Abstract: A threshold determination/binarization circuit and a recording medium for an information reproduction system, wherein the diameter of a reference dot detected by a reference dot diameter detection section is compared with a predetermined dot diameter as a standard value, and the threshold is adjusted such that the difference between the reference dot diameter and the standard value equals a predetermined target value, thereby obtaining the same binarization effect with respect to image signals obtained with different transfer characteristics (different media, recording states, and optical systems). This circuit also includes a maximum/minimum value detection section that detects the maximum and minimum values of an image signal level corresponding to a dot code. A threshold is calculated by using an internal ratio representing the radio between the maximum and minimum values so as to stabilize a reading operation against illumination and recording irregularity, contamination of a dot code, and the like.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display element comprises a pair of substrates provided with electrodes and a liquid crystal and solidified matrix composite material, disposed between the pair of substrates, which includes a nematic liquid crystal dispersed and held in a solidified matrix, the nematic liquid crystal being such that the refractive index of the liquid crystal is changed depending on states of applying a voltage wherein in a state, the refractive index of the liquid crystal substantially coincides with that of the solidified matrix to thereby pass light, and in the other state, the former does not coincide with the latter to thereby cause the scattering of light, wherein the refractive index anisotropy .DELTA.n of the liquid crystal used is 0.18 or higher, and the dielectric anisotropy .DELTA..epsilon..sub.LC of the liquid crystal used satisfies the relation of 5<.DELTA..epsilon..sub.LC <13.

Abstract: A hand-mountable adaptive bar code scanner includes a scanner for generating a light beam directed toward a target, the light beam sweeping the symbol to be read. The scanner further includes a photodetector for receiving reflected light from such symbol, and circuitry to determine whether the signal received is sufficiently distinct to determine that a valid symbol has been scanned, and signal processing circuitry having adjustable gain, bandwidth, and digitizer threshold characteristics for processing such signals.

Abstract: A plastic card prepared by laminating unstretched polyester sheets to both sides of a single sheet or a laminate of a plurality of sheets of a stretched polyester film, cutting the obtained laminate to a shape of a card, and forming a cavity for embedding a chip module by milling in the laminate cut to the shape of a card. The plastic card is excellent in mechanical strength, dimensional stability, heat resistance, and property for printing, contains no hazardous halogen elements, and has a cavity for embedding a chip module which is formed without formation of burr by milling.

Abstract: An optical scanner having a weighted adaptive threshold value determination for generating a one-bit representation of a scanned original. The optical scanner comprises an optical detecting unit which provides a discrete signal representing pixels in a scanned region and first device for generating a first weighted discrete signal which is a weighted version of the discrete signal representing pixels in a scanned region. The optical scanner further comprises second device for providing a filtered signal which is a filtered version of the weighted discrete signal and third device for generating a second weighted signal, being a weighted version of the filtered signal. A comparison device produces a binary output as a function of the discrete signal representing pixels in a scanned region and the second weighted signal.

Abstract: Elongated magnetic elements can be inserted into items to provide readable magnetic patterns which provide reproducible or unique signal patterns to identify or authenticate the items. Magnetic fibers may be distributed within items or magnetic strips to provide reproducible patterns when read. The patterns are stable because of the relatively large size of the magnetic elements as compared to conventional patterns of particles in recordable media. Oriented patterns of filaments may also be inserted into transactional items such as credit cards, checks and the like to provide identification (antiforgery) security to the item.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing light beam collimation and alignment. A liquid crystal device receiving a light beam from a collimation lens has a lenslet array generated thereon. A corresponding array of point spread functions are detected by a charge coupled device camera, from which light beam collimation and alignment are characterized. The data may be further used to adjust the collimation lens to correct misalignment.

Abstract: Customer management terminal equipment manages information on customers at multiservice stations including retail shops such as department houses, financial institutions such as banks, and gas stations. The terminal equipment includes a first converter which converts customer information including customer identification information and transaction information into two-dimensional bar-code information. A two-dimensional bar-code issuing means then issues a two-dimensional bar-code based on two-dimensional information from the first converting means. Customer interaction based on the customer identification information and the transaction information is then commenced.

Abstract: A data well arrangement for storing data and for interfacing with a writing implement having a writing end with a writing tip and data transfer end with a data transfer tip is described. The data well arrangement has a housing with an inlet opening for receiving an end of the implement. A data reader resides in the housing for facing the data transfer tip to exchange data with the implement when the data transfer end of the implement is received in the opening. A shutter in the housing is engageable with an engagement portion of the implement for moving of shutter between a writing end storage position in which the data reader is inaccessible, and an interface position in which the data reader is accessible to the data transfer tip with the shutter being engaged by the engagement portion of the implement, only when the data transfer end is received in this opening.

Abstract: A system and process for establishing a function having a corresponding function identifier. The function is adapted to be processed during a transaction such as a point-of-sale transaction that may involve a credit card. The system and process involve identifying an account having an account identifier, establishing a function having a function identifier, and receiving a transaction request including the account identifier, a transaction amount, and the function identifier. The system and process also process the transaction in accordance with the function to affect the transaction and, possibly, the transaction amount. An affect on the account is also contemplated. Additionally, the system and process are adapted to allow message to be presented by customers and credit card holders during a transaction for later appearance on a credit card statement or other notice.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus in which reference density data corresponding to a reference document having a predetermined reference density is stored in advance, while a plurality of gamma correction curves are also stored in advance. Light intensity data indicative of the intensity of light reflected from the reference document is subjected to a shading correction. One gamma correction curve is selected from the plurality of gamma correction curves in correspondence to a difference in output level between the reference density data and outputted density data obtained by converting the shading corrected light intensity data. Gradation of the outputted density data is adjusted based on the selected gamma correction curve.

Abstract: A point-of-sale unit for electro-optically reading bar code symbols includes a housing having a handle and a curved head. The head and the handle have support surfaces for engaging a work surface to support the housing in various orientations. The handle may be removably mounted behind the curved head.

Abstract: A method to fabricate a photo-patterned organic compensator for liquid crystal displays, and the resulting compensator structure, are described. One illustrative fabrication method comprise: (1) depositing a thin film of polymerizable liquid crystal material onto one of a display's substrates; (2) orienting the liquid crystal material's director to a specified direction; (3) polymerizing the deposited thin film through an aperture mask; (4) removing the aperture mask; and (5) curing/annealing the thin film layer to yield a planar structure having substantially birefringent and isotropic regions. Complete pixelated compensators may be created by layering two or more such two-region thin films.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Baggage Control System and in particular to a Passenger Photograph Identification System for improving security and control of passenger baggage. This invention reveals both a system and a method which improve the security of passenger bags checked by the airline for transportation on the flight or flights on which the passenger is traveling. This system also insures that unattended baggage does not get on the plane without a review by the airline officials, and reduces lost or misdirected passenger luggage by the airline. The system allows rapid identification of any misdirected luggage to the proper owner by the airline, and a computer printout of the photographs of all boarded passengers.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner component being suspended from a holder including flexible, resilient spring portions extending in different paths away form the scanner component to a pair of spaced-apart regions on a support. A stop is fixed to the support, for abutting the holder in the event that the arrangement is subjected to external shock forces.

Abstract: An optical reader for reading a target having a bar code to be read, in which a unitary semiconductor device is mounted in a housing having an opening. The unitary semiconductive device includes a semiconductive substrate and a plurality of integrated components at the surface of the semiconductive device for generating and directing a light beam outward from the surface of the substrate sequentially along a plurality of paths through the opening of the housing. A detector is disposed in the housing for intercepting reflected components of the outward-directed light beam. In two implementations, the light beam is directed respectively by a single movable reflector or by a plurality of deformable mirror devices mounted on the substrate. The housing includes a grip, such a pistol grip, at an extremity offset from the opening.

Abstract: In the present invention, an optical reader is made to commence image capture and decoding when a trigger of the reader is pulled, and to continuously attempt to decode symbols in captured image data until the time the trigger is released. Despite continuously attempting to decode symbols during the entire period in which a trigger is actuated, a reader according to the invention is made so as not to output data messages pertaining to the same symbol more than once during one trigger-actuation period. To this end, a reader operating according to the invention maintains a list of identification strings identifying all symbols which have been successfully decoded since the time the trigger was pulled. When symbols in image data are decoded, identification strings for those symbols are determined and then compared to identification strings previously written to the list.

Abstract: A scanner and a method for scanning a beam along a path employs a housing tint defines a first cylindrical cavity. A ring gear is disposed within the cylindrical cavity and affixed to the housing. A beam is generated from a fixed location relative to the housing. A drive disk is disposed within the first cylindrical cavity. The drive disk defines a second cylindrical cavity and has a first axis of rotation. The drive disk defines a first channel in communication with the beam. The first channel has a first proximal end pivotally rotatable about an axis adjacent the fixed location. A scan disk is disposed within the second cylindrical cavity and has a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation. The scan disk defines a second channel. The second channel has a second proximal end in communication with the first distal opening. The second proximal end pivotally rotates about an axis adjacent the first distal end.

Abstract: A reader for chip cards with a housing (3) featuring an insertion slot (1) for the chip card (2), a number of pairs of contacts (6,7) corresponding to the number of read tracks, and a contact support frame (5) connected to the contact lead-ins (4), in which the contact lead-ins (4) held in the housing (3) are inserted in parallel from one side into the contact support frame (5) held in a free suspension by the contact lead-ins (4). On the side of the contact support frame (5) turned away from the contact lead-ins (4) there is an actuator element designed as a double arm lever (9, 10). The actuator element is held in the housing (3) by a transverse torsion spring arm (8) and its power arm (9) lies in the insertion path of the chip card (2) such that the work arm (10) of the actuator lever is twisted during insertion of the chip card (2) under tension of the torsion spring arms (8) and the contact support frame (5) and thus its associated contacts (6,7) are pressed against the chip card (2).

Abstract: A projection type liquid crystal display apparatus includes at least three transmission type liquid crystal display panels and a four-division dichroic prism. The three liquid crystal display panels are driven by image signals of three primary colors respectively and the three liquid crystal display panels are illuminated by three primary color lights respectively so as to obtain transmission image lights having three channels whose luminances are modulated. The dichroic prism is used so as to synthesize the transmission image lights and the synthesized image light is projected via a projecting lens.