Abstract: The invention concerns Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) which are equipped with video conferencing capability. The ATM allows a customer to undertake numerous different types of transactions, such as withdrawing cash, checking a balance, applying for a loan, obtaining interest rate quotations, and so on. If a customer needs assistance with a transaction, the invention (a) identifies the transaction, without intervention of the customer, (b) selects a consultant who is expert in the type of transaction identified, and (c) establishes a video conference with the selected consultant.

Abstract: A novel method and system enabling a computer to identify the beginning and end of a logical group of digitally scanned pages, most commonly a multipage document, through the use of cover pages or sheets containing machine-readable information about where the document should be routed over a computer network, how to set scanning parameters in the scanner, and additional operations to perform, greatly increasing the efficiency and simplicity of creating, routing and processing scanned image documents without operator or user intervention and thereby enabling increased use of scanners in offices and the like.

Abstract: Method for automatically processing sweepstakes entries and mail orders is accomplished by reading a machine code identifying the sender and simultaneously detecting orders from non-orders using a magnetic field detector, without opening the envelopes. During the outgoing mail processing, a machine code indicative of the recipient is preprinted on each carrier envelope or reply sweepstakes insert. This code is read and used to print a machine code corresponding thereto on the return envelope. The return envelope and the reply insert, along with order stamps each having a magnetic ink layer, are inserted into the carrier envelope and mailed out to the recipient. The return envelopes which are received from the recipient (sender) are fed through a sorter, upon which the sorter will detect whether each return envelope contains an order stamp. The machine code printed on the outside face of the envelope is used for identification of the contestant and for sweepstakes entry.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus for reading a two-dimensional symbol includes a housing having an opening portion for confronting the symbol, a gripping portion, and a serial I/F for transmitting a two-dimensional code data corresponding to the two-dimensional symbol to an external apparatus. LEDs mounted near the opening portion generate light to illuminate the two-dimensional symbol. A mirror reflects light reflected from the two-dimensional symbol toward the gripping portion. An automatic diaphragm mechanism regulates the light from the mirror. A two-dimensional type CCD generates electrical signals corresponding to the regulated light. Image processing circuits convert the electrical signals to the two-dimensional code data.

Abstract: A novel write/read head for magnetic stripe card readers includes a magnetostrictive read element in a structure which permits the close spacing between read and write heads required of insertion type value card apparatus yet provides magnetic isolation of the read head from the write field generated at the gap of the write head. The use of a second magnetostrictive element in the read head permits the implementation of a security system which precludes the possibility of altering or counterfeiting the cards. Accordingly, high denomination value cards can be issued with a relatively high degree of confidence and that magnetic stripe cards, in general, can be issued with that same degree of confidence.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source for producing a light beam for scanning a target wherein the light beam scans a target at a first low frequency and the beam also dithers in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction at a second, high frequency. The dithering motion can be imparted by a oscillating mirror and allows improved reading of, for example, bar code symbols. In addition an optical scanner includes a laser light source producing a laser light beam into which a time-varying phase is introduced in order to reduce laser speckle noise.

Abstract: Inventory item records are affixed to inventory item holders. The inventory item records comprise two-dimensional bar code labels containing encoded item identification information and reordering information for ordering replacement inventory items. The replacement inventory items are labeled with two-dimensional bar-coded information describing the ultimate destination, and packed into a container for shipment to a receiving/distribution center. The destination information is scanned and decoded at the receiving/distribution center to enable proper routing of the replacement inventory items.

Abstract: Prior methods of reading MaxiCode dataforms have been subject to reduced resolution image scaling and processing and speed constraints of Fourier transform computations. Described spatial domain data extraction methods provide bull's eye center location by T-sequence pixel pattern analysis, axis identification by moment analysis of data cell pairs, and integral width square wave analysis of illumination transitions to avoid reading-line cell fragmentation. The center and top of a MaxiCode are identified in high-resolution pixel data, without scaling reduction or Fourier type frequency domain processing. Data is extracted serially from rows of data cells by sampling along lines of pixels aligned by fragmentation analysis so as to traverse complete rows of data cells. Dynamic thresholding accurately defines illumination value transitions between adjacent linear groups of data cells, each group consisting of one or more data cells of the same reflectivity.

Abstract: A card comprising an electronic module having a memory, into which a designated number of consumable units has been stored, and a metal electrical contact zone. At least one part of the contact zone is covered with a layer of readily removable material which is applied before the card is delivered to points of sale. This material must be removed to enable the card to be read. Once having been removed, the material indicates that the card has been used so that consumer fraud can be prevented in terms of the number of consumable units retained in the memory.

Abstract: A bar code scanner includes a detection unit for detecting light reflected from a bar code and generating a detection signal, a conversion unit for generating detected bar code data based on the detection signal, an input interface unit receiving external bar code data generated externally, a data control unit for generating output bar code data by using the detected bar code data and/or the external bar code data from the input interface unit, and an output interface unit for sending out the output bar code data.

Abstract: An automated purchasing control system which can be customized for a corporate customer. The system receives an authorization request over the phone lines from a remote point-of-sale terminal and processes the request using unique software. The software has a database customized to a corporate user to establish that company hierarchial structure. Elements of the hierarchial structure are independently reconfigurable, so that a company can specify different hierarchial relationships in the software for authorization, billing and reporting purposes. Different authorization tests can be established for each position in a hierarchy, with a particular position being required to pass not only its own test, but the test of elements higher in the hierarchial tree.

Abstract: A bar code reader has a light emitting source for illuminating a bar code, a photosensing element for sensing the light reflected from the bar code and an amplifier having an input to which the photosensing element is coupled. A single series path is employed to generate a current which is used to operate the light emitting element and to produce a bias voltage to bias the amplifier at a predetermined level. Using the same current to drive the light emitting element and to develop the bias voltage reduces the power consumed to operate the bar code reader.

Abstract: In an encoded symbol that is read by an encoded symbol reader, an image of the encoded symbol is read and a ratio of a minimum and maximum values of the electrical signals corresponding to the image is determined. If the ratio is larger than a predetermined value, the brightness of the image is determined to be uniform.

Abstract: A system for managing the processing of dental appliances being fabricated in a dental laboratory. The fabrication of such appliances is achieved in a series of iterations, the first of the iterations occurring upon receipt of a prescription from the doctor for fabricating the appliance therefrom. Subsequent iterations occur upon return of the appliance by the doctor to the laboratory for additional processing. The system comprises a digital processing means, a data collection means, and data storage means. The data collection means is arranged to collect process related data associated with each iteration. The data storage means is arranged to store said process related data associated with each iteration while preserving previously stored data associated with prior iterations. Data indicative of the history of the fabrication of the appliance through all of the iterations is available to the operator of the laboratory for analysis and the effective and efficient management of the laboratory.

Abstract: A device for entering a code into a keypad of an ATM. The inventive device includes a housing positionable over an ATM keypad. A plurality of solenoids are mounted to a lower surface of the housing for actuating individual keys of the ATM keypad. A code entering keypad is mounted to an upper surface of the housing for entering a PIN number into a controller such that a code can be entered into the device within the privacy of a vehicle and subsequently transferred to the ATM key pad of a visible ATM machine.

Abstract: In an encoded symbol reader for decoding a two-dimensional encoded symbol having a matrix of cells, an image of the encoded symbol is formed on a CCD, and image data is generated. The encoded symbol reader has a plurality of operational modes, including an image inverse mode. The image data is stored in a memory. When the image data is read out of memory in order to decode the symbol, depending on whether or not the operation mode is an image reverse mode, the data stored in the memory is read out in different sampling orders.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for marking refillable containers, more especially plastic bottles, with code symbols for later ascertaining whether a container has to be refilled or separated. The part of the container in which is situated a manufacturer's code present from the outset is photographed at a detection station by a camera. Using code symbols applied previously as a reference marking, the place is determined at which a new code symbol of a round trip code is applied at a marking station with a laser. The number of such code symbols gives the number of fillings of the containers, and the data content of each code symbol contains a statement concerning the filling inserted in the container, the bottler etc., in each case. With the aid of this, a certain filling sequence can be adhered to, for example, prevent a plastic bottle which previously contained a cola drink being filled with mineral water, whereas the reverse sequence would be permissible.

Abstract: The invention concerns using Automated Teller Machines as video conferencing stations. In a video conference, two parties can both see, and speak with, each other. The invention allows a user of an ATM to hold a video conference not only with the financial institution which operates the ATM, but with any other suitable facility, such as a personal computer, properly equipped.

Abstract: A bar code scanning and labeling apparatus for scanning and decoding a bar code associated with a product and generating a two dimensional bar code dataform incorporating selected data including at least a portion of the decoded, product related data from the product's bar code and additional data related to the product is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microprocessor having data selection circuitry adapted to retrieve the selected data and to assemble the retrieved selected into a format suitable for encoding. A method of providing a modified bar code dataform using the apparatus is also disclosed. The steps of the method include: scanning and decoding a product's bar code dataform; selecting data to comprise the modified bar code dataform, the selected data including decoded data relating to the product from the product's bar code dataform and additional data related to the product; and utilizing the selected data to produce the modified bar code dataform.

Abstract: An object to be checked contains a large number of magnetic polymer elements scattered at random. Each of magnetic polymer elements is made up of an element main body formed of a high molecular material, and magnetic metal powder contained in the element main body. The magnetic polymer elements are integrally incorporated in paper and tangled with the wood pulp fibers of the paper three-dimensionally. In the manufacturing process of the object, a processing apparatus magnetically scans the magnetic polymer elements incorporated in the scanning region of the object while moving the scanning region at a predetermined speed, converts a detection signal obtained by the magnetic scan into a cipher code, and records the cipher code in a code indicator section. In the authenticity checking process, the processing apparatus magnetically scans the magnetic polymer elements once again, and a detection signal obtained thereby is collated with the cipher code recorded in the code indicator section.