Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a data mapping to be used in a subsequent inventorying process to locate objects within an area. The methods comprise: identifying, by a robot, at least one first marker disposed within the area which should be re-programed; autonomously transforming, by the robot, a first programmed state of the at least one first marker to a second programmed state; and autonomously creating, by the robot, the data mapping specifying a current physical location of the at least one first marker which was re-programed and current physical locations of second markers also disposed within the area.

Abstract: A system is described that generates insights on the consumption or usage behavior of a product by analyzing the real-time usage of the product by one or more users. The product is placed on the measuring device for continuous monitoring of the usage of the product by those one or more users in real-time. The measuring device includes a sensor unit that generates weigh data, motion data, location data, and time consumed data of the product and transmits to a computing device. A communication device records the consumption or usage of the product by a user, along with feedback from the user. The computing device generates insights based on the sensed data generated by the measuring device, and recording and feedback at the communication device. The computing device generates reports—one for the user, and one for a merchant of the product and/or similar products—including respective insights.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to using a smart contract deployed on a distributed ledger network to prove compliance for handling of an asset over time and space. In some implementations, a system includes: one or more servers operating as nodes on a distributed ledger network; and a storage to store an instance of a smart contract. The one or more servers may be to: deploy the smart contract to the distributed ledger network; verify time series data captured by a device, where the verified time series data includes for each time a secured representation of a distributed ledger address; and send at least some of the verified time series data as an input to the smart contract. The smart contract, in response to receiving the at least some of the verified time series data, may execute to determine if one or more conditions have been satisfied.

Abstract: A warehouse storage rack safety system includes a sensor configured to couple to a shelf and generate a signal indicative of a deformation of the shelf, a processor, and a memory, including instructions stored thereon, which when executed by the processor cause the warehouse storage rack safety system to receive the sensed signal and determine an amount of deformation of the shelf based on the signal.

Abstract: A security system can use video analytics and/or other input parameters to identify a theft event. Optionally, the security system can take remedial action in response. For example, the security system can use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf multiple times at a rate above a threshold, which can indicate that a thief is quickly removing items from the shelf. The security system can also use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf via a sweeping action, which can indicate that a thief is gathering and removing a large quantity of items from the shelf in one motion. In response, the security system can alert security personnel, cause a speaker to output an audible message in the target area, flag portions of the video relating to the theft event, activate or ready other sensors or systems, and/or the like.

Abstract: A method for reading ultrahigh frequency RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags is provided, wherein: an ultrahigh frequency RFID scanning system includes an ultrahigh frequency RFID reader and an antenna group; antennas are distributed around a scanned object; the RFID tags are in the scanned object; the ultrahigh frequency RFID scanning system continuously scans the scanned object, till no new data is added to a scan set A, and then counting is started; if no new data is added to the scan set A for N consecutive scan cycles, it is considered that the ultrahigh frequency RFID scanning system has read all the RFID tags in the scanned object. The present invention overcomes the problem that neither the setting of “reading time” nor the setting of “number of times of reading” can determine whether the ultrahigh frequency RFID scanning system has actually read all the RFID tags.

Abstract: Techniques are described for identifying packages based on shipping label fingerprints. A first camera captures a first image of a label on a package when the package is in a first location within a warehouse. A first representation of the first image is generated. A second camera captures a second image of a label on a package when the package is in a second location within the warehouse. A second representation of the second image is generated. The second representation is matched to the first representation to identify the package placed in the second location.

Abstract: An anti-theft system that can be applied in a commercial environment such as a watch store. The products on display in-store are secured by an electronic tag (4) attached to the product. The tag is provided with a chip (16) which emits a first signal which can only be received within a defined perimeter around the chip. An electronic transmitting device (5) is located within this perimeter, which sends the data transmitted within the first signal in the form of a second signal which further contains a value relative to the distance between the tag and the transmitting device. The second signal is managed by one or more computers, preferably of the portable type (6), which are equipped with a digital application configured to analyse the second signal to check for the presence of the tags (4) within a defined security zone (10) around the transmitting device (5).

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for utilizing sensor data to automatically determine the results of events within a system. Upon receiving sensor data indicative of an event, the techniques may analyze the sensor data to determine a result of the event, such as that a particular user associated with a user identifier selected a particular item associated with an item identifier. Contents of a virtual shopping cart of the user may be maintained based on this automated analysis of sensor data. In some instances, when a confidence level associated with a result is less than a threshold, the sensor data may be sent to a client computing device for analysis by a human user.

Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall. The merchandise system may be configured to hold a number of products, such as cans (for example, baby formula cans) in the merchandise system that would be accessible to the customer one at a time out of the front of the merchandise system. The front of each merchandise system may include its own individual security window attached to the merchandise system that allows the customer to remove one can at a time.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides a warning system for merchandise security, comprising, a monitor device, a warning device and a controller, this warning system can control the warning device and the monitor device through the controller. This controller can work as a un-locker, especially when the warning device and the monitor device sending warning signal, and through which the system can realize message interaction, message transmission and control, the monitor device and the warning device have their own working rules.

Abstract: A low cost, highly reliable system and method for tracking re-usable textile inventory movement is disclosed. The system is adapted for use within a commercial linen processing facility and its customers' facilities suitable for linen or apparel service providers where the linen processing facility company owns, maintains, and leases the inventory used by its customers. The system and method are also suitable for customers who own their own linens and apparel and outsource the laundering. The system employs radio frequency identification (RFID) tags inserted permanently into a pre-determined fraction (e.g., some number less than 100%) of the textile products. In conjunction with scanning equipment and computer software, the system can provide information on inventory movement, use, abuse, durability, and loss. In order to determine the optimal target fraction for each inventory item a number of variables are considered.

Abstract: Device for storing piece goods, in particular a shelf unit or a cupboard, having at least one shelf, which has an upper side, on which the piece good is storable in a surveillance space, and a lower side and openings, which run from the upper side to the lower side, as well as signal transmitting devices having associated signal receiving devices, wherein at least one type of the devices is arranged in the openings at the lower side, and a signal of the signal transmitting devices is detectable by the signal receiving devices, as well as a control electronics having a control system, which energize the signal transmitting devices and the signal receiving devices and process the signals of the signal receiving devices and identify them, so as to identify an occupancy state of the surveillance space with piece goods on the basis of the existence of a signal at the respective signal receiving device.

Abstract: RFID systems may be configured to use session-dependent replies. When an RFID tag is involved in a certain inventorying session, the tag may respond to inventorying commands with a reply that is at least partly generated based on the session. For example, the tag may generate a reply with a string that has parity based on the session or includes an identifier for the session. The string may be a random number, a tag identifier or item identifier, or any other suitable data sent from the tag.

Abstract: A replenishment center connected to a plurality of analyzer systems each comprising at least one analyzer module which performs analysis using a replenishable item is disclosed.

Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. A controller is operable to communicate with the network of nodes through the electromagnetic signals. A plurality of waveguides is configured to confine transmission of the electromagnetic signals between the controller and one or more of the nodes. A radio frequency antenna is coupled to a first end of a first waveguide of the plurality of waveguides. A radio frequency transceiver is coupled between the controller and the radio frequency antenna. A capacitively coupled membrane at a second end of the first waveguide is configured to establish communication between the first waveguide and at least one node of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: An appliance information acquirer (240) acquires appliance information including identification information for an appliance from a home controller. A location setter (241) displays on a display a floor plane that shows an inside of a home and an icon that is associated with the appliance based on the acquired appliance information, and positions the icon on the floor plane in accordance with a user operation. A measurement requestor (242) acquires a radio quality index for the appliance corresponding to the icon positioned on the floor plan from the home controller. A measurement result display (243) changes a display mode of the icon positioned on the floor plan, in accordance with the radio quality index acquired for the appliance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of managing overstock products at a retail sales facility include scanning a product at a stock room location of the retail sales facility using a hand-held electronic device including a processor. At least two of three functions are performed based on the scanning. First, the product may be audited by comparing data obtained by scanning the product to data contained in an inventory management database. Second, a determination of whether the scanned item is on a pick list may be made, which may include determining a demand for the scanned product to arrive at a decision whether to store the product in the stock room or place it on a shelf on the sales floor. Third, if the item is to be stored in the stock room, a determination of whether identical items are stored in bins in the stock room may be made.

Abstract: A power monitoring device (PMD) can perform real-time remote managing, status reporting and analysis on the health/condition of equipment connected to the PMD. For example, a PMD provides data such as whether the equipment connected is idling, fully operating, malfunctioning, etc. The PMD can turn the power on/off, trigger system alert, and perform time-delayed or special profile programming to manage and monitor equipment usage. A power signature identification capability can identify what equipment such as monitor, laptop, lighting equipment, etc., are being connected. A configuration can be used by the power management device based at least in part on the waveform information (e.g., device model, activity status, etc.). Real-time diagnosis and collection of energy consumption and usage pattern can be aggregated for planning and management. Asset management can be enabled by discovering which models of devices are active and connected to a predetermined power management device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and accompanying method for recognizing orientation of an object placed on an interactive surface. The system includes an interactive surface, a processor operatively linked to the interactive surface, an array of sensors operatively linked to the processor, and an object that has multiple external sides. Each of the external sides is visually marked with an indicator. Once the object is placed on the interactive surface, the array of sensors detects an identification value of the external side that is in touch with the interactive surface and transmits the identification value to the processor, and the processor derives the orientation of the object based on the identification value.

Abstract: A security system can use video analytics and/or other input parameters to identify a theft event. Optionally, the security system can take remedial action in response. For example, the security system can use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf multiple times at a rate above a threshold, which can indicate that a thief is quickly removing items from the shelf. The security system can also use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf via a sweeping action, which can indicate that a thief is gathering and removing a large quantity of items from the shelf in one motion. In response, the security system can alert security personnel, cause a speaker to output an audible message in the target area, flag portions of the video relating to the theft event, activate or ready other sensors or systems, and/or the like.

Abstract: Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing product information at a merchant physical location include a system provider device that updates information in a database about each of a plurality of products in the merchant physical location in real time. A product identifier, which is collected from a first customer device that is associated with a first customer, is received by the system provider device over a network from at least one of a plurality of beacon devices that are located at the merchant physical location. The product identifier is used to retrieve pricing information and inventory information about a first product of the plurality of products in the merchant physical location. The pricing information and the inventory information for the first product are then provided through the network for display on the first customer device.

Abstract: A product monitoring device is provided that presents, to the user, information by which the user can recognize specific work items of a product management work for improving an inappropriate display state. The product monitoring device acquires a captured image of a display area, sets a state monitoring area on the captured image of the display area, acquires product detection information indicating a position of a product in the state monitoring area, based on a captured image of the state monitoring area, evaluates a display state of the product in the state monitoring area, using a plurality of evaluation indices relating to display disorder of the product, based on the product detection information, and presents information on an evaluation result to a user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for monitoring a life-cycle of a product, the method including executing on a processing unit, instructions to perform: receiving an electronic manufacture notification from a manufacturer, via a network, including a manufacturing time, the manufacturing time indicating a time of manufacturing of the product; calculating a shelf-life expiration date based on an estimated shelf-life and the manufacturing time of the product; receiving an electronic scanning notification from a scanning device, via a network, including a modification time indicating a time of modification of the product from a preserved state to a non-preserved state; calculating a usage expiration date based on an estimated length of time the product is usable in the non-preserving state and the modification time; sending notification of the shelf-life expiration date to the scanning device; sending notification of the usage expiration date to the scanning device.

Abstract: A flexible device that includes a flexible display panel bent to have a curved surface and a supporting member provided at one end of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel makes contact with a portion of the supporting member and surrounds the supporting member while being bent.

Abstract: A security system can use video analytics and/or other input parameters to identify a theft event. Optionally, the security system can take remedial action in response. For example, the security system can use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf multiple times at a rate above a threshold, which can indicate that a thief is quickly removing items from the shelf. The security system can also use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf via a sweeping action, which can indicate that a thief is gathering and removing a large quantity of items from the shelf in one motion. In response, the security system can alert security personnel, cause a speaker to output an audible message in the target area, flag portions of the video relating to the theft event, activate or ready other sensors or systems, and/or the like.

Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine. Each of the sensing/control/identification devices is associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. Shielding surrounds at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component. A waveguide is operable to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through a waveguide transmitter interface, a waveguide medium, and a waveguide transition interface to the at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices. A remote processing unit is operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: A system for a machine component includes at least one local transmitter/receiver. At least one device is associated with a component and configured to communicate with the at least one local transmitter/receiver through wireless signals. Shielding surrounds both the local transmitter and the device for containing the wireless signals proximate to the component. A remote processing unit is disposed outside of the shielding in communication with the local transmitter/receiver. A control system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital point-of-sale system for determining key performance indicators (KPIs) at a point-of-sale includes a product identification unit and a realogram creation unit. The product identification unit is configured to receive a captured image of a product display and to identify products in the captured image by comparing features determined from the captured image to features determined from products templates. The realogram creation unit is configured to create a realogram from the identified products and product templates. A product price KPI unit is configured to identify a product label proximally located to each identified product, and to recognize the product price on each product label. Each product price is compared to a predetermined range of prices to determine whether the product label proximally located to the identified product is a correct product label for the identified product.

Abstract: A security system can use video analytics and/or other input parameters to identify a theft event. Optionally, the security system can take remedial action in response. For example, the security system can use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf multiple times at a rate above a threshold, which can indicate that a thief is quickly removing items from the shelf. The security system can also use video analytics to determine that a person has reached into a shelf via a sweeping action, which can indicate that a thief is gathering and removing a large quantity of items from the shelf in one motion. In response, the security system can alert security personnel, cause a speaker to output an audible message in the target area, flag portions of the video relating to the theft event, activate or ready other sensors or systems, and/or the like.

Abstract: A flexible device that includes a flexible display panel bent to have a curved surface and a supporting member provided at one end of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel makes contact with a portion of the supporting member and surrounds the supporting member while being bent.

Abstract: An inventory management system provided by an inventory management service provider senses removal of medical items from inventory to be dispensed to a patient. The system processes billing information to identify the patient's medical insurance provider, to identify a medical item supplier that is the preferred biller for the patient's medical insurance provider, and to determine whether the inventory management service provider is the identified preferred biller. If the inventory management service provider is the preferred biller, the system generates an invoice from the inventory management service provider to bill the patient's medical insurance provider.

Abstract: A wireless computerized will call system is provided for filling prescriptions and then locating specific prescriptions that have been filled when the customer arrives to pick up the prescription. The system includes a computer workstation or network, a wireless transmitter, and hanger bags for temporarily storing prescriptions awaiting customer pick up. The hanger bags are equipped with wireless receivers and transducers. When a pharmacy worker commands the computer system to locate a specific prescription, the specific hanger bag containing that prescription receives a wireless signal from the computer system and activates the transducer on the hanger bag to alert the pharmacy worker to the location of the prescription.

Abstract: A system for monitoring incontinence in one or more subjects comprises display means; input means operable by a user; one or more transmitters, each transmitter being associated with one or more subjects being monitored; the one or more transmitters being configured to transmit signals containing continence-related data for the one or more subjects, wherein the continence-related data has been obtained over time from a continence sensor associated with an absorbent article worn by each respective subject; a receiver unit configured to receive signals from the one or more transmitters; and processing means in communication with at least the receiver unit, the processing means including a display processor configured to process the received signals and communicate display information to the display means for display of a visual representation of continence-related information derived from continence sensors in the absorbent articles worn by the one or more subjects being monitored.

Abstract: Presented is a control system for augmenting a portable touch screen device having integral processing capability. The control system includes an enclosure configured for encasing the portable touch screen device, an internal docking connector configured for communicatively mating with the portable touch screen device, and hard buttons. At least one of the hard buttons is functionally configured for use with an application program running on the portable touch screen device. The control system includes further includes a processor configured for converting button actuations into a digital format, and a first facility for communicating the digital format to the portable touch screen device via the internal docking connector. The application program is configured such that, during operation, the application program communicates the status of the one hard button to at least one external device.

Abstract: Techniques to implement beacon-based access authorization to industrial assets in an industrial automation environment are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, each industrial asset has one or more beacons that broadcast signals enabling a mobile device to measure its distance from the broadcasting beacon. Each signal also can include access level data defining access permitted for various users, depending on the user's authorization level and the calculated distance between the mobile device and the broadcasting beacon. In some implementations the mobile device can provide directions to the user to enable an otherwise disallowed operation. Access to industrial assets is thus limited by the calculated mobile device distance from the industrial asset and the user's authorization level.

Abstract: Master case tracking mesh for data transmission includes a shipping container for holding items to be transported therein. The shipping container may include a central data storage unit configured to receive data transmitted thereto, and a plurality of electronic tags configured to store data of the items, and further configured to transmit data of the items to the central data storage unit.

Abstract: A GPS directed intrusion system with data acquisition is provided. Some methods can include detecting a threat event associated with a monitored facility, collecting data relevant to the threat event, and transmitting the data relevant to the threat event to a mobile device of an authority figure dispatched to the monitored facility. Some methods can also include placing a surveillance device associated with the monitored facility in a tracking mode, tracking motion captured by the surveillance device, and transmitting data representative of the motion to a mobile device of an authority figure dispatched to the monitored facility.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a commerce server, at least a video signal from a head mountable unit worn by a consumer in a retail store. The method also includes the step of identifying, with the processing device, an indication of depleted stock in the retail store in response to the video signal received from the head mountable unit. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a restock signal in response to the identifying step.

Abstract: A method for product recognition from multiple images includes producing a plurality of recognition results for a plurality of input images, stitching the plurality of input images into a single stitched image; merging the plurality of recognition results using information from stitching the plurality of input images to generate a merged recognition result; and outputting the merged recognition result. The disclosure also includes systems for implementing the method.

Abstract: A wearable interactive device, such as a wearable identity badge is disclosed. When a user moves the device, such as to position a display (e.g., part) of the device a sensed distance at a sensed horizontal and vertical angle, the device outputs content that is based on the position. Context data also may be used in determining the content to output, as well as any other sensed data that may be available.

Abstract: A removal device for a security tag attached to an article, including an identification of the security tag, offered for sale in a commercial establishment; where the removal device can be connected to a processor device configured, in turn, to supply an activation signal from the removal device, once the payment transaction has been completed, in order to remove the security tag in the event that there is a positive match between the security tag read by an identification reading device and a machine-readable identification tag read by a device for reading machine-readable identification tags prior to the completion of the sales transaction.

Abstract: A server rack includes a rack space having a plurality of rack units for receiving equipment, a power mapping module, and a plurality of power receptacles. Each power receptacle is coupled to the power mapping module to provide an indication to the power mapping module when equipment is plugged in to the power receptacles, uniquely associated with one of the plurality of rack units, and collocated with the associated rack unit. The power mapping module is operable to determine which rack unit of the plurality of rack units that first equipment is installed into, based upon a first power receptacle of the first equipment being coupled to a first power receptacle of the plurality of power receptacles.

Abstract: A server rack includes a management controller, a power mapping module coupled to the management controller, and a plurality of power receptacles. Each power receptacle is coupled to the power mapping module to provide an indication to the power mapping module of the power consumed by equipment that is plugged in to each power receptacle. The management controller is operable to determine that the power consumed by the equipment installed in the server rack is greater than a first high power threshold and throttle a first piece of equipment installed in the rack space.

Abstract: Overwriting information that was correctly written to an IC tag that can communicate wirelessly but is not the IC tag on the medium intended to be processed is prevented so that the wrong information is not stored in the IC tag. When writing write data including uniquely assigned tag ID information to an IC tag ends correctly, the system controller 35 of the media processing device 2 stores information indicating that writing the IC tag was completed. When writing write data to an IC tag, the system controller 35 reads the tag ID information and determines if information matching the read tag ID information is included in the stored tag ID information. If matching information is found, the system controller 35 prohibits writing to the IC tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing items. Items in a distribution network or process may be scanned at every handling point in the distribution network, and each scan is recorded in a central repository. The scan information can be used to generate real-time access to data, analytical tools, predictive tools, and tracking reports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water leak detection system for detecting water leaks in residential and commercial buildings or constructions. The water leak detection system provides central monitoring and point identification data of water leaks. The water detection system includes a plurality of address modules connected to a plurality of sensors for assigning an identifier to each sensor. The address modules are in wired or wireless communication with a central control unit, which processes detected sensor signals and notifies an alarm annunciator of point identification data of a water leak. The alarm annunciator provides visual and/or audible indications of where a water leak has been detected. The central control unit and/or alarm annunciator further operate a valve associated to the sensor in order to revert the water leak detection. The central control unit can further communicate the detection to a remote equipment, via a wired or wireless network communication.

Abstract: An Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) device is described. The ITS device (400) includes: radio resources including a receiver (402) adapted to receive a radio signal in at least two frequency bands; a channel detector (410) arranged to analyse a signal received in a first frequency band to determine the presence of a transmission in that frequency band; a controller (402) configured to control assignment of radio resources, and in the event that the channel detector detects a signal in the first frequency band, to prevent transmission of a potentially interfering radio signal. The first frequency channel can be part of another radio communications system, such as a RTTT1 SSRC radio system.