Abstract: A stationary scanning device includes: a fixed scanner portion that is mounted on a front surface of a support column and is configured to optically read item data; a handheld scanner configured to optically read the item data; and a holding portion that is mounted on a side surface of the support column and is configured to hold the handheld scanner, the holding portion being configured to hold the handheld scanner such that a cable extending from an end portion of the handheld scanner falls in a space with a predetermined distance from the front surface and the side surface of the support column.

Abstract: A registered provider device encrypts provider input related to a transaction between the provider device and one of many registered user devices to create an encrypted one-time-use provider code (the encryption is performed using an encryption key produced, in part, using a uniquely sequenced number generated by a sequencer maintained by the provider device). Similarly, the user device encrypts user input to create an encrypted one-time-use user code using an encryption key produced, in part, using a uniquely sequenced number generated by a user sequencer maintained by the user device. The provider and user devices independently transmit their different encrypted one-time-use codes to an intermediate entity, which decrypts the encrypted codes. This decryption is performed using one-time-use encryption keys produced using sequencers maintained by the intermediate entity, and this decryption generates an authorization request.

Abstract: One aspect includes an electronic device that includes a component configured to generate diagnostic information indicative of a fault occurring in the electronic device. The electronic device also includes a persistent display coupled to the component and configured to display the diagnostic information.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for merchant item and service return processing using wireless beacons. A merchant may include a returns and customer service area at a merchant location for use in providing refunds, exchanges, or other services related to items sold by the merchant. The merchant location may include a wireless beacon at or nearby the area. The beacon may provide communication services with a device for the user. Using the beacon, the merchant may be informed that a user has arrived at the area and pull up a receipt and/or transaction history for the user with the merchant. The merchant may also be informed about past returns by the user that may assist the merchant in preventing fraud. Moreover, the merchant may also view similar items to the item purchased by the user for use in exchanges, which may include item delivery and/or availability information.

Abstract: A system for verifying an item in a package using a database comprises a database and a verifier. A package producer provides the database with an identifier for one or more items each of a type, wherein the package producer produces a package, where the package includes the one or more items each of the type with an associated one or more selected tag identifiers that are placed in a location on an item of the one or more items. The verifier verifies the one or more items of the type using 1) the associated one or more selected tag identifiers as detected using a spectral signature or 2) a tag characteristic as detected using an imager, and 3) the identifier retrieved from the database.

Abstract: An electronic device including a memory is disclosed. The memory stores instructions controlling the electronic device to acquire information on a first external electronic device, access a server storing a software program related to the first external electronic device, receive at least a portion of the software program related to the first external electronic device from the server through the communication interface, install the at least a portion of the software program, transmit the at least a portion of the information on the first external electronic device and/or at least one part of the received at least a portion of the software program to a second external electronic device, and provide a user interface to the display using the installed at least a portion of the software program. The user interface is used for the second external electronic device to perform an operation related to the first external electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic device including a memory is disclosed. The memory stores instructions controlling the electronic device to acquire information on a first external electronic device, access a server storing a software program related to the first external electronic device, receive at least a portion of the software program related to the first external electronic device from the server through the communication interface, install the at least a portion of the software program, transmit the at least a portion of the information on the first external electronic device and/or at least one part of the received at least a portion of the software program to a second external electronic device, and provide a user interface to the display using the installed at least a portion of the software program. The user interface is used for the second external electronic device to perform an operation related to the first external electronic device.

Abstract: A smart card module includes a substrate having a first main surface and a second main surface, which is opposite the first main surface. The substrate has a plurality of plated-through holes, which extend through the substrate from the first main surface to the second main surface. The smart card module further includes a chip over the first main surface of the substrate, a first metal structure over the second main surface of the substrate, electrically insulating material, which covers the first metal structure, and a second metal structure over the electrically insulating material, wherein the second metal structure is electrically insulated from the first metal structure by the electrically insulating material. The chip is connected to the first metal structure by at least one first plated-through hole. The chip is connected to the second metal structure by at least one second plated-through hole.

Abstract: A system for packaging an item with an identifier comprises an identifier adder, a labeler, and a packager. The identifier adder adds one or more types of silica-based tags to an item, wherein each type of silica-based tag has a first signature readable using an optical spectroscopic reader. A label is generated based at least in part on reading the one or more types of silica-based tags of the item using the optical spectroscopic reader. The label includes goods info. The packager includes the label on a package, and wherein the packager includes the item in the package.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a method for manufacturing a portable data carrier, an inlay for a data carrier, and a data carrier. A data carrier body has a gap for a chip and a chip is incorporated into the gap. In a subsequent step a cover layer is laid on the data carrier body, and the data carrier body and the cover layer are laminated. After the incorporation of the chip and before the lamination, a stabilizing agent is applied into the gap of the core layer, which remains soft or flexible during the lamination and cures or is activated (e.g. by means of UV radiation) only after the lamination, in order for mechanical tensions to be avoided.

Abstract: A tag assembly is described wherein the tag assembly is affixable to clothing and/or a body and wherein the assembly includes a support sheet; a tag disposed on the support sheet, the tag being configured to transmit a signal to a receiver; and, an expandable spacer structure disposed the support sheet, the expandable spacer structure providing a predetermined spacing between the tag and the body, the expandable spacer being configured to expand from a thin non-expanded state to a expanded state of a predetermined spacer thickness.

Abstract: A hand-held-transceiver identifier device includes a processor device contained in a housing. A port is contained in the housing to receive a transceiver. A display is contained in the housing. Upon insertion of the transceiver in the port, the device interrogates the transceiver to obtain specification information. A computer-implemented method of identifying a transceiver device detects an insertion of the transceiver device, interrogates the transceiver device to obtain specification information, and detects a removal of the transceiver device.

Abstract: A passenger kiosk, comprising a computing arrangement receiving data from a plurality of data feed arrangements, the data including airport operational parameters for an airport facility, a set of advertisements and inventory management rules and a kiosk display displaying one of the advertisements based on one of the airport operational parameters and one of the inventory management rules.

Abstract: A contactless data carrier has a measurement port receiving an external signal to be compared, a threshold generator that generates different threshold values, a comparator that compares the external signal with the threshold values, and a controller that controls the variable threshold generator on command from an interrogator and returns the comparison results to the interrogator. The comparison results returned to the interrogator may be the results of the individual comparisons, or information derived from a threshold value at which the comparison result changes. The contactless data carrier is small, lightweight, and inexpensive, and can be used to perform an essentially unlimited variety of measurements by connecting suitable sensors to the measurement port.

Abstract: A direct thermal barcode printer including a print assembly is provided. The print assembly is movably positioned relative to a print media for adjusting printing characteristics of an attached print head.

Abstract: A wireless key (6), capable of transmitting an ultra-low frequency radio wave signal (5), is used to gain access to a secure receptacle (1), the wireless key (6) and receptacle (1) comprising a system to ensure the secure transfer or delivery of items between parties typically engaging in e-commerce. The wireless key (6) possesses a means to discriminate against the unauthorized entry of the receptacle, such as through the use of buttons to enter a secure access code. The wireless key (6) accepts an access code entry from the user desiring entry to the receptacle (1) and subsequently transmits an ultra-low frequency signal (5) to a receiving and processing means (4). If the analysis of the signal indicates the user of the wireless key (6) is authorized to gain entry to the receptacle (1), the receptacle's locking mechanism (3) is disengaged to allow entry.

Abstract: A point of sale terminal that is capable of printing on a roll of paper is provided with a compartment defining an upper surface and an opposite lower surface, a left side and a right side between the upper and lower surfaces, and a rear surface between the upper and lower surfaces. The terminal also includes a display and a keypad disposed on the upper surface, and a printer with a paper roller and a printing mechanism for receiving and printing on the roll of paper. The printer is disposed within the compartment, and a door is provided in the lower surface of the compartment for insertion of the roll of paper. The compartment is provided with an exit for the paper adjacent the rear surface.

Abstract: An association is created in a computer system between the appearance of a token and one or more stored files for the purpose of retrieving and presenting said one or more stored files. The appearance of the token is measured and a token identity is created from the obtained measurement. The token identity is stored in an identity store. The stored file is associated with the token identity within the computer system. The appearance of the token is subsequently measured and a subsequent identity is created for the token using subsequent measurement data obtained from the subsequent measurement. The identity store is searched for a match with the subsequent identity and upon the location of a match, the one or more stored files are retrieved and presented to a user.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a universal affinity card for consolidating a plurality of other affinity cards into a single card and displays the appropriate card automatically as a function of, among others, the location of use. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for providing a universal affinity card. The method includes: providing an affinity card having a memory, a display and a user interface; storing a plurality of bar codes in the memory; associating each of the plurality of bar codes with a respective provider; identifying the provider; and displaying the bar code associated with the identified provider on the display; wherein the step of storing a plurality of bar codes in the memory includes wirelessly receiving information defining the plurality of bar codes from a remote computer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for managing the transfer of value to a third party using short messaging Services (SMS) communications. Methods for using SMS to transfer value to a third party comprises providing the payment card to a user; activating the payment card; initiating a transaction associated with the payment card; receiving via SMS communications an identifier associated with the payment card; associating value with the payment card; determining an amount of value associated with the payment card; providing an indication of the amount of value associated with the bill payment card to the payment card user via SMS communications; associating at least one third party with the payment card; selecting a third party to be associated with the transaction; receiving from the user an amount of value to transfer to the third party; transferring to the third party the amount of value; and terminating the transaction.