Abstract: The IC card of the present invention comprises an IC card comprising an IC module embedded in a card substrate, said IC card having a reinforcing sheet layer laid in the planar direction of the card so as to cover at least the peripheral portion of the boundary between the card substrate and the IC module, and/or has a reinforcing member comprising at least a part of the side portion of said IC module extended in the outer circumferential direction, and it is excellent in mechanical strength and flexibility against bending of card.

Abstract: A circuit unit is described, comprising an integrated circuit disposed on a substrate as its carrier and coupling elements for energy transfer, data output and, if required, data input.All coupling elements are disposed on the substrate which bears the integrated circuit. The circuit units may be advantageously embedded in identification cards.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader for reading data for electronic locks or the like is provided. The reader "reads" data both when the card is inserted and upon withdrawal, thereby decreasing the chances of misreading the data.

Abstract: An IC (integrated circuit) card identification system includes a comparator for comparing a first identification number entered by a cardholder with a second identification number, a storage memory for storing at least the second identification number, a timer for measuring a time lapse during a card-identifying operation, and a central controller for controlling the timer to set a first processing time period to be substantially equal to a second processing time period. During the first processing time period, the comparator determines that the first identification number is coincident with the second identification number since the first identification number has been entered. During the second processing time period, the comparator determines that the first identification number is incoincident with the second identification number since the first identification number has been entered.

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: Information indicating the limit of size of area which is permitted to a service provider and an authentication code of the service supplier are stored in an IC card upon issuance. When a service is to be added, a service supplier is authenticated, and thereafter, acquistion of a data field area within a predetermined size of data field area is permitted. Thus, in the IC card for multiple services, upon addition of a new service after card issuance, the use of a remainder vacant area in the IC card by an unauthenticated service supplier and the exclusive use of the vacant area by a specific service supplier are prevented.

Abstract: An information memory apparatus includes: an endless belt which is driven forward and in reverse by a motor and reciprocates a recording medium such as an optical card; an optical head for reading out information from the recording medium which is being moved by the endless belt; a memory for temporarily storing the information read out by the optical head; a transfer apparatus for transferring the information read out of the memory to the outside; and a control circuit for changing the positions at which the information stored in the memory is read in accordance with the reading of the information upon the forward and returning operation of the recording medium. The control circuit also changes the reading directions of the information from the memory in accordance with the forward and returning operations of the recording medium. With this apparatus, the information reading efficiency is improved and the information is efficiently transferred by a simple constitution, while reducing the number of memories.

Abstract: An IC card including a control section and a writable memory, wherein the memory is provided with an index section and a storage area section for recording data. Storage areas are allocated in the memory by use of indices, namely, parameters including a start address of each storage area, a number of records, and a record length are written in each index and the control section calculates an address of each storage area by use of the parameters according to an address calculation program.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recording and reproducing information, an information recording medium is reciprocated relative to a head for effecting information recording and reproduction, under such conditions that one end of the recording medium is urged against a guide member extending in a direction of the reciprocation of the recording medium.

Abstract: A system for a data protection executing financial transactions employing cryptographic techniques. The system comprises an encoded card, which has been initially encrypted using the National Bureau of Standards Data Encryption Standard Algorithm. A subsequent encryption utilizes a private key of a public key cryptosystem is completed resulting in an account number and an uncoded identifier which are placed on the card. The encoded card may be placed in a sender unit which decrypts the public key. The user that enters a personal identifier in the sender unit. The data is transferred to a receiving unit that decrypts the transmitted data utilizing the private key which is unknown to both the user and the sender unit.

Abstract: A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design and an integral window construction for the head also are disclosed.

Abstract: A Bar Code Reader of a Video Processor Unit receives video data from a scanner and processes it to locate a bar code at the bottom of a document which represents a postal zip code. The scanner generates an array of cells of video data and provides each cell with a gray weight value corresponding to a detected blackness level of a small portion of the scanned document. The Bar Code Reader moves a template mask over the array and calculates area sums of gray weight values for cells within predetermined areas of the template mask. The area sums are used to compute Bar scores for determining the presence and position of tall and short bars in a bar code field. The positions of the tall and short bars in the bar code field are translated into postal zip code information.

Abstract: A remotely powered portable member having circuitry for storing and transmitting coded information. A first coupling device is provided for receiving a signal transmitted via one of a magnetic field and an electric field. A power circuit is connected to the first coupling device for deriving operating power from the received signal for use by the circuitry. A second coupling device is connected to the circuitry for transmitting coded information stored by the circuitry via the other one of the magnetic field and electric field.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically reading printed information by radiating light onto printed information to be reflected thereby, receiving the reflected light through an optical system and converting the image of the reflected light into a corresponding electric signal. The light source employs red light emitting diodes which radiate highly bright red light having a wavelength peak at about 660 nm so that the image sensor can receive a highly contrasting reflected light from the information printed in black on a white base. The light source further or alternatively employs infrared light emitting diodes for radiating the light having a peak wavelength at about 925 nm so that the image sensor can also received a highly contrasting reflected light from information printed in black on a blue or green base.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved card reader for a security system utilizing a central controller and a plurality of card readers for controlling traffic through critical doors in a facility. During normal operation, the card readers read card data and send it to the central controller. The central controller makes the decision whether to grant or deny access based upon a comparison of the card data and data kept in memory regarding persons who are authorized access to certain areas. The central controller then sends a "Go" or "No Go" message, i.e., whether or not to grant access, to the reader after the access decision is made. The improved reader includes means for storing the authorized identification code data for persons who will be allowed access during times when communications between the card reader and the central controller are not working.

Abstract: Coding systems utilizing machine-readable coding are disclosed. The coding systems are extremely simple to use and preferred embodiments of the machine-readable coding require no external reference or reference code or starting point or orientation for reading or decoding. The number of usable codes for any given number of code elements (bits or digits) is maximized, or, conversely, a minimum number of code elements is required for a given application, thus allowing each code element to be of maximum size for a given coding area. Also, methods and apparatus for encoding objects, and for reading, decoding, processing and using the information obtained from such encoded objects are disclosed. The coding may be applied to objects such as casino chips, currency, automated production line components, consumer products, household items, zip coded objects, etc.

Abstract: A video cassette vending machine has a plurality of storage positions which are not user-accessible and a vend position which is user-accessible. A carrier unit is provided for carrying a selected video cassette between one of the storage positons and the vend position. a positioning unit is provided for positioning the carrier unit proximate to a selected storage position in response to user input. An engaging unit fixed to the carrier unit is provided for engaging and disengaging a selected video cassette. A reader unit is provided for identifying a selected video cassette. A microprocessor memory system is provided for recording and processing information about the contents of the storage positions and the identity of the selected video cassette.

Abstract: A read/write apparatus for information memory card which is improved in durability of the card and the apparatus itself, and in reliability of information processing.When a card is completely inserted, a connector is swung toward the card until contactors of the connector are pressed on terminals of a memory built in the card, so that the memory and an information processing unit are connected via the connector to facilitate flawless information exchange therebetween, whereby data processing is ensured.Upon completion of information processing, the connector is detached from the card so that the movement of the card causes no wear or damage on the contactors nor the card itself.

Abstract: A plurality of individual marks are imprinted in the surface of an object to form a plurality of substantially linear, rectangular arrays of preselected width in the surface of the object. Each imprinted substantially linear, rectangular array is spaced a preselected distance from each adjacent imprinted, substantially linear, rectangular array to provide a space of preselected width. The preselected width substantially linear, rectangular arrays and preselected width spaces are combined in alternating fashion to provide a bar code message in the surface of the object.

Abstract: An IC card has a preregistered password and a display section which displays numerals and a cursor. An operator enters a password by moving the cursor to the desired numeral and presses a key. Fewer keys are thus required to enter passwords and the surface area of the card can be utilized more efficiently than if use is made of the usual set of ten number keys.