Abstract: A radiation director is coupled to move under the control of a piezoelectric element. The director directs electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source under the control of the piezoelectric element. In a scanning station embodiment, an electrical signal source is connected to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and a radiation detector is positioned to detect radiation from an object scanned by the radiation. In a radiation scanning method, a piezoelectric element is caused to move in a reciprocating fashion, and the movement of the piezoelectric element is used to direct an electromagnetic radiation beam in a scanning motion.

Abstract: A circuit that combines the functionality of a biometric reader and an RFID circuit is provided. This circuit uses certain functional blocks for processing both t h e biometric signals and the RFID signals. As a result, the space and power consumed by the circuit are substantially reduced such that the circuit can be formed to fit a free-standing, hand-held reader device. The circuit also may use a single interface from a hand-held device to central processing unit to process digital signals from both the biometric reader and the RFID circuit. In addition, in one embodiment, the circuit may also simultaneously process biometric data signals and RFID signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to: A method of providing an electronically readable item of information (725) on a medication cartridge (70). The invention further relates to a cartridge (70) containing an electronically readable item of information (725), a support (75) for reading the information (725) on the cartridge (70), a medication delivery device adapted to use a cartridge (70) and a support (75) according to the invention and a label (72) containing an electronically readable item of information (725). The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative method of generating an electronically readable item of information on a cartridge which method is simple and improves safety in reading. The problem is solved in that said item of information is redundantly provided (725, 726). The invention may e.g. be used in connection with medication delivery devices for self-treatment of a disease, e.g. diabetes.

Abstract: A financial transaction system that does not require the need for cash, checks or credit cards to carry out financial transactions. In return for prepayment of specified sum, a bar coded wristband is issued to a customer. On issuance of the wristband, a data base record is created that is cross-referenced with the bar code number, as well as an account number, an issue date and a present balance of the account. When the user wishes to purchase goods or services, the bar code of the wristband is scanned, and the amount of the transaction is then placed into the system. The corresponding account is debited. The wristband is constructed so as to be waterproof, and includes an adhesive strip with small tear strips for fastening around the user's wrist. An attempted removal of the wristband is effective to substantially destroy it and render it unusable to other persons.

Abstract: In a malware scanner containing an updating program 20, a malware scanner engine 22 and malware definition data 24, the malware scanner engine 22 and the malware definition data 24 cross-check each other for validity. More particularly, each includes its own signature 26, 30 as well as public key information 28, 32 for checking the other. There is no dependence upon the updating software 20 for information required in the validating of the malware scanner engine 22 or malware definition data 24. The malware definition data 24 can include program code operable to utilize the validating data 32 embedded within the malware definition data 24 for checking the signature 26 of the malware scanner engine 22.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit which obtains a driving power from a carrier onto which data has been piggybacked, the semiconductor integrated circuit being characterized by demodulating data by correctly discriminating it even when the obtained power supply voltage has become overvoltage, and characterized by effectively using the power supplied by the carrier. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a two-voltage rectifier circuit as a power source circuit 111; a voltage regulator circuit 112 which exercises a control so that a power with a higher voltage (VDDH) used for demodulating data does not exceed a certain voltage value; a resistor 141; and a capacitor 142. With this construction, the voltage input to a regulator circuit 1121 as the reference voltage changes in correspondence to the change in voltage VDDH which is caused by the change in amplitude.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10 or 110) is described. The terminal (10 or 110) includes a self-contained power supply (44 or 144) such as a battery so that the terminal (10 or 110) does not require any external power connection. The terminal may also have a wireless transceiver (42 or 142) so that the terminal does not require any external connections. In one embodiment, the terminal (10) is wearable so that a person can carry the terminal to a potential customer. In another embodiment, the terminal (110) has wheels and a motor so that the terminal is self-propelled and may be moved towards a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing data carrier cards. Said device comprises a transport device (10) for retracting and dispensing a data carrier card (12), a read/write device (18) for exchanging data with the data carrier card (12), and a control device (42) for controlling the transport device (10) and the read/write device (18). The transport device is (10) is provided with a retractor/dispenser portion (16) and an adjoining intermediate storage (22) for cards.

Abstract: A document, system, and method are provided for data storage and acquisition. In one embodiment, the document comprises an amount of data embodied in a bar code located on the document, where a number of data files are included in the data. Also, a selector is located on the document, the selector being positioned relative to a predefined point on the document. A selector specification is included in the data, the selector specification referencing the position of the selector relative to the predefined point on the document. An association in the data drawn between the selector specification and at least one of the data files.

Abstract: (57) Abstract: A card reader (10, 20, 110. 120, 210) for receiving a smart card (12) having leading and trailing edges joined by sides and laterally and longitudinally spaced card contacts (14) on a contact surface is disclosed. The card reader (10, 20, 110,210, 310)includes a frame (30, 32. 130, 132, 230), a plurality of reader contacts (22), an insertion indicator switch (18, 118) and a spring element (48). The frame provides an insertion opening (50, 150, 151) having opposite sides for slidably receiving such a smart card (12). The plurality of reader contacts (22) are for engaging the card contact (14). The insertion indicator switch (18, 118) is positioned and configured on the reader (10, 20, 110, 120, 210) to establish when the card (12) is positioned such that the card contacts (14) and reader contacts (22) are engaged. The spring element (48) engages a side of such a card to urge the card against the opposite side of the opening (50, 150, 151).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a storage device. In one arrangement, the storage device comprises a memory module, a controller, and a storage space indicator that conveys an indication of the amount of storage space that is available. In some arrangements, the storage space indicator comprises a nonvolatile display.

Abstract: An elongate strip formable into a wristband. The elongate strip includes adhesive contact portions and one or more laterally-placed adhesive winged detents such that upon looped formation of the wristband, an adhesive bond is formed at the contact portions, and the detents can be folded over one or more parts of the elongate strip to provide enhanced wristband durability. In one configuration, a multi-ply sheet is defined by an elongate strip formable into a wristband and an array of labels, all die cut into a first ply adhesively removable from a second ply. The sheet can be either an individual cut sheet, part of a continuous fan-folded form or part of a larger continuous roll, any of which can be fed into a conventional automated printer to facilitate the placing of printed indicia on the wristband and labels.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for encoding and decoding a document containing machine-readable code overlaid by human-readable content such that the code and the human-readable content are both discernable. In operation, a background image is generated, wherein the background image comprises coded glyphtone cells based on grayscale image data values, each of the halftone cells comprising one of at least two distinguishable patterns. The background image is overlaid with a second image such that some visible glyphtone cells may be decoded and the second image may be viewed. Finally, the decoded information enables comparison of aspects of the second image with a predetermined nominal reference.

Abstract: A reader for reading optical information is described which includes a housing for supporting a photosensitive array associated with an optical string adapted to focus optical information on the array. Also provided are array and optical string controls for controlling the array and optical string such that the output of selected images on the array may be processed via pattern recognition. Images on the array may be displayed and highlighted on a display. In this fashion a user is assisted in recognizing images of optical information incident on the array to facilitate aiming of the reader.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ultrasonic testing system. The system tests a manufactured part for various physical attributes, including specific flaws, defects, or composition of materials. The part can be housed in a gantry system that holds the part stable. An energy generator illuminates the part within energy and the part emanates energy from that illumination. Based on the emanations from the part, the system can determined precisely where the part is in free space. The energy illumination device and the receptor have a predetermined relationship in free space. This means the location of the illumination mechanism and the reception mechanism is known. Additionally, the coordinates of the actual testing device also have a predetermined relationship to the illumination device, the reception device, or both.

Abstract: Two-dimensional code image is read with a two-dimensional CCD, and displayed on an LCD. Keys or a touch panel can input a message regarding the read image by hand. The read image and the message displayed on the LCD are stored in the EEPROM with relationship therebetween.

Abstract: A card slot defines a space for receiving an IC card. A contact block has a plurality of contacts on one surface for contacting a plurality of contact points, respectively which are provided on one surface side of the IC cared received inside the card slot. A supporting mechanism movably supports the contact block in the vertical direction to the one surface of the IC card received inside the card slot, swingingly around a first axis line which passes through the center of the plurality of contacts of the contact block in the inserting direction of the IC card, and swingingly around a second axis line which passes through the center of the plurality of contacts of the contact block in the inserting direction of the IC card. An elastic member abuts against the contact block at one point only and applies a force to press the plurality of contacts of the contact block against one surface side of the IC card.

Abstract: There is provided a recording and reproducing apparatus, a recording medium adapter apparatus, and a recording and reproducing method which allows exit from the power saving mode without conducting the reset using ejection and re-insertion of a recording medium. An FD drive device 20 includes a switch for detecting that an FD type card adapter 1 which conducts data processing to record data onto a memory card or reproduce data from the memory card has been inserted, and a luminous element 30 which conducts communication of predetermined control data to a light receiving element 8 of the FD type card adapter 1 in order to effect control related to data recording or reproducing operation. As a result, it is possible to restore the FD type card adapter from the power saving mode and shift the FD type card adapter to an arbitrary control state, without conducting the reset using ejection and re-insertion of a recording medium.

Abstract: A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising a plurality of features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the card and selection means for allowing a user to select a feature in a few simple steps, preferably in a single step. In one embodiment the card includes a plurality of magnetic strips positioned on the card in a manner to allow swiping each magnetic strip separately using conventional reading devices. Each magnetic strip activates a different feature of the card. In another embodiment the card includes a programmable magnetic strip, a plurality of features stored in memory means mounted on the card, a plurality of buttons or contacts, and means for programming the magnetic strip with a different card feature. The card may also include a thin, flexible display.

Abstract: A data system and method for retrieving information from a particular address of a computer network using a collection of bar code symbols and a hand-held, portable terminal. Each of the bar code symbols of the collection includes encoded data that is associated with a particular computer network address. The hand-held, portable terminal comprises a reading unit including a laser scanner or a CCD array, a communications unit, and a display. In operation, the reading unit scans or images a bar code symbol from the collection, the communications unit establishes a connection to the computer network and accesses the computer network address associated with a particular bar code symbol, and information stored on the computer network at a location associated with the network address is transferred to the terminal and displayed on the display.