoltaic cell-integrated chip transponder unit embedded within a safeguarding three-tier stack construct.

Abstract: A system for managing pharmacy kits comprises a reading station configured to read tag information from a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags associated with a pharmacy kit, and an information processing system operatively connected to the reading station and configured to receive the tag information from the reading station and determine a status of the pharmacy kit based on the tag information, a plurality of stored templates defining contents to be included in each of a plurality of pharmacy kits, and a plurality of kit records indicating the current contents of a plurality of pharmacy kits.

Abstract: Technology for dispensing medication from a wheeled medical cart is disclosed. A method comprises placing the medication in a medication storage compartment of a storage container of the wheeled medical cart. A method can further comprise entering medication data into a computing device operating on the wheeled medical cart. A method can further comprise electronically securing the medication stored in the medication storage compartment. A method further comprises repositioning the wheeled medical cart a patient location The method can further comprise electronically identifying at least one predetermined user of the wheeled medical cart at the patient location to enable the predetermined user to gain access to the medication in the medication storage compartment for a patient to enable the predetermined user to provide medication from the wheeled medical cart to the patient.

Abstract: A library apparatus includes a shutter mechanism including a slide-type shutter configured to open and close the opening and an urging member configured to urge the shutter in a closing direction, and a first locking mechanism configured such that when the running body is stopped at a passing and receiving position of the cartridge, the first locking mechanism permits the shutter in a fully closed state to slide in an opening direction and enables a fully open state of the shutter to be maintained, whereas when the running body is not stopped at the passing and receiving position of the cartridge, the first locking mechanism releases the maintenance of the fully open state of the shutter and prohibits the shutter in the fully closed state from sliding in the opening direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for establishing the whereabouts of an asset being tracked while in the process of being transported to a given destination. This may optionally be accomplished by utilizing identification beacons in the form of RF or other wireless transmitters to establish to a tracking system that a given asset is being transported via the appropriate structure in a pre-established schedule. Further, by knowing in advance that a given structure will be used for transportation or temporary storage, sensing parameters of smart tracking devices may be adjusted to better accommodate customer alert situations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique for preventing accidental removal of a print product, including the case of one portion of the print product being pulled out, without keeping a user waiting for print output. An image processing system includes an output unit configured to output, to a monitoring tray, an output result of a print job to which a monitoring attribute is allocated, an imaging unit configured to capture a video of the monitoring tray, a detection unit configured to detect motion in an output product region of the monitoring tray, based on the video captured by the imaging unit, and a warning information output unit configured to output warning information in a case where the detection unit detects motion in the output product region.

Abstract: Described herein is a technology for facilitating delta data load. In some implementations, history tables corresponding to physical tables in a data source are provided in a database layer. The database layer includes change list tables corresponding to the history tables and a physical data model based on one or more physical tables. Delta data is determined by analyzing the change list table to create delta data summary tables. Key lists are generated for summary tables corresponding to physical tables which physical data is based. The delta data is applied to the physical data model.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.