Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compressing data points. The invention compresses the representation of a sequence of points in a space by, for example, dividing the sequence of points into segments of successive points and then compressing each of the segments irrespective of the compression applied to the other segments. The dividing may include dividing the points sequence into segments of S successive points. The value of S may be the value of S generating the smallest of the multiple compressions. The compression may include compressing each of the segments of S successive, i-bit points into segments of j-bit points, where j<=i,j may vary from segment to segment and, for any given segment, j is the minimum number of bits necessary to represent the data in that given segment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compressing data points. The invention compresses the representation of a sequence of points in a space by, for example, dividing the sequence of points into segments of successive points and then compressing each of the segments irrespective of the compression applied to the other segments. The dividing may include dividing the points sequence into segments of S successive points. The value of S may be the value of S generating the smallest of the multiple compressions. The compression may include compressing each of the segments of S successive, i-bit points into segments of j-bit points, where j<=i, j may vary from segment to segment and, for any given segment, j is the minimum number of bits necessary to represent the data in that given segment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for compressing data points. The invention compresses the representation of a sequence of points in a space by, for example, dividing the sequence of points into segments of successive points and then compressing each of the segments irrespective of the compression applied to the other segments. The dividing may include dividing the points sequence into segments of S successive points. The value of S may be the value of S generating the smallest of the multiple compressions. The compression may include compressing each of the segments of S successive, i-bit points into segments of j-bit points, where j<=i, j may vary from segment to segment and, for any given segment, j is the minimum number of bits necessary to represent the data in that given segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PCMCIA-compliant generic laptop computer or personal digital assistant (“PDA”) device with an add-on module that together with the device forms a portable point of sale transaction terminal. The add-on module is a self-contained unit that includes a magnetic stripe reader or a smartcard reader with a PCMCIA-compatible interface. Optionally, the module also includes any or all of a pinpad unit, a printer unit, a fingerprint unit, a signature capture unit, and a virtual pinpad unit. The module housing includes a protruding snout-like member that includes a PCMCIA connector. This snout-like member on the module housing slides into the PCMCIA slot of the computer, PDA, or similar device to make mechanical and electrical connections. Software storable and executed by the computer or PDA device includes driver definitions and routines to permit the device to read and process information read by the module from the credit or smartcard.

Abstract: Inadvertent disconnection between a receptacle and a modular connector is achieved by fitting the connector with a new type of protective sleeve. The sleeve interior defines a first cavity sized to accept the connector and further defines a smaller cavity sized to admit the projecting connector tail. With the connector mated to the receptacle, the sleeve is slid forward. The exposed portion of the connector fits within the first sleeve cavity, and the connector tail fits within and is captured by the smaller cavity. The smaller cavity defines a connector tail capture region that constrains movement of the connector tail. More particularly, the capture region prevents unintended movement of the connector tail in a direction that would release the connector from the receptacle. This arrest feature prevents interruption of the connector-receptacle mechanical and electrical connection.