Abstract: A transaction card processing and activation system comprising the identification of a unique identifier corresponding to an aggregate of transaction cards of affiliated or non-affiliated card issuers and the activation of each transaction card corresponding to the unique identifier of the aggregate irrespective of the number, types, or card issuers of the transaction cards. Additionally, the present invention allows a point of sale entity to initiate the activation of each of the multiple, disparate transaction cards in the aggregate by merely processing the unique identifier associated with the aggregate.

Abstract: A magnetic information processing device for use with a magnetic recording medium storing a magnetic signal may include a magnetic card detection unit comprising a sensor and being structured to detect insertion of the magnetic recording medium; a magnetic head structured to read the magnetic signal recorded in the magnetic recording medium, and output the magnetic signal as an analog signal; a signal detection unit structured to amplify the analog signal output from the magnetic head, and output a detection output signal when the analog signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value of a magnetic detection sensitivity; and a judgment unit structured to judge that the detection output signal output by the signal detection unit is different from the magnetic signal recorded in the magnetic recording medium, when no insertion of the magnetic recording medium is detected by the magnetic card detection unit.

Abstract: An antenna system may include a first metamaterial antenna having a first resonant frequency and a second metamaterial antenna having a second resonant frequency. The first resonant frequency may be different from the second resonant frequency. A first feed point may be connected to the first metamaterial antenna, and a second feed point may be connected to the second metamaterial antenna. A signal may be applied to the first and second feed points so that the first and second metamaterial antennas radiates electromagnetic energy while the signal is being applied and so that the antenna system is configured to send or receive signals over both the first and second resonant frequency bands.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code generation device includes a determination unit, an image acquisition unit, and a code generation unit. The determination unit determines whether point information is included in coding information, which is information for generating a two-dimensional code. The image acquisition unit selecting, from an image database in which multiple images are registered, an image that visually indicates the point information as a base image and acquires the selected image as the base image when the determination unit determines that the point information is included in the coding information. The code generation unit generates the two-dimensional code based on the coding information, and includes the base image in the two-dimensional code in a superimposed manner when the base image is acquired by the image acquisition unit.

Abstract: A control device for wireless tags which are respectively attached to a plurality of articles supported respectively on a plurality of support portions and respectively store identification numbers of the articles, includes positioning portions that are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of support portions, and input devices that are positioned respectively in the positioning portions. The input devices are individually controllable and each is configured to switch a flag status of one of the wireless tags.

Abstract: A beverage holder apparatus includes a chip unit attached to a beverage holder and adapted to communicate with a chip unit reader to perform a payment transaction to purchase the beverage. The chip unit stores an account identifier associated with a financial account, and transmits the stored account identifier to the chip unit reader to perform the payment transaction.

Abstract: A method and system to digitize printed information on a business card and to link the digitized data to a social networking service, referred to as a Meeting-Spot (or simply an MSP) service, employs quick response codes (QRCs) to uniquely identify business cards printed with a QRC. An online MSP service offers a free MSP app, which is installable on mobile devices. The MSP service will offer a plurality of MSP business cards to its members. A QRC image is printed on at least one side of an MSP business card. Further, the data encoded in the QRC on an MSP business card comprise at least an identifier to uniquely identify a business card. The identifier encoded in the QRC printed on an MSP business card may be a UUID (universal unique identifier), which complies with the identifier standard set by the Open Software Foundation (OSF). Optionally, the identifier is replaced by a proprietary hash code that can uniquely identify a business card.

Abstract: A method of identifying authentic products versus counterfeit products using tow unique identifier codes is accomplished by providing a first identifier code on the exterior of a product package that identifies the product, the appropriate location for sale, the number of times the code has been scanned and whether or not the product is registered. This information alerts potential purchasers if the product is either counterfeit, or an unauthorized resale. The purchaser then opens the package and is provided a second identifier code for registering the product. The registration information includes retailer and price information, alerting the manufacturer of unauthorized retail activity, and also changes the product designation in the manufacturer database to indicate the product may not be resold. That information is then associated with the first identifier code in the event it is rescanned by another potential purchaser.

Abstract: During manufacture and packaging of items whose authenticity is to be verified, the items are marked with individual item characteristics, and placed in a package. A first item authentication code is determined from the individual item characteristics of the marked items. A first package authentication code is generated, and the package is marked with the first package authentication code. During item authentication in the field, an image of the package and the marked items is captured, a second package authentication code and the individual item characteristics are extracted from the captured image, the extracted individual item characteristics are processed to generate a second item authentication code, and the authenticity of the marked items is verified by matching the first and second package authentication codes and by matching the first and second item authentication codes.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to an OLED bank teller carrel with an integrated QST. The bank teller carrel may include a user-facing counter. The bank teller carrel may include an OLED screen embedded in the counter. The OLED screen may include an array of OLEDs. The array of OLEDs may be configured to display information. The OLED screen may include a software chip. The software chip may include a processor and a memory. The OLED screen may include touch screen capabilities. The touch screen capabilities may be configured to receive user input via human touch. The OLED screen may include biometric characteristic receipt film. The biometric characteristic receipt film may be configured to capture at least one biometric characteristic of a customer. The OLED screen may include a communication circuit. The communication circuit may configured to receive information from information hubs and transmit information to information hubs.

Abstract: In order to verify the authenticity of a product associated with a host device, the product contains, in segments of a non-volatile memory, several different functions stored in ciphered fashion. The host device sends a control signal for selecting and activating one of those ciphered functions. The product then deciphers and executes the function. The result of the function execution is then communicated back to host device when a decision on product authenticity is made.

Abstract: A lighting assembly comprises a linearly extending luminaire having an electronic circuit board, an inner lens assembly attached to the forward facing surface of the electronic circuit board, the inner lens including an array of focused light sources, an outer lens disposed over the inner lens assembly, and a heatsink extending along the length of the linearly extending luminaire. A bracket is pivotally attached to the linearly extending luminaire, the bracket having an axis of rotation around a horizontal axis, whereby the linearly extending luminaire is separately rotatable along a horizontal axis relative to the elevated structure. The bracket also has an axis of rotation around a vertical axis, whereby the linearly extending luminaire is separately rotatable along a vertical axis relative to the elevated structure.

Abstract: A method of detecting interference with a fraud prevention transmitter on a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: detecting presentation of a card at a card reader; attempting to detect a customer while the card is presented; and triggering an alarm event if the customer is not detected while the card is presented on a predetermined number of occasions.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus configured to provide membership status in a roadside assistance program after occurrence of a roadside event is disclosed. The apparatus executes instructions that cause/allow the apparatus to receive input related to an electronic membership card, retrieve from a data store membership information associated with the vehicle, and dynamically update the electronic membership card for display on the apparatus.

Abstract: A light guide bar for improving external characteristics by inducing light projection through side surfaces. The light guide bar comprises: a main body in the shape of a bar having a predetermined length; a light incident surface to which light is incident from one side end portion in the lengthwise direction of the main body; a reflection surface for reflecting the incident light from the light incident surface to the inside of the main body; a projection surface for projecting the incident light from the light incident surface to the outside of the main body; and a light extraction pattern formed on the projection surface. The light guide bar, as configured above, induces the projection of light through the light projection surfaces at both side surfaces such that a dark area between the light guide bars can be removed in a backlight device so as to improve external characteristics.

Abstract: A light enhancing system is disclosed which extends the available area for capturing light from a source and adjustably increases the light concentration on a subject being lit. Embodiments may be beneficial to applications including grow lighting. One or more reflector panels may be detachably coupled to a lighting unit by a quick-connect fastener on the end of a flexible arm. Examples of quick-connect fasteners include threaded ends, press-fit ends, and magnetic ends. In some embodiments, the reflector panel may be retrofit onto a conventional lighting unit.

Abstract: A system and method for density-based RFID network configuration. In various aspects, an RFID reader executes a read cycle defined by dwell times for a low RFID tag density and a high RFID tag density setting. Accordingly, a controller may cause the RFID reader to implement one or more RFID protocols. The controller may then receive data corresponding to the RFID tags from the RFID reader to determine a number of RFID tags within read range of the RFID reader. Based on the number of RFID tags, the controller may determine an adjustment to the read cycle executed by the RFID reader. The controller may then configure the RFID reader to execute the adjusted read cycle.

Abstract: A pre-lit metal frame Christmas tree has a foot prod, an umbrella-shaped net light, and multiple metal stakes. The umbrella-shaped net light is mounted on the foot prod and has an umbrella shaped frame and a light string unit. Umbrella shaped frame is mounted on the foot prod and has a base, a trunk, multiple positioning rods, and an upper fixing unit. Base is mounted on the foot prod, the trunk is mounted on the base and extends upwardly. The positioning rods are mounted transversely and pivotally on the base, arranged apart from each other. The fixing rings are mounted respectively on the positioning rods. The upper fixing unit is mounted on a top of the trunk. Light string unit is mounted on the umbrella shaped frame. The metal stakes are respectively mounted through the fixing rings, inserted into the ground. The Christmas tree is easy for assembly and storage.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for monitoring a space is disclosed. The system may include a controller connected with a plurality of RFID readers, where each reader can detect data signals from a plurality of RFID tags attached with objects. The objects may be part of an object category. The system may also have a database connected with the controller that records a time when the data signal is received from each tag in the plurality, and the data contained in the data signal from each tag in the plurality. The system may include a processor that can perform an inventory analysis of the objects based on a confidence probability curve. This curve may be a decaying function that may be based on various probabilities. Methods for using the confidence probability curve are also disclosed.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides hand-held power tool which includes a housing, a motor, and an output spindle. The housing supports a motor having a rotor configured to rotate when the motor is supplied with power. The output spindle protrudes from an output end of the housing, and is functionally coupled to the rotor such that the output spindle rotates in response to a rotation of the rotor. The housing also supports at least one electrical accessory that is connectable to an external power connector located on the housing.