Abstract: A system and method embeds a postal code in a postal mark. The system includes a scanner to input a destination zip code for a piece of mail and a control unit, connected to the scanner, to convert the destination zip code to zip code glyphs and to embed the zip code glyphs into a predetermined portion of a bit map representing the postal mark. A printer then prints the postal mark bit map with embedded zip code glyphs onto the piece of mail. The system also includes a scanner to read the embedded zip code glyphs and a controller to decode the read zip code glyphs. As a result of the decoding, a sorter sorts the piece of mail and directs it to its destination. The postal mark is either a stamp cancellation mark or a postal meter. The system can also be utilized to track mail by including a device which assigns a tracking number to the piece of mail.

Abstract: On initiation of a value transaction, a card can be utilized which can be read by a card-reading equipment which provides information and/or means or cash in dependence on the initiation. An adapter can be applied or allocated to the card, which adapter is applicable in the card-reading equipment in a corresponding manner to the card. The adapter is arranged to provide an indication of whether or not the card-reading equipment is authentic and/or has the authority to service the card in question.

Abstract: A card reader comprising a housing having a contact surface with a plurality of apertures. A reader circuit is contained within the housing, the reader circuit having a plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of electrical contacts positioned in the housing and at least partially extending into the apertures, wherein each electrical contact comprises a conductive torsion spring that slidably engages one of the contact pads.

Abstract: The symbol data read apparatus comprises a two-dimensional image pick-up device for picking up a bar-code symbol consisting of bars and spaces, as a two-dimensional image. A frame memory stores the two-dimensional image from the two-dimensional image pick-up device, as bar-code symbol data. A condition detect section detects a bar-code condition of the bar-code symbol from the bar-code symbol data stored in the frame memory. A decode section performs decode-processing to obtain original bar-code symbol data on the basis of bar-code condition data from the condition detect section and the bar-code symbol data from the frame memory. An output select section selectively outputs at least data other than the original bar-code symbol data out of the original bar-code symbol data and the other data than the original bar-code symbol data. The other data than the original bar-code symbol data includes inclination data concerning the bar-code symbol and a weighting value for every block.

Abstract: A system architecture which provides efficient data communication, over a one-wire bus, with a portable data module which does not necessarily include any accurate time delay circuit whatsoever. The time delay circuit in the module can be extremely crude. An open-collector architecture is used, with electrical relations defined to absolutely minimize the drain on the portable module's battery. A protocol has been specified so that the module never sources current to the data line of the one-wire bus, but only sinks current. The protocol includes signals for read; write-zero; write-one; and reset. Each one-bit transaction is initiated by a falling edge of a voltage signal from the host. The time delay circuit in the module defines a delay, after which (in write mode) the module test the data state of the data line. In read mode, after a falling edge of a voltage signal from the host the module does or does not turn on a pull-down transistor, depending on the value of the bit read.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of a plurality of pipe joints that can be shipped on a transportation means without exceeding a predetermined weight is set forth. The method employs a bar code reader coupled to a computer and involves initially determining the weight of each pipe joint. After this determination, a bar code label, which includes the weight of the pipe joint, is affixed to the pipe joint. The predetermined weight for the transportation means is then entered in the computer and the bar code for each pipe is scanned as it is placed on the transportation means. The computer calculates the running total of the weight of the pipe joints which have been scanned and compares that calculated weight to the predetermined weight. When the predetermined weight for the transportation means has been exceeded, the operator is notified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for document verification exploits a temporally variable physical process to generate a reproducible effect that cannot be copied. A document such as a credit card is provided with a spot or stripe that incorporates at least one, and preferably a large plurality of photorefractive crystals arrayed in a random manner. The document verifying apparatus includes a coherent light source such as a diode laser to illuminate the photorefractive crystals, and a photosensor to receive light scattered from the photorefractive crystals. The random distribution and orientation of photorefractive crystals comprises a unique characteristic for each card or document, and this characteristic is not based on any assigned number or code. The response of photorefractive crystals to the coherent illumination comprises a time-varying characteristic that is dependent upon the intensity and temporal nature of the illumination itself.

Abstract: A method for segment of one marketing to a customer utilizes an automated teller machine (ATM). The ATM dispenses to the customer a receipt containing a transaction record, a promotion, and a telephone number for redeeming the promotion by the customer. When the customer calls the telephone number, a telephonic survey is conducted and includes questions relating to products and services offered by a marketeer. Answers to the survey questions are stored in a customer profile in a computer database, and the promotion is sent to the customer. The customer profile is used to generate a segment of one target message specific to the customer which offers a specific product or service from the marketeer based on the stored customer profile. The target message is then sent to the specific customer to complete the segment of one marketing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for enhancing the optical image of information-containing symbols captured off highly reflective surfaces using a conventional optical touch camera. The method involves positioning the imaging assembly of the touch camera atop an information-containing coded symbol located on a component surface, positioning a diffuser element between the coded symbol and the imaging assembly, and moving the diffuser element into juxtaposition with the coded symbol before imaging the coded element.

Abstract: Magnetic media containing data and method for data verification are disclosed. The data verification method utilizes the relative position of specific features of magnetic media signals, such as, peak zero crossings, the ratio of preselected amplitudes, the locii of preselected points along the signal, the RMS value of the waveform and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the ratio of the separation of adjacent pulses in the signal is employed. The deviation of the precise location of the placement of the peak points in the signal waveform is referred to as "jitter". This "jitter" is enhanced to provide a pattern of "jitter" or a magnetic "signature" that is random, non-reproducible and that can be used to positively identify a particular specimen of magnetic media and the associated data. The magnetic jitter pattern or security signature can be separate from or an integral part of the data recorded on the magnetic media.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus for a card medium having an optical signal in bar code form written thereon. The optical reading apparatus includes a receiving section for receiving cassette holding the card medium, and a light source for projecting a light beam spot on the optical signal written on the card medium. A reader reads the optical signal by moving the light beam spot in a scanning direction along the optical signal to scan the optical signal, and a guiding device moves the cassette in a direction substantially normal to the scanning direction, as the card medium held in the cassette is inserted into the receiving section. The optical signal written on the card medium is optically read while the cassette is being moved by the guiding device.

Abstract: An electronic key identifier includes first and second opposing surface segment sensors which can be clamped into engagement with the opposite sides of the blade of an unknown key blank. Each side of the key blade includes collinear surface segments separated by one or more recessed segments. Electrical conductors within the surface segment sensors contact the raised surface segments and discharge electrical energy through the grounded key blade. Appropriate electronic circuitry interfaces the conductor of the surface segment sensor with a computer to generate an electronic image of the two key blade sides. By comparing the electrical image of the unknown key blade with a database of electrical images of known key blades, the unknown key can be identified to allow the operator of a key cutting machine to quickly complete the key identification process.

Abstract: A system of remotely distributed machines is provided for paying bills issued by each of several different remote issuers, such as telephone, electricity, gas, and electric utilities. Each machine preferably has its own computer, a bar-code scanner, and means for accepting payments, preferably in cash. A bill is inserted by the user into the bar-code scanner, which reads the identity of the issuer, the amount owed, and the due date for payment, etc. The user deposits payment into the machine, preferably in cash, and the computer in each machine gives credit for payments made, computes the amount of any late penalties, and computes the balance due. The credits are stored in the machine and the information is conveyed to the proper one of the different issuers. The funds are collected regularly from the machines and credited to the accounts of the different issuers in accordance with the issuer identification data and credits stored in the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a constant optical path length when scanning objects at different distances. The apparatus has a reading device that reads data carrying symbology on an object being scanned, and an optical system having a plurality of optical paths between the object being scanned and the reading device, where each of the plurality of optical paths has a different path length. The apparatus also has a size detector that determines a dimension of the size of the object being scanned and outputs a signal based on the dimension, and a selecting device that selects one of the plurality of optical paths of the optical system based on the signal output by the size detector to maintain an optical path length between the object being scanned and the reading device within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A security device and system for encoding documents with code patterns, and particularly magnetic bar code patterns or other indicia exhibiting zero remanence. An in-field magnetoresistive (MR) sensing element read head is employed to magnetize the bar code pattern bands and detect their width or spacing apart as they are advanced with respect to the head. After read out, the bar code pattern bands exhibit practically no residual magnetic field and are not readable by a magnetic viewer. The code patterns may be in any shape or format for adding security to documents of all types.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a guest having a valid general purpose credit card to register at a place of lodging having a computer, and which uses the general purpose credit card as a key to the assigned room. The method involves the inserting of a general purpose credit card into a card reader of a guest accessible registration terminal, the card reader reading the credit card information and delivering the information to a computer. The computer stores the card information, and the terminal, by means of registration software obtains further information from the guest, assigns the guest a room, and informs the guest of the room assignment, after which the credit card becomes a key to the guest room. When the credit card is inserted in the proper card reader at the assigned guest room door, the computer will actuate the lock and allow the guest access.

Abstract: An optical scanner module, for use in a bar code reader, has an electromagnetic coil across which is disposed a thin flexible strip. Mounted to the center of the strip is an optical element, such as a lightweight mirror, and a magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet. When an AC signal is applied to the electromagnetic coil, a varying magnetic field is produced which interacts with the fixed magnetic field of the magnet causing the magnet and mirror assembly to flex the flexible strip (e.g., in a twisting motion), thereby changing the spatial orientation of the mirror. By suitably driving the electromagnetic coil, the mirror can be made to oscillate, thereby converting a laser beam directed onto the mirror into a scanning laser beam. The entire module is compact, inexpensive to manufacture, and robust.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader receives a magnetic card with a magnetic stripe through an entrance port, transports the magnetic card along a transport path by transporting unit, carries out a process of reading and writing information out of and to the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card by magnetic read/write unit located facing the transport path, cuts the magnetic card into at least two cards in the direction orthogonal to the card transporting direction by a cutter unit located in the transport path, and guides those cut cards to a card discharge path or a collector path, both being continuous to the transport path, by first path-selector unit located at the intersection of the card discharge path and the collector path.

Abstract: A portable optical scanning system incorporates a ring mounted optical scanner module which is arranged to transmit data either via radio or cable to a wrist mount unit. The wrist mount unit may either receive and store the information, or it may include a radio transmitter for onward transmission of the data. A variety of different rings, ring mounted scanner modules, wrist mounts and wrist mount units may be provided for various applications, the user simply picking those which are required in any individual case. The scanner module is mounted to the ring by a breakaway element allowing the module easily to break off the mounting to prevent damage and/or injury.

Abstract: An encoded symbol reading device capable of reading and decoding a tessellated symbol. A detector detects an optical image formed by the encoded symbol and outputs a signal corresponding to the optical image. The signal is compared with threshold values and a 1-bit data value is output. The 1-bit data values are converted into an n-bit data value which is stored in a memory. The threshold values are also stored in memory and are obtained by detecting an optical image formed by a surface having a predetermined color.