Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for aiding the identification of subassemblies of an item of equipment (E) including a number of subassemblies and equipped with a storage unit (US) storing references. According to the invention, said device includes a memory (7) recording the references stored in the storage unit (US), an external electrical power supply means (9) for the memory (7), a means (13) of isolation both electrically and in terms of software processing, and a connection means (10) connected to the memory (7) and to which can be connected a reader (L) capable of reading and telling back the references which are recorded in the memory (7) and which relate to said subassemblies of the item of equipment (E).

Abstract: A scanning system and method reads information symbols, such as optical mark recognition (“OMR”) symbols. Each OMR symbol typically includes a predetermined number of cells, with each cell containing a bar or a space. An object detector detects the presence of an object having an affixed OMR symbol and generates a trigger signal indicating an object has been detected. The object is typically moving past the scanning system and the trigger signal provides timing information for the system so the objects are scanned at the proper times. In response to the trigger signal, a scanner, such as a laser scanning device, scans and decodes the OMR symbol. The laser scanner includes an optical transmitter that generates a scanning laser beam that scans each OMR symbol when the symbol is within a scan window. An optical detector in the scanner is positioned to receive optical energy reflected from each OMR symbol responsive to the scanning laser beam.

Abstract: Physical documents may be edge marked and the edge markings used to index and retrieve them from their storage locations. A method of managing a physical document, wherein the physical document includes at least one sheet of material, includes marking an edge of the at least one sheet of material with indicia arranged to form a code identifying the sheet of material, storing the physical document in a storage location, indexing the physical document by associating the code with the storage location, and storing the indexing information in a computer-based information retrieval system.

Abstract: A security system is provided for use in association with a media entry slot (14, 24) on the user interface (12) of a self service terminal (10), such as a automated teller machine (ATM). At least three profile sensors (60a-60e) are arranged to detect the profile of the leading edge of an object (16) inserted into the slot, (14, 24). An access control means allows objects having a leading edge profile corresponding to a predetermined profile only to access a restricted zone such as the card reader module or a depository. This arrangement reduces the risk of fraudulent access to sensitive parts of the self service terminal via the media entry slots provided on its user interface (12).

Abstract: An optical reader for optically reading recorded code data and determining whether the reading is successful or not. In the optical reader, a frequency of coincidence of read data from start of reading is compared with a predetermined reference frequency when it is determined that the reading is successful after the reading of the code data is repeatedly tried to determine a stability of reading, so that a signal showing a result of the determination is output.

Abstract: A skew detecting apparatus has a spherical roller rolling in contact with the surface of a medium guided on a medium transfer path; and skew detecting device for acquiring a skew displacement of the medium which is transferred on the basis of a degree of rolling of the spherical roller detected in both medium transfer direction and medium transfer-width direction. Accordingly, the degree of skew of the medium to be transferred is acquired to assure the normal data processing for the medium.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the authenticity of a bank check and authorizing payment of the bank check at any of a plurality of banks or check cashing agencies, wherein a payor or issuer of the check integrates account data normally pre-printed on the face of the check with individualized payee data, at least including payee identification and a value of the check, so as to define a first set of data, which is communicated to a processing center for temporary storage and eventual comparison. Upon presentation of the check for deposit or cashing, the bank or check cashing agency will establish a second set of data based on the pre-printed account data and the individualized payee data that appears on the face of the check presented. The second set of data is communicated to the processing center where the first and second sets of data are compared to assure that at least the payee identification and the value of the check are identical to the same information printed on the check at the issuing site.

Abstract: A media escrow unit (24) is provided for use in dispensing or depositing media. The escrow unit (24) is arranged in use with a media removal path (42) leading from a media receptacle (32), and communicating with a media return path (44) leading to the media receptacle. In use, media may be removed from the receptacle (32) and passed through media validation sensors (20, 22) before being returned to the receptacle (32). The media may then either be presented from the escrow unit (24) to a user, or passed via the media removal path (42) to a media storage location, depending on the outputs obtained from the media validation sensors (20, 22), and the actions of the user. Also provided is a self-service terminal incorporating such an escrow unit; and methods of dispensing or depositing media.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the taking into account of bonus points, it is recommended that the reader which effects a transaction with an integrated circuit card (1) sends an identity (Ii) to this card. This identity enables the card to recognise (12) with which type of service provider or vendor it is dealing, and to implement a set of rules (5, 11) specific to this service provider or vendor or, failing that, standard rules of the card issuer. These rules calculate bonuses specific to this supplier. These bonuses are totalled in a counter (10, 13) also specific to this supplier.

Abstract: A dual-mode IC is provided for operating in first mode such as an ISO mode in accordance with International Standards Organization 7816 (ISO 7816) protocol, and a second, non-ISO mode, such as a USB mode in accordance with Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol. The dual-mode IC is preferably in a smart card and includes a microprocessor, a switching block, and an external interface. The external interface includes a voltage supply pad, a reference voltage pad, a reset pad, a clock pad and an input/output pad in accordance with the ISO 7816 protocol, and a D-plus pad and D-minus pad in accordance with the USB protocol. The IC further includes a mode configuration circuit for detecting a USB mode condition on at least one of the D-plus and D-minus pads, and configuring the IC in the ISO mode or the USB mode depending on the result. Once the IC is configured in a particular mode, it will operate in only that mode until the next power-on reset sequence.

Abstract: A system for issuing printed documents exchangeable for value having interconnected printer and feeder modules. The printer module includes a printing station having a printhead supported for reciprocal movement in a direction transverse to the path of movement of the print medium. A sensor carried by the printhead is operative to sense and read preprinted indicia on the print medium. The feeder module includes a receptacle for storing the print medium as a continuous form. A slot is provided for enabling the insertion of print media external to the feeder module. A gate mechanism blocks the feed slot under predetermined operating conditions. A first drive mechanism is operative to feed the print medium from the receptacle towards the printing station. A severing mechanism is operative to sever the lead document from the supply. A severing sensor detects failure of the severing mechanism.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a personal code of a user of an integrated circuit card received in a reader fitted with a keypad, connected to a computer, and capable of accepting at least one type of card. Formatting instructions are transmitted from the computer to the reader that correspond to the type of the card. A command is sent for authenticating the personal code and the authentication command is verified in the reader. For a qualified authentication command, the reader is put into a secure mode which blocks anyone with fraudulent intentions from intervening in the procedure to obtain the personal code. The personal code is then inputted via the keypad of the reader, formatted for the particular type of card used, and the formatted code and the command for authenticating it are transmitted from the reader to the integrated circuit of the card. The card compares the formatted code with a pre-stored personal code.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device for acquisition of images of objects, such as barcodes, includes a lighting system which is designed such that the axis of the light beam intersects the optical axis. A reflector that allows the image beam to pass through, and can reflect the light beam, is disposed such as to intercept the light beam, and is inclined relative to the optical axis, by an angle which is such that the light beam is centered on the optical axis. The lighting system is designed to light the useful optical field throughout the entire depth of the field, and the angle &agr;, in which the lighting system is seen from the object plane, is such that α ≤ Arc ⁢   ⁢ tg ⁢ L 5 ⁢ P , in which L is the width of the object plane, and P is the distance between the object and the lighting system.

Abstract: A visible display card has a printing layer provided at least one side of the card, and an IC disposed by the side of the printing layer and having an external terminal. The printing layer forms printed images therein when heated, and the height of the printing layer is greater than that of the external terminal.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, which executes a prescribed process based on a selling amount of money that is input from a terminal device, has a memory for storing information concerned with a loyalty point calculation process corresponding to a selling amount of money, calculates a loyalty point using information stored in the memory based on a selling amount of money which is input from the terminal device and updates a loyalty point stored in the memory to a calculated loyalty point.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus uses a plurality of image forming units that are arranged rotatable in a vertical plane such that the image forming units that shifted sequentially to an image forming position. Each image forming unit has a translucent toner detection window on its outer periphery for detecting the remaining amount of toner in a toner hopper. The image forming units will have a replacing position in which it will face an opening for allowing replacement of the image forming unit. The translucent detection window will face the opening when the image forming unit is in the replacing position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element for electronic article surveillance, having one lower and one upper conducting track with at least one winding each, the two conducting tracks being wound in opposing directions and overlapping in at least one area of overlap, and a dielectric layer in the area of overlap between the two conducting tracks. In a critical area in which a border edge of the lower and upper conducting tracks overlap, the dielectric layer is thicker than in the remaining area of overlap. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a security element.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device for acquisition of images, such as images of bar codes, includes a case which contains an electronic scanning sensor, an illumination source and optics including a diaphragm that permit the formation of images on the sensor. The optics include at least two diopters disposed between the diaphragm and the sensor. For example, the diopters may take the form of a revolved symmetrical lens, the useful part of which is convex, and a cylindrical lens which does not create any deflection in a plane parallel to the optical plane, and is convergent in a plane perpendicular to the parallel plane.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine (10) includes a note receiving and dispensing mechanism (77). The mechanism includes a storage reel (66), a take-up reel (68) and a flexible web (70) extending between the reels. The note receiving and dispensing mechanism is housed within a note storage module (44). Notes are selectively passed into and out of the storage module to a passage area (92). The machine further includes a note inlet opening (30) and a note outlet opening (28). A note outlet transport (96) extends between the passage area and the note outlet opening. A note inlet transport (98) extends between the passage area and the note inlet opening. A note validator (58) extends adjacent to the note inlet transport for purposes of sensing the validity of notes inserted in the machine. The machine is selectively operative responsive to inputs to receive and deliver notes. The machine is further operative to enable replenishment of notes therein without accessing the interior of the housing.

Abstract: Systems consistent with the present invention allow a user to scan document text and then automatically recognize and organize that text into a format for display by the user. The system preferably includes a hand-held device operable by the user for scanning the text of the document. The hand-held device stores the scanned text information and can then transfer the stored text information to a computer. The computer automatically recognizes the scanned text based on the format and context in which the text is found in the document. Further, the computer automatically creates data entries describing the scanned text and organizes these data entries for display to the user.