Abstract: A storage cabinet according to an embodiment stores a plurality of items, each item including a first tag attached thereto. The first tag records item information. The storage cabinet includes: a first reader for reading item information recorded in first tags of items stored in a housing; and a second reader for reading information relating to an item condition of an item to be retrieved from the storage cabinet, when an item to which a second tag is attached is made proximate from the outside to a predetermined area on the housing. The second tag records the information relating to the item condition. Item information that meets the item condition related to the information read by the second reader, is identified among the item information read by the first reader.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically updating a virtual model of a facility such as a datacenter, for example for use in maintaining an accurate thermal management plan. Photo images of the facility may periodically be captured. Thereafter, one or more image recognition algorithms may be run on the captured images to recognize positions and identities of equipment and structures in the facility. Using this information, the virtual model of the facility may be updated. In examples related to thermal management of a datacenter, once the virtual model of the facility is updated, the thermal management plan may be revised.

Abstract: A reader includes a scanning head that includes an optical sensor to capture an indicia that encodes data and a processor to interpret the indicia to decode the data, and an elongate handle connected at a first end to the scanning head and graspable to orient the optical sensor toward the indicia. The elongate handle includes a first handle receiving coil disposed at a second end of the elongate handle opposite the first end, and oriented parallel to a first side of the elongate handle, a second handle receiving coil disposed at the second end, and oriented parallel to a second side of the elongate handle that is opposite the first side of the elongate handle, and a battery to provide electric power to the processor and the optical sensor, and configured to be recharged via the first and second handle receiving coils.

Abstract: Host terminals of a device management application (or other mobile application) are configured to obtain a missing devices list from a device management server, and to communicate, via short-range point-to-point communication with an output device, when the output device is within a short-range communication range threshold, to obtain a device identifier of the output device. The device management application compares the device identifier of the output device with device identifiers on the missing devices list, and when such comparison indicates that the output device corresponds to a missing device, marks the output device as a missing device in a tracked device record, and records an approximated location of the output device in the tracked device record. When connected to the device management server, the device management application transmits the tracked device record to the device management server.

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

Abstract: A method and system for detecting interaction between monitored individuals and unmonitored individuals is provided. The method includes at each monitored individual: identifying a short range wireless access point that is proximate to the monitored individual; first determining the location of the monitored individual when the identified short range wireless access point was detected; and uploading, from the monitored individual to a central monitoring location, data corresponding to the identified short range wireless access point and the location of the monitored individual when the short range wireless access point was detected. The method include at the central monitoring location: second determining whether: (a) the identified short range wireless access point is a mobile wireless access point; and (b) two or more of the monitored individuals encountered the identified short range wireless access point.

Abstract: An encoded information reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reading device, and two antennas having substantially different spatial orientation. A switching circuit can be configured to alternatively electrically couple one of the antennas to the RFID reading device.

Abstract: An electronic price label system and an electronic price label, the electronic price label includes: a communication module for receiving product related information, a display for displaying product related information. The electronic price label further includes indication members which are configured to indicate that the products related to electronic price label have to be inventoried.

Abstract: A system and method for article management, the method comprising providing a processor and a terminal connected to the processor, providing a closet comprising at least one module comprising at least one location for an article, each location comprising a presence sensor and a signaling unit, at least one door, a user interface connected to the terminal; wherein the processor controls the door into preventing access to articles stored within the closet in a closed position and allowing access to an article requested through the user interface in an open position if the article is authorized for retrieval by the processor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Beverage preparation machine comprising: a user-interface having a selection element for selecting a first value related to at least one property of a beverage; an ingredient processing module for a preparation of a beverage according to the first value, with at least one ingredient supplied in a capsule. The user-interface comprises a feedback element configured to present a default value for the first value, the default value being computed according to values previously used for said at least one property by the machine to prepare beverages.

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

Abstract: A system and method for bulk encoding medical items in a tracking system in a healthcare facility comprises attaching to each of a plurality of identical medical items a blank RFID tag. When activated simultaneously, the serial numbers of all RFID tags on all the identical medical items are read and their serial numbers are associated with the pre-stored characteristics of the medical item in a data base. The RFID tags are blank in that they include no human-readable data concerning the medical article to which the RFID tag is attached. A data mining system and method are provided for mining the database.

Abstract: The CLOUD SERVICE FACILITATOR APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“CSF”) transforms user purchase requests, refund requests, and product/service replacement requests via CSF components into transaction records, refunds, and replacement products/services outputs. The CSF may receive a consumer purchase request for a cloud service from a merchant. In response to the request, the CSF may generate a unique record key for the purchase and may transmit the unique record key to the merchant. The CSF may further receive additional transaction information and the unique record key from the merchant. In response to the received information and the unique key, the CSF may provide additional service to the merchant or the consumer.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting a visually impaired user with navigating an environment. The system and method include determining a first navigational path to a first target destination and a second navigational path to a second target destination and providing the user with directional information in the form a first audio output associated with the first target destination and a second audio output associated with the second target destination. The system and method vary an audio characteristic of the first audio output in relation to the current orientation of the user with respect to the first navigational path and vary an audio characteristic of the second audio output in relation to the current orientation of the user with respect to the second navigational path. The system and method control the audio output unit to simultaneously output the first audio output and the second audio output.

Abstract: A computing device can include a first enclosure and a display enclosure. A tag can be on the first enclosure. A sensor on the display enclosure can detect the tag location and generate sensor data. A controller can determine from the sensor data the relative position between the display enclosure and the first enclosure.

Abstract: Enhanced monitoring for an event candidate, as performed by a master node in a wireless node network with a server and at least one ID node, generally has the master node detecting a first signal broadcast by the ID node; identifying the event candidate as a first sighting event when detecting the first signal; generating and reporting event data representing the first sighting event (e.g., an ID node identifier, timing, and signal strength information); identifying the event candidate as a sporadic event related to the ID node when (1) there is no identified first benchmark checkpoint event related to the ID node and (2) there is no detected subsequent signal broadcast by the ID node within a gap time period from when the latest signal from the ID node was detected; generating and reporting event data representing the sporadic event (e.g.

Abstract: Object localization with an radio-frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure is described. A plurality of transmission power levels established by an RFID reader can be searched to determine a measurement power level corresponding to a target. A region that includes the target can then be determined using information about a physical relationship between the RFID reader and a reference location via correlating the measurement power level to a reference power level corresponding to the reference location.

Abstract: A system includes an article supply location, wherein the article supply location includes a plurality of articles to be sorted, first and second transport vehicles, each having a first position in which an article is stowed about the vehicle and a second position in which the article is deposited into a proximal container. And a control system. The control system is configured to receive an order for a plurality of disparate articles, determine one destination container of a plurality of destination containers to direct the transport vehicle to deposit a selected article, direct the first transport vehicle to transport a selected article to the destination container and deposit the article by manipulation of the first transport vehicle from the first position to the second position for deposit of the selected article in the destination container.

Abstract: An RFID-based item tracking system may use statistical methods to determine whether a tag or tagged item that does not respond when inventoried is present in a particular zone or reader antenna field-of-view. In one embodiment, the item tracking system may determine an observability of an item based on one or more initial trials. Upon not detecting the item in one or more subsequent trials, the item tracking system may estimate whether the item is still present based on the observability.

Abstract: A medical or a dental instrument comprises an operative portion (101) for operations according to the purpose of use of the instrument, a center portion (103) mechanically connecting to the operative portion, and a radio frequency identifier (106) located on the center portion and capable of being read from a distance of the instrument. The instrument further comprises a tubular handle portion (104) provided to surround the radio frequency identifier and at least a part of the center portion, the tubular handle portion being cast on the instrument so that the material of the tubular handle portion is adhered to the material of the center portion. Thus, the tubular handle portion acts not only as the handle portion but also as at least a part of a fixation system attaching the radio frequency identifier to the instrument. An instrument of such construction is easy to keep hygienic.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system includes a radio frequency transponder module including an RFID chip having a first memory, and an antenna; at least one sensor module that monitors data related to the condition of a product and includes a second memory for storing the monitored data; and a communication interface that couples the at least one sensor module to the RFID chip of the radio frequency transponder module so that the sensor module is operative to communicate with the RFID chip by way of the communication interface and the RFID chip first memory is operative to store data related to the product.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously identifying a plurality of surgical instruments or instrument groups includes a first detecting device having a first detection technology for detecting instruments and, if applicable, related instrument-specific information. The device also includes a second detecting device having a second different detection technology for detecting instruments and instrument information. Moreover, the device includes a comparing device for comparing the detection results of the two detecting devices. The comparing device outputs a positive evaluation regarding the correctness of the detected instruments if the two detection results are matching.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for passively monitoring the number of guests in a rental property. Mobile device broadcasts intended for connecting the device to a wireless network contain information about that device. This information includes unique identifiers such as MAC addresses. Detecting these broadcasts and filtering out those devices that are expected enables a property owner to have a semi-accurate number of guests within their property without actually being at the property, or visibly observing the guests in an obtrusive fashion. Guests are able to enjoy themselves in privacy and the property owner is able to monitor the safety of their property.

Abstract: A pickup location may be enabled to continue to operate when communication over a network is not available. When communication is not available, a pickup location may not be able to send a confirmation that a user has dropped off an item for a return or to send a request to have the item retrieved by a carrier. The pickup location may be enabled to assign a stored access code that was previously sent to a carrier and which will allow the item to be retrieved by the carrier who has arrived at the pickup location for reasons other than a request to retrieve the item. A retrieval confirmation from the carrier may be utilized to allow a refund or replacement process to be initiated, and to update capacity information for the pickup location, if the carrier meets a certain confidence threshold requirement based on past performance.

Abstract: A method for profiling a location of an image capture device in a region of interest. The method comprises acquiring an image captured by an image capture device. The method comprises acquiring a reported position and pose of the image capture device. The method comprises processing the captured image to detect an object in the captured image. The method comprises identifying a set of interest points characterizing the captured object. The method comprises generating a relative position and pose of the interest points based on dimensional information associated with the captured object. The method comprises computing an estimated position and pose of the image capture device to the object using the reported position and pose of the image capture device and the relative position of the interest points. The method comprises computing the estimated position and pose of the mobile imaging device based on the estimated distance.

Abstract: A monitoring system has a vehicle and a monitoring device. The vehicle is movable along a predetermined route, and the monitoring device is mounted to the vehicle. The monitoring device has a sensor configured to monitor an environmental parameter and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to record the monitored environmental parameter along the predetermined route as data points associated with time tags, record position information, and associate the position information with corresponding time tags. The number of time tags associated with the position information is less than the number of time tags associated with the monitored environmental parameter. A server is configured to receive and display a visualized presentation of the recorded monitored environmental parameter and the recorded position information.

Abstract: The present disclosure extends to maintaining an item inventory status at an inventory cache management system. The inventory cache may be refreshed regularly by a threshold-based triggering mechanism. In embodiments, as item inventory breaches certain thresholds, the inventory cache may be refreshed with increased frequency to mitigate overselling or underselling scenarios and reduce overall network traffic for items having relatively high inventory levels.

Abstract: A data sensing and threat detection network comprising a plurality of wireless sensor devices and their related wireless sub-sensor devices, for communication with wireless detector units/gateways in a network arrangement to allow transmission of data there between in optimized paths, such wireless detector units to communicate, by secure means, to and from a Central Monitoring Unit that manages the sensing and alert process, based upon wireless sensor and wireless sub-sensor values and location data, data “rate of change”, and the like, and enables related devices, as and when required.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a data storage system includes a source media library configured to send a message to a destination media library when a media cartridge from the source media library is sent to the destination media library using a media mobility unit (MMU), and/or a destination media library configured to receive a message from a source media library when a media cartridge from the source media library is sent to the destination media library using a MMU. In another embodiment, a method for transporting a media cartridge includes receiving one or more media cartridges from a source media library, storing the media cartridge(s) in a holding portion of a media mobility unit, sensing at least an approximate location of the media mobility unit, transporting the media cartridge(s) to a destination library; and transferring the media cartridge(s) from the MMU to the destination media library.

Abstract: An integrated security system which seamlessly assimilates with current generation logical security systems. The integrated security system incorporates a security controller having standard network interface capabilities including IEEE 802.x and takes advantage of the convenience and security offered by smart cards and related devices for both physical and logical security purposes. The invention is based on standard remote authentication dial-in service (RADIUS) protocols or TCP/IP using SSL, TLS, PCT or IPsec and stores a shared secret required by the secure communication protocols in a secure access module coupled to the security controller. The security controller is intended to be a networked client or embedded intelligent device controlled remotely by to an authentication server. In another embodiment of the invention one or more life cycle management transactions are performed with the secure access module.

Abstract: A payment device includes a payment terminal, a housing for holding a communication terminal, and a flap. The flap includes: a framework for blocking access to the housing for holding a communication terminal, and a locking device including at least an actuating part and a locking part. The actuating part and the locking part are respectively movable with respect to the frame between a locking position and an unlocking position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to visualize locations of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged items are described. One example method includes receiving a request from a portable electronic device to access product information associated with an individual radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged item, determining a location of the product information in a database, transmitting the located product information to the portable electronic device for display thereon, receiving modified product information associated with the individual RFID tagged item from the portable electronic device, and storing the modified product information to the location of the product information in the database.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for processing paperboard and similar fanfold materials into packaging templates and packaging orders using the packaging templates. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to methods of processing orders available for packaging, such as to reduce the time and cost of producing custom-size packaging templates, building custom-sized packaging boxes, and packaging orders in the boxes.

Abstract: A display system has a (1) camera that includes a lens and outputs an image data; (2) a first display that includes a first display screen on which (i) a first image, based on the image data output by the camera, containing a part of a person is displayed and (ii) information indicating a position where the camera has output the image data is displayed; and (3) a second display that includes (i) a receiver which receives the image data transmitted from the camera and (ii) a second display screen that displays a second image based on the image data. The second display can be carried by the person while receiving the image data.

Abstract: Data may be securely stored onto a shippable data storage device in order for the client data to be protected during shipment to the remote storage service provider. The service provider prepares a shippable storage device and ships it to the client. The service provider also sends client-keys and security information to the client, separate from the shippable storage device. A client-side data transfer tool authenticates the shippable storage device using the security information. The data transfer tool generates keys to encrypt the customer data. The data transfer tool then uses the client-keys received from the service provider to encrypt the tool-generated keys. The encrypted data and the encrypted tool-generated keys are transferred onto the shippable storage device. The shippable storage device is then shipped back to the service provider, which decrypts the tool-generated keys and the encrypted data before importing the data.

Abstract: A system and method that generates a candidate list of indexed images that potentially match an object in a query image is disclosed. The method includes receiving a query image including an object, receiving a plurality of indexed images that match the object, computing a region of interest for the object, computing an overlap between a first region of interest corresponding to a first indexed image and a second region of interest corresponding to a second indexed image, determining that the overlap between the first region of interest and the second region of interest satisfies a threshold and including the first indexed image and the second indexed image in a candidate list of indexed images.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces methods and systems for tracking pieces of wellsite equipment. Such tracking includes receiving first identification information and first location information for a first module associated with a first piece of wellsite equipment at a first location, receiving second identification information for a second module associated with a second piece of wellsite equipment at the first location, and determining a tracking event associated with the second piece of wellsite equipment based on the first identification information, the first location information, and the second identification information. A utilization state associated with the second piece of wellsite equipment is then determined based on at least the tracking event.

Abstract: A device for protecting a commercial article which is a physical object (10, 32), that may or may not be packaged, against theft. The device (12, 42) includes: at least one active or passive member that is capable of emitting electromagnetic waves out from the device or receiving electromagnetic waves from outside the device; elements for attaching and locking the device to the physical object or to the packaging of same in a locked position such that a user cannot separate the device from the physical object without an external tool, the locking elements including a locking mechanism; and at least one optically readable code (24) uniquely identifying the physical object to which the device is intended to be attached and which is separate from a commercial article code (EAN, EPC, etc.) assigned to the physical object, as a commercial article.

Abstract: A system and method comprises a plurality of RF antennas having beams directed to a storage space in which medical items having RFID tags are stored. Each antenna is controlled to inject energy at a different frequency in a frequency-hopping set of frequencies to activate the tags. The return signal strength is monitored and for each tag that responds, the antenna location, frequency of the injected energy, identification response, and signal strength are stored as identification data. If a tag fails to respond in new scans, the antenna at which the tag last responded receives all the frequency-hopping frequencies in an attempt to locate the tag. If new tags are found, they are compared to a list of expected new medical items.

Abstract: A system includes a machine-readable storage medium, a processor in communication with the machine-readable storage medium, communication circuitry in communication with the processor; and a plurality of sensors in communication with the processor. Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to receiving wave energy. The processor is configured to control data acquisition for authenticating an object using at least a subset of the plurality of sensors, calculate an authentication value based on signals received from the subset of the plurality of sensors, and cause the communication circuitry to transmit an authentication request including the authentication value to an authentication entity.

Abstract: An Internet of things (IoT) network for managing assembly of a multi-part product in a production environment. A user wears a device that provides a hands-free display of assembly instructions while the user is assembling the product. The user also wears sensors for transmitting data about the user's location within the production environment. Point of assembly sensors are disposed at locations within the production environment for transmitting data regarding where the product is and should be assembled. The product's parts also include sensors that transmit data regarding location of the parts and how they are assembled. A backend computer system stores product assembly information including the assembly instructions, where the user should be to assemble the product, how the product should be assembled, and verification of assembly accuracy. Alerts are generated if information from the sensors does not corresponding with the preprogrammed information in the computer system.

Abstract: To provide a storage container that employs a metallic housing while allowing individual identification of a contained object by means of radio wave communication with an electronic tag of a managed object in the housing. A storage container 1 comprising: a metallic housing 10 for enclosing battery modules 11, 12, 13, 14 as managed objects with electronic tags 21, 22, 23, 24 for individual identification being attached thereto; and an opening portion 15 that is provided on the metallic housing 10 and has an opening being formed therein, the opening constituting a radio wave propagation path between the electronic tags 21, 22, 23, 24 of the battery modules 11, 12, 13, 14 enclosed in the metallic housing 10 and exterior of the metallic housing 10.

Abstract: System, methods, and computer program products are provided for enhanced freight tracking and monitoring. The system may track the location of a freight shipment within a carrier's transportation network from the time it is picked up by a carrier from a consignor until it is delivered to a consignee, provide for weight determinations and shipping re-classifications of the freight shipment during transport, and provide real-time status information and reports to the carrier, consignor, and/or consignee.

Abstract: A self-checkout system includes a cabinet having a doorway and a vending space. The system includes a secure door enclosing the vending space. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to a product. The system includes an RFID reader adjacent the door and configured to read product data from the RFID tag and detect if the product passed through the doorway. The system includes a database configured to store an inventory of products. The system includes a self-checkout apparatus connected to the database. The self-checkout apparatus unlocks the lock when valid account credentials are detected. The self-checkout updates a checkout list to include a product passing from the vending space through the doorway. The self-checkout apparatus presents a confirmation display of the checkout list and allocates all products in the checkout list to the account associated with the account credentials upon receiving a confirmation indication.

Abstract: Some battery-powered devices, such as smartphones, can be unlocked with use of wearable NFC (Near Field Communication) authentication devices. However, using conventional NFC authentication procedures is expensive in terms of power consumption because of continual rediscovery and reauthentication of the wearable authentication device. To address this, the present inventors, devised, among other things, more efficient methods for authenticating NFC-tagged authentication device, such as rings. For example, one embodiment uses two NFC polling loops or structures, instead of one as conventionally done. The first loop, used for initial authentication, entails scanning for two or more types of NFC tags. And the second loop, invoked after initial authentication, scans for a smaller subset of the two or more types to conserve battery power.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interactively interfacing handheld devices and RFID media are described. A method for interactively interfacing HHDs and RFID media. The method includes starting an application on a HHD for interfacing with RFID media, the HHD including a RFID reader, receiving user input relating to the storing of commands or messages of RFID media, creating one or more commands or messages based on the received user input, and storing the one or more commands or messages on a RFID media using the RFID reader.

Abstract: A system and method provide automated identification mechanisms that facilitate efficiencies in inventory monitoring, management and control, including reducing labor costs associated with product placement, product inventorying, and shelf stocking/re-stocking in retail marketing scenarios, and advising consumers/customers regarding product pricing, promotional, nutritional and other information. Near field communication or other similar identification devices are embedded in retail-ready composite packaging. The embedded communication and identification devices provide identification information regarding the product with which the packaging is associated to a wireless reader device as a retailer's employee walks by a set of shelves stocked with an assortment of such packaged products. Mechanisms are included for tracking the addition or removal of items from the retail-ready container.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for standardizing addresses and providing information associated with geographic areas/points of interest. For example, location data can be collected for serviceable points. From the collected location data, addresses can be standardized, location-based searches can be performed, correct locations of serviceable points can be confirmed, and geographic representations can be generated.

Abstract: A photo booth system including a photo booth and a management system for providing self-diagnostic and health reporting. In some cases, the photo booth and/or the management system may initiate a diagnostic test to determine the photo booth's operational state. In some cases, the management system may select and/or dispatch a maintenance personnel to the photo booth if the booth is experiencing an issue.

Abstract: Embodiments include a computer-implemented management platform for securely generating tracking codes, and for verifiably imprinting those tracking codes onto physical articles. In an embodiment, one or more hardware processors generate tracking code(s) and send the tracking code(s) towards an automated computer-controlled production line, and which physically imprint each tracking codes onto a corresponding article, and physically verify the physical imprinting. If a tracking code was correctly imprinted on its corresponding article, one or more records are recorded in a durable storage medium, which indicate that the tracking code imprinted on an article. If a tracking code was incorrectly imprinted on its corresponding article, the factory line physically rejects the corresponding article. Embodiments also include the computer-implemented management platform securely managing those physical articles throughout their lifecycle, based on the securely-generated and verifiably-imprinted tracking codes.