Time Analysis Patents (Class 235/377)
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Patent number: 7375364Abstract: A recording sheet usage count evaluation method enabling, even when plural radiation imaging apparatuses and plural radiographic image reading apparatuses exist, accurate evaluation of cumulative working frequencies of recording sheets commonly used in those apparatuses. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving recording sheet identification information with image data from a radiographic image reading apparatus; (b) counting a usage count of each recording sheet on a basis of the recording sheet identification information received at step (a), weighting a count value in accordance with a set condition, and accumulating the weighted count value to store the accumulated count value in correspondence with the recording sheet identification information; and (c) calculating a total count value for each recording sheet by referring to count values stored in other medical image processing apparatuses and adding the count values to the count value stored at step (b).Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Naoki Mochizuki, Yasunori Ohta
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Publication number: 20080023544Abstract: An information processing system comprises an identifying information reading portion that reads out identifying information from a recording medium storing the identifying information capable of identifying an individual, an information managing portion that in advance manages and keeps information available for information providing, an information extracting portion that extracts information from the information managing portion, based on the identifying information read out by the identifying information reading portion, and an information output portion that outputs the information extracted by the information extracting portion. The information extracting portion selects and extracts the information to be provided out of the prearranged information, based on the identifying information read out by the identifying information reading portion and acquiring conditions of the identifying information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Nakai
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Publication number: 20070272744Abstract: A log file is generated from data supplied by cards readers that are part of an access control system and that read access control cards in connection with restricted areas. Probabilities of card holders entering the restricted areas are computed based on the data in the log file. Unusual access patterns are detected from the data in the log file based on the computed probabilities. Group associations between card holders are detected based on common movement of the card holders in connection with the restricted areas. A new log file is created based on those of the detected unusual access patterns that are not associated with the group associations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2006Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Venkataramana Kini Bantwal, Lokesh R. Boregowda, Lokesh T. Siddaramanna
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Patent number: 7298673Abstract: A time attendance system, including a time attendance clock, designed to be used in harsh conditions, such as outdoor job sites. A portable touch button, including a passively readable code, is brought into contact with the time attendance clock so as to create a time attendance record stored in the clock. Visual indicators and audible notification alert the employee of the acceptance of the act. Periodically, the time attendance records are retrieved from the time attendance clock, such as by using a hand-held electronic device which communicates in a wireless manner with the time attendance clock.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Exaktime Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Henryk Pappas, Scott K. Prewett, John L. Milligan, Stuart A. Karten, Valerie L. Doran
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Patent number: 7266048Abstract: A digital time clock that may be used in conjunction with a mechanical time clock. The digital time clock is placed on or adjacent to an existing mechanical time clock. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is associated with each time card that is distributed to employees. As an employee inserts a time card into the mechanical time clock, the digital time clock detects the proximity of the time card and reads the RFID tag. An RFID identifier is stored along with an indication of the time that the identifier was read. The digital time clock may be kept in a low-power standby state until the time card is detected, at which time the digital time clock enters an operational state. The digital time clock may be transported to a location where payroll is to be performed, and data downloaded to a processing device.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Icon Global, Ltd.Inventors: Andrew E. King, Korey Calmettes
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Patent number: 7246742Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a system for providing, to a terminal device of an investor, data indicating delay of distribution of financial data, which data is used for the investor to make decisions on investment transactions in a simple and reliable way. To achieve the above aim, after entity 20 carries out specific processing of financial data received from financial data broadcasting device 10 to generate new financial data derived from the received financial data, entity 20 adds time data and an entity identifier for identifying entity 20 to the derived financial data and transmits the data to another entity 20 located at a downstream position or to financial data searching device 30.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Estijl Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Minaguchi, Yuichi Sato, Kazuki Kurose, Shusuke Shitara
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Patent number: 7195150Abstract: Data is obtained from one or more data sources. The data sources may be real time data sources and non-real time data sources. Calculations may be performed on the data before delivering the data to one or more applications. A direct connection may be established between a first computing device and a second computing device. The direct connection may be used to deliver the data. The data may be broadcast to one or more applications. For example, the broadcast may be to a different subnets within one or more networks.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel C. Battagin, Shahar Prish
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Patent number: 7184989Abstract: Systems and methods for accepting payments for goods and services provided by a merchant. In one embodiment, a method for accepting payments from a consumer for a good or service provided by a merchant comprises receiving a transaction request from the merchant, receiving a payment from the consumer, associating the payment with the transaction request, and sending at least a portion of the payment to the merchant. In this manner, the merchant stages the transaction, and the consumer completes the transaction by making the payment. An optional time limit feature also may be used, and the transaction may be staged by the consumer, or others.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Kurt L. Hansen, Thomas B. Sayor, Sharon K. Vialpando, Kenneth Algiene
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Patent number: 7165052Abstract: A payment service method and system involve a payment service provider, a customer/payor and a client/payee. The customer/payor enrolls in the service and is provided the unique identifier which enables him or her to conduct all transactions with the payment service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment service provider through various forms of communication, and can facilitate payments to the clients/payees through the payment service provider while remaining anonymous. Various enhancements are provided for promoting the services of the clients and the payment service provider to customer bases obtained from persons enrolled in the payment service and from persons who are customers of the clients.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2001Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Keith W. Diveley, Kurt Hansen
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Patent number: 7158955Abstract: A payment service method and system involve a payment service provider, a customer/payor and a consumer provider/payee. The customer/payor enrolls in the service and is provided a unique identifier that enables the customer to conduct transactions with the payment service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment service provider through various forms of communication, and can facilitate payments to the consumer providers/payees through the payment service provider while remaining anonymous.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Keith W. Diveley, Kurt Hansen
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Patent number: 7118024Abstract: A user inserts a magnetic card to a magnetic card reader, and inputs his/her electronic signature and dealing data through an input device. The input dealing data are recorded on an electronic account data file together with the electronic signature. The input data are also recorded on a log file after encryption. An administrator inserts his/her IC card to an IC card reader/writer for updating the dealing data. The IC card reader/writer collaborates with a SAM to certify the inserted IC card (medium verification). A finger print recognizer obtains the administrator's finger print to compare it with finger print data stored in a finger print file (user verification). If both medium verification and user verification are passed, a controller decodes log data in the log file. After the log data are decoded, the administrator is allowed to access the electronic account data file for to update data. Data regarding to the update done by the administrator are also recorded on the log file after encyption.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Satoshi Hoshino
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Patent number: 7117183Abstract: A method for accepting payments from a consumer for a travel ticket from a travel company comprises receiving at a point of sale device a transaction request that includes a transaction identifier that identifies a travel arrangement made with the travel company and a payment amount. The payment amount and the transaction identifier is transmitted to a host computer system for validation. Also, a validation from the host computer system is received indicating that the transaction requested has been validated. A payment is received from the consumer, and at least a portion of the payment is electronically transmitted to the travel company.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: First Data CoroporationInventors: Paul Blair, Kurt L. Hansen, Dean Seifert
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Patent number: 7114648Abstract: Disclosed is time keeping system for an employer. The system includes one or more time-keeping network appliances. Each of these appliances includes a small web server. The system also includes some form of employee interface which enables the employee to submit, and the time keeper to receive, identification information regarding the employee. One embodiment uses at least one of a card reader, punch key pad, bar code reader, or proximity badge reader. These devices are used to clock employees in and out. The system also optionally includes an audio-output device to give the employee audio feedback during clock in and an LCD to give the employee visual feed back. If a second network device is included in the system, it is automatically set up as a client of the original time keeper introduced into the system.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Stratitec, Inc.Inventors: David R. Ginskey, Robert R. Barger, M. Lance Chastain
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Patent number: 7108173Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which a scheduling agent is assigned to each user in a system. Each scheduling agent is responsible for coordinating meeting activities for its associated user. Each user in the system is allowed to specify preferences for meeting scheduling based upon his corresponding calendar. In response to a meeting request initiated by one of the users, the scheduling agent for the meeting initiator and the scheduling agents for the attendees negotiate with each other to schedule the requested meeting at a most suitable time that is accepted by all attendees through their associated scheduling agents, based upon a set of scheduling criteria including the meeting timing information and the attendees preferences for meeting scheduling.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2000Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Zhihui Wang, Danjun Liu
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Patent number: 7107249Abstract: Systems and methods for accepting payments for goods and services provided by a consumer provider. The methods can include associating consumers and consumer providers with a payment provider. The payment provider can receive payments destined for the consumer provider, associate the payments with one or more identifiers, and transfer at least portions of the receive payments to the consumer provider. The systems can include a point-of-sale device configured to accept payments from consumers on behalf of consumer providers. In some cases, the systems include a plurality of such point-of-sale devices in communication with a payment provider control. The payment provider control can be in communication with one or more consumer provider controls.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Keith W. Dively, Kurt L. Hansen
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Patent number: 7103577Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for staging transactions and facilitating payments by consumers to a lender or merchant to consummate a financial transaction and/or to maintain a financial relationship. In one embodiment, a method for accepting payments from a consumer includes receiving a promise-to-pay record from a lender (210), receiving a payment from the consumer (220), associating the payment with the promise-to-pay record (230), and sending a notice to the lender (240), with the notice having an indicator that the payment has been received.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Paul Blair, Kurt Hansen, Gary Moore
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Patent number: 7096205Abstract: Systems and methods for enrolling consumers in goods and services offered by a consumer provider are disclosed herein. Various of the methods include providing an enrollment system and displaying enrollment options via the enrollment system. Further, the methods include receiving enrollment requests and enrolling a consumer based on the enrollment request. The systems can be configured for effectuating the various enrollment methods.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Kurt L. Hansen, Keith W. Diveley
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Patent number: 7093748Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for associating a retail performance metric with individual entries within a transaction and/or time type categories. The retail performance metric is determined by recording the time the system waited for and received an input. The retail performance metric type is determined as a function of the input received by the system. A retail performance metric is recorded as a function of the time the system waited for and received an input and includes a reference to the specific event causing the RPM and/or the time type category of the input.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Michael J. Matsko, Katherine R. Lehman
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Patent number: 7092916Abstract: A payment service method and system involve a payment service provider, a customer/payor and a consumer provider/payee. The customer/payor enrolls in the service and is provided a unique identifier that enables the customer to conduct transactions with the payment service provider. The customer/payor interfaces with the payment service provider through various forms of communication, and can facilitate payments to the consumer providers/payees through the payment service provider while remaining anonymous.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: First Data CorporationInventors: Keith W. Diveley, Kurt Hansen
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Patent number: 7009496Abstract: A method and system for optimizing an interrogation of a tag population that includes a plurality of tags, wherein each of the plurality of tags is assigned a tag address includes determining a tag population size; selecting one of a plurality of efficiency profiles that matches the determined tag population size; and defining a plurality of interrogation read cycles according to the selected efficiency profile.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Arneson, William R. Bandy
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Patent number: 6970810Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for storing a retail performance metric. The retail performance metric is determined by recording the time the system waited for and received an input. The retail performance metric type is determined as a function of the input received by the system. A retail performance metric is recorded as a function of the time the system waited for an input and the retail performance metric type and is recorded separately from the specific event causing the RPM.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Michael J. Matsko
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Patent number: 6917565Abstract: The present invention provides a clocking system such that the magnetic sensor can detect the external magnetic field from the magnetic member that is rather far apart therefrom without increasing the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor excessively and without making the magnet constructing the magnetic member strong excessively.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Inventor: Kunihiro Kishida
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Patent number: 6886745Abstract: An electronic label system for displaying prices in stores comprises a central station and a plurality of distributed electronic labels. The central station provides pricing information to the electronic labels that includes assignment instructions linking a calculated price associated with the labels with a price display area.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Store Electronic Systems TechnologiesInventors: Francois Berrube, Pierre Legras
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Patent number: 6817537Abstract: A time card may have first and second card identifying sections disposed on opposite faces of the time card. The first card identifying section stores a most significant value of an identification of the time card, and the second card identifying section stores a least significant value of the card's identification. When combined to form a single value, the most and least significant values provide the time card identification. Also, a printing position indicator on the card identifies an initial printing position for the first and second card identifying sections to a time card recorder.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Amano CorporationInventors: Hirosada Watanabe, Mitsuru Saito, Masayuki Mochizuki, Hiroaki Yamagishi, Yuichi Ishizuka
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Publication number: 20040035922Abstract: The present invention comprises a time-based billing system and method using encoded billing cards, bar coded labels or billing docket sheets, among other possible methods, in combination with a sensor operable to decode the foregoing, as a means of generating data which includes, and correlates (i) the name of a unique data generator (including a person for whom data is generated, referred to as a “timekeeper”), a specific client number or identifier and project/matter number or identifier, with (ii) the exact date and time periods worked by said timekeeper, said data for export to a standard time and billing software program or system or used with an integrated time and billing software program.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Michael Gallucci Cameron
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Patent number: 6676019Abstract: The electronic chip (10) comprises an interface (11) enabling it to communicate with a terminal and a processing circuit (13) capable of performing processing when the chip communicates with the terminal. A time base circuit (18) is connected to the processing circuit (13) for generating a first signal (SI) during at least one given moment if processing has not yet been completed at said moment. A restart signal (SR) is transmitted to the interface in response to the first signal with the purpose of indicating to the terminal that the chip is still operating.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger SystemesInventor: Frederic Mayance
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Patent number: 6577248Abstract: A parking control system in which a mobile telephone is used to commence and to terminate parking of a vehicle within a parking zone. A parking system user sends a user-specific code to a parking system computer at the commencement of and at the termination of a parking period. A vehicle-specific code corresponding with the parked vehicle is stored in the computer upon commencement of a parking period. A portable parking control unit can read the vehicle-specific code from a parked vehicle and can establish communication with the parking system computer, which is informed of the parking zone concerned. When the control unit requests information concerning vehicles parked within a particular parking zone, the computer sends corresponding information relating to one or more additional parking zones that are geographically close to the parking zone in question.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Modul-System Sweden ABInventor: Torbernt Hjelmvik
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Patent number: 6298013Abstract: A device for monitoring the travel time of mail shipments and including a motion sensor, a memory for compiling the measured motion values, an electronic evaluation unit and a current supply. The motion sensor, the memory for the measured values, the electronic evaluation unit and the current supply are arranged on a partially flexible support or circuit board that is configured such that it includes rigid circuit board portions for the arrangement of the motion sensor, the memory for the measured values and the electronic evaluation unit as well as the current supply and these rigid circuit board portions are connected with one another by flexible circuit board portions or components.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1993Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Berlin, Burghard Rebel, Andreas Berends, Eberhard Von Poeppinghausen
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Patent number: 6215735Abstract: A postage metering system includes a device to monitor the passage of a unit of time, a calendar profile, a system date and a control system. The calendar profile has parameterized data including day, month, year and leap year information so that dates may be reconciled. The control system is for advancing the system date depending upon the information contained with the calendar profile and the passage of a given amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Kathleen M. English, Wesley A. Kirschner
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Patent number: 6176424Abstract: A unit for processing chip and/or magnetic stripe cards. The unit comprises a minimum of one card storage magazine to store cards to be processed, a minimum of one chip and/or magnetic stripe processing station to record data on the chip (semiconductor element) and/or the magnetic stripe of the card, and a minimum of one card body processing station to record visible, unmodifiable data on the card body. The unit further includes an optical identification station with an evaluation unit to verify accuracy and/or quality of the data recorded on the card body, with cards exhibiting incorrectly or defectively applied visible data being rejected as defective.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Orga Kartensysteme GmbHInventors: Udo Meyer-Wittreck, Hermann Ruebbelke, Frank Krupke, Steffen Roebke, Reinhard Banse
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Patent number: 6141649Abstract: A method and system in a computer system for tracking the productivity of technical support specialists in a call center environment. The system displays on a display device a form for entry of normal activity and exceptions to normal activity. The system receives from the technical support specialist indications of normal activity and exceptions. Each indication of an exception includes its type and its length. The system stores indications of the normal activity and exceptions. Upon receiving a request to transmit an exception report, the system retrieves the stored indications and formats the stored indications into an electronic mail message. The system then presents the formatted electronic mail message to the technical support specialist so that modifications to formatted electronic mail message can be made. Finally, the system sends the electronic mail message to a central location so that electronic mail messages from multiple technical support specialists can be collected and processed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bull
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Patent number: 6125162Abstract: A postage metering system includes a device to monitor the passage of a unit of time, a calendar profile, a system date and a control system. The calendar profile has parameterized data including day, month, year and leap year information so that dates may be reconciled. The control system is for advancing the system date depending upon the information contained with the calendar profile and the passage of a given amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Kathleen M. English, Wesley A. Kirschner
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Patent number: 6102285Abstract: A parking metering system where the metering device is maintained within the vehicle for external inspection by a parking control person, the metering device in one embodiment having a display screen and light keys for visually displaying parking rate information by zone and remaining time, the metering device accounting for monies by use of a prepurchased debit card or account settlement by service centers, and in another embodiment the metering device includes a radio transmitter for short distance transmission of rate data and time data to a parking control officer equipped with a pager-like receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Josef Elias
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Patent number: 6082617Abstract: A system for processing chip and/or magnetic stripe cards (K), comprising the following components: at least one card supply magazine for accommodating cards to be processed; two or more chip and/or magnetic stripe processing stations for applying data/information on the chip and/or the magnetic stripe of the cards (K); at least one card body processing station for applying unchangeable data/information on the card body; a card transport system which transports the cards from the card supply magazine(s) to the chip and/or magnetic stripe processing stations and subsequently to the card body processing stations; wherein the system includes a card transport plane (x, y) with a processing sequence axis (y) and an orthogonally extending processing parallelization axis (x) with processing stations of different processing types being arranged in a spaced relationship one behind the other along the processing sequence axis (y), wherein multiple of the processing stations of one processing type are arranged side by sType: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: ORGA Kartensysteme GmbHInventors: Udo Meyer-Wittreck, Hermann Ruebbelke, Frank Krupke, Steffen Roebke
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Patent number: 6032865Abstract: A method of the invention reads a bar code based on bar-code data obtained by scanning the bar code with light. The method includes the steps of a) obtaining bar-code data, b) obtaining a sum of bar-data widths with respect to a predetermined number of bar data provided in at least one of a preceding portion and a following portion of the bar-code data, c) repeating the steps a) and b) once to obtain another sum, and d) making a comparison of the sum with another sum. The methods further includes a step of accepting the bar-code data as valid data when a result of the comparison satisfies a predetermined condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Motohiko Itoh, Shinichi Satoh, Mitsuo Watanabe, Hiroaki Kawai, Isao Iwaguchi
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Patent number: 6027020Abstract: A system for processing chip and/or magnetic strip cards (K), comprising at least one card supply magazine for accommodating cards to be processed; at least a chip and/or magnetic stripe processing station for applying data/information on the chip and/or the magnetic stripe of the cards (I), with a certain chip and/or magnetic stripe processing time being associated with the station; at least one card body processing station for applying data/information on the card body, with a certain card body processing time being associated with the station; a card transport system which transports the cards from the card supply magazine to the chip and/or magnetic stripe processing station and subsequently to the card body processing stations and from these onwards, wherein the processing time of the at least one chip and/or magnetic stripe processing station differs from the processing time of the at least one card body processing station, and the card transport time from the card supply magazine to one of the processiType: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Orga Kartensysteme GmbHInventors: Udo Meyer-Wittreck, Hermann Ruebbelke, Frank Krupke, Steffen Roebke
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Patent number: 6016958Abstract: A unit for processing chip and/or magnetic stripe cards. The unit comprises a minimum of one card storage magazine to store cards to be processed, a minimum of one chip and/or magnetic stripe processing station to record data on the chip (semiconductor element) and/or the magnetic stripe of the card, and a minimum of one card body processing station to record visible, unmodifiable data on the card body. The unit further includes an optical identification station with an evaluation unit to verify accuracy and/or quality of the data recorded on the card body, with cards exhibiting incorrectly or defectively applied visible data being rejected as defective.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: ORGA Kartensysteme GmbHInventors: Udo Meyer-Wittreck, Hermann Ruebbelke, Frank Krupke, Steffen Roebke, Reinhard Banse
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Patent number: 5988498Abstract: A system and method of delaying availability of a price change to checkout terminals following a change in price displayed by an electronic price label (EPL) which minimizes server overhead required to change prices. The method includes the steps of storing a first time associated with the change in price displayed by the EPL, providing a price change file for changing the first price to the second price and containing a delay period, reading the price change file to obtain the delay period, determining whether a current time is later than the first time plus the delay period, and executing the price change file if the current time is later than the first time plus the delay period to replace the first price with the second price.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Eric W. Hoell
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Patent number: 5847373Abstract: Apparatus for electronically transferring information between an electronic component and a reader. The electronic component is disposed on a substrate of a portable object, which substrate also carries a first antenna connected to the component. The reader includes a second antenna. The electronic information transfer is performed by inductive coupling between the first and second antennas, without electrical contact between the component and the reader. The reader includes a marker device suitable for writing a mark on the substrate in the event of the portable object being placed in the immediate proximity of the reader, and after information transfer is effected.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Schlumberger IndustriesInventor: Etienne Catte
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Patent number: 5842182Abstract: A parameter-driven time-and-attendance analysis system that includes one or more data entry stations for entering user time and attendance data, and a central processor coupled to the data entry stations for receiving and evaluating the user time and attendance data. The central processor includes facility for identifying exception data indicative of non-standard time and attendance data, and for assigning event points to such exception data based upon character of the exception data. Such event points are accumulated for each system user, and a report is automatically generated when accumulated event points for a system user reach a preselected level.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: TimeTrak Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Bonner, William M. Hartman
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Patent number: 5737280Abstract: A clocking system for measuring running speeds such as split time or lap time for a plural number of track runners like racehorses at each one of a plural number of clocking positions provided at predetermined intervals along a running course or track toward a goal position. The clocking system fundamentally includes: a trigger signal transmission means provided at each one of the clocking positions and adapted to release a trigger signal toward a narrow signal receiving zone; a passing signal generating means carried by each runner and adapted to produce a passing signal specific to a particular runner at each clocking position upon reception of the trigger signal; and a measuring means provided either at each clocking position or on each runner and adapted to register a time reading for each runner upon reception of the trigger signal or passing signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1995Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Univert Inc.Inventor: Hiroshi Kokubo
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Patent number: 5698837Abstract: Even when a plurality of cards have entered an communication area, the cards within the communication area may be accessible, and, if a data collision occurs, the order of accessing to the cards is expeditiously determined to perform an efficient communication. Each card determines a timing for returning a response block containing an ID code based on conditions directed by a read/write device and the ID code of its own. The read/write device is caused to receive the response block returned by the contactless IC card and to detect a data collision. Based on this result, the conditions are changed so that a respective response block containing an ID code is returned again, thereby concurrently processing the plurality of contactless IC cards.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeru Furuta
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Patent number: 5510979Abstract: A computer system for entering, processing and recording sales of items is provided, which is especially suitable for use in retail sales, particularly quick service restaurants. The system includes a plurality of programmable POS registers for entering and tabulating customer orders, an off-line processor for programming the programmable POS registers, shared memory for recording data entered and tabulated by the programmable POS registers, and a communication structure for networking a plurality of programmable POS registers, the off-line processor and the shared memory. In one embodiment, the system includes an access control system for enabling access to the POS registers, the off-line processor or the shared memory if operation of those are authorized.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.Inventors: Martin J. Moderi, Shigeharu Matsumoto, Paul M. Bouzide, Yung-Chun Tsau, Inge B. Kristiansen, Patrick F. Castor, John W. Nelson, Roger W. Carlson
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Patent number: 5497141Abstract: An alert system for alerting a supervisor when an employee has worked beyond a predetermined time limit. The alert system comprises a time collection device that is interfaced with at least one alarm device. The time collection device is selectably operable to detect the input time when the employee clocks in and to generate an alert message when the employee works beyond the predetermined time limit. The predetermined time limit is set to a predetermined amount of time before a potential labor control violation, such as a violation of child labor laws or a violation of wage and hour laws, is about to occur. The time collection device comprises an input device interfaced with a controller which has the predetermined time limit stored in memory. The time collection device also includes a timer that is interfaced with the controller. The timer records the time that the employee clocks in and monitors the elapsed time after the input time.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Timecorp Systems, Inc.Inventors: Marshall R. Coles, Robert P. Brooks, Antony J. Castagno
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Patent number: 5491672Abstract: A watchman's clock system comprises a time clock unit capable of interrogating and receiving a coded response from a passive radio frequency responder, typically an identification coded radio frequency tag, located at a site to be visited.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1994Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Roster Control Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Royston Ferris
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Patent number: 5291399Abstract: A distributed data processing network includes multiple memory card databases at terminal nodes of the network. The network is programmed to automatically perform routine communications operations such as conveying identification information between the terminal nodes and interior nodes. The network is implemented in a hospital environment and the databases include information on patients and hospital personnel. Using the automatic communications facilities of the network patient information from the database is displayed at a nurse station when the patient initiates a nurse-call or automatically when medication, also recorded on the card, is due. In addition, the system may be used to locate hospital personnel and equipment, to audit the use of controlled substances and to automatically assemble emergency response teams.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1990Date of Patent: March 1, 1994Assignee: Executone Information Systems, Inc.Inventor: John Chaco
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Patent number: 5266947Abstract: A parking data transfer system has first and second communications devices. The first communications devices each include a timing device, a first display for displaying a parking time and first transmitter for transmitting a notification when the time measured by the timing device has reached the parking time. The second communications devices each include a notifying device for notifying receipt of the notification transmitted by the first transmitter. The first communications device modifies the parking time on receipt of an updating signal transmitted by the second communications device.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1991Date of Patent: November 30, 1993Assignees: Max Inc., Nihon Keiei Kikaku Kenkyujo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Fujiwara, Ikuo Nishitaka
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Patent number: 5245163Abstract: A queue monitoring and/or control system for monitoring and/or controlling a queue of persons waiting for service by a plurality of clerks. A card dispenser dispenses sequentially-numbered cards to persons as each joins the end of the queue; a card reader for each clerk for reading the card number when received by the clerk from each person as each reaches a clerk at the beginning of the queue. A real time clock for indicates the queue joining time for each card dispensed by the dispenser to a person when joining the end of the queue, and the clerk reaching time for each card read by the card readers as each person reaches a clerk at the beginning of the queue. A data processor processes the above data according to permissible queue parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: The Taylor Institute for Industrial Management Science Ltd.Inventor: Abraham Bar-Yehuda
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Patent number: 5245162Abstract: A method for determining the sequence of arrival or the racing time of a large number of participants in the track and field events, the method comprising steps of bar-coding a racing number of each participant; causing a bar-code label to be carried by each participant; sequentially reading, by a bar-code reader, the racing number on the bar code label carried by each participant who has passed the finish line; and introducing, as inputs, into a computer with timers being incorporated therein, those data as read by the bar code reader.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1990Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Inventor: Kazuo Takahashi
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Patent number: 5191192Abstract: A non-contact type information card includes a modulating/demodulating circuit, an antenna circuit, a CPU, a RAM, and a clock signal generating circuit. In the non-contact type information card, when the modulating/demodulating circuit receives a new command signal, the CPU determines whether first and second identification information in the new command signal agrees with the first and second identification information in an old command signal. When the first and second identification information of the new command signal agree with that of the old command signal, the CPU stops the operation of the clock generating circuit until the next command signal is received.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: March 2, 1993Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenichi Takahira, Kazuo Asami