Abstract: A method for producing pigments comprises the steps of creating a first layer on a substrate, structuring the first layer and detaching the pigments from the substrate. In the present case, the first layer is a crack-forming layer, so that the first layer is structured by the arising of cracks. Prior to detaching the pigments, a pigment layer is applied onto the first layer structured by the cracks.

Abstract: Provided is a reading apparatus capable of efficiently reading information from an RFID tag. A reading apparatus (1) includes at least one antenna (2) and a casing (10). The casing (10) has reflective surfaces (12) in at least a part of the inner side. The antenna (2) is provided in the casing (10), and is used to read information from an RFID tag. The antenna (2) is disposed in the vicinity of reflective surfaces (12A) and (12B) having two or more normal lines (N1) and (N2) at different angles, and radiates electromagnetic waves toward at least a direction that is not parallel to the directions of the normal lines (N1) and (N2).

Abstract: A self-contained, mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracker and hardware assembly and method of use thereof. The mobile RFID asset tracker includes a frame mounted on locking swivel casters which provide a mobile base for mounting of an RFID antenna, RFID reader and other electrical equipment thereon. An electronics control box, which is adjustably mounted on the frame, houses the RFID reader, a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) control module, cellular and WIFI modems, and a power source. The electronics control box is operatively engaged via Input/Output (IO) ports and cabling to an external indicator assembly and to the external adjustably mounted RFID antenna.

Abstract: RFID tags are provided for incorporation into the packaging of a microwavable food item, with the RFID tag being configured to be safely microwaved. The RFID tag includes an antenna defining a gap and configured to operate at a first frequency. An RFID chip is electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap. A shielding structure is electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap and overlays the RFID chip. The shielding structure includes a shield conductor and a shield dielectric at least partially positioned between the shield conductor and the RFID chip. The shielding structure is configured to limit the voltage across the gap when the antenna is exposed to a second frequency that is greater than first frequency. In additional embodiments, RFID tags are provided for incorporation into the packaging of a microwavable food item, with the RFID tag being configured to be safely microwaved. The RFID tag includes an RFID chip and an antenna electrically coupled to the RFID chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for de-tecting an abnormal signal using two or more datasets. The present invention makes it possible to detect abnormal signals based on characteristics of abnormal signals commonly occurring in two or more datasets, which is effectively applied to datasets obtained by a multiplex PCR method.

Abstract: A ballot drop box adapted to collect voting ballots. The drop box is a shell having an interior and an exterior. A chute is used by the voter to deposit their ballot. Within the drop box is a scale which collects the deposited ballot from the chute. The scale determines if a single ballot has been deposited or multiple ballots. Based on this determination, the ballot(s) are sent to an “acceptable” bin within the box or to a “further investigation needed” bin. An alternative embodiment marks the she submitted ballot(s) allowing a later determination if the ballots have been “stuffed”.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides enhanced financial statements such as credit statements that provide customized payment options to a customer that takes into account the total amount owed by the customer, and past payments made by the customer. The customized payment options are determined with the goal of providing more payment options that encourage financial health, while not overwhelming the customer with too many options or irrelevant options. The customized payment options can be displayed in an interactive user interface for paying a credit statement that can visually inform a user of the benefit of the respective payment options with respect to the impact of the respective payment option on the customer's financial health—at least as it pertains to a credit account for which the statement was issued.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatuses to mitigate specular reflections and direct illumination interference in bioptic barcode readers are disclosed. An example method includes creating a first sub-field of view passing through a first window, creating a second sub-field of view passing through a second window, while activating a first illumination source to illuminate the first sub-field of view and deactivating a second illumination source associated with the second sub-field of view, capturing first images of the first sub-field of view, while activating the second illumination source to illuminate the second sub-field of view and deactivating the first illumination source, capturing second images of the second sub-field of view, and attempting to decode a barcode within at least one of the first images and the second images.

Abstract: A method for configuring a sensor tag may include providing a flexible substrate layer comprising a thin film of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); depositing a sensor inlay on the flexible substrate layer; and applying a protective coating over the sensor inlay encapsulating the sensor inlay between the flexible substrate layer and the protective coating.

Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a parcel receptacle apparatus in an automated secured package delivery system. When an item is delivered to a purchaser of the item, a simultaneous confirmation of the delivery and the status of the item is sent to each of the purchaser and a shipper of the item over a network, and immediately informs both a purchaser and shipper of situations where delivery items are placed which are too large to be accommodated within the parcel receptacle apparatus.

Abstract: Small, low-cost satellite systems, like CubeSats or other microsatellites, can exhibit reduced reliability relative to higher-cost satellite systems. This can result in difficulty identifying, communicating with, and tracking such satellite systems when they fail. Provided herein are reliable, low-cost, low-energy, turn-key systems for identification and tracking of small satellites that can be readily added to a microsatellite with minimal integration costs and while occupying a minimal amount of volume, mass, and external area of the host satellite. These systems are electrically isolated from the satellite bus, being powered by internal batteries or other separate energy sources and providing reliable identification and tracking even when the other systems of the satellite have failed.

Abstract: Provided is a casino game medium and a game table system capable of reducing adjacent reading without limiting a design of a game table. The casino game medium 100 includes the medium side antenna 110, the resistance element 111 connected to the medium side antenna 110, and the IC chip 112 that stores medium information and outputs the medium information based upon an induced electromotive force generated in the medium side antenna 110. The medium side antenna 110 is designed so that the resonance frequency thereof is higher than the specified frequency band.

Abstract: An exemplary system, method, and computer-accessible medium can include, for example, storing on a first device a digital tag, the tag configured to be associated with at least one application on a second device, such that receipt of the tag on the second device launches the application on the second device; and emitting from the first device to a second device the digital tag; wherein the application on the second device is configured to launch in a special state when the second device is in at least one state from a pre-determined list of states.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide an end-to-end system for claiming and sharing non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”). A machine-readable code (“MRC”) may be scanned and validated. Validating the MRC may ensure that instructions encoded in the MRC do not include malware. Validating the MRC may include validating a digital signature encoded in the scanned MRC. Validating the MRC may include locating a record stored on a distributed ledger that corresponds to the scanned MRC. After validating the instructions, processing the encoded instructions may trigger distribution of an NFT to the scanning device. The distributed NFT may be visualized on a webpage or used to gain access to a restricted venue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for linking a customer's preexisting financial account to a merchant issued payment vehicle. If an account number associated with the preexisting financial account changes, the linking of the merchant issued payment vehicle is updated with an updated account number.

Abstract: A reader device for attachment to a smart device comprising a display, the reader comprising an antenna, processing and reading circuitry, and a communications module, wherein the antenna, the processing and reading circuitry, the processor and the communications module are coupled to each other, and whereby the antenna encloses said display. When a card is tapped on the display, the antenna receives a signal and transmits the signal to the processing and reading circuitry. The processing and reading circuitry processes the signal to produce data, and the produced data is transmitted to a device external to the reader device by the communications module.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to advanced signal processing technology including steganographic embedding and digital watermarking. One combination disclosed in the description includes an image processing method.

Abstract: Security flaps for use with cash trays and cash trays including such security flaps are disclosed. An apparatus includes a cash tray having a base and a plurality of walls that extend from the base and define a plurality of paper-currency compartments. A plurality of distal edges of the walls define openings of the paper-currency compartments. A spring-biased security flap is coupled to the cash tray and adapted to engage or be immediately adjacent the distal edges of the walls of at least one of the paper-currency compartments to cover the corresponding opening.

Abstract: An inspection system of a chip includes a reading device and a determining unit. The reading device is configured to count a number of chips stored in a storage case, the chips associated with a table game and including a chip having a radio tag, read the radio tag while the chips are stored in the storage case, and acquire chip information. The determining unit is configured to compare the chip information of the chips in the storage case with a physical number of the chips in the storage case, determine that there is an abnormal chips among the chips stored in the storage case based on a determination that the counted number of the chips does not match a physical number of the chips in the storage case, and output a result associated with an indication of the abnormal chip.

Abstract: A surface is laser-etched to convey a 2D machine-readable code pattern. Various strategies are detailed to minimize the etching time. Some strategies include modifying the code pattern to reduce a path length traveled by the laser. Some strategies include modifying the code pattern to make it sub-optimal, i.e., making the code pattern a less-faithful approximation of an ideal code pattern. In some embodiments the etched surface is the surface of a plastic container, and the code pattern conveys information indicating the type of plastic of which the container is manufactured. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.