Abstract: Approaches to both pulling and pushing digital media content, such as movies, electronic books, music, games and the like, are addressed. Hybrid systems are also addressed. A mechanism for selecting particular digital media content by a user, such as a particular movie, for example, is utilized in pull approaches. A mechanism for identifying users who have opted in is employed in push approaches. Digital media content is provided by a media server to one or more high speed wireless radios which transmit that content to users' mobile devices.

Abstract: A payment device with data entry keys which are obscured from view when not in use. An example payment device includes a plurality of data entry keys for recording data during a transaction, and a backlight for illuminating the data entry keys. A secure controller is configured to activate the backlight to reveal locations of the data entry keys for data entry, receive and encrypt entered data from the data entry keys, and to deactivate the backlight following the data entry.

Abstract: A payment device with data entry keys which are obscured from view when not in use. An example payment device includes a plurality of data entry keys for recording data during a transaction, and a backlight for illuminating the data entry keys. A secure controller is configured to activate the backlight to reveal locations of the data entry keys for data entry, receive and encrypt entered data from the data entry keys, and to deactivate the backlight following the data entry.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated checkout verification. Product identification information is received and used as an index to retrieve a set of images associated with the identified product. The images may provide multiple views of the product. As the product is presented for purchase, an image of the product is captured and compared with the set of retrieved images. If it is determined that the captured image does not match the set of retrieved images, a security alert is issued.

Abstract: Approaches to both pulling and pushing digital media content, such as movies, electronic books, music, games and the like, are addressed. Hybrid systems are also addressed. A mechanism for selecting particular digital media content by a user, such as a particular movie, for example, is utilized in pull approaches. A mechanism for identifying users who have opted in is employed in push approaches. Digital media content is provided by a media server to one or more high speed wireless radios which transmit that content to users' mobile devices.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for assuring proper presentation of a bar code for imaging scanning in a hybrid laser and imaging bar code scanner. A scanner includes elements for laser bar code scanning and imaging bar code scanning, and includes indicia for assuring proper presentation by a user of a bar code suited to imaging scanning. Indicia may include targeting features on a scan window, designed so as to minimize interference with bar code scanning, or may alternatively include features alongside a scan window. Alternative indicia may include removable holders for securing an object bearing a bar code in an appropriate position, and further alternative indicia may include visible targeting beams so that a user can be assured that imaging scanning may be satisfactorily performed on bar code placed in a visible targeting beam.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved imaging scanning. An imaging bar code scanner provides indicia to a user indicating areas for placement of a bar code so as to provide for efficient imaging scanning. The indicia may define the boundaries of the field of view of an imager, and may also indicate areas of an image that are more intensively processed. The indicia may be projected so as to illuminate an object with a projected pattern, or may alternatively be projected onto or otherwise placed on one or more scan windows of a scanner. At least some of the indicia may change appearance depending on whether an object to be scanned is within a prescribed distance from an imager.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved imaging scanning. An imaging bar code scanner provides indicia to a user indicating areas for placement of a bar code so as to provide for efficient imaging scanning. The indicia may define the boundaries of the field of view of an imager, and may also indicate areas of an image that are more intensively processed. The indicia may be projected so as to illuminate an object with a projected pattern, or may alternatively be projected onto or otherwise placed on one or more scan windows of a scanner. At least some of the indicia may change appearance depending on whether an object to be scanned is within a prescribed distance from an imager.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated checkout verification. Product identification information is received and used as an index to retrieve a set of images associated with the identified product. The images may provide multiple views of the product. As the product is presented for purchase, an image of the product is captured and compared with the set of retrieved images. If it is determined that the captured image does not match the set of retrieved images, a security alert is issued.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for assuring proper presentation of a bar code for imaging scanning in a hybrid laser and imaging bar code scanner A scanner includes elements for laser bar code scanning and imaging bar code scanning, and includes indicia for assuring proper presentation by a user of a bar code suited to imaging scanning. Indicia may include targeting features on a scan window, designed so as to minimize interference with bar code scanning, or may alternatively include features alongside a scan window. Alternative indicia may include removable holders for securing an object bearing a bar code in an appropriate position, and further alternative indicia may include visible targeting beams so that a user can be assured that imaging scanning may be satisfactorily performed on bar code placed in a visible targeting beam.

Abstract: A wiring hub for a retail terminal system provides an interface between a main terminal of the retail terminal system and a plurality of peripherals associated with the retail terminal system, such as an input device, a scanner, a printer, and a customer display. The wiring hub provides a centralized chassis containing a plethora of connectors for power distribution to each peripheral and the main unit/terminal and for communication between each peripheral and the main terminal. Each peripheral includes a single cable having integrated power and communications wiring that attaches to appropriate connectors of the wiring hub. The wiring hub is coupled to a source of electricity and includes appropriate electricity routing and conversion for AC and DC peripherals/components. The main terminal is coupled to the wiring hub via one or two cables carrying power wiring, network wiring, and communication wiring. The wiring hub also provides a network connection for the main terminal.

Abstract: A retail system includes a smart card for use by a customer. The smart card has a card memory device for maintaining a customer profile associated with the customer. The retail system also includes a retail checkout terminal which includes a first smart card interface device. The first smart card interface device is operable to update the customer profile based on use of the retail checkout terminal by the customer when the smart card is inserted in the first smart card interface device. The retail system yet further includes a portable, wireless hand-held computing device which includes a second smart card interface device. The handheld computing device is configured to perform a customer-specific retail function based on the customer profile when the smart card is inserted in the second smart card interface device. A method of operating a retail system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a core module assembly, a single-orientation base assembly, and a multiple-orientation base assembly includes the step of attaching the core module assembly to the single-orientation base assembly. The method also includes the step of operating the core module assembly so as to perform retail functions for a first time period while the core module assembly is secured to the single-orientation base assembly. The method further includes the step of detaching the core module assembly from the single-orientation base assembly after the first time period operating step. The method yet further includes the step of attaching the core module assembly to the multiple-orientation after the detaching step. The method also includes the step of operating the core module assembly so as to perform retail functions for a second time period while the core module assembly is secured to the multiple-orientation base assembly.

Abstract: A display mount is provided for adjustably supporting a display on a foundation. The mount includes a base fixedly mountable to the foundation, and including a pintle extending upwardly, and an upwardly open race extending radially outwardly from the pintle. A display arm includes a gudgeon rotatably mounted on the pintle, and a socket spaced therefrom for supporting the display. The gudgeon includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart catches. A lockbar is disposed in the race for movement therein, and includes a latch for engaging the catches to restrain rotation of the display arm on the base. The latch is biased into engagement with one of the catches for restraining rotation of the display arm, and for also allowing manual sliding movement of the lockbar to disengage the latch from the catches for allowing rotation of the display arm on the base for adjusting position of the display.

Abstract: Sequence control apparatus provides a plurality of output signals selectively based upon either the rising or falling edge of a clock signal. The apparatus includes a plurality of groups of bistable devices such as flip flops. In each group, half of the flip flops are triggered by the rising edge of a clock pulse and the other half of the flip flops are triggered by the falling edge. The outputs of these flip flops are coupled to a series of gates, which in turn are controlled by logic input select signals to provide output signals which may be used, for example, for memory control purposes. The output signal from one group of flip flops is provided as an input signal for the next group.