Abstract: A miniature high speed bar code scanning element is detachably mounted within an industry standard PCMCIA card for implementation in personal computing devices.

Abstract: A method for dynamically establishing a plurality of threshold values for use in decoding a bar code symbol having a plurality of characters where each character includes a plurality of wide and narrow elements. Additionally, the symbol also includes a first character having elements of known sequence and type. The method comprising the step(s) of: (a) keeping an indicator of an amount of time that a light source from a scanner system illuminates a selected element from the first character, (b) establishing a current threshold value based upon the selected element indicator for use in decoding a second element, (c) keeping an indicator for each of the plurality of elements of an amount of time that the light source from the scanner system illuminates the plurality of elements, respectively, and (d) adjusting the current threshold value using the indicators before decoding a subsequent element.

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 mirror 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: A case is provided for receiving an electronic card (C), which includes a one-piece molded housing (10) that forms a pair of slideways (12, 14) that guide opposite side portions of the card and that includes upper and lower crosspieces (46, 20) that connect the slideways and that are vertically spaced. A separate electrical connector (60) is provided which includes a connector frame (61) and a plurality of electrical contacts (77) mounted on the frame, with each contact having an upwardly-projecting contact blade (63). The connector is mounted on the lower crosspiece of the housing, with the contact blades projecting through card-receiving slots (64) of the housing. The card receiver can have a butterfly shape, with each crosspiece having a middle section (36) of small length, and each crosspiece can be formed with large apertures (24, 28A, 28B), which reduce weight and cost.

Abstract: The invention is a distribution network system of automatic dispensers of products and information interconnected with one another and with at least a host computer, where homogeneous groups of dispensers are suitable for exchanging information, by means of said host computer, with each dispenser connected with it and with the network node that is connected with each host computer by means of telephone lines and is provided with a transceiver section suitable for getting through to each dispenser by radio, through an antenna or a communication satellite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing unit for banknotes (42), comprising a banknote container (12) and a receiving module (14) which is in the form of the frame into which the banknote container (12) can be pushed. The unit includes an extracting and separating device for extracting banknotes (42) through an opening of the banknote container. The opening can be closed by a flap (26) and a closure plate (30). A retracting element (34) presses the banknotes against the extracting device by a force (P), before the flap is closed. The banknotes which are located in the banknote container are thereby forced away from the opening, back into the container interior. The retracting device is displaced in the direction of the extracting device (34) until the banknotes (42) come into the extracting position.

Abstract: Dataform readers using two-dimensional sensor array cameras provide image frames comprising successive first and second fields of image data. In hand-held operation, hand jitter results in image offset causing registration errors between fields. Resolution and decoding performance are enhanced by described readers and methods. Decoding is implemented first by use of image data of a first field and the results of such decoding are supplemented by results of decoding of remaining portions of the dataform by use of second field image data. Decoding may also be carried out by first determining the magnitude of a disparity vector extending in the direction of image offset. The disparity vector is then used to provide enhanced decoding by use of first field image data and registration-corrected second field image data.

Abstract: In a financial transaction data processing system, plural host computers maintained by banks and containing bank account information are interconnected by a communications network, and plural automated teller machines are connectable to the plural host computers. Portable data carriers are provided each containing a non-volatile memory for storing money balances. Also, at a wholesaler location or the like, a terminal device connectable to at least one of the host computers is provided. The portable data carriers are insertable into the automated teller machines to transfer money from a bank account to the portable data carrier inserted in the automated teller machine. Also, the portable data carriers are insertable into the terminal device to transfer money from the inserted portable data carrier to a memory of the terminal device.

Abstract: A CPU demodulates data obtained by a "continuous reading", data obtained by a "block reading" and data obtained by a "divided reading" among a variety of bar width data sets stored in a bar width data set storage buffer before demodulated data corresponding to a whole bar code are first synthesized. Once the demodulated data corresponding to the whole bar code are synthesized, whether the data used for the synthesization include the data obtained by the "divided reading" is checked. Then, if the data used for the synthesization do not include the data obtained by the "divided reading", only the data obtained by the "continuous reading" and the data obtained by the "block reading" are demodulated.

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 portable IC card reader for retrieving information from an IC card incorporating a semiconductor memory device and for displaying at least part of retrieved information. The portable IC card reader, which is of a size suitable to fit in a clothes pocket, a bag, or the like, includes a housing having a display portion provided on a part of the housing for displaying at least part of the retrieved information, and incorporating a controller. The housing further includes, at least at a part of the surface thereof, an IC card insert port through which the IC card is inserted and an IC card accommodating unit extending straight from the IC card insert port to an opposite side of the housing. The housing further includes a foreign-matter ejection exit formed by extending the IC card accommodating unit and opening at the opposite side of the integrated-circuit card insert port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a money order purchase via an ATM including a money acceptor and dispenser for receiving and generating money, respectively. Also included is an ATM card reader for receiving a card with a magnetic strip having an account number stored thereon wherein the reader is further adapted to retrieve the account number therefrom. A control mechanism operates in combination with a plurality of function keys to allow a user to withdraw cash, deposit cash, and purchase a money order by means of an ATM.

Abstract: A symbology reader employing an area detector and LEDs mounted at various angular orientations on a printed circuit board for illuminating a target object in an object plane. Each of the LEDs is oriented according to a desired beam vector to illuminate a particular area of the object plane so that the sum of the beams produces a desired illumination pattern. In one embodiment, the illumination pattern is selected to be inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the area detector to provide an even response over an entire image area. The individual LEDs are angularly aligned by an alignment board having an alignment aperture for each LED. The LEDs are mounted onto the printed circuit board with their body portions spaced apart from the board and supported by semi-rigid wire leads soldered to the board. Each of the alignment holes of the alignment board is laterally offset slightly from the mounting position of the LED.

Abstract: A translator (300) for generating a tool (315) for a modifying data on a chip card (10) or for a communicating with the chip card (10) is proposed, the translator (300) receiving as input data a description (310) in a card definition language provided for that purpose, said description (310) comprising information about objects on the chip card (10) which are described with the use of constructional instructions. The translator (300) comprises a means for generating an internal list of attributes (320) from the information about the objects in the description (310), there existing for each object at least one entry (330) in the internal list of attributes (320).

Abstract: A sample handling mechanism including a direct drive carrier for positioning multiple trays or carousels of sample vials and a direct drive carousel handling mechanism that eliminates pulleys and belts and the problems associated therewith. The carousels handled by the sample handling mechanism are individually identifiable, stackable and include a viewing area for identifying and viewing the individual sample vials grouped in a respective carousel. The sample handling mechanism consists of two logical drive modules. A single center line or axis of rotation is effected in each of the drive modules. The two logical drive modules include a carrier mechanism that transports a plurality of sample carousels to a sampling station, and a carousel drive mechanism which engages a single carousel and presents the appropriate vial to be sampled. The carrier mechanism includes a multi-position spoke-like carrier portion that is driven by a single drive shaft coupled to a gear reduction stepper motor by a coupling.

Abstract: A hand-held terminal for receiving, storing and transmitting information is disclosed. The terminal has a keyboard, a display and is powered by internal, rechargeable batteries. An internal battery charging circuit includes a fixed voltage power supply which is controlled to provide a constant current charging current. A low-power radio frequency transceiver, for example, of a spread spectrum technology (SST) device is provided for receiving and transmitting information between the terminal and a base radio transceiver. A modular, magnetic credit card reader is operably and removably attached to the terminal and is interchangeable with a scanner of the type which can read bar codes or the like. Modules display screens, processor/memory modules, modular keyboards, and operating handles are also shown. A modular, compact printer can also be attached to the hand held terminal. Interactive pen based display screens can be used to allow information to be input directly on the screen.

Abstract: A checkout device including a conveying section for conveying an article in one direction, an optical scanner for scanning the article conveyed by the conveying section with a scanning light beam to read an article code affixed thereto, and a registration processing section for registering the article based on the article code read by the optical scanner. The optical scanner is provided with a variable scanning range to which the scanning light beam is applied, and the registration processing section includes control means for detecting physical features of the article conveyed by the conveying section and for controlling the scanning range of the optical scanner to be optimized for reading the article code affixed to the article based on a conveying position and the detected physical features of the article.

Abstract: A personal identification and credit information system and a method of performing a transaction are provided for reducing inconveniences associated with using identifications, credit cards, debit cards, or the like when a user engages in purchase, credit, or banking transactions. The personal identification and credit information system preferably includes a ring arranged for inserting a finger of a user therethrough. The ring preferably has a memory device mounted to the ring for storing data therein. The ring preferably has a storage chamber connected to an outer surface of the ring for positioning the memory device therein. The memory device preferably includes a personal identification and credit data file having personal identification and credit data stored in a predetermined format in the personal identification and credit data file.

Abstract: The system, which is especially suitable for use a a bar code scanner trigger which allows for hands-free scanner operation and non-contact triggering of the scanner by the operator, in one embodiment, comprises a switch and a switch actuator, with the switch mounted proximate to a movable part of the body, and the switch actuator located on the movable part of the body, which part is movable so as to move the switch actuator and switch to within a predetermined proximity of one another and thereby actuate the switch, which will actuate the electronic equipment switched thereby. After the switch has been actuated, moving the part of the body with the switch actuator thereon so as to move the switch actuator and switch beyond a predetermined proximity of one another will deactuate the switch, and thereby deactivate the electronic equipment switched thereby.

Abstract: A case for microcircuit card reader, comprising a case body, an electronic circuit incorporated into the case body, a device for guiding the card and holding it in place, and a connector incorporating elastic contact segments providing an electrical connection between conductors belonging to the card and the aforementioned electronic circuit. The connector (22, 23) is fastened to the body of the case (1). The connector (22, 23) may be integrated into the case body (2), this attachment being produced by duplicate molding of the elastic contact segments (23) in the body of the case (1).