Abstract: The present teachings describe a system for processing financial transactions. In one embodiment, the system includes a remote terminal adapted to identify the location of financial transactions via global positioning system (GPS) information such that the remote terminal acquires transaction information from a user and transmits a first signal indicative of transaction information and GPS information. In addition, the system includes an authorizing host adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the remote terminal such that the authorizing host evaluates the risk associated with financial transactions based, at least in part, on the GPS information so as to determine whether to accept or decline the financial transaction. The present teachings further describe devices and methods of acquiring GPS information for the purpose of managing risk for financial transactions.

Abstract: A scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item, the product item being provided in a sensing region, the scanning device including: a beam generator for emitting at least one scanning beam, the scanning beam being directed in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch provided in the sensing region; at least one beam controller for directing the at least one scanning beam along selected ones of a number of patch beam paths, each patch beam path extending into the sensing region at a respective angle; a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data on the interface surface of the product item as the product item passes through the sensing region; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a method for managing traveler information of a traveler having a country of origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to a country of destination. The method includes receiving input data from a graphic user interface containing traveler information at the country of embarkation, sending the traveler information to the country of origin, and requesting confirmation from the country of origin of the accuracy of the traveler information by comparing the traveler information with data received from at least one of a police department, customs department, or immigration department. The method further includes receiving the confirmed traveler information from the country of origin and verifying traveler identity at the country of embarkation.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: A data processing method for the capture of customers' wet signatures in retail store transactions, using a point of sale terminal interfaced with a printer and a 2D imager-based device used to capture signatures, the terminal and the 2D signature capture device communicating with a central computer. The data processing method employs a printed sales receipt with a barcode containing indicia that guide the 2D signature capture device to the area on the printed sales receipt containing the customer's wet signature.

Abstract: A structure of a memory card, consisting of a circuit board and a case, the size of the case is a little smaller than that of the circuit. A space formed between the case and the circuit. A contact terminal is disposed on one end of the circuit board with exposure which is not covered by the case, by which it can accomplish the purpose of chipping the memory card. Besides, the contact terminal can be made by way of SMT so as to increase the rate of desirable production and shorten the time of promote signal conducting efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention includes a merchant system that recognizes virtually any payment device or technology that uses electronic check processing as a payment mechanism. For example, the merchant system associates presentation of the payment device with information used to electronically debit a checking account, such as MICR data, and submits the same to a transaction processor capable of settling electronic debit transactions.

Abstract: In a system and method for securely storing and controlling the dispensing of a payout, the system includes a payout dispenser for securely storing and dispensing a payout, and a terminal for controlling the dispensing of the payout and for interfacing with an attendant in connection with the payout. The system further includes a network for interconnecting the payout dispenser and the terminal. The system may also include a device for indicating a payout payable responsive to the input of a person to whom the payout is payable, wherein the payout-indicating device may be connected to the payout dispenser and the terminal by a network. The system may further include a device for enabling the dispensing of a payout breakage amount, which is the difference between the payout in a payout dispenser denomination and the payment to be paid out.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in processing of documents to increase their security and/or decrease the complexity of testing for authenticity. Methods for printing documents with security markings and methods and apparatus for authenticating documents are described. In one aspect a document is printed with a security marking comprised of an image printed in at least two image segments. The image can be printed with an ink capable of forming images which are visible both to viewing under white light and as fluorescent images when irradiated with ultraviolet light, the segments having features of different sizes. The relative sizes of the two image segments will provide a detectable difference in fluorescent image sharpness. The apparatus provides means, all of which are simple and easily available for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus for detecting an object or a distance with the object includes at least one light receiving element for detecting a light quantity entering from a sensor window portion for example, a projection window portion and an entrance window portion through which an electromagnetic wave from an electromagnetic wave generation portion toward an object and a reflected electromagnetic wave from the object pass. Furthermore, an irregularity determining portion determines a state of at least one of the projection window portion and the entrance window portion using at least the detected light quantity of the light receiving element. For example, the light receiving element includes a first light receiving portion and a second light receiving portion which receive the light quantities of direct current part of light entering from the first and second light receiving portions.

Abstract: A gate keeping system for a user accessible resource is provided. The system has a server, a transceiver and an RFID tag. The server is communicably connected to the resource for sending commands allowing and terminating user access to the resource. The receiver is communicably connected to the server and capable of sending an RF interrogation signal. The RFID tag is capable of sending an RF signal in response to the receiving the interrogation signal. The RFID tag has a program that embodies user unique credentials capable of providing user access to the resource. The user unique credentials represent a user associated with the tag.

Abstract: A voting system utilizing a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked in an electronic voting station. The voting station includes a ballot marking device and a touch-screen voting terminal. If the ballot is to be machine marked, the ballot is inserted into the marking device and candidate selections are presented to the voter on the touch-screen. Candidate Selections entered on the touch-screen are marked on the ballot by the marking device in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein it is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.

Abstract: A laser scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data which includes, at a plurality of locations on the interface surface, a corresponding plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, the scanning device including: a housing adapted to be held by a user in use; a laser for emitting a scanning beam from the housing, the scanning beam being directed in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch, the scanning patch being provided in the sensing region such that it exposes at least one coded data portion; a sensor for sensing the at least one exposed coded data portion; a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: Electronic cards include a package having vertical and horizontal dimensions of a standard credit card, and including first and second opposing faces. A flat panel display extends over the first face. A dynamic magnetic encoder is provided on the second face. A user input device also is provided on the package. A processor is provided in the package that is configured to display a substantially full size image of a credit card on the flat panel display, and to control the dynamic magnetic encoder to provide magnetic stripe information for the credit card, in response to user selection of the credit card via the user input device. Accordingly, the look (image) of a credit card can be emulated, as well as the magnetic stripe information that would be provided by the credit card, in response to user selection of the credit card.

Abstract: A pocket suitable for incorporation in garments, luggage items, personal accessories or the like is provided with an active mechanism and control apparatus to close the pocket. Such closing action may be triggered manually but can also be triggered automatically when the pocket is moved away from an upright orientation or experiences a jolting action. In one embodiment the closing action is performed by a length of shape memory material which contracts when heated to pull the pocket front panel top portion against the rear panel top portion and close the pocket opening.

Abstract: A code reader has a predetermined guide groove and is configured to optically read an optically readable code from a predetermined side of a card type recording medium in which data is recorded as the optically readable code along the side, when the card type recording medium is abutted on the guide groove and is manually moved in a side direction along the guide groove. The code reader comprises an image input section configured to pick up an image of a moving code and process the image, and a data read section configured to read the data from the image which includes the code and is output from the image input section. A moving direction of the card type recording medium has a predetermined relation with characteristics concerning the image input section.

Abstract: A document reading apparatus reduces processing time and affords excellent ease of use when reading a slip document to acquire both magnetically read data and image data. Transportation unit 19, 20 convey slips through a transportation path. Magnetic reading unit 21, 22 output magnetically read data acquired by reading the printed magnetic ink characters from the slip as the slip passes through the transportation path, and optical reading unit 23, 24 output image data captured by optically imaging the same slip during the same pass through the transportation path. A control unit 11 interprets control commands and controls slip transportation, the magnetic reading process, and the optical reading process accordingly. A single-pass multiple-reading command controls executing a single-pass multiple-reading process for applying both the magnetic reading and optical reading of specified slip during a single pass through the transportation path.

Abstract: A memory card wherein a substrate is affixed to a cap is formed without the projection of substrate edges from a back surface of the cap. The memory card includes a substrate having a sealing member bonded to a recess in the cap. By utilizing a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the sealing member and the substrate, the substrate is warped so that its central portion projects away from the cap. The shallow recess is deeper than the sum of the thickness of the substrate and the thickness of an adhesive for bonding the substrate to the bottom of the shallow recess, whereby peripheral edges of the substrate retract into the shallow recess without projecting from the back surface of the cap. The cap is shaped as a card several millimeters thick. A memory chip and control chip are incorporated in the sealing member.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for enabling a user to detect nearby RFID tags and identify nearby RFID readers to enhance user privacy. A portable RFID reader scans for nearby tags, and a universal RFID tag detects nearby readers. The invention can alert the user of nearby RFID tags or readers, unless the user has disabled the alerting feature or unless a particular tag or reader is already known to the user and has been deemed allowable. A memory includes editable lists of allowable tags and readers. Exemplary alerts include outputs from a sound emitter, a vibrator, a light, or a display readout. The invention thus prevents surreptitious identification and tracking of a user and a user's possessions. The invention may be integrated into items typically carried by users so that the detection and alerting may be performed without outward indication.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter visually utilizing an LCD touch screen and aurally utilizing a synthesized speech menu. Candidate selections entered utilizing the touch screen menu or utilizing the audio menu are marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates, and the ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his or her selections have been marked. The ballot, whether hand-marked or machine-marked, is inserted in a ballot scanning device, wherein the ballot is tallied and deposited in a ballot box.