Abstract: The disclosure relates to techniques for determining the presence, orientation and location of features in an image of a two dimensional optical code. The techniques are adapted for use in mapping data in an image pixel plane with grid locations in a grid-based two dimensional code to account for size, rotation, tilt, warping and distortion of the code symbol. Where such a code is a MaxiCode, techniques are disclosed for determining the presence and location of the MaxiCode bulls-eye, orientation modules, primary data modules and secondary data modules.

Abstract: A safety transaction method through a PDFA (portable data & financing assistance) main unit formed of a PDA, a card reader, a fingerprint module, and a wireless communication module. The transaction method includes the steps of the steps of: (a) calling a bill built in a PDA (personal digital assistant) in a PDFA (portable data & financing assistance) main unit, (b) inputting the amount consumed.

Abstract: A compact scan module including a resonantly driven dithering assembly employing feedback and/or travel stops for scanning an illumination beam of a barcode scanner. In one construction the dithering assembly includes one or more travel stops to limit the motion of the mirror assembly with the two travel stop(s) fabricated from damped resilient material to absorb excess energy imparted on the dithering assembly. A first preferred feedback embodiment employs a Hall effect sensor wherein a feedback magnet is connected to the dithering assembly with a Hall effect sensor positioned to sense the varying magnetic field resulting from the varying position of the feedback magnet. A second feedback embodiment incorporates piezoelectric feedback wherein one or more piezoelectric strain sensors are attached to the bending member to provide the position sensing.

Abstract: A system for and a method of optical scanning which provide for converting between a multiple beam and a single beam optical scanner. In a preferred configuration, the scanner can be adapted to operate as either a single beam scanning system or a multiple beam scanning system. Light sources, mirrors, detectors, collection lenses, and other scanner components are added, removed, and/or replaced, thereby allowing the user to avoid having to purchase a new scanner when the user's performance requirements and/or cost restrictions vary.

Abstract: Billing method for billing a call by a subscriber identified with a SIM card (10) in a telecommunications system (2) to said subscriber, comprising: Determination of the duration of the call by means of a time-measuring device (100) integrated into the SIM card (10); Evaluation of the amount to be billed based upon the determined call duration and at least one tariff table stored in the SIM card (10). The tariff tables are stored in a tariff server (6), and can be remotely loaded into the SIM card (10) through said telecommunications network (2). Advantages: since all data for determining the invoiced amount are available on the SIM card, the billing takes place at the user directly at the source. No other billing system is required in the infrastructure.

Abstract: A cleaner calculator for maintaining a count representative of the number of times that a garment has been worn between dry cleanings. The cleaner calculator includes a tag stem with an attachment section for hanging the cleaner calculator, a promotional label area for promoting the dry cleaner, and a base section. The cleaner calculator also includes a turn-dial indicator rotatably mounted on the base section of the tag stem. An indexing mechanism provides an indexed engagement between the turn-dial indicator and the base section of the tag stem. Count indicia are provided with numbers ranging from three to five as determined by the specific dry cleaner. The count indicia indicate the number of times a piece of clothing has been worn between dry cleanings, and the count indicia can be incremented each time the garment is worn by rotating the turn-dial.

Abstract: An image capture system (100) having an image capture module (102) and a terminal unit (104) captures both photo images and coded images. An alterable optical path of the system (100) operates in a first configuration when capturing coded images and in a second configuration when capturing photo images. Captured images are presented on a display (114) as they are captured. A user of the system (100) may parse through captured images to select one or more of the captured images for permanent storage and/or transmission to a remote location. The system (100) operates to identify coded targets within captured images, to prompt the user to select one or more of the identified coded targets and to decode the selected coded targets. The image capture system (100) may direct a user to reposition the system (100) so that a decodable coded image will be captured. The image capture system (100) communicates over wireless and wired networks with remote computer systems (307), personnel, and mobile units (307).

Abstract: An apparatus that permits high resolution imaging of low contrast one and two-dimensional symbols includes a housing having a window and an electro-optical element disposed within the housing behind the window. At least two laser diodes are mounted externally to the housing adjacent to the window. The laser diodes respectively provide beams that intersect at a point within a field of view of the electro-optical element, and the beams provide light to the electro-optical element through the window that has reflected off a symbol positioned at the intersection point. The laser diodes may be selectively or automatically triggered upon the symbol being positioned at the intersection point.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying electronic cards. According to the method, an interrogation message is sent to the electronic cards, and at least two different types of markers are sent to the electronic cards. The markers of the first type determine the time slots in the sequence, and the markers of the second type cause the electronic cards to change to predetermined states. In a preferred method, the identification method is interrupted when a marker of the second type is sent. Also provided is a method of identifying electronic cards by receiving an interrogation message from an interrogation unit, and at least two different types of markers are received from the interrogation unit. The markers of the first type determine the time slots in the sequence, and the markers of the second type cause the electronic cards to change to predetermined states. Additionally, communication systems of the type in which an interrogation unit identifies electronic cards are provided.

Abstract: A compact scan module including a resonantly driven dithering assembly employing feedback and/or travel stops for scanning an illumination beam of a barcode scanner. In one construction the dithering assembly includes one or more travel stops to limit the motion of the mirror assembly with the two travel stop(s) fabricated from damped resilient material to absorb excess energy imparted on the dithering assembly. A first preferred feedback embodiment employs a Hall effect sensor wherein a feedback magnet is connected to the dithering assembly with a Hall effect sensor positioned to sense the varying magnetic field resulting from the varying position of the feedback magnet. A second feedback embodiment incorporates piezoelectric feedback wherein one or more piezoelectric strain sensors are attached to the bending member to provide the position sensing.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising components for carrying out object detection, scanning, photoreceiving, A/D conversion, bar code presence detection, symbol decoding, data format conversion, data storage and data transmission functions. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device includes a manually actuatable read-repeat switch and control system having a plurality of control centers that control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers are responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities which facilitates execution of intelligent operations and power conservation, during bar code symbol reading.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of: coupling the card (24) as initially configured for the default application, with a terminal (14) of the default application, executing a special transaction for reconfiguring the software of the card for the target application so that the card as reconfigured in this way emulates a card specific to the target application; coupling the card as reconfigured in this way with a terminal (18) of the target application; and executing a transaction of the target application. Subsequently, the card as reconfigured for the target application can be coupled with a terminal of the default application, and another special transaction can be executed to return the card to its software configuration for the default application. In particular, the default application can be a SIM card application for GSM radiotelephony, and the target application can be a token-carrier type application.

Abstract: A novel system and method of programming the function parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to couple the data communication port of a function parameter computer system and the programmable bar code symbol reader to be configured. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list (i.e., ordered set) of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading-sequence; and the list of printed function-encoded bar code symbols are read in specified reading sequence so as to configure (i.e., program) the bar code symbol reader with same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dataform reading module. At least one photosensor provides a plurality of different zones for image capture. A lens focuses a respective image representing a portion of a dataform taken along a target line onto a respective one of the plurality of different zones. At least two piezoelectric reflectors are configured to focus an image of adjacent and partially overlapping portions of the dataform taken along the target line onto the lens. An illuminating device illuminates the dataform. The piezoelectric reflectors are configurable to vary the width of the overlapping portions, so that multiple samples of the same dataform can be taken. The piezoelectric reflectors can also be configured to eliminate the overlapping portions for a second reading.

Abstract: A data carrier reader includes an RFID tag reading section and a machine-readable symbol reading section, which can contain some common components. The reader is operable in an RFID tag reading mode and/or a symbol reading mode. The reader provides a consistent and intuitive user interface within, and between, the operating modes. The user interface can include visual, aural and tactile indicators. The visual indicators can include a pattern displayed by indicators on the reader, or projected onto or near the data carrier.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a sheet dispensing path verification system and method. The machine includes a sheet handling mechanism (17, 192) therein, including a sheet transport path (42). Devices for sensing and moving sheets are positioned adjacent to the transport path. The machine includes a control circuitry (44) which controls the various devices in response to inputs by customers. Upon receiving a transaction request from a customer which requires the dispensing of sheets, the machine verifies whether the sheet transport path to the customer is unobstructed. A test sheet is sent along the transport path to a delivery position. At least one sensor is used to verify whether the test sheet may successfully travel through the transport path. After verification that the transport path is unobstructed the sheet dispensing transaction is completed by moving further sheets to the delivery position.

Abstract: A wallet card package having a wallet card secured to a panel. The panel includes a card flap that is pivotal about a fold line. The card is secured to and carried by the card flap so that the package is selectively movable from a closed position in which an magnetic strip on the card is covered and an open position in which the card is swung out from the panel while remaining secured to the card flap such that the magnetic strip is exposed for activation purposes. The card may be disposed between a pair of panels, with the front panel defining an opening permitting viewing of the front surface of the card and the rear panel including a cover flap that covers the magnetic strip when the package is in the closed position.

Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data.

Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data. The system includes user and supplier identifiers which are employed to facilitate sales transactions and allocate use-based tolls.

Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.