Abstract: The method is for use in a bar code reader. By means of a special illumination of the bar code applied to a reflecting surface/wafer and special receiver optics, bright-field illumination is implemented. Optimum contrasts between the images of the marking elements and the surrounding reflecting areas offer a high recognition reliability.

Abstract: An automated prepayment method for accessing wireless telecommunication services by a mobile terminal is disclosed. The method includes programming and storing in the mobile terminal subscriber credit information such as credit or debit card number, authorization PIN code, and the amount of prepayment credit to be bought. A registration request is sent containing a prepayment request indicator to the mobile switching center. The mobile switching center then requests that the mobile terminal transmit the programmed credit information. The credit information is sent to a prepayment clearing house to verify that the subscriber credit is satisfactory. If the response from the clearing house is positive then the mobile switching center grants the mobile terminal access to the network through standard registration procedures. On the other hand, if the subscriber's credit is not satisfactory then access to the network is denied and a corresponding message is displayed on the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A production history information system using a bar code system and a method of the same improve the quality of products and realize the collection and processing of accurate information in real time by entering the production particulars from a manufacturing process to a sending-out process with the bar code system and storing them in a system control computer so as to prevent defective products from being sent out and avoid repetitive occurrences of the same failure. The bar code system is installed in the production line so as to immediately suspend the production line in case of a situation corresponding to production line stop conditions, thereby preventing repetitive occurrences of the same failure and sending-out of the same SET failure history even after another same defective is sent out.

Abstract: A lightweight, easy to grasp and manipulate hand-held optical scanning device for scanning and digitizing image data from a two-dimensional bar code symbol for subsequent decoding in a personal computer platform. The scanning device achieves a small footprint in the user's workspace by utilizing a non-folded, substantially vertical optical path extending from an image viewing area upwardly to a linear charge-coupled device (CCD) array upon which the successive rows of the target two-dimensional bar code symbol are imaged. The scanning device is easily aligned with the symbol by placing it behind the symbol, and scanning of the successive rows of the symbol is accomplished by swiping or rolling the scanning device towards the user. Mechanical rollers on the underside of the scanning device provide translation information for use in clocking data out of the linear CCD array in order to scan the successive rows of the two-dimensional bar code symbol.

Abstract: A plastic smart card, such as a card having a radio frequency identification (RFID) proximity function, including at least one electronic element embedded therein and a physical contact card function and the hot lamination process for the manufacture of this dual function smart card and other plastic cards including a micro-chip embedded therein. The process results in a card having a preferred overall thickness in the range of 0.028 inches to 0.032 inches with a surface suitable for receiving dye sublimation printing--the variation in card thickness across the surface should not exceed 0.0005 inches. A card manufactured in accordance with the present invention also complies with all industry standards and specifications. Also, the hot lamination process of the present invention results in an aesthetically pleasing card. The invention also relates to a plastic card formed in accordance with the hot lamination process of the present invention.

Abstract: A bar code (10) has primary information (46, 48, 50, 51) encoded in one direction (e.g., horizontally) and secondary information (13,21,36) encoded in another direction (e.g., vertically) in single (11) or multiple tracks (35) in selected ones of the vertical bars (11) of a bar code (10). Using a non-linear, variable amplitude scanner, all of the primary bars are scanned in the one direction to obtain all of the primary information and all of those vertical bars having secondary information are scanned in the other direction to obtain all of the secondary information. The one direction which is perpendicular to the vertical primary bars (11), is determined by first rotating the scan path axis (86,87) until both start (46) and end (48) code bars are read thereby placing the scan path entirely within the total bar code, and, then, further rotating the scan path (88,89) to determine the direction of the minimum crossing width (Lsc 80) of the total bar code (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for illuminating with ultraviolet light an optically readable code formed with ultraviolet material, preferably an ultraviolet ink or resin.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to propose an account bankbook, a money transfer card, a receipt file, and a checkbook utilizing an optical card, an IC card, or a hybrid optical/IC card. On the surface of a resin card base board 1 are formed an IC chip 11, an optical recording sheet 13, a magnetic stripe 14, and an embossment 12. In a semiconductor memory within the IC chip 11 are written validation keys, search keys, payee information, the upper limit amount of a check, and a program for processing transaction data. Access restrictions corresponding to various applications are imposed upon these data. The history of various cash transactions is recorded in the optical recording sheet 13. These records are of write-once type and rewriting or deletion thereof is impossible.

Abstract: An accountability system for keeping track of firefighters at a fire scene. The system includes an identification card containing specific personal information represented by a bar code. A bar code reader is adapted to read the bar code and to communicate the data from the bar code to a computer. A data entry device is connected to the computer and is adapted to allow entry of additional data by a user. The computer is in communication with the bar code reader and data entry device and is programmed to process data received from the bar code reader and data entry device and provide a number of predetermined outputs, a display, and an alarm adapted to provide an alert to the Accountability Officer corresponding to a predetermined output. In the preferred embodiment, the computer is programmed to calculate the elapsed time after the bar code reader reads the identification card, and to trigger an alarm when the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined maximum safe breathing time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to facilitate the correlation and retrieval of notes of a meeting or transaction taken on paper by conventional handwriting or typing with the sound recording of the same transaction or meeting. The device comprises multiple pick-up and control units which transmit sound and a unique bar code identifier through a control device to a computer where the sound transmission is recorded and stored. A removable medium recorder is also provided to provide storage in the event that the storage capabilities of the computer are exceeded. The computer will not accept data for recording until the unique identifying bar code or other identification device is detected. After recording, the data is maintained in the memory of the computer or some other electronically accessible medium.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the configuration of component feeders in a placement machine having a series of feeder slots for holding the component feeders. The system includes slot markers for installation on the placement machine to correspond to the feeder slots, feeder markers for installation on the component feeders of the placement machine, and a marker detector (e.g., a bar code scanner) adapted to monitor the arrangement of slot markers and feeder markers in the machine while the machine is in operation.

Abstract: A quality control method and apparatus using a bar code data entry system that improves product quality through collection and processing of accurate information in real time by entering the production particulars from a manufacturing process to a sending-out process with the bar code system and storing them in a system control computer so as to prevent defective products from being sent out and avoid repetitive occurrences of the same failure. The bar code system is installed in the production line so as to immediately suspend the production line in case of a situation corresponding to production line stop conditions, thereby preventing repetitive occurrences of the same failure and sending-out of numerous defective products even after some with defects have been sent.

Abstract: Wireless communication devices and methods of forming the same are described. In one implementation, an integrated circuitry transceiver chip and an antenna are operably coupled and mounted within a housing member. A cover(s) is (are) disposed over the chip and antenna and effectively seals the chip and antenna therewithin. In a preferred implementation, the chip, antenna, and a power source are mounted on a printed circuit substrate which is nestedly received by the housing member and effectively sealed therewithin by the cover. The housing member preferably includes structure which receives at least one of the chip and/or power source to provide a nested, compact device which can be carried by or upon a person. In one aspect, the housing member is formed from a material which does not meaningfully, if at all, degrade the electrical performance of the device. The cover(s) is preferably formed from the same material as the housing member to facilitate assembly of the device through bonding therebetween.

Abstract: A method for providing personalized nutrition information to an individual comprising the following steps: (a) inputting personal data relating to an individual; (b) inputting data identifying at least one food product which the individual intends to purchase or consume; (c) accessing prestored information relating to the at least one food product which the individual intends to purchase or consume; (d) generating and outputting information about the at least one food product which the individual intends to purchase or consume pertinent to the input personal data.

Abstract: A smart card having a planar surface is provided. A plurality of sectors extend over the planar surface. Each sector includes a set of transaction processing electronics for performing account transactions in a manner independently operable from every other sector. The transaction processing electronics typically include a processor and memory for processing and storing data, a power coupler for transmitting power to the processor and memory, and a data coupler for transmitting data between the processor and memory and a smart card reader. The smart card serves as a substitute for a plurality of single-application cards. In one particular example, the smart card maintains up to four individual accounts, where each account is associated with a different quadrant of the card. The user simply selects the appropriate account by properly orienting the card upon inserting it into a smart card reader.

Abstract: A bar code reader for reading a symbol located at a distance from the laser comprises an array of groups of reading elements and an array of selectable liquid crystal elements. Each of the groups of reading elements have an associated predetermined operating focal distance. At least one liquid crystal element corresponds to each group of reading elements. In the bar code reader, a device activates a selected liquid crystal element to transmit light to a selected group of reading elements. In this way, the reading elements can operate at a predetermined, fixed operating focal distance.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for use in a bar code reader and method of making the same. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate, as well as a laser diode driver circuit and a digitizer circuit implemented on the substrate. The integrated circuit may also include a decoder circuit, a scan element driver circuit, a microcontroller, or a communications interface, each implemented on the substrate.

Abstract: A package delivery facilitating business form, and method of facilitating delivery of the package, are easy to use and implement. A business form typically is a sheet with three sections each backed with repositional adhesive and one of the sections having bar coding which indicates a number of different reasons for non-delivery of a package. If a package cannot be successfully delivered on a first attempt the third section of the form is detached and adhesively secured at the attempted delivery location and the identification bar code and reason for non-delivery bar code on the first section are scanned into the computer, and the first section is adhesively secured to the non-deliverable package. If a second attempt is also unsuccessful a release liner is removed from the adhesive on the second section, and a second section is adhesively secured at the attempted-delivery section.

Abstract: A process for executing payment transactions between a user and a merchant, the process being carried out in connection with a bank or other institution maintaining a financial account for the user. The process comprises a step of segmenting the financial account of the user into a first sub-account containing unrestricted funds and a second sub-account containing restricted funds and transferring funds from the first sub-account of unrestricted funds to the second sub-account of restricted funds. Preferably, the transferring of the funds is done periodically according to a predetermined budget or is done from time to time according to specific authorization. The process also comprises tendering a restricted funds bank card to the merchant for accessing restricted funds in the second sub-account and scanning the restricted funds bank card electronically to identify the account to be accessed.

Abstract: A chip card including a flexible body; at least one semiconductor chip supported within the flexible body and comprising a memory for storing the information; a display element capable of displaying at least a portion of the information stored in the semiconductor chip, the display element being supported within the flexible body and comprising display areas viewable from at least one side of the chip card; circuitry for controlling the display element; the chip card being capable of undergoing flexing of the type and magnitude experienced by a card during normal use, handling, and storage (e.g., storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse) without permanent damage to the display element and without permanent loss of the displayed information. A chip card may include a power source to provide multi-media capabilities by driving a speaker/microphone or showing a series of images to produce an animated display or film clip.