Abstract: An image capturing device including a pixel chip having pixel blocks each including one or more pixels; and a signal processing chip having a first control block including a first converting unit for converting a signal from a pixel in at least a first pixel block into a digital signal, and a first storage unit storing the digital signal, and a second control block next to the first control block in a column direction and including a second converting unit for converting a signal from a pixel included in at least a second pixel block into a digital signal, and a second storage unit storing the digital signal, wherein the second converting unit and the second storage unit in the second control block are reversed vertically to the first converting unit and the first storage unit in the first control block.

Abstract: A system intended to perform a pairing of at least one first tag including a graphic code and a UWB radio transmitter device including a UWB radio transmission module and a UHF radio reception module to collect signals in order to electrically power the UWB transmission module, the transmitter device including a support including a zone delimiting a geometric contour making it possible to visually read the graphic code of the first tag when the transmitter device is superimposed on the first label, the system including a pairing device including a reader of the first graphic code and a UWB receiver to receive the UWB signal transmitted by the transmitter device, the pairing device including a memory.

Abstract: An electronic system to remotely enable and locally control use of liquid milk in the preparation of beverages based on, or containing, liquid milk in beverage vending machines is disclosed.

Abstract: A scanner system includes a scanner device and a terminal device. A housing of the scanner device is attached to an index finger of a user. The scanner device has a plurality of buttons located on the housing and actuated by a thumb of the user. A user can manipulate a user interface of the terminal device by actuating the plurality of buttons. A controller of the terminal device execute an operation when a single button of the plurality of buttons was pressed. A result of the operation is reflected in the user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distance sensor, an image sensor, one or more processors, and memory. The memory stores one or more programs configured for execution by the one or more processors. The apparatus measures a baseline depth. The apparatus measures a first depth subsequent to measuring the baseline depth. The apparatus determines that the first depth is different from the baseline depth. In response to the determination, the apparatus activates a read cycle. Subsequent to activating the read cycle, the apparatus measures a second depth. The apparatus detects that the second depth is within a threshold range of the baseline depth. In response to the detection, the apparatus deactivates the read cycle.

Abstract: In some examples, a system may configured to execute the instructions to based on the modular data of a peg modular, the item data and the draw strategy data, implement a set of modular placement optimization operations that generate a first modular dataset. In some examples, the set of modular placement optimization operations includes, determining, from a group of items, a combination of items to place onto the peg modular and, for each item of the combination of items, a placement position on the peg modular, and a number of facings. Moreover, the set of modular placement optimization operations includes generating the first modular dataset. Further, the system may be configured to execute the instructions to, based at least on the modular data the first modular dataset, implement a set of operations that determine whether to add additional facings.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for determining an estimated user departure time from a materials handling facility. For example, a user may enter a materials handling facility to pick one or more items from the materials handling facility. Those items may be provided to an agent for processing, such as packing, while the user picks other items within the materials handling facility. To ensure that the items are processed in a timely manner and made available to the user when the user is ready to depart from the materials handling facility, the implementations discussed determine an anticipated user departure time and compare that time with an estimated processing time needed to process the items.

Abstract: A shoe organizer unit, a method of using a shoe organizer unit, and a method for storing shoes in a plurality of shoe storing shelves of a shoe organizer unit are described. The shoe organizer unit includes a plurality of shoe storing shelves adapted to store shoes therein. A plurality of linear actuators moves the plurality of shoe storing shelves in a path within a cabinet. A controller manages operation of the linear actuators to move the shoes along the path. Transparent panels secure the shoes within the cabinet. Secure storage and retrieval of the shoes is controlled by electronics including a keypad, a push button and a shoe shelf identification code card printer. The shoe organizer unit provides for sterilization of the shoes stored and secure storing and retrieval of the shoes.

Abstract: A selection apparatus capable of efficiently selecting an optimum setting condition for filtering is provided. The selection apparatus is an apparatus that selects a setting condition for filtering to be performed on a reading target. The selection apparatus includes: a determiner that determines whether the reading target is readable with each of a plurality of combinations selected from among combinations of all setting conditions for at least two types of filtering; and a selector that selects a setting condition for the filtering based on a result of the determination by the determiner.

Abstract: On an optical path of a condensing lens (101), a varifocal lens (102) is disposed. The varifocal lens (102) is formed of an electro-optic crystal such as, e.g., potassium tantalate niobate. A condensation position measurement unit (103) measures a condensation position where laser light is condensed by the condensing lens (101). A condensation position control unit (104) controls a focal position of the varifocal lens (102) such that a difference between the condensation position measured by the condensation position measurement unit (103) and a prescribed condensation position that has been set falls within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A barcode reader configured to be supported by a workstation and having a housing with a window. A multi-axis radio-frequency identification antenna assembly is positioned within the housing of the barcode reader and includes first, second, and third antennas. The first antenna is configured to emit a radiation pattern oriented in a first direction, the second antenna is configured to emit a radiation pattern oriented in a second direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and the third antenna is configured to emit a radiation pattern oriented in a third direction, substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus (2000) includes a product recognition unit (2020), a shelf label recognition unit (2040), and a determination unit (2060). The product recognition unit (2020) recognizes the number of types of products or positions of each type of products from a target image. The shelf label recognition unit (2040) recognizes the number or positions of shelf labels indicating information of the products from the target image. The determination unit (2060) determines whether or not there is an error in a relationship between the recognized number of types of products and the recognized number of shelf labels or in a relationship between the recognized positions of each type of products and the recognized positions of the shelf labels.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the processing of electronic payments that involve an payment instrument. A payment instrument reading device is paired with a payment initiating device to allow transaction information generated by the payment initiating device to be automatically transmitted to its associated payment instrument reading device. This means that rekeying of transaction information is not required. In some embodiments one or more beacons are provided in a premises, to allow the location of a mobile payment initiating device to be determined. This location is used to either direct the payment initiating device to a payment instrument reading device, or vice versa. Transaction data generated by the payment initiating device is automatically transmitted to the payment instrument reading device. A pairing module is also provided, which is configured to pair a payment instrument reading device with a payment initiating device.

Abstract: A beverage apparatus, the beverage apparatus being hand-holdable by a user of the beverage apparatus to be portable, can include a beverage chamber housing that includes a chamber for storing a consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus can include a dispensing assembly that includes a receptacle. The receptacle can retain a vessel. The vessel can include an electronic tag and can contain an additive. The dispensing assembly can be operatively controllable by a controller to output the additive from the vessel into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus can include one or more sensors, devices, or assemblies that can be used to detect a volume of liquid in the chamber or a liquid level in the chamber. The beverage apparatus can include an apparatus processing portion (ACP) and an apparatus database portion.

Abstract: An electrophoretic medium comprises a fluid and first, second, third and fourth types of particles (W, Y, R, B) having four different colors. The first and third particles have charges of one polarity and the second and fourth particles charges of the opposite polarity; the first particles have a greater zeta potential or electrophoretic mobility than the third particles, and the second particles a greater zeta potential or electrophoretic mobility than the fourth particles. One particle is white (W), one non-white particle (B) is partially light-transmissive, and the remaining two non-white particles (R, Y) are light-reflective. A third light-reflective particle (G) may be added to create a five particle medium.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for targeted delivery of promotional messages from a sender to a receiver are disclosed. The system includes a website providing access to a plurality of promotional messages, and comprises a web-based user interface enabling the sender to create a set of promotional targeting records. A promotional targeting record comprises the sender's communication identifier, a targeted destination's communication identifier, and a selected promotional message. The created promotional targeting records are stored in a database.

Abstract: A computer can comprise a housing, a microprocessor disposed within the housing, a display, and a communication interface communicatively coupled to the microprocessor. The computer can be configured, responsive to locating decodable indicia within content viewable on the display, to decode the decodable indicia to produce at least one decoded message. The computer can be further configured to display the content with decoded message data being embedded into the content. The decoded message data can be provided by at least one decoded message, data derived from the decoded message.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel system for securing and using payment token data in a system for processing electronic payment transactions that does not require down-time for rekeying encryption keys when the keys are rotated.

Abstract: A communication apparatus having a direct wireless communication function includes a generation unit configured to generate a first two-dimensional code including an address of the communication apparatus and an SSID corresponding to the direct wireless communication function, and a second two-dimensional code including the address of the communication apparatus and not including the SSID corresponding to the direct wireless communication function, and an output unit configured to output the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code.

Abstract: A medical system according to an embodiment includes a medical apparatus and a first terminal. The medical apparatus is configured to have medical information therein. The first terminal is configured to be communicably connected to the medical apparatus so as to be able to transmit and receive the medical information thereto and therefrom, to have a function of an access point, and to cause a display to display a first code containing identification information of the access point. The first terminal is configured to be communicably connected to a second terminal having read the first code so as to be able to transmit and receive medical information thereto and therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing inventories of blood components are disclosed. Such systems and methods are configured to improve the predictability, efficiency, and/or automation of blood component supply chains. Tools are provided for tracking blood component inventories, forecasting blood component demand, and coordinating donations to meet current and anticipated demand. Some embodiments of the systems and methods identify when blood component units at a health care facility are beginning to run low or are approaching expiration, before the need for additional units becomes critical. Some embodiments of the systems and methods coordinate new donations and modify existing scheduled donations to meet real-time and forecasted demand for blood components.

Abstract: An image sensor, employed in a time-of-flight (TOF) sensing system, includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in plural rows and plural columns, each pixel generating an amount of charge in response to an incident light, and first driving circuitry configured to supply a driving control signal to each pixel via the plural columns. The first driving circuitry is configured to supply the driving control signal via one of odd and even columns.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a conveyance system, a capacitance sensor, a processor, an image forming mechanism, and a tag writer. The conveyance system conveys paper. The capacitance sensor detects a value indicating the capacitance at a plurality of detection positions for the paper conveyed by the conveyance system. The processor detects that the paper conveyed by the conveyance system is provided with an RFID tag, and that the paper is being conveyed without overlapping with other paper based on the value indicating the capacitance detected at a plurality of detection positions by the capacitance sensor. If the processor detects that the paper is provided with an RFID tag and is conveyed without overlapping with other paper, the image forming mechanism forms an image on the paper. The tag writer writes data to the RFID tag provided on the paper on which the image forming mechanism forms the image.

Abstract: A physically unclonable function (PUF) device comprises a plurality of conductors, at least some of which are arranged so that they interact electrically and/or magnetically with one another. A media surrounds at least a portion of each of the conductors, and circuitry applies an electrical challenge signal to at least one of the conductors and for receiving an electrical output from at least one of the other conductors to generate an identifying response to the challenge signal that is unique to the device.

Abstract: A camera interface circuit for a barcode scanner includes a binary conversion block and a selection module. The binary conversion block receives image signals from a camera, and converts gray levels of each pixel in each image frame into binary codes. The selection module alternately provides binary codes of one image frame and image signals of a consecutive image frame as outputs.

Abstract: A method of granting control access comprises displaying a QR code on a fire panel annunciator. A user device captures the QR code, extracts information from it, and forwards the extracted information to the fire panel. If the fire panel verifies that the extracted information is valid, the panel grants temporary control access to the user device.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for dynamic mobile wallet items. One embodiment in the form of a method includes receiving, via a network, a dynamic mobile document request associated with a registered user and including a token associated with data to be included in the dynamic mobile document. The method may then retrieve data for the dynamic mobile document from a database based at least in part on the token and an identifier of the registered user and then continue by transmitting, via the network, the retrieved dynamic mobile document data and data indicating how the dynamic mobile document is to be provided to the registered user to a dynamic mobile document generation service, the dynamic mobile document generation service to generate and provide the dynamic mobile document to the registered user.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, system and server for utilizing barcode. The method includes: a server receiving a decoding request sent by a user terminal, the decoding request comprising a barcode image associated with a smart device, or a code value of a barcode presented in the barcode image associated with the smart device; the barcode server acquiring state information associated with the code value of the barcode; returning operation information associated with the user if the state information is a second state information; or sending configuration address information to the user terminal for configuring the smart device, and changing the state information associated with the code value, if the state information is a first state information.

Abstract: A payment method includes obtaining, by a platform application running on a terminal, order information from a web page corresponding to a merchant, sending the order information to a backend server by using the web page, obtaining a preparatory order number from the web page, and calling a payment application running on the terminal to complete a payment procedure with the backend server according to the preparatory order number. The merchant accesses the platform application through the web page. The preparatory order number is generated by the backend server according to the order information and is sent to the web page.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of failure in the detection of metallic foreign object. A metallic foreign object detector includes a sensor part having at least one antenna coil that receives a magnetic field or current to generate a vibration signal a vibration time length measurement circuit that measures a vibration time length indicating the length of time required for the vibration of the vibration signal output from the sensor part corresponding to a predetermined wavenumber larger than 1, and a determination circuit that determines the presence/absence of a metallic foreign object approaching the antenna coil based on the vibration time length and a criterion vibration time length which is the vibration time length obtained in the absence of the approaching metallic foreign object.

Abstract: A portable terminal, a terminal function management system, and a terminal function management method that can prevent electronic money fraud by another person after loss or theft and readily and accurately determine the electronic money balance to be guaranteed are provided. In a portable terminal, a lock function that imposes restrictions on access to a chip storage unit that stores a value balance is enabled. It is thereby possible to prevent electronic money fraud by another person after the loss or theft of the portable terminal. Further, in the portable terminal, a value balance acquired after the lock function is enabled and before the lock function is released is stored in an electronic money server. It is thereby possible to readily and accurately determine the electronic money balance to be guaranteed which is stored the chip storage unit at the time when the loss or theft is found.

Abstract: A method and system for improved ordering and management of a seat assignment at a venue are provided. The method comprises modifying seat identifiers associated with seat locations and outputting the seat identifiers to a display system. The method further comprises identifying first information, determining a first seating arrangement from the first information, wherein the first seating arrangement identifies the seat locations with the seat identifiers, identifying second information, and determining a second seating arrangement from the second information, wherein the seat identifiers are modified to reflect to the second seating arrangement. The second seating arrangement is generated after the first seating arrangement. The system comprises a display system in a venue and a processor configured to display seating information through the display system. The display system comprises a plurality of display devices associated with a plurality of seats.

Abstract: A device may receive an indication that an ATM transaction is to be conducted, display prompt(s) for a user to input user authentication credential information and to select an ATM transaction type, detect user input(s) that include a user authentication credential and a selection of a particular ATM transaction type, and receive, from an ATM device, a request to establish a communication session. The ATM device may include a sync button to initiate communicative coupling of the ATM device and the user device. The request may be based on a user selection of the sync button. The device may communicatively couple to the ATM device, and provide, to the ATM device, the user authentication credential and data regarding the particular ATM transaction type to cause the ATM device to perform the ATM transaction. The device may display information regarding the ATM transaction.

Abstract: A container determination system is provided and generally includes a server, a database, and a customer computing device. The server may obtain, from the database, purchase order data identifying order lines of a purchase order, where each order line is associated with one or more items. The server may associate each order line of the purchase order with an initial container. The server may then optimize the assortment of items amongst the initial containers by attempting to re-associate a selected order line with another container based on whether the other container can hold the items associated with the selected order line, and based on a comparison between an acceptance rate and a randomly selected rate. The re-associations are attempted multiple times to determine optimized assortment information, which may be transmitted to an associate device to have a bagger place the purchased items in containers according to the optimized assortment information.

Abstract: A communication apparatus having a direct wireless communication function includes a generation unit configured to generate a first two-dimensional code including an address of the communication apparatus and an SSID corresponding to the direct wireless communication function, and a second two-dimensional code including the address of the communication apparatus and not including the SSID corresponding to the direct wireless communication function, and an output unit configured to output the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code.

Abstract: A method includes: obtaining an image of a graphic code from a scanning device that scans the graphic code displayed on a user terminal of a user; extracting, from the image of the graphic code, graphic code information encoded in the graphic code; verifying signature information in the graphic code information, wherein the graphic code information comprises the signature information, at least one piece of identity information of the user, and service permission information of multiple services; determining whether the at least one piece of identity information of the user matches identity information accepted by a service provider corresponding to the scanning device; determining whether the service permission information of multiple services of the graphic code information matches service permission information of a service supported by the scanning device; and executing the service.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus includes an information reading section, a communication section, a memory, a first determination section, a second determination section, and a control unit. In the apparatus, every time data is determined to be unread data (i.e., data read by one information reading apparatus but not shared yet by all of a plurality of information reading apparatuses) by the first determination section, the control unit records the unread data in the memory, while transmitting the unread data to other information reading apparatuses through the communication section. The control unit also records data determined to be unread data by the second determination section in the memory. A plurality of such information reading apparatuses are employed in an information reading system in which each information reading apparatus can easily keep track of the entire progress of reading tasks.

Abstract: A method of tracking a medical device includes creating a patient profile; creating an operating profile with at least one identified surgical site; providing a tracking assembly including a reader with a scanner, a housing enclosing the scanner and a medical drape; placing a medical device having an identifier over the reader; scanning the identifier of the medical device to electronically record the medical device data; associating the scanned medical device data with the at least one surgical site; and using the medical device on a patient on the at least one surgical site.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus belong to the technical field of image processing. The method is applied to a mobile terminal, and includes: acquiring a target image on a Two-dimensional (2D) image (S11); creating a Three-Dimensional (3D) image layer, taking the 2D image as a background of the 3D image layer, and creating a background frame on the 3D image layer (S12); detecting an orientation of the mobile terminal, and adjusting a shape of the background frame according to the orientation of the mobile terminal, so that different areas of the 2D image are moved into or out of the background frame (S13); and when the target object on the 2D image is not completely accommodated within the background frame, drawing the target object at a position of the target object on the 3D image layer (S14), where the 2D image, the background frame, and the drawn target object on the 3D image layer are sequentially stacked from bottom to top.

Abstract: A system of facilitating printing of shipping labels includes a computing device and a label printer. The computing device receive shipment database data from a remote computing device, store the shipment database data in a shipment database, receive scan data associated with an object from a scanning device, determine whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database, determine shipping information for the object based on whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database, and send shipping information to the label printer. The shipping information for the object is based on whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database. The label printer prints a shipping label for the object based on the shipping information.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses for forming and using pixels for image sensors. In one embodiment, an image sensor having at least two pixel electrodes per color region, and having at least two modes is disclosed. The example image sensor includes a first, unbinned, mode; and a second, binned, mode. In the first, unbinned mode, the at least two pixel electrodes per color region are to be reset to substantially similar levels. In the second, binned mode, a first pixel electrode of the at the least two pixel electrodes is to be reset to a high voltage that results in efficient collection of photocharge, and a second pixel electrode of the at the least two pixel electrodes is to be reset to a low voltage that results in less efficient collection of photocharge. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A computing system for calculating a total calorie count is provided. The computing system comprising an electronic personal assistant application program executed on a client computing device, and including a purchase tracking module configured to receive notifications of purchases made for individual food items, a calorie tracking module configured to identify calorie counts associated with each purchased food item and to calculate a calorie count statistic based thereon, a calorie apportionment module configured to apportion the calorie counts of the food items to a user so that the calorie count statistic is based upon an apportioned total of the calorie counts of the food items that have been apportioned to the user; and a graphical user interface module configured to display a graphical user interface including an indicator of the calorie count statistic on a display associated with the client computing device.

Abstract: A system receives from a customer having an associated rewards points account a price offer for an item. The system determines if the price offer for the item is below an established threshold price, e.g., a price a retailer would accept for the item. When the price offer for the item is below the established threshold price, the system determines an amount of rewards points to be redeemed by the customer to thereby allow the customer to purchase the item at the price offer for the item as received from the customer. The system then allows the item to be purchased by the customer at the price offer for the item as received from the customer in the event that the customer indicates a willingness to redeem the determined amount of rewards points from their associated rewards points account.

Abstract: A system and approach for conveying engineering and license data with a handheld or mobile device via a multi-dimensional code. Engineering data from a page such as a schematic may be generated, formatted, and encoded with a multi-dimensional code. The code in a visual presentation may be embedded in the schematic. A mobile device may scan the code. The device with an appropriate application may decode and un-format the engineering data from the code for a consumer or user. License data may be generated, encrypted, and encoded in a multi-dimensional code. The code in a visual presentation may be scanned and decrypted by the mobile device with an appropriate application, for a consumer or user.

Abstract: A device may receive an indication that an ATM transaction is to be conducted, display prompt(s) for a user to input user authentication credential information and to select an ATM transaction type, detect user input(s) that include a user authentication credential and a selection of a particular ATM transaction type, and receive, from an ATM device, a request to establish a communication session. The ATM device may include a sync button to initiate communicative coupling of the ATM device and the user device. The request may be based on a user selection of the sync button. The device may communicatively couple to the ATM device, and provide, to the ATM device, the user authentication credential and data regarding the particular ATM transaction type to cause the ATM device to perform the ATM transaction. The device may display information regarding the ATM transaction.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to maintain an inventory of products within a product carrier. The product carrier utilizes a radio frequency (RF) blocking material and a RF reader disposed within an interior of the product carrier to identify products placed therein. The product carrier can further include an indicator on an exterior thereof to provide an indication regarding a status of the products within the product carrier.

Abstract: An access control reader device integrates a touch pad in proximity to a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. A touch pad circuit board includes the RF antenna having a physical aperture and the capacitive touch pad positioned at least partially within the physical aperture of the RF antenna. This configuration allows the RFID reader to detect RFID tags in proximity to the capacitive touch pad. In order to prevent interference, such as the formation of eddy currents, the sensors of the touch pad are in the form of interrupted loops.

Abstract: A charging cabinet includes a housing including a plurality of horizontal storage chambers for storing mobile electronic devices, a mounting chamber at a back side relative to the horizontal storage chambers, a plurality of flip covers pivotally mounted at a front panel thereof and biasable to close/open the respective horizontal storage chambers and clocks for locking the respective flip covers, and a power supply unit including a power input module mounted at a back panel of the housing and electrically connectable to an external power source for power input, and a power socket module and an expansion module respectively electrically connected to the power input module with respective power jacks and respective USB connectors thereof arranged at different elevations to face toward the respective horizontal storage chambers for the connection of the respective storage mobile electronic device for charging.

Abstract: An example processor-implemented method for accessing peripheral devices with the present disclosure includes establishing connection between a portable computing device and a dock, determining a pairing status between the portable computing device and the dock, and managing access to at least one peripheral device by the portable computing device based on the pairing status. The dock is associated with the at least one peripheral device.