Abstract: A key for accessing an electronic lock that also has an optical scanner includes a user interface, first and second memories and a shared data transfer circuit. The first memory serves to store access data detailing identities of locks accessed by the key. The second memory stores data scanned by the scanner. The access data and the scanned data can both be downloaded from the key via the shared data transfer circuit.

Abstract: A passport 1 with an anti-counterfeit ID chip that certifies the identity and the nationality of a passport holder entering and departing a country comprises a passport body 3 having printed thereto a photograph 2 for identifying the passport owner. A particle-like micro ID chip storing at least an identification photograph information of the passport owner comparable with the identification photograph 2 printed on the passport body 3 is embedded in the passport body. Whether a passport is counterfeited or not is judged by comparing the identification photograph 2 printed on the passport body 3 with the photograph information of the passport owner read out from the ID chip 4 and displayed on a screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reading coded information, comprising illumination means, means for picking-up a luminous signal diffused by an illuminated support containing coded information, means for detecting the luminous signal intended to generate an electrical signal that is proportional to said luminous signal (for example, an electrical signal with an amplitude variable, along at least one reading direction, between at least one maximum value Vmax and at least one minimum value Vmin), and means for processing said electrical signal, intended to extract the information content from it. The device further comprises means for varying, preferably point by point, the amplitude pattern of said electrical signal along said at least one reading direction so as to generate an electrical signal having a predetermined amplitude pattern, for example, substantially constant.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for counting the number of people crossing from one side of a given threshold to the other. The apparatus comprises a plurality of sensing means (10) for mounting above the threshold, each capable of detecting an item passing beneath it. Processing means compare the detection signals of each pair of adjacent sensing means to prevent the same person from being counted separately by the adjacent sensing means.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (12, 200, 302) is provided. The machine may be operative to install a terminal master key (TK) therein in response to at least one input from a single operator. The machine may include an EPP (204) that is operative to remotely receive an encrypted terminal master key from a host system (210, 304). The machine may authenticate and decrypt the terminal master key prior to accepting the terminal master key. The machine may further output through a display device (30) of the machine a one-way hash of at least one public key associated with the host system. The machine may continue with the installation of the terminal master key in response to an operator confirming that the one-way hash of the public key corresponds to a value independently known by the operator to correspond to the host system.

Abstract: A signal sequencing control means is provided for an electronic device. The sequencing control means includes an electronic circuit (2) and timing means, to allow a sequence of control signals to be activated in a pre-determined order for operation of the device and deactivated in a reverse order for disabling the device. The electronic circuit is driven to generate the sequence of control signals in a forward and reverse direction along the same circuit path. The electronic circuit can be a smart card.

Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus and methods for a family of electronic devices based on the concept of a Personalized Authenticated Controller (PAC). The PAC is able to recognize characteristics of an authorized person and allows only that person to rapidly communicate authenticated identification and requests to access, control and transact with many “smart” Instrumentalities designed with compatible communication capabilities. The PAC is conveniently combined with an electronic wristwatch and worn by its user. Personal Smart Instrumentalities, such as vehicles and firearms, will operate without difficulty for their owners but become worthless if stolen. Commercial Smart Instrumentalities, such as merchants and banks, can quickly communicate with the customer's PAC to establish positive personal identification and optionally charge purchases or transfer funds. Various security features are incorporated to ensure authentication of the customer and integrity of the transaction.

Abstract: A card reader separable from a host machine is provided. The card reader includes a main body having a first card-placing slot for placing therein a first memory card, a connection port mounted on the main body for separably connecting with a plug, and a carrying rack mounted inside the host machine for mounting thereon the plug and separable carrying the main body so that the card reader can be separated from the host machine. The mobile card reader provided here is able to be used in both ways of being built-in the host machine and being connected from the outside.

Abstract: A retail terminal is utilized as a gateway to an electronic billing application that allows a user to gain access to the electronic billing application and thereafter tender payment for the bill. A paper bill that is sent to a user is encoded with user login information that is obtainable by the retail terminal. The retail terminal obtains the user login information from the bill and logs the user into the electronic billing application. Various peripheral devices associated with the retail terminal are configured to accept payment for the bill. In one form, the user login information is encoded as a bar code on the bill that contains a user ID and, optionally, a password. The present invention improves the usability and reliability of an electronic billing application. Further, the present invention minimizes the chance that a user will erroneously enter someone else's account number, and provide a level of security by ensuring that the user is in possession of the printed bill.

Abstract: The invention provides a processing system, comprising a detector to detect a unitary barcode on a film, the barcode identifying the film and a camera, thereby identifying a film/camera combination; and a memory to store a plurality of processing algorithms, one or more of the processing algorithms corresponding to a particular film/camera combination and being optimized in relation to one or more of the parameters of the respective film/camera combination; and a selector to select the corresponding processing algorithm on identification of the film/camera combination, to process optimally the film. The invention provides a system in which the use of custom designed algorithms specifically optimized for the film/camera or even film/camera-lens combination and the usage pattern of OTUCs, enables optimization of output images from the film to be obtained.

Abstract: A self service check cashing apparatus, for use by a customer with a check to be cashed. The apparatus utilizes biometric technology for security against fraudulent check cashing. A method for utilizing the self service check cashing apparatus is also provided. Thumb prints and photos are used as part of the authentication process. The apparatus is also directly connected to a check verification network to insure accurate transactions. Optical character recognition (OCR) and magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) can be utilized as check reading technology by the apparatus.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a processor (22) having a number of registers in a register bank (50). The registers include a general purpose register (52a) and a stack pointer register (52b) having a common register name. Processor (22) includes logic responsive to programming to perform a program instruction that references the common register name. This instruction is performed with general purpose register (52a) under a first condition and with stack pointer register (52b) under a second condition. Accordingly, multiple registers identified by the same name can be selectively accessed based on the establishment of certain conditions.

Abstract: A promotional tool and a vehicle used to distribute products, information, gift certificates, pre-paid phone cards, and coupons for businesses, corporations, retail establishments, universities, and sales personnel. A customized gift card displays professionally created artwork, logos and graphics that best portray the provider's intent for the overall design. The card is folded, die-cut and glued to receive a multimedia disc, gift certificate, coupon or phone card. A Multimedia Disc is included as a gift with each card. It is a digital medium that contains professionally recorded digital music and a variety of audio, video, and graphic information regarding the provider. It is placed in the card so the label which supports the card's overall design, is in view. A gift certificate, coupon, or a prepaid phone card can be placed in the card for easy accessibility and scanning by a retailer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a chip card which is provided with a plastic card body (1) comprising several layers, an integrated circuit that is arranged in a chip module (2) and at least two additional electronic components (3,4) for producing an interactive chip card. The components and the chip module are connected to each other by means of strip conductors (4, 5, 9) which are arranged on a carrier layer (8) and metallic contact surfaces (7) which are connected to the conductors. According to the invention, several cover layers (10, 11) are mounted on the conductor carrier layer. Said cover layers are provided with recesses (15, 16, 15′, 16′) corresponding to the metallic contact surfaces (7).

Abstract: A semi-automated shopping system includes a main cart assembly that has a frame portion. The frame portion provides both horizontal and vertical support for the main cart assembly. The frame portion has a bottom section. A plurality of wheels is operationally coupled to the bottom section. The plurality of wheels facilitates transport of the main cart assembly. The main cart assembly has a storage portion designed for receiving multiple items to be purchased. A scanner assembly is designed for recognizing universal product codes applied to a surface of an item to be purchased. The scanner assembly is operationally coupled to the main cart assembly. A processor assembly is operationally coupled to the scanner assembly. The processor assembly provides a plurality of data items associated with the universal product code.

Abstract: A billing method is provided for billing for medical treatments and other services. The method includes capturing a treatment event by electronically scanning, at the time of the treatment event, a machine readable patient identifier (e.g., a bar code) carried by a patient treatment chart. The chart has entered thereon a prescribed treatment schedule. Capture of treatment event is entered into a computerized billing system along with the corresponding patient identifier. The patient treatment chart is used to validate charges entered into the system. All treatment events that are entered into the billing system for a particular patient identifier are collected and an invoice is generated for all of the collected treatment events entered into the billing system for the specific patient identifier. A method is also provided for tracking the patient treatment chart as an alerting device in checking on charge capture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a confidence level of a decoded barcode value is disclosed. A digit score is assigned to a digit within a barcode. When decoding the barcode, if a deduction is required to decode the digit, then the digit score for the digit is reduced accordingly. After all the digits within the barcode have been decoded, a total score of a decoded barcode value can be determined by adding all the digit scores for all the digits within the barcode. The total score of the decoded barcode value is reduced if a checksum is used to ascertain the value of any digit within the barcode. The decoded barcode value can be accepted only if the total score exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A use information judging means compares use information recorded in use information recording means with a predetermined condition value to judge whether or not the use information agrees with the predetermined condition value. When the use information judges that the use information agrees with the condition value, rewriting means rewrites content information stored in content information storing means. The use information can include an accumulated used amount of money or use times. The content information can include a royalty service rate, a premium rate or a limit of usable amount of money.

Abstract: A method is described for the identification and localization of objects, where at least one transponder provided on the respective object is excited to emit transponder data stored in the transponder which characterize the respective object and where the transponder data emitted are detected. The object is additionally scanned by at least one optical sensor. Furthermore, the object is identified and its location determined from a combination of optical data detected by the optical sensor and the transponder data identified. Furthermore, a corresponding apparatus for the performance of the method is described.

Abstract: A method for judging coercive force of a magnetic card to judge coercive force of a magnetic card to be used. According to the method for judging coercive force of a magnetic card for reproducing or recording magnetic information formed on a low coercive force card or a high coercive force card inserted from a card slot by a magnetic head, after erasing data of an inserted card by an electric current capable of erasing data of only a low coercive force card (step S32), the data of the card is reproduced (step S33), the inserted card is judged as the low coercive force card (step S36) if the data has been destroyed (No at the step S34). Destruction of the data is judged based on the number of times of flux reversal of the reproduced data or by a fact that specific data (STX code) which should be recorded on a predetermined card is not recognized.