Abstract: A self-service terminal (12) is described. The terminal (12) may be an ATM, and has a user interface (30,34) comprising a synthetic character (84). The terminal (12) is coupled to a database (24) that includes information about users of the terminal (12). The terminal (12) is operable to present an adapted character to a user, where one or more aspects of the character (84) have been adapted to reflect changes in the user. A method of interacting with a user at a self-service terminal, and a self-service terminal system (10) are also described.

Abstract: Articles and methods for positioning lensed fiber elements and optical devices are disclosed. The articles and methods include a lens gripping element and a fiber gripping element disposed on a planar substrate. The articles and methods are useful for manufacturing optical fiber and lens arrays and waveguide devices.

Abstract: A Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA) object scanning-tunnel system for automatically acquiring and linking object identity and attribute information about each object transported therethrough while bearing a bar code symbol and/or graphical indicia on the exterior surface thereof. The system comprises a scanning-tunnel housing through which one or more objects can be transported. A planar light illumination (PLIIM) based subsystem, is mounted within said scanning-tunnel housing, and includes a pair of planar light illumination arrays (PLIAs) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB) for illuminating the exterior surface of each object. A linear image formation and detection (IFD) module automatically forms and detects digital linear images of the bar code symbol and/or graphical indicia thereon.

Abstract: A memory card reader. The memory card reader includes a housing and a device. The device is disposed in the housing for accepting different types of memory cards. The device includes a body, a first engaging plate, a second engaging plate, and a resilient plate. The body defines an accommodation for accepting different types of memory cards. The first engaging plate fastens to the body and has a release post. The second engaging plate selectively connects to the first engaging plate in a first position or a second position. The second engaging plate defines a slot in which the release post is contained and moves therein. The resilient plate contacts and exerts pressure on the body so that the first engaging plate fastened to the body is pushed toward the second engaging plate and connects thereto.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes an outer housing having an interior cavity. A termination module is insertable into the cavity and includes a ferrule for terminating a distal end of at least one optical fiber stub. A base is attached to the ferrule and includes a channel for splicing a proximal end of the optical fiber stub to a fiber end of a fiber optic cable. A cover is positionable onto the base for holding the fiber stub and fiber end in the channel. A clamp is provided for holding the cover onto the base. A latch is provided between the clamp and the outer housing for holding the termination module in the cavity of the housing.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) in accordance with the present invention includes a first PBS (101), a second PBS (104), two reflective elements (102, 105) and two liquid crystal elements (103, 106). The first PBS splits input light into two polarized beams, said two beams being orthogonally polarized with respect to each other. The two beams each respectively pass through a different liquid crystal element and a reflective element. The polarization state of the passed beams can be controlled by the electrified or unelectrified state of the liquid crystal elements. The two beams are combined into one output beam by the second PBS, and are outputted from a selected output port (13, 14) depending on the state of electrification of the liquid crystal elements.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in a variety of communications systems providing one or more payment alternatives for communication services and automatically selecting of a group of alternative payment techniques while significantly reducing the amount of interactive activity required from the user. Upon entry of a request to establish communications between calling and called electronic devices, the system initially looks towards a primary service provider. Absent acceptance of the request for service by the primary service provider, for whatever reason, the system automatically reverts to an alternative service provider and/or payment provider by searching data provided by the user and coupled to the electronic device for which a communication link is requested, eliminating the need for any further input by the user in the form of redialing the call, providing data through insertion of a debit or credit card, for example, identifying the alternative payment provider.

Abstract: The present invention enables secure, valid card payments in credit transactions to be performed, preventing fraudulent card use even in cases of loss or theft of a card or of information theft. During a transaction authorization process using a transaction terminal disposed in a credit transaction member store and connected with a host computer, user validation or credit administration is carried out by using a portable communication terminal to input to the host computer identity information which has been previously registered in the portable communication terminal and/or location information for the portable communication terminal.

Abstract: A field reconfigurable muxponder for use in an optical transport system. The muxponder includes one or more tributary cards, where each tributary card is adapted to receive an optical data signal and conditions the optical data signal into an intermediate data signal constituted in accordance with a tributary interface format. In this way, the muxponder is able to aggregate optical data signals having different protocols and/or different data rates. The muxponder further includes a chassis that is adapted to receive a predefined number of tributary cards and outputs an optical system signal independently from the availability of the optical data signals from the tributary cards. The tributary cards and the chassis integrally form one line card.

Abstract: A display and record medium includes a digital information record section, which is implemented as an IC memory and can record record information in noncontact, and an information display section implemented as a liquid crystal display medium of light write type into which display information can be written. A digital information rewrite section of an information writer communicates with the digital information record section of the display and record medium by electromagnetic waves to rewrite record information as required. A display information rewrite section of the information writer irradiates an optical pattern to the information display section of the display and record medium to rewrite display information. It is possible to rewrite both digital information and display information concurrently in noncontact.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for scanning a surface. An optical system generates a light beam to illuminate a surface. A carrier supports the surface for reciprocating motion with respect to the light beam to form one axis of a raster. A propulsion system moves the carrier at a substantially constant speed and a position sensor provides an output signal representing the surface position with respect to the light beam. A control system responsive to the output signal modulates a sample period reciprocally to carrier speed to achieve substantially constant scan length per sample and to control data acquisition timing.

Abstract: An optical pulse code recognition device and an optical distributor recognize multiple bits of a 1 Tbps packet signal as they are, all at one time. A serial signal light emitted from an optical fiber is collimated by a lens and applied onto a mask having a mask pattern. A thin film optical switch increases its optical transmittance when irradiated with a control light, allowing the collimated signal light to transmit through it. When the control light is applied, the transmitted collimated signal light is converted into a parallel signal. The mask pattern has multiple transmission portions allowing one bit of signal light to transmit through and an equal number of non-transmitting portions to block the light, and whether or not a bit pattern of the signal light and the mask pattern match each other is found by detecting a maximum or minimum value of light intensity with a photodetector.

Abstract: A terminal 2 held by the user is provided with a radio transmitter and receiver 3. Electronic money information is transferred via the radio transmitter and receiver 3. By using a portable telephone, it is unnecessary to directly insert an IC card 1 into service supply equipment 17. In addition to the service supply equipment 17, a device 9 for storing electronic money information in a lump is provided. Since the electronic money information is transferred into the device 9 for storing the electronic money information in a lump, it is unnecessary to collect the electronic money information stored in terminals one by one.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical transmission device has a housing having a guide portion in which an end of a single optical fiber is to be inserted. A light-receiving device and a light-emitting device are provided in the housing. Light path restricting members are provided in the light-receiving device so as to restrict light beams entering the light-receiving device.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia (50) in operative connection with a frame (110). The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser (24), receipt printer (20), and a card reader (22). The fascia may include replaceable bezels (550,552) with apertures therein for providing access to hardware devices. The bezels may be operative to float with respect to the fascia and hardware devices to automatically align hardware devices with the bezels. In addition the hardware devices may include movable portions which are operative to automatically align with the bezels. The bezels may include ramps, ribs, or other angled surfaces which guide the hardware devices into alignment with the openings in the bezels.

Abstract: A card comprises electrical contacts (32, 34) for communicating data in the form of a differential accordance with a universal serial bus (USB) standard. The card can be inserted in a card reader having complementary electrical contacts (16). The card has an insertion edge (A) which traverses the complementary electrical contacts when the card is inserted in the card reader in a correct fashion. The card comprises an electrical contact for receiving a power supply voltage which (22) electrical contact (22) is closer to the insertion edge than either electrical contact of the pair of electrical contacts (32, 34) for communicating data in the form a differential signal in accordance the USB standard.

Abstract: An optical multi-demultiplexer of the present invention comprises an input waveguide to which wavelength division multiple signals are applied, a plurality of output waveguides for demultiplexing and outputting the wavelength division multiple signals, an arrayed waveguide including a plurality of channel waveguides having different waveguide lengths, an input slab waveguide, and an output slab waveguide. The input slab waveguide is provided between the input waveguide and the arrayed waveguide. The output slab waveguide is provided between the arrayed waveguide and the output waveguides. The input slab waveguide is formed with tapered island regions having a refractive index lower than that of the core layer of the slab waveguide. The island regions are situated in positions opposite the channel waveguides of the arrayed waveguide.

Abstract: After a contract terminates in a contract part with personal identification and the input of contract contents, a control part controls the door of a sales storing box in which a product to be purchased is stored, and vends the product by opening the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting the PMD of optoelectronic transmission lines. The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises a narrow-band, tunable laser, whose illumination is superimposed with the illumination of the transmission line to be analyzed and an optoelectronic heterodyne receiver which receives the superimposed signal.

Abstract: A secure credit card has a pair of linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) for generating a pair of random numbers. The LFSRs each have a unique initial state and feedback tap configuration. Hence, they each produce a unique sequence of numbers. When a financial transaction occurs, the LFSRs are operated for a random number of clock cycles, to create a pair of matched random numbers. Each card issued has unique LFSR settings, and so will produce characteristic random numbers. At a financial institution, the LFSR settings are known, so the financial institution can determine by calculation if the pair of random numbers is authentic. There are many variations, including a credit card with a secret security code for activation, and 2-way “handshake” communication with the financial institution. Also, one of the LFSRs may be replaced with a binary, or similar counter.