Abstract: An IC tag has a layer of heat sensitive color developing material (I), a layer of material absorbing light and converting absorbed light into heat (II) and a protective layer (III) laminated on the surface of the support successively from the surface, or (II), (I) and (III) laminated on the surface of the support successively from the surface. This structure permits recording and erasing invisible information and recording and erasing visible information, both allowing recording and erasing information in a non-contact manner. The structure is flexible and can have a small size.

Abstract: A portable information terminal includes a housing reinforced to maintain its strength while the while the portable information terminal is reduced in weight and thickness.

Abstract: In an imaging device for imaging a target, a photodetector with a two-dimensional light sensitive pixel area is provided. The two-dimensional light sensitive pixel area is divided into a plurality of split pixel areas. An imaging optics defines a plurality of segments of an FOV (field of view). The plurality of segments of the FOV respectively correspond to the plurality of split pixel areas of the photodetector. The imaging optics aligns, in a predetermined direction, the plurality of segments of the FOV to form a predetermined-direction oriented FOV so that the target is at least partially contained in the predetermined-direction oriented FOV.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for use in a handheld symbology reader that employs a grid of reflecting elements applied to a transparent plate adapted to project a highly diffuse and uniform illumination on a subject. The grid defines a geometry with a large number of transparent spaces between grid elements through which an image of the subject can be acquired. A light source array is configured to project light into the grid at a right angle via a light pipe having a distal beveled edge or side projecting light sources. Another light source may be employed to illuminate second light pipe with a chamfered edge to create low-angle illumination.

Abstract: A method is provided for decoding an encoded binary data signal and generating a clock signal that is synchronous with the encoded data signal. There is generated, from the encoded data signal, an edge detection signal comprising four pulses per binary state of the encoded data signal. The encoded data signal is sampled every four pulses of the edge detection signal so as to obtain a binary signal of decoded data, and from the edge detection signal there is generated a binary clock signal that is synchronous with the encoded data signal and changes logic state every two pulses of the edge detection signal.

Abstract: A printed material includes a first coded pattern of image identification information repeatedly formed on a recording material, and a second coded pattern of a coordinate value on the recording material recorded as a background image. The first coded pattern and the second coded pattern are provided to identify an image formed on the recording material, and the first coded pattern represents a second pattern value, on the basis of a value obtained by adding a third pattern value to a first pattern value, the third pattern value being obtained by encoding the coordinate value, the first pattern value being obtained by encoding the image identification information.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser. A lockable first fascia portion when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device, inputs to which enable opening a chest door of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator which enables moving a second fascia portion for conducting service activities. At least one computer in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data. A portable article of computer readable and writable media is also operative to cause the computer to gather data concerning the banking machine and record it on the media through a drive. The data gathered is then analyzed by a separate analysis computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various methods of collecting and using data from RFID tags associated with items of interest. In one embodiment, the permissible error tolerance associated with the location of an RFID-tagged item may be altered, either manually or automatically. In another embodiment, RFID-tagged items may be associated with certain categories of items, based either on default or user-specified categories.

Abstract: A tag access control system for controlling data communication between a plurality of reader/writers respectively having a plurality of antennas and one or more IC tags moving sequentially through communication ranges of the plurality of antennas includes a storing portion for storing movement information and reader/writer information, a command accepting portion for accepting a command, a dividing portion for generating a plurality of divided commands from the command, a detecting portion for detecting the IC tag located within the communication range of the antenna in one reader/writer of the plurality of reader/writers, a job controlling portion for sequentially assigning the plurality of reader/writers the plurality of divided commands according to the movement information and the reader/writer information, and a returning portion for returning a result of processing the command.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-scanning retail merchandise. A mobile scanning station includes a frame, and a pair of arms mounted to the frame, positioned to hold an open bag for receiving pre-scanned items. A platform is mounted to the frame, positioned under the pair of arms for providing a supporting surface for items contained in an open bag held by the pair of arms. The frame further includes an EAS deactivator support for holding an EAS deactivator for deactivating EAS tags on pre-scanned items before they are placed in the open bag.

Abstract: The prevention of counterfeiting labels for various products is addressed by introducing counterfeit-proof labels having an optically concealed, invisible universal product code. The label is printed on a high-resolution micro optic photo chromogenic material. The color bars of the code are optically split and compressed in high resolution image elements and arranged at the pre-calculated optical blind angles in relation to the optical center of the lenticule and the viewing distance of the label, and due to the optical effect of the micro lenticule, the complete color product code is not visible when viewing at a normal viewing distance. The camera of a mobile phone photographs the label at a close-up distance, with the lens of the camera regrouping the split image elements of all the color bars to reconstruct the product code that will be displayed on the screen of the mobile phone.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes a plastic container having at least one particle that is disposed therein and that is formed from metal or metal coated and/or fabricated from a plurality of different metals. A receiver unit detects RF pulses which are generated by the Triboelectric effect of the particles.

Abstract: The present invention includes an IC card that can realize high function without increasing the size of an IC chip, and that can realize cost reduction. The IC card has a first single crystal integrated circuit, a second integrated circuit, and a display device. The second integrated circuit and the display device are each formed from a thin film semiconductor film, over a plastic substrate, and the first single crystal integrated circuit is mounted on the plastic substrate so as to be electrically connected to the second integrated circuit.

Abstract: A portable indicium scanner that includes circuitry for enabling an aiming pattern through an activation device. The aiming pattern targets selected indicia and signals the operator indicating whether a proper selection has been made, thereby allowing an imaging system to capture and decode the targeted indicia. The activation device includes a switch, two-stage trigger, an accelerometer, or photosensor that is located within the scanner.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for using signal to noise ratio information to enhance bar code scanning accuracy. Noise information affecting bar code scanning operations is stored and a scan signal is monitored. Upon detection of a scan of a bar code, the signal strength of the scan signal is evaluated and signal to noise ratio values are computed. Signal to noise ratio information is used to favor or disfavor candidate decoding results. In addition, signal to noise ratio thresholds are set according to appropriate criteria. Decoding results are evaluated using the signal to noise ratio thresholds and accepted or rejected depending on whether the thresholds are met. In addition, thresholds for recognition of transitions based on peaks may be set based on expected noise affecting the scan signal, and allowed or excluded based on whether a rise from a negative peak, or fall from a positive peak, meets the threshold.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting and decoding bar code data and transferring the data to a host system. A bar code scanner detects and decodes a bar code and passes the bar code information, including bar code format information, to host system. The bar code scanner detects indicia that may appear in a bar code and responds as indicated by the indicia. One of the available responses is to transfer bar code data to a host system in a form consistent with a format indicated by indicia appearing in the bar code, but different from the format in which the bar code actually appears.

Abstract: A personal card and method of transaction validation for the protection of credit card use in malls, restaurants, telephone and Internet orders and use of ATM. The card generates a coded validation number based on a time code, a cardholder's PIN, and the amount of purchase in accordance with a unique code process for that particular personal card. The coded validation number is different for each transaction to prevent fraudulent use of the validation number. The cardholder provides the merchant the coded validation number in place of the usual static three or four digit verification number now in use. The merchant reports the transaction using normal reporting equipment and processes. The bank then validates the transaction by duplicating the time code and using the known PIN to determine the transaction amount. A method is disclosed to generate a time code by periodically rotating the columns and rows of a two dimensional matrix.

Abstract: To output a proper statement of sale even if electronic tags are attached to both of a set product and individual products contained in the set product. A database managed in a unified way comprises a product table having data of product codes and set flags each indicating whether it is a set product or not, and a set product table having data of product codes of the respective set products, and the product code and number of individual products contained in each set product. For each product ID provided, a POS terminal increments a cumulative count “Ni” of the product (S4). When determined that the product ID is of a set product with referring to the product table (S3, S5), the set product table is referred to subtract the number “nj” of individual products contained in the set product from the cumulative count “Nj” thereof (S6, S7). In response to the end of reading (S8, S9), output is information associated with a product identification code whose count is not zero and the count.

Abstract: Private information, such as a face image, to specify an applicant is input through input terminal devices. An ID number is read from an identification medium, using an IC reader/writers contained in printers. The private information is printed on a printing surface of the identification medium along with the ID number. The printing history at this time is stored in an issuance server in association with the ID number. The identification medium with surface information printed on the printing surface is set in a recording terminal device. The ID number is read from the identification medium, using the IC reader/writer, and the printing history is read form the issuance server, using the ID number as a key. Based on the read-out printing history, the personal information is recorded in an IC chip of the identification medium along with the ID number.

Abstract: An optical communications system has a selective block/add capability of an optical channel. An optical beam separator receives and separates an input mixed optical beam into a separated optical channel and a remainder optical beam. A block/add unit receives as an input the separated optical channel and produces as an output a controllably modified separated optical channel. The block/add unit includes a source of an add input optical signal, and a controllable mirror. The controllable mirror is controllable between a first state in which the controllable mirror does not block the path of the separated optical channel, so that the separated optical channel is the output of the block/add unit, and a second state in which the controllable mirror blocks the path of the separated optical channel, and also reflects the add input optical signal as the output of the block/add unit.