Abstract: Electronic delivery of counterfeit-resistant documents exchangeable for value such as admission tickets, gift certificates, coupons, vouchers, etc. directly to the person who ordered the documents over an open communications network such at the Internet. A first party orders a document exchangeable for value from a second party, and the second party electronically delivers the ordered document, which is counterfeit resistant, to the first party at a location designated by the first party. Electronic delivery comprises the second party providing electronic information to the first party's equipment via the network from which the first party's equipment can produce a hard, counterfeit-resistant copy of the ordered document. For example, the document may be electronically ordered using a PC, and electronic information defining at least part of the document provided to the PC, from which equipment coupled to the PC can produce the hard copy of the document.

Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.

Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.

Abstract: Electronic delivery of counterfeit-resistant documents (10a, 10b) exchangeable for value such as admission tickets, gift certificates, coupons vouchers, etc. directly to the person who ordered the documents over an open communications network such at the Internet. A first party (38) orders documents exchangeable for value from a second party (50), and the second party electronically delivers the ordered document, which is counterfeit resistant, to the first party at a location designated by the first party. Electronic delivery comprises the second party providing, electronic information to the first party's equipment via the network from which the first party's equipment can produce a hard, counterfeit-resistant copy of the ordered document. For example, the document may be electronically ordered using a PC (36), and electronic information defining at least part of the document provided to the PC, from which equipment coupled to the PC can produce the hard copy of the document.

Abstract: Bar codes, comprised of black and white stripes, are shown to be a finite topic, and the optimum bar code methodology is binary coded binary, BCB. Binary digits are utilized to represent bar coded messages and each binary digit is immediately complemented, forming two independent but binarily complemented messages in one bar code symbol. BCB represents given information in less space than, e.g., Interleaved 2 of 5 and Code 39, while using the same x width (the width of a module), and BCB is far more versatile and is easier and less expensive to print and scan. BCB avoids misreads more reliably and achieves a dramatically higher first time read rate through use of error correcting bar codes.

Abstract: The new generic bar code decoder system described, with its multistage error correcting, is far more powerful than dedicated reference decode algorithms for popular linear and two dimensional bar codes. For example: the 1-7 and 2-8 EAN and UPC character substitution problems are 100% solved (because EAN and UPC become 100% self-checking with the new decoder); the ink spread tolerance improves, especially for EAN, UPC, Code 128 and Code 16K; far greater levels of random systematic edge noise are tolerated and decoded; even many spike edge errors greater than 0.50X module can be corrected; and, generous levels of acceleration are tolerated. These are all the ways bar code scanning data gets distorted. Using this new generic decoder system, the ultimate linear binary coded binary bar code with error correcting, BCB, also described, performs dramatically better than any other, despite being more compact.

Abstract: The new generic bar code decoder system described, with its multistage error correcting, is far more powerful than dedicated reference decode algorithms for popular linear and two dimensional bar codes. For example: the 1-7 and 2-8 EAN and UPC character substitution problems are 100% solved (because EAN and UPC become 100% self-checking with the new decoder); the ink spread tolerance improves, especially for EAN, UPC, Code 128 and Code 16K; far greater levels of random systematic edge noise are tolerated and decoded; even many spike edge errors greater than 0.50.times. module can be corrected; and, generous levels of acceleration are tolerated. These are all the ways bar code scanning data gets distorted. Using this new generic decoder system, the ultimate linear binary coded binary bar code with error correcting, BCB, also described, performs dramatically better than any other, despite being more compact.

Abstract: Bar codes, comprised of black and white stripes, are shown to be a finite topic, and the optimum bar code methodology, binary coded binary, BCB, is disclosed. Binary digits are utilized to represent bar coded messages and each binary digit is immediately complemented, forming two independent but binarily complemented messages in one bar code symbol. BCB represents given information in less space than, e.g., Interleaved 2 of 5 and Code 39, while using the same x width (the width of a module), and BCB is far more versatile and is easier and less expensive to print and scan. BCB avoids misreads more reliably and achieves a dramatically higher first time read rate through use of applicants' error correcting bar codes. Methods of representing any size character set most efficiently in one number are disclosed as are continuous bar code forms. Optimum error detecting and correcting techniques for binary coding are also disclosed using applicants' sub-pile method of reverse engineering coding questions.

Abstract: Counterfeit objects, such as products or documents, can be detected by checking associated ID numbers, which include one or more appended fields of one or more randomly selected digits, in a database containing the correct authorized ID numbers. This use of random selection makes it impossible for counterfeiters to effectively predict or anticipate correct ID numbers. For example, by using bar coded ID numbers with two distinct appended fields of randomly selected numbers, instead of traditional serial numbers, counterfeit products can be conveniently and positively detected either on a wholesaler's or vendor's shelf using a truncated outside ID number found on the product's packaging, or, for example, upon receipt of a customer's product registration card on which the complete inside ID number is found, this complete inside ID number having been concealed from casual perusal during the product's distribution.

Abstract: Coding systems utilizing machine-readable coding are disclosed. The coding systems are extremely simple to use and preferred embodiments of the machine-readable coding require no external reference or reference code or starting point or orientation for reading or decoding. The number of usable codes for any given number of code elements (bits or digits) is maximized, or, conversely, a minimum number of code elements is required for a given application, thus allowing each code element to be of maximum size for a given coding area. Also, methods and apparatus for encoding objects, and for reading, decoding, processing and using the information obtained from such encoded objects are disclosed. The coding may be applied to objects such as casino chips, currency, automated production line components, consumer products, household items, zip coded objects, etc.

Abstract: Registers are inclined to react to any interference as follows: if any one stage inverts, the entire register inverts. In one embodiment, one additional bit is associated with the register, which bit is used to indicate that interference has occurred. Registers may then be inverted to their original form or may, by equating the meaning of the inverted form of the information contents of registers to the original form, ignore disturbance(s) caused by interference. Information media such as magnetic or optical discs for storage of such information thereon are also disclosed. The invention brings order to information failures caused by interference and thus is able to use such failures as opposed to other approaches which fight such failures. The invention avoids the need to keep track of original and inverted forms of information, independent of interference.

Abstract: Coding systems utilizing machine-readable coding are disclosed. The coding systems are extremely simple to use and preferred embodiments of the machine-readable coding require no external reference or reference code or starting point or orientation for reading or decoding. The number of usable codes for any given number of code elements (bits or digits) is maximized, or, conversely, a minimum number of code elements is required for a given application, thus allowing each code element to be of maximum size for a given coding area. Also, methods and apparatus for encoding objects, and for reading, decoding, processing and using the information obtained from such encoded objects are disclosed. The coding may be applied to objects such as casino chips, currency, automated production line components, consumer products, household items, zip coded objects, etc.

Abstract: A width card associated with a film strip both of which are adapted to be used in a phototypesetting machine, the film strip containing a plurality of fonts, each of which contains a plurality of characters. The width card includes a memory for storing a plurality of sets of character width information for each of the fonts contained on the associated film strip, means for selecting one of the sets of character width information for all of the fonts contained on the associated film strip and means for permitting the phototypesetting machine to obtain from the memory the width information for a character in a particular font by accessing the selected set of character width information for the particular font. In response to access of the memory by the phototypesetting machine, a visual indication of the particular font accessed and the set of character width information selected is provided.

Abstract: A film font for use in conjunction with photocomposing equipment includes a rectangular piece of film having a pair of apertures at either end spaced to fit over a corresponding number of support pins on a font-carrying drum. The film element includes, at one end, a rigidifying bar adapted to fit snugly against the first paid of pins and, at the other end, a cam action slide adapted to lock against the second set of pins to maintain the font in rigid position.