Abstract: A DMA controller DMA-transfers a bar width data set generated by a bar width counter to an external RAM. The DMA controller simultaneously DMA-transfers the bar width data set written in the external RAM to an internal RAM. An MPU reads the bar width data set written in the internal RAM at a high speed and demodulates the read bar width data set between the reading processes.

Abstract: A reader for reading bar code symbols containing so called "fat bits" arranged on exposed film is described. A strip of film 10 which has one or more frames 11 has a boundary edge 13 with space in which zero, one, or two fat bits 14 is provided for each frame 11. A light source 28 directs light through the boundary edge 13 of the strip 10. A pair of optical sensors 25, 27 receives the light directed through the boundary edge 13. The sensors 25, 27 each output a signal corresponding to the presence or absence of a fat bit to a detector circuit 220. The detector circuit 220 outputs a signal corresponding to the fat bit to a controller 250 as the strip moves between the light source 28 and the sensors 25, 27. An encoder 230 measures the displacement of the strip 10 as it moves, and outputs pulse signals to the controller 250 representative of units of strip 10 displacement.

Abstract: A vertically mounted bar code scanner assembly which is an alternative to a scanner having integral mounting hardware. The assembly includes a modular scanner having a back surface and a front surface containing a scanning aperture which emits scanning light beams, a mounting bracket including a bottom wall which fastens to a substantially horizontal mounting surface and a vertical wall coupled to the bottom wall. The vertical wall of the mounting bracket couples to the back surface of the scanner, placing the scanning aperture in a substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A self-contained personal data collector for redeeming product coupons having product code information in machine-readable form thereon, the data collector comprising: (a) a first memory device containing a product coupon list having a plurality of entries, each entry including product code information for a product; (b) a scanner for scanning machine-readable product code information from a coupon; (c) a comparator for comparing the scanned product code information with the entries of the product coupon list in the first memory device to find a match; (d) a display for displaying the matched product code information; (e) means for assigning a unique identifier to the matched product code information; and (f) a second memory device for storing a list of matched product code information and corresponding unique identifiers as individual item entries, wherein the item entries can be retrieved and tallied by a register at a product purchase location.

Abstract: A device for transferring data between a data processing machine and a smart card is provided. The data processing machine has a drive for receiving a removable storage unit and for reading and writing data from and to said removable storage unit. The device for transferring data between a data processing machine and a smart card includes a housing insertable into the drive. The housing has a recess for receiving a smart card. The device for transferring data further includes a logic circuit, disposed within the housing, for transferring data between the data processing machine and the smart card.

Abstract: A vehicle-carried unit for automatic toll-paying systems carried on a vehicle for automatically paying a toll from a plurality of IC cards through communication with an on-road unit installed on a road. The toll is calculated at an exit gate in accordance with predetermined toll information (step 432), and it is judged whether or not payment is possible in accordance with balance information of a plurality of IC cards stored in a storage circuit (step 434). In the case of being capable of payment, the toll is subtracted (step 486), and a payment signal is transmitted to the on-road unit (step 488). Because balances of a plurality of IC cards are stored as described above, it becomes unnecessary to stop at a tollbooth due to shortage in balance.

Abstract: An optical scanner for a bar code reader has a rotary driving motor which drives a carrier to rotate about a principal axis, the carrier carries mirror means which is pivoted about a scan axis at right angles to the carrier axis, and force applying means is arranged to apply a turning couple to the mirror to cause it to turn to provide the scan motion while the carrier rotates to change the scan orientation. The timing couple is provided either by being coupled to the drive from the rotary carrier or by means of an axially mounted electro-magnetic coil.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code scanner has a removable boot to hold a field-replaceable optical element, which is sandwiched between an opening formed at the nose section of the scanner housing and the face section of the boot. The replaceable optical element can be, for example, a transparent element, filter, lens, or Brewster Window.

Abstract: A card includes a magnetic track portion, a first bar code area, and a second bar code area. Value information representing a prepaid amount and management information for card management are magnetically recorded in the magnetic track portion. The first bar code area is formed parallel to the magnetic track portion at a position not overlapping the magnetic track portion. The first bar code area is recorded with a first bar code representing the value information. The second bar code area is formed in a direction perpendicular to the first bar code area at a position not overlapping the first bar code area. The second bar code area is printed with a second bar code representing the management information. A method of checking this card is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable item tracking unit includes a bar code reader for capturing a bar code related to an item, a microphone for capturing an audio identification from a recipient of an item, and a memory. The memory associatively electronically stores a digital signal related to the audio identification along with a digital representation of bar code data to provide audio proof of delivery of the item. A display and a speaker may respectively display the stored bar code related to the item and audibly broadcast the electronically stored audio identification for the item. A user input is preferably included for verifying that the input of the bar code and the audio identification is satisfactory. A transferring circuit transfers the electronically stored bar code and the electronically stored audio identification to a host computer.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) receives a user's identifying card from a card user and deactivates the card in accordance with at least one user selectable condition. The ATM comprises an input device for entering data to the ATM and a card reading mechanism for receiving the card from the user. The input device is a keyboard associated with the ATM. Control means deactivate the card in accordance with the at least one user selectable condition when the card is received by the card reading mechanism and the user enters certain data on the input device. The control means include a local processor which is located at the ATM and which can communicate with a remote processor located at a bank site. The certain data may include information corresponding to at least one time period during which the card is to be deactivated. Alternatively, the certain data may include information corresponding to at least one ATM at which the card is to remain activated, with the card being deactivated for all other ATMs.

Abstract: A method is provided for a computer to extract information in graphical form from a continuous flow of routine documents in order to eliminate further movement of these documents and dramatically reduce the time and volume of inputting. The method consists of preparing a control document for each type of document to be processed. Areas of the document requiring extraction are those identifying the respondent to the document and the information the respondent enters on the document. These areas are color-shaded, or otherwise coded, on the control document. The control document is run through a scanner so that a computer can identify and store the rectangular location of these areas to be extracted. Routine documents of the type can then be continuously processed through a scanner. The areas of interest are extracted by a computer and stored in compressed form as a record in a binary file for that document type.

Abstract: Upper unit and lower unit are jointed with a hinge to form a body, and a card transfer path is provided between the units, and a recording/reproducing head and an image forming head are installed separated in the units opposing to each other, for making the maintenance servicing easy. In addition, a handle and elastic clamping components are provided on one of the units, and accepting components to accept the clamping components on the other unit, in order to make the clamping of both units in closed state firm and the open/close operation easy.

Abstract: Method of communication between a processing unit associated with an applications program and portable information carriers of different types. It consists in adding a communications layer between the applications program and the carriers, so as to only one communications protocol in the applications program to access the carriers, whatever may be their type.

Abstract: A display device displays information. An input device inputs information about a transaction. An operation unit includes a selection requesting unit and a selection processor. The selection requesting unit requests a user to input information in an alternative style via the display device. The selection processor performs a predetermined process based on information, selectively input by the user through the display device and a selection input unit of the input device, and the internal state. A transaction processor performs a transactional process based on the transactional operation of the operation unit. The transaction processor communicates with a host system in a center to accomplish a transaction.

Abstract: Applicant's invention includes a cash-alternative transaction processing system and associated methods based on the use of coin cards, purchase point coin card reader/writer transaction register systems, and clearing center processors. Also includes are elements relating to use of coin cards in vending machines.

Abstract: A personal identification system for use with fingerprint data in security sensitive transactions is disclosed. The systems performs according to the following steps: generating an access file for specifying a plurality of different comparison ratio ("CR") levels with each level corresponding to an acceptable transaction; receiving the requester fingerprint data and its accompanying request parameters; comparing the requester fingerprint data with one of a plurality of fingerprint data in a master file corresponding to the account upon which a transaction is requested; generating an AR/RR based on result of comparison; evaluating the request for transaction and the AR/RR using the access file; if the AR/RR is acceptable for the requested transaction, granting the request after successfully passing additional authentication tests, and if the AR/RR is not acceptable for the transaction, entering at least one exception routine for additional authentication.

Abstract: A card reader includes a pad-roller supporting mechanism having a pad roller block for supporting a plurality of pad rollers for transporting a card inserted into a card traveling passage in cooperation with a plurality of drive rollers supported by a main-body block. The pad roller block is pivotally supported by the main-body block about pivotal shafts provided in parallel with the card traveling passage so as to be openable and capable of causing each of the pad rollers to come into contact with and move away from each of the drive rollers. A spring member is disposed on the main-body block and a pressing plate supported by the pad roller block and the spring member between an operating region and a nonoperating region of the spring member so as to be capable of being engaged with or disengaged from the pad roller block and the spring member, for imparting to the pad roller block a rotating urging force in a direction in which the pad rollers approaches the drive rollers.

Abstract: An electronic cashless system uses a cashless medium for memorizing amount information and for performing an operation of amount information. The electronic cashless system comprises an automatic transaction terminal device having a reading/writing unit for writing amount information to the cashless medium, and a center device having a unit for identifying the account balance of multiple accounts and for storing amount information and a non-settled fund file unit for storing amount information written by the cashless medium and a seller ledger file means for identifying the account balance of the multiple seller's accounts and for storing amount information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a store arrangement for purchasing articles in a self-service store according to a self-registration system whereby a client himself registers articles selected by him with a scanner. The store arrangement includes at least one identification device for recognizing a client and a readout station for reading out the articles registered with the scanner. The store arrangement further comprises a paying station for paying in electronic manner and without intervention of store personnel for articles read from the scanner by the readout station, and for clearing a passage for the client to leave the store when the articles have been paid for in electronic manner.