According to one embodiment, a fracture section image analysis device includes an acquisitor configured to acquire a first image including a fracture section of a component, and a processor configured to perform image analysis for the first image. The image analysis includes a first process and a second process. The first process includes deriving a plurality of fracture progress directions in the fracture section. One of the plurality of fracture progress directions corresponds to one of a plurality of positions included in the fracture section. The second process includes deriving a fracture origin position in the fracture section based on at least a part of the plurality of fracture progress directions.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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
10.
System and Method for Controlled Reprinting Within an Authenticated Session
A system and method for generating reprints of documents from an authenticated user's print queue enables generating proof prints both before and after a print job has been released for printing. Print issues that surface in a printed document can be addressed, and a proof print can be made from the print job that remains in the queue after printing, with no need of resubmitting the job from a user's workstation. A proof print may be a reprint of the entire document or printing of a test page.
A system and method for generating reprints of documents from an authenticated user's print queue enables generating proof prints both before and after a print job has been released for printing. Print issues that surface in a printed document can be addressed, and a proof print can be made from the print job that remains in the queue after printing, with no need of resubmitting the job from a user's workstation. A proof print may be a reprint of the entire document or printing of a test page.
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.
Provided is a sheet conveying apparatus capable of suppressing occurrence of an error related to reading and writing of information from and to a wireless tag. A sheet conveying apparatus includes a reading and writing unit, a detection unit, and an instruction unit. The reading and writing unit reads and writes information from and to a wireless tag provided on a sheet when the sheet passes through a predetermined position on a conveyance path. The detection unit is disposed upstream of the predetermined position in a sheet conveying direction and detects the sheet. The instruction unit issues an instruction related to reading and writing of information from and to the wireless tag based on a timing at which the sheet is detected by the detection unit.
B65H 7/14 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors by photoelectric feelers or detectors
B65H 9/20 - Assisting by photoelectric, sonic, or pneumatic indicators
18.
READING DEVICE, LABEL DISPENSING DEVICE, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD
A technique for facilitating label dispensing is provided. A reading device includes a scanner section, a character recognition unit, and an output unit are provided. The scanner section reads an image on a medium. The character recognition unit recognizes character information from a target area of the image on the medium read by the scanner section. The output unit outputs information in which information capable of identifying the target area is associated with information based on the character information.
According to an embodiment, a remote customer service proxy system is provided to permit remote personnel to perform reception processing operations for many different locations and businesses. The system includes a communication server connectable to a reception systems at different remote locations, a proxy server, a proxy-side support terminal connected to the local network, and a proxy terminal, each connected to a local network. The proxy-side support terminal receives, via the communication server, a request for customer service from a customer reception system and identifies a self-service terminal corresponding to the customer reception system sending the request. The proxy terminal receives the identity of the self-service terminal, executes a reception system program corresponding to the identified self-service terminal, and outputs, via the communication server, a reception system completion notification to an output device corresponding to the identified self-service terminal.
A merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a registration unit, a determination unit, an identification unit, and a control unit. The registration unit registers, in a memory, a plurality of types of identification information related to identification of a user. The determination unit determines, from the plurality of types, a type of each of a plurality of pieces of the identification information used for the identification of the user. The identification unit identifies the user based on the identification information corresponding to the respective determined type of the plurality of pieces of the identification information and input information input from the user corresponding to the respective type of the plurality of pieces of the identification information. The control unit permits the user to use a service related to a commercial transaction when the user is identifiable by the identification unit.
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
According to an embodiment, a work introduction information generation support device customizes prompt information for requesting generation of work introduction information related to a work to make the prompt information suitable for a customer on the basis of received viewing request information and acquired customer information. Further, the work introduction information generation support device provides the customized prompt information to a large language model.
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.
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
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 shopping support system includes a cart terminal to be carried by the customer in a store, a store clerk terminal to be carried by the store clerk, and a server device configured to be communicably connected to the cart terminal and the store clerk terminal. The server device calculates a length of a path along a passage in the store between the cart terminal and the store clerk terminal based on a position of the cart terminal that issues the support request, a position of the store clerk terminal, and store map data storing a structure of the passage and information about a length of the passage, and selects a store clerk who can support the customer using the cart terminal that issues the support request. Then, the server device instructs the selected store clerk terminal of the support for the cart terminal.
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
B62B 3/14 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
G06Q 10/047 - Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
According to one embodiment, provided is a sales data processing system capable of simplifying cancellation of a commodity during checkout. A first processing unit includes a commodity registration unit that performs commodity registration processing of a commodity purchased by a customer. A second processing unit includes a declaration unit that receives a declaration of cancellation of a part or all of commodities subjected to the commodity registration processing, and a notification unit that notifies the cancellation of the commodity. The first processing unit includes a notification unit that receives the notification and notifies the cancellation of the commodity. The second processing unit includes a first acquisition unit that acquires information on a commodity to be cancelled, a cancellation processing unit that performs cancellation processing of the commodity, and a settlement processing unit that performs settlement processing of the commodities except for the commodity subjected to the cancellation processing.
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
G06F 3/04817 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
According to an embodiment, an image forming system includes: a server; and an image forming apparatus. The server generates an illustration using an illustration generation condition specified by a user in a device that performs communication via a network. The image forming apparatus acquires the illustration generated using the illustration generation condition from the server. The image forming apparatus prints the illustration acquired from the server on a medium.
Processing circuitry of an image formation device transmits user identification information and device identification information to a server, receives an indication of a valid medium associated with the user identification information from the server, and determines whether the valid medium is contained in a tray. In response to a determination that the valid medium is not contained in the tray, the processing circuitry transmits an inquiry related to the valid medium to the server, receives, from the server, printing support information about another image formation device that contains the valid medium and is closest to a position indicated by position information associated with the device identification information, and outputs the printing support information to a user interface. The processing circuitry instructs a printer to perform image formation on the valid medium in response to a determination that the valid medium is contained in the tray.
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a scanning device, and a controller. The image forming device forms a first test image and forms a second test image. The scanning device scans the first test image with a first amount of emitted light corresponding to a first input value and scans the second test image with a second amount of emitted light corresponding to a second input value. The controller selectively executes any one of a first correction process, a second correction process, or a third correction process on the basis of an event change.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/043 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material with means for controlling illumination or exposure
An image forming device is configured to form image data on a medium. The image forming device includes an acquirer configured to acquire setting information including width information indicating a printable range in which the image data is formable in a width direction of the medium, and length information indicating a printable length range in which the image data is formable in a length direction of the medium, wherein the acquirer is configured to switch a formation position of the image data based on the length information corresponding to a type of the medium, and a former configured to form an image on the medium based on the setting information acquired by the acquirer.
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a printer to print images, a display screen, and an operation panel for permitting the operator to select an image template for printing. The image template includes a fixed data region and a variable data region. The apparatus has a processor and an external interface that is connected to an external input device to receive input data to be included in the variable data region. The processor generates a preview image corresponding to the selected image template with the received input data included in the variable data region, stores the preview image in a storage location accessible by an external device, generates a code image indicating the storage location, and displays the code image on the display screen upon a request of the operator to permit the operator to confirm the preview image using the external device.
A fraud detection apparatus includes a person detecting unit, a commodity detecting unit, and a fraud alerting unit. The person detecting unit detects, based on an image capturing a target apparatus that is a fraud detection target, a person in a first area in the periphery of the target apparatus. The commodity detecting unit detects, based on the image, at least one of a commodity and a storing body storing the commodity in a second area in the periphery of the target apparatus. The fraud alerting unit alerts a store clerk to a fraud if the person detecting unit does not detect the person and the commodity detecting unit does not detect both of the commodity and the storing body in a state in which settlement processing is executed for the commodity.
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
33.
WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION APPARATUS, WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, AND COMMUNICATION METHOD FOR A WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION APPARATUS
In accordance with an embodiment, a wireless tag communication apparatus transmits a read command designating a first state as a flag state of a wireless tag. The wireless tag communication apparatus acquires identification information returned from a wireless tag whose flag state is the first state. In the wireless tag communication apparatus, a determination unit determines, on the basis of the acquired identification information, whether or not a position of the wireless tag that has returned identification information has been detected, and instructs the wireless tag whose position has been detected to rewrite the flag state to a second state by a wireless communication device.
In accordance with an embodiment, a wireless tag communication apparatus causes a reading command specifying a first state as a flag state to be sent, to thereby acquire identification information of a wireless tag in the first state. In a case where the wireless tag communication apparatus determines the wireless tag that is a detection target whose location has not been detected as the wireless tag that is a reading target on the basis of the identification information, the wireless tag communication apparatus causes the flag state of the determined wireless tag to be rewritten from the first state to the second state. The wireless tag communication apparatus causes identification information reading command specifying a second state as the flag state to be sent, to thereby acquire the identification information only from the wireless tag that is the reading target in the second state.
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
A monitoring device for identifying possible fraudulent actions at point-of-sale terminals includes a data storage unit, a communication interface, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive sensor output from at least one sensor associated with a point-of-sale terminal and determine, based on the received sensor output, whether merchandise is present in a bagging area after a registration of merchandise at the point-of-sale terminal. The processor is also configured to determine, based on the received sensor output, whether there is a person at the point-of-sale terminal and cause an output device to output a warning when it is determined, based on the received sensor output, that the person is at the point-of-sale terminal during an on-going transaction at the point-of-sale but registered merchandise is no longer present in the bagging area after its registration. The warning is output to the person at the point-of-sale terminal.
A checkout device includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a checkout unit. The first acquisition unit acquires information on a product to be purchased by a customer based on data input by the customer's operation on an input device. The second acquisition unit acquires, from an external system, information on a product to be purchased by a customer, the information stored in the external system, based on data input by the customer's operation on an information terminal. The checkout unit makes a checkout based on the information on the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.
A data processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a storage unit, and an installation control unit. The acquisition unit acquires, when a microservice is to be installed, storage destination information indicating a storage destination in a first storage device, and the storage destination is used to store data generated by the microservice. The storage unit stores the storage destination information acquired by the acquisition unit. The installation control unit installs the microservice for which the storage destination information has been acquired.
G06F 11/14 - Error detection or correction of the data by redundancy in operation, e.g. by using different operation sequences leading to the same result
An information processing system includes a first information processing device including an acquisition unit acquiring, based on an update to a database managing data of a plurality of stores, update data for each store from the database, a file creation unit creating a data distribution file for each store based on the update data for each store, and an output unit outputting the data distribution file created by the file creation unit so as to be stored in the storage device, a second information processing device including an acquisition unit acquiring, when a data distribution file of a store associated with the second information processing device is stored in the storage device, the data distribution file of the store associated with the second information processing device, and a storage device updating a database based on the data distribution file of the store associated with the second information processing device.
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.
A fraudulent act recognition device is configured to be operatively coupled to a camera that monitors operation of a settlement terminal by a purchaser. The fraudulent act recognition device includes a controller configured to recognize a commodity registration operation of the settlement terminal initiated by the purchaser. The controller is configured to review imaging data provided by the camera to recognize an action of the purchaser who performs the commodity registration operation. The controller is configured to determine whether an action of the purchaser is indicative of a fraudulent act. The controller is configured to provide a notification in response to a determination that the action of the purchaser is indicative of the fraudulent act.
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.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems comprised primarily of point-of-sale terminals, bar code readers, touchscreen monitors, keyboards, document printers, scanners, and recorded operating software; Biometric identification apparatus; Downloadable software for inventory management; Recorded computer software using artificial intelligence (AI) for machine learning for operation of electronic point-of-sale (POS) systems; Downloadable software for connecting, operating, and managing networked point-of-sale (POS) terminals, bar code readers, touchscreen monitors, keyboards, document printers an scanners in the internet of things (IoT) Software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for use in retail transactions, inventory management and product identification and selection
A first reading unit reads member identification information for uniquely identifying each of customers and a second reading unit reads commodity identification information of a commodity carried into the fitting area by the customer and commodity information of a commodity carried out of the fitting area. A collection and storage unit collects and stores, together with date-and-time information, membership information indicated by the member identification information when the customer enters the fitting area in association with commodity information indicated by the commodity identification information at the time of entering, and collects and stores, together with date-and-time information, membership information indicated by the member identification information when the customer exits the fitting area in association with commodity information indicated by the commodity identification information at the time of exiting. A control unit compares, when the customer exits the fitting area, the commodity information.
G07C 1/14 - Registering, indicating, or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity wherein the time is indicated in figures with apparatus adapted for use with individual cards
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
An embodiment provides enhanced security for printing of print jobs in networked printing systems and the like. In one example, a print system terminal includes a processing circuit and a communication interface to connect to a print system server. The processing circuit is configured to receive, from an input unit, a selection of a selected file to be printed by a printer of a print system and acquire print release setting information for the selected file. The processing circuit then outputs the print release setting information and other information corresponding to the selected file to the print system server.
A transaction processing system includes an imaging unit, a recognition unit, an approval unit, a registration unit, and a settlement unit. The imaging unit obtains an image by imaging a commodity placed in a storage place provided in a store. The recognition unit recognizes the commodity reflected in the image, using the image obtained by the imaging unit. The approval unit causes staff to confirm a recognition result by the recognition unit and the image used by the recognition unit to obtain the recognition result at a location different from the store, and receives approval by the staff for the recognition result by the recognition unit. The registration unit registers a transaction commodity based on the recognition result approved by the approval unit. The settlement unit causes a purchaser of the commodity placed in the storage place to settle a price for the transaction commodity registered by the registration unit.
A shopping cart includes an attachment to which a mobile terminal is attachable, a battery, a power transmitter electrically connectable to the mobile terminal attached to the attachment and configured to transmit electric power supplied from the battery to the mobile terminal, a switch connected between the battery and the power transmitter, and a processor configured to determine a state of the mobile terminal attached to the attachment and turn on or off the switch to control supply of the electric power from the battery to the power transmitter based on the determined state of the mobile terminal.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
B62B 3/14 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
B62B 5/00 - Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
G06F 1/26 - Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
An image forming apparatus includes: an exposure device; a housing including a support member that supports the exposure device; and a cooling device configured to make a refrigerant flow in a first direction in a space between the exposure device and the support member. The exposure device includes a first foot portion and a second foot portion aligned in the first direction and each protruding downward. The support member includes, on a surface thereof facing a lower surface of the exposure device, a first projection portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and aligned with the first foot portion in the second direction, and a second projection portion extending in the second direction, aligned with the second foot portion in the second direction, and having a plurality of portions spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The first foot portion and the second foot portion are separated from the support member.
G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material
B41J 2/47 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using the combination of scanning and modulation of light
G03G 15/043 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material with means for controlling illumination or exposure
A merchandise checkout system includes a checkout medium, a registration unit, a checkout unit, and a reporting unit. The checkout medium includes a built-in wireless tag. The registration unit registers a merchandise item in one transaction and dispenses the checkout medium with payment information for settlement for the registered merchandise item in the one transaction written in the wireless tag. The checkout unit reads the payment information from the wireless tag in the checkout medium, performs settlement for the registered merchandise item in the one transaction, and rewrites the payment information to represent a state where there is no unpaid amount if the settlement is complete. The reporting unit gives a report if the payment information in the wireless tag represents a state where there is an unpaid amount when the checkout medium passes therethrough.
According to one embodiment, a mobile terminal for a mobile settlement system for retail stores has a wireless communication unit and a storage unit storing a settlement application and additional settlement information required for at least one payment method. The terminal also has a biometric information acquisition unit for acquiring biometric information, a display screen, and a processor. The processor executes the settlement application and causes the display screen to display a payment method selection screen and receives a payment method selection. Biometric information is then acquired via the biometric information acquisition unit if the selected payment method requires the additional settlement information. The processor then acquires an authentication result for the acquired biometric information and outputs the additional settlement information stored in the storage unit to a settlement server if the authentication result indicates a successful biometric authentication.
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
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
In one embodiment, a settlement apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a display control unit, a correction acceptance unit, a first settlement unit, and a second settlement unit. The acquisition unit acquires, from an external system, information of a commodity that a settler obtains in a commodity sales area. The display control unit causes a display device to display the information of the commodity acquired by the acquisition unit. The correction acceptance unit accepts a correction instruction relating to the information of the commodity. The first settlement unit performs settlement, based on the information of the commodity acquired by the acquisition unit, in a case where the correction instruction is not accepted. The second settlement unit discards the information of the commodity acquired by the acquisition unit and performs settlement, based on information of the commodity acquired via an input device, in a case where the correction instruction is accepted.
A cooling fan control device controls an operation of a cooling fan connected to a control microcomputer by communicating with the control microcomputer, and includes a control table reading unit to read a control table in which a control characteristic of the cooling fan is described, the control table being stored in the control microcomputer, a control table storage unit to store a content of the control table read by the control table reading unit, a control parameter acquisition unit to acquire an ambient temperature and a fan speed of the cooling fan that are in association with each other from the control microcomputer, and a control command unit to output a control command for controlling the cooling fan to the control microcomputer based on the ambient temperature and the fan speed acquired by the control parameter acquisition unit, and based on the control table.
A cutting device for cutting a cloth medium includes a cutter including a fixed blade above a conveyance path along which the cloth medium is conveyed and a movable blade below the conveyance path, the movable blade being movable upward to cut the cloth medium between the fixed blade and the movable blade, and a guide disposed above the conveyance path and downstream of the cutter in a conveyance direction in which the cloth medium is conveyed along the conveyance path, the guide guiding the cloth medium having passed between the fixed blade and the movable blade in the conveyance direction. The guide is movable in a vertical direction in conjunction with the movable blade.
B41J 11/70 - Applications of cutting devices cutting perpendicular to the direction of paper feed
B41J 2/32 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 13/10 - Sheet holders, retainers, or stationary guides
B65H 35/06 - Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machinesArticle or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers from or with transverse cutters or perforators from or with blade, e.g. shear-blade, cutters or perforators
54.
SHEET FEEDING APPARATUS AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a tray on which a plurality of sheets can be stacked, the tray being movable in a vertical direction to lift the sheets, a pickup roller that is rotatable to convey an uppermost sheet of the sheets in a conveyance direction when the sheets are lifted and pressed against the pickup roller, a first guide that is disposed adjacent to the pickup roller and guides the uppermost sheet conveyed by the pickup roller along the conveyance direction, and a pair of lifting members that support the sheets that are stacked in the tray. The lifting members extend along the conveyance direction, are spaced apart in a width direction of the sheets that is transverse to the conveyance direction, and are movable in the vertical direction together with the tray.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
B65H 1/08 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for advancing the pile to present the articles to a separating device
55.
WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION METHOD
Provided is a wireless tag communication device and a wireless tag communication method capable of specifying a location where an RFID tag exists. According to one embodiment, a wireless tag communication device includes a communication device, a position detection sensor, a memory, and a processor. The communication device communicates with a wireless tag that is a target. The position detection sensor detects information indicating a self position of the wireless tag communication device. The memory stores the self position, which is specified based on detection information from the position detection sensor, in association with a reading result obtained by reading the wireless tag by the communication device. The processor estimates a position of the wireless tag when three or more consecutive reading results of the wireless tag at a predetermined interval are obtained, the three or more consecutive reading results of the wireless tag being stored in the memory.
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
56.
WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND WIRELESS TAG COMMUNICATION METHOD
A wireless tag communication device includes a communication device, a position detection sensor, a memory, and a processor. The communication device communicates with a wireless tag. The sensor detects information indicating a self position of the wireless tag communication device. The memory stores the self position, based on the information detected by the position detection sensor, in association with a reading result obtained by reading a wireless tag by the communication device. The processor estimates, using a processing method selected according to a distance between the self position, which is specified based on the information detected by the position detection sensor, and an estimated position of the wireless tag, a position of the wireless tag based on reading results obtained by reading the wireless tag at three different self positions each including the self position serving as an endpoint of the distance, the reading results being stored.
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
A hand-driving movable body according to an embodiment includes a base, a first connector, and a support portion. The first connector has a terminal and is coupled by fitting with an external connector that moves in a first direction relative to the terminal. The support portion supports the terminal so as to be movable with respect to the base in a first direction and a direction intersecting the first direction.
B62B 3/12 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by three-wheeled construction
B62B 3/14 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
H01R 13/62 - Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
H01R 13/631 - Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure for engagement only
H01R 13/703 - Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch operated by engagement or disengagement of coupling parts
H01R 13/74 - Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a roller for conveying a sheet along a conveyance path, a first sensor holder including a first sensor element that faces a first surface of the conveyed sheet, the first holder being movable along a direction perpendicular to the path, a second sensor holder including a second sensor element that faces a second surface of the conveyed sheet, the second holder being movable along the direction, an interlocking member connected to the first holder such that the interlocking member and the first holder move together in opposite directions along the direction, and a connecting member bent to partially surround the path and connects the interlocking member and the second holder such that the interlocking member and the second holder move together in opposite directions along the direction.
According to an embodiment, a cart-based point-of-sale terminal includes a display device mounted on a shopping cart and a control unit. The control unit is configured to register items of merchandise for purchase in a sales transaction and cause the display device to display a shopping basket notification to a user before a user can register an item of merchandise. The shopping basket notification may be a screen, window, or the like requesting that the user confirm a shopping basket has been placed on the shopping cart.
Embodiments enable a user of a facility to make settlement of fees associated with using the facility by using a mobile terminal. In one example, a management device includes a storage device, a communication interface to connect a store server, and a processor. The processor links, in a linkage table in the storage device, facility information to the user's mobile terminal information, fee receives data indicating fees associated with use of the facility by the user, provides the fee data to the mobile terminal linked to the facility information f the facility in the linkage table, receives a payment notification indicating that a payment of the fees has been executed at the mobile terminal, and executes processing for changing a use status of the facility after the payment notification is received.
G06Q 10/02 - Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
G06Q 20/10 - Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systemsPayment architectures specially adapted for home banking systems
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
A charging connector connects a power supply unit and a shopping cart (charged object) that charges a battery included in the shopping cart according to a voltage signal from the power supply unit, or connects the shopping cart and another shopping cart. The charging connector includes: sockets (output connectors) that output voltage signals from the power supply unit; plugs (input connectors) that can be inserted into and removed from the sockets and are electrically connected to the sockets; a contact determination unit that is provided on the sockets side and detects whether the sockets and the plugs are in a predetermined contact state; and an energization control unit that energizes the plugs from the sockets on condition that the contact determination unit determines that the contact state is the predetermined contact state, and does not energize the plugs from the sockets on condition that the contact determination unit does not determine that the contact state is the predetermined contact state.
According to one embodiment, an information processing system for sales data aggregation and analysis includes a server with a communication interface connected to a network, a storage device, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive point-of-sale data from a plurality point-of-sale devices via the network and store the point-of-sale data in the storage device and receive receipt data from an electronic receipt server via the network and store the receipt data in the storage device. The processor can generate display information based on stored point-of-sale data or based on stored receipt data. The processor may also generate display information based on both the stored point-of-sale data and the stored receipt data. The processor can transmit the generated display information to a user terminal via the network.
In one embodiment, A payment device includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a payment unit. The first acquisition unit acquires information on products based on product data entered via an input device. The second acquisition unit acquires, from an external system, information on the products stored based on product data entered via an information terminal. The payment unit makes a payment based on the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.
G06Q 20/02 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols involving a neutral third party, e.g. certification authority, notary or trusted third party [TTP]
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 settlement terminal operation system includes a settlement terminal configured to execute settlement and a portable terminal configured to operate the settlement terminal. The settlement terminal includes a settlement processing unit, a daily account processing unit, and a first communication control unit. The settlement processing unit executes, by communication with a settlement server, settlement for paying a price. The daily account processing unit executes account daily processing for tallying settlements executed within a period by the settlement processing unit. The first communication control unit executes communication with the portable terminal. The portable terminal includes an operation control unit and a second communication control unit. The operation control unit receives operation for causing the settlement terminal to execute the daily account processing. If the operation was received by the operation control unit, the second communication control unit transmits a daily account processing command for requesting execution of the daily account processing.
Provided is an image forming apparatus that is unlikely to fail due to heat from a power supply unit. The image forming apparatus includes a housing having a space for internal sheet discharging, and a power supply unit provided in the housing and adjacent to the space.
An information processing terminal according to an embodiment includes a determination unit, a display control unit, an acquisition unit, and a transmission unit. The determination unit determines whether information regarding a registration of a product satisfies a photographing condition. The display control unit allows a display unit to display an automatic photographing guidance for the product based on a determination result of the determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires, based on automatic photographing of the product, photographed image data of the photographed product. The transmission unit transmits the photographed image data acquired by the acquisition unit.
A data processing system includes a storage processing unit and a determination unit. The storage processing unit stores data related to a transaction based on product registration in a registration apparatus in a storage unit of the registration apparatus or an electronic device different from the registration apparatus. The determination unit determines a checkout apparatus as an output destination for outputting the data related to the transaction according to a movement of a user of the registration apparatus based on sensing data. In a case where the checkout apparatus as the output destination is determined by the determination unit, the storage processing unit stores information indicating the checkout apparatus as the output destination in the storage unit.
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.
Provided is a sheet processing device that includes a guide, a support section, a stacker, and a gate. The guide is provided with a conveyance surface along a conveyance direction of a sheet. The support section is configured to form a conveyance path of the sheet together with the guide. The stacker is provided with a stack surface that supports a surface of the sheet conveyed through the conveyance path. The gate is configured to be able to receive the sheet into the stacker. The gate includes a first extension part and a second extension part. A plurality of first extension parts are disposed at intervals in a direction orthogonal to each of a normal direction of the stack surface and the conveyance direction. The second extension part is disposed to close spacing between two of the adjacent first extension parts in the orthogonal direction.
In accordance with an embodiment, a casing of an image formation apparatus includes a first support member and a second support member. The first support member comes into contact with a lower end of a first support leg part projecting downward from the optical scanning device and supports the lower end of the first support leg part. The second support member comes into contact with a lower end of a second support leg part different from the first support leg part projecting downward from the optical scanning device and supports the lower end of the second support leg part. The second support member is separated from the first support member in a non-contact state.
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus executes, if an execution frequency setting of positional deviation correction in setting information is equal to or larger than a reference value, the positional deviation correction by using an image pattern for positional deviation measurement that is formed to be equal to or larger than one cycle of a transfer belt. Further, the image forming apparatus executes, if the execution frequency setting of the positional deviation correction in the setting information is less than the reference value, the positional deviation correction by using an image pattern for positional deviation measurement that is formed to be smaller than one cycle of the transfer belt.
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus supplies toner to a photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed. A toner sensor of the image forming apparatus outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of adhering toner on an image carrier to which the toner is transferred from the photoreceptor. A memory of the image forming apparatus stores a target value including a correction value of image stabilization control of stabilizing an image for each type of toner. The image forming apparatus performs the image stabilization control of setting an output value of the toner sensor to the target value including the correction value for each type of toner.
G03G 21/06 - Eliminating residual charges from a reusable imaging member
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G03G 15/00 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
G03G 15/01 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for producing multicoloured copies
74.
CONTROL DEVICE, BEHAVIOR GUIDE SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME
A control device includes a behavior recognition unit, a determination unit, a subsequent behavior annunciation unit, a correct behavior annunciation unit, and a warning unit. The behavior recognition unit recognizes a behavior executed by a shopper. The determination unit determines a subsequent behavior as the behavior for the shopper to subsequently perform based on the behavior recognized by the behavior recognition unit. The subsequent behavior annunciation unit makes an annunciation member disposed so as to correspond to a behavior area where the subsequent behavior is to be executed operate in a first annunciation configuration based on the subsequent behavior determined by the determination unit. The correct behavior annunciation unit makes the annunciation member operate in a second annunciation configuration when the behavior recognition unit recognizes that the shopper executes the subsequent behavior. The warning unit which makes the annunciation member disposed so as to correspond to the behavior area where a different behavior from the subsequent behavior is executed operate in a warning configuration when the behavior recognition unit recognizes that the shopper executes the different behavior.
A wireless tag reading apparatus includes a housing having an accommodation space in which a shopping cart is placeable, the shopping cart including an upper rack and a lower rack on which one or more items or one or more shopping baskets containing the one or more items are placeable; one or more antennas movable along one or more surfaces of the accommodation space; a communication interface; and a processor configured to when the shopping cart is placed in the accommodation space, control the antennas to move along the surfaces, and read identification information of one or more items in the shopping cart from one or more wireless tags attached thereto, generate item registration information based on the read identification information, and control the communication interface to output the item registration information to a payment device for payment of the items.
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
It is made possible to introduce appropriate checkout apparatuses to customers who use a payment place where a plurality of checkout apparatuses different in class in which the checkout apparatus can perform a settlement is installed. A guide system includes first checkout apparatuses, at least one second checkout apparatus, an introduction device, and a management device. The first checkout apparatuses can accept settlements with first and second settlement methods. The second checkout apparatus can accept a settlement with the second settlement method. The introduction device introduces an available checkout apparatus. The management device determines the first checkout apparatus available for the first settlement method and the first and second checkout apparatuses available for the second settlement method based on unoccupied statuses of the first and second checkout apparatuses and a priority order set in advance, and makes the introduction device introduce the result.
In accordance with an embodiment, a commodity registration terminal detects an object on the basis of an image captured by an imaging device. The commodity registration terminal determines a commodity on the basis of the image including the detected object. The commodity registration terminal outputs a notice indicating cancellation of the determined commodity on the basis of an operation of a cancellation instruction made by a user.
A point-of-sale system includes a camera attachable to a shopping cart and a POS terminal attachable to the shopping cart and including: an interface connectable to the camera, a storage device that stores dictionary data, a display device, and a processor configured to: control the camera to capture an image, execute a recognition process to determine a feature value of an item in the image and search the dictionary data for one or more candidate items, when one candidate item is recognized, register the item as a transaction item, and when multiple candidate items are recognized, determine the item in the image as a pending item, and associate the candidate items with the pending item, and upon receipt of an operation, control the display device to display a selection screen through which one of the candidate items is selectable, and register the selected item as the transaction item.
According to an embodiment, a commodity registration terminal detects an object on the basis of an image captured by an imaging device. The commodity registration terminal determines a commodity on the basis of an image including the detected object. In addition, the commodity registration terminal causes a display device to display a notice indicating that determination processing is in progress during the determination processing for the commodity.
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
80.
GUIDE SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MANAGEMENT DEVICE
In the mixed flow payment of the self use customers and the pre-registration customers, to guide the customers to appropriate checkout apparatuses without requiring personnel is made possible. In a guide system including a plurality of checkout apparatuses configured to use a first settlement method of performing registration and a settlement of a purchased article, and a second settlement method of performing a settlement of a purchased article pre-registered, the management device changes the checkout apparatus available for each of the settlement methods based on assignment of the first settlement method and the second settlement method to a method used in each of the checkout apparatuses set in advance, a priority order set in advance, an unoccupied status of the checkout apparatuses, and a settlement wait status in each of the first and second settlement methods, and makes the introduction device introduce the available checkout apparatus.
According to one embodiment, a transaction processing system includes a camera positioned on a shopping cart to capture images of merchandise items placed in the shopping cart. A barcode reader is also on the shopping cart to read merchandise codes from merchandise items. A processor is configured to perform object recognition to recognize a merchandise item based on visual features of the merchandise item depicted in an image acquired by the camera. When a merchandise code is read by the barcode reader, the processor registers the merchandise item identified by the merchandise code in a sales transaction. When the merchandise item is recognized by the object recognition, the processor registers the merchandise item in the sale transaction unless the merchandise item recognized by the object recognition is the same merchandise item most recently registered in the sales transaction using the barcode reader.
B62B 5/00 - Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
B62B 3/14 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor characterised by provisions for nesting or stacking, e.g. shopping trolleys
G06V 20/52 - Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects
According to one embodiment, an information processing system for handling accumulation of sales transaction data from multiple stores or the like includes a first communication processing unit to acquire transaction data related to sales transactions in a plurality of data formats, a first data processing unit to store, in a storage unit, the transaction data in a predetermined format, a second data processing unit to generate sales analysis information based on pieces of the transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit, and a second communication processing unit to output the sales analysis information generated by the second data processing unit.
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.
An edge gateway supports an operation of a cart terminal that registers a commodity. The edge gateway includes a video acquiring unit that acquires a video of the commodity being put in a basket that stores the commodity and an identification number of the basket, a commodity counting unit that counts, from the acquired video, a first number that is the number of commodities put in the basket, a commodity registration information acquiring unit that acquires a second number that is a number of commodities read by the cart terminal until registration completion, and a number-of-commodities comparison information output unit that outputs, on condition that the first number and the second number do not match, the identification number, the first number, and the second number in order to cause a portable terminal carried by a store clerk to alert the store clerk.
In one embodiment, a mobile merchandise registration device has a display, an input unit, a communication interface, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to display a first screen on the display listing each merchandise item registered as purchase targets in a sales transaction and receive a cancellation operation, via the input unit, for cancelling the registration of a merchandise item as a purchase target. After receiving a cancellation operation, the control unit displays a cancellation operation confirmation screen on the display which includes sales retention information related to the merchandise item that is a subject of the cancellation operation. If the user confirms the cancellation operation via the confirmation screen, the control unit causes the registration of the item to be cancelled from the sales transaction.
A point-of-sale terminal attachable to a shopping cart, includes an interface connected to an imaging device, an input device, and a processor configured to: control the imaging device to capture an image and generate image data based on the captured image, perform object recognition on the image data, and perform an automatic registration process for automatically registering an item when the item is identified by the recognition. The processor is configured to: determine whether a predetermined motion of a body part is detected based on a result of recognition or whether a predetermined operation is input via the input device, upon determining that the predetermined motion is detected or the predetermined operation is input, temporarily disable the registration process such that an item is not automatically registered for purchase or automatically removed from a list of registered items even when the item is identified by the recognition.
A store server for managing POS terminals used in a store, includes an interface connectable to the terminals and a cloud server configured to manage transaction information about a sales transaction performed by the terminals and a processor configured to: determine a communication load of the cloud server, determine whether the transaction information is to be transmitted to the cloud server based on the load, when the transaction information is to be transmitted, control the interface to output to the terminals an instruction to set a destination of the transaction information to the cloud server, and when the transaction information is not to be transmitted, control the interface to output to the terminals an instruction to set the destination to the store server, and upon receipt of the transaction information from the terminals, store the transaction information.
An image forming apparatus includes a head configured to transfer ink from an ink ribbon to a print medium, a roller for pressing the print medium, and a controller configured to: upon receipt of print data, determine image areas in which an image is formed and non-image areas in which no image is formed, at the beginning of printing, control a distance between the head and the roller such that they contact each other, and set conveyance speeds of the medium and the ribbon to first and second values, before a boundary between the image and non-image areas reaches a position at which the head contacts the roller, set the speeds to third and fourth values lower than the first and second values, and when the boundary reaches the position, control the distance such that the head and the roller are separated from each other.
B41J 13/00 - Devices or arrangements specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in short lengths, e.g. sheets
B41J 2/325 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
A top cover moves between a first position where the top cover is opened with respect to a lower cover and a second position where the top cover is closed with respect to the lower cover. A label peel-off unit moves between a third position where the label peel-off unit is opened with respect to the lower cover and a fourth position where the label peel-off unit is closed with respect to the lower cover. A lock portion engages with an operable engagement claw provided on the top cover and an engagement claw housed in the lower cover to prevent the top cover from moving from the second position. A protruding portion protrudes upstream in a label conveying direction, abuts against the engagement claw, and causes the label peel-off unit to move from the fourth position to the third position by the engagement claw.
B65C 9/18 - Label feeding from strips, e.g. from rolls
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
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.
A printer includes a feeding shaft, a rolling shaft, a conveyance unit, a print head, and a turning force generation mechanism. The feeding shaft rotatably holds a supply roll in which the ink ribbon is rolled. The rolling shaft rotatably holds a collection roll in which the ink ribbon fed from the supply roll is rolled. The conveyance unit conveys a printing medium along the ink ribbon that moves from the supply roll toward the collection roll. The print head prints by bringing the ink ribbon into contact with the printing medium conveyed by the conveyance unit. The turning force generation mechanism generates a turning force in a direction in which the ink ribbon is rolled around the rolling shaft during back-feeding of moving the ink ribbon in a reverse direction by rotating the feeding shaft in a direction reverse to a feeding direction of the ink ribbon.
B41J 33/00 - Apparatus or arrangements for feeding ink ribbons or like character-size impression-transfer material
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
According to one embodiment, a sales registration apparatus for a sales registration system includes a first interface connecting to an image recognition apparatus, a second interface connecting to a point-of-sale terminal, and an imaging unit for capturing an image of an item being registered in a sales transaction. A control unit of the sales registration apparatus receives captured images from the imaging unit, transmits the captured images to the image recognition apparatus, receives a transaction completed signal from the point-of-sale terminal, and, upon receiving the transaction completed signal, causes the imaging unit to stop capturing images and/or stop transmitting captured images to the image recognition apparatus.
A store server for managing a plurality of devices in a store via a store network, includes a network interface connectable to the store network, a memory that stores: a priority value assigned to each of the devices, and indicators for each device indicating frequency of use in time periods of a day, and a processor configured to: determine a priority order for the devices based on the priority values and the indicators for the devices stored in the memory, and control communication with each of the devices via the network interface according to the determined priority order.
A transaction processing device of an embodiment includes a first registration unit, a linkage unit, and a second registration unit. The first registration unit stores a content of a transaction related to a user in response to a request from a first terminal made by an operation of the user. The linkage unit links the process of storing the content of the transaction related to the user performed by the first registration unit to a second terminal. When the content of the transaction related to the user is sent from the second terminal, the second registration unit stores the content of the transaction sent from the second terminal as the content of the transaction related to the user in the first registration unit by using the association.
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
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G07G 1/14 - Systems including one or more distant stations co-operating with a central processing unit
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
A printer includes a conveyance unit, a print head, and a braking member. The conveyance unit includes first and second rollers arranged in a state of being in pressure contact with each other with a conveyance path for conveying a long printing medium interposed therebetween, and applies a conveyance force to the printing medium by rotating the first and second rollers. The print head is disposed upstream of a position where the conveyance unit applies the conveyance force in a forward direction along the conveyance path, and performs printing on the printing medium conveyed in the forward direction through the conveyance path. The braking member is disposed in contact with the second roller, is moved, by a frictional force generated by rotation of the second roller in the forward direction, to a first position where a first braking force is applied to the printing medium, and is moved, by a frictional force generated by reverse rotation of the second roller, to a second position where a second braking force larger than the first braking force is applied to the printing medium.
B41J 13/036 - Rollers co-operating with a roller platen
B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
B41J 13/10 - Sheet holders, retainers, or stationary guides
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from pilesFeeding articles to machines by rollers
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a local area network (LAN) interface including a control unit and an abnormality monitoring function for monitoring whether a communication path is abnormal. The control unit is configured to disable the abnormality monitoring function of the LAN interface when it is determined a LAN cable is not connected to the LAN interface and enable the abnormality monitoring function when the LAN cable is determined to be connected to the LAN interface. Certain examples of the information processing apparatus may be a product scanner unit or the like for use in or with point-of-sale terminals.
According to one embodiment, a merchandise information processing device includes a control unit and a communication interface connectable to a product scanner. The control unit receives an image from the product scanner. The image is obtained when a user holds a merchandise item in front of an image pickup unit of the product scanner in a scanning operation. The control unit processes the image to obtain a merchandise code for the merchandise item in the image by object recognition and may also process the image to determine if a hand of the user appears in the image. The control unit saves the image to update a dictionary file only if the merchandise code obtained by the object recognition does not match a merchandise code received from the product scanner in association with the image and the hand of the user is determined not to be in the image.
