Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and a method for light beam interrogation of an optical biosensor and for monitoring a biological event on the biosensor for use, for example, in microplate image analysis. The system and method correct pointing-errors that can be encountered, for example, in scanning label-independent-detection biosensor applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of activating a fingerprint identification process of a smart card according to a given condition and a device thereof. The present invention uses a contactless smart card as a carrier of the fingerprint identification technology and incorporates user identification during use of the card to make the transaction or access process more secure and efficient. The invention provides the steps of how to determine whether the fingerprint identification process of the smart card should be activated to verify the validation of the user before the transaction according to the comparison result between the transaction amount and the preset conditional value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processor capable of preventing illegal copying of a document. The image processor first extracts information from a barcode in a first region of document image data. Then, the image processor extracts information from a barcode in a second region of the document image data if the information is extracted from the barcode in the first region. On the other hand, if the information is not extracted from the barcode in the first region, the image processor does not extract the information from the barcode in the second region of the document image data. This enables a copying operation for a document consisting of a plurality of pages to be efficiently controlled.

Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system, the imaging lens assembly comprising a simplified zoom lens assembly or system that provides for both focusing and adjustment of focal length of the imaging lens assembly with movement of a single group of movable lenses using one motor. The zoom lens assembly includes a stationary lens group comprising a plurality of stationary lenses and a movable lens group comprising a plurality of movable lenses movable with respect to a sensor array of the imaging system. The movable lens group is driven by a motor along a path of travel parallel to an optic axis of the imaging lens assembly, at least one lens of the plurality of stationary lenses being intermediate a pair of lenses of the plurality of movable lenses.

Abstract: A media includes a set of adjacent edges of material and a segment along only a portion of the set of edges. The segment has a first identifiable end and a second identifiable end.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, systems and data structures for generating a bar code are described. The bar code may include a first bar code and a second bar code. The first bar code includes a first number system character, a GS1 company prefix, a family code, a value code and a check digit, and the second bar code includes a second number system character and an application identifier. The family code of the first bar code, in some implementations, may be generated based on brand and/or sub-brand of associated products.

Abstract: Systems and methods of attracting and retaining customers of a Banking institution through an incentive program is disclosed, comprising: operating a promotional program, comprising the dispensing of a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and operating a rewards program, wherein upon a customer completing a triggering behavior, a specified reward is granted to the customer. Systems and methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises dispensing a indicia redeemable for a prize, and wherein the dispensing of the indicia is accomplished through the use of an automated checking machine (ATM).

Abstract: A method for structuring a temporary system includes receiving information obtained by interrogating a tag on an article and establishing a relationship between the article and one or more other articles in the temporary system based at least in part upon the information obtained by interrogating the tag. The information obtained by interrogating the tag regards the article.

Abstract: Methods of operating a promotional program for customers of a Banking institution are disclosed, comprising the dispensing a receipt with a symbol or picture thereon redeemable for a prize, wherein the dispensing of the receipt is accomplished through the use of an automated teller machine (ATM); and wherein the ATM machine dispenses the receipt after successful completion of a transaction. The symbol or picture may be printed or stamped or otherwise affixed on the receipt dispensed from the ATM, either before or during the transaction. ATM receipts with the symbol or picture may be irregularly or randomly dispensed. Such promotional programs may be used to give away varied prizes, including but not limited to tickets for sporting events.

Abstract: A case for portable electronic device has a set of substantially rigid opposing faces mounted on a hinge that fold together to enclose the device. An internal electrical connection between the device and the case is used to provide an electrical access point on the exterior of the case. The external electrical connection is accomplished through a passive electrical connector positioned on the hinge that holds the opposing faces together. Additional active electronics and batteries may also be positioned in the hinge such that the case can be operationally linked with the device contained in the case. Since many portable electronic devices are dimensioned to be carried in pockets or purses, limiting the size of a protective carrying case can be crucial to gaining consumer acceptance. The case is particularly well adapted for use with a digital music player.

Abstract: A computerized device has an open communication session with a smart card via a smart card reader. The smart card reader and the computerized device cooperate to enable another computerized device to communicate with the smart card over the open communication session. Communication between the other computerized device and the smart card is routed via the computerized device that has the open communication session.

Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.

Abstract: A location verification provision is implemented to determine the location of a device associated with a user at the time of an attempted transaction. The attempted transaction includes receiving user identification and/or payment information, which is associated with the device in an entry stored in a database. Location information of the device, as well as a time at each location, may also be stored in the database. To verify that the device is located at the location of the transaction, a comparison operation may be performed. If the device is located where the transaction is being processed, the transaction may be completed. Predetermined criteria may be defined to account for possible inaccuracies in location and time calculations.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting purchase items. A selection module selects a plurality of categories. In one embodiment, the selection module receives a category selection. In addition, the selection module may receive a criterion selection for the category selection and receive a modification for the criterion selection. The selection module may further modify the criterion of the selected category with the modification. An identification module identifies a purchase item. An association module associates a selected category of the plurality of categories with the purchase item. A sorter sorts the purchase item to a specified bin. The specified bin is associated with the selected category. In one embodiment, a bagger may bag one or more purchase items from a bin.

Abstract: A method of determining a possible duplication of pharmaceutical product packaging, the packaging having disposed thereon or therein, coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of the identity the pharmaceutical product. The method includes using a computer system that receives indicating data from a sensing device, the sensing device being responsive to sensing of the coded data to generate the indicating data. The computer system determines the identity from the indicating data and uses this to access tracking data relating to the pharmaceutical product. The tracking data is indicative of the location of the pharmaceutical product allowing the computer system to determine if the pharmaceutical product is a possible duplicate.

Abstract: An application for generating a printable barcode object representing data from within a software application includes converting the data into a symbol string based on a barcode standard and assembling a plurality of block code characters from a font into the printable barcode object. The block code characters representing the symbol string are any two or more Unicode characters selected from the group consisting of 960010, 960410, 960810, 961210, 961610, 961710 and 3210.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is capable of minimizing the increase in the capacity of a non-volatile memory provided in the wireless tag and of minimizing the increase in the time required for reading data. A sub unit such as a lid includes a wireless tag therein is detachably attached to an accommodating section such as a main body of the electronic apparatus. A reader-and-writer unit is housed in the accommodating section. When the sub unit is positioned in place in the accommodating section, the reader-and-writer unit communicates with the wireless tag to read data from the wireless tag and write data into the wireless tag. An anticipation signal generator provides an anticipation signal to the reader-and-writer unit when communication between the wireless tag and the reader-and-writer unit is anticipated to fail. The reader-and-writer unit is prevented from communicating with the wireless tag in accordance with the anticipation signal.

Abstract: An integrated ballot assembly formed from a backing assembly, a ballot book, and connection between the ballot book and the backing assembly. The backing assembly is formed from a planar support card and an integrally formed, co-planar ballot card that is temporarily secured to the planar support card along a perforation line. The ballot book is formed from several voting information sheets that are arranged from top to bottom in a stack of successively lower voting information sheets where each sheet is progressively narrower. The ballot card has progressively leftward moving voting columns, and the ballot book is connected to the planar support card with the right edges of its successively narrower sheets corresponding to and aligned with successive ones of the voting columns. When completed, the ballot card may be removed directly from the integrated ballot assembly along the first perforation line.

Abstract: A credit card transaction authorization method includes receiving information concerning a prospective remote credit card transaction with a credit card, obtaining location information from a wireless network provider for a wireless terminal that is associated with a cardholder of the credit card for the prospective credit card transaction, and correlating a location of the wireless terminal with a registered purchasing location associated with the user. Authorization information for the prospective credit card transaction may be generated in response to a result of the correlation of the location of the wireless terminal and the registered purchasing location. Credit card transaction servers and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: An extended working range electro-optical scanner (10) for reading a target bar code (100).