Abstract: An automated document cashing system is provided with an automated machine that cashes monetary transaction documents such as checks, money orders, and that makes deposit entries into the bank account of the user after validation of the user and monetary transaction document, without the aid of a bank teller. Validation of the identity of the user is performed with the use of a card associated with intelligence that identifies the user. A biometric device also may be used in identifying the validity of the user. Validation of the document involves one or more of: validating the presence of a signature; validating the amount of the monetary transaction document including a manual entry of the amount by the user; validating CAR against the LAR; and validating the banking system parameters and rules for the customer and/or the transaction. To assist in the automatic analysis of data on monetary transactional documents or on remittance documents, the user is prompted to provide a bounding box about the data.

Abstract: A capture station for creating identification documents comprises a housing including a camera and lighting device, a base, and at least one leg extending from the base. The housing is mounted to the leg to enable height adjustment of the camera. One configuration of the capture station has two substantially rigid and parallel legs with the housing mounted between the legs. Configurations of the capture station can include a processor, such a CPU or embedded controller, enabling ID document data capture functions to be executed within the capture station, and to be controlled via a remote computer via a network connection. In one embodiment, the processor is housed in the base and communicates with the camera via wiring routed through the leg. Peripherals used in capture functions, such as a fingerprint reader, signature pad, display, etc., may be mounted to the leg via clamps, or a plug in receptacle with power and communication wiring provided in the leg.

Abstract: An anti-masking system and method for a motion detector includes a plurality of anti-masking components such as a spreading lens, at least one reflector located outside a housing of the motion detector, and a retroreflector located on the housing proximate to a lens. The system and method uses the plurality of anti-masking components to determine whether the lens of the motion detector has been masked by an object.

Abstract: A portable security device for displaying articles of merchandise in a retail environment has a base formed with a plurality of holes arranged in predetermined patterns for mounting the device on a plurality of different support structures. A housing containing an alarm system, a retractor and an alarm cable is contained within the housing. The housing is locked on the base by a key operated tumbler attached to the base. The base is mounted on the various support structures by fasteners, the attachment heads thereof being concealed within the housing. A plunger switch at the outer end of the alarm cable is activated when the cable is attached to an item of merchandise. An audible alarm is sounded if the integrity of the alarm cable is comprised or if the item of merchandise is removed therefrom. In a modified embodiment, a space is provided between the alarm and mounting base providing increased sound alarm level in all directions.

Abstract: A security system for protecting a plurality of items of merchandise on display in a retail environment. Each of the items is connected to a sensor which is removably mounted in a display module and connected thereto by a power cord. A single alarm module located in an inaccessible location is connected to each of the display modules by another power cord. A power cord connects each of the display modules to a source of electricity for supplying electric power to the sensor through the display module and then to the displayed item for maintaining the charge on a battery of the displayed item. The alarm unit contains an internal power source for controlling the alarm circuitry. A plunger switch and LED may be contained in the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to monitoring and providing information regarding usage or presentment of a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued identification documents. One claim recites: a method of operating a data repository including storing data relating to use or presentment of a person's identification credential in first and second different contexts; analyzing the data for evidence of fraudulent usage based on at least predetermined criteria; and if there is evidence of fraudulent usage, notifying the person to the fraudulent usage. Another claim recites: obtaining information from a government-issued identification document for a person, the information initially gathered from the government-issued identification document during presentation at a first location; providing the information to a data center or data repository; and providing a notification to the person concerning said presentation, the notification including data identifying the first location.

Abstract: A device for displaying a display item includes a mounting member which includes a first mounting element and a second mounting element which is mountable on the display item and movable relative to the first mounting element between different display positions to position the display item as desired, typically to center the display item. The first mounting element includes a base and lid which define an interior chamber and an elongated entrance opening. The second mounting element is disposed within the interior chamber and extends through the entrance opening. The base and lid close to secure the second mounting element relative to the first mounting element. The mounting member may be mounted on a base and removable therefrom for handling and viewing of the display item. An alignment mechanism may be provided for automatically moving the mounting member when on the base from an unaligned orientation to a display orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conducting transactions through a financial network using a document such as a check or money order at an unattended automated machine. For security purposes a signature detector detects the signature and the user uses a card to operate the machine. A reader reads the amount on the document; and, for a check, the LAR and CAR amounts are compared. If the document is a money order, the user may be prompted to endorse the money order if the signature detector fails to detect a signature. A card writer writes an amount on the card related to the amount of the transaction being done and a calculator calculates the amount to be written on the card and subtracts a user's service charge. A bill may be paid and a receipt generator will provide a receipt preferably showing payment of the bill and the service charge. If the check or money order is for an amount greater than the bill and service charge amounts, the card writer may write the difference on the card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conducting transactions through a financial network using a document such as a check or money order at an unattended automated machine. For security purposes a signature detector detects the signature and the user uses a card to operate the machine. A reader reads the amount on the document; and, for a check, the LAR and CAR amounts are compared. If the document is a money order, the user may be prompted to endorse the money order if the signature detector fails to detect a signature. A card writer writes an amount on the card related to the amount of the transaction being done and a calculator calculates the amount to be written on the card and subtracts a user's service charge. A bill may be paid and a receipt generator will provide a receipt preferably showing payment of the bill and the service charge. If the check or money order is for an amount greater than the bill and service charge amounts, the card writer may write the difference on the card.

Abstract: Characteristics about one or more wireless access devices in a wireless network, whether known or unknown entities, can be determined using a system and method according to the present invention. An observation is made of the activity over a Wireless Area Network (WLAN). Based on this activity, changes in state of wireless access devices within the WLAN can be observed and monitored. These changes in state could be indicative of normal operation of the WLAN, or they may indicate the presence of an unauthorized user. In the latter case, an alert can be sent so that appropriate action may be taken. Additionally, ad hoc networks can be detected that may be connected to a wireless access point.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved scanning process having microwave arrays comprised of microwave transmitters in radiographic alignment with microwave receivers. The microwave array emits controllably directed microwave radiation toward an object under inspection. The object under inspection absorbs radiation in a manner dependent upon its metal content. The microwave radiation absorption can be used to generate a measurement of metal content. The measurement, in turn, can be used to calculate at least a portion of the volume and shape of the object under inspection. The measurement can be compared to a plurality of predefined threats. The microwave screening system is used in combination with other screening technologies, such as NQR-based screening, X-ray transmission based screening, X-ray scattered based screening, or Computed Tomography based screening.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing an asset include providing a plurality of dispersed, interconnected electronic components integrally attached to a structural member of the secured asset. Each electronic component of the plurality of components is in communication with a remotely accessible interface and includes a memory for storing a respective sub-division of at least one numeric value. The numeric values can be inserted, altered, or deleted remotely through the remotely accessible interface. Upon detection of an attempted breach of the secured asset or tamper with the structural member, one or more of the stored sub-divisions are selectively destroyed. Detection of an attempted breach or tamper is remotely observable upon inspection of a previously stored numeric value, subsequently altered in response to detection of a breach of the secured asset.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include devices, systems and methods of mounting audio/video capturing equipment. For example, a mounting device for mounting equipment onto a helmet includes: a support structure having one or more gripping mechanisms adapted to be fitted to one or more locations of the helmet; and a camera mount, at a first location of the support structure, to support a camera at a desired image-capturing position.

Abstract: A theft-deterrent device includes first and second members mountable on a pair of sliding doors for activating an alarm when the doors are opened, and is particularly useful with a display cabinet containing items of merchandise and having transparent sliding doors. The alarm may be mounted on the cabinet with a tether connecting the alarm and one of the first and second members. Preferably, a magnet and a magnetically activated switch are carried by the first and second members so that when the magnet moves away from the switch, an electrical circuit opens to activate the alarm. The first member is connected to one door with a portion adjacent one side of the door and a portion extending around the end of the door. The second member is connected to the other door and is preferably a thin member which fits between the doors when opened.

Abstract: A display stand for displaying an article of merchandise includes a base defining an outer periphery and means for dispensing and collecting a helical cable attached to the article of merchandise. The means for dispensing and collecting supports and guides the helical cable along the outer periphery of the base between a retracted length and an extracted length. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one wheel disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include at least one roller disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a low-friction surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The dispensing and collecting means may include a scalloped surface disposed on the outer periphery of the base. The display stand may further include a collection tube for delivering the helical cable to the article.

Abstract: A lock system includes keys, key blanks, keyways, and lock cylinders, and the keys or key blanks have opposite sides formed with grooves for cooperating with a conforming keyway. More particularly, the sides of the key or key blank have a portion grooved for registration, another portion grooved for top-level hierarchical master keying, and two other portions, one on each side of the blade, for further master key variations and different combinations. One of the two further sections being curvilinear and the other rectangular or angular cuts. The conforming keyway of the lock includes ridges and grooves corresponding to the grooves and ridges, respectively, of the key or key blank. Instruments other than keys or key blanks may be used to enter the grooves and ridges of the keyway to operate the lock without the use of a precisely configured key.

Abstract: Active tags are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an active tag is made similar to a shell in shape. The tag includes two parts, one is referred to as a cover and the other one is referred to as a base. The base includes a trigger tip (e.g., a reset switch) that is engaged when the two parts are closed. In an exemplary application, the needle of the cover part goes through a piece of garment and is engaged into the cover. These two parts can be disengaged by a detacher that is typically controlled by a casher (e.g., at point of sale). One of the important features in the present invention is that the tag is active, which means the shell tag will set off an alarming audio if disengaged improperly or without authorization.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an air travel agent who reviews photo IDs of prospective travelers is advised by an expert system that directs the agent to give certain travelers more or less (or different) scrutiny, depending on the type of photo ID they present (e.g., depending on the jurisdiction from which their driver's license was issued). The system relies on a database in which historical incidents of fraud associated with different types of identification documents are logged, thereby serving as a resource by which future frauds might be better identified. Events that may signal increases in fraud beyond historical norms for particular types of ID documents, such as reported thefts of security laminates or other consumables used in their production, can also (or alternatively) be tracked in the database, and considered by the expert system. Such techniques allow security personnel to focus their efforts where they will do the most good.

Abstract: A computer performs dynamic address isolation. The computer comprises an application associated with an application address, a network interface coupled to receive incoming data packets from and transmit outgoing data packets to an external network, a network address translation engine configured to translate between the application address and a public address, and a driver for automatically forwarding the outgoing data packets to the network address translation engine to translate the application address to the public address, and for automatically forwarding the incoming data packets to the network address translation engine to translate the public address to the application address. The computer may communicate with a firewall configured to handle both network-level security and application-level security.