Abstract: A data communication system comprising a plurality of fiber optic cables and a fiber optic switching system, comprising: a support structure for securing light emitting/light receiving ends of the plurality of fiber optic cables in predetermined positions; and, means for re-directing light emitted from the light emitting/light receiving end of one of the fiber optic cables to the light emitting/light receiving ends of one, or more than one, of a plurality of the plurality of fiber optic cables. The re-directing means includes means for collimating and directing the light emitted from the end of one of the cables as a beam propagating along a predetermined direction and for re-directing the beam towards the end of another one of the cables selectively in accordance with an electrical signal. More particularly, the re-directing means includes electro-optical phase shifting medium, preferably liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: A data communication system comprising a plurality of fiber optic cables and a fiber optic switching system, comprising: a support structure for securing light emitting/light receiving ends of the plurality of fiber optic cables in predetermined positions; and, means for re-directing light emitted from the light emitting/light receiving end of one of the fiber optic cables to the light emitting/light receiving ends of one, or more than one, of a plurality of the plurality of fiber optic cables. The re-directing means includes means for collimating and directing the light emitted from the end of one of the cables as a beam propagating along a predetermined direction and for re-directing the beam towards the end of another one of the cables selectively in accordance with an electrical signal. More particularly, the re-directing means includes electro-optical phase shifting medium, preferably liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: A check processing technique at a point-of-sale uses a check in which a payor signs the check and indicia is automatically printed on the check indicating that the physical check is no longer negotiable. A system may include a point-of-sale terminal or cash register which is connected to a check imager, a MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) reader, and a printer. In one embodiment a method for enabling check processing includes receiving and storing a transaction amount, checking account information from the check, and an electronic image of the check having the payor's signature and indicia automatically printed on the check indicating that the physical check is no longer negotiable. The transaction amount and the checking account information may be forwarded for settlement.

Abstract: A data communication system comprising a plurality of fiber optic cables and a fiber optic switching system, comprising: a support structure for securing light emitting/light receiving ends of the plurality of fiber optic cables in predetermined positions; and, means for re-directing light emitted from the light emitting/light receiving end of one of the fiber optic cables to the light emitting/light receiving ends of one, or more than one, of a plurality of the plurality of fiber optic cables. The re-directing means includes means for collimating and directing the light emitted from the end of one of the cables as a beam propagating along a predetermined direction and for re-directing the beam towards the end of another one of the cables selectively in accordance with an electrical signal. More particularly, the re-directing means includes electro-optical phase shifting medium, preferably liquid crystal molecules.

Abstract: A check processing technique at a point-of-sale uses a check in which a payor signs the check and indicia is automatically printed on the check indicating that the physical check is no longer negotiable. A system may include a point-of-sale terminal or cash register which is connected to a check imager, a MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) reader, and a printer. In one embodiment a method for enabling check processing includes receiving and storing a transaction amount, checking account information from the check, and an electronic image of the check having the payor's signature and indicia automatically printed on the check indicating that the physical check is no longer negotiable. The transaction amount and the checking account information may be forwarded for settlement.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which in one embodiment includes a point-of-sale terminal or cash register which is connected to a check imager, a MICR (magnetic ink character recognition) reader, biometric sensor, and a printer. The system integrates electronic check processing into retail operations such as items at a grocery checkout and allows customers to pay for goods or services with a blank check and without the need to without write out or sign the blank check. One embodiment of a method for check posting includes receiving and storing a transaction amount, checking account information from a blank check, an electronic image of a face of the blank check, and biometric information from an owner of the checking account such as an electronic image of a handwritten signature or fingerprint from an owner of the checking account. An electronic check posting transaction request may be generated from the transaction amount and the checking account information and forwarded for settlement.

Abstract: A data communication system comprising a plurality of fiber optic cables and a fiber optic switching system, comprising: a support structure for securing light emitting/light receiving ends of the plurality of fiber optic cables in predetermined positions; and, means for re-directing light emitted from the light emitting/light receiving end of one of the fiber optic cables to the light emitting/light receiving ends of one, or more than one, of a plurality of the plurality of fiber optic cables. The re-directing means includes means for collimating and directing the light emitted from the end of one of the cables as a beam propagating along a predetermined direction and for re-directing the beam towards the end of another one of the cables selectively in accordance with an electrical signal. More particularly, the re-directing means includes electro-optical phase shifting medium, preferably liquid crystal molecules.