Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to act as a magnetic stripe read-head detector and a data transmitter. A multiple layer flexible PCB may be fabricated to include multiple magnetic emulators. An emulator may include a coil that includes magnetic, ferromagnetic, or ferromagnetic, material in the coil's interior. Coils may be associated with zones. As a read-head is detected to move from zone-to-zone, coils may be activated to transmit information in those zones.

Abstract: A computerized method for generating a time-limited number for use in a payment card transaction involving a payment card issued by a financial institution. The payment card comprises an original payment card number. A first plurality of digits of the original payment card number is provided to a processor. The first plurality of digits are predetermined digits associated to the financial institution. A desired expiration date through which the time-limited number is valid for acceptance in the payment card transaction is provided to the processor. A program is executed by the processor to set a first plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first plurality of digits in the original payment card number, generate a first number corresponding to the desired expiration date, set a second plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first number, and output the time-limited number.

Abstract: A settlement terminal includes a card reader, a settlement processing unit including a processor programmed to carry out a settlement process using information acquired through the card reader and a tampering detection process, a storage device in which a first set of programs is stored after encryption by a first key and a second set of programs is stored after encryption by a second key, each set of programs including a first program for operating the card reader, and a second program for carrying out the settlement process. Upon detection of tampering, the processor of the settlement processing unit notifies an external terminal of the tampering and upon receiving an update instruction from the external terminal, updates a current set of programs used for operating the card reader and carrying out the settlement process from the first set to the second set.

Abstract: A display with a first emissive image and a second image. The display includes a waveguide that includes an image formed from photoluminescent dyes on a surface of the waveguide which is activated by a first light source. A second light source behind said waveguide produces a second image. A light filter is positioned between the waveguide and the second light source. The second light source can illuminate a transparency, such as a translight, or a physical object providing an image that is viewable from the display when the second light source is illuminated and the first light source is not illuminated. The first image is viewable when the first light source associated with the waveguide is activated, emitting, for example, an ultraviolet light that activates the photoluminescent dyes, causing the first image to be viewable.

Abstract: An automatic object identification scanner is equipped with recognition units that provide detection results for objects and a controller that resolves potential conflicts in the results. One form of recognition unit detects product identifiers and flags in a digital payload that is encoded redundantly across packaging or labels applied to packaging. The controller gets detection results and evaluates them relative to a state data structure, which maintains state for identifiers obtained within a time interval, such as a timeout interval or waiting period after a detection result. Identifiers are reported to a POS system depending on logic that evaluates code priority and pending waiting periods.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments include a device for distributing power to devices over an area, with a power density of at least one Watt per ft2 (or 900 cm2 if we go metric). The device includes a flexible substrate; a circuit comprising a thin-film conductor having a thickness of 400 nanometers or less, wherein the circuit is adhered to the substrate; a plurality of devices positioned on the sheet and attached to the circuit wherein each device of the plurality is driven at substantially the same voltage; and the power delivered to the devices is at least 90% of the input power of the energized circuit.

Abstract: Weighted transaction cards and methods of manufacturing the same. The weighted transaction cards may include a tungsten member that comprises at least a portion of a layer of the transaction card. The tungsten member may be encapsulated and/or disposed in an opening of a surround to define an inlay. The inlay may be laminated with one or more additional layers according to traditional card manufacturing techniques (e.g., a hot lamination process). The weighted transaction cards may have a weight significantly greater than traditional plastic transaction cards.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments generally relate to transaction card constructions, and particularly, to a two-piece transaction card construction. Disclosed embodiments include a generally planar first card component including a first surface and a generally planar second card component including a second surface wherein the first card component is separate from the second card component. In disclosed embodiments, for example, the generally planar first card component and the generally planar second card component may be configured such that one forms a cavity and the other forms an inlay component configured to be seated within the cavity. In other embodiments the generally planar first card component and the generally planar second card component may be configured such that one forms a container and the other forms a lid configured to close the container.

Abstract: A computer-based method for authenticating a suspect consumer as an authorized cardholder during a payment card transaction is provided. The method includes registering the authorized cardholder within a portable computer device by receiving a reference sample of the authorized cardholder. The portable computer device includes a processor, a memory, and a camera. The method also includes storing, in the memory, the reference sample of the authorized cardholder and associated payment card information. The method further includes using the camera to capture a transaction sample of the suspect consumer during the payment card transaction using the camera. The method also includes comparing, by the processor, the transaction sample to the reference sample stored in the memory. The method further includes authenticating the suspect consumer as the authorized cardholder based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe a package management system that uses guidance devices when transporting packages. In one embodiment, the package management system includes an event detecting device that detects a package transporting event such as when a package is sorted into a container, a container is moved from the warehouse to vehicle, a container is moved from a vehicle into a warehouse, a package is delivered, a package is moved to a staging location, or a package is picked-up from a staging location. Once a container or staging location corresponding to the event is identified, a gateway identifies the guidance device assigned to that container or staging location and instructs the guidance device to illuminate a light disposed thereon.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to prevent deformation in a light guide plate and display anomalies. When the light guide plate is disposed in the backlight, a cushion rubber abuts a side surface of the light guide plate and a side surface portion of a lower frame to be pressed (squeezed) into the light guide plate and the lower frame. The cushion rubber is disposed lower than the side surface of the light guide plate, and is formed at a height not interfering with optical sheets. A protrusion portion is formed from an upper surface portion of an upper frame in a space between an upper surface portion of the cushion rubber and the upper frame to face the upper surface portion of the cushion rubber.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for suspending and resuming transactions through wireless beacon communications. A merchant may set up a wireless beacon with employee devices. The beacons may connect to a user's device and assist the employee with determining and suspending a transaction for the user. Based on the connections between the user's device and a wireless beacon attached to an employee device, the employee device may receive an identifier for the user. The identifier may also be received from a previous check-in by the user. The employee or a user may scan one or more items that the user may wish to purchase. A transaction may be generated using the scan and may be associated with the user's identifier. Later the transaction may be recalled using the user's identifier or a transaction code identifying the transaction. Payment information for the user may also be associated with the transaction.

Abstract: An ultrahigh frequency RFID tag antenna with multi-infeed includes an antenna assembly, a baseboard, and a ground plane. The baseboard is located above the ground plane. The antenna assembly is electrically connected to the ground plane. The antenna assembly includes a radiated element, a number of microstrip lines, and a number of tag chips. Each of the tag chips is connected between each two microstrip lines, thereby a microstrip feed loop is formed by each of the tag chips and the each two microstrip lines.

Abstract: A photo-luminescent display device includes: a backlight to output a backlight; a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; a pixel electrode disposed on the first substrate; a light amount control layer disposed in a space between the first substrate and the second substrate to control a transmittance of the backlight; a first light conversion portion disposed on the second substrate to convert a wavelength of the backlight; a light diffusion portion disposed adjacent to the first light conversion portion to diffuse the backlight; and a barrier surrounding the first light conversion portion. The light diffusion portion and the barrier include a unitary structure.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein describe a package management system that uses guidance devices when transporting packages. In one embodiment, the package management system includes an event detecting device that detects a package transporting event such as when a package is sorted into a container, a container is moved from the warehouse to vehicle, a container is moved from a vehicle into a warehouse, or a package is delivered. For example, the event detecting device may trigger the event in response to a worker scanning a bar code, selecting a delivery route, or checking an electronic manifest. Once a container corresponding to the event is identified, a gateway identifies the guidance device assigned to that container and instructs the guidance device to illuminate a light disposed thereon.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for generating a sensory indication on a transaction card, whereby a user is rewarded with a visual, audial, haptic, or olfactory experience. The method comprises executing a purchase transaction on the card, the transaction relating to an event, charging a power source on the card, receiving an input signal by the card, the signal indicating an output indication relevant to the event, and generating an output signal using power from the power source, based on the input signal. The card comprises a security component enabling a purchase relating to an event, a power source receiving charging energy at the time of the purchase, an input component receiving an input signal comprising information specifying a desired indication relevant to the event, an output component for generating the desired indication, one or more memories storing instructions and one or more processors executing the instructions to perform the method.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to effectively prevent fraud, theft, and the like occurring with respect to a medium manufactured from a source material. This medium is a medium that is cut into a prescribed shape from a source material on which an identifier capable of specifying a location and capable of being read by a reading device is attached at a corresponding location. The prescribed location on the medium is specified as an authentication location enabling recognition of the medium, and at least a portion of the identifier capable of specifying the prescribed location is set as an identifier of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method for media trade-in exchange. The apparatus comprises a kiosk that allows a user to provide a plurality of media items to the kiosk for verification and analysis and then calculate the exchange redemption value. The exchange redemption value is calculated based on the physical damage of a media item, the included media item packaging, the included media item documentation, and the authenticity of the media item. The user may then choose to receive the redemption value in a plurality of options comprised of cash, debit, store credit, reward points, gift card, eCodes, or may alternatively, decline to accept the redemption value offer and have the media item returned to them.

Abstract: Use of a blockchain distributed ledger to manage tracking code and physical article lifecycle. A first peer generates a cryptographic key for each of a plurality of peers, each key enabling a peer to access the distributed ledger. The first peer also generates a plurality of tracking codes and inserts first block(s) onto the distributed ledger that initiate a lifecycle for each code and make each code visible to the peers. A second peer imprints each code onto a corresponding physical article, inserts second block(s) onto the distributed ledger recording this imprinting, and inserts third block(s) onto the distributed ledger indicating that custody of the tracking codes has been transferred to a third peer. The third peer inserts fourth block(s) onto the distributed ledger indicating that receipt of custody of the tracking codes and their corresponding physical articles from the second peer has been confirmed by the third peer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to tracking the handling of product recalls by product distribution centers affected by the recalls. In some embodiments, there is provided a system including: a first electronic interface receiving input of recall information; a second electronic interface at a group of product distribution centers receiving notifications of product recalls; a database configured to receive and store the recall information; and a control circuit configured to: create a record for the product recall; determine the distribution centers having products affected by the recall and assign the recall to those affected distribution centers; transmit a notification to each distribution center having products affected by the recall; receive confirmation of receipt of the notification; receive a disposition of an action of the recall from each affected distribution center; and update the database with the disposition by each affected distribution center.