Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically or semi-automatically loading patient chart information onto a patient room computer system. The systems and methods involve using the patient room computer system to obtain patient identifying information, then requesting the patient chart from a primary computer system. Upon receiving the patient chart from the primary computer system, the invention relates to displaying the patient chart on the patient room computer system. Obtaining the patient information may occur in several ways. For instance, since a patient is typically associated with a specific room within the healthcare facility, the act of obtaining patient information may involve determining the room identification for the patient and using the room identification, requesting the patient chart associated with the room. In an embodiment, the room identification information is transmitted to the patient room computer system automatically upon entering the room, e.g., by using cellular telephone technology.

Abstract: Tracking electronic devices that are equipped with tracking tags and that are stored in designated locations. The position of a reading device is monitored as it traverses the designated locations of the electronic devices and is activated to interrogate the tracking tags of the electronic devices. Identification data from the tracking tags is collected to enable determining the presence and location of the electronic devices, based on the monitored position of the reading devices.

Abstract: Using a unique, mailer applied PLANET bar code offered by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), a mail tracking system automatically sends an electronic message to the mailer once mail passes through mail processing machines at each USPS facility. The message to the mailer preferably includes the location of the mail, the time and date the mail is in the USPS facility, and optionally the destination of the mail.

Abstract: Optoelectronic packages with one or more feed-throughs having a cutout allow optical fibers that have been coupled to a component (e.g., an optical component, an electrical component, a structural component) to be fed through more easily than a package having feed-throughs without a cutout. In one embodiment, the cut in the feed-through is on the opposite side of the initial direction of the threading. That is, if the fiber is to come from above the feed-through, the cut is placed on the bottom of the feed-through. The placement of the cut on the feed-through allows a fiber previously attached to a component to be fed through without excessive curvature of the fiber.

Abstract: An ambient illumination shielding apparatus for an imaging-based scanner adapted to read direct part marking (DPM) bar codes. The shielding apparatus includes an illumination shield extending from a housing of the scanner and extending along at least a portion of a path of travel of an aiming pattern generated by an aiming apparatus of the scanner. The shield passes illumination within a predetermined wavelength range and impedes passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range. The predetermined wavelength range of the shield includes a wavelength range of the aiming pattern generated by the aiming apparatus. The shielding apparatus further includes a filter disposed in proximity to an imaging system of the scanner and passing illumination within a predetermined wavelength range to the pixel array and impeding the passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range.

Abstract: A self-checkout system receives a plurality of objects for the identification of each object in the plurality of objects. The system allows security for a collection of the objects and a subset of the collection of objects to be resolved during a self checkout. In order for security to be resolved on an object, a subset of the collection of objects, or a collection of objects the weight detected on a security scale must be equal to the weight of the object, a sum of a subset weight of the collection, or a sum of the collection weight within a given tolerance. If security is not resolved, the system will prevent an additional object from being recognized by the system until the security for the object is resolved.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus of a cash transaction machine, including: a drive unit; a cam rotating body engaged with the drive unit and including a guide rail eccentric to the rotation center thereof; and a shutter including a guide projection moving along the guide rail, which shuffles a straight path in response to the rotation of the cam rotating body. Since the shutter can be moved by using the rotation of the cam rotating body, the structure of the shutter apparatus can be simply maintained. Also, the rotation center of the cam rotating body and the guide projection are located on one straight line, thereby forming a structural lock without an additional locking unit.

Abstract: In order to identify an item, on which a return deposit can be imposed, an element, which can at least be read in the radio frequency range and/or optionally one which can be switched or activated, are/is provided on the item. This element is activated optionally before or upon handing over the item and/or payment of a deposit for the item. The element is activated in such a manner that enables the item to be identified as one on which a deposit has been imposed. Before or upon returning the item, the element is read and, optionally when reimbursing the deposit, the element is activated and or deactivated in such a manner that enables the item to be identified as one on which a deposit is not imposed.

Abstract: A method for tracking sterilant cassettes within a sterilizer involves reading for the presence of a cassette within a cassette processing area of the sterilizer by reading a first visual code on the cassette with a scanner and with the same scanner reading for the presence of a second visual code in a spent cassette collection box. Upon successfully reading the second visual code it is thus known that the spent cassette collection box is present and has capacity to receive the cassette.

Abstract: An optical component system includes an optical component having a plurality of ports through which light signals exit the optical component. The system also includes a light sensor array having a plurality of light sensors. The light sensor array is coupled to the optical component such that different light sensors receive light signals that exit the optical component through different ports. The system also includes a light barrier positioned between the optical component and the light sensor array and between adjacent light sensors. In some instances, the light barrier is one of a plurality of light barriers that are each positioned between adjacent light sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor memory card which no longer allows an illegal practice of acquiring contents of a deleted file. Here, when a deletion event is generated, a deletion handler gives a priority to a null-clear operation of a file entry and a FAT for a file to be deleted over a null-clear operation to other constituents of the file. A null-clear operation to a file entity of the file is distributed to a plurality of event handlers including the deletion handler.

Abstract: A system and method for encoding scanner signal strength and timing information provided, possibly on multiple signal lines, from a digitizer circuit into a signal that can be transmitted on a single line to a modified decoder. A multiplexing device multiplexes the multiple signals, which can be multi-bit or dual-DBP signals, into a single signal.

Abstract: A visual code system wherein camera-equipped mobile phones (or similar devices, such as wireless PDAs) are used to identify and decode images that contain one or more “visual codes.” By recognizing a code tag, the device can determine a bit pattern or an integer number encoded in the tag (the code value), the targeted object or image element, as well as additional parameters, such as the viewing angle of the camera. Code recognition is performed on the mobile device itself. When the mobile device is equipped with a wireless communication channel, it can be used to retrieve online content or to access information on the Internet based on the sensed code and its parameters. The retrieved content can then be presented on the mobile device.

Abstract: In a method for making an article, in particular a card of plastic or paper, presenting a secret code hidden by a layer of opaque, removable material, a first application device applies the secret code on the article, a second application device places the layer of opaque removable material over the secret code and a marking device impresses on the article an anti-counterfeit mark; the latter is made by at least one laser beam and at least partly on the layer of opaque removable material in such a way as to selectively remove a part of the opaque removable material to produce a defined anti-counterfeit code.

Abstract: A light fixture management system which tracks the location, history and operating characteristics of light fixtures in a structure or a group of structures and surrounding premises. Each light fixture is assigned indicia, for example a bar code, which is stored in a database in association with details of the light fixture. An observer charged with identifying light fixtures in need of repair carries a portable scanner. The observer scans the bar code associated with any light fixture in need of repair and optionally enters into the bar code scanner any observable problem. The scanned information is downloaded into a computer, which may be programmed to establish a repair route for fixtures identified as being in need of repair, based on the locations of the light fixtures and types of problems identified by the observer. Reports can be generated as required with any other desired information.

Abstract: A wireless tag includes a circuit module having an electromagnetic induction unit for generating an electromotive force by an electromagnetic wave of the outside and an information storing unit for storing information and outputting the information by the electromotive force, a base part on which the circuit module is disposed and which is foldable, and a locking member provided in the base part which electrically cuts off the electromagnetic induction unit in case that the base part is folded and locks the base part in the folded state. Further, the wireless tag includes a belt for attaching the circuit module to an object. The base part is folded with the belt disposed between its both sides and thus the belt becomes a ring shape.

Abstract: A wafer stage overlay error map is created using standard overlay targets and a special numerical algorithm. A reticle including a 2-dimensional array of standard overlay targets is exposed several times onto a photoresist coated silicon wafer using a photolithographic exposure tool. After exposure, the overlay targets are measured for placement error using a conventional overlay metrology tool. The resulting overlay error data is then supplied to a software program that generates a 2-dimensional wafer stage distortion and yaw overlay error map.

Abstract: A system for activating a merchandise card and account that permits a card user to initially purchase or reload cash value into a merchandise account using a card issued by an issuer such as a merchant, bank, or card association via a terminal, with or without a PIN, and have the cash value on the card immediately converted to a purchase of proxy merchandise offered by the card issuer, and at the time of account debiting allowing said cardholder to make a final selection of merchandise from the inventory of the issuing merchant. The system operates a network, on a real time or batch basis, that uses a communication system to connect point of sale terminals, remote terminals, and computers operated by card issuers, merchant headquarters, and account processors to issue cards, calculates taxes and merchant costs, converts cash to proxy merchandise, and allows cardholders at the time of debiting their account to substitute the proxy purchase for a final selection of merchandise.

Abstract: A bar-code reader includes a housing, a window affixed to the housing and separating an internal environment from an external environment, and an anti-fog coating on the window within an optical path of the bar-code reader. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-fog coating is a hydrophilic layer; in another embodiment, it is a hydrophobic layer. The anti-fog coating may be used internally, externally, or both, and may be applied to any number of components within the optical path.

Abstract: A system including a secured token having a plurality of applets. Each applet supports a plurality of commands and is capable of being instantiated to create one or more applet instances. Each applet instance is capable of supporting the same plurality of commands that is supported by the applet that creates that applet instance. The applet instances can provide different file structures or different access conditions for data on the secured token.