A method for enabling automated waste management is described. In one embodiment, data related to an event detected via a sensor coupled to a trash receptacle is received. A waste collection vehicle is configured to collect trash directly from the trash receptacle. The data related to the detected event is processed. A notification is generated based on the processing of the data. In some cases, a notification based on a determination of a volume of trash within the trash receptacle is generated, where the volume is determined via a ranging sensor. A notification is generated based on a determination of a weight of the trash within the trash receptacle, where the weight is determined via a load sensor.

Weighing scale apparatuses (devices and systems) and methods are implemented using a variety of biometric-based devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a weighing scale uses a base unit to integrate a support structure, a display, and circuitry to measure and determine the physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric. The support structure includes a platform region that utilizes sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user, which is then processed by user-targeted circuitry to determine the physiological parameters (e.g., weight and heart-related measurements) of the user. Such parameters are then associated with the user and saved to a data-access circuit, and also forwarded to a display which communicates the physiological parameters among other information to the user through the platform region; the display encompassing substantially all of the platform region, including the region(s) upon which the user would stand for weight measurements.

Weighing scale apparatuses (devices and systems) and methods are implemented using a variety of biometric-based devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a weighing scale uses a base unit to integrate a support structure, a display, and circuitry to measure and determine the physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric. The support structure includes a platform region that utilizes sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user, which is then processed by user-targeted circuitry to determine the physiological parameters (e.g., weight and heart-related measurements) of the user. Such parameters are then associated with the user and saved to a data-access circuit, and also forwarded to a display which communicates the physiological parameters among other information to the user through the platform region; the display encompassing substantially all of the platform region, including the region(s) upon which the user would stand for weight measurements.

A weighing and labeling system has a scale, label printer, and at least one controller. The controller stores information about incoming food packages and drives the printer to produce labels based on the stored information and the weight of the food packages. The labels are transferred to the food packages.

A weighing and labeling system has a scale, label printer, and at least one controller. The controller stores information about incoming food packages and drives the printer to produce labels based on the stored information and the weight of the food packages. The labels are transferred to the food packages.

Weighing scale apparatuses (devices and systems) and methods are implemented using a variety of biometric-based devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a weighing scale uses a base unit to integrate a support structure, a display, and circuitry to measure and determine the physiological parameters of the user, including a user-weight metric. The support structure includes a platform region that utilizes sensor circuitry to collect physiological data from the user, which is then processed by user-targeted circuitry to determine the physiological parameters (e.g., weight and heart-related measurements) of the user. Such parameters are then associated with the user and saved to a data-access circuit, and also forwarded to a display which communicates the physiological parameters among other information to the user through the platform region; the display encompassing substantially all of the platform region, including the region(s) upon which the user would stand for weight measurements.

A combination weighing apparatus (1) according to an embodiment includes: a distribution unit (2) that radially distributes articles (M) supplied from an external apparatus (100); a plurality of radiation feeders (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2, 3.sub.n) that conveys the articles (M) conveyed from the distribution unit (2) in a direction away from the distribution unit (2); a camera (20) that captures a region where the articles (M) are conveyed on the radiation feeders (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2, 3.sub.n); and a controller (4) that controls supply of the articles (M) by the external apparatus (100) on a basis of an image captured by the camera (20).

A combination weighing apparatus (1) according to an embodiment includes: a distribution unit (2) that radially distributes articles (M) supplied from an external apparatus (100); a plurality of radiation feeders (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2, 3.sub.n) that conveys the articles (M) conveyed from the distribution unit (2) in a direction away from the distribution unit (2); a camera (20) that captures a region where the articles (M) are conveyed on the radiation feeders (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2, 3.sub.n); and a controller (4) that controls supply of the articles (M) by the external apparatus (100) on a basis of an image captured by the camera (20).

According to an aspect, a detection system includes: a server configured to hold pattern data to identify a type of a product handled in a store; and a detection device provided so as to be capable of communicating with the server and configured to identify the product. The detection device includes: a sensor provided along a placement surface of a shelf provided so as to allow a plurality of the products to be placed thereon; and an information processor configured to identify types of the products and the number of each of the types of the products by comparing an output of the sensor to the pattern data. The sensor comprises a planar optical sensor located so as to face the products with the placement surface interposed between the planar optical sensor and the products.

According to an aspect, a detection system includes: a server configured to hold pattern data to identify a type of a product handled in a store; and a detection device provided so as to be capable of communicating with the server and configured to identify the product. The detection device includes: a sensor provided along a placement surface of a shelf provided so as to allow a plurality of the products to be placed thereon; and an information processor configured to identify types of the products and the number of each of the types of the products by comparing an output of the sensor to the pattern data. The sensor comprises a planar optical sensor located so as to face the products with the placement surface interposed between the planar optical sensor and the products.