A method, computer program product, and system to perform a sale transaction are provided. The method includes identifying each item of a plurality of items, based on at least one image of the plurality of items, determining a cost for each item, optionally identifying a person based on an image of the person, adding each of the items and each of the costs to a sale transaction, and charging the person for the sale transaction.

A system and method are provided for real-time deduction of material carryback in a loading container of a transport vehicle, wherein the material is loaded in the loading container by a work machine at a first site and dumped from the loading container by the transport vehicle at a second site. A first sensor (e.g., a camera associated with the work machine) provides first data corresponding to a volume of material loaded in the loading container in a first work state (e.g., loaded). A second sensor (e.g., a camera or a payload measuring unit associated with the transport vehicle) provides second data corresponding to a volume of material loaded in the loading container in a second work state (e.g., unloaded). A generated output signal corresponds to a calculated total volume of material associated with a work cycle, said total volume based on at least the provided first and second data.

A system and method are provided for real-time deduction of material carryback in a loading container of a transport vehicle, wherein the material is loaded in the loading container by a work machine at a first site and dumped from the loading container by the transport vehicle at a second site. A first sensor (e.g., a camera associated with the work machine) provides first data corresponding to a volume of material loaded in the loading container in a first work state (e.g., loaded). A second sensor (e.g., a camera or a payload measuring unit associated with the transport vehicle) provides second data corresponding to a volume of material loaded in the loading container in a second work state (e.g., unloaded). A generated output signal corresponds to a calculated total volume of material associated with a work cycle, said total volume based on at least the provided first and second data.

In one aspect, a method of classifying a plurality of objects includes receiving, from a sensor mat, a pressure indication and a capacitance indication, corresponding to the plurality of objects placed on the sensor mat. The method includes determining an object location for each object from the plurality of objects from the pressure and/or capacitance indication. The method includes determining an object profile which includes an object pressure profile and an object capacitance profile for each object. The method includes determining, by one or more processors, the identity of a first object based on a correlation of the determined object profile matching with a first stored object profile from a plurality of first stored object profiles in a data store. The method includes performing at least one action based on the determined identity of the first object.

In one aspect, a method of classifying a plurality of objects includes receiving, from a sensor mat, a pressure indication and a capacitance indication, corresponding to the plurality of objects placed on the sensor mat. The method includes determining an object location for each object from the plurality of objects from the pressure and/or capacitance indication. The method includes determining an object profile which includes an object pressure profile and an object capacitance profile for each object. The method includes determining, by one or more processors, the identity of a first object based on a correlation of the determined object profile matching with a first stored object profile from a plurality of first stored object profiles in a data store. The method includes performing at least one action based on the determined identity of the first object.

Systems are disclosed for dispensing, weighing, identifying, processing, and/or printing tag identifiers for items (e.g., bulk food items). In one embodiment, a storage system includes a scoop bin configured to store a product, wherein the scoop bin has a lid configured to be moved between a closed position and an open position, and wherein the product is configured to be scooped out of the scoop bin by a customer when the lid is in the open position. The system further includes a sensor configured to monitor a movement of the scoop bin, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a notification to the computing device identifying the movement of the scoop bin. A printer is configured to receive an instruction from the computing device to automatically print a label identifying the product stored in the scoop bin following the computing device receiving the notification of the movement.

Systems and methods for the preparation of recipe-based products may include a computer-based system for parsing recipe steps and instructions, such that each of a plurality of product preparation stations receives and displays on an associated human-machine interface only those instructions associated with that product preparation station.

A vending machine (100) and a vending method and vending system (1000) therefor, the vending machine (100) comprising a machine body (10), a door body (20), and at least one layer of shelves (30) and a weighing device (40) that are installed inside the machine body (10). The vending method comprises: collecting the weight of products on a shelf before and after vending (S1); calculating the difference of the change between the weight of the products on the shelf before vending and the weight of the products on the shelf after vending (S2); and if the difference of the change is less than a first weight change threshold, issuing an alarm prompt (S3), wherein the first weight change threshold is less than or equal to zero. Using the present invention may promptly determine the misplacement and replacement of the products without relying on an RFID tag.

A vending machine (100) and a vending method and vending system (1000) therefor, the vending machine (100) comprising a machine body (10), a door body (20), and at least one layer of shelves (30) and a weighing device (40) that are installed inside the machine body (10). The vending method comprises: collecting the weight of products on a shelf before and after vending (S1); calculating the difference of the change between the weight of the products on the shelf before vending and the weight of the products on the shelf after vending (S2); and if the difference of the change is less than a first weight change threshold, issuing an alarm prompt (S3), wherein the first weight change threshold is less than or equal to zero. Using the present invention may promptly determine the misplacement and replacement of the products without relying on an RFID tag.

A software application that facilitates a method for a user to purchase bulk items from a retailer. The present invention incorporates the use of containers provided by the retailer or the user wherein the containers are assigned a container identifier having as a part thereof the weight of the container. The retailer provides a product identifier for all of the products available for sale. A preferred embodiment of the latter are QR codes or barcodes. The user will identify the product for purchase and scan the product identifier. The product is dispensed into the container after weighing thereof. A plurality of scales are provided to weigh the products wherein the scales are communicably coupled to the smart phone of the user so as to transmit the weight of the products thereto. A shopping list database is created at each shopping excursion that contains all of the products selected for purchase.