Abstract: An example disclosed apparatus includes memory configured to store a mapping of items to respective ones of a plurality of minimum pixel-resolutions, wherein the minimum pixel-resolutions correspond to an image resolution required to identify a corresponding one of the items using an image; and a processor configured to obtain identifying information corresponding to one of the items; select, using the mapping and based on the identifying information, one of the plurality of minimum pixel-resolutions; determine a value of an output parameter based on the selected one of the plurality of minimum pixel resolutions and a camera position relative to a shelf, wherein the output parameter is at least one of an elevation angle of the camera, a vertical resolution, a horizontal resolution, a vertical field of view, and a horizontal field of view; and output the determined value of the output parameter to facilitate positioning of the camera.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an object detection unit configured to detect an object from an image, a tracking unit configured to track the detected object, a trajectory management unit configured to manage a trajectory of the object being tracked, and a specific object detection unit configured to detect a specific object from the image. In a case where the specific object determination unit detects the object being tracked by the object tracking unit to be the specific object, the trajectory management unit manages a trajectory of the object being tracked at a time point before the time point the object being tracked is detected to be the specific object as the trajectory of the specific object.

Abstract: Registry verification is used in a mechanized store. A camera is used to count a first number of items taken by a user. The items are scanned to determine a second number of items. The first number of items is compared to the second number of items to reduce a likelihood of errors.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining reaction to promotional items includes providing to a mobile device a promotional item associated with a geographic location, determining whether the mobile device is proximate to the geographic location, and charging an advertising account if the mobile device is proximate to the geographic location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, comprising one or more embedded tamper deterrent and security systems that trigger an alarm if the device is tampered.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store a face dictionary for performing face authentication, and a processing unit configured to update the face dictionary stored in the storage unit, wherein the processing unit controls updating of the face dictionary based on the number of images from among stored images corresponding to a person registered with the face dictionary.

Abstract: A method for replicating databases, in which method at least two databases are replicated, each database comprising of one or more tables, and each table having data and a unique tree index comprising index keys and hierarchical sums of cyclic redundancy check values calculated from the data on each tree index level. In the method logical consistency of the data between corresponding tables in the databases is maintained by comparing the sums of cyclic redundancy check values of the database tables; and if a difference between the sums of the cyclic redundancy check values is found, the tree indexes are logically divided into two sub tree indexes, and the sums of the cyclic redundancy check values of the sub tree indexes are compared to each other and the comparison and division is continued until the data causing the difference is found, and the inconsistent data is replicated between the databases.

Abstract: Networks of cameras and/or other sensors enable a sensor monitoring system or other computer system to control hiding devices used to enable the cameras and/or other sensors to evade danger by hiding or being disguised. Detection and/or determination of potential danger is garnered from data, from some of the cameras and/or sensors, that they or other of the cameras and/or sensors may be facing eminent danger of discovery, manipulation, alteration, deactivation, and/or damage. The hiding devices are caused to hide or disguise the sensors and/or cameras that appear to be in danger. Hiding or disguising can continue for at least a finite duration of time, or until indication of danger is gone. Some of the cameras and/or other sensors, and their associated hiding devices, can be turned off or made to sleep for periods of time until at least awaken by time-out events or by events indicating a need to do so.

Abstract: An apparatus including a display screen displaying input fields for accepting user-input a list of input parameters that includes a height of the camera, a distance from the camera to the shelf, at least one of a width-span and a height-span. The apparatus also includes a memory to store a required minimum pixel-resolution of a selected label and to store a list of camera types, and includes a microprocessor configured to determine at least an elevation angle from the list of input parameters. The display screen can also be configured for displaying at least one camera type selected from the list of camera types based a selection criterion that depends upon at least some of said output parameters.

Abstract: To support work of an operator of a monitoring system to set a monitoring rule depending on an environment to be monitored.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a quick service restaurant intercom communication system. The system is configured such that communication between a customer and a staff member is accomplished in wideband audio. Intercom communication systems that utilize narrow band audio for communication between drive-through customers and staff members may be considered “good enough”. However, the low fidelity sound produced by narrow band audio systems often results in misunderstandings between customers and staff members, a high amount of background noise during communication, and/or other negative effects. Wideband audio may facilitate clearer communication between customers and staff members. Wideband audio communication may be costlier and/or more complicated to implement, but may result in increased staff efficiency and/or increased customer satisfaction.

Abstract: Data from one or more sensors of a computing device can be employed to provide continuous protection of digital content. After user authentication and authorization, sensor data can be utilized to control access to protected content. More specifically, sensor data can be employed as a basis for initially providing an authorized user access to protected content and subsequently terminating access to the protected content. For additional security, content can be embedded with user identifying information in the form of a watermark. Further, such user identifying information can be provided to a content owner identifying one or more users who viewed the content.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for customizing digital media marketing messages. In one embodiment, external data is received from a set of detectors located externally to a retail facility to form external data. The external data is processed to form dynamic data. The set of dynamic data is analyzed using a data model to identify personalized marketing message criteria for the customer. A customized marketing message for the customer is generated using the personalized marketing message criteria. The customized marketing message is delivered to a display device associated with the customer for display.

Abstract: A system and method for determining proximity of individuals to specific regions of interest such as Point of Sale (“POS”) terminals within a POS monitored area of a scene of video data captured from security cameras as part of a networked security system, when the security cameras are located outside the POS monitored area, mounted on a ceiling or other high location and pointed at the POS monitored area. With the help of customer regions drawn in an abstract layer whose areas coincide with expected locations of individuals near POS terminals in the video data, and video analytics elements such as bounding boxes generated around individuals in the video data, the system can perform live and forensic analysis of the video data to infer information such as the proximity of individuals to POS terminals and the relative height of an individual compared to their expected height within the scene of video data.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for substantially continuous biometric identification (CBID) of an individual using eye signals in real time. The apparatus is included within a wearable computing device with identification of the device wearer based on iris recognition within one or more cameras directed at one or both eyes, and/or other physiological, anatomical and/or behavioral measures. Verification of device user identity can be used to enable or disable the display of secure information. Identity verification can also be included within information that is transmitted from the device in order to determine appropriate security measures by remote processing units. The apparatus may be incorporated within wearable computing that performs other functions including vision correction, head-mounted display, viewing the surrounding environment using scene camera(s), recording audio data via a microphone, and/or other sensing equipment.

Abstract: A user terminal for performing a cash withdrawal transaction comprises a reader for reading a user device, a processing resource configured to obtain from the user device account data representative of an account associated with the user device, and to receive a user request for a cash withdrawal in respect of the account, and an output device configured to issue, in response to the user request for a cash withdrawal, a token that is exchangeable for cash.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to managing operations. If Operations events are provided, event clusters may be associated with one or more Operations events, such that the Operations events may be associated with the event clusters based on characteristics of the Operations events. Metrics including resolution metrics, root cause analysis, notes, and other remediation information may be associated with the event clusters. Then a modeling engine may be employed to train models based on the Operations events, the event clusters, and the resolution metrics, such that the trained model may be trained to correlate and predict the resolution metrics from real-time Operations events. If real-time Operations events may be provided, the trained models may be employed to predict the resolution metrics that are associated with the real-time Operations events. If model performance degrades beyond accuracy requirements, new observations may be added to the training set and the model re-trained.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of performing video content analysis using transactional data is provided. The method comprises identifying and receiving the transactional data and a segment of video corresponding to a transaction, integrating the transactional data with the segment of video, and analyzing the integrated video to determine an action to take in relation to the transaction.

Abstract: Video transaction machines (VTMs) facilitate communications and transactions between customers of a financial institution and video transaction resources, such as video agents, by establishing a video session between a VTM and a video agent workstation. After a computing device of the financial institution receives information identifying the customer, VTM, or VTM location requesting the services of a video agent, the computing device may place the customer in one or more virtual queues based on an overall visit time at the VTM location. In order to maintain a visit time at the VTM location below a predetermined visit time threshold, the controller may prioritize transactions at VTMs with longer visit times over transactions at VTMs with shorter visit times.

Abstract: A display processing apparatus for displaying, on a display unit, an image captured by an image capture apparatus capable of changing an image capture direction performs first display processing in which an image captured by the image capture apparatus is displayed in a first region of the display unit while the image capture direction is changed, and performs second display processing in which, in a second region indicating a range in which the image capture apparatus can perform image capture by changing the image capture direction, display according to the image capture direction in which the received image was captured is performed.

Abstract: A portable control system for use by an agent in the travel industry and the like is disclosed. A reader reads user data from a user identity document and also reads further user data from a token associated with a product or service. A display is provided for displaying a field of view for the agent. In response to the agent positioning the user identity document and token within the field of view, the reader reads the user data from the document and reads the further user data from the token and compares the user data and further user data.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method for online, web-based point of sale (POS) building and configuration, which can assist non-expert business operators in building, editing and testing a point of sale system to manage their businesses. The business operations range from a single branch to a large chain of stores or branches. The key advantages of the Web-based POS builder are that it is completely built on the foundation of the Web. The POS builder is accessible anywhere in the world. It can be used by a person of any skill level. The POS builder builds, edits, and tests new POS terminals in real time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a sensor system are provided. The system may be configured to detect a dispensing of cash from an automated teller machine (“ATM”). The system may be configured to orient one or more sensors to capture a first information stream that includes the dispensing of cash. The system may be configured to detect a retraction of cash by the ATM. The system may orient one or more sensors to capture a second information stream that includes the retraction. The system may be configured to determine an estimate of cash collected by an ATM customer. The estimate may be based on a comparison of the first information stream and the second information stream.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising one or more imaging devices wherein each device comprises a lens or lenses which together form an array of lens wherein the array includes two lenses; the two lenses face in opposing directions; the axes of the two lenses are substantially parallel; and the system is adapted to simultaneously capture and record images from the two lenses.

Abstract: A self-service computer with dynamic interface. The self-service computer includes a processor for receiving environment information, for selecting among different user interface features including different transaction screens and different transaction screen content based upon the environment information, and for providing selected user interface features during a transaction involving a customer.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting one or more events are provided. The techniques include identifying one or more segments in a video sequence as one or more candidates for one or more events by a temporal ordering of the one or more candidates, and analyzing one or more motion patterns of the one or more candidates to detect the one or more events.

Abstract: An image signal processing DSP subjects an image captured by an imaging element having a zoom lens to image processing for identifying a tracking target. In accordance with zoom information generated by the image signal processing DSP, the main CPU controls the zoom lens; and controls a turn table that moves the imaging element in panning and tilting directions in accordance with pan and tilt information, to track the tracking target. During tracking of the tracking target, a determination is made, from information about movements of the tracking target generated by the image signal processing DSP, as to whether or not the target to be tracked has intruded the inside of the area from the outside. In a case where the target has intruded the inside of a preset area from the outside, an alarm command is produced when the target continually remains in the area for; e.g., one second.

Abstract: A method for verifying an identity attribute of a remote user includes providing pose instructions to a remote client from a host during an authentication session. The pose instructions may reference a specific physical token associated with the user, for example a government ID card, credit card, household object or printed or displayed image provided from an authentication host. The host receives an image from the client and may analyze the image to determine if the pose instructions were followed and if the physical token appears in the image. Based on this determination, and optionally using other factors, the host verifies an identity attribute of the user.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic classification and detection of a payment gesture are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a video stream from a camera placed above at least one region of interest, the region of interest classifying the payment gesture. A background image is generated from the obtained video stream. Motion is estimated in at least two consecutive frames from the video stream. A representation is created from the background image and the estimated motion occurring within the at least one region of interest. The payment gesture is detected based on the representation.

Abstract: A locker system includes one or more banks of electronic lockers. Each locker has a door lock that releasably retains the door in the closed position. The locker system also includes at least one barcode scanner selectively unlocks the door of at least one of the lockers. A locker manager is coupled to each of the electronic lockers via an electronic network. The locker manager stores a list of unique barcodes that are each associated with a locker rental plan including at least one locker account. Each locker account includes an activation indication, a use indication, a locker type indication, and a duration. The unique barcodes are printed or otherwise included on wristbands, which may be scanned at the barcode scanner to gain access to one or more of the lockers.

Abstract: A vehicle speed measurement method and system for identifying a violating vehicle utilizing single image capturing unit. A vehicle image can be captured by the image capturing unit in order to estimate speed of the vehicle utilizing an ALPR unit. The license plate characters can be located and extracted from the captured image. A distance of the license plate from the image capturing unit can be calculated utilizing a physical character height from a reference point of the image capturing unit and a pixel character height generated by the ALPR unit. A position of the license plate in the field of view of the image capturing unit along with the distance information can be utilized to determine a height of the license plate from a road surface. The height of the license plate can be employed to accurately estimate the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a monitoring server, a theft detection signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a first employee of a retail store. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, the first augmented reality device in communication with an electronic computing device operated by a second employee in response to said step of receiving the theft detection signal. The second employee can assist the first employee in assessing whether a theft is occurring.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatus, systems, computing devices, computing entities, and/or the like for detecting possible traffic violations of vehicles. For example, in one embodiment, this may include receiving an indication that a school bus has entered or is entering a stopped position. After receiving an indication that the school bus has entered or is entering the stopped position, an area proximate the school bus can be monitored to detect possible traffic violations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a license plate image-pickup device and an image exposure adjustment method thereof. The license plate image-pickup device comprises an image-sensing module, a recognition module and a processing module. The license plate image-pickup device takes a scene. The image-sensing module senses the scene to produce an image. The recognition module detects a vehicle object. The processing module adjusts the exposure of the vehicle object to produce an exposure adjusted vehicle object, and then the recognition module detects a license plate object from the exposure adjusted vehicle object, and the processing module adjusts the exposure of the license plate object.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for automated object recognition and checkout at a retail kiosk is provided. The system includes a controller configured with a processor and a memory to control operations of the automated retail checkout system. The system further includes an imaging device in communication with the controller and configured to create multiple electronic images of an object, such as a product for purchase. The system also includes an object recognition device in communication with the controller and the imaging device. The processor may execute software to receive electronic images from the imaging device, extract at least one feature from the images, and recognize the object based on a predetermined model being applied to the extracted feature from the images. The system also includes a display device to display an indication of the recognized object from the object recognition device.

Abstract: A vehicle surrounding-area monitoring apparatus that, when recognizing an obstacle, allows for easy determination of the positional relationship between the obstacle and scenery included in a video image of the area surrounding the vehicle, generates a narrow view-field region that is a part of the video image as a notable video image, and if an obstacle region that is a region of the recognized obstacle in the video image is located outside of the narrow view-field region and if the obstacle region is contained in an image region that is partially overlapping with the narrow view-field region and is a part of the video image, generates the image region as a notable obstacle image so as to generate a surrounding-area monitoring display image comprised of the notable video image and the notable obstacle image.

Abstract: An aerial photographing image pickup method comprises a step of making a flying object fly meanderingly, a step of taking the image at each vertex where a direction is changed in the meandering flight, a step of extracting feature points from a common overlay portion of the images taken from at least three adjacent vertices, a step of determining two images of two vertices in the images as one set and acquiring positional information of the two vertices by a GPS device for each set regarding at least two sets, a step of performing photogrammetry of the measuring points corresponding to the feature points based on positional information and based on the feature points of the two images and a step of determining the feature points when the surveying results of the measuring points coincide with each other in at least the two sets as tie points for image combination.

Abstract: A video-assisted customer experience is disclosed. Generally, the experience includes a communications link between a user and a business representative facilitated by an external apparatus such as an ATM, mobile device, user's workstation, teleconferencing system, etc. The communications link may be a one or two-way video link such that the user may view video of the business representative or a representation of the business representative. The experience utilizes speech-recognition technology to incorporate subtitles in the video stream.

Abstract: Methods, systems and processor-readable media for portable parking occupancy detection. One or more cameras can be provided on a portable mast for capturing video on parking of a street. Optional attachments to the portable mast can include stabilization base and/or a set of guy ropes for further stabilizing the mast. A power unit can be utilized for delivering power to the system. A video capturing/processing unit either captures and records the video from the camera(s) for offline processing of parking occupancy or processes the videos on-site. Optionally, a wireless communication unit for transmitting either video or processed parking occupancy data to a central location can be employed.

Abstract: Systems that can track an object as it moves across the field of view of the security device, integrate transaction data with the object information, and can identify events that trigger an alert and methods for using the systems.

Abstract: Approaches to produce verification are addressed which may be suitably employed in conjunction with a low resolution image scanner. Features, such as lines, corners, text, texture, edges and the like are extracted and compared with features for an identified item or evaluated to determine if the features collectively are indicative of a produce item or a non-produce item.

Abstract: A system and method for the capture and storage of data relating to the movements of objects, in a specified area and enables this data to be displayed in a graphically meaningful and useful manner. Video data is collected and video metadata is generated relating to objects (persons) appearing in the video data and their movements over time. The movements of the objects are then analyzed to detect the movements within a region of interest. This detection of movement allows a user, such as a manager of a store, to make informed decisions as to the infrastructure and operation of the store. One detection method relates to the number of people that are present in a region of interest for a specified time period. A second detection method relates to the number of people that remain or dwell in a particular area for a particular time period. A third detection method determines the flow of people and the direction they take within a region of interest.

Abstract: Fueling transactions (and other types of transactions) may be verified for legitimacy and validity by recording audio, video and/or images of the transaction as it occurs. The recordings may then be indexed according to one or more transaction parameters such as a driver identifier, a vehicle or transportation unit identifier, an invoice number, a fueling station and the like. A carrier associated with a driver and/or vehicle or other transportation unit may specify which transactions are to be recorded. Accordingly, the fueling station may automatically determine whether to record a transaction upon receiving a transaction initiation request. Transaction recordings may be made based on transaction recordation parameters defined by a carrier and stored and indexed based on transaction storing parameters.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm system for a vending machine includes an infrared sensor, an alarm device, and a processing unit. When the infrared sensor detects an object passing through a product exit port of the vending machine, the processing unit controls the alarm device to emit an alarm to draw attention to proximate persons around the vending machine. An anti-theft alarm method for a vending machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a video-based analysis system that detects, tracks and archives vehicles in video stream data at multiple resolutions. The system includes an image capturing device that captures video stream data having video at a first high resolution. A vehicle detection module detects at least one vehicle within the video. A vehicle analysis module is configured to analyze the video and to extract one or more key vehicle features from the video to enable identification of a vehicle of interest (VOI) according to a set of predetermined criteria. A subsampling module creates a reduced resolution video stream in a second subsampled resolution that is lower than the first high resolution while maintaining the one or more extracted key features within the reduced resolution video stream in the first high resolution, and archives the reduced resolution video stream into a video database.

Abstract: The invention proposes an automated teller machine having different control elements, such as a card entry slot (4), for example, wherein at least one camera (CAMK) is integrated in a control element, the card entry slot (4), for example, and captures images of a plurality of sub-regions attributed to said control element (4), such as an interior region, outer region and overhead region. Lighting (L) that illuminates one or some of the partial regions, the interior region or the slit region of the card entry slot (4), for example, can also be arranged, thereby also improving the image. In addition, the construction can be furnished with a light-conducting material (K) over which light produced by the lighting (L) can be guided and distributed.

Abstract: Zoom illumination system for use with closed circuit TV cameras in applications requiring long distance illumination, such as surveillance and night vision. The system includes multiple strings of LEDs, which may have additional lenses, with each LED string capable of providing illumination for a predetermined viewing angle. The LED strings can be switched on and off to provide illumination as desired.

Abstract: Video monitoring and tracking techniques are addressed to allow consumers to purchase items in a store with no need to checkout at a traditional checkout lane. A large number of cart check and shelf check cameras monitor additions to carts and removals from shelves along with knowledge of location and what is on a particular shelf are employed to analyze which products are selected for purchase. Customer analytic data, as well as, store inventory data are preferably also developed from the camera image data.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security, that reduces energy consumption. This invention provides a fastener system comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first element to a second element, the at least one fastener having a sensor to determine status of that fastener; a trigger box having an LED panel; a junction box capable of receiving and relaying authorization access; and an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.

Abstract: A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.