Abstract: A system of the so-called "operator-unassisted" type, for processing articles selected for purchase and bearing an identification code, includes a code reader generating output signals indicative of the article identification codes, a sensor generating output signals indicative of measurable characteristics of the articles, a memory for storage, for each of the articles, of a signal indicative of the measurable characteristic thereof correlated with the article identification code, an article rejector for rejecting the selection of an article for purchase on failure of correspondence of the sensor output signal and the corresponding stored measurable characteristic signal and a control unit operable selectively on such rejection of the article purchase selection for substituting the output signal generated by the sensor for the stored measurable characteristic signal. The control unit effectively introduces an "override capacity" to heretofore known systems.

Abstract: A system for decoding a bar code symbol receives a signal representative of the symbol and searches the signal in one dimension to locate two adjacent critical points corresponding to an element of the symbol. The system also computes a value representative of the signal energy between the two critical points and determines the width of the element in accordance with the value.

Abstract: In a bar code reading device in which an image of a bar code is Converted into an information signal having transitions corresponding to bar data in the bar code, a first counter counts the numbers of pulses of a clock signal provided by a reference clock corresponding to the periods between transitions of the information signal. The pulse counts are stored in a first memory. A second counter counts the number of transitions in the information signal and stores the number of transitions in a second memory. Since the procedure carried out by the second counter can occur in a very short time, the number of bar data can correctly be counted even if the bar code has defective bar data formed by misprinting. Accordingly, an ALU is able to decide whether or not the bar code is recognized correctly through a comparison of the number of periods between transitions stored in the first memory and the number of transitions stored in the second memory. Thus, incorrect bar code reading operations can be prevented.

Abstract: A separable safety credit card which contains multiple account numbers and is mechanically detachable into two component parts whereby that part upon which is embossed the credit account numbers may be separately carried from the individual identification part thereof for purposes of safety and security so that if either component is lost or stolen the card may not be used by another in the making of unauthorized transactions.

Abstract: Scanner optics, usable for example in a bar code reader, generate a multitude of Gaussian beams derived from a common light source to produce a beam with extended working range. In the preferred embodiment, a 360 degree fan of Gaussian beams is generated by passing a laser beam through at least one diffractive element, e.g., computer generated holographic (CGH) plate, computed to perform the transformation of the illuminating beam into the desired output beam. The beam thus produced, having a small diameter over a large longitudinal distance, is useful for long range scanning.

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: A method for decoding information contained in an analog waveform representative of a bar code symbol comprising the steps of identifying a decodable portion of an analog waveform; processing said decodable portion to obtain a plurality of waveform descriptors; and performing a high and low density decoding process to one or more of said plurality of waveform descriptors for decoding information contained in either a high or low density symbol respectively, is disclosed. The high density decoder used for decoding high density symbols utilizes extrema extents, i.e., areas of the peaks and valleys of the analog waveform which directly correlate to the size of the bars/spaces of a high density bar code. After locating the seed point of the waveform, each extrema extent is generated and thresholded at each peak/valley location to decide its size. The high density decoder is adaptive in that the thresholding extent value is updated as the solution grows away from the seed point.

Abstract: A data carrier in which all integrated circuits are monolithically integrated in a single chip and at least one non-displaceably connected antenna coil is monolithically provided right upon the active semiconductor areas of the chip upon partial ranges of the uppermost conductive paths.

Abstract: A moving course data collection system for use in a large-scale store such as a supermarket or the like in which a portable scanner is provided to customers which allows customers to input article code data for articles in the store customers wish to purchase. The display location of all articles in the store is stored. Thus, every time a customer inputs article code data, the time and an approximation of the customer's position in the store is determined from the article code data input by the customer and the display location of that article in the store. This information is sequentially recorded, thereby collecting data on the customer's moving course through the store.