Abstract: A reduced-power dynamic magnetic transducer system includes a magnetoresistive read head, a low duty cycle pulse generator to supply power to the head, a signal processor, and a controller. As a data-bearing card is moved adjacent to the magnetoresistive read head, the pulse generator actuates the read head, thereby providing an intermittent signal representative of data recorded on the card. The intermittent signal is processed by the signal processor to reconstruct the original recorded data. The reconstructed data is utilized by the controller in conducting transactions with a user of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding bar code symbols using an analysis of the ratios of the module size for the bars and spaces of the bar code. The invention is applicable to any bar code having one or more nominal widths in the bars and spaces, and is particularly useful in bar codes having multiples widths in the specification for the bar code and in situations where the bar code signal has a low signal-to-noise ratio, or is degraded because of a damaged, smudged, or dirty bar code, or where the bar code is read at less than the optimum angle. The invention identifies mis-decoded characters and uses adaptive techniques to decode characters previously non-decodable or mis-decoded by standard methods, thereby improving the decode rate as compared to prior techniques. The decoding rate is improved without having to re-scan the bar code for a new signal, thereby making the invention particularly useful for high-speed or one-pass decoding operations.

Abstract: An IC having an image pickup element for optically picking up a code to output an image signal, and an optical system for optically inputting the code to the image pickup element are provided to a reading section for optically reading a code from an information recording medium having a portion at which multimedia information is recorded as an optically readable code. The image pickup element and the optical system are integrally arranged. Further, an IC having an image memory for storing the image signal output from the image pickup element, and an IC for reconstituting the multimedia information from the image signal are provided. A defective element due to a semiconductor manufacturing method is used for at least one of these ICs.

Abstract: An optical card including a card substrate having a recess, and an optical recording member including, in the following order, a surface hard layer, a transparent protective layer, a pattern layer, and an optical recording material layer. The optical recording member is embedded in the recess through an adhesive layer so that the optical recording material layer is in contact with the adhesive layer. The end face of the optical recording member and the side face of the recess of the card substrate respectively have particular tapers facing each other. The optical recording member is embedded in the recess of the card substrate so that the end face of the optical recording member is not exposed from the card substrate.

Abstract: An antenna orientation device which includes a base, an antenna structure with a first bearing surface, and a support for positioning the structure in relation to the base. The support includes a body coupled to the base and having a stem. The support also includes a resilient non-metallic bearing member carried on the stem which has a second bearing surface. The support also includes a fastener connected to the body for clamping the first and second bearing surfaces in rotary bearing relation. The bearing member is elastically deformed to provide retaining force sufficient to hold the structure against earth's gravitational pull in any one of a range of rotational positions about a substantially non-vertical axis. Each position within the range is selectable by rotating the structure by hand. This support can provide a rotational range of at least 45 degrees. The fastener may be configured as an adjustable screw to provide a way to vary retaining force.

Abstract: A light emitter emits light through an offset opening in a concave collector to a reflector that reflects the light along a first path to coded indicia to be read in an electro-optical reader. Light reflected from the indicia is reflected by the reflector to the collector which, in turn, directs the reflected light in a second path extending across the first path to a light detector. The reflector is mounted on a resilient spring for oscillating movement.

Abstract: An antenna assembly according to the present invention has a rod antenna movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a helical antenna having a plurality of helical portions which are electrically separated from one another. The rod antenna extends through the inside of the helical antenna when the rod antenna is in the extended position and the rod antenna is removed from the inside of the helical antenna when the rod antenna is in the retracted position. The antenna assembly also includes connecting metal piece for electrically connecting the plurality of helical portions when the rod antenna is in the retracted position so that the plurality of helical portions become operable as a single helical antenna.

Abstract: A diversity antenna for radio communications including a pair of conductive thin-film patterns used for a first antenna and another pair of conductive thin-film patterns used for a second antenna, the thin-film patterns being installed on a printed circuit board along the direction of the length of the circuit board; a first choke coil which is used to stop a leakage current from the first antenna and cause attenuation of a coupling current from the second antenna, the first choke coil being installed at a location where the leakage current distribution of the first antenna reaches the maximum in a feeder cable connected to the first antenna; and a second choke coil which is used to stop the leakage current from the second antenna, the second choke coil being installed at a location where the leakage current distribution of the second antenna reaches the maximum in a feeder cable for the second antenna.

Abstract: A dual card smart card reader including a portable housing with a viewing aperture and a virtual image display positioned to provide an image at the aperture. A sensor in the housing constructed to have a first smart card with data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition and a second smart card with access data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition. The second smart card serving as a security feature and allowing for access and/or editing to certain information contained on the first smart card. Electronics mounted in the housing and connected to the sensor for receiving sensed data and sensed access data and further connected to the virtual image display for supplying image data thereto.

Abstract: A multifunction antenna system is selectively operative over the UHF and VHF frequency ranges using a novel arrangement of symmetrically disposed phased radiating elements that function as a dipole turnstile type array at UHF and as a monopole at VHF. At VHF the UHF radiating elements and feedlines are fed in parallel against ground to produce a pattern similar to that of a short vertical monopole. VHF and UHF coupling networks offer low VSWR and minimize circuit losses when utilized with a folded dipole array. The compact, lightweight structure is adaptable to oceanic communications by installing in a towed radome adapted for water flotation, and provides low angle hemispherical UHF radiation without pattern switching, with the water surface providing a reflective ground plane.

Abstract: A semi-cylindrical dielectric lens antenna on a ground plane for focusing radiation from a line source adjacent to the semi-cylinder. Grooves in the surface of the ground plane modify the polarization of the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the ground plane thus allowing conversion of radiation from linear to circular polarization and vice versa. Selectable line sources may be used to provide both right and left hand circularly polarized radiation. The entire antenna and ground plane may be rotated and the line source may be moved relative to the dielectric lens so as to scan the antenna beam over a hemisphere.

Abstract: An electro-optical system for reading bar code symbols includes a reader module and a terminal module releasably interconnected to each other. The reader module includes a manually actuatable actuator to initiate the reading. Reading is initiated either when the modules are disconnected, or when the modules are interconnected, by manually actuating the actuator in both cases. A keyboard may be provided on either module to facilitate data entry.

Abstract: An original document of one or more pages containing human-readable printed information is encoded in one or more two-dimensional bar code symbols and transmitted by facsimile to a remote site where a facsimile of the symbols is machine read, decoded and printed to provide an accurate reproduction of the original document. The facsimile symbol can be facsimile transmitted to another remote site where the facsimile symbol is regenerated, machine read, decoded and printed as another reproduction of the original document. The machine readability of the symbol facilitates computer entry of the original document printed information. The coded symbol may also contain data used at a remote site to control processing and dissemination of the original document printed information.

Abstract: An antenna element comprised of an hollow conductor and a central grounded onductor within the hollow conductor, there being a variation in capacitance between the hollow conductor and the central conductor along their length.

Abstract: Debit cards, such as long distance telephone cards, may be attractively packaged and even readily mounted for point of purchase display, in such a manner that the card is inactive until activated at the point of purchase. The card may be activated at the point of purchase without the necessity of in any way opening up the attractive packaging, or moving any portion of the packaging out of the way, and by merely "swiping" the card while still mounted in the package through a conventional card reader. The card is mounted between first and second panels of primarily cellulose material including an area significantly greater than that of the card, with the card magnetic strip completely exposed (that is uncovered by the panels or any other packaging material). The majority of the card is typically sandwiched between the first and second panels and is removably held to the panels, for example by hold melt adhesive, and the panels are affixed to each other.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism (40) for a self-service transaction terminal (10) includes a shutter in the form of a hollow cylinder (42) having a slot (46). The shutter (42) is rotatable about a core member (44) from an open position wherein the slot (46) is aligned with a card entry slot (24) in the terminal (10) to a closed position wherein the slot (46) is aligned with a feed path (90) along which a card (70) may be fed to a reader/writer (94). The core member (44) is provided with a slot (78) and card feed rollers (60,62). When the card (70) is fed reversely after processing, the shutter (42) rotates from the closed to the open position where the user can withdraw the card (70). The shutter construction prevents unauthorized access to the card reader/writer (94) via the card entry slot (24) of the terminal (10).

Abstract: A laminated antenna pane is provided with an antenna element for the reception of high-frequency electromagnetic waves (in the gigahertz range), and of a counter-electrode connected to earth. The antenna element is disposed on the outwardly orientated face of the inner sheet, inside the pane, while the counter-electrode is situated on the opposite face of the inner sheet. A layer of air is between the antenna element and the inwardly oriented face of the outer sheet of the laminated antenna pane to prevent any perturbation of the antenna signal due to humidity on the exterior of the antenna pane.

Abstract: A secure monetary system comprises an electronic module and equipment to access the electronic module. The electronic module comprising a substantially token-shaped module and secure memory circuitry to store monetary information. The secure memory positioned in the substantially token-shaped module. The equipment accesses and manipulates the monetary information stored in the memory in the electronic module. The equipment comprises memory to store control and encryption programs and the memory is coupled to a microprocessor, which is also coupled to the electronic module and a control panel. The microprocessor is secure.

Abstract: An information storage medium has a base portion and a code storage portion. The code storage portion is disposed on the base portion and contains an infrared absorber which absorbs substantially only infrared rays within a narrow wavelength band. If a real information storage medium is produced like that, subject mediums are judged real or not by a method includes the steps of emitting rays to the subject medium, receiving rays reflected from the subject medium, detecting a first reflectance at the peak absorption wavelength and a second reflectance at a comparison wavelength near the peak wavelength, and judging if the subject medium is real or not. The rays at the comparison wavelength are not very much absorbed by the absorber.

Abstract: An antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system to be installed outdoors and used for transmission and reception of radio signals. The object is to provide a small, lightweight antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system formed of the reduced number of parts and assembling steps. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system consists of a housing having one end surface in which an opening is formed and the other end surface in which an antenna mounting surface is formed, and including a transmitter/receiver function unit formed of a waveguide circuit unit, a high-frequency electrical circuit unit, and an intermediate frequency electrical circuit unit; an antenna connected to the transmitter/receiver function unit mounted on the other end surface of the housing; and a cover member for closing the opening of the one end surface of the housing. The waveguide circuit unit and the high-frequency electrical circuit unit form a first unit.