Abstract: The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and an arrangement for calculating the value of an amount in a first currency in terms of a desired second currency. The method comprises the steps of entering the value of an amount in the first currency into a controller of a receiver. A scaling factor describing a conversion between at least two different public land mobile network (PLMN) units is retrieved from a memory within the receiver. The amount of the first currency is then converted to the equivalent amount of the second currency by the controller which is adapted to use the scaling factor for the conversion. Finally, a user interface of the receiver is used to inform the user of the conversion result. The apparatus performing the inventive method is included in a mobile station and the arrangement is included in a PLMN.

Abstract: A card receptor for use in an internet set-top box is provided with a pivotable door, a card carrier with card/disk insertion slots to receive and to keep a card/disk therein through the card/disk insertion slots and a driving mechanism. The card carrier moves toward an inside position wherein the card/disk insertion slots stay within a housing of the internet set-top box, with the pivotable door being closed by the driving mechanism, and toward an outside position wherein the card/disk insertion slots stay outside a front panel through an opening of the housing, with the pivotable door being opened by the loading mechanism.

Abstract: A modular terminal apparatus including a core unit interchangeable with a plurality of communication modules.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a core module assembly, a single-orientation base assembly, and a multiple-orientation base assembly includes the step of attaching the core module assembly to the single-orientation base assembly. The method also includes the step of operating the core module assembly so as to perform retail functions for a first time period while the core module assembly is secured to the single-orientation base assembly. The method further includes the step of detaching the core module assembly from the single-orientation base assembly after the first time period operating step. The method yet further includes the step of attaching the core module assembly to the multiple-orientation after the detaching step. The method also includes the step of operating the core module assembly so as to perform retail functions for a second time period while the core module assembly is secured to the multiple-orientation base assembly.

Abstract: A system for increasing the value of an electronic payment card. The system comprises, e.g., a security module arranged for authentication of the card, and an authorizing device for authorizing a value increase transaction to the card. The system is arranged for sending a value increase message to the card, upon which the value stored in memory in the card is increased, if the card has been found to be authentic and the value increase transaction thereof has been authorized. The system also has memory, in which identification data of the card is stored and, linked thereto, data relating to the authorization of the value increase of the card. If a value increase transaction is interrupted after authorization for the transaction had been given, a restore transaction occurs. In the restore transaction, the authenticity of the card is checked and the value increase transaction occurs on the basis of the authorization information previously stored in the system memory during the value increase transaction.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a core module assembly, a first base assembly, and a second base assembly.

Abstract: A scanning device incorporates a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The laser diode may be mounted directly on an Si substrate which is adapted for movement to produce a scan pattern. A collimating lens may be directly mounted on the emitting surface of the laser. A plurality of lasers may be mounted on the substrate and operated in sequence without movement of the substrate to produce the effect of a scan. The scanning device emits visible or invisible light towards a target such as a bar code and a detector (mounted on the same or an adjacent substrate) senses the light reflected by the target to produce data which is decoded for further processing. A VCSEL uses low current and emits light from a relatively large area so that a relatively large amount of light is emitted for relatively small heat generation.

Abstract: A method for a queue number system for serving customers at least at one service position is provided in which customers obtain a queue number, select a service type using a selector unit, and are thereby given a queue number from a particular queue number series for the type of service selected. The dispensed queue numbers are registered and the customers are summoned by an information unit when they are to be served, preferably in queue number order. A customer whom one wishes to identify and/or give priority to within the queue number system is provided with an individual code which is supplied to a central unit included in the queue number system when the customer is allotted a queue number so that a customer is, to the desired extent, identified and/or given priority. That customer's specific information, including the code, is stored in a customer data unit and is transferred to the desired extent to the service position to which the customer is directed.

Abstract: Bar with count values indicating widths of white and black bars, which are reciprocally obtained, are input to buffers connected in series at 16 stages. The bar width count values written to those buffers are sequentially shifted each time a new bar width count value is input. A comparing circuit compares the widths of the adjacent bars in the same color with each other and checks whether or not a ratio therebetween falls within a range of 0.2-5.0 times as large as each other. Results of the comparisons by this comparing circuit are written to result registers connected in series at 13 stages. The check-results written to those result registers are sequentially shifted each time a new bar width count value is input. Accordingly, if all the check results written to all the result registers indicate an "in-range" state, it follows that the fifteen or more bars consecutively meet a bar code condition. Hence, the counter lets an AND gate open.

Abstract: An integrated optical module for an optical scanner has a lens spaced from a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) by a spacer of defined dimensions. The module, in an alternative embodiment, includes a wafer frame, a suspended mirror mounted for oscillation on the frame, a wafer substrate bonded beneath the frame and a wafer cover bonded above the frame. The cover includes a mirror travel stop to protect the mirror against shocks. A VCSEL mounted to the wafer cover produces a beam which is shaped and deflected by a diffractive optical element onto the oscillating mirror. The reflected beam passes out of the module toward an indicia to be read. Large numbers of such devices may be fabricated relatively cheaply using wafer-scale processing and assembly technology. Three large wafers are fabricated corresponding respectively to arrays of substrates, frames and covers. The large wafers are bonded together in a sandwich arrangement, and are then diced to produce the individual scan modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing bar coded labels employs a computer that includes an acutal keyboard having a plurality of keys and a video display and is programmed to run a bar code label design tool. The label design tool displays on a first portion of the video display a label image having dimensions corresponding to a preselected label type. The label design tool also generates and displays on the label image a bar code that encodes a preselected set of data. The bar code is generated according to a bar code standard selected from a plurality of bar code standards. The bar code label design tool also allows a user to enter text onto the label image. A key mapper displays on a second portion of the video display, different from the first portion, a keyboard image. The keyboard image includes images of letters, arranged in the way that they would appear on the actual keyboard.

Abstract: A vending machine control system and method for controlling vending of items from one or more vending machines having a coin acceptor interface and selection controls for selecting items to vend. Control system and method are provided for sending and receiving information to and from each of the vending machines to control the vending of items to users. Network system and method are connected to each of the coin acceptor interfaces for facilitating communication between the control system and the vending machine.

Abstract: The data carrier card has a card base structure formed with a recess in which one or more chips are disposed. The recess can be closed by a cover that is connected to the card base structure via a flexible area. The cap can thereby be pivoted relative to the base body of the card, with the flexible area acting as a hinge. The flexible region and the cover may either be construed in one piece with the card base structure, or the flexible area may be part of a label.

Abstract: Prior methods of reading MaxiCode dataforms have been subject to reduced resolution image scaling and processing and speed constraints of Fourier transform computations. Described spatial domain data extraction methods provide bull's eye center location by T-sequence pixel pattern analysis, axis identification by moment analysis of data cell pairs, and integral width square wave analysis of illumination transitions to avoid reading-line cell fragmentation. The center and top of a MaxiCode are identified in high-resolution pixel data, without scaling reduction or Fourier type frequency domain processing. Data is extracted serially from rows of data cells by sampling along lines of pixels aligned by fragmentation analysis so as to traverse complete rows of data cells. Dynamic thresholding accurately defines illumination value transitions between adjacent linear groups of data cells, each group consisting of one or more data cells of the same reflectivity.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a first base assembly secured to a first mounting surface. The first mounting surface has a first mounting opening defined therein out of which a first electrical cable segment extends. The retail terminal also includes a second base assembly secured to a second mounting surface. The second mounting surface has a second mounting opening defined therein out of which a second electrical cable segment extends. The retail terminal further includes a core module assembly which operates to perform retail functions in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The core module assembly is electrically coupled to the first electrical cable segment and attached to the first base assembly when the core module assembly is operating in the first mode of operation. The core module assembly is electrically coupled to the second electrical cable segment and attached to the second base assembly when the core module assembly is operating in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: Security may be enhanced for any magnetically readable system that may be applied or built into items, such as apparel, credit cards, currency, identification cards, or other transactional items. These and similar items, with informational content that can be varied may be used in systems for authenticating items and/or transactions.

Abstract: A retail terminal assembly includes a mounting structure having number of mounting slots defined therein. The retail terminal assembly also includes a first mounting plate which is secured to a first mounting surface, the first mounting plate having a number of first mounting tabs secured thereto. The retail terminal assembly also includes a second mounting plate which is secured to a second mounting surface, the second mounting plate having a number of second mounting tabs secured thereto. The retail terminal assembly yet further includes a core module assembly which operates to perform retail functions. The number of first mounting tabs are positioned within the number of mounting slots so as to secure the base assembly to the first mounting plate when the core module assembly operates to perform retail functions for a first time period.

Abstract: A retail terminal includes a first base assembly and a first power supply which is mounted on the first base assembly. The retail terminal also includes a second base assembly and a second power supply which is mounted on the second base assembly. The retail terminal further includes a core module assembly for performing a point-of-sale retail function and a product demonstration retail function. When the core module assembly is performing the point-of-sale retail function, the core module assembly is secured to the first base assembly and electrically coupled to the first power supply. When the core module assembly is performing the product demonstration retail function, the core module assembly is secured to the second base assembly and electrically coupled to the second power supply.

Abstract: A dataform reader which includes a hand-portable sized housing and an image assembly included within the housing. The image assembly includes a lens array or other optical system for obtaining a plurality of images of the dataform when positioned a given distance from the dataform. Each of the plurality of images is obtained relative to a different respective best focus length from the image assembly. The dataform reader further includes processing circuitry within the housing for selecting, from among the plurality of images, an image satisfying a predefined focus criteria. The selected image may then be decoded.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting recyclable, returnable items is provided. The apparatus includes a housing with an opening through which recyclable, returnable items ("returnables") are received for deposit into a receptacle located below the housing. As returnables are received through the opening in the housing, the returnables must strike a trap door lever before passing to the receptacle. The lever trap door is pivotally mounted to the housing and moves between an obstructing position and a non-obstructing position. The obstructing position is such that the trap door lever at obstructs and forms an air-tight seal with the opening in the housing so that returnables destined for the receptacle must strike and displace it into its non-obstructing position to allow the trap door returnable to pass. The lever is biased into its obstructing position by a lever biasing means so that after returnables have passed by the trap door lever, the trap door lever returns to its obstructing position.