Abstract: An embedded electronic payment (EEP) system allows various devices and appliances to act as a merchant to accept electronic payments. The EEP system can be formed on an integrated circuit or as a software applet to run on a virtual machine. The integrated chip can be a standard IC, an application specific integrated chip, programmable logic device, or a multiprocessor based microcontroller. The EEP system operates with a standard interface that can be adapted to many applications. As a result, the cost of payment integration is reduced. The reduced cost of inclusion allows electronic payment systems to be applied in systems and devices where cost margins previously prohibited custom electronic payment systems. When the EEP system is included as an integrated chip, the system has improved security and power consumption compared to software solutions.

Abstract: A side sleeping pad has a laterally running channel for receiving an ear and eyeglass temple of a person. A person can use the pad to watch distant objects, like a television, without the pain caused by pressure on the head from eyeglass temple that is caused when sleeping with a traditional pad. The channel can include laterally receding walls to provide a wider channel laterally. The widening channel allows a sleeper to rotate his or head up and down while slide sleeping and not risk contacting the eyeglass lens with the channel wall. The pad can include a rear-sleeping section. Sleepers can roll between a side sleeping position and rear sleeping position while wearing eyeglasses, earphones, earrings, hearing aids without having to adjust or move the pad.

Abstract: An embedded electronic payment (EEP) system allows various devices and appliances to act as a merchant to accept electronic payments. The EEP system can be formed on an integrated circuit or as a software applet to run on a virtual machine. The integrated chip can be a standard IC, an application specific integrated chip, programmable logic device, or a multiprocessor based microcontroller. The EEP system operates with a standard interface that can be adapted to many applications. As a result, the cost of payment integration is reduced. The reduced cost of inclusion allows electronic payment systems to be applied in systems and devices where cost margins previously prohibited custom electronic payment systems. When the EEP system is included as an integrated chip, the system has improved security and power consumption compared to software solutions.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) device that includes electronic transactions can be locked so that a merchant must use the device and credit card processing with a particular merchant services provider/independent sales organization (MSP/ISO) and meet predefined business conditions. By locking the POS device to the MSP/ISO, the MSP/ISO can discount the price of the POS to the merchant with the comfort that the MSP/ISO will recover the cost through the fees collected from subsequent charges or business volume implemented in a service agreement. To lock the point of sale device, an encrypted key can be stored in the POS device. To remain active, the POS device periodically can confirm that the POS device remains authorized and associated with the MSP/ISO.

Abstract: An embedded electronic payment (EEP) system allows various devices and appliances to act as a merchant to accept electronic payments. The EEP system can be formed on an integrated circuit or as a software applet to run on a virtual machine. The integrated chip can be a standard IC, an application specific integrated chip, programmable logic device, or a multiprocessor based microcontroller. The EEP system operates with a standard interface that can be adapted to many applications. As a result, the cost of payment integration is reduced. The reduced cost of inclusion allows electronic payment systems to be applied in systems and devices where cost margins previously prohibited custom electronic payment systems. When the EEP system is included as an integrated chip, the system has improved security and power consumption compared to software solutions.

Abstract: A system includes a device and software with a touchscreen, cash drawer, bar code scanner, and other point-of-sale peripherals. The device processes payments according to a method and can process a payment from multiple payment sources to multiple credit-card merchant accounts. Likewise, the system processes returns according to a method from multiple-merchant accounts. A scheduler is included with an appointment builder and manager that are especially useful in a beauty salon environment and other schedule-intensive service businesses.

Abstract: A system includes a device and software with a touchscreen, cash drawer, bar code scanner, and other point-of-sale peripherals. The device processes payments according to a method and can process a payment from multiple payment sources to multiple credit-card merchant accounts. Likewise, the system processes returns according to a method from multiple-merchant accounts. A scheduler is included with an appointment builder and manager that are especially useful in a beauty salon environment and other schedule-intensive service businesses.

Abstract: The method includes receiving a signal to insert a data effect into a digitally encoded, framed data stream, retrieving a data effect having the same format as that of the data stream, detecting a first data stream frame boundary, inserting the data effect into the data stream at the first data stream frame boundary, detecting a second data stream frame boundary, and resuming the data stream at the second data stream frame boundary. If the data stream can be of more than one format, the format of the data stream can first be determined. The apparatus includes a processor and a multiplexor. The multiplexor is used for inserting the data effect into the data stream. The processor is used for detecting data stream frame boundaries, retrieving from a memory a data effect having the format of the data stream, and transmitting the formatted data effect to the multiplexor. The data stream may be an audio stream formatted in MPEG format (including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MP3, MPEG-4), AC-3 format (including 2-channel, 5.

Abstract: The method includes receiving a signal to insert a data effect into a digitally encoded, framed data stream, retrieving a data effect having the same format as that of the data stream, detecting a first data stream frame boundary, inserting the data effect into the data stream at the first data stream frame boundary, detecting a second data stream frame boundary, and resuming the data stream at the second data stream frame boundary. If the data stream can be of more than one format, the format of the data stream can first be determined. The apparatus includes a processor and a multiplexor. The multiplexor is used for inserting the data effect into the data stream. The processor is used for detecting data stream frame boundaries, retrieving from a memory a data effect having the format of the data stream, and transmitting the formatted data effect to the multiplexor. The data stream may be an audio stream formatted in MPEG format (including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MP3, MPEG-4), AC-3 format (including 2-channel, 5.

Abstract: A television system is provided which includes a broadcast data receiver (BDR). The BDR receives digital data from a broadcaster at a remote location. The digital data includes video, audio and/or auxiliary data relating to a number of channels and/or television programmes for showing on a television display screen. The BDR is connected to an Internet provider for the receipt and/or delivery of electronic documents, such as e-mails. The system further includes a remote control handset to allow a user to select one or more functions or operations of the television system. The BDR is further provided with a plurality of pre-defined messages stored in memory thereof. When an e-mail is received by the BDR and the document receipt is notified to a user of the system, said user can choose to reply to the e-mail by selecting a pre-defined message using the remote control.

Abstract: A product tag system comprises: an RFID tag adapted for attachment to a product; a data store in the tag for bar code information relating to the product; a tag detacher for removing the tag from the product at a point of sale; an RFID tag reader for retrieving the bar code information from the tag when the tag is placed in the tag detacher; and, an display for presenting the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form. A method for monitoring products comprise the steps of: attaching an RFID tag to a product; writing bar code information onto the tag; retrieving the bar code information from the tag at a point of sale; displaying the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form; and, detaching the tag from the product.

Abstract: A product tag system comprises: an RFID tag adapted for attachment to a product; a data store in the tag for bar code information relating to the product; a tag detacher for removing the tag from the product at a point of sale; an RFID tag reader for retrieving the bar code information from the tag when the tag is placed in the tag detacher; and, an display for presenting the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form. A method for monitoring products comprise the steps of: attaching an RFID tag to a product; writing bar code information onto the tag; retrieving the bar code information from the tag at a point of sale; displaying the bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner, and/or in human readable form; and, detaching the tag from the product.

Abstract: An illuminated safety helmet including a protective core and a first layer disposed on the protective core. The first layer is a substrate or an impact resistant shell. A plurality of light emitting diodes and traces for electrically connecting the light emitting diodes are disposed on the substrate or impact resistant shell. As such, when the substrate or impact resistant shell is disposed on the core, the light emitting diodes are automatically disposed around the protective core. The illuminated safety helmet also includes control circuitry for illuminating the light emitting diodes and a power source for powering the control circuitry and the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: In a rail-based closed-circuit TV surveillance system, initialization is performed by positioning the surveillance camera at two different positions along the rail from which a target image is acquired. Camera direction parameters for each of the positions are stored. From the stored parameters there is calculated an optimum position for target acquisition. A normal surveillance routine is interrupted in response to an alarm signal. If the camera is within a range for viewing the target, target acquisition occurs immediately while the camera is moved toward the optimum position. If the camera is not within the range for viewing the target, the camera is moved toward the viewing range, while camera direction and focus are adjusted so that target acquisition occurs as soon as the camera reaches the viewing range. Camera direction and focus continue to be adjusted so that a target acquisition is maintained while the camera is moved within the viewing range toward the optimum position.

Abstract: A controller apparatus for controlling a device comprising a support having a surface with a wall extending therefrom and along a segment of the surface. A plurality of force sensing members are positioned in a predetermined arrangement adjacent to an inner surface of the wall of the support with each member generating a signal in response to a force applied to the member. An assembly for adaptable engagement with the force sensing members is translationally movable to selectively engage and transmit a translational force to the force sensing members to develop a signal for control of a function of the device.

Abstract: An illuminated safety helmet including a protective core and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed around the protective core. The LEDs are sequentially illuminated by control circuitry. A housing encloses the control circuitry and a power source for powering the control circuitry and the LEDs. The housing is electrically connected to the LEDs and is removably attached to the protective core of the safety helmet. An impact resistant shell or a skin of stretchable material is disposed on the external or internal surface of the protective core.