A mobile kiosk self-checkout (SCO) system is provided to as a mobile self-checkout store. The mobile self-checkout system includes a cover around a SCO kiosk, where the cover has a portion that is configured to expose the SCO kiosk to a user so the user can use the SCO kiosk. The system may have smart shelves and be configured to manage lighting for the system and protection of the system from environmental conditions.
G06V 10/75 - Organisation of the matching processes, e.g. simultaneous or sequential comparisons of image or video featuresCoarse-fine approaches, e.g. multi-scale approachesImage or video pattern matchingProximity measures in feature spaces using context analysisSelection of dictionaries
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
A mobile kiosk self-checkout (SCO) system is a fully autonomous, AI-powered mobile checkout kiosk that uses embedded cameras, computer vision, and edge AI to detect shoppers with small baskets or few items and invites them to bypass checkout lines through a voice-driven, frictionless interaction. The mobile kiosk self-checkout selects a shopper to approach, where the shopper is waiting to checkout at a checkout system different from the mobile self-checkout system. The mobile kiosk self-checkout includes motorized wheels and navigates to the selected shopper. A point of sale system on the mobile kiosk self-checkout is configured to checkout the selected shopper in response to the mobile self-checkout system navigating to the selected shopper and the selected shopper agreeing to checkout at the mobile self-checkout system.
G06V 10/75 - Organisation of the matching processes, e.g. simultaneous or sequential comparisons of image or video featuresCoarse-fine approaches, e.g. multi-scale approachesImage or video pattern matchingProximity measures in feature spaces using context analysisSelection of dictionaries
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
3.
SHARED MEMORY TO EXCHANGE DATA BETWEEN APPLICATIONS
The embodiments herein describe a platform abstraction layer (PAL) for an edge device (e.g., a camera) that enables services developed in different programming languages to be executed as a pipeline on the edge device. For example, the services may be deployed in separate containers developed using different programming languages. In one embodiment, the stages in the pipeline can use buffers in a shared memory to share data. The data can include unique IDs (e.g., frame IDs) to search an index array for the shared memory to identify the buffer containing the processed data. In this manner, the shared memory supports random access.
The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for identifying packaging for age-restricted products at self-checkout devices. A self-checkout device receives a barcode of an item, and compares the barcode with a database that comprises barcode data associated with one or more age-restricted products. The self-checkout device then captures an image of the item using a camera, and performs image comparison by providing the captured image to a trained machine learning model as an input. In response to at least one of the barcode comparison or the image comparison indicating a match with an age-restricted product, the self-checkout device triggers a manual verification for the item
G06V 10/75 - Organisation of the matching processes, e.g. simultaneous or sequential comparisons of image or video featuresCoarse-fine approaches, e.g. multi-scale approachesImage or video pattern matchingProximity measures in feature spaces using context analysisSelection of dictionaries
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06V 20/62 - Text, e.g. of license plates, overlay texts or captions on TV images
The present disclosure provides methods for security validation control in a self-checkout system. The method includes retrieving system-level transaction data, in response to receiving identity information related to a user, retrieving user-specific transaction data using the identity information, determining one or more validation parameters, comprising at least one of a validation percentage, a weight tolerance threshold, and a visual similarity threshold, based on the system-level transaction data and the user-specific transaction data, selecting one or more items for validation within a self-checkout transaction, based on the validation percentage, performing a validation check on each of the one or more items, calculating one or more validation performance indicators, comprising at least one of a validation failure rate and a false intervention rate, based on results of the validation check, and updating the system-level transaction data and the user-specific transaction data with the one or more validation performance indicators.
A self-checkout system is provided. In one aspect, a self-checkout system includes a housing having a base and a back panel extending from the base. The self-checkout system also includes an interactive module mounted to the back panel, the interactive module having a display screen and a curved deflector arranged at a top side of the display screen. An airflow channel is formed between the display screen and the back panel so that air within the airflow channel and heated by the display screen travels upwards along the airflow channel and is deflected away from the display screen by the curved deflector.
The present disclosure describes a computer system that automatically prepares mobile devices. The computer system includes a memory and a processor. The processor determines, based on an image of a checkout area, at least one of a wait time or a number of people at the checkout area, loads, based on at least one of the wait time or the number of people exceeding a threshold, a first application on a mobile device, and instructs that the mobile device use the first application at the checkout area.
G06Q 10/04 - Forecasting or optimisation specially adapted for administrative or management purposes, e.g. linear programming or "cutting stock problem"
The following relates to a method and apparatus for updating an item catalog at a point of sale system. Item catalogs include item descriptions and generally, an image corresponding to the item description. However, instances may arise where an image corresponding to the item description has not yet been included in the catalog. In such embodiments, the catalog includes instructions for the point of sale system to generate an image for the first item. In some embodiments, the instructions are a text prompt entered in the catalog before it is sent to a point of sale system. The text prompt includes instructions for an image generating AI system to generate an image corresponding to the text prompt. The point of sale system sends these instructions to the image generating AI system.
A wall-mounted self-checkout system is provided. In one aspect, a wall-mounted self-checkout system includes a housing, a counter having a horizontal panel and a vertical panel connected thereto, a shelf mounted to the vertical panel, and a tower to which a display screen is mounted. The wall-mounted self-checkout system also includes a computing system arranged to perform an operation, including determining, based at least in part on received data, that at least one of: a tilt angle of the wall-mounted self-checkout system achieves a predetermined tilt threshold; or a slant angle of the wall-mounted self-checkout system achieves a predetermined slant threshold; and performing a control action in response to determining at least one: the tilt angle has achieved the predetermined tilt threshold; or the slant angle has achieved the predetermined slant threshold.
A self-checkout system is provided. In one aspect, a self-checkout system includes a housing having a base support, a tower extending vertically upwards from the base support, and a back panel extending vertically upwards relative to the tower. Further, the self-checkout system includes a display screen mounted to the back panel, an input shelf and an output shelf each mounted to the tower, and a computing system configured to receive data indicating that an impact force has been applied to the self-checkout system; determine whether the self-checkout system has experienced an impact event based at least in part on the data; and perform a control action in response to determining that the self-checkout system has experienced the impact event.
Embodiments herein describe storing in hardware systems different combinations of financial account numbers which are set up to identify when a particular hardware system has been compromised. If compromised, a nefarious actor can identify the financial account numbers and believe they are real (e.g., customer) account numbers. Once a nefarious actor, e.g., uses the account number to attempt to purchase an item, the financial institution issuing the account numbers notifies the manufacturer or owner of the hardware system. By assigning different, unique combinations of the account numbers to different hardware systems, the manufacturer or owner can identify the specific system that was comprised, without having to store a unique account number in each hardware system.
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentialsReview and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
Embodiments herein describe using electronic shelf labels (ESLs) to help a customer find a particular item in a store. For example, a customer can load a retailer's application onto their mobile device and indicate to the application which items she would like to purchase. The retailer's application can instruct the ESL to perform a visual action to attract the customer's attention. This can include flashing a light on the ESL, or causing a portion of the display to change from off (white) to on (black). Once the ESL is identified, the customer can establish communication between the mobile device and the ESL so that the ESL can transmit display information that can be customized to the mobile device. The mobile device can then display the same (or similar) information as being displayed by the ESL, which can be used, e.g., for a visually impaired person.
G08B 3/10 - Audible signalling systemsAudible personal calling systems using electric transmissionAudible signalling systemsAudible personal calling systems using electromagnetic transmission
G08B 5/22 - Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electric transmissionVisible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using electromagnetic transmission
Embodiments herein describe a self-service kiosk or POS system that includes a base that is connected to an upper, vertical module. The base can include an item-receiving area where a customer places an item for purchase. This area can include a weight and/or pressure sensors. The upper module can include one or more cameras that have field of views that include the item-receiving area. The POS system can also include a computing system for using images captures by the camera (or cameras) to identify the item.
Embodiments herein use a checkout application to summon an autonomous vehicle of a customer who is performing a checkout process. In one embodiment, the checkout application identifies the stage that the customer is in in the checkout process such as arriving at a point-of-sale (POS) system, logging into a retailer application, scanning items, selecting a payment option, completing payment, loading purchased items in a cart/basket, etc. One of these stages can be selected as a “trigger stage” which, when reached by the customer, triggers the checkout application to summon the customer’s vehicle to a designated area (e.g., a lane near the store’s exit, special parking spots, etc.).
Methods and systems of a point of sale controlling system are disclosed. In some aspects, a first musical note tone is assigned to a first checkout system and the first musical note tone is different from a second musical note tone assigned to a second checkout system. Next, in response to a first sound event has occurred for the first checkout system, the first musical note tone is only played for the first checkout system so that the first musical note tone is not played on the second checkout system and the second musical note is not played on the first checkout system.
Systems and methods for providing store intelligence. The methods involve: receiving, from the camera, image data of a person selecting the article and receiving, from a reader, tag data associated with the article; determining that a potential theft event has occurred using both the tag data and the image data while the item is in the selling area of the store but before the item is proximate to a checkout area of the store; selectively performing first operations facilitating facility security in response to determining that the article and tag is currently being manipulated in an abnormal manner.
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G06V 40/20 - Movements or behaviour, e.g. gesture recognition
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
Systems and methods of performing item detection at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system device having a terminal station apparatus and a bagging station apparatus. The terminal station apparatus includes an optical scanner. The bagging station apparatus includes a bagging area. Further, the POS system device is operationally coupled to an optical sensor device having a field of view that includes a region about the POS system device with the POS region having a set of POS subregions. The method includes applying an artificial intelligence model to a set of interacted object track characteristics to enable a determination that one of a set of detected objects is transferred to the POS subregion associated with the bagging area without being scanned.
Systems and methods of performing item detection at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system device having a terminal station apparatus and a bagging station apparatus. The terminal station apparatus includes an optical scanner. The bagging station apparatus includes a bagging area. Further, the POS system device is operationally coupled to an optical sensor device having a field of view that includes a region about the POS system device with the POS region having a set of POS subregions. The method includes applying an artificial intelligence model to a set of interacted object track characteristics to enable a determination that one of a set of detected objects is transferred to the POS subregion associated with the bagging area without being scanned.
Systems and methods of performing item detection at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system device having a terminal station apparatus and a bagging station apparatus. The terminal station apparatus includes an optical scanner. The bagging station apparatus includes a bagging area. Further, the POS system device is operationally coupled to an optical sensor device having a field of view that includes a region about the POS system device with the POS region having a set of POS subregions. The method includes applying an artificial intelligence model to a set of interacted object track characteristics to enable a determination that one of a set of detected objects is transferred to the POS subregion associated with the bagging area without being scanned.
Systems and methods of performing item detection at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system device having a terminal station apparatus and a bagging station apparatus. The terminal station apparatus includes an optical scanner. The bagging station apparatus includes a bagging area. Further, the POS system device is operationally coupled to an optical sensor device having a field of view that includes a region about the POS system device with the POS region having a set of POS subregions. The method includes applying an artificial intelligence model to a set of interacted object track characteristics to enable a determination that one of a set of detected objects is transferred to the POS subregion associated with the bagging area without being scanned.
G06V 10/26 - Segmentation of patterns in the image fieldCutting or merging of image elements to establish the pattern region, e.g. clustering-based techniquesDetection of occlusion
A self-checkout system and techniques for illuminating one or more items placed within a predefined zone of the self-checkout system are provided. In one aspect, a self-checkout system includes one or more cameras, a light source, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to implement an operation, including: receiving one or more images of one or more items placed within the predefined zone, the images being captured by the cameras; determining an identity of the one or more items placed within the predefined zone, based at least in part on the captured images; and causing the light source to project an illuminated indicator onto at least one item of the one or more items placed within the predefined zone, based on the identity of the at least one item.
G06V 10/75 - Organisation of the matching processes, e.g. simultaneous or sequential comparisons of image or video featuresCoarse-fine approaches, e.g. multi-scale approachesImage or video pattern matchingProximity measures in feature spaces using context analysisSelection of dictionaries
H04N 23/56 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof provided with illuminating means
A method for running a diagnostics web application for a peripheral device within a root web application running on a point of sale system operatively coupled to the peripheral device includes: loading, by the root web application, the diagnostics web application into a first iFrame of the root web application and loading an interface web application for the peripheral device into a second iFrame of the root web application; issuing, by the root web application, a command to the peripheral device using the interface web application; responsive to the command, receiving, at the interface web application, data from the peripheral device indicating occurrence of an error; and causing, by the root web application, a webpage of the diagnostics web application to display within a webpage of the root web application based on the data indicating occurrence of the error.
Methods and apparatus for automated order placement and fulfillment monitoring are provided. An order is received from a Point of Sale (PoS) device. One or more items in the order are identified. Responsive to receiving a confirmation of the order, a status of each item, among the one or more items in the order, is monitored. A graphical element rendered in a display interface is updated, the graphical element displaying changes in the status of each item within the order.
Systems and methods of providing sign-in at entry to a retail store are performed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a wireless device operationally coupled to a network node device and having processing circuitry operable to execute an application that is associated with both a certain user account of a set of user accounts and a set of retail stores. The method includes sending, to the network node device, an indication that includes both the current location of the wireless device and information associated with the certain user account to enable the network node device to initiate sending, to the wireless device over the network, a user account-specific, location-based notification that includes an optically machine readable code, displayed through the application executed by the processing circuitry of the wireless device, to enable entry to a certain retail store of the set of retail stores.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
Methods and systems of a point of sale controlling system are disclosed. In some aspects, a first item is scanned and the weight of the first item is verified. In response to the weight of the first item being verified, the following occurs: a counter is incremented by a first amount associated with the first item; a second item is scanned while the first item remains on the weighting system, a weight of the first and second items on the weighting system is verified; in response to the weight of the first and second items being verified, a triggering event using the counter is determined to have occurred; in response to determining that the triggering event has occurred, all items on the weighting system is moved to a bagging area and resetting the counter; otherwise all items remain on the weighting system and additional items can be scanned and weighed.
Methods and systems of an intelligent shopping cart apparatus are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by an apparatus configured to be mechanically coupled to a cart. Further, the apparatus includes a coupling mechanism configured to suspend a container from the apparatus and a processing circuitry operationally coupled to a weight sensor operable to measure the weight of an object disposed in the container while suspended from the apparatus by the coupling mechanism. The method includes sending, by the processing circuitry, an indication associated with a weight-related price of an object based on the weight measurement of the object disposed in the container while suspended from the apparatus by the coupling mechanism and a price per unit of weight of a selected retail item corresponding to the object.
Systems and methods of performing image data retention associated with a computer vision system are described. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a network node operationally coupled to a set of optical sensor devices positioned about a retail space. Further, each optical sensor device has a field of view towards a certain region about the retail space and is operable to capture sequential images that correspond to the certain region. The method includes storing, in non-volatile memory, data that corresponds to the sequential images captured the optical sensor devices of a subject as that subject traverses about the retail space. The method also includes selecting a portion of the stored image data that corresponds to a physical view of the subject or a certain activity performed by the subject while about the retail space to retain in the non-volatile memory.
Methods and systems of providing need-to-know information to a user are disclosed. In some aspects, when a user, via the user device (e.g., a mobile phone), has entered a predetermined geographic zone associated with a predefined location (e.g., a grocery store, concert/sporting venue, festival, etc.) (or when the user has entered the location to travel to into the user device), data is retrieved, from a database over the network, that relates to policies and information associated with the location being traveled to. The policies and information associated with that location are then sent to the user so that the user will have need-to-know information with the location he/she is traveling to.
Methods and apparatus for performing artificial intelligence (AI)-based scanning verification for a self-checkout transaction using a self-checkout system are described. In an example method, a first image of multiple items within a shopping cart is displayed on a display system of the self-checkout system. A scanning of a first item of the multiple items with a handheld scanner associated with the self-checkout system is detected. A second image of at least a second item of the multiple items within the shopping cart is generated. The second image lacks an indication of the first item. The second image is displayed on the display system.
A self-service computing device detects a first weight for an item positioned on a sensory platform and determines a stabilized weight and a weight-based item count. Responsive to determining the stabilized weight, the device causes image capture devices to capture images of the item, identifies a visual characteristic of the item, and retrieves, from memory, a second weight of the item. To generate an image-based item count, the device compares the identified visual characteristic of the item with the second weight of the item and validates the presence of the item. The device causes or blocks a self-service transaction operation at the self-service computing device depending respectively on whether or not the image-based item count and the weight-based item count correspond.
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentialsReview and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
Method and apparatus for node identifier assignment for shared communication mediums are provided. A node identifier (ID) is selected for communication via a network. A broadcast delay is determined, and a set of received messages received prior to expiration of the broadcast delay is evaluated to determine that none of the set of received messages comprise the node ID. In response to determining that none of the set of received messages comprises the node ID, a set of broadcast messages comprising the node ID is broadcasted. In response to determining, based on the set of broadcast messages, that the node ID is nonconflicting in the network, the node ID is used for one or more subsequent communications.
H04W 4/06 - Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]Services to user groupsOne-way selective calling services
H04W 76/11 - Allocation or use of connection identifiers
36.
Associating and configuring a network-attached camera
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for associating a camera with a POS system, and providing a user access to a stream of the camera's feed. The present disclosure provides an improvement to technology associated with cameras at POS systems. The improved technology includes using barcodes to communicate with a CMS via a camera's stream. Such communication enables improvement in efficiency and accuracy when assigning cameras to POS systems, and when configuring or performing diagnostics on the camera.
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
The present disclosure provides techniques for tracking and verifying items that are scanned multiple times in a self-checkout system. A plurality of inputs indicating more than one scan of an item are received at a self-checkout machine. An image of a bagging area is captured. A CNN is trained to recognize the item based on a training dataset and a selected training algorithm. One or more units of the item are detected in the bagging area from the image using the CNN. A number of the detected units of the item in the bagging area is compared with a number of times the item has been scanned. Upon determining that there is no match, a shopping list displayed on the self-checkout machine is adjusted to reflect the number of the detected units of the item in the bagging area.
Techniques relating to machine learning (ML) in a shopping environment. The techniques include identifying one or more images captured in a shopping environment, and determining to automatically dispatch a cart to a shopper in the shopping environment. This includes predicting a use of the cart by the shopper based on providing the one or more images to one or more trained ML models. The techniques further include automatically dispatching the cart to the shopper. The cart automatically navigates in the shopping environment to the shopper.
Methods and apparatus for dynamic pricing adjustment and inventory optimization are provided. Stock level data is received via a camera, where the stock level data comprises an estimated stock level of a product batch within a physical site. Product information for the product batch is retrieved from a database, where the product information comprises an expiration date and a first price for the product price. A second price for the product batch is calculated using a machine learning (ML) model based on the expiration date and the estimated stock level. The database is updated with the second price for the product batch.
Method and apparatus for data synchronization are provided. An updated value for a physical item for sale in a space is identified, and the updated value is transmitted to a shelf input/output system. One or more delay criteria are determined based on comparing the updated value and a prior value for the physical item. Confirmation that the updated value has been implemented by the shelf input/output system is received. A transaction system is updated based on the updated value in accordance with the one or more delay criteria and the confirmation.
Techniques relating to using machine learning (ML) with a point of sale (POS) system. These techniques include identifying one or more images, captured at a POS system, of one or more items for purchase. The techniques further include predicting a checkout issue relating to the one or more items for purchase, including determining the checkout issue using a trained ML model, based on the one or more images. The techniques further include generating one or more instructions for a purchaser of the one or more items, based on the predicted checkout issue, and presenting the one or more instructions at a user interface of the POS system.
The present disclosure describes an electronic device that includes an enclosure with a door that provides access to the components of the electronic device within the enclosure. According to an embodiment, an apparatus includes a body, a cover defining an opening in a surface of the cover, a door arranged to cover the opening, and first and second levers coupled to the cover. The first lever and the second lever are actuatable between a locked state and an unlocked state and secure the cover to the body to form an enclosure when in the locked state. When the first lever is in the unlocked state and the second lever is in the locked state, the door is unlocked. When both the first lever and the second lever are in the unlocked state, the cover is disengaged from the body.
Method and apparatus for machine learning are provided. A set of images depicting a user selecting an item of clothing is accessed, and a predicted type and a predicted size of the item of clothing is generated based on processing at least one of the set of images using a machine learning model. Using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag on the item of clothing, a true type and a true size of the item of clothing are identified. The predicted type and the predicted size are compared to the true type and the true size. The machine learning model is trained based on the comparison.
G06V 10/70 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
Described herein is a system that uses artificial intelligence to classify bags at a checkout station. The system includes a camera that captures an image of a bag during a transaction at a checkout station, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor analyzes, using a machine learning model, the image of the bag to determine a characteristic of the bag; determines, using the machine learning model and based on the characteristic of the bag, that the bag is new; and adds the bag to the transaction in response to determining that the bag is new.
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
G06V 10/56 - Extraction of image or video features relating to colour
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
Methods and apparatus for dynamic video recording alignment are provided. A video alignment system receives a first signal indicating that an interaction device comprising a screen is in use. Responsive to the first signal, the system instructs the interaction device to record a series of images displayed on the screen. The system detects flicker in a video recording generated by a camera and depicting the screen, where the video recording comprises one or more defective frames contributing to the flicker. Upon detecting the flicker, the system retrieves one or more images, from the series of images, where the one or more images are recorded by the interaction device at moments of corresponding to the flicker. The system superimposes the one or more images onto the one or more defective frames in the video recording.
H04N 23/745 - Detection of flicker frequency or suppression of flicker wherein the flicker is caused by illumination, e.g. due to fluorescent tube illumination or pulsed LED illumination
G06T 5/50 - Image enhancement or restoration using two or more images, e.g. averaging or subtraction
Embodiments herein describe techniques for mitigating or preventing image sticking in a display screen (e.g., a LCD or plasma display). In one embodiment, the pixels in the display screen are assigned to different groups. During a first time period, the display turns off a subset of the pixels in each of the groups. De-energizing the pixel mitigates or removes the reversed voltage that creates image sticking. During another time period, another subset of pixels in each of the groups is de-energized while the pixels that were de-energized in the previous time period are energized.
G09G 3/34 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
Systems and methods of detecting activity at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having an optical sensor device, an optical scanner device and a load sensor device. The optical sensor device has a field of view that includes a first region about the POS system and the load sensor device is operable to measure a load of an object while positioned in a bagging area of the POS system. Further, the first region includes a second region associated with a certain object type that can be positioned in the bagging area without having to be scanned or weighed. The method includes obtaining a successive image captured by the optical sensor device to enable a determination that the target object corresponds to the certain object type that is exempt from being scanned or weighed based on the successive image.
Systems and methods of performing object classification and identification at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having a load sensor and an optical sensor. The load sensor is operable to measure a load of an object while positioned on a load surface of the POS system. The optical sensor has a field of view associated with the load surface and is operable to capture an image. The method includes obtaining an image captured by the optical sensor that includes a target object and a load measurement associated with the target object performed by the load sensor while the target object is positioned on the load surface to enable object classification or identification of the target object based on object recognition of the target object from the captured image and a prediction of the target object from the load measurement.
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/774 - Generating sets of training patternsBootstrap methods, e.g. bagging or boosting
Methods and apparatus for performing zeroing of a scale of self-checkout system are described. One example method includes detecting a weight on a scale of a self-checkout system and determining that there is no object located on the scale. A zeroing operation of the scale is performed in response to detecting the weight on the scale and determining there is no object located on the scale.
G01G 23/16 - Devices for determining tare weight or for cancelling out the tare by zeroising, e.g. mechanically operated electrically or magnetically operated
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
Systems and methods of display mapping methodology are performed. In one embodiment, a method is performed by a controller coupled to a set of displays and a set of optical sensors, with each display being operable to display an image, with the display of that image enabling illumination of a region before that display. Each optical sensor has a field of view that includes the region before a corresponding display and is operable to capture an image. The method includes sending, to a target display, an indication that includes image data that represents a certain image to enable illumination of the region before the target display with a representation of the certain image so that the controller is operable to associate which of the optical sensors corresponds to the target display based on the image captured by at least one of the optical sensors and the certain image.
Techniques for predicting items for purchase at a point of sale (POS) system. These techniques include identifying one or more images, captured at a POS system, of one or more items for purchase. The techniques further include identifying a measured characteristic of the one or more items for purchase, the measured characteristic including at least one of: (i) a first weight measured using a weight sensor associated with the POS system or (ii) a footprint measured using one or more pressure or weight sensors associated with the POS system. The techniques further include predicting the items for purchase based on analyzing the one or more images using a machine learning (ML) model, and validating the predicted items for purchase using the measured characteristic.
Techniques for media processing and item recognition are provided. A digital media is received from a user. Objects depicted within the digital media are identified. Items currently available at a physical location are determined by analyzing information collected by a set of cameras at the physical location. A set of target items, from the items currently available at the physical location, that are similar to at least one of the objects are identified based on the digital media and the collected information. A guidance that navigates the user to at least one of the set of target items within the physical location is generated.
Method and apparatus for color enhancement are provided. An input is received, where the input indicates a selection of a color enhancement mode. A display of a self-service device is switched from a standard color mode to the selected color enhancement mode. The completeness of a transaction on the self-service device is detected. Responsive to the detection, the display of the self-service device is reverted from the selected color enhancement mode to the standard color mode.
G09G 5/02 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators characterised by the way in which colour is displayed
Systems and methods of implementing a detection sequence for determining positions of control boxes within a stack are provided. In one aspect, a system includes control boxes each including a controller having a plurality of ports, a magnetic switch, and a magnet. The control boxes are arranged in a stack so that, for each adjacent pair of control boxes, the magnetic switch of one control box is magnetically coupled with the magnet of another control box. The controller of each control box is configured to determine a position, within the stack, of its associated control box based at least in part on the magnetic coupling, or lack of magnetic coupling, between the magnetic switch of its associated control box and the magnet of another control box within the stack.
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
G01D 5/14 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage
A checkout system is disclosed. In one aspect, a checkout system includes a cabinet and an input shelf coupled with the cabinet. The checkout system also includes features for detecting a cart approaching the checkout system. The input shelf is arranged to collapse based at least in part on detection of a cart approaching the checkout system.
Method and apparatus for enhanced emergency response are provided. An activation signal indicating an event has occurred at a first location is received. An alert is transmitted to a set of transaction processing devices at the first location, where the alert instructs each respective transaction processing device, from the set of transaction processing devices, to suspend respective transactions that are pending for completion. A deactivation signal indicating the event was resolved is received. Responsive to receiving the deactivation signal, diagnostic checks are conducted on each of the set of transaction processing devices to determine operational status. A transaction processing device, from the set of transaction processing devices, is determined to be operational. Responsive to determining the transaction processing device is operational, the transaction processing device is instructed to resume the respective transactions suspended on the transaction processing device.
Method and apparatus for fraud detection are provided. Sensor data from one or more acoustic wave sensors is received, where the one or more acoustic wave sensors transmit acoustic waves towards a set of items within a receptacle and receive reflected acoustic waves from the set of items. A model for the set of items within the receptacle is generated based on the sensor data. One or more features for the set of items are identified by analyzing the model. Checkout data is retrieved from one or more checkout devices. The one or more features for the set of items identified from the model are compared with the checkout data. An alert is generated upon detecting a discrepancy between the one or more features and the checkout data.
Systems and methods of conducting frictionless shopping are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a network node device operationally coupled over a network to optical sensor devices positioned throughout a retail space having shelf structures. Each shelf structure has display devices with each display device being associated with and proximate a certain stocked item of the set of stocked items that is disposed on that shelf structure. The method includes sending, to a first display device that is associated with and proximate a certain stocked item that is electronically requested, over the network, an indication that includes a request to enable an auditory or visual indication so that the certain stocked item can be located on the corresponding shelf structure of the set of shelf structures in the retail space based on the auditory or visual indication.
A method, performed by a computing device, for determining a break during a live event. The method includes collecting real-time data from sensors observing a live event at an event venue. The method further includes training a prediction model using the real-time data and historical data collected from one or more past events. The event further includes predicting when the break is likely to occur during the live event using the prediction model. In addition, the method includes transmitting a notification to at least one mobile device present at the live event of the prediction.
Methods and apparatus for preventing seizure activity in an environment using a computer vision system deployed within the environment are described. One example method includes detecting a seizure trigger within the environment via one or more camera devices deployed in the environment. At least one user associated with the environment that is susceptible to the seizure trigger is identified. Information associated with the seizure trigger is transmitted to a computing device associated with the at least one user.
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A system includes a platen assembly having a platen and a magnet coupled with an underside of the platen. The system also includes a base assembly having a storage component and a base magnet coupled with the storage component. The base magnet and the magnet of the platen are magnetically coupled to secure the platen in place relative to the base assembly. The system also includes an electromagnet that is selectively activated to increase a holding strength of the platen to the base assembly. Techniques for selectively activating an electromagnet to increase a holding strength of a platen to a base assembly are also provided.
G01G 7/04 - Weighing apparatus wherein the balancing is effected by magnetic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic action, or by means not provided for in groups by electromagnetic action with means for regulating the current to solenoids
A47F 9/04 - Check-out counters, e.g. for self-service stores
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
An apparatus includes a board defining a slot. The slot has a channel that interconnects at least two enlarged openings, including a locking opening. The apparatus also includes a card and a locking slide. The locking slide has a neck and retainer segments on opposing sides of the neck that retain the locking slide in the slot. The locking slide is slidable along the channel from one enlarged opening to another. The locking slide has a lock segment that latches the card to the board when the locking slide is positioned in the locking opening. A method of latching the card to the board using the locking slide is also provided.
Method and apparatus for computer vision-based tracking are provided. A set of images depicting a set of items in a receptacle of a user is accessed. At least a first item, of the set of items, is identified based on processing at least a first image of the set of images using one or more object recognition machine learning models. Based on a mapping, a caloric value of the first item is determined, and nutrition tracking information for the user is updated based on the caloric value. A set of user characteristics provided by the user is determined. In response to determining that the updated nutrition tracking information satisfies one or more criteria based on the set of user characteristics, a notification is transmitted to a mobile device of the user.
G16H 20/60 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to nutrition control, e.g. diets
G03B 21/00 - Projectors or projection-type viewersAccessories therefor
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
The present disclosure describes a system and method for identifying an item. The system includes a camera that captures a first image of a first item being purchased by a user, a memory, and a processor. The processor determines, based on the first image, a first probability for a first identity of the first item and a second probability for a second identity of the first item and in response to determining that both the first probability and the second probability are below a threshold, determines, based on a shopping history of the user, that the user previously purchased a second item comprising a characteristic. The processor also applies a first weight to the first probability and a second weight to the second probability based on the characteristic, and assigns the first identity to the first item based on the first weighted probability and the second weighted probability.
G06V 10/84 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using probabilistic graphical models from image or video features, e.g. Markov models or Bayesian networks
Methods and techniques for generating a composite visual representation that integrates visual data of a pet with potential purchased items are provided. Visual data of a pet is received. Features of the pet are extracted by analyzing the visual data. A first mapping for the pet is generated based on the extracted features using one or more computer vision algorithms. Measurement data of a pet-related item selected by a user is collected. A second mapping for the pet-related item is generated based on the measurement data. A third mapping that corresponds to one or more dimensional differences between the pet in the first mapping and the pet-related item in the second mapping is generated. A composite mapping is created by combining the first, second and third mappings. The composite mapping is displayed in an augmented reality environment.
Techniques for intelligent system optimization are provided. Capacity data of one or more exit devices at a physical location is received. Demand data that indicates a current demand for exit service at the physical location is received from one or more monitoring devices. A decision is generated based on the capacity data and the demand data using a machine learning (ML) model. Commands corresponding to the decision are transmitted to the one or more exit devices for implementation.
Systems and methods of expanding a bagging system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a bagging station device configured to couple to a terminal station device. The bagging station device includes an outer expandable frame, an inner expandable frame having an inner movable mechanism coupled between first and second inner frame portions, first and second panels disposed on the corresponding first and second inner frame portions, and a set of load sensors coupled between the inner and outer expandable frames. The method includes sending, by each load sensor, to the terminal station device, a measurement of a load associated with one or more objects placed on a surface of the first or second panel. The inner movable mechanism is configured to enable the first or second panel to move along a longitudinal plane of the inner expandable frame.
The present disclosure describes a computer system and method for motion activated item identification. The computer system includes a memory and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor detects, based on a video of a user, a motion of the user while scanning a barcode of an item and in response to determining, based on the motion of the user, that the barcode scanned incorrectly, captures an image of the item. The processor also determines, based on the image of the item, an identity of the item and adds, based on the identity of the item, the item to a checkout transaction.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
Embodiments herein describe connecting a customer in a retail store with an expert. In one example, this connection is made using a shelf IO device. Using a product ID provided by the shelf IO device, a computing system can identify an expert and determine whether they are available to help the customer. For example, the system may identify an expert that is currently in the same store as the customer, or the expert may be available to conduct a phone conversation or teleconference using the customer's mobile phone.
Described herein are an apparatus and method for displaying information on a card. An apparatus includes a card arranged to be scanned to conduct a transaction. The apparatus also includes a display attached to the card and a processor communicatively coupled to the display. The processor receives information about the transaction when the card is scanned presents the information on the display.
The present disclosure describes a system (e.g., a self-checkout system) that includes a modifiable cabinet. The system includes a cabinet, a sleeve, and a panel. The cabinet includes a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The sleeve is positioned within the cabinet. The sleeve moves away from the front side of the cabinet and out the back side of the cabinet. The sleeve defines a chamber. The panel is positioned within the chamber. When the sleeve is moved away from the front side of the cabinet and out the back side of the cabinet, the panel folds down to create a shelf within the chamber.
Techniques to reconfigure self-checkout kiosks based on workflow interaction metrics. A measure of interaction is determined for at least a portion of a workflow during a transaction at a self-checkout kiosk. The self-checkout kiosk is configured to output one or more communications via one or more graphical user interface (GUI) screens associated with the workflow. A communication level is set for the workflow for the transaction. The communication level is determined based on the measure of interaction and without requiring an intervention. A next communication to output is determined based on the communication level. The transaction is executed at the self-checkout kiosk.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
A method implemented by a Point of Sale (PoS) system. The method includes performing one or more PoS tasks in a retail environment. In addition, the method includes detecting that the transaction management system will be occupied with performing one or more PoS tasks for more than a threshold amount of time. The method further includes initiating an in-store event within the retail environment and generating a graphical notification interface and transmitting the graphical notification interface to at least one wireless device associated with a shopper in the retail environment. The graphical notification interface includes graphical elements depicting the in-store event.
A method is provided. The method includes receiving image information corresponding to a point-of-sale (POS) transaction, the image information includes an item being weighed, receiving an indication of an item weight or an indication of an item identifier for the item associated with the POS transaction, determining an expected item weight or an expected item identifier for the item based on the image information, determining a condition exists between an item weight and the expected item weight or between an item identifier and the expected item identifier and managing the POS transaction based on the condition. A system is also provided.
Disclosed herein are inventive concepts that facilitate the dynamic management of data retention. Data records associated with point-of-sale transactions can undergo evaluation based on data utilization metrics, which can include frequency of data access and timing of data access. A computational model can process these metrics to quantitatively assess each record based on a composite metric, leading to the generation of a data retention policy. Storage of at least some data can be modified to conform to the data retention policy.
A point-of-sale system is provided. The point of sale system receives map data that includes a plurality of dining locations in a dining environment, collects image information captured by a mobile device of a user in which the image information includes an image associated with a dining location of the user within the dining environment, determines the dining location of the user based on the collected image information and the map data, and transmits, to the mobile device, payment information for the dining location of the user. A payment method is also provided.
Systems and methods of performing automated shelf stock management are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a first network node operationally coupled to an optical sensor device having a field of view towards a shelf structure having a set of stocked items and operable to capture an image of the shelf structure. Further, the first network node is operationally coupled to a set of display devices disposed on the shelf structure with each display device being specific to and proximate a certain stocked item on the shelf structure and operable to display stocked item information. The method includes obtaining information associated with a current arrangement of the stocked items and the corresponding display devices on the shelf structure so as to determine whether the stocked item information of a certain stocked item is associated with the stocked item information displayed by the corresponding display device.
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
Systems and methods of detecting activity at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having first and optical scanner devices. The optical sensor device is positioned on or about the POS system with a field of view directed towards a first spatial region of the POS system and operable to capture successive images. The optical scanner device is positioned on or about the POS system with a field of view directed towards a second spatial region disposed within the first spatial region and associated with scanning visual object identifier codes disposed on objects and operable to scan those visual object identifier codes. The method includes receiving, from the optical sensor device, a set of successive images associated with the first spatial region to enable detection of activity in or about the second spatial region.
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for detecting a leakage condition are provided. In one embodiment, a container integrity system can obtain sensor data associated with a sensor pad placed on or integrated with shelves or similar surfaces. Containers or items susceptible to leakage can be positioned on the sensor pad, and sensors distributed throughout the sensor pad can measure force profiles exerted by the items. The container integrity system can identify the presence or absence of a leakage condition using the sensor data from the sensor pad.
G01M 3/32 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors for containers, e.g. radiators
G01L 1/20 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluidsMeasuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
Methods and systems of tool-free adjustment of torque used to maintain the viewing angle of a display stand are performed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a device having a platform hingedly coupled to a base. A bar rotatably supported by the base includes a left-hand threaded portion, a right-hand threaded portion, and a grip configured to enable simultaneous rotation of both threaded portions. A first nut is in threaded engagement with the left-hand threaded portion, and a second nut is in threaded engagement with the right-hand threaded portion. A first spring is coupled to the first nut and the platform, and a second spring is coupled to the second nut and the platform. When the bar is rotated via the grip, the first and second nuts move in opposing directions to enable simultaneous tension adjustment of the first and second springs.
F16M 11/10 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
86.
Authorizing payments using pre-registered customer tokens
A method, computer program product, and system are described. The method comprises receiving payment information, receiving a communication from an electronic device of a user, wherein the communication comprises a token that corresponds to the combination of the user and the electronic device. The method further comprises transmitting, to a payment processor of a payment network, the token and an identifier of the electronic device that is derived from the communication. The method further comprises receiving, from the payment network, a payment authorization that indicates that the token and the identifier of the electronic device were previously registered with an issuer corresponding to the payment information.
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentialsReview and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
87.
OBJECT IDENTIFICATION BASED ON A PARTIAL VISUAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER CODE SCAN AT POINT OF SALE
Systems and methods of object identification based on a partial visual object identifier code at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having a first optical sensor operable to scan visual object identifier codes disposed on objects. Each code represents one of a set of object identifiers. Further, each identifier is specific to a certain object and is represented by a series of characters. The method includes obtaining, based on a scan performed by the first optical sensor of one of the visual object identifier codes disposed on a certain object, a portion of the series of characters that represents a corresponding object identifier so that the certain object can be selected or identified based on the set of object identifiers and the portion of the series of characters that represents the corresponding object identifier.
The present disclosure describes a system (e.g., a self-checkout system) that includes a modifiable cabinet. The self-checkout system includes a cabinet, a scanner, a sleeve, and a panel. The cabinet includes a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The scanner is positioned on the cabinet. The scanner scans an item during checkout. The sleeve is positioned within the cabinet. The sleeve moves away from the front side of the cabinet and out the back side of the cabinet. The sleeve defines a chamber. The panel is positioned within the chamber. When the sleeve is moved away from the front side of the cabinet and out the back side of the cabinet, the panel folds down to create a shelf within the chamber.
A movable shelf system is provided for a retail or grocery store. The system includes a movable shelf in a store location; an actuator for moving the movable shelf; a plurality of cameras in the store location, each of the plurality of cameras having a field of view; and a vision mesh network having a plurality of nodes in communication with each other, at least one of the plurality of cameras being a node within the plurality of nodes on the vision mesh network. The vision mesh network receives and processes information about the movable shelf and sends an instruction to the movable shelf based on the information.
The present disclosure provides improved apparatuses for selective radio frequency identification shielding. A container is provided, the container including a plurality of sides comprising a bottom side on which items can be placed and one or more wall sides to contain the items, where at least one of the plurality of sides is permeable to a radio frequency (RF) used to identify items in the container, and one or more sides of the plurality of sides comprise an RF shield arranged to block the one or more sides such that radio waves used to identify items in the container are blocked by the one or more blocked sides. The container further includes at least one opening through which items can be placed into the container.
Systems and methods of tracking utilization of tableware are presented. In one exemplary embodiment, a method of maintaining a historical record of food allergen exposure to tableware is performed by an electronic device having a sensing device operable to sense an identifier specific to and disposed with tableware. The tableware identifier is specific to a cryptographic digital asset stored on the blockchain as a code that represents the tableware identifier. Further, the cryptographic digital asset includes a reference to information that represents a historical record of any food allergen exposure to the tableware. The tableware identifier code and the food allergen exposure information reference are included with the cryptographic digital asset. The method includes sending, to the blockchain, an indication that includes a request for block data associated with the cryptographic digital asset based on the tableware Identifier disposed on the tableware that is sensed by the sensing device.
G06F 16/27 - Replication, distribution or synchronisation of data between databases or within a distributed database systemDistributed database system architectures therefor
93.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) self-checkout (SCO) station having a variable aperture for a selectively sized scan zone
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled Self-Checkout (SCO) station includes an RF antenna that emits RF energy, such as RFID interrogation signals, through the variable apertures of one or more aperture layers into a scan zone. The size of the scan zone is selectively varied by electrically modifying the effective size of the variable aperture in the aperture layer.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Systems and methods of providing multi-voltage power over USB are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a USB receptacle device includes upper and lower receptacle connection portions and a mechanical key structure. Each portion has a set of longitudinal contacts composed of a conducting material. Further, one of the set of longitudinal contacts of the lower receptacle connection portion is configured to provide a first voltage and two of the set of longitudinal contacts of the upper receptacle connection portion are configured to provide second and third voltages, with the second and third voltages being different voltages. The mechanical key structure is disposed in the upper receptacle connection portion and has a set of longitudinal keys configured in a certain key arrangement. Each key arrangement represents a certain assignment of the second and third voltages provided at the two of the set of longitudinal contacts of the upper receptacle connection portion.
H01R 27/02 - Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts for simultaneous co-operation with two or more counterparts
H01R 13/64 - Means for preventing, inhibiting or avoiding incorrect coupling
H01R 43/26 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
Systems and methods of conveyor operation fault detection by a POS system are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having a conveyor apparatus that includes a conveyor belt having a conveying surface, a conveyor motor operable to advance the conveyor belt so that an object placed on the conveying surface is conveyed along a path from a first end to a second end of the conveying surface, and a load sensor disposed in the POS system. The method includes receiving, by the processing circuit, from the load sensor, a load measurement signal that includes a mechanical noise signal associated with operation of the conveyor apparatus while the conveyor motor is activated to advance the conveyor belt so as to determine that the conveyor apparatus is operable or inoperable based on the mechanical noise signal.
B65G 43/02 - Control devices, e.g. for safety, warning or fault-correcting detecting dangerous physical condition of load- carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating
G01G 19/414 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups with provisions for indicating, recording, or computing price or other quantities dependent on the weight using electromechanical or electronic computing means using electronic computing means only
96.
OBTAINING A VIRTUAL REPRESENTATION OF A PHYSICAL OBJECT AT POINT OF SALE
Systems and methods of obtaining a virtual representation of a physical object at point of sale are presented. In one exemplary embodiment, a POS system includes a first sensor device operable to sense an identifier unique to a physical object and a second sensor device operable to capture a digital image of the physical object during checkout by the POS system. Further, the POS system is communicatively coupled to a blockchain network that includes network nodes that are collectively configured to operate a blockchain. The unique physical object identifier is associated with a cryptographic digital asset stored on the blockchain as a code that represents the unique physical object identifier and a code that represents a reference to a virtual object obtained based on a digital image of the physical object captured by the second sensor during the checkout by the POS system.
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06Q 20/12 - Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
G06Q 20/36 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enabled Self-Checkout (SCO) station includes an RF antenna that emits RF energy, such as RFID interrogation signals, through a variable aperture of an aperture plate into a scan zone. The size of the scan zone is selectively varied by electrically modifying the effective size of the aperture in the aperture plate.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Systems and methods of object classification at point of sale are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having processing circuitry operationally coupled to a transducer operable to radiate a pressure wave and a sensor operable to sense a pressure wave. Further, the transducer and the sensor are positioned on or about the POS system so that a field of radiation of the transducer and a field of detection of the sensor are directed towards a certain region of the POS system. The method includes receiving, from the sensor, a reflected signal that represents a pressure wave radiated by the transducer that is reflected from a surface of an object when in or about the certain region of the POS system so that the object can be classified as at least one of a set of object types based on the reflected signal.
Systems and methods of multidirectional robotic shelf restocking are performed. In one exemplary embodiment, a multidirectional robotic shelf restocking apparatus is configured to operate in first and second adjoining regions. The first region being above or below the second region defined by opposing stocked shelf structures. The apparatus includes a vertical motion mechanism and a corresponding vertical motion drive operable to move the vertical motion mechanism in a vertical direction. Further, the apparatus includes an arm member and a corresponding rotational motion drive operable to rotate the arm member between the stocked shelf structures and a corresponding linear motion drive operable to linearly extend and retract the arm member. In addition, the apparatus includes an end effector coupled to the arm member and configured to transfer an item from the first region to the second region by the motion of the vertical motion mechanism and the arm member.
The present disclosure describes a system and method for holding or storing items. The system includes a pad, a weight sensor, a shape sensor, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The weight sensor detects a weight of an item when the item is positioned on the pad. The shape sensor detects a shape of the item when the item is positioned on the pad. The processor verifies that the item is positioned on the pad based on the detected weight and the detected shape and communicates a message that the item is positioned on the pad.
patents
