Abstract: The invention is a transaction card having a base comprising a core of substantially transparent material with a plurality of coats, on at least one of the core's surfaces, of a material which is substantially transparent to humanly visible light and which is opaque to light in the infrared portion of the light spectrum. The invention is also a method for manufacturing a transaction card having an area which is substantially transparent to humanly visible light and which may be detected by card readers, such as ATMs and card printers. The method includes the steps of forming a core of substantially transparent plastic and applying a plurality of coats of material to at least one surface of the core, which material is substantially transparent to humanly visible light and which is opaque to light in the infrared portion of the light spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed is laser beam scanning apparatus in the form of an electronically-controlled mechanically-damped off-resonant laser beam scanning mechanism. The scanning mechanism comprises an etched scanning element having a small flexible gap region of closely-controlled dimensions disposed between an anchored base portion and a laser beam deflection portion The light beam deflection portion supports a permanent magnet and a light beam deflecting element (e.g., mirror or hologram). A reversible magnetic force field producing device (e.g., an electromagnet) is placed in close proximity with the permanent magnet so that it may be forcibly driven into oscillation in response to electrical current flowing through the electromagnet. The resonant frequency of oscillation of the laser beam deflecting portion relative to the anchored base portion is determined by the closely controlled dimensions of the flexible gap region set during manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an optical security system having a key, an optic lock, and a processing system. The lock generally has a plurality of optic reflective sensors, a plurality of readable discs, and a controller for processing information to and from the plurality of sensors. The optic security lock senses the surface changes of state during the rotation of the plurality of discs caused by the turning of the fully-engaged key. The data from the sensors is communicated to the controller, with the controller having a microprocessor capable of communicating data to and receiving data from the sensors. The processing system analyzes the data from the controller and compares the data to known information in a database for generating a lock command signal. Additionally, an external keypad device can be coupled in data communication with the controller and processing system for additional security verification before generating a corresponding lock command signal.

Abstract: A card reader (10), and particularly a manual insertion hybrid dip card reader, is described. The card reader (10) comprises a magnetic read head (28) for reading a magnetic stripe (62) on a card (60), and an integrated circuit interface (42) for reading terminals (64) on an integrated circuit card (60). The interface (42) is mounted on a moveable carrier (40) for moving relative to the magnetic read head (28) while the interface (42) is coupled to the card terminals (64). The carrier (40) may be biased towards an entrance of the card reader (10), and may be nearer the entrance than the magnetic read head (28). A self-service terminal including such a card reader is also described.

Abstract: An optical reader is provided for reading a bar code having ultraviolet-wavelength-responsive properties. The optical reader includes an ultraviolet light source, a photodetector, an optical system and a decoder. The ultraviolet light source generates ultraviolet light having a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than X-rays for illuminating a target region. The photodetector generates output electrical signals indicative of light incident thereon having a wavelength within a predetermined range of wavelengths. The optical system includes a projection portion and a collection portion. The projection portion directs the ultraviolet light along a projection path extending from the ultraviolet light source to the target region. The collection portion collects the light from a bar code when the bar code occupies the target region and directs the collected light along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector.

Abstract: A sales transaction system utilizing electronically stored coupons including a portable handheld optical code reader for scanning symbols on paper coupons associated with product items to be purchased a host computer for receiving data associated with the scanned coupons from of the reader, and for redeeming the electronically stored coupons for each respective corresponding item purchased. Alternatively, also is provided a method of preparing paper coupons to facilitate a sales transaction by providing a customer identifier in a user's computer; inputting into the computer an electronic coupon template for a specific product; providing the customer identifier data into the coupon template; and printing a paper coupon including the customer identifier data for the specific product.

Abstract: Multiple shafts are aligned along a frame and configured to rotate in a direction causing paper products to move along a separation screen. The shafts are configured with a shape and spacing so that substantially rigid pieces of the paper products move along the screen while non-rigid pieces of the paper products slide down between adjacent shafts. In one embodiment, the screen includes at least one vacuum shaft that has a first set of air input holes configured to suck air and retain the non-rigid paper products. A second set of air output holes are configured to blow out air to dislodge the paper products retained by the input holes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in a variety of communications systems providing one or more payment alternatives for communication services and automatically selecting of a group of alternative payment techniques while significantly reducing the amount of interactive activity required from the user. Upon entry of a request to establish communications between calling and called electronic devices, the system initially looks towards a primary service provider. Absent acceptance of the request for service by the primary service provider, for whatever reason, the system automatically reverts to an alternative service provider and/or payment provider by searching data provided by the user and coupled to the electronic device for which a communication link is requested, eliminating the need for any further input by the user in the form of redialing the call, providing data through insertion of a debit or credit card, for example, identifying the alternative payment provider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

Abstract: A business card and a pen, which is adapted to detect a position-coding pattern on the business card and calculate a coordinate by means of the pattern. When activating a send box by means of the pen, a computer sends a .vcf file containing the card holder's particulars to a card recipient belonging to the pen holder. When using an optional pen, the .vcf file is sent to a recipient indicated on the keypad of a mobile phone or written on the business card in associated fields or marked in other manners. The pen communicates with a computer wirelessly, for instance via Bluetooth, mobile phone and the Internet. Additional information can be drawn on the back of the business card and be attached to the transmission, such as date and time for the next meeting, a small drawing or sketch etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable reader (1). The reader is characterized in that it comprises a part (2) for electric connection to the port of a computer, whereby said part (2) exhibits four conduction lines (8, 9, 10, 11) in addition to a part (4) for the insertion of a module (5) which is removable and which can store confidential information, comprising the body (27) of a plastic module which is substantially parallelepipedal and rectangular whereby the dimensions thereof are 25 mm long, 15 mm wide and 0.76 mm thick, further comprising an integrated circuit chip provided with contact pads which are electrically connected to contact pads (28) which are flush with one of the surfaces of said module, whereby the insertion part comprises a connector which has pins which are electrically connected to the electric connection lines of the reader and, when the module (5) is inserted into said reader (1), to the contact pads (28) of said module (5).

Abstract: A versatile system and method for VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) bar code and data scanning is disclosed, including a housing (102) having a scanning surface (116), a detector element (106) disposed within the housing in close proximity and normal to the scanning surface, a VCSEL component (104) disposed within the housing in close proximity to the detector element and scanning surface, and an aperture (122) formed within the housing between the scanning surface and the detector element.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for delivering supplies from a loading dock to a production line using a supply delivery computer system that interfaces with a conveyor computer system to control transportation of supplies from a conveyor system to pickup stations and a vehicle facility manager computer system to control automated guided vehicles that transport supplies from pickup stations on the conveyor system to delivery stations on a production line. Supplies are labeled with barcodes indicating production line delivery location (i.e., an identifier for a delivery station), load sequence number, load quantity, and lot number to facilitate tracking and routing from the time they are unloaded at the manufacturing plant loading dock on to the conveyor system until they delivered to delivery stations on the production line.

Abstract: A system for providing tourism service using RF IC card includes an RF IC card having an RF chip and providing a function of pre-paid card and a settlement server affiliated with domestic/international financial institutions, credit card companies, public transportation/communication facilities, and service centers via a public network, and for settling a used amount with the RF IC card at an affiliated corporation.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for ordering, receiving, staging, and delivering supplies to assembly line locations in an assembly plant. Cross-dock and staging functions are combined at one facility—a super cross-dock—so that suppliers to a large-scale manufacturer with multiple assembly plants may make deliveries of supplies to a single facility that services the multiple assembly plants. Supplies from multiple suppliers are received at the super cross-dock and staged for distribution to the assembly plants that comprise a manufacturing operation. Supply order requests are submitted from assembly plant computer systems that consolidate the orders before submitting an order to a supplier. Orders are consolidated based on when supplies are required at the various assembly plants. A bar code labeling system at the suppliers supports the super cross-dock inventory and distribution of supplies according to delivery time and assembly plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holographic card for storing data in holographic format in accordance with the present invention includes a holographic layer for containing holographic information and a transparent protective layer overlaying the holographic layer. The holographic layer includes at least a first data section with machine readable holographic data. The card also includes a second data section containing either or both presentation or security data. The second data section is preferably included in the holographic layer, but can also be separate therefrom, particularly when non-holographic data is contained therein.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus employing a flat, plate-shaped memory as a recording medium. The apparatus includes a selection operation unit for selecting data stored in the memory located at an end of a main body portion of the apparatus, where the memory is detachably loaded. The apparatus also includes an ejection unit located at an end opposing the selection operation unit for ejecting the loaded memory, thereby to prevent mistaken operations in data selection and memory ejection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, to support real-time inventory management. Changes to the inventory including the addition or removal of an item from the inventory are reported to the item tracking system in real-time. An inventory planner normally operates on a periodic schedule to perform inventory management functions. The inventory planner can receive alerts from an early warning agent that can cause the inventory planner to perform at least some inventory management functions, outside of its normal periodic schedule. In particular, the agent can send an alert to the inventory planner to cause the inventory planner to determine whether replenishment of store inventory is needed. To make this determination, the inventory planner can retrieve real-time inventory data from the item tracking system.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a transaction card account includes a dual function transaction card with primary and secondary transaction card functions that is issued to a cardmember in connection with the account. The cardmember is allowed to incur charges on the account with the dual function transaction card, and statements are periodically issued to the cardmember on the account for a balance payable that is based on the primary function of the transaction card. The cardmember is allowed to elect the secondary function of the dual function transaction card, and such an election is made, a new balance is computed on the account in response to the election and the cardmember is notified of the new balance and a new minimum due for the account.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal identifying retrieves the personal identification number and entry conversion data corresponding to the identification number when a user is identified. The apparatus converts the numeric values entered from the numeric buttons, based on the entry conversion data. The apparatus collates the converted numeric values with the personal identification number.