Abstract: The invention provides an improved game playing card holder made from monocoque construction providing a plurality of card compartments using raised fins through linear slits in the frame. The fins protrude vertically from the card holding surface provides a separation boundary between card types as required by individual game requirements. The rear support of the card compartment is a common wall providing a uniform presentation of the decks to the dealer. The supporting top surface is raised at an approximate 20 degree angle from the base, with the front card edge of each deck protruding beyond the front support of the card base, allowing ease of access to the cards to create improved card handling and dealing characteristics of the holder. The metallic structure allows application of electrostatic powder coat finishes providing long durability with enhanced appearance.

Abstract: A reader and method to allow verification or access to an RFID component of a device using analog optical properties of the RFID device. In the method, a reader analyzes optical properties of the device, obtains information on these properties from the reader or from data on the device. These optical analog properties are required to be verified prior to access to the RFID data from the RFID component.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved game playing card holder made from monocoque construction providing a plurality of card compartments using raised fins through linear slits in the frame. The fins protrude vertically from the card holding surface provides a separation boundary between card types as required by individual game requirements. The rear support of the card compartment is a common wall providing a uniform presentation of the decks to the dealer. The supporting top surface is raised at an approximate 20 degree angle from the base, with the front card edge of each deck protruding beyond the front support of the card base, allowing ease of access to the cards to create improved card handling and dealing characteristics of the holder. The metallic structure allows application of electrostatic powder coat finishes providing long durability with enhanced appearance.

Abstract: A method to generate an optical signature of a coin is disclosed. A plurality of parameters are generated and recorded related to rotational positions around the circumference of a coin. The data from these parameters are combined to produce a searchable value.

Abstract: An apparatus to locate a coin comprises a rotary platform configured to hold the coin and a plurality of coin contacting mechanisms, coupled to the rotary platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coin comprises a platform configured to hold the coin and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce a beam directed toward a portion of at least one surface of the coin. The electromagnetic radiation source is arranged to produce a far-field scattering signature upon interaction the at least one surface of the coin. A plurality of collection elements is configured to produce an electrical signal based upon collecting at least a portion of the far-field scattering signature.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a coin storage device is disclosed. The coin storage device comprises an encapsulation portion configured to secure a coin therein and allow for visual inspection of the coin. A viewing port is arranged on an edge of the encapsulation portion and is configured to both allow a light source to impinge upon an edge of the coin and return a light signal from the edge of the coin.

Abstract: A method and device for private/public key encryption using optical media. A key pair is generated, and the public key pair is stored on the optical media. The media is scanned and the optical media characteristics are used to hash stored information with the private key. The hashed version of the private key is then stored on the optical media. A read/write unit may subsequently de-hash the private key for encryption of data files.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing scattering signatures from a coin comprises a platform configured to hold the coin and an electromagnetic radiation source configured to produce a beam directed toward a portion of at least one surface of the coin. The electromagnetic radiation source is arranged to produce a far-field scattering signature upon interaction the at least one surface of the coin. A plurality of collection elements is configured to produce an electrical signal based upon collecting at least a portion of the far-field scattering signature.

Abstract: A coin illumination source comprises a geometric feature configured to surround a coin under evaluation, a plurality of illumination sources mounted within the geometric feature, and a viewing aperture through which an imaging device can capture an image of the coin.

Abstract: An apparatus to record images from a coin is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a stage configured to position and rotate the coin. The stage is further configured to produce an angular positional signal output to indicate a rotational position of the coin. A first and second reflecting device are configured to concurrently image near-edge portions of both obverse and reverse sides of the coin and a recording apparatus is directed simultaneously toward an edge of the coin and the first and second reflecting devices.

Abstract: An apparatus to locate a coin comprises a rotary platform configured to hold the coin and a plurality of coin contacting mechanisms, coupled to the rotary platform.

Abstract: A method to generate an optical signature of a coin is disclosed. A plurality of parameters are generated and recorded related to rotational positions around the circumference of a coin. The data from these parameters are combined to produce a searchable value.

Abstract: A system and method for securely controlling access to a designated location with a single card having a permanent data storage medium and a temporary data storage medium disposed on the card. Biometric information is acquired from a person and written on the permanent storage medium. A verification terminal acquires biometric information from a possessor of the card, such as random and multiple biometric information, and reads the same type of biometric information from the permanent storage medium of the card. Upon a favorable comparison of biometric information of the card and card possessor, authorization data is written on the card specifying limited access. The biometric information and the authorization data can be uploaded to a local database. The type of biometric information to be acquired from the card possessor and read from the card is accessed from the database.

Abstract: A reader and method to allow verification or access to an RFID component of a device using analog optical properties of the RFID device. In the method, a reader analyzes optical properties of the device, obtains information on these properties from the reader or from data on the device. These optical analog properties are required to be verified prior to access to the RFID data from the RFID component.

Abstract: A method for the automated manufacture of personal optical security cards utilizing commercial equipment known in the art for creating integrated circuit chip cards, also known as smart cards. A cavity is milled in a card body. An optical security chip carrier is loaded onto the smart card manufacturing machine and the milled card is fed into the machine. The optical security chip carrier uses the same layout and spacing as an integrated circuit carrier chin so that the optical carrier may be loaded onto the machine. The optical security chip is removed, for example, by being punched out from the optical security chip carrier, and is embedded within the card cavity with the smart card manufacturing machine. Optical data and graphical elements may be recorded on the optical security chip and/or card body to personalize the card and to decrease the possibility of fraud.

Abstract: In a system for reading data encoded on a single, secure, personal, portable database of private information, such as an optical memory card, a method of interaction between an optical card user, a broker and an agency seeking a transaction with the card user. The user is provided with a blank optical memory card which he encodes with the user's personal transactional information such as credit card numbers. The agency and user are provided with access to a transaction site. The user is able to use the single, secure medium to conduct many transactions. The user selects the encoded information that is needed to conduct the transaction with an agency. The information is read and transmitted to a broker who completes the transaction. Here, the agency is not provided with access to the information and the information is not stored in company or network database or on a network.

Abstract: A method for the automated manufacture of personal optical security cards utilizing commercial equipment known in the art for creating integrated circuit chip cards, also known as smart cards. Optical security chip areas, including reflective optical recording medium for recording optical data, are formatted on a carrier utilizing the same layout and spacing as integrated circuit chips formatted on an integrated circuit chip carrier so that the optical security chip carrier may be loaded onto the smart card/integrated circuit card manufacturing equipment. In one embodiment, the carrier may remain blank and optical security chips are defined and removed by a punching tool of the integrated circuit card manufacturing equipment. A cavity is milled in a card body. The optical security chip carrier is loaded onto the smart card manufacturing machine and the milled card is fed into the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data between a read/write apparatus having a shuttle powered by a single motor supporting a hybrid data storage card and having optical and electrical data heads. The hybrid data storage card has an integrated circuit module and an optical memory unit both on a single side of the hybrid card. Electrical signal communication occurs when a gap between the shuttle and a support connected to the electrical head is closed such that the electrical head is able to align with the integrated circuit module. Optical signal communication occurs between the optical data head and optical memory unit when the gap is formed and maintained between the shuttle and the support connected to the electrical head such that the shuttle is able to move linearly without interference from the support.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data between a read/write apparatus having a shuttle powered by a single motor supporting a hybrid data storage card and having optical and electrical data heads. The hybrid data storage card has an integrated circuit module and an optical memory unit both on a single side of the hybrid card. Electrical signal communication occurs when a gap between the shuttle and a support connected to the electrical head is closed such that the electrical head is able to align with the integrated circuit module. Optical signal communication occurs between the optical data head and optical memory unit when the gap is formed and maintained between the shuttle and the support connected to the electrical head such that the shuttle is able to move linearly without interference from the support.