Abstract: An electronic passbook system including an electronic passbook card having two separate account namely a general account and an electronic wallet account, allowing the user to conduct cash deposit and cash withdrawal transactions flexibly, safely and efficiently in both an "on-line" mode and an "off-line" mode. The electronic passbook card has a data memory containing a general account information area for recording information for processing cash deposit and withdrawal transactions in an "on-line" mode, and an electronic wallet account information area for performing mutual transmission with the general account information area in an "on-line" mode and recording information for processing cash withdrawal transactions in an "off-line" mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing and storing a decodable representation of a 1D or 2D bar code symbol using a hand-held bar code reader having only a 1D image sensor. A succession of 1D digital representations are produced as the reader is moved asynchronously across the symbol to be read. These representations are examined, substantially in real time, and, if the symbol is a 1D symbol, is decoded immediately. If the symbol is not a 1D symbol, these representations are examined for the presence of one of a variety of different types of 2D finder patterns and, when the finder has been identified, decoded with reference to that finder pattern.

Abstract: A chip card capable of selectively transmitting and receiving data via contact members or in a contactless manner (i.e., transmission coils). The chip card includes a contact block which represents and additional protection for the embedded integrated circuits and can also be used as a sensitive switching element for electronic purposes. In particular, based on the function as a switching element, the electronics can be switched on and off by the card user for purposes of the remote transmission. In addition, the contact block can be exchanged and thus assures also the contact card functions, in case the contacts are worn out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading invisible messages is disclosed. Two light sources impinge upon a surface upon which a luminescent message is located. The first light excites the luminescent message, which luminesces and emits a luminescent light. The luminescent light is received by an image sensor and is converted into a first electric signal. The second light has wavelengths substantially similar to the luminescent light, which reflects from the surface and is received by an image sensor and converted to a second electric signal. The first and second signals are processed to compensate for local variations in the reflectivity of the surface.

Abstract: A reader generates a scanning beam for reading a bar code symbol on a selected item. The reader includes a database in which codes for all symbols to be read are stored, and frequency of use data indicative of how often each stored code has been read. A processor compares the code of the symbol being scanned with the stored codes. Upon a successful comparison, the code is processed as a valid code. Upon failure to match the code to one of the stored codes, a most likely code is selected as the valid code. The most likely code is based on the frequency of use data.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the application of machine readable matrix marking symbols, and especially two-dimensional matrix symbols, to a "host" substrate, optionally covering the symbols with protective layers, then using an ultrasound imaging apparatus to capture echo signals associated with the matrix symbols, then feeding the resultant information to a matrix symbol decoder to yield human-readable and video monitor displayable information.

Abstract: A disguised broadband antenna system for use with a broadcast radio receiver and communications apparatus in a vehicle wherein the antenna system comprises a standard broadcast antenna mounted to the vehicle by means of a base, a distributed matching network for coupling the antenna to the broadcast receiver and the communications equipment in the vehicle and a broadcast coupler connected between the matching network and the broadcast receiver and communications equipment for providing isolation between the broadcast receiver and communications equipment. The distributed nature of the matching network provides the broadband frequency response required while at the same time providing the highest Q factor available in a limited size and spreads any power dissipation over a relatively larger area. A series reactive element is connected electrically to the antenna through the base to cause the antenna to operate closer to resonance through the broadband frequency range of interest.

Abstract: An automatic code recognizing apparatus includes an arithmetic operation unit for calculating the distance from a barcode scanner to the upper surface center of an article to be detected and the distances from barcode scanners to the side surface centers of the article to be detected based on detection signals from a height sensor and a TV camera. A mirror is controlled to focus the focal positions of the barcode scanners on the upper surface center and side surface centers of the article based on the result of calculation of the arithmetic operation unit. With this arrangement, there can be provided the automatic barcode recognizing apparatus capable of recognizing a barcode with a pinpoint accuracy and excellent responsiveness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reading bar codes or other images while reducing or eliminating the need for self-generated illumination. An image reader comprises an efficient optical collection system including an aperture with a high aspect ratio and/or a multi-focal lens or lenses. A CCD detector receives collected light and is coupled to an adaptive exposure circuit for preventing saturation of a CCD detector at high illumination levels. A correlated double sampling circuit receives the output of the CCD detector to allow lower light levels to be detected by the system. The correlated double sampling circuit is connected to a signal processing block which uses a derivative based technique for enhanced edge detection. Edge detection information may be provided to a decoder for decoding. Various other embodiments may utilize some but not all of the above elements, or may include additional refinements, while obtaining the benefit of reducing or eliminating the need for self-generated illumination.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining identity of a customer based on a single card carried by the customer. The card bears a machine-readable code, which is transmitted to a database at a remote location. The database locates a record associated with the code, which contains one or more account numbers. Associated with each account number is a Personal Identification Number, PIN. (It is possible that all PINs are identical.) The customer selects an account number, and is asked for a PIN. If the PIN given by the customer matches that of the account number, the customer is concluded to be the valid owner of the account, and a transaction is allowed to proceed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a broadband antenna having a first and a second helical antenna (203, 207) wherein the antennas (203, 207) have different resonance frequencies. An antenna which has essentially a larger bandwidth than the bandwidth of an individual helical antenna is formed in coaction between the helical antennas (203, 207), by arranging the antennas coaxially and in generally the same axial positions, wherein the helical antennas (203, 207) are separated galvanically, possibly with the exception of at respective supply points. When fitted to portable equipment, the helical antennas (203, 207) can be combined with an axially movable straight wire antenna.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system which has an automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device with an omnidirectional projection laser scanning engine mounted within the head portion of its hand-supportable housing, and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range of the portable unit without a physical wiring connection to the portable unit. The hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device produces a narrowly confined scanning volume for omnidirectional scanning of code symbols presented within the scanning volume, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside of the scanning volume.

Abstract: Document information is encoded in a graphic symbol applied to the document. The symbol is read to retrieve the document information which is then translated into a humanly discernible form different from that appearing on the document. In particular, encoded symbols are used to uniquely identify or memorialize persons named on credit cards.

Abstract: A smart card having a counter zone associated with a first reference zone, and a balance zone associated with a second reference zone. The counter zone has at least two levels of counters, each having at least two bits. The counter zone is operable in accordance with the abacus principle. The first reference zone has at least one register with at least two bits and is operable to display the proper erasing of the counters. The second reference zone has at least two fields. Bits of a balance are written simultaneously in the balance zone and in the second reference zone. The balance zone and the second reference zone each include one validation bit making it possible to know if the balance is fully written.

Abstract: An antenna is disclosed with a first Z-shaped strip resonant element disposed in a first plane. The first strip resonant element has first and second identical sized and shaped, parallel, longitudinal strip segments. The first strip resonant element also has a third segment which connects diagonally opposite ends of the first and second strip segments. The antenna also has a second Z-shaped strip resonant element disposed in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane. The second strip resonant element has fourth and fifth identical sized and shaped, parallel longitudinal strip segments. The second strip resonant element also has a sixth segment, having identical dimensions and an identical shape as the third segment, which connects diagonally opposite ends of the fourth and fifth segments. The second Z-shaped strip resonant element is disposed in the second plane so that the sixth segment overlies said third segment and so that said first, second, fourth and fifth segments overlie a rectangle.

Abstract: An integrally molded trigger body has a mounting portion received through an opening in an upper portion of a handle of a hand-held bar code scanner and pivotably mounted in the handle under spring bias. The trigger body has a tongue portion extending outwardly of the handle and downwardly beyond the opening toward a grip section of the handle. The tongue portion is contoured to conform with the contour of the grip section when the trigger body is depressed by a user of the scanner so as to actuate the scanning and reading modes.

Abstract: A passive electronic marker uses a plurality of ferrite cores to increase locating range, and the cores are attached in such a manner that a slight bend of the marker at a junction between the cores does not significantly affect the markers performance. Stable locating range and tuned frequency are achieved by controlling the air gap between the cores, using specially shaped ends or a sphere which is positioned between the cores. By selecting the appropriate geometry for the core ends and winding interconnections, the first order permeability across the air gap is held constant during bending of the marker.

Abstract: An efficient electrically small loop antenna includes a radiation device, an impedance matching network, and a connector that interfaces to associated electronic circuitry. The radiation device includes a conductive planar base element extending in a base plane and a conductive loop connected to the planar base element. The loop connects to the base element so that the electrical current for the antenna flows through both the conductive loop and the planar base element. The impedance matching network matches the radiation device to the associated electronic circuitry. The matching network is integrated into the planar base and is connected to both the conductive loop and the base element so that the electric current supplied to the antenna is conducted through both the base element and the conductive loop.

Abstract: A hardware identification system is provided in a bar code reading arrangement including a main body and a plurality of modular detachable scanning heads connectable to the main body dependent on the application desired for the reader. Each of the heads includes a voltage divider dividing identification voltage and the main body includes a microprocessor including an analog to digital converter which reads the identification voltage, converts it to a digital signal and compares the identification voltage against a look-up table of identification voltages and their associated hardware element to identify the module type. Alternatively, or in addition, the module may be similarly configured to identify the main body by virtue of an identification voltage defined by a voltage divider in the main body. Alternatively the hardware identification system includes an electronic subassembly such as a PC board used for example in computer systems for automatic identification of hardware.

Abstract: A reactively controlled directive antenna array that has a single central monopole or dipole as a radiating element excited directly by a feed system. A plurality of parasitic elements surround the radiating element and through changing the state of the parasitic impedance causing the antenna to be in an omni directional or beam pointing mode according to whether the parasitic elements are open circuited or short circuited. A computer modem and memory including stored programs control the antenna array in an omnidirectional or directive mode to locate, identify and communicate with nodes in a wireless communication network. A stored table is created in the memory indicating the antenna direction for communicating with each node in the network. Using the stored table, the computer initiates a communication sequence with a selected node, the sequence having the advantages of improved signal sensitivity and angular discrimination for wireless communication systems.