Abstract: An information memory system suitable for a recording medium such as an optical card which reciprocates. This memory system includes: a reading apparatus for reciprocating the recording medium and reading out the information recorded on the recording medium; an auxiliary memory apparatus different from the recording medium; and a managing apparatus for managing the reading apparatus and the auxiliary memory apparatus. The reading apparatus transfers the information read out of the recording medium to the managing apparatus, and the managing apparatus stores the information transferred from the reading apparatus to the auxiliary memory apparatus while new information is being read out. The reading apparatus has a memory for temporarily storing the information read out of the recording medium and transfers the information from the memory to the managing apparatus when the recording medium is reversed.

Abstract: A transaction system includes a card-shaped electronic bankbook and a transaction device. The electronic bankbook includes an IC chip encapsulated in an insulating card substrate and composed of a CPU and data memories display, a key switch including keys for instructing transaction data items and switching display data, a power supply, and an interface for receiving or delivering a signal on transactions from or to a transaction device. The system has a crime prevention function where transactions are made invalid if identification information on the electronic bankbook is erronesouly entered in repetition over the prescribed number of times into the transactin system of the electronic bankbook.

Abstract: A bar code label comprises a recording medium and a bar code recorded on a recording medium. The bar code includes a plurality of bar elements lined up parallel. Each width of bar elements is different in accordance with the kind of bar elements. The width of the bar elements is made wider than it would normally be based on its distance from the center of the bar code toward the end of the bar code.

Abstract: A numerical instrument comprising a first location array defining a plurality of digit location for entry of numerals to define a number amount and a second location array in the form of a grid having rows corresponding to numbers and columns corresponding to digit locations, whereby the grid may be filled in to correspond to the number amount indicated in the first location array.

Abstract: The scanner includes scanning circuitry for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical signal in response thereto, decoding circuitry, responsive to the scanning circuitry for translating the electrical signal into a digital signal, and a microprocessor, responsive to the decoding circuitry, for controlling operation of the scanner and for translating the digital signal into data to be provided to the associated host computer under control of control characters. A non-volatile random access control memory is provided for storing control characters. Interface circuitry, connected to the host computer and to the microprocessor, transfers data from the microprocessor to the host computer. A switch enables the microprocessor to translate the digital signal into control characters and enables the microprocessor to store the control characters in the non-volatile random access control memory.

Abstract: A parking meter capable of being operated without the use of a monetary coin. The parking meter is intended to be used with an account card incorporating a read/write memory (e.g. a magnetic strip) pre-recorded with a monetary value. The parking meter has a body with a slot or the like for receiving the account card, means for reading the memory on the card, a comparator for comparing information from the memory with stored information, a timer for measuring a predetermined time period, an indicator for indicating the elapse of the time period, a start mechanism for the timer having an enabling or disabling control governed by the comparator and an amending device for amending the memory on the account card to deduct the value of the parking period bought by the user.

Abstract: To improve reliability of a POS (point of sales) terminal device, an internal memory umit is further provided in addition to two external memory units having PLU (price look-up) files. Therefore, even if two external memory units develop trouble simultaneously, data (price, name, linked commodity section data and so on) related to a sold commodity are all read from the internal memory unit, whenever a bar code of the commodity is read through a scanner, before implementing registration processing. The data related to the commodities in the internal memory unit are updated whenever registration processing is implemented in dependence upon the normal external memory unit.

Abstract: A portable pocketsize data carrier, also referred to as pay token, stores more than one bank and/or credit account number in selectably accessable registers. The pay token is equipped with four or five selector buttons for carrying out a large variety of performance modifications. Aided by visual feedback through an integrated display window, the user may using a single button(a) insert a confidential number into the pay token for internal comparison with a factory-made number which cannot be read out(b) Select and activate one of 9 account or similar registers(c) Define a small cash amount in single figures currency units or a multiple thereof which the user desires to transfer from a selected token account to an uncommitted register, the rapid payment register or money register. The latter is electronically so connected that entry of the personal identifying number is not required prior to payment from that register--as is required when payment is made from any of the account registers directly.

Abstract: Digital data apparatus includes a reader for reading digital data encoded on a datastrip on an application insert. Disclosed is a sensor for sensing whether or not an application insert is positioned for reading by the reader. The digital data apparatus includes a platen upon which an insert is positioned and which is accessible through a door. An end of the platen is located adjacent to the door. Opening the door moves the end of the platen so that an application insert can be positioned on the platen. Closing the door allows the platen to press the insert towards the reader to facilitate reading digital data on a datastrip of the insert. The sensor is a microswitch, mounted on the platen. The microswitch has an actuator which is engageable by an application insert positioned on the platen. The microswitch is only actuated when the door is closed and an application insert is positioned on the platen.

Abstract: A patient identification system for relating items with patients and ensuring that an identified item corresponds to an identified patient. The patient identification system includes a computer system (42) interconnected to a plurality of remote terminals (62) by conventional telephone wiring (66,70). The patient identification system further including a portable bar code reading device (48) including a bar code wand (120), an LCD display (116) and a key pad (114). The portable bar code reading device (48) communicates via RF transmission with an RF/PLC modem (60).

Abstract: An identification card contains retrievable identification data in at least two formats. One format comprises a magnetic material that stores magnetically encoded data. Another format comprises electronic circuitry that stores electronically encoded data. The magnetically encoded data on the card may be retrieved by inserting the identification card into a reader having magnetic sensors. The electronically encoded data on the card may be transmitted from the card as a radio frequency signal that incorporates the data, to a remote sensor that receives and processes the radio frequency, data encoded signal. A structure for the identification card comprising these two data storage formats as well as a method of producing such an identification card is described.

Abstract: A method for merging data from at least two data capture devices (12, 14) includes capturing data from a plurality of documents at a first data capture device (12). The captured data is stored in a first plurality of records. Within each of the plurality of records, the time the data was captured for the corresponding one of the plurality of documents is also stored. A calculation is made to determine the time elapsing between successive data captures using the time stored in the first plurality of records and an inter-document time is generated. Data is further captured from the plurality of documents at a second data capture device (14). The data captured from the second data capture device (14) is stored in a second plurality of records. Within the second plurality of records, the time the data was captured for the corresponding one of the plurality of documents is also stored.

Abstract: Digital data utilization apparatus includes a datastrip reader for reading digital data encoded on one or more datastrips on an application insert. Disclosed is a system for guiding a user in orienting the application insert relative to the datastrip reader so that the datastrips are read in the correct sequence. The digital data utilization apparatus includes an electronic display which displays messages to prompt the user in correctly orienting the application insert relative to the reader. The apparatus also includes guide marks which align with marks on the insert, to further assist the user. Preferably, the application insert also includes a membrane touch pad which overlays a membrane touch pad on the digital data utilization device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier arrangement having an integrated circuit (1) for obtaining of services, goods or the like, the integrated circuit (1) having at least one non-volatile data memory (2) with a predetermined number of memory cells which are readable, erasable and writable. In the data carrier arrangement described, the integrated circuit (1) has along with the data memory (2) a counter (3) consisting of a plurality of stages, and a control and security logic (4), the counter (3) being operable only in one predetermined direction, the size of the data memory (2) being selected such that its memory cells are adapted to the steps of the counter, and the control and security logic (4) controlling, among other things, the data transfer between the memory (2) and the counter (3) in such a way that before each use of the data carrier the current memory value is transferred to the counter and after use of the data carrier the memory content is updated with the new counter reading.

Abstract: A system for permitting access to a data field area in an IC card for multiple services using an individual card holder identification number for each of a plurality of data fields or for each group of data fields. Data field identification information, a personal identification number, access qualification information, and an authentication code are supplied to the IC card before an execution of an access to the data field. An authentication is made between the personal identification number and the authentication code stored in the IC card for the selected data field, and the personal identification number and the authentication code supplied to the IC card. Based on the result of the authentication, an access to the data field area to which access is requested is permitted within the limit of the access right stored in the IC card corresponding to the access qualification information supplied to the IC card.

Abstract: A progammable intelligent reader unit receives drug data from hand held and fixed scanners which read bar codes in place on syringes, ampules, vials, vaporizer controls, flow meters, etc., from or through which drugs are administrered to a patient. A scale additionally provides a data stream to the reader to provide a reader display of syringe weight before and after injection to enable the system user to immediately verify drug and dosage administered. A printer interfaced with the reader provides a time indicating anesthesia record. A program provides warnings, instructions and prompts for reader display to assist the system user.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing smart cards, each card comprising a body, electrical contact tabs, and an integrated circuit placed in the card body and electrically connected to said tabs, said integrated circuit including storage means for storing monetary amounts unit-by-unit as the card is used, said apparatus comprising:processor means capable of processing data stored in a card and suitable for feeding electrical power to said integrated circuit;electrical connections suitable, when a card is in a determined position suitable for enabling data to be read from and/or written to said storage means, for inter-connecting said processor means and said integrated circuit in a card via said contact tabs; andmarker means under the control of said processor means for marking the body of a card with marks representative of the quantity of charge units in the card which have already been used up.

Abstract: Disclosed is a read/write apparatus for magnetic card, which includes a card conveyance passage along which a flexible magnetic card is guided. The passage has a direction changing portion where the direction of the passage is gradually changed, and a downstream portion where the passage extends vertically of the apparatus. By virtue of this arrangement the apparatus can be small in depth size and have a thin body.When an additional insertion button of the apparatus is depressed by a customer, zero value is written on the magnetic card and the card is returned. Upon insertion of an additional card, the sum of the balance of the additional card and the previous card is transmitted to an external information processing unit installed in a vending machine, to permit a single sales operation within the sum of the balances.

Abstract: A narrow-bodied, single-and twin-windowed, hand-held, laser scanning head for reading bar code symbols includes at least one window mounted at the rear region of the head, and through which either the incident beam going to the symbol and/or the reflected beam returning from the symbol, passes unobstructedly and exteriorly of, and past, the front and intermediate body regions of the head. A field-replaceable laser tube arrangement, a laser tube and method of making the same, an arrangement for and method of controlling a scanning system, optical passive elements for increasing the depth of field, a trigger protective device, and a one-piece support bench and method of fabricating the same by mass-production techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic card receiving device includes a card holder forming a card receiving space in the device for receiving an electronic card, a card latching mechanism for holding the electronic card in position in the card receiving space formed by the card holder, a contacting mechanism for electrically connecting the device to contacts of the electronic card held in position, and a card pushing mechanism for disconnecting the device from the electronic card and pushing it out of the device. The card pushing mechanism comprises a first ejecting plate and a second ejecting plate slidable in directions of inserting and removing the electronic card. The first ejecting plate comprises an abutting portion for applying a force to an inserted electronic card to push it in the direction of removing the card.