Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an inventory condition of objects based on captured images are described. An exemplary inventory control system or method utilizes a highly efficient and economical approach to apply suitable imaging parameters for capturing images of a storage drawer being accessed by a user, or for manipulating the captured images of the drawer. An inventory condition of the drawer is determined based on the captured images or manipulated images.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a reader/writer, a communication terminal, and a wireless IC tag. The communication terminal includes an electric field antenna including a coupling portion that defines a magnetic field antenna, and the antenna portion is housed in a pen-shaped casing. The antenna portion is coupled to an electric field antenna of the reader/writer through an electric field, and the coupling portion is coupled to the wireless IC tag through a magnetic field. The reader/writer communicates with the wireless IC tag as a result of the coupling portion being brought close to the wireless IC tag.

Abstract: In selected embodiments video footage is automatically analyzed to determine whether product stock levels at particular product locations are low. Video analytics may be employed to track product removal from shelves and determine approximate quantities of product remaining on each shelf based on product size and dedicated shelf area. In selected implementations an alarm notification is generated to alert store personnel that restocking is appropriate. Such an alarm notification optionally includes a still image of the area corresponding to the alarm together with data related to the product and projected quantities needed to restock the shelf. In some embodiments the system automatically identifies the store personnel who are currently located in areas near where the alarm event occurred and the notification is wirelessly distributed to their mobile devices.

Abstract: A storage system for material containers provides a readable ID distinguishing each container, and includes a scale that weighs containers, so that the system can distinguish between containers that are sufficiently loaded to be effective and containers that are insufficiently loaded. The system preferably includes storage for containers held in contact with readers of the container IDs. This allows a controller to keep track of containers checked out for use and returned for storage, and to identify containers that have been discharged.

Abstract: A backscatter tag system including a tag having tag circuitry and a reader for transmitting a command signal to the tag includes an energizer node for transmitting an energy signal to the tag to energize the tag and provide energy for operating the tag circuitry and for emitting a backscatter signal by the tag. The energizer node includes an energizer receiver for receiving the command signal from the reader to provide a received command signal and an energizer transmitter for transmitting the received command signal from the reader to the tag. The energizer node transmits both the energy signal and the received command signal to the tag. The energizer transmitter can transmit a sinusoidal signal, a frequency hopping signal, a spread spectrum signal, or a frequency shifted signal to the tag. The backscatter tag circuitry can include a processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring proximally configurable devices deployed in a region that includes scanning the region that includes multiple deployed proximally configurable devices with a directed radiation beam and transmitting data, utilizing the directed radiation beam, to one or more of the deployed proximally configurable devices where the data is associated with the location of the directed radiation beam during scanning within the region.

Abstract: A method for producing an identification device, including: obtaining a holder, substantially shaped as a curved stratum having a C-shaped cross-section, the holder having an external surface and an internal surface, the stratum having at least one opening thereon; micro-etching the internal surface of the holder; fixing an identification tag within the holder by a hardening material; and wherein fixing the identification tag within the holder includes the following steps in the order as listed: placing the holder within a container on a curved rim of the holder; filling the holder to about half the height with a hardening material; placing the identification tag within the holder; filling the holder to its height with the hardening material; and hardening the hardening material.

Abstract: An asset tracking technology wrings from a scan, event, location, and personal data in combination, immense mounds of useful information about the assets by interacting this information with Points of Data via cloud processing and analytics. The system tracks each asset at each location starting at its initial location and thereafter at each succeeding location, including time taken and steps involved as reported by each player in the supply chain. Each asset and each critical embedded component has a tag or mark that uniquely identifies it. Each tag is registered in a cloud-hosted database. Each sending and each receiving location will input the tag information with a scanner. This data flowing from the tracking model is transmitted to the cloud-hosted database for processing using Big Data Analytics techniques and artificial intelligence expert systems tools to determine the probably of a deviation from a normative established by the expert system based on the collected data.

Abstract: A novel vending machine system integrating a food storage container and a high speed stored energy cooking oven capable of cooking foods in under one minute such as that further described by U.S. Provisional Application 60/822,028 filed on Aug. 10, 2006 as well as co-pending application “Wire Mesh Thermal Radiative Element and Use in a Radiative Oven” filed on Dec. 30, 2008 by De Luca. The invention disclosing a novel configuration for the oven incorporating storage, a system allowing for the proper cooking of items and food positioning, an activation system, and an invoicing system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a location of an unloaded unit of agricultural product and locating a desired unit of agricultural product or identifying a candidate unit of agricultural product as a function of sensing system information indicating contact of the unit with the ground or other surface onto which the unit is unloaded, global positioning system or other location system information identifying the contact or related location, and heading information, which information can then be used to discern the unit from others at the location for desired loading.

Abstract: A registering and counting system operated in response to information included on data bearing records is used for maintaining inventory records related to narcotics items. Data corresponding to users is read through record reading devices. Authorized users are allowed access to a narcotics vault. Narcotics holding containers are removable from storage locations in drawers. Wireless transmitters on the containers operate in conjunction with wireless readers in the storage locations to enable a computer to track the use of the narcotics items and operating parameters of the registering and counting system.

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 wide area radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes: a first RFID cell and a second RFID cell. The first RFID cell and the second RFID cell each include a reader and tags. The readers access the tags using ultra-wide band signaling. The RFID cells each include: a communications interface operable to communicate with a network operations center, and a communications gateway which supports direct communications between RFID cells. The method includes accessing the second RFID cell from the first RFID cell, and the accessing is performed using the communications gateway that can cover a range of at least five hundred meters.

Abstract: An approach is provided for mapping a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to a network routable address.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include electronic communications devices having a memory in near field communication device, a memory arbitrator and a host processor. The near field communication (NFC) devices are configured to receive data and drive power from the communication signal. The memory arbitrator is connected to the NFC device and the memory. The memory arbitrator is also configured to access the memory in response to an access request from the NFC device. Additionally, the memory is configurable to be accessed by both the host processor and the NFC device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a voice recognition unit for recognizing a voice of a name of food, a memory for storing location information of the food received in a storage chamber, a controller for determining the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit and searching a storage location of the food voice-recognized in accordance with the recognized voice, and a voice output unit for outputting a voice message on the storage location information of the food searched by the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing identification devices on an aircraft. An occurrence of an event is identified using information for a plurality of identification devices. Each of the plurality of identification devices is associated with a plurality of components on the aircraft. The information for the plurality of identification devices comprises data received from the plurality of identification devices and specification data for the plurality of identification devices. In response to identifying the occurrence of the event, a number of operations for the plurality of identification devices are initiated.

Abstract: An intellectual material object management method includes: an RF scanning device scans a carrier tag of a replenishment carrier and a shelf tag of at least one present supplying shelf among stock shelves of a warehouse to assist for putting the replenishment carrier on a target shelf for the replenishment carrier. An MO picking list for obtaining information of at least one selected MO is received. The RF scanning device scans an MO tag of a present picking MO on a present picking shelf among the stock shelves and a list tag of the MO picking list to assist for obtaining the selected MO from the stock shelves of the warehouse. A remaining amount of remaining MOs is counted. An amount tag for the remaining MOs is printed according to the remaining amount of the remaining MOs for sticking on a remaining MO carrier for loading the remaining MOs.

Abstract: RFID-based inventory management systems are provided for various applications. Such systems include a plurality of RFID-readable products tags, with each product tag being associated with a piece of merchandise and programmed to generate a signal containing information regarding the associated piece of merchandise. Such systems also include an RFID reader capable of sending and receiving signals from the product tags. Such systems further include a processor capable of receiving signals from the RFID reader with information regarding the product tags. The processor compares the information regarding two or more product tags to determine whether they are being moved together as part of a moving group. If the processor determines that there exists a moving group of product tags, it generates an output based at least in part on the signals being sent from the product tags in the moving group.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include electronic communications devices having a memory in near field communication device, a memory arbitrator and a host processor. The near field communication (NFC) devices are configured to receive data and drive power from the communication signal. The memory arbitrator is connected to the NFC device and the memory. The memory arbitrator is also configured to access the memory in response to an access request from the NFC device. Additionally, the memory is configurable to be accessed by both the host processor and the NFC device according to embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing parts. Location information is displayed for a part on an aircraft on a mobile device. A determination is made as to whether the part is present in a location using a sensor system in the mobile device when the mobile device is in a zone including the location. A presence of the part in the location is indicated in response to the part being present in the location.

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: Data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly is automatically stored. In preferred embodiments the supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. In other embodiments, the supply chain events or characteristic data is stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In other embodiments, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalizations, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. In other preferred embodiments, other information is also stored on the RFID tag such as country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status indicator.

Abstract: A method for tracking procedures performed on an article of PPE includes the steps of providing an article of PPE configured with a first smart tag to a first individual prior to performance of a first task; processing the article of PPE in a first cycle after the first individual performs the first task; and retrieving first information from the first smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE in the first cycle. The method further includes the steps of providing the article of PPE configured with a second smart tag to a second individual prior to performance of a second task; processing the article of PPE in a second cycle after the second individual performs the second task; and retrieving second information from the second smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE in the second cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master RFID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of RFID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. Finally, the method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for generating replenishment orders for products sold to a multi-store retailer. Store trait data is mapped with planogram information and the mapped data is used to generate a fixture level safety stock for a particular product in a particular store. The fixture level safety stock triggers fixture level replenishment orders.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for tracking the inventory of items. In one embodiment, a compartment comprises a plurality of sensors disposed proximate a surface of the compartment. A container storing items can be disposed above the surface of the compartment. Then, the sensors can detect the presence or absence of items from the container.

Abstract: A storage system for material containers provides a readable ID distinguishing each container, and includes a scale that weighs containers, so that the system can distinguish between containers that are sufficiently loaded to be effective and containers that are insufficiently loaded. The system preferably includes storage for containers held in contact with readers of the container IDs. This allows a controller to keep track of containers checked out for use and returned for storage, and to identify containers that have been discharged.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely auditing inventoried assets, particularly those financed by asset-based inventory lending, by capturing unique, non-clonable, auditing information with an interrogation device at an inventory location to indicate whether each asset is present or absent at the inventory location, and by sending inventory information about such assets based on the captured auditing information to an auditor.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring retail shelf inventory that combines bar code and RFID technologies to permit electronic data entry of retail item shelf assignments and real time reporting of item removal from display/dispensing shelves.

Abstract: Polling operations performed by a reader may be adjusted by a server. The server determines at least one of volatility measurements or polling operation parameters based on information obtained from components within an automated inventory tracking system. The automated inventory tracking system is part of an inventory management system. The server also obtains volatility measurements from another system within the inventory management system. The server incorporates the volatility measurements obtained from the other system, at least one of the volatility measurements or the polling operation parameters determined by the server, and power usage information associated with the reader into a periodic calculation to determine optimal polling parameters. The server periodically sends the optimal polling parameters to the reader for adjustment to a polling operation performed by the reader within a coverage area.

Abstract: An inventory shelf monitoring system includes a plurality of track systems located on at least one shelf of a retail or warehouse establishment. Each track system includes a sensor and actuator that determines the position of a product pusher. The identity and location of the product pusher, for each track system on the shelf, is sent to a data acquisition and transmitter circuit that assembles, formats, and transmits pusher position data to a central receiver. The data is then transmitted to a central processing unit in a user device that maintains data corresponding to product count, availability, and activity associated with each track unit of each shelf employing the system. Inventory control, the prevention of out-of-stock situations, and the assessment of activity indicative of theft or accident is thus monitored in real time for prompt remedial action.

Abstract: A power control system/method implementing Internet based access to hybrid home automation networks is disclosed. The system utilizes a smart gateway power controller (SGPC) to selectively switch an AC power source to a load device under control of local or remote network commands that may be routed through a variety of network interfaces and protocols present within home or other structure-local communications network. SGPC configurations may be nested within a home automation network to permit separation of control for load devices within a common home automation environment. Present invention methods may include routing protocols between disparate home automation networks as well as remote access protocols that permit control of disparate home automation networks via the Internet using a wide variety of remote access interfaces including mobile devices, tablet computers, laptops, desktop computers, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and systems for tracking and monitoring high-value goods by scanning RFID tags associated with the goods. A central monitoring service verifies both the RFID tags and the devices used to scan the tags against a database of known and trusted tags and scanning devices. Local and centralized security protocols provide improved security and data integrity.

Abstract: A tracking device and system for tracking containers, in particular, containers and their contents, is disclosed. The tracking device utilizes AGPS/GPS/GSM/CDMA/LTE/EVDO/WiFi/RFID/Bluetooth®/TDMA technology to enable an individual to locate and monitor the movement of a Container at any given time and for any desired period of time. The tracking system utilizes virtual geo-fences to identify buildings or specific addresses to assist in determining the specific location of the containers in relation to these buildings or specific addresses. The tracking devices can also be activated by motion sensors to alert the tracking system of a possible theft of the container or sudden movement. The tracking system incorporates software which enables an individual to determine the location of the containers, determine the contents of the containers, and schedule the use of the containers by specific persons and at specific locations.

Abstract: The risk of losing sales of an item in a retail store due to the item not being on the retail store's shelves for customers to purchase is reduced. An item an item at a retail store may be identified as being at risk based at least in part on a sales volatility of the item and on a frequency of the item selling beyond its sales floor capacity within a day. A minimum number of facings for the item in the retail store may be determined based at least in part on an average daily capacity of the item, an average number of facings for the item, and a specified amount of daily sales of the item. The determined minimum number of facings for the item in the retail store may be reported.

Abstract: Image analysis techniques, including object recognition analysis, are applied to images obtained by one or more image capture devices deployed within inventory environments. The object recognition analysis provides object recognition data (that may include one or more recognized product instances) based on stored product (training) images. In turn, a variety of functionalities may be enabled based on the object recognition data. For example, a planogram may be extracted and compared to a target planogram, or at least one product display parameter for a product can be determined and used to assess presence of the product within the inventory environment, or to determine compliance of display of the product with a promotional objective. In yet another embodiment, comparisons may be made within a single image or between multiple images over time to detect potential conditions requiring response. In this manner, efficiency and effectiveness of many previously manually-implemented tasks may be improved.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting and using power in a near field communications mode, includes a host device with operating components. A first near field communication (NFC) device is contained in the host device and is configured to be selectively coupled to one of the operating components. The first NFC device harvests energy from a second NFC device and converts the harvested energy to electrical power. The first NFC device receives information from the second NFC device and power on the operating component as a function of the information received from the second NFC device. The first NFC device transfers data to or from the operating component when the operating component is powered on. The first NFC device powers off the operating component when the transfer of data between the first NFC device and the operating component has been completed.

Abstract: A tag information processing apparatus, including: a receiving section (101) for receiving read-out information of an RFID tag (100), the read-out information obtained through N reading operations (where N represents an integer equal to or greater than 2) carried out for an RFID tag-reading area; a detection frequency information obtaining section (102) for obtaining detection frequency information on the basis of the read-out information received by the receiving section (101), the detection frequency information indicating a detection frequency at which the read-out information of the RFID tag (100) is detected in the N reading operations; a movement determining section (103) for determining whether or not the RFID tag (100) has been moved out of the RFID tag-reading area, wherein, in a case where the detection frequency information obtained by the detection frequency information obtaining section (102) indicates that the detection frequency at which the read-out information of the RFID tag (100) is detecte

Abstract: Logic is included in a piece of active storage furniture such that the active storage furniture integrates articles stored thereby into a representation of information about those articles. The logic includes (i) sensors to identify individual articles stored by the furniture and respective locations of the articles and (ii) display elements capable of incorporating selected individual ones of the articles as separate and individual components of a collective representation of information about the selected articles. In response to queries about the articles, the articles themselves are integrated into a representation of information about the articles. For example, a wine rack includes RFID and LEDs in each of a number of storage cells or cubbies and illuminates each cubby according to information about the wine stored in the cubby in response to a query for such information (e.g., show me all wine color-coded by region).

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-layer flexible film body (6), in particular a label film or packaging film as well as a goods identification system and uses of such a film body. The film body (6) has a carrier layer and a decorative layer system (11) which provides optically recognisable information. A plurality of layers of the decorative layer system form an electronically controlled display element (65), by the activation of which the optically recognisable information becomes visible.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method includes determining first component data by a first aggregation device at a first time, the first aggregation device being associated with a first one of a plurality of device components of a device, the first component data comprising identification data regarding at least a second one of the plurality of device components of the device. The first component data may be stored. A component request may be received storing the first component data; receiving a component request; and providing the first component data via the wireless interface in response to the component request; wherein the determining, storing, receiving, and providing steps are performed when the device is powered off.

Abstract: Disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery may be conducted to find a communication path through a personal area network (PAN) coordinator to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, tokenized, encoded, encrypted, and forwarded through networks to an operations center.

Abstract: An approach is provided for managing network addressable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. A management agent collects data from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that is assigned a network address for visibility within a data network. The agent generates a management message including the data for transmission over the data network to a manager configured to communicate with the agent using a management protocol.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a thermal-effect unit and a processing unit. The thermal-effect unit generates an electrical energy and forms a temporary channel when experiencing a thermal cycle. The processing unit has a thermal-cycle number, and updates the thermal-cycle number through the temporary channel in response to the electrical energy.

Abstract: An inventory monitoring controller maintains information reflecting a current inventory of articles based on radio frequency identification (RFID) tag identifying information received from one or more RFID tag readers in the context of inventory polling operations. In an embodiment, the controller also adjusts an operational parameter (e.g., a missing article detection threshold or a variable polling parameter) based on an analysis of the RFID tag identifying information. For example, a variable polling parameter may be adjusted in response to an occurrence of a triggering event (e.g., an inventory change indicated by the RFID tag identifying information or an occurrence of a temporal event), and a missing article detection threshold may be adjusted based on historical information relating to the detection of (or failure to detect) a particular RFID tag.

Abstract: In a state in which a list generated by arranging a large number of records including at least identification information, which are stored by radio IC tags, for individually identifying objects and information derived from the identification information is acquired and displayed, the information stored by the radio IC tags is read. Then, the list is updated to and displayed in a state in which the records of the list including the read information stored by the radio IC tags are moved to the top of the list in order of the reading. Therefore, even when inventory of a large quantity of commodities is performed, it is possible to provide a customer with information concerning inventory check in an accurate and comprehensible form. As a result, it is possible to improve work efficiency of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for wireless management of articles. The method is implemented by a master REID tag. The method includes transmitting at least one first RFID read signal to a plurality of REID tags local to the master RFID tag and receiving a first RFID response signal from each of the plurality of RFID tags in response to the at least one first RFID read signal. Each of the first RFID response signals comprises an identifier associated with an article. The method further includes maintaining an article record indicating at least one expected article that is to be managed by the master RFID tag and comparing each of the identifiers with the article record in an attempt to compile contextual information associated with the article record. The method further includes transmitting a master signal comprising the contextual information associated with the article record.

Abstract: Disclosed methods, systems, and apparatuses remotely monitor a plurality of field assets. Device discovery is conducted to find a communication path through a master controller to an operations center. A plurality of states are monitored for individual field assets of the plurality of field assets. In response to trigger events, monitored states are selectively included in data sets that may be parsed, compressed, encrypted, and forwarded through a mesh network to an operations center.