Abstract: A magnetic field sensor that includes a differential bridge in which each path of the bridge includes a first type of magnetic field sensing device and a second type of magnetic field sensing device. The first and second types of magnetic field sensing devices differ in the magnetic moment imbalance present in the synthetic antiferromagnets (SAFs) included in their reference layers such that that different types of devices produce a different response to perpendicular magnetic fields, but the same response to in-plane magnetic fields. Such different magnetic moment imbalances in the SAFs of magnetic field sensing devices included in a bridge allow for accurate sensing of perpendicular magnetic fields in a differential manner that also cancels out interference from in-plane fields. Techniques for producing such magnetic field sensing devices on an integrated circuit are also presented.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for converting product-specific identification numbers associated with bar code indicia on pharmaceutical products to an industry standard identification number. The process involves reading a bar code indicia, converting the indicia into an input string and standardizing the input string by means of adding or subtracting characters in accordance with rules based on the bar code type and length of the input string. By means of the invention pharmaceutical products of two different sources may be compared to determine if they contain the same drug as determined by the standard identification number. The device can include a removable member for interchanging and updating bar code indicia information rather than reprogramming the device.

Abstract: Communication units used by a communications terminal are measured, and an economic efficiency associated with use of the terminal is determined from the measured communication units and a stored critical value of a tariff of a communications system that is stored in smart card that is coupled to the terminal. Measures to control communications unit usage by the terminal are initiated based on the determined economic efficiency. The measures to control usage may include providing an indication, e.g., a visual or audible indication, of the determined economic efficiency to a user of the terminal. According to one aspect, a first indication of economic efficiency is provided to the user, e.g., a first icon is displayed, if the measured communication units are less than the stored critical value, and a second indication of economic efficiency is provided to the user, e.g., a second icon is displayed, if the measured communication units are greater than the stored critical value.

Abstract: A system and method for granting a customer visiting a store with personally associated prices for selected items is provided. The customer receives a portable customer unit which communicates with a check-in unit for establishing personal prices for selected items. In one preferred embodiment the personal prices are then downloaded into the portable customer unit, and in an alternative embodiment the identity of the portable customer unit and the respective reduced price is then downloaded into the shelf labels whose price is reduced. During shopping, the customer unit transmits coded signals to the electronic shelf labels. Electronic shelf labels respective to items whose code is included in the items for which a personal price is effective respond with an eye-catching signal to attract the customer's attention.

Abstract: Method and a system for automatically and securely performing computer power up and logon functions. In one embodiment, the system is implemented in a personal computer ("PC") and comprises a central processing unit ("CPU"), a card reader for reading data encoded on user identification cards "swiped" therethrough, and a power supply capable of constantly providing a low power, or "flea power," signal to various components of the PC, including the CPU and card reader, for enabling a soft power startup of the PC. Responsive to detection of a user identification card being swiped through a slot on the card reader, the card reader reads information for identifying the user, in particular, a user ID and security code, encoded on the card and transmits the read information to the CPU. If the CPU determines that the user identified by the user ID is authorized to access the PC, the PC is powered up and the user is logged onto the PC using the data read from the card.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) includes a receipt transport and retracting apparatus (26). The machine includes a printer (30) which delivers a sheet (108) which is a transaction receipt for a transaction conducted at the machine. The sheet is transported in engaged relation with the lower flights of two transversely disposed belts (50, 52). A gate member (76) is positioned adjacent to the printer and is rotatably mounted. The gate member includes slots (78) which extend transversely between the arcuate outside surface (86) and inside surface (88) of the gate member. In the first position of the gate member the belt flights extend through the slots. Engagement of a sheet moving in an outward direction from the printer toward an outlet (118) moves the gate member to a second rotational position in which the sheet passes the gate member. The sheet moves in the outward direction until it reaches the outlet and extends through an opening (24) where it is accessible to a user.

Abstract: A rotary touch scanner for reading a bar code pattern includes: an outer frame formed with an opening portion, a rotary ring rotatably housed in the outer frame, a plurality of convex lenses mounted on an outer periphery of the rotary ring at regular angular intervals, rotary ring rotating device associated with the rotary ring, and a light receiving element disposed at a center of the rotary ring and having a light receiving surface directed to the opening portion of the outer frame; light scattered from a bar code label disposed in front of the opening portion of the outer frame being condensed and further focused onto the light receiving surface of the light receiving element as a real image through one of the convex lenses rotated by the rotary ring rotating device, continuously.