Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reading two-dimensional patterns, such as matrix symbols or signatures, using moving beam laser scanners to take advantage of the large depth of field inherent in laser scanners. A pixel generating element and a tracking element together create a digitized image of a target symbol by scanning a laser beam across the symbol. As the pixel generating element generates pixel data composing the digitized image, the tracking element tracks the position of the laser beam in the scanning pattern, and generates laser position data indicating the instantaneous position of the laser associated with particular pixels. The laser position data is then stored in a data memory in association with the generated pixel data, and a microprocessor utilizes the stored pixel data and laser position data to create an image of the target symbol.

Abstract: A smart card for financial transactions that can be programmed to operate using a variety of applications is disclosed. The card includes an interpreter that interfaces the smart card and an automatic teller machine or merchant terminal. The card includes a plurality of application modules each of which contain application programming that can be used by the interpreter to manage the card-to-system interface. At least one of the application modules can be reprogrammed to provide application programming for the interpreter that is compatible with the locally prevalent application program used by automatic teller machines and card terminals in the area where the cardholder is traveling.

Abstract: A film scanner uses three color line sensors which scan a filmstrip line after line over the entire width of the filmstrip, while the filmstrip is fed in a lengthwise direction. While the filmstrip moves forward, photometric data is detected from the filmstrip at a lower pixel density through the line sensors with constant charge storage times. Frame number bar codes and edge positions of respective frames on the photo film are derived from the photometric data, and image data pick-up ranges of the respective frames are determined based on the frame number bar codes and the frame edge positions. Based on the photometric data, color video images simulating photo-prints of the frames are displayed with framing lines that indicate the image data pick-up range of each frame. The framing lines are manually adjustable to correct the image data pick-up range.

Abstract: A point of service (POS) terminal having an integral field replaceable printer for printing a customer receipt and a method for replacing the integral printer are provided. The POS terminal comprises a single, unitary housing which houses the various components typically associated with a POS terminal, but which is also configured to accommodate an integral printer within the terminal housing. The integral print module may be easily accessed, removed and replaced by a merchant without the use of tools or special training and instruction. A moveable access panel associated with the terminal housing provides access to the removable, replaceable printer cartridge and allows the printer cartridge to be removed from the POS terminal and replaced without having to disassemble the POS terminal.

Abstract: An improved information card having a plurality of information sets on a single, single piece card. The information card is in one preferred embodiment a single, single piece, plate member which is operable to contain two discrete sets of embossed information such as for two credit card accounts, each on a separate section of one side of the card. The information card also preferably includes two magnetic strips on the reverse side of the card, which may preferably correspond to the two sets of embossed information. In the method of the present invention, a conventional sized plate member is embossed to form two discrete information sections, with the indentations in the rear of the embossed characters optionally filled with a suitable compound before affixing two magnetic strips on the reverse side of the plastic member. In an alternative embodiment, the information card is a composite of two bonded plate members, each having an embossed section and a magnetic strip.

Abstract: Bar code labels, each bearing a pre-identified insignia, each insignia corresponding to a unique owner, are affixed to the personal possessions of a number of owners. A set of owner identifiers are stored in a first location wherein each owner identifier corresponds to a unique owner. For each owner identifier stored, a set of identifying data is also stored. Each identifying data corresponds to one of the set of bar code labels. At a second location, remote from the first, identifying data corresponding to the identifying insignia on one of the labels is input by scanning the bar code. The input identifying data is transmitted to the first location and compared with one or more of the set of identifying data stored at the first location. If the input identifying data matches one of the set of identifying data, the owner identifier is retrieved and displayed.

Abstract: A hand-held optically readable information set reader having one or more photosensor arrays, at least one information set illuminator, and an information set image transfer system for projecting a readable image of an information set onto the one or more photosensor arrays.

Abstract: An omnidirectional antenna structure that includes oppositely facing, parallel first and second planar dipole arrays (11, 12), each dipole array including side by side substantially identically shaped planar dipole elements (110) having expanded shape dipole wings (51c, 52c). Also disclosed is a sectorial coverage antenna that includes a single planar array of side by side substantially identically shaped planar dipole elements having expanded shape dipole wings.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing the device for the wireless retrieval of information, in which the energy and data are transmitted between the response station and the inquiry station capacitively or inductively.

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: The card (40) is a plate in the form of a bank card which is provided with a power source, a microcontroller (144), a personal data memory (254), an acquired data memory (256), and a data-in-transit memory (212). Each card possesses two coupling members, i.e. a transmitter and a receiver on each of its faces, together with two manual activators (42-52) adapted to put it into operation. An operation of interchanging data between a plurality of cards (40.1, . . . , 40.4) comprises an initial step of checking feasibility in which a down stage during which the personal data in each card is accumulated (arrows 41.1, 41.2, 41.3) in the data-in-transit memories (212) of the cards disposed there beneath, and the other stage being an up stage symmetrical to the preceding stage. The end of this second stage triggers a down procedure in which the acquired data memories (256) are loaded. The last card in the stack issues an audible signal (58) to indicate that the operation has finished successfully.

Abstract: A hand-held optically readable information set reader having one or more photosensor arrays, at least one information set illuminator, and an information set image transfer system for projecting a readable image of an information set onto the one or more photosensor arrays.

Abstract: The invention is related to a SMT-reader for SIM-cards and standard cards, where in a contact block is used. The contact block is mounted by means of soldering to a circuit board and contacting said circuit board in accordance with surface mounting technology (SMT). A card guide means disposed separate from the contact block and adapted to guide the SIM card or standard cards.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled device with software files stored in non-volatile memory which can be easily modified by the user by reading or scanning a two-dimensional bar code symbol having program modification information encoded thereon. The symbol can be read by two-dimensional or one-dimensional laser or CCD based means. Depending on its size, either the entire file can be replaced, selected locations can be replaced, or selected relocatable object files can be linked at the target device in order to effect the program revision.

Abstract: A portable data collection device for selectably receiving and collecting bar code symbol character data from the data-output communication port of a hand-holdable bar code symbol reader, and transmitting the collected bar code symbol character data through the data-input communication port of a data-receiving host device. The portable data collection device comprises a data storage memory, a data input communication unit, a data output communication unit, a programmed microprocessor, a battery-powered storage unit and hand-holdable housing for housing these components in a portable unit. The data storage memory stores data, including bar code symbol character data, received from the hand-holdable bar code symbol reader. The data output communication unit is operably associated with the data storage memory, and receives bar code symbol character data from the hand-held bar code reader and storing the received bar code symbol data in the data storage memory.

Abstract: In a memory card having circuit elements such as a semiconductor device and transmitting/receiving device mounted on a synthetic resin substrate shaped like a flat plate, the circuit elements are disposed and sealed in the synthetic resin substrate, and both surfaces of the substrate are covered with synthetic resin sheet members. This achieves a memory card, which is resistant to bending and also survives harsh operating environment. Also provided are a memory card, which can be easily developed into a multi-function card such as an ID card at low cost, and its manufacturing method.

Abstract: The present invention is a card transport mechanism for transporting cards along a transport path and method of operation thereof.

Abstract: An imaging assembly having a 2D image sensor so oriented in relation to its supporting structure that, when a reader including the imaging assembly is held in its normal operating position during the reading of a 1D bar code symbol, the image of that 1D symbol is aligned with a diagonal of the image sensor, thereby increasing the resolution with which the 1D symbol is read. An image sensor including a generally rectangular 2D array of photosensitive elements is secured to a mounting structure so that the plane of the array is generally parallel to and approximately in the focal plane of an associated 2D imaging optics assembly. The angular orientation of the image sensor with respect to its mounting structure is selected so that, when a reader including the imaging assembly is held in its normal reading position during the reading of a 1D symbol, the image of the 1D symbol is formed along a diagonal of the array.

Abstract: Transactional items such as currency, credit cards, identification cards and the like can be provided with enhanced difficulty to forge or counterfeit by the inclusion of magnetic elements within the transactional item. The signal strength, period, amplitude and/or alignment of the magnetic field may be read as coded information by a magnetic reading head. The encoding of this information can be made increasingly difficult to imitate or forge by varying parameters within these (and other) mechanically readable inscriptions. Filaments coated with magnetic particles are particularly useful magnetic elements for inclusion in transactional items because of their ability to be physically aligned, extend across significant dimensions of the transactional item, and their ready inclusion into manufacturing processes for the transactional items.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mounting arrangement for a device for scanning and reading coded information on one or more articles. The arrangement comprises a housing in which the scanning equipment is arranged and which is provided on one side with a window for passage of scanning beams. The housing includes a bottom cover for engagement with a base surface or with a foot part via a coupler for pivoting the housing towards and away from the user of the device.