Abstract: A method of rotating an inventory holder includes moving an inventory holder towards a rotation area along a straight segment of a path with a first face of the inventory holder facing a first direction. The rotation area includes a portion of a workspace designated for rotation of inventory holders. The method further includes moving the inventory holder into the rotation area along a first arced segment with an orientation of the first face perpendicular to the first arced segment. The method additionally includes executing a rotation maneuver within the rotation area and moving the inventory holder out of the rotation area along a second arced segment with a second face facing the first direction.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for managing belongings of a user who enters or exits from a secure region. The system includes a user identification tag including first identification information about a user of the belongings; an identification code generator generating a two-dimensional (2D) identification code including second identification information based on information about the belongings, a labeling device outputting the 2D identification code to a label, and a security management server mapping the first identification information with the second identification information and storing the same, wherein the label is attached to the belongings, and when the label is detached from the belongings, the 2D identification code is damaged.

Abstract: A inventory information system having an inventory station having an array of unique locations defined thereon; a plurality of indicators, each of the indicators being associated with each of the locations; a plurality of tags, each of the tags having an identifier associated therewith; at least one detector operable to obtain identifier associated with one of the tags when the tag is positioned at one of the locations; and a processor operatively coupled to the at least one detector and the plurality of indicators. The processor is configured to receive the identifier and to determine an inventory status of at least one product associated with the identifier, and operate the indicator associated the location where the tag based upon the inventory status to provide information about the inventory status.

Abstract: An RF tag reader and writer is provided which includes: a communication unit that communicates with one or more RF tags as an information acquisition target using an anti-collision method of avoiding a collision between signals and that performs an acquisition process of acquiring tag information which is information stored in the one or more RF tags; and a communication success rate calculator that calculates a communication success rate of the communication unit with the one or more RF tags on the basis of the number of times by which the communication unit successfully acquires the tag information from the one or more RF tags within a predetermined period and the number of times by which the communication unit performs a communication process with the one or more RF tags in a state where the collision between signals is avoided within the predetermined period.

Abstract: There is described an automatic remote acquisition system for determining the configuration of an installation having a number of devices, which are divided into standard devices grouped by cabinets, and into non-standard devices, and are each defined by a respective number of elementary units. The remote acquisition system has a number of passive transponders, each associated with a respective elementary unit to memorize respective identification data of the elementary unit; a number of active transponders, each associated with a respective non-standard device to memorize at least the identification data of the respective number of elementary units; and, for the passive transponders, a number of control units, each mounted in a respective cabinet to acquire the identification data, memorized in the respective passive transponders, of the elementary units of the standard devices in the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing in-store sales transactions when a digital receipt is issued. A receipt application server formulates a digital receipt from digital receipt data received from a POS system. The digital receipt is sent from the receipt application server to an auditor mobile device at the location of the POS system. A human auditor can view the digital receipt during an in-store audit. In some embodiments, one or both of the receipt application server and the auditor mobile device reorder receipt entries so that items having specified characteristics are presented more prominently on a display. For example, receipt entries can be re-ordered such that higher profit margin items, bulkier items, or more likely to be stolen items are presented more prominently. As such, a human auditor is more likely to expressly audit these types of items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, one or more images of a container may be received. The following may be repeated for one or more device codes of one or more devices of an image of the one or more images: locating a device code in the image; reading a device identifier from the device code; determining a device location according to the location of the device code in the image; and associating the device identifier and the device location to yield a device identifier-location association. The one or more device identifier-location associations may be stored.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling requests in an inventory system includes receiving a request indicating an activity to be completed. The method also includes selecting a holder to fulfill the request and an inventory station at which to fulfill the request. The inventory station is associated with a queue that includes a plurality of queue spaces. The method further includes moving the selected holder from a first location to a second location remote from the selected inventory station. Additionally, the method also includes determining that a trigger event has occurred and, in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, moving the selected holder from the second location to a queue space of a queue associated with the selected inventory station.

Abstract: A computer-based method for processing a payment transaction using an enhanced payment card is provided. The transaction is processed using a computer device coupled to a storage device. The enhanced payment card is issued to a cardholder by an issuer. The method includes receiving an authorization request message associated with a merchant. The authorization request message includes a card identifier and relating to a transaction initiated by the cardholder with the merchant using the enhanced payment card. The method includes transmitting an authorization response message to the merchant. The authorization response message is generated by the issuer and including an instructing message. The merchant is instructed, via the instructing message, to transmit to the computer device an addendum file including enhanced transaction data for the transaction.

Abstract: A method for item scanning in a shopping cart includes detecting a change in a weight of one or more items within a shopping cart. The weight is sensed by a weight sensor disposed in the shopping cart. Each of the one or more items includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. The method includes switching an RFID reader to an active state and scanning RFID tags of the one or more items with the RFID reader in response to detecting the change in weight. The RFID reader is disposed on the shopping cart. The method includes switching the RFID reader to an inactive state subsequent to scanning the RFID tags with the RFID reader. The method includes determining an inventory of the one or more items based on information from the scanned RFID tags. The inventory includes an item quantity and an item identity.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for receiving a query regarding an establishment, retrieving an output image from an image database in response to the query, and transmitting the output image to a mobile device. In one example, image data including a plurality of interior establishment images and a plurality of stocking area images are also received, wherein the image database may be constructed based on the received image data.

Abstract: A system that enables a wireless point-of-sale transaction. In one embodiment the system comprises an account module, an account selection module, a display, an input interface, and a wireless transmitter. The account module stores account information corresponding to a plurality of payment accounts. The account selection module selects a payment account from the plurality of payment accounts as a default payment account for a wireless point-of-sale transaction based on one or more predetermined criteria. The display displays the default payment account to a user. The input interface enables the user to accept the default payment account by the account selection module. The wireless transmitter that wirelessly transmits payment information to a point-of-sale device, wherein the payment information comprises account information associated with the default account when the default payment account is accepted via the input interface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for beginning and completing a physical store transaction for an item, or items, to be worn. The transaction is directed by a purchaser using in-store indicators, request windows, electronic devices and/or by an act of moving unique identifiers, attached to items to be worn, electronic devices or the purchaser. The computing system receives purchaser's requests, combines purchaser information, which may include but is not limited to identification of the purchaser, purchaser's preferences and payment information, and returns information to the purchaser, directs the movement of product within the store, and/or completes purchase transactions. The purchaser may complete the buying of the product by walking to the store, taking the item he/she needs and walking out of the store with no additional action (zero-action).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining an optimal frame size for tag collision prevention in an Aloha-based RFID system in which frame sizes limited to a certain unit are used to identify tags, the method including the steps of using an RFID for: (a) calculating an estimated optimal frame value for the RFID reader identifying the tags; (b) calculating expected time delays per tag of a left-hand frame size and a right-hand frame size, which show the smallest differences with respect to the estimated optimal frame value, among the frame sizes; (c) comparing, the expected time delay per tag of the left-hand frame size with that of the right-hand frame size; and (d) determining a frame size which has a smaller expected time delay per tag, between the left-hand frame size and the right-hand frame size, to be an optimal frame size.

Abstract: A method is described for tracking position of a mail piece within a facility. It includes steps of scanning a series of mail pieces to obtain identifying indicia therefrom, sorting the series of mail pieces according to a destination-based postal sorting strategy; and placing the sorted mail pieces into a container together with a marker comprising an RFID tag. In a computerized control system, identifiers for the RFID marker are identified with a sequence of mail pieces in the container. The RFID tag is scanned to associate a position of the container at the time of scanning with the mail in the container. The container is then transported, e.g. by loading a tray as the container onto a cart and then moving the cart.

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: Methods and systems for recycling a periodical are described. The methods may include the step of providing periodical information about the periodical to a recycling device, where the periodical is deposited with the recycling device. The methods may further include calculating one or more of discount offers based on the periodical information, and displaying the one or more of discount offers at the recycling device. One or more of the discount offers may be selected at the recycling device, and the selected offers may be printed into a ticket, coupon, or some other printed material at the recycling device.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are disclosed wherein an RFID transponder response signal is coupled with a data file as an identifier. The RFID transponder response signal is used in its raw, or a digitized version of its raw, state.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first information processing device, a plurality of processing portions, a storage portion, and a second information processing device. The first information processing device includes a processing command transmission portion that transmits to the second information processing device, by non-contact communication, a processing command that includes one of a plurality of identification information items. Each of the processing portions is uniquely associated with one of the identification information items. The storage portion stores a correspondence information item that indicates a correspondence between one of the identification information items and one of the processing portions.

Abstract: Logic is included in a piece of active storage furniture such that the active storage furniture integrates articles stored thereby into a representation of information about those articles. The logic includes (i) sensors to identify individual articles stored by the furniture and respective locations of the articles and (ii) display elements capable of incorporating selected individual ones of the articles as separate and individual components of a collective representation of information about the selected articles. In response to queries about the articles, the articles themselves are integrated into a representation of information about the articles. For example, a wine rack includes RFID and LEDs in each of a number of storage cells or cubbies and illuminates each cubby according to information about the wine stored in the cubby in response to a query for such information (e.g., show me all wine color-coded by region).

Abstract: There is provided a mobile communication device. An exemplary mobile communication device comprises an input unit, a display and a processing unit being connected with a subscriber identity module and with an adapter module, wherein the adapter module is in communication with at least one sensor capturing biological and/or medical data of the user of the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing multiple objects in an object zone. The system comprises multiple machine-readable object identification tags configured to be respectively attached to the multiple objects; a storage unit moving through the object zone to store the selected objects which are respectively attached with the machine-readable object identification tags; at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag attached to the storage unit; and multiple spaced reading units capable of remotely reading the multiple machine-readable object identification tags and the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag, wherein the objects attached with the machine-readable object identification tags within a predefined spatial range defined based on the at least one machine-readable storage unit identification tag are associated with the storage unit. A method thereof and a storage unit are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power recovery system includes a transmission line that is coupled to transfer an RF signal received via an antenna. The RF signal generates a partial standing wave in the transmission line and the transmission line has at least one standing wave anti-node. A power recovery circuit converts an anti-node signal from the at least one standing wave anti-node to a power signal.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label (ESL) is constructed to display a bar code, or the like, and inventory information, in addition to the typical product identification and price. A stock person carrying a handheld communicator with a bar code scanner can conveniently scan the ESL and then enter the number of items removed from or placed on the shelf. Assuming he is using a wireless communicator, the information is sent immediately to the ESL server via the ESL system, and the ESL display is then updated as well as the establishment's inventory database.

Abstract: A system for streamlining a network management system (NMS) includes scanning, via a mobile device, a code on a hardware or software component; and determining, via the mobile device, whether the hardware or software component is a network component (NC), based on the scanned code. The hardware or software component may be a call manager, server, client device, interface card, repeater, hub, bridge, switch, router, or firewall, for example.

Abstract: A control/monitor signal transmission system in which simple communication control can be performed without a control unit, and a wiring allowable distance is larger than a conventional system. A plurality of slave stations which are installed corresponding to the plurality of actuating apparatuses and are connected through a common data signal line, and a mediation station which is connected to the data signal line are equipped, and the data signal line includes a plurality of independent groups which are consolidated to the mediation station. The plurality of actuating apparatuses are divided into one or plural sets including at least two, and the actuating apparatuses which belong to the same set and are different in group of the connected data signal line have a correspondence relationship.

Abstract: Physical product samples provided with at least one physical product sample code. Physical product sample codes for the purpose of providing a physical product related information. Methods for compiling such a physical product sample code. Methods for providing a physical product sample with such a physical product sample code. Methods for acquiring physical product sample related information, wherein said physical product sample is provided with such a physical product sample code. Systems for compiling a physical product sample code using the method for compiling said sample code.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of generating customized packaging for an item associated with an order. A request to generate customized packaging for an item associated with an order is received. A user interface allowing a user to participate in design of the customized packaging is generated. Customized packaging is then generated based upon the customized packaging selected and/or designed by the user.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a subrack comprising a backplate and at least one tray configured so that a plurality of connections can be made at a plurality of positions on the tray. Each of the plurality of connections involves at least one connector having information stored in a device associated therewith that can be read. The backplate and the tray are configured so that the tray can be selectively attached and removed from the backplate. The backplate and the tray are configured so that the devices associated with the connectors involved in making the connections can be read via the tray. The devices associated with the connections can be implemented, for example, using RFID tags or connection point identifier (CPID) storage devices (such as EEPROMs).

Abstract: A system for streamlining a network management system (NMS) includes scanning, via a mobile device, a code on a hardware or software component; and determining, via the mobile device, whether the hardware or software component is a network component (NC), based on the scanned code. The hardware or software component may be a call manager, server, client device, interface card, repeater, hub, bridge, switch, router, or firewall, for example.

Abstract: The wireless information and safety system for mines of the present invention enables continuously tracking and monitoring underground miners and moveable equipment in underground mines using ZigBee-enabled active RFID devices forming a wireless network among them and other static and mobile ZigBee devices placed at strategic locations. The present invention provides a wireless information and safety system for mines comprises in combination of ZigBee-compliant devices (programmable to operate as end devices, routers and coordinators by hardware specific embedded software) and wireless sensor network (WSN) software having various application modules both for underground and opencast mines. Use of the system of the present invention would help in identifying the miners entering in underground mine to keep the track of the miners and maintain computerized attendance. This would help in monitoring equipment locations and their operation to improve productivity and reduce fatal collision accident.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that receives a wireless signal containing a message type conforming to an extension of a standard communication protocol and having an extended services segment, the tag then transmitting the extended services segment through an extended services interface. According to a different aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that stores data which includes respective information regarding each of multiple extended services, and that responds to receipt of a wireless signal which is an extension to a standard protocol by transmitting a further wireless signal which is an extension to the protocol and contains at least part of the data. According to yet another aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that responds to receipt of one wireless signal by transmitting a further wireless signal containing information regarding multiple sensors.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction involving transfer of a filled prescription order from a pharmacy to a customer. The method includes detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer. Upon detecting that the filled prescription order is available for transfer from the pharmacy to the customer, the method automatically completes at least one process for facilitating the transfer of the filled prescription order to the customer.

Abstract: An active logistical tag for cooperation with cargo elements, said tag comprising: a housing compatible for attachment of said tag to said cargo; a sensor suite for sensing logistical prompts, said prompts including at least one of motion, static magnetic fields and incident electromagnetic radiation; and a transmitter coupled to said sensor suite, for communicating logistical information in response to said logistical prompts.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, a method, system and apparatus for managing inventory are provided. The method comprises storing at least one job record in a memory, the at least one job record comprising a first of a plurality of job identifiers and at least a first subcomponent identifier; receiving a transaction record comprising a second subcomponent identifier; and storing the transaction record in the memory in association with one of the plurality of job identifiers.

Abstract: An information exchanging method using a two-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code reader. An original sheet is prepared by writing a first two-dimensional code and a second two-dimensional code. The first two-dimensional code is readable by the code reader, whereas the second two-dimensional code is unreadable by the code reader. A monochrome copy sheet is prepared by monochromatically copying the original sheet, so that the monochrome copy sheet includes a third two-dimensional code as a monochrome copy of the first two-dimensional code and a fourth two-dimensional code as a monochrome copy of the second two-dimensional code. Accordingly, the third two-dimensional code is unreadable by the code reader, whereas the fourth two-dimensional code is readable by the code reader. Information exchange is performed by using the original sheet and the monochrome copy sheet.

Abstract: A method for automatically sorting undeliverable as addressed (UAA) mail includes capturing an image of a first UAA mail piece with a camera connected to an automated mail sorter to create first image data, printing an id-tag on the mail piece, and classifying the first UAA mail piece as one of finalized or non-finalized. The method includes outputting a first label result to a label printer and printing a new label on the first UAA mail piece if the first UAA mail piece is classified as finalized.

Abstract: A system comprising a storage medium associated with a device for treating a tissue region, the device including a handle, a catheter tube extending from the handle, a temperature sensor and a basket including a plurality of spines, the spines carrying an electrode for delivering treatment energy to a tissue site. The temperature sensor senses temperature near a distal end of the electrode. The basket is movable between a non-expanded low profile condition and an expanded condition and the electrode is movable from a first position to an extended position. The storage medium is formatted to contain an identification code uniquely assigned to the device for registration of the device if absence of prior use is determined.

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

Abstract: A solution for managing information using an identification tag is provided. For example, information relating to an item and/or one or more transfers of the item can be managed using an identification tag associated with the item. The identification tag can store and transmit an item identifier, such as an electronic product code (EPC), corresponding to the item, which can be obtained and stored in a data store. Access information for retrieving the item identifier and identification information for a party to the transfer can be used to generate a custom identifier that can be provided for storage on the identification tag in place of the item identifier. The custom identifier can subsequently be used to acquire information on the item and/or the transfer event.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes determining first component data by a first aggregation device at a first time, the first aggregation device being associated with a first one of a plurality of device components of a device, the first component data comprising identification data regarding at least a second one of the plurality of device components of the device. The first component data may be stored. A component request may be received storing the first component data; receiving a component request; and providing the first component data via the wireless interface in response to the component request; wherein the determining, storing, receiving, and providing steps are performed when the device is powered off.

Abstract: A method and a system to identify machine-readable codes using a web crawler are provided. Machine-readable codes include, but are not limited to, Universal Product Codes (UPC), quick response (QR) codes, stock-keeping units (SKUs) and international standard book number (ISBN) codes. A web crawler downloads pages from the World Wide Web. A determination module accesses the downloaded pages and identifies a machine-readable code corresponding to a product description included in the downloaded pages. The machine-readable code is included in a downloaded page of the downloaded pages. The determination module further extracts the product description from the downloaded page. A code database stores a record of the machine-readable code and the product description.

Abstract: A system for tracking use of a medical device including an electrosurgical generator, a readable module and a read module. The electrosurgical generator is configured to selectively deliver an electrosurgical energy signal to an electrosurgical delivery device connected to the electrosurgical generator. The readable module is connected to the electrosurgical delivery device and configured to uniquely identify the electrosurgical delivery device. The read module is in communication with the electrosurgical generator that identifies the read module, the read module configured to identify the readable module and further configured to determine the viability of the electrosurgical delivery device. Delivery of electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical delivery device is enabled by the read module if the electrosurgical delivery device is a viable device.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer program products for document authentication and identification using encoding and decoding are provided. A method includes receiving a digitized document and comparing the digitized document to a set of markers to determine whether the digitized document is an encoded document with one or more characters replaced. In response to determining that the digitized document is encoded, information is extracted from the set of markers using a decoder according to an encoding strategy. The extracted information and the set of markers are compared with data stored in encoding history to authenticate and identify the received digitized document. Markers in the encoded document may be hidden in plain sight, such that the encoding is not readily apparent to a casual observer.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag assemblies and methods having an RFID semiconductor chip, a conductor and an antenna, the RFID semiconductor chip has an antenna interface mounted on a mounting surface of a mounting substrate and a predetermined operating frequency, the conductor is electrically coupled to the antenna interface of the RFID semiconductor chip, and the antenna is electrically coupled to the conductor and includes a first radiating element lying in a first plane and a second radiating element lying in a second plane that is at an angle relative to the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RF tag reader and writer including: a communication unit which communicates with an RF tag as a target from which information is obtained and obtains the information held in the RF tag; and a communication stability determination unit which determines that stable communication with a specific RF tag is being established when the same information is obtained over a predetermined plural number of times from the RF tag communicating with the communication unit.

Abstract: In order to further develop a system (100) as well as a method for protecting at least one item to be secured, for example at least one piece of luggage, the system comprising at least one transponder device (50), in particular at least one electronic tag, being assigned to the item, and at least one monitor device (10, 20), in particular being based on short range radio frequency communication, with at least one transmitting unit (18, 28) for transmitting and/or for broadcasting and/or for multicasting, in particular periodically, at least one request (40, 42) to the transponder device (50), in such way that the monitor device (10, 20) can be carried with him by at least one user and that at the same time it can be discovered whether the item remains nearby the respective monitor device (10, 20), it is proposed that the transponder device (50) comprises at least one processing unit (52) for determining the number (N) of monitor devices (10, 20) being arranged within the range, in particular within the receiv

Abstract: A location-based multi-media information delivery system and control for pedestrian use is disclosed, designed especially for use in areas where it is not possible to determine a user's precise location. The system automatically provides a selection list of relevant information based on the user's calculated location. The system then delivers information via the appropriate output method, based on the user's selection. Also disclosed is a system that receives location information from various systems, including global positioning satellite systems and wireless local area network systems. The system may provide video, audio and visual information.