Abstract: A number of high-permeability magnetic elements are dispersed in a scanning region of a checking object. A core of a processing apparatus is provided with an exciting coil and a sensor coil. When a bias magnetic field is applied to the core, and the scanning region is passed in the vicinity of a gap, the permeability of the gap varies depending on the density of the magnetic elements, so that a magnetic flux passing through the core changes. A detection signal corresponding to the change of the magnetic flux is detected by means of the sensor coil. This detection signal is converted into a cipher code and then recorded in a code indicator section of the checking object.

Abstract: A bar-code reader which reads a bar code label through the scanning operation comprises a waveform processing circuit, a memory unit for storing data in a serial manner in synchronism with the scanning across the bar code symbol, an extraction unit for extracting a bar code symbol from the output of the memory unit, and a decoding unit for decoding the bar code symbol based on the output of the extraction unit.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system is disclosed which includes an interface module and a data card. Both the interface module and card include a plurality of primary and secondary electrodes having the same pattern. The data card further includes a plurality of fuses extending between each of the primary and secondary electrodes. When the fuse is intact, it will conduct current. When the fuse is blown, the resistance will substantially increase. The state of the resistance of the fuse is used to represent bits of data. In operation, the card is juxtaposed with respect to the interface module so that the respective electrodes can be capacitively coupled. In order to read the data on the card, a an output having a predetermined voltage and frequency is applied to the electrodes. The level of AC current passing through the fuse is measured and the result is used to derive the state of the fuse.

Abstract: A method which enables a credit cardholder to make a donation to a cardholder-selected charity any time he makes a purchase using the credit card. The method comprises a credit/charge card which identifies on its magnetic strip, charities to receive a donation, and a bank expedited system which processes the card user's purchase transaction, pays a previously decided amount to the charity or charities and also bills the cardholder. In this system, the donated amounts may be paid by the bank or card issuing organization, or the cardholder may add an amount which he pays to the selected charity. The proposed system may be described as being a bank expedited charity donation, (abbreviated to BAX) approach for credit/charge cardholders.

Abstract: An IC card loading detecting apparatus utilizing an input/output terminal portion of an IC card which houses therein a central processing unit (CPU) has a ground contact (6e) and a detection sensor contact (7) provided on an interface portion (6) of a terminal equipment (4). The detection sensor contact is brought in contact with a ground terminal (2e) of an input/output terminal portion (2) of an IC card (1) after the ground contact is brought in contact with the ground terminal when the IC card is inserted into the equipment and is disconnected from the ground terminal before the ground contact is disconnected from the ground terminal when said IC card is ejected from the equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the transitions between binary levels of an input signal such as a scanned bar code label by detecting zero crossings of an approximated second derivative of the input signal. Samples of the input signal are obtained by using delay lines, sample-and-hold circuits, an analog shift register or similar device. The first derivative of the signal is approximated by the slope of a straight line between two sampled points on the waveform. The second derivative is approximated by the difference between two first derivatives. Zero crossings of the second derivative indicating transitions of the input signal may be determined either by detecting a signal peak on both sides of the zero crossing, or by comparing the second derivative signal to zero when the first derivative exceeds a positive or negative threshold. The time between sample points may be adjusted to match a particular range setting of a scanner having a plurality of range settings.

Abstract: A method for combining decoded scan fragments of a bar code symbol composed of a delimited plurality of bar code elements representing an ordered sequence of data characters. The method includes scanning the symbol along a first scan path that includes a delimiter to obtain a first sequence of data characters; scanning the symbol along a second scan path that includes another delimiter to obtain a second sequence of data characters; comparing the predetermined length to the lengths of the first and second sequences of data characters; and based on the comparison combining the first and second sequences to produce the ordered sequence of data characters.

Abstract: A method of entering a hand-marked response into a system by altering a predetermined modified bar code symbol in a manner so that the bar code is rendered readable. In this manner, bar code reading devices can be utilized to detect the hand marked response. In an alternative embodiment, one of several potential responses may be marked and rendered non-decodable. A bar code reading device determines which of the several responses has been hand-marked by ascertaining which is non-decodable. Marking the response sheets may be aided by using an opaque template sheet or using a pressure sensitive overlay sheet.

Abstract: A system for authorizing access to a secured device, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or a pay telephone, without a key or combination for the secured device, and without a fixed communication link extending to the device. An encoded access message is produced which identifies a present access code previously stored at the secured device, the personal identification number (PIN) of a technician, and the identification number of a particular portable terminal. The technician manually enters the encoded access message and a PIN into the terminal, which verifies the identification number of the terminal and the manually-entered PIN against information encoded in the access message. If that information is authenticated, the portable terminal is connected to the secured device. The encoded access message is transferred from the terminal to the secured device, which compares an access code previously stored at that device with information contained in the access message. The proper PIN also is re-entered.

Abstract: If each part information, such as a product, a measure, a routine, a text portion etc. in an information handling system is given a bar code (2), and if these items of part information are stored in clear (3) together with their bar codes in bar code tables (1) and in the computers (6) included in the system, simple and rational registering, transferring and storing of information can be carried out as follows. Selected items of part information which together form information to be registered, transferred and stored, are registered in that the corresponding bar codes are read by means of a bar code reader (4) and are entered into a computer (6). The computer is caused to print the inputted bar codes and the corresponding items of part information in clear on a sheet of paper (8).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus facilitate scanning an Add-On code portion of a bar code label to determine the bar code data printed thereon by sweeping a scanning beam in a scan path across the Add-On code portion of the label. The bar code label includes bar codes of the type which have a primary code portion and which may also have an Add-On code portion.

Abstract: A bar code reader that shortens transport distances of articles and increases processing performance. The bar code reader comprises a conveyer for conveying articles to a predetermined area, a first to n.sup.th (wherein n is an integer equivalent to 2 or more) reader for reading information of a bar code attached on an article that is conveyed by the conveyer, an article location detector for detecting location in the read area of k articles conveyed by the conveyer, and a controller for controlling the first to n.sup.th readers so as to read each bar code attached on the first to k.sup.th articles conveyed to the read area based on an output signal of the article location detector.

Abstract: A plug-in data carrier includes a processor, a program memory connected to the processor, and a dedicated memory connected to the processor. The dedicated memory is divided into a plurality of regions including a region for controlling and managing the operation of a transaction device, which is a device independent of the plug-in data carrier. The transaction device includes a first contact section which establishes electrical contact with the plug-in data carrier, a second contact section which establishes electrical contact with another data carrier, a first memory section inputting and outputting data to the plug-in data carrier via the first contact section, a second memory section inputting and outputting data to the another data carrier via the second contact section, and an interfacing circuit.

Abstract: A system for processing merchandise sale transactions for customers in a point of sale and warehouse facility. A main processor has a database for storing customer identification information and merchandise information and processes sale transaction records for customers. A point of sale system coupled to the processor has a controller and at least one pen-based computer in communication with the controller via RF transmissions. Program instructions respond to entry on the computer of a customer number and to entry of merchandise identification numbers to build a sale transaction record of selected items for purchase. The program instructions display item information and enable selection of items for addition to the sale transaction record, display delivery method instructions and enable their selection for addition to the sale transaction record, and transmit the transaction record to the processor to effectuate warehouse delivery of the selected items according to the selected delivery instructions.

Abstract: In the data processing circuit of a decoder box, the position sensing circuit senses the position of the bar-code symbol imaged by a video camera in the imaging area of the video camera on the basis of the output of the frame memory. Then, the shift direction judging section of the data processing circuit determines the direction in which the bar-code symbol imaged by the video camera is shifted with respect to the imaging area of the video camera on the basis of the output of the position sensing section. The display control section of the data processing circuit displays the position of the bar-code symbol on a label position indicator provided on the decoder box on the basis of the judgment result of the shift direction judging section.

Abstract: A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the electrical and graphic customization of chip cards. Instead of a standard thermal print head which is applied flat against the card to be printed on and then requires the bending of the chip card during the printing, a vertical print head (120) is used, the heating elements of this vertical print head being arranged on the edge of a thin vertical support. The card (116) can be shifted in a flat position and in an unbent state beneath this head during the graphical printing. It is then delivered, while still in a flat position, to a standard chip card reader (150) in which the electrical customization is done. The cards are not damaged, the mechanical features are greatly simplified and there is no risk of mixing up the graphic and electrical data corresponding to several different cards.

Abstract: A signal receiving coil in which an erroneous input of a signal due to an alternating magnetic field that has been accidentally generated is prevented. In this invention, a signal receiving coil includes a first spiral coil having a predetermined winding direction and a second spiral coil spaced from the first spiral coil. The second spiral coil is connected in series to the first spiral coil and has its winding direction opposite from that of the first spiral coil. The second spiral coil generates an induced electromotive force of substantially the same magnitude and opposite direction from the first spiral coil when both spiral coils are subjected to the same alternating magnetic field. When a change in a magnetic field is applied over the entire surface of the signal receiving coil, the induced electromotive forces generated by the two spiral coils cancel each other.

Abstract: A scanning device for projecting a light beam against a target having information contained thereon which is to be scanned by the light beam; and in particular relates to a compact laser scanning device, such as a bar code projecting a laser beam, and which device incorporates a drive component such as a scanning motor for oscillating a scanning element or mirror at a high rate of speed within a specified angular range so as to cause the light or laser beam which impinges against the information on the target to be rapidly swept across the information in a scanning sequence. In particular, the structure is directed to improving the linearity of the oscillatory or "dithering" motion imparted by the scanning motor to the scanning element or mirror. Also contemplated is a novel method of utilizing the "dithering" or oscillating motion of the scanning motor for effectuating an improvement in the quality of the scan by the scanning device.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) bar code scanner such as in common use in retail stores includes provision for reading bar coded redemption coupons (or other bar coded documents redeemable for value) in a manner secure from a human operator. Integration of functions between the POS scanner and the coupon reader varies with different embodiments described. Through software associated with bar code decoding logic, a comparison is made between information on a validation coupon and information on items presented for purchase, and a decision is made as to whether the redemption coupon is valid and redeemable in this transaction. In one embodiment, the bar code scanner simply receives the redemption coupon face down on the product scanner window, and integrated decode logic of the scanner identifies the bar code as belonging to a redemption coupon, then makes the comparison and validation of the coupon for the particular transaction.