Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Security Tag (“ST”) coupled to an item. The methods comprise: storing first Item Related Information (“IRI”) is a datastore of ST that is associated with an output device and second IRI in an integrated RFID element of ST; receiving third IRI at a microcontroller of ST; performing comparison operations by the microcontroller to compare the third IRI with the first and/or second IRI; using the third IRI to write over the first and/or second IRI based on results of the comparison operations; and synchronizing advertised information and register information for the item by outputting the third IRI from the output device and the integrated RFID element.

Abstract: Shelf rail for an electronic shelf-label system, comprising a first fastening structure for fastening at least one electronic shelf label that can be supplied with power in a contact-free manner, wherein the first fastening structure comprises a wall running between a head area and a foot area of the shelf rail with a wall front side and a wall back side, which defines a shelf-label plane with its wall front side for the positioning of the at least one shelf label along the wall, and wherein the shelf rail on the wall back side comprises at least one second fastening structure for attaching at least one conductor loop on a conductor-loop plane, wherein the conductor-loop plane is aligned parallel to the shelf-label plane and runs at the defined first distance from the shelf-label plane, and wherein the shelf rail comprises a third fastening structure for fastening a conductive structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling electronic shelf labels are disclosed. Product data identifying at least one product and a price of the at least one product and layout data of a physical environment including locations of one or more shelves, a respective shelf location of the at least one product, and coordinates of a plurality of electronic shelf labels is received. Coordinates for a first electronic shelf label associated with the respective shelf location is determined. A first emitter of a plurality of emitters that is capable of communicating with the first electronic shelf label is determined and positioned to direct a signal to the coordinates of the first electronic shelf label to establish a link with only the first electronic shelf label. A portion of the product data is transmitted via the signal, which causes the first electronic shelf label to display the portion of the product data.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of bets, in which each bet defines a respective amounted wagered, a respective area, and a respective weather-related event. Data that represents the plurality of bets is displayed. An outcome of a weather-related event is determined and at least one winner is determined based on the bets and the outcome.

Abstract: The present invention is a message updating system for an electronic label. The system comprises a message updating device, wherein a controller thereof controls a power-supply transmission unit and a message-update transmission unit to respectively transmit a charging signal and a message-updating to the electronic label for charging the electronic label and updating label information of the electronic label. A detection device picks up the label information to generate label content information, transmits the label content information to the controller to make the controller compare the label content information with update comparison information, and generates an alert message if the label content information is different from the update comparison information. The present can charge the electronic label that is mounted on an article and update label information simultaneously while the article is being transported.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time recommendations to user in a shopping environment involves sampling a shopping environment using video cameras to generate video features related to a shopper in connection to an item, the sampling input to a machine learning model to create labels related to a state of a scenario, the scenario including the shopper handling the item. Supplemental information is provided to the shopper in connection with the item. The makeup of the supplemental information may be sourced from online service or device associated with the shopper. The supplemental information may be delivered to the shopper, or to a shopper-aware display in the store, or elsewhere. A processing entity associated with the store detects a scenario to identify the shopper as having finished shopping, and causing a charge of the item to a cashierless shopping cart associated with the shopper.

Abstract: A content delivery system (1) is provided with: a content storage unit (61) for storing a plurality of contents that correspond to each of a plurality of kinds of information pertaining to one commodity (12) that is the object of sales promotion; an output unit (18) for outputting one content from among the plurality of contents; a touch panel (15) for displaying a selection input unit (19), which corresponds to the plurality of contents, on a screen; an input acceptance unit (47) for accepting an input operation performed on the selection input unit (19); and a switching unit (48) that, when an input operation is performed on the selection input unit (19), switches a content that corresponds to the selection input unit (19) for output by the output unit (18).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processor-readable storage media for remote controlling of electronic shelf labels. An example method includes receiving, at a computing device, store layout data of a retail store and product data. The product data identifies at least one product and a price of the product. The method causes an optical emitter to emit an optical signal to at least one electronic shelf label based at least in part on the store layout data, the product data, and a predetermined rule. The optical signal bears the product data and is configured to cause the electronic shelf label to change displayable information to reflect new product data. The electronic shelf label can also send feedback to the optical emitter to inform that the optical signal was successfully received.

Abstract: An ultra-wide bandwidth acoustic transducer may include multiple layers, including an inner piezoelectric layer, a polymer coupling layer and an outer piezoelectric layer. The polymer layer may be located between, and may be bonded to, the inner and outer piezoelectric layers. The transducer may have multiple eigenfrequencies of vibration. These eigenfrequencies may include primary resonant frequencies of the inner and outer piezoelectric layers respectively and may also include resonant frequencies that arise due to coupling between the layers. An acoustic backscatter system may employ such a transducer in backscatter nodes as well as in a transmitter. The multiple eigenfrequencies may enable the system to perform spread-spectrum communication at a high throughput. These multiple eigenfrequencies may also enable each backscatter node to shift frequency of an uplink signal, which in turn may enable the system to mitigate self-interference and to decode concurrent signals from multiple backscatter nodes.

Abstract: A home appliance and a control method therefor are provided. The home appliance includes a display, a sensor to detect whether a door is opened or closed, and at least one processor configured to control the display to display one or more objects, and based on sensing, by the sensor, at least one of an opening or a closing of the door, provide visual feedback to the one or more objects.

Abstract: A method is performed by using a master smart scale with a master-slave mode, a remote communication device and a slave smart scale to manage multiple chemicals from a remote place. The master smart scale performs an initialization procedure to obtain an initial weight of one chemical; generate an identification information by reading a radio frequency tag of the chemical; use the identification information to inform the remote communication device to open an input page for users to input a basic information into the master smart scale; and mark the basic information and the initial weight with the identification information. In the master-slave mode, the master smart scale allows receiving the information of the chemical from its slave smart scale. For inquiry, a specific page is opened with the remote communication device to receive and display a statistical data generated from the master smart scale.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of bets, in which each bet defines a respective amounted wagered, a respective area, and a respective weather-related event. Data that represents the plurality of bets is displayed. An outcome of a weather-related event is determined and at least one winner is determined based on the bets and the outcome.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser comprises a housing enclosing fluid handling components including a fluid flow meter. The housing has a user interface including a panel display. A control system is in electrical communication with the user interface and is operative to display money and volume information on the panel display during a fueling transaction. A secondary display having digit structure that registers fuel dispensing information is in electrical communication with the control system. The secondary display is configured to not be viewable by a customer during a fueling transaction.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling shopping cart usage comprises a wheel assembly that attaches to a shopping cart. The wheel assembly includes a wheel, a brake that can be activated to inhibit rotation of the wheel, a controller that controls the brake, a VLF receiver, and an RF transceiver. The RF transceiver may, for example, operate in a 2.4 GHz frequency band. In some implementations, the RF transceiver may be used to detect entry of the shopping cart into a checkout area of the store, and the VLF receiver may be used to detect that the shopping cart is exiting the store. The controller may activate the brake if the shopping cart attempts to exit the store without first passing through a checkout area.

Abstract: An electronic shelf system includes a shelf, a first display unit, a first sensing unit, a storage unit and a processing unit, wherein the processing unit communicates with the first display unit, the first sensing unit and the storage unit. The shelf includes a compartment. The first display unit is disposed on the compartment. The first sensing unit is disposed on the shelf. The first sensing unit is configured to sense a characteristic parameter. The storage unit stores a plurality of display information. The processing unit receives the characteristic parameter from the first sensing unit and controls the first display unit to switch one of the display information being displayed currently to another one of the display information according to the characteristic parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for use in monitor power levels at a shopping facility, comprising: central control system separate and distinct from a plurality of self-propelled motorized transport units, wherein the central control system comprises: a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive communications from the plurality of motorized transport units; a control circuit coupled with the transceiver; and a memory coupled to the control circuit and storing computer instructions that cause the control circuit to: identify available stored power levels at each of the plurality of motorized transport units; identify an available recharge station, of a plurality of recharge stations distributed throughout the shopping facility, at least relative to a location of the first motorized transport unit intended to be subjected to recharging; and wirelessly communicate one or more instructions to cause the first motorized transport unit to cooperate with an available recharge station.

Abstract: A method for product compliance includes receiving, at data processing hardware, a planogram defining a representative placement of a product on a display shelf and receiving at least one image from an imaging device having a field of view arranged to capture a top surface of the display shelf. The method also includes determining whether the product is disposed on the display shelf based on the at least one image. When the product is disposed on the display shelf, the method includes determining an actual placement of the product on the display shelf and comparing the actual placement of the product to the representative placement of the product defined by the planogram. The method further includes determining a planogram compliance based on the comparison of the actual placement of the product to the representative placement of the product and communicating the planogram compliance to a network.

Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for interacting with an interactive display using a shopping cart. A RFID reader can read RFID tags integrated with a handle portion of a shopping cart. A unique identifier can be encoded in each of the RFID tags. A user of the shopping cart can the RFID reader from reading one or more of the RFID tags in response to a hand of a user obscuring the one or more RFID tags. The RFID reader can detect which of RFID tag(s) are covered. The RFID reader can transmit the identifier(s) of the covered RFID tag(s) to a computing system. The computing system can include an interactive display. The computing system can retrieve a specified action to be performed on the interactive display. The computing system can control, to perform a specified action on the interactive display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical narrowcasting are provided for transmitting various types of content. Optical narrowcasting content indicative of the presence of additional information along with identifying information may be transmitted. The additional information (which may include meaningful amounts of advertising information, media, or any other content) may also be transmitted as optical narrowcasting content. Elements of an optical narrowcasting system may include optical transmitters and optical receivers which can be configured to be operative at distances ranging from, e.g., 400 meters to 1200 meters. Additionally, the elements can be implemented on a miniaturized scale in conjunction with small, user devices such as smartphones.

Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for interacting with an interactive display using a shopping cart. A user navigate a shopping cart to a computing system including an interactive display and can actuate or press one or more push buttons associated with RFID tags integrated with the handle portion on a shopping cart to interact with the interactive display. A unique identifier can be associated with each RFID tag. A RFID reader disposed with respect to the computing system can detect the unique identifiers associated with the one or more detected RFID tags. The RFID reader can transmit the unique identifiers to the computing system. The computing system can execute the retrieved actions on the interactive display, based on the one or more buttons actuated or pushed and the correlated RFID tags.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein disclose an electronic display assembly using a monolithic electronic display panel with a single video player in electrical connection with a single timing and control board (TCON) which is in electrical connection with the monolithic electronic display panel. The single video player and TCON are adapted to transmit a combination of both still images and full motion video to be shown simultaneously on the electronic display. Different areas of the display can be used to show different content, either video or still images. Bezels can be graphically generated between the images, which can change shape, location, or be removed altogether as the display content changes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing, as a service over a computer network (especially a packet-switched computer network) to a body of merchants connected to the computer network, verification of consumer identification based on data provided over the computer network by scanning devices attached to the computers operated by consumers.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods configured for serving pixel mapped content to one or more merchandising communication systems. A merchandising communication system may be included at a retail environment or other location. Pixel mapped content may include barcodes, text, and other desired content.

Abstract: The present system relates to methods and apparatus for displaying retail information. Specially, the present system provides a system for displaying retail information specified by a retailer or a consumer and real-time monitoring of retail product for the retailer. For example, this allows a retailer to send promotional offers to a consumer operated external device, the retailer to keep real-time inventory of products, and the consumer to request the location of a product in a retail outlet. Additionally, the described system provides methods and apparatus for theft detection of a retail product.

Abstract: A system and method of computerizing companies with customized individual addressable electronic direct marketing, self-service automation, and customer care support. The system contains a private network connecting product companies, manufacturers, stores, educational institutions, travel companies, medical providers, financial institutions, and many others to a specified individual customer. The connection is made to a personal agent device carried or worn by a participating consumer that contains local processing means with an interactive display, security features, optional camera, and wireless communications with the private network. Communications microchips can be placed on products that communicate product information upon interrogation with the personal agent. The invention also includes business professional units in communication with the private network and in-store local wireless communication between personal agents and the business professional unit.

Abstract: A talking medicine label, bottle, system and method for their manufacture are described. The system and method include use of a recording device by speaking into a microphone and then affixing the talking label to the side of a conventional pill bottle to transform it into a talking pill bottle. The system and method alternatively may include a PC/POS terminal and a speech synthesis device for programming the label with a synthetic-speech recording.

Abstract: A food waste disposal system includes a waste disposal machine, a PLC, which controls the operation of the food waste disposal machine; at least one scale connected to a load cell indicator; door sensors; a minicomputer, a network connection, the minicomputer in data communication with an analytics cloud. The minicomputer includes SSL certificates; validates data communicated to the analytics cloud; stores the data in a centralized database and transmit a successful status code to the mini-computer after determining that the data is valid; and transmits an error code if the data validation fails, or another type of system error occurs; examines, aggregates and processes validated data; and determines the amount of waste dumped into the waste disposal machine based on door-open and door-closed states; and pre-aggregates a weight processed data by time or by digester to provide reporting to an end-user.

Abstract: A method includes illuminating at least a portion of a display proximate an ambient light sensor of a device, detecting a first light measurement using the ambient light sensor responsive to the illuminating, and generating an asserted value for a proximity state of the device based on the light measurement exceeding a first predetermined threshold. A device includes a display, an ambient light sensor, and a processor coupled to the display and the ambient light sensor to illuminate at least a portion of the display proximate the ambient light sensor, detect a first light measurement using the ambient light sensor with the display illuminated, and generate an asserted value for a proximity state of the device based on the light measurement exceeding a first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for monitoring shopping carts or other human-propelled carts includes wireless access points that communicate bi-directionally on a wireless network with wheel assemblies of the carts. The system supports both unicast and multicast command transmissions from the access points to the wheel assemblies, including multicast transmissions in which the target wheel assemblies are specified in terms of their states. For example, an access point can transmit a command that is addressed to all wheel assemblies that are locked, or to all wheel assemblies that are moving.

Abstract: A projection device is disposable into a display platform of a display rack having a plurality of display platforms, for directly projecting an image frame onto a projection screen of the display platform. The image frame projected to the projection screen is not reflected by any reflective mirror arranged between the projection device and the projection screen. A length of the image frame in a first direction is equal to at least ten times a length of the image frame in a second direction. Since no reflective mirror is arranged between the projection device and the projection screen, the projection device is more easily applicable to display racks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes an automated, customer-based retail display system with mobile device interactivity and a printed plastic display. In some embodiments, a system is described including an electronic shelf display strip that extends along the front edge of existing store shelves. The electronic shelf display strip can be printed on a plastic backplane and designed to fit in standard store shelf pricing areas. The printed electronic display on plastic is low cost and protected from damage as opposed to glass based screens used in prior art electronic shelf labels.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for determining and verifying a location of an electronic label. A host system exchange information with the electronic label via ultrasonic data communication. The host system also identifies a location of the electronic label using an ultrasonic location technique. The host system also verifies that the electronic label is correctly located by comparing a calculated location of the electronic label with a known location of merchandise associated with the electronic label.

Abstract: A method monitors near field communication (NFC) modes performed by a user and automatically adjusts the periods of the NFC modes according to a frequency of use of each of the NFC modes, and an electronic operates using the method. The method includes determining whether NFC is performed within a set time, monitoring a frequency of use of the performed NFC mode when it is determined that the NFC is performed, and adjusting a period of a card emulation mode according to the frequency of use of the NFC mode.

Abstract: An assembly includes an electronic price label having an outer casing, a cover attached to the electronic price label and a marketing sign that highlights the electronic price label. The outer casing of the electronic price label module houses a display screen and circuitry for sending and receiving data signals over a network. The cover includes a front panel having a window. The window exposes the display screen of the electronic price label and a sensor on the electronic price label that sends and receives the data signals over the network. The marketing sign includes an opening defined by a perimeter. The perimeter surrounds the outer casing of the electronic price label and at least a portion of the marketing sign is located behind the front panel of the cover.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic display system for retail product displays including an electronic display apparatus, a controller, a database stored plan-o-gram data and associated devices.

Abstract: An ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification reader-writer wirelessly sends a product information signal to an ultra-high frequency antenna. The ultra-high frequency antenna sends the product information signal to an ultra-high frequency side dual interface memory unit. The ultra-high frequency side dual interface memory unit utilizes an energy of the product information signal to update a product data corresponding to the product information signal. When a processing unit and a high frequency side dual interface memory unit are driven, the processing unit fetches the product information signal from the ultra-high frequency side dual interface memory unit. The processing unit sends the product information signal to the high frequency side dual interface memory unit. The high frequency side dual interface memory unit updates the product data corresponding to the product information signal.

Abstract: A merchandising unit has a merchandise support unit supporting items for sale and an electronic sign. The electronic sign displays a price for correctly stocked items on the merchandise support unit, detects incorrectly stocked items on the merchandise support unit, retrieves a price for the incorrectly stocked items, and alters display information so that the price for the correctly stocked items and the price for the incorrectly stocked items are displayed.

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: A display case system has a display case, a gateway, and a communication device. The display case houses a product. The gateway is coupled to the display case and communicates with a client device associated with the product in the display case. A communication device is coupled to the gateway and enables a communication session between the communication device and the client device associated with the product. The client device remotely locks and unlocks the display case to allow access to the product based on the communication session.

Abstract: A power management system is disclosed in which ESL labels communicate with a server through a base station. The frequency and times at which each ESL label communicates with the server is optimized for the minimum communication necessary to provide up to date pricing and related information, and to simultaneously minimize consumed battery power for the ESL labels. The base stations and servers for the system are preferably operated from hard wired power.

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: An exemplary embodiment of a system for updating electronic shelf labels (ESLs) comprises multiple ESLs, and a gateway connected to the multiple ESLs to update data of the multiple ESLs. Each ESL comprises a transceiver having a media condition detector to detect whether other ESL(s) perform an update at the time slot, a controller, a memory, and a random number generator randomly selecting one of multiple time slots of a frame when an ESL update procedure begins, wherein the time slot corresponds to an index stored in the memory by the controller. The ESL performs the update at this time slot when none of said other ESL(s) performs the update at the time slot. When said other ESL(s) performs the update at the time slot, the controller enables the random number generator to randomly select another time slot from a next time frame.

Abstract: A digital signage displays monitoring device includes a controller, a detector, and a connector. The controller has two ends to connect with the detector and the connector respectively. The sensors inside the detector are attached to the digital signage display, and the connector connects with the digital signage player. Detecting signals are sent to the display by the controller via the player. The sensors detect the detecting signals on the display, and send a feedback signal back to the controller for the detecting signal and the feedback signal being compared by a predetermined program to generate a result signal which indicates condition of the display being normal or out of order and a warning message corresponding to the result signal is sent to the remote control center via the network device in the player for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A system has a storage bin used to hold a product and a product storage rack intended to hold the storage bin. The storage bin is provided with a near field communication (NFC) tag device and the product storage rack is provided with a NFC antenna device cooperable with the NFC tag device. The NFC antenna device and the NFC tag device are used to determine a relative position of or orientation of the storage bin relative to the product storage rack for the purpose of automatically determining if replenishment of the product within the product storage rack is required.

Abstract: An ESL and ESL holder combination includes a locking mechanism for releasably securing the ESL to the ESL holder and an ESL provided with at least one gripping means for cooperative engagement with the ESL holder. A protruding, spring loaded locking element is arranged on the ESL for cooperative engagement with the shelf edge rail. The ESL holder is attachable to the edge of a shelf, the ESL holder being provided with one or more receiving means such as slots for receiving the gripping means and the locking element in cooperative engagement. The spring loaded locking element arranged adjacent to the gripping means and positioned on the ESL such that the spring loaded locking element cannot enter the receiving means on the ESL holder during insertion of the gripping means into the receiving means, and such that it enters the receiving means by spring action when the gripping means is brought into a hooked position, in the receiving means.

Abstract: A computer-based system manages and communicates the identity, attributes, and current state of a geographic point of interest. The system includes a beacon device and a distributed data network. The beacon device includes a housing supporting control electronics, a display, and communication electronics. The beacon is placed at a visible location at the geographic point of interest and receives information concerning the geographical point of interest. The display visibly communicates the information while the communication electronics communicates the same information to the distributed data network. A user can query a location-based service and receive the same information from the distributed data network that is being communicated by the display, assuring communication of accurate and consistent information concerning the geographic point of interest.

Abstract: An ESL and ESL holder combination includes a locking mechanism for releasably securing the ESL to the ESL holder, and an ESL provided with at least one gripping means for cooperative engagement with the ESL holder. The ESL holder is attachable to an edge of a shelf, the ESL holder being provided with one or more receiving means such as for example slots for receiving the gripping means and the locking element in cooperative engagement. A spring loaded element is arranged inside the ESL such that the spring loaded element, in a latched position, secures the ESL to the ESL holder when the gripping means is brought into a hooked position in the receiving means. When displaced from its latched position, allowing the gripping means to leave its hooked position, this enables removal of the ESL from the ESL holder.

Abstract: A wait staff signaling apparatus and method used to summon wait staff to a restaurant table includes a housing having a plurality of signaling indicators wherein the indicators illuminate by means of a light source driven by a battery and an integral control module when activated by a patron at the table by pressing or touching the respective switch. The indicators are color coded with the color codes corresponding to the type of service required by the patron. The device incorporates a high efficiency secondary optics lens component so as to provide high visibility in all light conditions at a wide variety of viewing angles, including a narrow low angle intense beam for distant viewing, thereby providing a low power, portable, battery driven device with a long service life and a low manufacturing cost.

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