Abstract: An automated guided vehicle control system includes a commodity database, a historical shopping information acquisition module, a purchase-item prediction module, an automated guided vehicle database, an automated guided vehicle dispatch demand assessment module and an automated guided vehicle dispatch module. The historical shopping information acquisition module is utilized to retrieve the historical shopping information related to the customer, further to locate the instant predicted commodity to be purchased, and thereby to dispatch the suitable automated guided vehicle to the waiting area of the customer. Further, the historical shopping information is evaluated to provide the commodity type options for the customer to select, to locate the commodity type to be purchased, and thereby to organize the automated navigation path for the automated guided vehicle to travel along to reach the assigned commodity display area.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, a mobile apparatus for identifying items. For instance, the mobile apparatus may include a frame, a basket that attaches to the frame, a tray that attaches to the frame, and a user-facing module that attaches to the frame. Weight sensors may be located beneath the basket and the tray in order to determine the weights of items added to the mobile apparatus. The user-facing module may include imaging devices, such as cameras, that the mobile apparatus uses to perform one or more functions. For example, the mobile apparatus may use the imaging devices to identify items placed within the basket, determine locations of the mobile apparatus within a facility, and/or the like. By including these components, the mobile apparatus is able to generate data that represents the items added to the mobile apparatus, the weights of the items, and the costs of the items.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a mobile body acquires product information given to a product to be purchased and transports the product to be purchased. The mobile body includes a cart body, an acquisition device, and a holder. The cart body is moved to transport the product. The acquisition device acquires the product information. The holder detachably holds the acquisition device.

Abstract: Mobile battery powered workstation carts for order fulfillment are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery powered workstation cart may comprise a wheeled cart having a frame, a rechargeable lithium battery, a computer, a barcode reader/scanner, a RFID reader/scanner, a printer, an artificial intelligence hub, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and/or GPS. The frame may also comprise two side bracket arms and/or shelves, which may be modular to receive various different sized baskets, bins, or totes therein to expedite retail order fulfillment.

Abstract: A cart includes a frame, a holding portion supported by the frame and in which a product is stored, a lifting unit configured to raise and lower the holding portion, an imaging device directed towards an inside of the holding portion, and a controller. The controller is configured to acquire an image of a product captured by the imaging device, determine whether the product has been continuously imaged by the imaging device over a predetermined time period, and upon determining that the product has been imaged over the predetermined time period, control the lifting unit to lower the holding portion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a moving body includes an electrical component, a base frame that includes caster portions provided to be runnable on a floor surface, and is formed such that a front side is narrower than a rear side along a front-rear direction, the rear side is opened, and thus another moving body is insertable from the rear side, and a battery case that accommodates a battery supplying power to the electrical component and has an opening and closing lid opening rearward. A restricting member is provided inside the base frame and restricts a position of the other moving body inserted from the rear side to a position where the opening and closing lid opens at least to an angle at which the battery in the battery case is replaceable.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a mobile body acquires product information given to a product to be purchased and transports the product to be purchased. The mobile body includes a cart body, an acquisition device, and a holder. The cart body is moved to transport the product. The acquisition device acquires the product information. The holder detachably holds the acquisition device.

Abstract: A barcode scanning device for determining an object orientation of an object includes: a barcode reader; a decoding processor interconnected with the barcode reader, the decoding processor configured to: control the barcode reader to read the barcode and generate barcode data representing the barcode; and an orientation processor interconnected with the decoding processor, the orientation processor configured to: receive the barcode data and determine a barcode orientation based on the barcode data; determine the object orientation based on the barcode orientation; and output an indication of the object orientation.

Abstract: A data storage system stores information indicating a determined sequence for performing operations on a data store. A lock is acquired on a portion of the data store. It is determined that performing the operations comprises performing at least one additional operation on the data store. Uncommitted changes implied by the operations are stored in a transaction buffer according to the determined sequence. Changes implied by the additional operation are determined based on a reentrant call to a data store interface. The logged sequence of changes is applied to the data store and the lock is released.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes are presented. Clients are first qualified and given wagering limits before being allowed to interactively wager on event outcomes. Event outcomes may be based on, for example, financial markets and indices, sporting and entertainment events, casino games, casino performances, and natural phenomena such as weather and earthquakes. Events on which wagers can be placed include both those with known and unknown outcome probabilities, and wagers can be a fixed-odds type or a spread-bet type. Wager transactions, including acceptances and confirmations, are executed in real time. Clients can customize displays of events on which they are authorized to wager. Real-time client credit management, automatic dealer hedging, automatic price-spread adjustments, and automatic client and dealer defined wagering limits are also provided.

Abstract: A shopping cart has integrated scale and point-of-sale device. The scale and credit card processing device are secured within a common housing. The bar code reader is secured within a hand wand which is detachably secured to the exterior of the scale and credit card processing device's housing. The scale and credit card processing device are secured to top center of the shopping cart's handle.

Abstract: A game system and method plays an electronic game and simulates the outcome as a keno game. The game system allows a player to place a wager, plays the electronic game, and establishes an outcome of the electronic game. The outcome of the electronic game includes a payout according to a first pay table if a set of predetermined conditions has been achieved. The outcome of the game is simulated as a keno game. The outcome of the keno game is equivalent to the outcome of the electronic game.

Abstract: Provided is a technique to enhance security of a computer in a multi-OS operating environment. A memory image of a primary OS is in an active state, and a memory image of a secondary OS is in a non-active state. When switching is performed from the primary OS to the secondary OS, a runtime image is created, and a digest P is calculated and encrypted (C). When switching is performed from the secondary OS to the primary OS, a digest of the stopped runtime image is calculated. Only when comparison between the decrypted digest P and the calculated digest shows agreement, is switching of the primary OS allowed.

Abstract: The purchasing aid is temporarily connected to a housing for the advertising surface which is permanently present, said housing being arranged fixedly on the shopping trolley, wherein the fastening for the purchasing aid is arranged outside the advertising surface, and the advertising surface which is permanently present can optionally also be used as a display for the purchasing aid.

Abstract: A system for management of age verification using an internet enabled mobile device. The system provides ID verification using identification information comparison. The system further optionally provides display of completed and pending orders, routing to delivery destination, and prioritizing of deliveries.

Abstract: A system and method for financial account reconciliation of a portfolio account system includes, for investments that are not reported as trades once an order to purchase has been placed, using a computer to electrically match investments that are not reported as trades to unmatched transactions of the portfolio account system. In this manner investments that are not reported as trades once an order to purchase has been placed do not create breaks of the portfolio account system.

Abstract: Methods of generating a secured printed document on paper or other medium by printing a security layer made of a transparent conductive material over the ink/toner layer that forms the visible content of the document. The security layer is printed using a transparent conductive material such as transparent conductive toner or ink and is invisible to human eyes. In one embodiment, the transparent conductive material contains a pattern that forms a radio frequency (RF) transponder circuit which has an RF antenna and a digital memory storing security data, which can be read out and used to authenticate the document. In another embodiment, the pattern forms a memory circuit without an RF antenna. In yet another embodiment, the transparent conductive material is patterned but does not form a functional circuit, and the electrical properties of the security layer such conductivity and/or capacitance are used to authenticate the document.

Abstract: An in-cart grocery tabulation system includes a shopping cart adapted to receive grocery items. A first and second scanner may be statically attached to a top region and a bottom region of the shopping cart respectively. Each of the first and second scanners may generate and transmit a price signal to a tabulation mechanism communicatively coupled to the first and second scanners. The tabulation mechanism may further be adapted to keep track of a price list associated with the scanned grocery items in the shopping cart. A display screen may be coupled to the tabulation mechanism and further affixed to the shopping cart to verify the price signal and thereafter transmits a display signal to the display screen. A user interface may be communicatively coupled to the display screen for reviewing the price list.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates identifying relationships between two or more trade cards. A schema component can implement a portion of user-assisted schema to create a trade card that represents a distillation of a document with document-specific data. A relationship component can identify at least one of a hard link or a soft link associated with the trade card in connection with at least one of a network or one or more trade cards, wherein the hard link is a source that derived the trade card and the soft link is directed toward a disparate trade card with a portion of substantially similar document-specific data.

Abstract: Surgical sponges and other articles are provided with machine-readable information which provides a serial number or other unique identification of the sponge. In addition, the machine-readable information will provide the type of article and/or a characteristic visual motif associated with the article. That way, by scanning in the machine-readable information from the sponges or other articles prior to a procedure, the computer or other digital processor can determine which articles may be missing after the procedure and alert the surgical team as to the type and/or characteristic visual motif of the missing article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for customizing customer identifier. To resolve the problems in customizing the identifier in the electronic device by the manufacturer for its customers, such as high management cost, stock, and possibility of error, as well as the security problem in customizing the identifier by the customer itself, and the problem of counterfeiting by others, the method provided comprises generating an irreversible identifier from a seed data input by the customer using some one-way algorithm(s) and storing that identifier in the electronic device. For the manufacturer, both the management cost and the stock are reduced, and the error possibility of the product after leaving the factory as well. For the customer, the security of customizing the identifier is ensured, and its identifier cannot be counterfeited by other peers any more.

Abstract: A shopping receptacle, the shopping receptacle being adapted to receive and retain a product item, the product item having an interface surface associated therewith, the interface surface having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, wherein the receptacle comprises:

Abstract: A system including a computerized shopping cart that includes a closed mechanical cart (1) which interconnects/disconnects to units for the insertion/storage of products upon manual command managed by a shopping computer aimed at managing shopping problems and controlling all electronic functions, i.e. automatic system for optically scanning (7) bar codes (UPC/EAN standard), one for checking (8) the correctness of the customer's operations, one emitting the intelligent multimedia commercial message, one for the wireless exchange of data with the outside, for use in supermarkets. The system provides shopping info (8) (list of products on sale, location, price, other), or of the product being purchased (price, whether it is on sale, partial groceries bill), or already purchased (list of purchased items) or to be purchased (remaining shopping list), guided by appropriate interactive messages (acoustic, visual.

Abstract: A method for reducing radio frequency interference from a high frequency serial bus by scrambling data signals and reducing the repetition of control signals. Beginning and ending control signals are provided with meaningless signals provided therebetween.

Abstract: A region comprising a plurality of real pages in a part of a real storage unit is provided with a first key storage unit having a plurality of key storage entries each corresponding to one of the plurality of real pages, while a second region comprising a plurality of real pages in the second part of the real storage unit is provided with a second key storage unit having a single key storage entry. When a real address designated by an instruction to be executed belongs to the first region, an entry corresponding to this address is accessed by a storage protection control circuit. When this address belongs to the second region, the second key storage unit is accessed irrespective of the address. Further, a key within the accessed key information is compared with a key on a program status word (PSW) allocated to a program to determine whether the execution of the instruction is permitted.

Abstract: A method of franking mail items is disclosed in which the franking impression includes a machine readable portion and a visually readable portion. The machine readable portion comprises a data block including at least a postage charge and a pseudo-random number and the data block is encrypted prior to printing. During printing of the franking impression, at least a part of the machine readable portion is read and compared with the data block intended to be printed. If the comparison is satisfactory the printing operation is continued to print the visually readable portion. The pseudo-random number is changed for each franking transaction which may be each item or batch of items. The machine readable portion is read at a mail handling centre to provide an input to a postage charging and accounting function.

Abstract: In a method of controlling the operation of a security module, wherein firmware controlling the operation of the security module (10) is stored in a program memory (40), new firmware may be loaded into the module (10). An authentication key (KA) is encrypted using a key storage key (KSK) stored in a resettable shift register (54) in the security module and the encrypted authentication key is stored in a secure memory (36). A firmware authentication value FAV is calculated, using the authentication key (KA), externally of the security module (10), for the new firmware, and the new firmware, together with FAV is loaded into a data memory (38) in the security module (10). A processor (30) in the security module (10) recalculates the firmware authentication value using the stored authentication key (KA) and compares the recalculated value with the loaded value FAV. If a correct comparison is achieved, the new firmware is transferred into the program memory (40).

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of the signature of an individual, first a sample signature is written with a pen which can generate electrical signals representative of the forces exerted in the plane of the paper in the process of writing. These signals are sampled and then scaled so that the signature when displayed, can be fitted within a predetermined display area. The scaled signals generated from the sample signature are then stored. When it is desired to compare the sample signature with a signature which is subsequently written, called a specimen signature, the specimen signature is written and is processed for display in the same manner as was the sample signature. The scaled sample signature signals are then called out of storage and displayed, as are the scaled signals generated in the course of writing the specimen signature. Any deviations between the signatures are very readily detectable by observing the display.

Abstract: A single cash deposite may be used for multiple race/multiple day wagering. As a receipt for the deposit, a ticket, having a form upon which a proposed wager may be entered, is issued with a system-generated transaction identification code. The code corresponds to a memory location wherein information concerning credit balance and any outstanding wager is recorded for the transaction. To place a bet, the ticket form is filled in with proposed wager information. The ticket is then inserted into a terminal and read. The memory location corresponding to the code is accessed and any outstanding wager information contained therein is compared to the race results. If same coincide, indicating a winner, the value of the outstanding wager is calculated and added to the stored credit balance.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in cooperation with record cards and identification cards to indicate scoring data. In the disclosed system, the record cards incorporate a magnetic stripe and preserve duplicate printed and magnetic records of scoring data, e.g. a golfer's handicap. The system includes an operating unit with a card printer. Playing data is entered for processing and for entry on a record card and for use in issuing identification cards that indicate a player's handicap. The functions of the operating unit include: entering fresh scores, using fresh scores to develop current handicaps (which can be checked), updating record cards, and issuing identification cards.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for use in cooperation with identification cards which incorporate a magnetic stripe and which functions to preserve a record and control the effect of scoring data, as a golfer's handicap. As disclosed herein, the system includes two components, a player unit and an office unit. The player unit processes the data on the identification card to issue score cards and indicate a player's handicap. The functions of the office unit include: entering fresh scores which are used to develop new handicaps, verifying data on the card and clearing any signals from the card that have resulted from mis-use and which inhibit the player unit. The system includes security aspects that discourage score manipulation or mis-use.

Abstract: A ticket reading device for reading a ticket having at least one row of indicia thereon as disclosed including means at a loading station for accepting the ticket and sensing its presence when presented for reading, means for moving the ticket from the loading station past a reading station at which the indicia is progressively translated into an electrical signal representative thereof and means at a cancellation station for identifiably marking the ticket upon successfully traversing the reading station. A ticket is also disclosed including two spaced and parallel rows of coded indicia each row being fully representative of the same predetermined information as the other but reproducing it by a different code.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing documents having both pre-printed information adapted to be identified by an automatic recognition device and handwritten information adapted to be identified by the human eye. Each document is subjected to an operation involving the reading of the information contained thereon in two recurrent operating phases and an operation involving the recording of fresh data thereon. In the first phase, the pre-printed information is read by an automatic recognition device. During the second phase, the handwritten information is read visually and transcribed by an encoding device. Simultaneously therewith, fresh data is recorded on another document which was subjected to a reading operation in the course of the two next preceding operating phases.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of the signature of an individual, first a sample signature is written with a pen which can generate electrical signals representative of the forces exerted in the plane of the paper in the process of writing. These signals are sampled and then scaled so that the signature when displayed, can be fitted within a predetermined display area. The scaled signals generated from the sample signature are then stored. When it is desired to compare the sample signature with a signature which is subsequently written, called a specimen signature, the specimen signature is written and is processed for display in the same manner as was the sample signature. The scaled sample signature signals are then called out of storage and displayed, as are the scaled signals generated in the course of writing the specimen signature. Any deviations between the signatures are very readily detectable by observing the display.

Abstract: This specification discloses a card processing apparatus which is constructed such that a card having information recorded thereon and a paper leaf are superposedly placed on card tray movably disposed in an opening formed within the housing of the apparatus and the following card processing is carried out by pushing the card tray into the interior of the housing: first, the card and the paper leaf are separated from each other and the card alone is transported so that first information recorded on the card is read by reader means, whereafter the card is transported back to the card tray to restore its initial position; next, information extraneously entered is compared with the first information read from the card and only when the two types of information are identical, urge means is operated to urge the superposed card and paper leaf, whereby second information recorded on the card is recorded onto the paper leaf.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing documents such as paper money, credit cards, identification cards and the like in a manner so as to prevent forgeries thereof, comprises the steps of producing a base material, coating fibers with a magnetic or magnetizable material, and embedding the fibers into the base material during the production of the base material; an apparatus for checking the authenticity of documents such as paper money, credit cards, identification cards, and the like comprises in combination a document having fibers which are coated with a magnetic or magnetizable material embedded therein, detecting means for scanning the document to determine the number of magnetic particles present in the document, and means for moving the document and the detecting means relative to each other so as to provide a scanning trace, the document and the detecting means being disposed in a close relationship to each other.

Abstract: A filling station with several pumps, dispensing various types of fuel, includes an electronic control unit with a counter receiving trains of backward-counting pulses from the outputs of various pulse generators driven by flowmeters installed in the several pump outlets. The counter also receives forward-counting pulses indicating the amount of money deposited by the station attendant in a locked cash box; upon depletion of the available credit balance, as indicated by a zero pulse count, the control unit stops the dispensation of fuel from all pumps. Another counter, receiving only the forward-counting pulses, has a presettable upper limit for preventing deposition of more than a predetermined maximum amount in the cash box; when that limit is reached, the box must be taken to a depositary accessible only to representatives of the station owner or the fuel supplier while an alternate cash box is substituted therefor at the filling station.

Abstract: A check digit numbering mechanism for generating check digits in accordance with a check digit load setting utilizes a check digit printing mechanism for printing a check digit on a printing medium including serial reference numerals. The check digit printing mechanism is indexed by a check digit numerator device. A plurality of solenoids and a corresponding plurality of movable armatures, each associated with a particular one of the solenoids, are provided such that at least one of the armatures is movable to engage the check digit numerator device to actuate it in association with the relative motion between the check digit numerator device and the solenoids. The plurality of solenoids are selectively actuated by a control mechanism which is responsive to a signal generated each time a reference number is printed on the printing medium to index the check digit numerator device to print an appropriate check digit associated with a given reference number on the printing medium.

Abstract: A symbol decoding system for decoding symbols comprised of plurality of bars some of which representing characters, comprising, means for providing a series of pulses representative of said bars, means for counting the interval between positive transitions between adjacent pulses, means for counting the interval between negative transitions between adjacent pulses, means for storing said counted intervals, means for testing for certain predetermined relationships among said counted intervals, and means identifying particular characters whenever said predetermined relationships are satisfied.

Abstract: An improved automated shopping system used within stores of the type utilizing shopping carts having product code scanning means and product weight sensing means located thereon in conjunction with a central computer also located within the store wherein the improvement comprises a first scanner releasably mounted on the shopping cart, a control panel mounted upon the shopping cart, means for visual display of word and numerical entries on the control panel, means for the readings of the first scanner to appear on the visual display, means for totalling numerical data that appear on the visual display, a second scanner located on the control panel, means whereby the second scanner's numerical entries are totaled and the total, with the second scanner's other readings appear on the visual display, and a printout device located in said control panel which records and totals the numerical entries and prints them on tape.

Abstract: A validator for a card bearing a code readable by moving the card forward past a reader, particularly for use in a vendor to control vending, in which the card is transported forward from an entry position past the reader to an escrow position. If read as valid, the card is maintained in the escrow position pending the user's decision to have the card collected or to obtain return of his card. If the card is read as invalid, it is immediately fed back to the user. The card transport is such as to prevent a valid card from being pulled back out of the validator as by a string or tape attached to the card, and the validator is so constructed that it is easily opened for servicing, including removal of a card which may become jammed in the validator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for electronically transmitting to a remote point unique data to be included in a document and for electronically transmitting from a second independent source an authenticating mark for the document. Where a plurality of documents, all containing common information, are being transmitted, the common information is transmitted only once. Equipment at the remote location prints the finished document(s) ready for delivery to the recipient(s).