Abstract: There is described herein a system and method for tracking an infant formula product. Coded data representative of a unique identity of the formula product is attached thereto and read to allow inventory control and track the allocation of the infant formula product to a user. For instance, safety mechanisms can be put into place to ensure the authenticity of the formula product and that the user is fed the product in accordance with a prescribed composition.

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: Methods, systems, and devices are described for determining an orientation of a mobile device. One method includes capturing, at the mobile device, an image of at least one illuminated object defining an illuminated reference axis; determining a first angle between the illuminated reference axis and a device reference axis of the mobile device; determining a second angle between the illuminated reference axis and a common reference axis; estimating a third angle between the device reference axis and the common reference axis; and determining an orientation of the mobile device based at least in part on the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle.

Abstract: A signal emitting retail device is provided. The signal emitting retail device includes a sensor and an emitter. The emitter is configured to emit a signal when the sensor senses removal of merchandise from a merchandise display structure. The sensor is also configured to sense potential theft conditions. The emitter is configured to emit a signal indicative of potential theft conditions when such conditions are sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the remote inspection of a structure, comprising the following operations: producing a 3D image of an area of the structure to be inspected, superimposing said 3D image with a previously stored digital model of the structure, geographically locating the area of the structure to be inspected on the structure model, and inspecting the area of the structure to be inspected on the 3D image superimposed with the digital model. The invention also relates to a system for implementing the method, comprising an imaging device (10) that can be installed in the vicinity of the area of the structure to be inspected (2), and an image-processing device (6) located remotely from the imaging device (10) in order to generate a 3D image from the images captured by the camera (11).

Abstract: Described are machine vision systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products for associating codes with objects. In an embodiment, a machine vision system includes an area-scan camera having a field of view (FOV), the area-scan camera disposed relative to a first workspace such that the FOV covers at least a portion of the first workspace and a dimensioner disposed relative to a second workspace. The machine vision system includes a machine vision processor configured to: determine an image location of a code in an image; determine a ray in a shared coordinate space that is a back-projection of the image location of the code; determine one or more surfaces of one or more objects based on dimensioning data; determine a first surface of the one or more surfaces that intersects the 3D ray; and associate the code with an object associated with the first surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems that involve monitoring presence of items based on context. An exemplary method involves: (i) determining a context for a given user; (ii) determining a proximity framework between a monitoring device and one or more items, based on the determined context, wherein the proximity framework comprises (a) one or more proximity requirements, each proximity requirement indicating a required proximity between the monitoring device and at least one of the items and (b) a notification process corresponding to each proximity requirement; (iii) monitoring proximity of each of the items relative to the monitoring device, based on a presence signal from each of the items, in order to determine when one of the proximity requirements is not met; and (iv) responsive to determining that one of the proximity requirements is not met, initiating the corresponding notification process.

Abstract: A display unit comprising a plurality of display modules arranged in a row and having an upper display section and a lower display section. One of the display modules includes an interactive Kiosk, and a second of the display modules includes at least one computer controlled card reading video station. A consumer may pass a coded paint color sample card past a code reader in the video station and is thereafter presented with a display of a color present on the sample card followed by a selectable sequence of video display screens, which may comprise part of a color selection application program.

Abstract: An exemplary pass-through connector includes a connector housing a first end and a second end. A first amount of terminals extends from said first end to said second end. A supply line connects to a second amount of terminals. The supply line is located apart from the first end and the second end. The second amount of terminals is less than said first amount of terminals.

Abstract: The device for storing and ordering biological sampling blocks, each block being in the form of a housing provided with identification information on one surface thereof, includes: storage for at least one element as a horizontally-extending drawer for positioning the blocks vertically in columns and rows with the above-mentioned surface facing upward, and with a nesting device provided as regularly spaced projections or recesses, forming male and female parts on the base, in which the blocks can be inserted; and a device for referencing the position of each block within the storage. The device for referencing includes a device for reading the identification information of each block and for the computerized recording of the position. The method includes using this device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for localizing an asset using the modulated backscatter from an asset tag and one or more marker tags are described. The system includes the reader, a location module and one or more marker tags. The location estimates for the asset tag are based partially on a prior knowledge of the location of each of the one or more marker tags. The location for each marker tag may be stored in a database. The location module determines a location estimate for the asset tag using the estimated parameters of the modulated backscatter signals received from one or more marker tags and from the asset tag. Using the known locations of the marker tags, a location estimate of the asset tag can be determined. The location estimate may be a relative location, an absolute location, and/or may be a zone including the marker tags. A mobile reader using the marker tags can localize asset tags throughout a large area and may, for example, take an inventory of assets throughout the large area.

Abstract: Data staging for results of analytics according to an example method includes maintaining current results from the analytics in a first data structure, the first data structure having a label identifying first data structure as a target for queries. The method also includes maintaining prior results from the analytics in at least one other data structure. The method also includes changing the label of the first data structure after a predetermined time. The method also includes assigning the label to one of the other data structures, wherein the label identifies the one of the other data structures as the target for queries.

Abstract: A system having multiple short-range transmission devices, each of which is assigned a unique identity and is positioned at a respectively different location within a three dimensional space. The assignment of the identity is according to signals broadcast by short-range device(s) as sensed unambiguously by a listening device or devices proximate to the short-range transmission device(s) and further associating the identity with a reference point.

Abstract: A system. A system includes a computing system. The computing system includes a processor, a first module, a second module, and a third module. The first module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for receiving chain of custody information associated with an item. The second module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for determining a status of the item based on the received chain of custody information. The third module is communicably connected to the processor and is configured for arranging data into a specified format. The data includes the status of the item and the chain of custody information. The third module is also configured for transmitting the data.

Abstract: A system and method for documenting evidence. Investigators are provided a mobile client device enabling them to document evidence directly at a crime scene. Documentation is provided to an evidence gathering module which collects the documentation and stores it to an evidence database. Once the investigation is complete, a chain of custody document is generated. Documentation is time and date stamped and each documented item of evidence is linked to the particular investigator that documented it. The mobile client device provides automated location and environmental data, reducing error and overhead for the investigator.

Abstract: A banking system that utilizes metrics in acquiring and processing event data related to financial transaction activity at a plurality of automated banking machines. Automated banking machine include sensors able to detect event data during a transaction. The event data can include transaction data related to the type of transaction, time analysis data related to duration of the transaction, and operational data related to machine components used in carrying out the transaction. The event data for automated banking machines can be obtained, analyzed, and stored. Statistical averages associated with the banking system machines can be determined in real time. The averages allow a respective machine to be compared to other machines with respect to operational efficiency. An alert can be issued concerning a statistical anomaly regarding the respective machine.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for use in delivery of items to a storage unit. The storage unit can include one or several storage receptacles and a control unit that controls and monitors the status of the one or several storage receptacles. The storage unit can be included in a storage unit system that can include one or several storage units and a central control unit. The central control unit can communicate with the one or several storage units, and can receive status and availability updates from the one or several storage units.

Abstract: A process for cataloguing information to an LTO storage device is disclosed. The process begins by writing content data the user wishes to store to an LTO storage device. In one embodiment, such content is written such that each portion of the content is associated with a file. Once the LTO storage device has stored the content, a user creates a catalog identifying particular locations on the LTO storage device associated with particular files of the content the user wishes to recall in the future. The catalog is then stored on a separate memory for later use.

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: Distribution of a product or package is tracked through a supply chain having multiple entities that successively receive the product or package. A unique device identifier is associated with each of the supply chain entities and identifies a device that the supply chain entity uses to communicate with an administration computer. The supply chain entities electronically communicate to the administration computer via the device whenever the supply chain entities send a product or package to a successive supply chain entity in the supply chain or receive a product or package from a previous supply chain entity in the supply chain. The communication includes the unique device identifier of the supply chain entity, the unique product or package identifier of the product or package being sent or received, and the supplier code that the supply chain entity has received the product or package from, or sends the product or package to.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated node apparatus and methods of its operation are described involving interaction with a master node that communicates with a server in a wireless node network. As part of magnetically altering an operation of a node in a wireless node network having a master node operative to communicate with a server, the node detects one or more magnetic field changes in a proximate environment of the node (such as a sensing an altered configuration of a magnetic switch integrated within the node). The node then alters a management function of the node (such as changing a power condition of the node that may override a prior power setting) in response to the detected one or more magnetic field changes. The node further transmits to the master node information about the altered management function (such as a movement alert and/or location information) to be forwarded to the server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for tracking documents. The documents are tracked by simultaneously monitoring each document's electronic processing status and physical location. Determinations are made whether specific combinations of electronic processing states and physical locations are valid and whether specific movements of documents are permitted. Invalid combinations or movements are reported to a reporting station. The preparation of batches of documents prior to scanning may be monitored and operator metrics related to the batch prep process may be tracked. Exception documents rejected during document processing may be monitored to enable retrieval of such documents.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system configured to process location information for objects in a site comprising an imaging device configured to take a picture of an object, the picture containing a unique identifier of the object; a global positioning system (GPS) component associated with the imaging device and configured to tag the image of the object with GPS location information of the object to generate a tagged image; a communications interface configured to transmit the tagged image to a server computer remote from the imaging device over an Internet Protocol (IP) network; and a processor of the server configured to perform Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on the picture and to create an indicator code corresponding to the identifier of the object, wherein the processor is further configured to create a processed result containing the indicator code and the location to locate the object within the site.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking items, such as receptacles, during a process employs a rack configured to hold one or more receptacles. Each receptacle includes a machine-readable label providing information regarding the receptacle, such as contents thereof and process(es) to be performed thereon, and each receptacle-receiving position of the rack has associated therewith a machine-readable label identifying the receptacle receiving location. The rack also includes a memory element to which electronic data may be written. A label reading device reads the machine-readable label on each receptacle and the position-indicating, machine-readable labels on the rack. Information obtained from the machine-readable labels is written to the memory element, so that for subsequent processing of the receptacles carried on the rack, information relating to each of the receptacles can be obtained by reading the information written to the memory element.

Abstract: A system and method is described for printing a label with an RFID tag. The system includes an RFID reader that queries a first RFID tag coupled to a first medicinal container that includes a medication. In response, the system receives a first unique identifier and uses the first unique identifier to determine a status of the medication, associate the first medicinal container with a medical provider and print a second label that includes a second RFID tag for a second medicinal container.

Abstract: A system includes N location indicators and a mobile scanning device. The N location indicators are configured to be arranged throughout a store that includes a plurality of stocked items for picking according to one or more electronic customer orders. Each of the N location indicators is configured to transmit a different location signal. The mobile scanning device includes a display. The mobile scanning device is configured to wirelessly receive an electronic customer order comprising a plurality of ordered items indicating which of the stocked items are to be picked, detect at least one of the N location signals, and arrange at least some of the plurality of ordered items on the display based on which of the at least one of the N location signals is detected.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for defining a group of virtual objects representative of physical objects includes receiving a user input via an input device, wherein the user input relates to at least one virtual object. The method also includes using a processor to determine a purpose of the user input, modifying an object group with respect to the virtual object based on the purpose of the user input, and storing the relationship between the object group and the object in a memory area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an integrated communication system for sports timing systems having a data interface, a memory and a processor. The data interface is for communicating over a data communication network. The memory includes executable instructions for operating the data interface to communicate over the data communication network and for storing participant data including participant data that includes a participant identifier for uniquely identifying each participant and participant timing data. The processor is coupled to the memory and the data interface and executes the executable instructions for operating the data interface to transmit datagram messages over a stateless packet data communication network wherein the datagram messages include multicast and unicast messages, each of which includes at least a portion of the participant data.

Abstract: A recognition system includes an acquisition module configured to acquire an image data generated by an image sensor, a first generation module configured to generate a graphical user interface which contains the image data, and an input module configured to detect an input on the graphical user interface, the input indicating a position designation on the image data. The recognition system further includes a second generation module configured to overlap a frame-line on the image data of the graphical user interface based on the position designation detected by the input module, and a calculation module configured to calculate one or more feature values of an object image within the frame-line.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a computer-implemented method of managing inventory includes receiving, at an antenna operatively coupled to a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader, product identification information encoded in an RF signal transmitted by a plurality of RFID tags. Each of the RFID tags is associated with a respective one of a plurality of products. The method further includes processing, by a processor and using the product identification information, information contained in a portion of the encoded RF signal to compare apparent location information associated with the RFID reader with prior location information associated with at least one of the products, and updating, by the processor, the apparent location information to match the prior location information where the apparent location information is different than the prior location information.

Abstract: A method, system and tag for low power radio frequency communication is described. In one embodiment, the RF tag comprises: an access point comprising: a first antenna; a first radio coupled to the first antenna; a central processing unit coupled to the first radio; a backscatter adapter coupled to the access point via a wired communication interface, the backscatter adapter comprising a backscatter radio and a second antenna coupled to the backscatter radio for use in communicating with an RF tag in the network via backscatter.

Abstract: A method for validating pharmaceutical compositions' weight is disclosed. The method may involve a pharmaceutical composition weight validation system, which may include a pharmaceutical manufacturing process, a barcode scanning, weighing the pharmaceutical compositions with a pharmaceutical balance, sending the barcode scanning and weight information to a database, and having a user accessing the information through a user interface. Additionally, the method for validating pharmaceutical compositions' weight may include entering inventory into the system, formulating the batch, storing weight information, manufacturing the batch, assigning and printing a barcode on the pharmaceutical products, scanning the barcode, weighing the pharmaceutical compositions, populating and storing the weight data, checking if weight is correct in pharmaceutical compositions, and correcting the weight of pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: When a device desired to acquire emission right information is selected on a selection screen displayed on a display unit and a “SEND” icon is manipulated, a control unit causes the display unit to display consumables information of consumables granted with emission rights and consumables not granted with emission rights that is received from a server. When a user selects a consumable item that is desired to be ordered from among consumables indicated by the consumables information displayed on the display unit, and manipulates a “SEND ORDER SHEET” icon on the ordering screen, the control unit sends an order sheet to the server. The control unit causes the display unit to display, in the case of receiving order sheet receipt notification from the server in response to the sent order sheet, the received order sheet receipt notification.

Abstract: A process for obtaining information from an LTO storage device using a catalog such as the catalog is disclosed. At the outset, a user requests to access one or more files from the LTO storage device. The user then accesses a catalog constructed in the manner discussed above that indicates the location of the desired files on the LTO storage device. From there, the user commands an appropriately configured LTO robot to seek out the desired files located on the LTO storage device. Upon receiving the commands, the LTO robot locates the desired file by reading the entire tape, decodes the desired files and delivers them to the user.

Abstract: Systems and method can be employed to automatically extract radiation dose information from medical images, particularly a plurality of heterogeneous CT images including those from legacy CT scanners. A report including the extracted radiation dose information can be generated, and alerts can be sent to reduce the possibility of overexposures.

Abstract: A rotatable tag is provided that is configured to be affixed to a moveable object, the tag includes a housing configured to provide an increased volume and occupy a relatively small amount of surface area on the object to which the tag is affixed. The rotatable tag is configured to transmit information related to the tag and/or an environment surrounding the tag. Related systems are also provided herein.

Abstract: A system and method of integrating diverse sources of data and data streams is presented. The method can include selecting a scenario based on a topic, creating a multi-relational directed graph based on the scenario, identifying and converting resources in accordance with the scenario and updating the multi-directed graph based on the resources, identifying data feeds in accordance with the scenario and updating the multi-directed graph based on the data feeds, identifying analytical routines in accordance with the scenario and updating the multi-directed graph using the analytical routines and identifying data outputs in accordance with the scenario and defining queries to produce the data outputs from the multi-directed graph.

Abstract: A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element.

Abstract: A wireless communication system monitors device status of a wireless communication device to generate device status data. The system associates a device identifier with the device status data and an anonymous key. The system receives a content request from the wireless communication device and transfers the anonymous key and the device status data to an advertising system. The transferred device status data does not identify the wireless communication device. The system receives the anonymous key and advertising data transferred from the advertising system and associates the advertising data with the wireless communication device based on the anonymous key. The system transfers the content and the advertising data to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking an interrogator relay unit (IRU) associated with a mobile asset within a structure, comprising: integrating one or more RFID tags within building materials within the structure; emitting an RF interrogation signal using the IRU; receiving, at the IRU, location data from one or more RFID tags in response to the RF interrogation signal; and transmitting the location data, an identification information of the IRU, and timestamp data to a remote server using the IRU.

Abstract: An implant device identifiable after implantation comprises a main portion of the implant device and a coded portion of the implant device. The coded portion comprises a radiopaque element and indicia on the radiopaque element or indicia as a plurality of radiopaque elements disposed within the coded portion. The indicia are discernible by x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: Information is exchanged between a mobile communications device and an automated information system. In one embodiment, the mobile communications device is equipped with a video display and a digital camera, and the automated information system is equipped with a video display and a graphical representation receiver. The automated information system displays a first graphical representation encoded with a first dataset. The mobile communications device captures an image of the first graphical representation, decodes the first dataset, processes the first dataset, generates a second dataset, encodes the second dataset in a second graphical representation, and displays the second graphical representation. The automated information system receives the second graphical representation, decodes the second dataset, and processes the second dataset. Examples of graphical representations include barcodes.

Abstract: A cart includes a scanning device, a control device, and an RFID label printer for replacement of non-RFID labels with RFID labels without the risk of misplacing media items or mislabeling the same. The scanning device scans, information from a non-RFID label, e.g., a bar code label, attached to one of the media items and delivers scanned data to the control device. The control device then creates, with the RFID label printer, a unique encoded RFID label corresponding to the non-RFID label scanned by the scanning device. The unique encoded RFID label can include a data field having a cart identifier to which the scanning device and the RFID label printer are attached and a serial number.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that pairs a container monitoring system with a handheld terminal application for ensuring a secure and verifiable chain of custody, real-time asset tracking, and document management. According to one aspect of the present invention, the remote monitoring station verifies identification and licenses and oversees transferring container custody from agent to agent for each container unit. The present invention further provides a system to manage documentation in which information from multiple sensors and multiple shipments travel and arrive with the actual shipments allowing the user to collect, view, scan, transmit and print all pertinent information pertaining to each specific shipment. The present invention may be used in conjunction with the prior art and function as a universal open architecture capable of linking to, for example, existing container sensor systems and/or shipping document management systems.

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: A system and method for locating sample vessels are presented. The system comprises a holder having an array of positions for holding sample vessels. An information tag is attached to the holder for storing and/or retrieving machine-readable information related to the positions of sample vessels with respect to the array of positions. The system further comprises a handheld device capable of reading information on the information tag. The handheld device has an input for inputting information related to a to-be-located sample vessel and an output for outputting a position of the to-be-located sample vessel with respect to the array of positions based on information stored in the information tag. The method comprises inputting information related to a to-be-located sample vessel into the handheld device, reading information stored in the holder's information tag with the handheld device; and outputting a position of the to-be-located sample vessel.

Abstract: An RFID system and tag, and a method for identifying objects using an RFID system are disclosed. In an embodiment, an RFID tag comprises a microchip for storing an identification sequence, a tag antenna coupled with the microchip for receiving and transmitting the RF signal; and a ferrous metal portion disposed near the IC and the tag antenna. The ferrous metal portion is sensitive to, and heats up when subjected to, magnetic induction. The heat of the ferrous metal is propagated to the RFID tag such that the tag reaches its operating temperature more quickly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tracking a plurality of marine riser assets are provided. Part of a riser lifecycle monitoring system, the apparatus can include an oil and gas riser spider to connect a plurality of riser pipe sections during assembly of a riser pipe string. The riser spider forms an annulus around a first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections and supports the first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections during connection to a second section. The apparatus can also include a reader including an antenna arrangement to read a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, e.g., directional 125 kHz RFD tags, attached to or embedded within an outer surface portion of each of the plurality of riser pipe sections.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that obtains an end user assistance for an identified item within a geographic locale.

Abstract: An information processing system comprises an information providing medium that stores electronic parts capable of reading information in an electromagnetic or optical manner, the information providing medium parts being attached to an entity in order to provide information associated with the entity; a hand held terminal device having an information read function that reads information from the information providing medium electronic parts in an electromagnetic or optical manner and record the information; and an information processing unit for retrieving reading and processing the information recorded in the hand held terminal device; wherein the information providing medium is inconspicuously attached to the entity. In this manner, the information can be recorded into the hand held terminal for later use by a user.