Abstract: A check processing equipment having an optical amount character recognizing function for a proof machine used at a bank. A received amount can be corrected on an image screen, and it enables the efficient processing for certifying operation. A document capturing unit converts the data on the document into an image data and transfers the image data to a frame memory of recognizing unit. A recognizing unit compresses the image data through a recognizing/determining section and also carries out CAR with the attribute on an E13B code line data. A work station stores the compressed image data, the code line data, and the CAR result in a hard disk and it also displays an extended image and implements the proof of a whole batch through key-in operation for handling unrecognizable data and exceptional error data. An encoder unit performs encode printing and endorse printing on proved documents while verifying the code lines thereof.

Abstract: A compact, hand-held data terminal includes a data display and an alpha-numeric keyboard and a bar code reader provision for manual data entry. The data terminal further includes an RS 232-C data interface for downloading accumulated data into a central computer. The data terminal further includes a transceiver module which provides for an RF communications link to a central computer. An antenna for the transceiver module is contained within the a lower portion of the housing of the data terminal along side walls of a battery compartment. In operation, the data terminal may be inserted into a data transfer cradle coupled to data processing equipment, thereby coupling the data processing equipment via the RF link to the central computer.

Abstract: A bar code reader mirror oscillator is disclosed herein. The oscillator includes a permanent magnet having first and second poles of opposite polarity and an electromagnet having a core with first and second pole locations. The permanent magnet is fastened to a mirror carrier resiliently mounted to a frame to oscillate about a rotational axis, wherein the electromagnetic core is fastened to the frame so that the poles of the permanent magnet are equidistant from the pole locations of the electromagnet. This oscillator configuration directs substantially all of the energy applied to the electromagnet to the production of oscillatory motion in the associated reader mirror.

Abstract: A hand held data entry apparatus having a body for receiving, storing and transmitting information, including a camming mechanism for quickly sealingly attaching an accessory such as a scanner to the top of a hand held data entry apparatus. Additionally, a similar camming mechanism is utilized to hold a battery pack in place with the additional feature of not only pulling the battery pack securely against the housing, but also pushing the battery pack contacts into abutment with complementary contacts disposed within the housing. A keypad is provided for permitting information to be manually entered into the hand held body and this keypad is encased in a layer of elastomeric material such as silicone. A pair of LED's are utilized, one to indicate a "good scan" and the other to indicate something else, such as a "bad scan." Additionally, these LED's can be encased in operative or dummy keys in order to save keyboard space. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the scanner about either of two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: The invention is an improved credit card utilizing a die-cut removable portion which enables both visual and/or mechanical disablement of the card. The die-cut portion is preferably in the shape of a conventional key providing a visual indicator of the missing link necessary to make the card operational. The die-cut portion of the card may encompass identifying indicia such as the owner's name, the card expiration date, the numerical identification number, and/or the magnetic strip. Variations of the die-cut key allow certain aspects of the card to remain enabled should the removed key be accidentally lost. The invention requires that the key lock system be carried separately from the credit card thus frustrating pick-pockets or instances where the cards are otherwise stolen or lost. A second embodiment of the invention includes the use of the die-cut portion placed within two side surfaces of a credit card device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding profiles which fail to resolve narrow elements in symbologies employing one element type having only a single width, first begins by producing a series of counts from the symbol using standard waveshaping and counting circuitry. Second, an X-dimension for the 1-wide elements is determined based on the first few counts corresponding to bars after the counts corresponding to the quiet zone. The Start and Stop characters are located and the method determines whether the symbol is in focus. If the symbol is out-of-focus, then groups of an odd number of 1-wide elements are converted to large counts that correspond to pseudo elements (e.g., wide bars in a symbology containing only 1-wide narrow bars). The method groups counts into individual characters, and divides all pseudo elements into individual 1-wide elements. The method thereafter decodes the symbol.

Abstract: A hand held data entry apparatus having a body for receiving, storing and transmitting information, including a camming mechanism for quickly sealingly attaching an accessory such as a scanner to the top of a hand held data entry apparatus. Additionally, a similar camming mechanism is utilized to hold a battery pack in place with the additional feature of not only pulling the battery pack securely against the housing, but also pushing the battery pack contacts into abutment with complementary contacts disposed within the housing. A keypad is provided for permitting information to be manually entered into the hand held body and this keypad is encased in a layer of elastomeric material such as silicone. A pair of LED's are utilized, one to indicate a "good scan" and the other to indicate something else, such as a "bad scan." Additionally, these LED's can be encased in operative or dummy keys in order to save keyboard space. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the scanner about either of two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circuits coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circulars coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.

Abstract: In a system for conducting transactions with a multifunctional card having an integrated circuit, the circuit contains a bank application associated with the user's account-keeping bank and at least one purse application associated with a services supplier or manufacturer. With the aid of an apparatus communicating with the card, the card user can load a selectable sum of money into the purse application. The purse supplier is provided with a transaction certificate about the sum loaded in the purse and to be credited to the purse supplier's account, without a need for storing the secret data necessary for preparing this certificate in the purse application or in the purse terminal.

Abstract: The optical scanning head includes at least one trio of light emitting diodes arranged so the LEDs emit light at different angles to create a fan of light. An optical module includes a light shield or "dark room" and a lens/filter assembly which provides control of the depth of focus of the scanner. The optical module is located behind the light source, and the detector, made up of a CCD array is mounted behind the optic module for detecting the light intensity in the reflected beam over a field of view across a bar code symbol. The CCD array generates an electrical signal indicative of the detected light intensity. A DC source or battery provides DC voltage to the LEDs and CCDs in response to a clocked signal which provides a gradual or sequential illumination of the LEDs and coordinates the activation of the CCDs in order to minimize power consumption during scans.

Abstract: A bar code reader for reading bar codes falling within a rectangular scan area having two vertical sides, a top and a bottom is disclosed herein. The reader includes two oscillating mirrors operable to scan a light beam over the area. Each mirror is oscillated by an assembly controlled by a control circuit which produces controls signals which define the rate and frequency at which the mirrors are oscillated. More specifically, the mirror which sweeps the light beam between the vertical sides of the area is oscillated at a constant frequency, and the mirror which causes the mirror to progressively sweep between the top and bottom of the area is rotated so that a greater number of sweeps occur when the light beam progresses from the bottom to the top of the area than when the light beam progresses from the top to the bottom of the area.

Abstract: A Document Card (DocuCard) for storing documents and which is content revealing. The DocuCard is a transportable unit having a nonvolatile storage means for storing information in a digital form, a control processor for processing user initiated functions; an I/O port for interfacing to external devices for reading and writing digital information, and a user interface for allowing a user to directly interact with the DocuCard. The user interface on the DocuCard includes a display for displaying lists of functions and documents and information responsive to user invoked functions and a user input portion for allowing a user to traverse the lists of functions and documents, as well as information generated responsive to an invoked function. The control processor of the present invention include features for controlling access to documents stored therein.

Abstract: A wide bandwidth slope detector has a comparator with first and second time constant circuits coupled to first and second inputs thereof. Where one time constant is on the order of three times the other, the comparator will change state in response to the slopes of an input analog signal coupled to the time constant circuit. Feedback can be provided by a fixed resistor or by a tracking circuit. A smoothing or clipping circuit can be used to pre-process the input analog signals to eliminate noise therefrom. A bar code reading system combines first and second clipping circuits to smooth the highs and lows of the input signal, coupled to a slope detector. The tracking circuit can be used to provide a symmetrical hysteresis characteristic.

Abstract: A retrofit apparatus is connected to an existing bar code inventory system that includes a bar code corresponding to bar code markings, a bar code wedge to reader to generate a set of digital output signals transform the digital output signals into corresponding computer data characters, and a computer connected to the bar code wedge to process the computer data characters. A mobile transceiver is connected to the bar code reader. The mobile transceiver transmits wireless bar code signals corresponding to the digital output signals from the bar code reader. A receiver in the mobile transceiver is activated for a predetermined period of time after the wireless bar code signals are transmitted. A base transceiver is connected to the bar code wedge to receive the wireless bar code format output signals and to link them to the computer through the bar code wedge. If the computer receives a valid signal, it generates an acknowledge signal that is passed through the bar code wedge to the base transceiver.

Abstract: A bar code symbol picked-up by a two-dimensional image pickup device is stored in a frame memory. A data processing unit automatically recognizes whether the bar code symbol is present or not, based on the information stored in the frame memory, that is, the image pickup data. If the bar code symbol is present, the information of the bar code symbol projected on a photoelectric conversion surface of the two-dimensional image pickup device is read and decoded to the original information.

Abstract: A handy image scanner according to this invention comprises a light source, a transparent cover through which a light emitted from the light source passes to illuminate a script, and an optical system into which light reflected from the script is input, wherein the transparent cover is integrally comprised of a light gathering lens and a transparent area. Additionally, the transparent cover is bent in such a manner as to minimize the angles of incidence of light passing through the light gathering lens and the transparent area.

Abstract: A peripheral device adapted to be releasably secured to a host computer of the type having a standardized card slot. The peripheral device includes a card shaped portion attached to a module portion which houses an/input/output device. In one embodiment, the input/output device is an item identification reader, and the card shaped portion and module portion are integrally connected. Further, the card shaped portion is fitted into the card slot in the host computer to secure the peripheral device within the card slot to permit one handed operation of the host computer/peripheral device combination. The first embodiment also provides an electronic interface between the host computer and the peripheral device. In a second embodiment, the card shaped portion does not provide an electronic card interface. The card shaped portion and card slot merely engage to secure the peripheral device within the card slot. In this embodiment, the electronic interface is provided via a separate serial port connection.

Abstract: In the case of a device for holding chip cards in a position associated with a scanning device and comprising a retaining device arranged adjacent to an intake gap, simple and low-price means are employed to ensure that there is definitely no possibility of a chip card, once inserted, being prematurely and improperly withdrawn, because the retaining device comprises an intake mouth with at least two jaws delimiting it, of which at least one jaw is able to be moved towards the other jaw and is able to be moved away from it and at least one jaw has a retaining claw adapted to lock onto the other jaw when the intake mouth is closed.

Abstract: A portable smart card reader for reading and displaying information stored on a smart card comprising a thin housing having an upper surface and an exposed lower surface, a plurality of electrical contacts on the exposed lower surface, a reader circuit contained within the housing and connected to the electrical contacts and a display on the housing connected to the reader circuit. A smart card can be placed against the contacts and the circuit can read information stored on the smart card and display the information. Since the reader has no slot with a rigid lower portion, the reader is thin and more easily carried.