Abstract: The contactless identification carrier which can be carried by a person and having access functions for particular areas, particularly skiing areas, is constructed as a separate, flat carrier element and is fixed in interchangeable, portable manner on a personal bracelet PA. The carrier element (1) contains a passive, integrated, electronic data carrier MI with processor, as well as an integrated antenna (2) surrounded by a dielectric (4) and a detachable fixing device (3). The antenna has partly open radiating surfaces FAO, which are not covered by electrically conductive parts of the personal bracelet PA. This gives a universally usable identification and access medium with very good comfort and convincing practical characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for redeeming one or more coupons having an identifying barcode thereon for crediting against one or more products also having an identifying barcode thereon. The product and coupon are separately scanned at the barcodes thereof for identification. A scanned coupon is transported to a secure staging area to allow sequential scanning of additional coupons. The scanned coupon is compared with the scanned product to determine propriety of a credit thereagainst. The scanned coupon may be returned on demand, or credited against a scanned matching product when unreturned. The credited coupon is then secured for preventing unauthorized reuse. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of the products and coupons may be scanned, with the scanned coupons being transported to the staging area for allowing return on demand of a selected one thereof.

Abstract: A remote control banking system comprises an automatic teller machine (ATM) and a remote control operating device. The ATM includes a processor, a signal receiver that is linked to the processor and an electro-magnetic coil. The device is in the form of a portable, hand-held unit and includes a keypad for entering a confidential code associated with a person wishing to perform a transaction via the ATM. The device includes a microprocessor incorporating a data base for storing a preset code containing predetermined information on the banking account of the person. The device includes a signal generator for generating radio frequency signals from the confidential and preset codes, and transmitters and for transmitting the signals to the signal receiver. The device includes an electro-magnetic coil which is energised to provide power for the device when in proximity with the electro-magnetic coil of the ATM.

Abstract: A composition of materials (record carrier) with ferromagnetic and quantum-optical properties has been discovered, which can be used as an environment for accumulation with high-density recording of discrete information. In the preferred version, the composition of materials of record carrier (100,110,120,140,160,170 and 180) comprises a first amorphous layer of Ni.sub.(1-x-y) Fe.sub.x Mo.sub.y, a second polycrystalline layer of Co.sub.(1-z-w) Nb.sub.z V.sub.w, and a third polycrystalline layer of Co.sub.(1-j) Nb.sub.j, where x, y, z, w and j are values preferably within the ranges of 0.11<x<0.13; 0.075<y<0.085; 0.145<z<0.155; 0.095<w<0.105. Additionally, the layers also contain the following elements: Si, O, Ar, N, I. A random-access, non-volatile memory cell built using the invented composition of materials (record carrier) has also been discovered and a new non-volatile memory cell has been discovered, where, while information is read, a magnetic quantum-optical effect is used.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a multiple beam source, such as a laser diode and a beam splitter which generates first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for scanning barcodes. The apparatus includes a scanning device and a holding device for a flat object and the barcode is positioned on the flat object. The holding device is mounted on a movable carriage capable of movement along the X and the Y axes which includes separate carriages movable along the X axis and the Y axis respectively. The scanning device is fixed in a stationary position relative to the movable carriage. In addition to the carriages movable along the X and Y axes, there is also a carriage movable along the Z axis which does not move during the scanning process. A preferred variation of the invention uses a flat object having a central hole around which a circular barcode is concentrically positioned. The holding device is movable in such a way that the circular barcode is made to follow a circular path over the scanning device.

Abstract: A portable optical scanner comprises a scanner element arranged to be supported on a user's finger for pointing at indicia to be read and a wrist unit provided on the user's wrist connected to the scanner element to provide power and data exchange. A track is provided secured at one end to the user's finger and running as far as the wrist unit. The scanner element is supported on the track and moveable along the track from a position at the user's finger for pointing/scanning and a retracted position adjacent the wrist unit if the user desires to use his hand so that the scanner does not provide an obstacle or impediment to such use.

Abstract: An improved debiting method for inductive prepayment cards is provided in which a credit card cell set is divided into sectors for collection purposes, all credits collected from a given sector are collected before the next sector is collected from, the sectors are accessed in a standard order valid for all cards, each sector is made up of a column of cells parallel to a longitudinal axis of the card, and the credit cells are always accessed from the card's internal transverse edge toward the external transverse edge, independently of the orientation in which the card has been inserted in a read/write head.

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.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data processing assembly of modular structure includes a base unit with a keyboard and a display screen. An indicia reader module is housed in a housing shell which is attachable to the base unit. The indicia reader module can contain a reflected light indicia reader for non-contact essentially instantaneous reading of bar codes of the like disposed in a spaced, non-contacting relationship to the assembly. The indicia reader module can also include a processor. The base can include a light source. Additionally, the base unit can include a battery for powering the hand-held data processing assembly. A data collection and communications module can include a stacked arrangement of a communications interface main circuit board, a radio and a laser scanner assembly which are housed in a housing shell attachable to the base unit.

Abstract: An optical scanner is disclosed which, in one embodiment, uses a reflection surface on a vibrating element having at least two modes of vibration in at least two respective planes to produce an image scanning beam. Each of the modes has an associated resonant frequency and the two resonant frequencies of the vibrating element are not integer multiples of one another. In another embodiment, a reflective element is used to bounce a light beam from the reflection surface back to the reflection surface to increase the angle of scanning of a light beam. The reflective element may be semitransparent which allows the scanning beam to be detected through the range of scanning to ensure proper scanning. The optical scanner is particularly useful as a hand-held bar code scanner.

Abstract: An IC card, including a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device which obtain power from an information processing device, includes a switching circuit including (a) a resistor which is coupled between a power supply line and the second semiconductor device so that the power voltage is applied to the second semiconductor device gradually, (b) a voltage detection circuit for monitoring the voltage applied to the second semiconductor device, and (c) a transistor which is turned on by a detection signal produced at the voltage detection circuit when the voltage applied to the second semiconductor device exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention features a check-reading and check-validation machine having a programmed microprocessor, a photo-sensor, a magnetizing unit, a magnetic head reader, feed rollers and a stepper motor drive for rotatively driving the feed rollers. The machine may be a sub-unit of a printer. A check is introduced to the nip of the feed rollers. The photo-sensor detects the presence of the check and activates the stepper motor drive. The stepper motor drive then causes the feed rollers to rotate, drawing the check into the reading and validating machine. The microprocessor instructs the stepper motor to feed and discharge the check into and out of the machine, according to a specialized program. The microprocessor program initially instructs the stepper motor to rotate the feed rollers for forward drive, utilizing half-step pulsing.

Abstract: A machine readable binary code includes a two-dimensional matrix of data cells (6) having a plurality of sides. A unique sub-array of data cells (1, 2, 3, 4) is positioned at the point of intersection of each pair of adjacent sides to define and uniquely identify each corner of the matrix.

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: A portable smart card reader for reading and displaying information stored on a smart card comprising a thin housing having an upper surface and a lower surface, a flexible cover affixed to and spaced from the lower surface plurality of electrical contacts affixed to the 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.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a mechanism for accepting a card recording medium having a plurality of recording sections includes at least one recording section including at least an IC chip. A recording/reproducing circuit performs at least one of a recording mode for recording information into the IC chip and a reproducing mode for reproducing the information from the IC chip, a transporting mechanism for transporting the recording medium to a first position in which the IC chip faces the recording/reproducing circuit, and a moving mechanism for, in order to bring the IC chip into contact or close to the recording/reproducing circuit, moving the recording medium transported to the first position by the transporting mechanism toward the recording/reproducing circuit to a second position in which the recording/reproducing circuit can perform at least one of the recording mode and the reproducing mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a POS system which employs a purchased commodity accommodating and transporting apparatus having a self scanning function and is improved in that the access time for data transfer processing is reduced to reduce the time required for settlement of accounts and complete transfer of data is assured to enhance the reliability. A two-dimensional bar code printing section is provided on the purchased commodity accommodating and transporting apparatus and prints commodity code information from a commodity code reading section as a two-dimensional bar code.

Abstract: A system for processing output signals of an electro-optical scanner adapted for reading a bar code indicia having parts of different light reflectivity and non bar code indicia adjacent the bar code on an article being scanned comprises a decoder for decoding content of signals input thereto and signal processing circuitry for receiving the scanner output signals and generating input signals for input to the decoder by deleting signals having non bar code indicia content from the received scanner output signals by examining characteristics of the received scanner output signals. The signal processing circuitry is adapted to generate input signals for input to the decoder for bar code indicia of respective different bar code symbologies. The signal processing circuitry includes deletion circuitry for deleting, from the received scanner output signals, signals having less time duration than a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: A bar code scanner comprises a lens structure for effecting magnification of a bar code image along an optical axis of the scanner. A support member supports the lens structure, the support member being movable into first and second bi-stable positions along the optical axis and disposing the lens structure in respective first and second locations spaced mutually along the optical axis, and a displacing unit for displacing the support member exclusively into residence in one or the other of the first and second positions.