Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory, a communication interface in communication with a network, a first processor, and a second process different from the first processor. The first processor configured to receive data from a user device and to separate the data into a first data set including metadata associated with a user of the user device and a second data set including anonymized data associated with a set of actions to be performed on a predetermined schedule. The second processor is configured to receive the second data set from the first processor and a user input associated with a selection of a simulation and at least one additional action otherwise not included in the set of actions. The second processor configured to perform the simulation using the second data set to simulate an acceleration of the predetermined schedule as a result of the at least one additional action.

Abstract: A method for setting discrimination criterion information pieces for one or more additional denominations in a coin discrimination apparatus is provided, which eliminates the task of visiting the installation location of an existing coin discrimination apparatus to exchange this apparatus for a new one including discrimination criterion information pieces for one or more additional denominations and the task of setting discrimination criterion information pieces for the one or more additional denominations manually in the apparatus. A target denomination is designated from current denominations whose discrimination criterion information pieces are stored in a coin discrimination apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a counterfeit bill is provided. The apparatus includes a camera module configured to receive a captured IR image of a bill; a binary image generator configured to generate a binary image of the bill, based on the IR image; a distance value calculator configured to compare a predetermined area of the binary image with a predetermined area of a pre-stored real bill database corresponding to the predetermined area of the binary image; and a corrected image generator configured to generate a corrected image based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A mobile communication device and method for identifying a counterfeit bill are provided. In the method, an InfraRed (IR) image of a bill is received, feature values are extracted from the IR image to represent edges, a binary image having displayed pixels and non-displayed pixels is generated based on the feature values, and a corrected image is generated by overlaying the binary image on a pre-stored real bill database and adjusting the binary image to match a predetermined area of the binary image matches to the predetermined area of the real bill database. A number of displayed pixels in the corrected image is counted, and whether the bill is counterfeit is based on the number of displayed pixels in the corrected image.

Abstract: A subset of unique codes is generated from a set of codes. The subset of codes are stored in a database on a secure server and each of the codes is marked on a corresponding instantiation of the product. The marked instantiations are distributed. During their distribution, the marked instantiations are verified for authenticity and for routing. This verification is performed by reading or scanning the codes on the instantiations, and transmitting that information to the secure server for comparison against the codes and other information located in the database contained of the secure server.

Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.

Abstract: A teaching apparatus for enterprise input-output includes a base, said base defining a market system; a first block body defining a management module; a plurality of bands defining a production system and a product development system module, and a business system module, each band being sandwiched between two adjacent cuboids of the first block body; a vertical column defining a planning system module; a second block body defining a strategy module; a reverse quadrangle cone defining an information processing module; a cuboid vertical column disposed at a top of the reverse quadrangle cone; and a core solid column defining an internal information system, the core solid column penetrating through a center of the first block body, the bands, the vertical column, the second block body, the reverse quadrangle cone, and the cuboid vertical column.

Abstract: A linear base has a coin-rod-receiving face and a predetermined number of numerical indicia. A first coin rod represents a first denomination of coin in a currency system; the first coin rod has a measuring direction dimension that is equal to a number of numerical indicia that is proportional to the value of the first denomination of coin in the currency system. The first coin rod is disposed on the coin-rod-receiving face. A second coin rod represents a second denomination of coin in the currency system. The second denomination is different than the first denomination. The second coin rod has a measuring direction dimension that is equal to a number of numerical indicia that is proportional to the value of the second denomination of coin in the currency system. The second coin rod is disposed on the coin-rod-receiving face.

Abstract: A method of teaching personal financial skills to a student includes providing a balance of simulated funds within a simulated bank account. Simulated bills are transmitted to a student on a periodic basis via at least one of a courier and an electronic transmission, wherein at least some of the simulated bills are transmitted on different dates and impose different due dates. Simulated payments are received from a student corresponding to the simulated bills via at least one of a courier and an electronic transmission. The simulated payments are processed upon receipt and the balance of the simulated funds is reconciled within the simulated bank account to reflect the simulated payments. A computer usable media having encoded thereon a computer implemented method for simulating financial transactions is also provided. System and kits are also provided.

Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.

Abstract: The present invention relies on a band moiré image layout model capable of predicting the band moiré image layer layout produced when superposing a base band grating layer of a given layout and revealing line grating layer of a given layout. The base band grating layer, the revealing line grating layer and the resulting band moiré image layout may have a rectilinear or a curvilinear layout. Thanks to the band moiré image layout model, one can choose the layout of two layers selected from the set of base band grating layer, revealing line grating layer and band moiré image layer and obtain the layout of the third layer by computation, i.e. automatically. The presented methods may be used for creating an individualized protection for various categories of documents (banknotes, identity documents, checks, diploma, travel documents, tickets) and valuable products (optical disks, medical drugs, products with affixed labels, watches).

Abstract: A currency examining system for detecting counterfeit currency. There is a magnifying device, substantially above the bill of currency being examined, configured to magnify the image of the currency; a transparent support member, substantially below the magnifying device, whereupon currency for examination may be placed; and a light unit, substantially below the transparent support member, configured to illuminate so as to show light through the transparent support member. Additionally there is a security mark index display, being configured to provide indicia of various security marks for determining authenticity of a bill of currency. The currency examining system also includes an adjustable frame member; a reflective member configured to reflect and direct light from the light unit generally towards the bill of currency being examined; and a control device in communication with the light unit, configured to control the intensity of light emitted from the light unit.

Abstract: A system of language learning applies economic theory to provide speakers and learners of each of plural languages. Remote users teach the native languages to one another by providing practice time for users seeking to learn such language. A computer keeps track of the value and cost of teaching and learning time in each language.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy bank that includes a toy or toy housing, a money bank, and a computer interface in communication with the money bank. The money bank has a storage compartment; one or more unidirectional slots for receiving coins, dollar bills, or both; a compartment door at the storage compartment; and a processor to calculate an amount of coins, dollar bills, or both. The present invention also pertains to a toy bank that includes a pet carrier and a money bank, wherein the money bank is removably attached to the pet carrier. The present invention further relates to a toy bank that includes a toy and a money bank integrated with the toy. The present invention also includes systems and methods that incorporate the toy bank.

Abstract: A document handling system is configured for detecting counterfeit bills using infrared light. The document handling system comprises an infrared light source, a sensor that is adapted to produce an output signal in response to infrared light illumination of a document, and a processor that is programmed to receive the signal and to authenticate the document based thereon.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a collating section which collates image information from a scanner with a specific image and determines whether or not there is a same portion, and a line delay section which outputs the image information after delaying the image information in accordance with time spent on collation processing. Because a dedicated memory is unnecessary due to timing between processing of the collation processing section and other processings being coordinated at the line delay section, a large reduction in costs can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating special needs children about money includes a easel having a display page having ferromagnetic properties arranged to display the display page to a child and specimen money and a plurality of graphics cards having magnetic properties adapted for mounting on the display page. The graphics cards include a first money card having numeric depictions stating values of money so the child can place corresponding money on the display page in association with the numeric depictions, a second money card having depictions of various ones of the money so that the child can place several items of money on the graphics card of lesser value than the depicted money to arrive at the value of the depicted money, and a third money card having numeric depictions stating various values, so that the child can place several items of money of lesser value than the numeric depiction to arrive at the value of the numeric depiction.

Abstract: A method of semi-continuous currency processing using separator cards to separate currency stacks in a batch of currency fed into a currency processing machine. This currency processing method uses separator cards that facilitate the continuous processing of individual currency stacks without the necessity of stopping the process between each currency stack. The separator cards used contain features that allow for a positive delineation between individual currency stacks and the association of account data with each individual currency stack and its accompanying separator card as it is processed by the currency processing machine.

Abstract: An electronic calculator allows a user to quickly add up change. The user simply pushes one of the coin switches clearly marked to represent a particular coin denomination in order to add up the change. Each time a coin switch is activated, an accumulated sum is incremented by a value associated with the value of the coin denomination represented by the activated coin switch. The accumulated sum is then displayed to the user. If the user depresses the wrong coin switch, an error switch is provided which subtracts the previous entry made from the tabulated sum to arrive at the tabulated sum previous to the depression of the coin switch.

Abstract: An adjustable bill-discrimination system which detects at least one of physical quantities of a bill and compares the detected data of the bill with a predetermined discrimination level to determine whether a bill is damaged or not, wherein a detection means detects at least one of physical quantities of a damaged bill selected by an operator. The detected physical quantities are stored in a memory means, and the data stored in the memory means are used as a level in accordance with which it is determined whether a bill is damaged or not; in other words, to discriminate damaged bills from clean ones. Preferably, the memory means is a reloadable memory means whereby data written to the reloadable memory means can be replaced by fresh data when an operator wishes.

Abstract: An electronic learning device (10) for teaching how to handle money is provided. A student provides input to the device, in a preferred embodiment, by a plurality of keys (40) which select the learning activity and its difficulty level. In certain activities, the device (10) requests (visually and/or auditorily) the student to engage in randomly selected currency identification/manipulation problems. The student's response is compared with the correct response, and the information concerning the appropriateness of the response is provided to the student. In the case of erroneous response, the correct response can be presented to the student both arally and visually. A speech synthesizer (28) (and/or visual display)) (20) serve to generate a reguest to the student concerning the student's response.

Abstract: A coin cue device having a pliable support, a circular backing secured to the pliable support and elevated pictorial coin indicia integrally bound to the circular backing. A circular ridge is secured to the pliable support and to the circular backing, and a removable backing is removably secured to the back of the pliable support. A method for aiding the handicapped in determining which monetary coins are to be desposited in a machine.

Abstract: A system for arranging money values into a three-tiered arrangement, including a "Basic Money Lab", "Intermediate Money Lab", and "Advanced Money Lab"; each of the tiers including a plurality of envelopes arranged in ascending order of money values, each envelope in the Basic Money Lab providing coin indicia on the external surface of the envelope, wherein a student is to recognize the coin value and to place that amount of coins within the envelope. The system requires that the student work progressively through the system of envelopes, and recording his progress on a progress chart for that particular lab. Upon completing the Basic Money Lab, the student then moves to the Intermediate Money Lab which includes greater dollar amounts on the series of envelopes; than, and to the Advanced Money Lab which includes various consumer items pictorially depicted on the front portion of the envelope and the money value which would be required to purchase that particular item.

Abstract: An educational game including a game board. The game board is a sheet of material having top and bottom surfaces. Each of the surfaces has a plurality of circular recesses therein. The recesses are of a number of predetermined diameters slightly larger than the diameters of various coin denominations. The top surface of the sheet is divided into a number of sub-areas. Each sub-area is divided into first and second portions and all the portions include at least one of the recesses. The first portion of each sub-area includes recesses having diameters which are slightly larger than the diameters of coins summing a certain monetary value. Each second portion of every sub-area includes recesses having diameters slightly larger than the diameters of coins which also total the certain monetary value. This teaches the equivalency of coins since, in all the sub-areas, the coins in the first portion are equal in value to the coins in the second portion.

Abstract: A manipulative system is disclosed which is adapted to teach basic relationships between coins and bills of different denominations and basic change-making skills to students with limited learning capacity. A board overlayed with the images of one hundred coins of the smallest denomination disposed in a five by twenty array is used in conjunction with first and second series of overlays, each having several subsets. The overlays have various quantities of images of the smallest denomination coin imprinted thereon. Some overlays in a first series have a tab carrying the image of a coin equivalent in value to the summation of the coins of the lowest denomination imprinted on a given overlay. The two overlay series have distinctly different background colors to facilitate an understanding of the changemaking process.

Abstract: A game apparatus for challenging the mental dexterity of two or more players and teaching children readily how to recognize, add and remember monetary sums is disclosed, which uses three cubical members, two main members, one of which has indicia on its faces corresponding primarily to common coins, e.g., 1.cent., 5.cent., 10.cent., 25.cent., 50.cent., and $1; and the other of which has indicia on its faces corresponding to common monetary notes, e.g., $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100; and a lead member which has indicia of instructions on its face, e.g., score, no score, and second chance. The members are housed in a box-like container with a transparent top and thrown by the players in sequencial innings, with the individual player's score in each inning being determined by the upper face amount and the instruction. Each player accumulates his score from his innings and the first to reach a specific amount, such as one grand ($1,000), is declared the winner.

Abstract: A toy of an educational nature including a plurality of receptacles in a supporting frame respectively for toy coins of different sizes and arranged to be received only in one of the receptacles as controlled by the size of the entrance opening for that particular coin. The value of the coins are prominently shown on the respective toy coins and such values are also shown adjacent the entrance openings. Ejector mechanism also is included to effect removal of the coins from the respective receptacles.

Abstract: A total of thirteen identically appearing coins is provided in lieu of the usual twelve coins. Eleven of these thirteen coins are made identical in weight to result in eleven identical coins and two remaining coins. One of the remaining coins is heavier than any one of the eleven identical coins and the other of the remaining coins is lighter. These two remaining coins are undistinguishable from the eleven identical coins without some sort of the aid to the human senses. Such an aid is provided to enable separation of the two remaining coins from the eleven identical coins when they are all mixed up at the start of the game. One of the two remaining coins can then be added to the eleven coins to make up the necessary twelve coins to work the puzzle. The player does not know whether a lighter or heavier coin has been added and thus a new and challenging game is presented each time.

Abstract: An educational time teaching device especially useful for teaching children to tell time is disclosed. A base member has a plurality of coins mounted on it, the coins defining a minute scale from five to sixty in five minute intervals thereon, based upon the value of the coins. A dial member has an hour scale on it and can be detachably mounted in angularly aligned superposed relationship with the minute scale on the base member. An hour hand is provided and may be pivotably and detachably mounted on the base member alone or on the dial member when it is in angularly aligned superposed relationship with the base member.

Abstract: A method of semi-continuous currency processing using separator cards to separate currency stacks in a batch of currency fed into a currency processing machine. This currency processing method uses separator cards that facilitate the continuous processing of individual currency stacks without the necessity of stopping the process between each currency stack. The separator cards used contain features that allow for a positive delineation between individual currency stacks and the association of account data with each individual currency stack and its accompanying separator card as it is processed by the currency processing machine.