Data processing apparatus is provided comprising one or more processors. The data processing apparatus may be configured to perform a method of determining authentication data for authenticating an object comprising one or more identification elements which are detectable when electromagnetic radiation is incident thereon. The method may comprise obtaining image data relating to one or more of the identification element(s) of the object, processing the image data to determine outline data relating to outline(s) of one or more of the identification element(s) to which the image data relates and determining the authentication data from the outline data.

An apparatus for managing an inventory of goods stored in multiple bins on a shelving system includes an RFID antenna disposed on an upper shelf of the shelving system. The RFID antenna communicates with RFID tags disposed above the upper shelf RF shielding is disposed between the RFID antenna and lower shelves. An RFID tag is attached to a bin configured to contain the goods. The RFID tag is encoded with information identifying the goods stored in the bin. An RFID reader performs scans to detect RFID tags disposed above the upper shelf. An inventory computer generates a bin detection confirmation message based on the RFID tag being detected by the RFID reader at least a first number of times during a predetermined detection period. The inventory computer also generates a product reorder message based on the RFID tag being detected by the RFID reader at least a second number of times during the predetermined detection period, wherein the second number of times is greater than the first number of times. The product reorder message includes the information identifying the goods stored in the bin.

Disclosed is a smart device housing configured to fixably attach to a beverage vessel comprising a domed surface at a distal end, the domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device housing comprising an exterior configured as a transformable shape enabling a locking fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. Also disclosed is a system wherein a smart device comprises at least one proximity, image or distance sensor having a beam of detection with a path, the sensor located and directed such the beam of detection covers a location where a coupler can be attached to the beverage vessel, the smart device configured to determine whether the coupler is attached to the beverage vessel by measuring whether the path is obstructed by the coupler. Also disclosed is a method of determining the fill status of a beverage container.

An accessory-recognizing electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing; at least one metal plate disposed within the housing; at least one magnetic force detection sensor disposed on the bottom of the at least one metal plate; a memory; and a processor operatively connected to the at least one magnetic force detection sensor and the memory, wherein the processor recognizes attachment of the at least one accessory to the designated area of the housing on the basis of the strength and polarity of a magnetic force detected by the at least one magnetic force detection sensor, the at least one accessory including at least one magnet inside the at least one accessory, and determines properties of the attached at least one accessory corresponding to the detected strength and polarity of the magnetic force, by using information stored in the memory.

The invention relates to a method and system that uses ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) for counting and identifying a variety of objects during medical or surgical operations. The method includes passive UHF RFID tag, a RFID scanner to communicate with host equipment and storage in a database cloud. The method includes a water-proof antenna and microchip supported by a substrate with covering overlay materials. The invention further discloses a tracking method for counting process, with software implementation, to assist the count-in count-out function to track multiple medical devices, resulting in reduction of counting errors during surgical procedures when the current UHF RFID process is utilized.

The disclosure features dendritic tags, and methods and systems for fabricating and using such tags. The methods can include obtaining at least one image of a dendritic tag attached to an article, analyzing the at least one image to identify a set of features associated with the dendritic tag, and comparing the set of features to stored information to identify the article.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions causing a processor to generate a menu displaying representations of a plurality of cards, the cards having associated card data; receive, from a user input device, a selection corresponding to a selected one of the cards; update the menu to display a representation of the selection; and authorize transmission of the card data associated with the selected card to complete a transaction.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions causing a processor to generate a menu displaying representations of a plurality of cards, the cards having associated card data; receive, from a user input device, a selection corresponding to a selected one of the cards; update the menu to display a representation of the selection; and authorize transmission of the card data associated with the selected card to complete a transaction.

A container includes: a container body; a cap to seal the container body; an identification code on a top surface of the cap; and multiple concaves on the container body. The multiple concaves on the container body forms a first image having a first area, the identification code on the cap forms a second image having a second area smaller than the first area, the container body has a first diffuse reflectance difference between the first image and a portion excluding the first image, and the identification code has a second diffuse reflectance difference between a code portion and a background portion excluding the code portion in the second image. The second diffuse reflectance difference is larger than the first diffuse reflectance difference.

Disclosed is a smart device housing configured to fixably attach to a beverage vessel having a domed surface at a distal end, the domed surface adjacent a wall terminating at a lip, the smart device housing having an exterior configured as a transformable shape enabling a locking fit between the lip and the domed surface of the beverage vessel. Also disclosed is a system wherein a smart device has at least one proximity, image or distance sensor having a beam of detection with a path, the sensor located and directed such the beam of detection covers a location where a coupler can be attached to the beverage vessel, the smart device configured to determine whether the coupler is attached to the beverage vessel by measuring whether the path is obstructed by the coupler. Also disclosed is a method of determining the fill status of a beverage container.