Abstract: Product selection packaging for a consumer product that improves the consumer's ability to quickly sort through numerous criteria in a complex decision making process and determine whether that particular consumer product is appropriate for his or her purchase and use is disclosed. The product selection packaging, which is designed for a consumer product includes (a) an interface; and (b) at least one product selection indicia associated with the interface, wherein the selection indicia assist the consumer with determining whether or not the product is appropriate for the consumer's purchase or use.

Abstract: A server includes a unit obtaining a position of a registered vehicle, a unit obtaining a vehicle dispatch position, a unit determining a candidate vehicle based on the vehicle dispatch position and the position of the registered vehicle, a unit transmitting information regarding an autonomous driving function of the candidate vehicle to a user device, a unit receiving information for identifying a dispatch vehicle, and a unit transmitting a vehicle dispatch position to the dispatch vehicle. The user device includes a unit receiving the information regarding the autonomous driving function of the candidate vehicle, a unit displaying the information regarding the autonomous driving function of the candidate vehicle, an unit accepting a user operation for selecting the dispatch vehicle, and a unit transmitting the information for identifying the dispatch vehicle to the server.

Abstract: A server includes a unit obtaining a position of a registered vehicle, a unit obtaining a vehicle dispatch position, a unit determining a candidate vehicle based on the vehicle dispatch position and the position of the registered vehicle, a unit transmitting information regarding an autonomous driving function of the candidate vehicle to a user device, a unit receiving information for identifying a dispatch vehicle, and a unit transmitting a vehicle dispatch position to the dispatch vehicle. The user device includes a unit receiving the information regarding the autonomous driving function of the candidate vehicle, a unit displaying the information regarding the autonomous driving function of the candidate vehicle, an unit accepting a user operation for selecting the dispatch vehicle, and a unit transmitting the information for identifying the dispatch vehicle to the server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the provision of goods using automated stores are provided. The automated stores are distributed across a geographical area and are remotely controlled to create an on-line marketplace. Users of the system can access the marketplace using an interactive portal to purchase items. Buyers can create purchase orders for items stocked in the marketplace and collect the items at one or more automated stores. The items are consigned to the buyers in real time at the automated store.

Abstract: A diamond asset comprising one or more diamonds and an encryption chip is used to asset-back a cryptographic token that can be used to conduct transactions. The cryptographic token is written to a blockchain using a smart contract that is configured to enable a transaction associated with the token in response to two or more of: a signature by the encryption chip, a signature by the owner of the diamond asset, and a validation of a visual layout of the diamond asset.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for user authentication of a vehicle in an autonomous driving system are disclosed. The method includes determining an authentication value indicating matching accuracy of authentication data entered for a passenger of the vehicle and authentication information of a caller of the vehicle, determining a driving setting of the vehicle based on the authentication value, driving on a pre-driving route according to the driving setting, performing decryption for encrypted data blocks related to the passenger received from an infra apparatus located on the pre-driving route, using a key value of the passenger, determining a destination of the vehicle based on whether the decryption for the encrypted data blocks succeeds or fails, and controlling the vehicle to drive to the destination.

Abstract: A secure enclosure is described which is designed to offer inventory management and tamper detection for the storage and removal of rolled coins and other valuable items. Within the secure enclosure a plurality of shelves are provided. Each shelf may have its own scale for the purpose of weighing the contents supported by its shelf. Each shelf may be designed for the storage of one particular denomination of rolled coin. Monitoring circuitry interfaces with the scales for the purpose of determining the quantity of rolls upon each shelf, and the possibility for an erroneous deposit or removal of rolls supported by a shelf or an improper access to other contents on the shelf. A further approach detects multiple types of rolls of coins utilizing a single scale.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for a tag for order fulfillment are described herein. One or more embodiments include a number of tags each associated with a corresponding inventory bin of a warehouse, each tag configured to broadcast unique identification information, and a mobile device configured to receive, from a database, order information including identification information of one of the number of tags and a type and a quantity of an item of an inventory bin of the warehouse corresponding to the tag, and scan for identification information of the tag.

Abstract: An exemplary credential reader includes a touch-sensitive region and is configured to generate tap information and/or swipe information in response to the touch-sensitive region being tapped and/or swiped. In certain forms, the touch-sensitive region is a non-displaying track pad. In other forms, the touch-sensitive region is a touch-sensitive display. A lockset including the credential reader further includes a controller configured to generate credential information based upon information received from the credential reader. The controller may compare the credential information to an authorized credential and transmit a grant/deny signal based upon the comparing.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for reducing fraud in electronic payment transactions. The apparatus includes a processor that executes instructions to implement a process to identify consumer or merchant devices that have been used in fraudulent transactions and prevent the authorization of future transactions that are initiated using those devices. By collecting device data as part of authorization messages and processing that data, devices that are used in fraudulent transactions with different merchants or involving different accounts may be identified and prevented from being the source of future transactions. This prevents future losses and reinforces the integrity of the transaction system.

Abstract: A device for use in a vehicle having an entertainment system. The device includes an information processing system including a data processor and memory in communication with one another, with the data processor executing a control system. The device includes an electronic paper display connected in communication to the control system and displaying information in accordance with commands received from the control system. The device includes a communication module connected in communication with the information processing system, with the communication module being connectable to the vehicle entertainment system. The communication module is configured to receive information from the vehicle entertainment system according to at least one communication protocol and communicate the information to the control system, in which the control system generates commands for the electronic paper display in accordance with information received from the vehicle entertainment system.

Abstract: Theft of an item from a department of a venue having a department-specific, point-of-sale (POS) station for completing a transaction of the item prior to authorized removal of the item from the department, is deterred by sensing and tracking movement of a target associated with the item from the department by deploying a plurality of sensing units overhead at the venue, and by generating an alert when the sensing units sense and track that the target associated with the item has bypassed the department-specific POS station without the transaction having been completed for the item at the department-specific POS station. Security personnel execute a theft-deterrent action in response to the alert.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an authentication system include determining that a first user device is located within a vehicle, where the first user device is associated with a first user. Vehicle authentication information is received from the vehicle. A vehicle account associated with the vehicle is authenticated using the vehicle authentication information. First transportation information associated with the vehicle is received from the vehicle. A user authentication configuration is determined based on the vehicle account and the first transportation information. A user account of the first user for the first user device is authenticated based on the first transportation information according to the user authentication configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed are fleet mobile payment methods and systems. In an embodiment, a plurality of vehicle cards are assigned to a plurality of vehicles associated with the company, each of the plurality of vehicle cards being assigned to one vehicle. The states of the vehicle cards are initially set to suspended status. A virtual token is sent from an activation server to a mobile device corresponding to a user of the mobile device. The vehicle card may be activated by receipt of the virtual token, together with vehicle identification, by the activation server. Additional authentication may be required to complete the transaction. In preferred embodiments, the vehicle cards revert to suspended status following each authorized use.

Abstract: An intelligent door lock and remote access system includes a mobile device with a controller that transmits a first signal. A lock device has a controller and an accelerometer. In response to a receipt of the first signal the mobile device begins a process for locking and unlocking a door where the lock is located. The lock device includes a controller and an accelerator, with the accelerator acting upon processing of the first signal and in response causing a rotation of an element coupled to the accelerator to unlock the door.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful for monitoring a facility, such as the safety, security, and status of individuals and items within the facility. In one illustrative approach, a retail facility maintains information regarding product location, in part, from correlating a shopper's cart path and their purchased items with those of other shoppers. In some approaches, a cart path may be determined, in part, by depositing compounds on a floor surface, provide shopping carts configured to pick up the compounds deposited on the floor of the retail facility, and capture, via a compound detector, the compounds deposited on the cart wheels of a particular shopping cart during a customer checkout at a point of sale terminal, and generate an estimated cart path for the particular one of the plurality of shopping carts.

Abstract: User identities, password, etc. represent the barrier between a user's confidential data and any other third party seeking to access this data. As multiple software applications, web applications, web services, etc. embody this confidential data it is a tradeoff between easy recollection of said identities, passwords, etc. and data security. Generally for most users the balance is too far to convenience and ease of recollection such that the probability of third party illegally accessing the confidential data increases. Accordingly, it would be beneficial for users as well as organizations providing/controlling access to systems, resources, and data to be provided with an automatic means of entering password and/or security credential information without the user, for example, selecting the password, knowing the password, having access to the password, or entering the password where the organizations providing/controlling access can establish geo-fences relating to the credential information.

Abstract: Methods of operation of a self-powered power sensor (SPPS) are provided for the measurement of the likes of current, power, power factor, and other parameters related to the power consumption, at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Each SPPS is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which may further process the data sent thereto, as well as communicate back to the SPPS for the purpose of synchronization of, for example, clocks of the SPPS and the management unit.

Abstract: A vending machine system for dispensing goods or services. The vending machine system may include a vending machine with a vending mechanism, a data processing device remote from the vending machine, and a vending bridge. The vending bridge is in communication with the data processing device and the vending mechanism of the vending machine so as to instruct the vending mechanism to dispense the goods or the services.

Abstract: An approach for implementing a vehicle data exchange platform for identifying vehicle sensor data and providing methods for storage and exchange of the sensor data. The approach includes detecting a presence of a vehicle within a predetermined space, wherein the vehicle is configured with one or more sensors for collecting sensor data. The approach also includes configuring one or more sensor interfaces associated with the predetermined space to retrieve the sensor data from the one or more sensors, the vehicle, or a combination thereof. Further, the approach includes processing the sensor data to determine a storage location for the sensor data.

Abstract: In a method for controlling pricing of a product, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having at least one processor is attached to a monitored product. A value indicative of a degree of exposure to an environmental condition is obtained. The obtained value is compared with a predetermined value range. A price of the monitored product is adjusted when the result of the comparison falls outside the predetermined value range.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system is provided. There is provided a method in which an electronic shelf label periodically transmits its remaining battery capacity to a server in a electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, and the server converts the battery level into a remaining battery life (time) and provides the same, so that a manager can check the remaining battery life in a management mode of the server and a terminal, and easily manage an electronic shelf label using a battery.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes an actuating device that actuates first and second containers, respectively, and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the actuating device is inactive, in a second period the actuating device actuates the first container at a first frequency, and in a third period the actuating device actuates the second container at a second frequency. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the actuating device actuates the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A cabinet lock for protecting merchandise within a merchandise display cabinet having an inner door and an outer door. The cabinet lock includes a strike plate affixed to the inner door and a lock housing affixed to the outer door such that the cabinet is in a locked configuration that prevents access to the merchandise when the lock housing is operably engaged to the strike plate. A programmable electronic key communicates a security code with the cabinet lock and transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock to operate a lock mechanism between the locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. An indicator is provided for indicating whether the cabinet lock is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration. The indicator includes a first segment and a second segment that can be energized to visually indicate the status of the cabinet lock.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-fake identification system and method capable of automatically connecting to web address, in which an electronic tag of commodity is scanned by a reader device so as to read the identification code into the computer device; the identification code includes a web address of a remote maker to which the computer can automatically connect so as to transmit the identification code to the web address; a verifying device receives and verifies the identification code at the web address, and produce an authentication code according to the identification code after the identification code passes through verification so as to confirm the accuracy of the identification code. The method comprises the following steps of: reading an identification code of commodity; transmitting the identification code to the web address; verifying the identification code and generating an authentication code when the identification code is accurate.

Abstract: In a method for controlling pricing of a product, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having at least one processor is attached to a monitored product. A value indicative of a degree of exposure to an environmental condition is obtained. The obtained value is compared with a predetermined value range. A price of the monitored product is adjusted when the result of the comparison falls outside the predetermined value range.

Abstract: Method for communication between a central server and a computerized juke-box which operates in a conference mode, including: sending a header before any transaction, which includes the identity of the destination together, the identity of the emitter, and the size of the packets; responding from the server in the form of a data packet, each packet sent by the server being encoded using the identification code of the juke-box software; and receiving a data packet by the juke-box, which decodes the packet, simultaneously performs a check on the data received by the CRC method and sends an acknowledgement of receipt to the server indicating the accuracy of the information received, to allow it to prepare and send another packet to the juke-box.

Abstract: A smartcard or other media that detects the presence of chemical and/or biological compounds or other items of interest on individuals handling by using chemical-selective devices. These chemical-selective devices can include non-linear (e.g., diode and/or transistor) and/or time non-linear (e.g., controlled resistor) electrical components and can indicate exposure to an item of interest through a change in one or more electrical characteristics. The exposure of the chemical-selective devices to items of interest is stored such that, when the smartcard or other media is presented to a card reader, the detection data can be transmitted to the card reader for appropriate processing by the system.

Abstract: An item storage facility that includes a resident programmable subcontroller, at least one stand, a one circuit board having a plurality of elongated openings therein supported on the stand, and a plurality of connectors resident on the circuit board and in communication with the subcontroller.

Abstract: An electronic access control device is disclosed comprising two microprocessors. The first microprocessor receives a wirelessly transmitted that is compared to a stored access code. If those two codes match, the first microprocessor transmits a special communication code to the second microprocessor. The second microprocessor opens the lock if the transmitted communication code matches a stored communication code.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A security tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing, a membrane operable for attachment to merchandise, wherein the housing is connected the membrane, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the housing from the membrane and an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the housing from the membrane in an unauthorized condition. A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to merchandise to be secured, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the merchandise and an alarm operable to emit a tamper alarm signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the merchandise in an unauthorized condition.

Abstract: In an article management apparatus in which the weight of a bottle, including content, placed on a weighing scale is measured and tag data of a radio tag, indicating content of the bottle, which is affixed on the bottle is read out in a non-contact manner by a radio tag reading section through an antenna when the bottle is placed on the weighing scale, a compound data for discriminating whether or not content in a bottle is compoundable with contents in other bottles is stored. It is determined, based on the compound data stored, whether content of a first bottle on which a first radio tag is affixed can be compounded with content of a second bottle on which a second radio tag is affixed when the radio tag reading section reads out tag data of first and second radio tags.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of determining the location of an asset comprising the steps of: for each asset tag in the rack, exchanging identity information and location information with at least one tag of a neighboring asset, wherein at least the location information is exchanged along a substantially physically unobstructed path between the asset tag and it's at least one neighboring asset tag; for each asset tag, transmitting the identity information and location information exchanged to a collection unit; and responsive to the information transmitted to the collection unit determining the location of the asset relative to other assets.

Abstract: A communications-enabled packaged product allows a consumer to partake of communications within a product-centric network. The packaged product performs the functions of a communications node in the network. The packaged product may include two portions, one portion being a reactive label which may be affixed to the packaging and a second part being a “smart communications card” that is separate from the packaging and portable. Each part includes a communications element and an information storage and retrieval element and may include various means for downloading and uploading information into the storage and retrieval elements. In one aspect of its use, the invention allows the consumer to transmit and receive information about the product. In another aspect of its use, the invention allows the consumer to carry information about other similarly enabled products in their possession for use in shopping trips.

Abstract: A fluid delivery nozzle for wireless communication to either an active or a passive device located on a vehicle and for wireless communication from the fluid delivery nozzle to a central location for storage of vehicle data. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction, a communication link is established between a vehicle communication device and the central location and between a fluid container of the vehicle and the fluid delivery nozzle. The information received from the vehicle and container is relayed to the central location to authorize delivery of a fluid to the vehicle. Information is also transferred from the central location back and forth to the fluid delivery nozzle to update and store information regarding the fluid delivery transaction. A keyboard and display are provided on the fluid delivery nozzle to provide an operator interface during the fluid delivery transaction.

Abstract: In an image forming system, a server includes (a) a transmitting/receiving unit that receives consumable-goods shortage information and consumable-goods stock information via a network and transmits the consumable-goods stock information and stock retrieval information for retrieving the consumable goods via a network, the consumable-goods shortage information indicating a shortage of consumable goods in an image forming apparatus, the consumable-goods stock information indicating an available stock in an image forming apparatus, and (b) a management control unit that causes the transmitting/receiving unit to transmit the stock retrieval information to the other image forming apparatuses than one of the image forming apparatuses that transmits the consumable-goods shortage information to the server, and causes the transmitting/receiving unit to transmit the consumable-goods stock information obtained from the other image forming apparatuses as a result of retrieving the consumable goods via the network.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a controller and first and second actuators coupled to the controller and adapted to actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom. The device further includes a sensor coupled to the controller for detecting an environmental condition. The controller is configured to operate in a first period during which the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period during which the first actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period during which the second actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom.

Abstract: A biometric payment and identification system includes a vending machine, a biometric reader device communicating with the vending machine, a biometric information database communicating with the biometric reader device and checking software supporting the biometric information database and communicating with the vending machine. The biometric information database is adapted to electronically store biometric information of potential buyers of products contained in the vending machine. The checking software is adapted to authorize dispensing of products from the vending machine by matching biometric information obtained from the customer using the biometric reader device with the biometric information stored in the biometric information database.

Abstract: A power distribution monitoring system includes a number of power line mounted monitors. Each monitor can acquire data regarding the delivery of electrical power in the power line, wirelessly transmit and receive messages, and electromagnetically acquire and store operating electrical power from electrical current flowing in the power line. The system also includes an aggregator that can wirelessly transmit and receive messages and wirelessly output beacon messages. In response to beacon signals wirelessly output by the aggregator, each monitor co-acts with the aggregator to dynamically build a wireless communication network for the wireless communication of the data acquired by the monitor regarding the delivery of electrical power in the power line to the aggregator.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic shelf label system capable of shortening a period of time required in distributing a large amount of information such as update information for all electronic shelf labels. In the electronic shelf label system, a communication control device (200) distributes shelf label information for an electronic shelf label. A relay station device (300a, 300b) has an electronic shelf label allocated thereto as a relay destination of the shelf label information, and relays only a piece of the shelf label information for the electronic shelf label device that is allocated to the relay station device. The electronic shelf label receives the shelf label information relayed by the relay station device (300a, 300b), to thereby perform display based on the shelf label information.

Abstract: A system and method whereby a customer requiring hire of a taxi can view available taxis on their mobile phone and can select a taxi for hire. An authorisation of payment is carried out and the selected taxi allocated to the customer if the authorisation is successful.

Abstract: A system and method for postage payment utilizes passive RFID tags as postage “stamps”, with the amount of the postage automatically billed to a previously-established customer account. The tags are stored in a separate stamp database and are “enabled” by linking the individual tag to a customer account. The use of the RFID stamps eliminates the need for the customer to know the proper postage beforehand. The existence of a customer account with a proper return address reduces the likelihood of a dead letter. Also, a special category of stamps may be used for automatic reply mail. By virtue of using an RFID tag, the mailed item's progress through the postal delivery system may be tracked from dispatch to delivery.

Abstract: A method of inputting a user input access combination in order to gain authorized entry into a secure location comprises providing an input device having first and second input keys as well as a display, randomly generating a first character and a second character on the display, inputting the user input access combination into the input device, and comparing the user input access combination with an authorized access combination. The user input access combination includes a first user input character and a second user input character. The step of inputting the user input access combination comprises pressing the first input key to change the first randomly generated character to the first user input character, and pressing the second input key to change the second randomly generated character to the second user input character.

Abstract: An outdoor vending machine in the form of a parking meter includes the following elements: a user interface having a cover plate, there being disposed in the region thereof operating information items and force sensors coupled to the cover plate, the force sensors outputting signals as a function of an external force exerted on the sensors via the cover plate, analysis electronics having a pressure point determination unit for ascertaining pressure points on the cover plate based on the signals of the force sensors, an association unit, which associates different operator commands with different pressure points in operation, and a processing unit; which carries out sales actions in operation based on the operator commands. The operating information items include operator command information items which are at least partially localized in or on a pressure area on the cover plate.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a single, overall alarm for an entire set of shopping items will be used for any and all discrepancies. The metric used for creating an alarm for the overall set of shopping items can be based on any one of the following candidate policies: if at least one item generated an alarm; if some fixed number of items generated an alarm; if some threshold discrepancy metric got exceed; if basket size is larger than certain threshold cash value and the alarm exceeded certain threshold alarm rate; a randomly generated alarm (e.g., random audit); the customer's identity and track record (e.g., loyalty card); and/or any combination of the above. Regardless, if an overall alarm is generated one or more of the following actions can be taken: no action send the customer to customer service; appropriately record customer track record (e.g., loyalty card) when customer identity is available; audit the customer at the “shop exit; and/or any combination of thereof.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus includes: a communication device to receive a plurality of removable information devices and transmit information to a proximity coupling system, the communication device including: a body; a plurality of electrical interfaces supported by the body, each of the plurality of electrical interfaces to electrically connect to a contact interface of an associated one of the plurality of removable information devices; a controller supported by the body to (i) determine which one of the plurality of removable information devices is selected by a user and (ii) receive information from the selected one of the plurality of removable information devices through a one of the plurality of electrical interfaces that is associated with the selected one of the plurality of removable information devices; and a wireless communication interface supported by the body to transmit information to the proximity coupling system, wherein the transmitted information is based at least in part information o

Abstract: A system and method for securing a Radio Frequency (RF) transaction using a RF identification device transaction device is provided. The invention uses the routing number and customer identifying information associated with a transaction account to secure a RF transaction. Specifically, the customer identifying information is included in an encrypted payload that is provided to a merchant point-of-sale device in a unused field of the RF data transmission. The routing number is provided in the ordinary field location of the data transmission typically reserved for the transaction account number. Additionally, the encrypted payload is provided in the unused field of the data transmission. The routing number is used to locate the corresponding encryption key for validating the RF transaction device, the transaction account and/or customer identifying information without the need for the reader to encrypt the customer identifying information before providing a transaction request to an account issuer.