Abstract: A transaction card includes at least two read-only magnetically encoded stripes encoding different data in accordance with standard data encryption protocols readable by conventional transaction card reading systems. The stripes are associated with areas of the card which may have different indicia, such as, for example, being different colors or different textures. In accordance with one embodiment, superimposed upon the card may be two sets of raised printed indicia including, for example, the transaction card number, the expiration date and the name of the card user. One set of the raised printed indicia is inverted with respect to the other set so as to indicate to the user which one of the magnetic stripes is being processed. In accordance with another embodiment, only one set of raised letters is used; the other set being flush with the surface of the card if there are two sets. In this way, magnetically encoded information on the same transaction card may be segregated at the point of sale.

Abstract: A bar code reader system includes a record, a bar code reader, a decoder, a processor, a transferring element, and a printer. The record includes a substrate with an information area containing first data removably encoded on the substrate in an error-correctable machine readable format and text. The bar code reader converts the first encoded data from the record into electrical signals which are decoded by the decoder. The processor encodes second data entered through a keyboard, and generates transfer drive signals for controlling the transfer of the second encoded data onto the record. The transferring element detects the presence of the first encoded data on the record, and in response to the drive signals when the first encoded data is present on the record, subjects the record to an erasing operation to remove the first encoded data. The printer then prints the second encoded data on the record.

Abstract: A high speed non-contact beam scanning data acquisition memory card is disclosed. The device possesses the ergonomic benefits of a a card, yet can scan a wide angle moving beam across an information-bearing target in one or two dimensional scan patterns such as lines, rasters or other patterns in order to read information therefrom. The device is well suited for reading one or two dimensional bar-code or other printed matter where great portability as in medical records acquisition is desired. In order to achieve the high density electro-optical packaging necessary for its high performance to size ratio the present device employs a low profile scan module which is turned on by novel methods. Collected information is processed by signal processing electronics and stored in solid state low power memory devices. Novel triggering and scan actuating methods are also disclosed as are novel integrated scanning applications. In one embodiment components are integrated into a thin PCMCIA card or pen type scan device.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner assembly being suspended from a flexural assembly for oscillating movement. A drive is operative for moving the scanner assembly from a rest position in a circumferential direction to one of two scan end positions. The flexural assembly is tensioned and stores energy, which energy is released in order to return the scanner assembly in the other circumferential direction to the other scan end position.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine mounted upon the hand of its operator to provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a battery power supply aboard its hand-mounted housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: An image-based transaction processing system which captures and stores images of debit and credit transaction documents, while also extracting document data for storage in a computer data base. The computer processes the extracted document data to identify out-of-balance transactions. The document images of an out-of-balance transaction are sent to a balancing workstation which provides a multi-window display for controllably displaying the transaction in a manner which permits the cause of the out-of-balance condition to be readily determined and corrected. The multi-window display includes windows for displaying selected images of debit and credit documents as well as windows for displaying credit and debit amounts and the out-of-balance amount of the transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical reading of information includes: an optical equipment; a photoelectric transducer for transforming a photo signal from the optical equipment into an electrical signal; a signal processing circuit electrically connecting the photoelectric transducer; an apparatus body; a substrate on which the signal processing circuit is mounted, the substrate being mounted in the apparatus body; and a optical equipment housing fixedly accommodating the optical equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a bar code target by continuously varying the focal range of a bar code scanning system. A light source is provided for generating light rays, and a lens is provided for focusing the light rays. The lens has a variable focal length. The focused light rays are scanned across the bar code target with a beam scanner. While the focused light rays are being scanned, the focal length of the lens is continuously varied.

Abstract: A hand-held optical reader for reading printed indicia on a remote target includes a light source for generating a scanning light beam and a detector for detecting the light reflected from the printed indicia. The light source and detector are housed within a housing having a window through which the light beam passes from the source to the target for reflection from the target to the detector. The housing includes parallel front and rear faces, each being generally rectangular in shape and having a lower portion and upper portion. The front and rear faces are joined by a substantially planar base face at their lower edges. The window is disposed in the front face with the reader being ergonomically configured so as be comfortably held in the hand of a user, with the user's palm adjacent the rear face to enable the user to direct the scanning light beam at a remote target.

Abstract: In a method of coding an electronic text document, the length of a space preceding a word in a line of text data of an electronic document relative to the length of a space following the word is modulated with the value of a bit of signature data. The signature data are thus embedded into the text data of the electronic document, not being easily discernible to illicit readers.

Abstract: A system evaluates the data derived from scanning a circular bar code element. The elements in the circular bar code extend radially outwardly from a center of the label, and their width varies along the radial direction. For that reason, should a circular bar code reader be offset relative to the center of the label, it is possible that the circular bar code reader would develop analog signals of the width of elements that vary within a single scan. At one location on the label, an offset reader may read one analog signal for a wide element, and at another location may read a wholly different signal for a wide element with an identical width. To address this problem, an element under evaluation is compared to adjacent elements, and a determination is made of whether the particular element is wide or narrow. Any offset will cause minimal variation in adjacent elements. Several methods for using this basic concept are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel pump system with automated transaction processing enables a purchaser to define a plurality of fuel pump transactions by selecting various transaction parameters that define the transaction and store the predefined transactions on a storage medium (e.g. on an identification card bearing a magnetic strip). Then, at a fuel pump, the purchaser can pass the identification card through a magnetic card reader that reads the stored transaction information and a controller can cause the stored transaction(s) to be displayed so that a purchaser can select a transaction for execution. The purchaser may enter a single input to select a transaction, thereby simplifying and further expediting the transaction and automated processing thereof. The transaction parameters may include one or more of the form of payment (debit card, credit card, etc.), where the transaction is to be executed (e.g. at the pump or "inside"), the type and grade of fuel to be purchased (e.g. regular unleaded, premium unleaded, diesel etc.

Abstract: An optical scanner such as a bar code scanner includes a segmented fold mirror, the individual sections of which have different profiles. By directing the scanning laser beam across the fold mirror, a plurality of scan lines are created, at different distances from the scanner. This provides increased flexibility by extending the scanner's working range. In alternative embodiments, a collector mirror and/or a scanning mirror may be segmented. In addition, beam shaping may be provided by reflecting the beam from one or more aplanar surfaces.

Abstract: A scanner interface is operatively connected to an electro-optical scanner for scanning bar code symbols. A status/condition interface is operatively connected with a system component, e.g., a photodetector, a decoder, a battery, etc., whose status/condition is to be monitored. Threshold information about the system component is stored in a memory. A system processor generates updated information about the system component during scanning, compares the updated information with the threshold information and generates an output signal upon such comparison. In response to the output signal, an indicator signals a user as to the status/condition of the system component.

Abstract: A circuit for modifying a resonant frequency of a receiver for radio frequency signals. The receiver includes an inductor connected in parallel with a capacitor. The circuit includes a switch having an additional capacitor connected between two MOS transistors, the switch being connected in parallel with the receiver to add capacitance based on a control of the MOS transistors.

Abstract: To reduce the size, the weight, and the production cost and to improve the reliability of an optical device for a code reader for reading a code (24) imprinted on the package of an article, a light emitting element (21), a prism (22) and a light receiving element (15) are all fixed to a semiconductor substrate (14), so that the assembly at the semiconductor chip level of these elements (15, 21 and 22) is possible. This device can be used for an optical apparatus for reading various codes used in POS systems, physical distribution/management systems, production control systems, and so forth.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing the device for the wireless retrieval of information, in which the energy and data are transmitted between the response station and the inquiry station capacitively or inductively.

Abstract: In a memory card having circuit elements such as a semiconductor device and transmitting/receiving device mounted on a synthetic resin substrate shaped like a flat plate, the circuit elements are disposed and sealed in the synthetic resin substrate, and both surfaces of the substrate are covered with synthetic resin sheet members. This achieves a memory card, which is resistant to bending and also survives harsh operating environment. Also provided are a memory card, which can be easily developed into a multi-function card such as an ID card at low cost, and its manufacturing method.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled device with software files stored in non-volatile memory which can be easily modified by the user by reading or scanning a two-dimensional bar code symbol having program modification information encoded thereon. The symbol can be read by two-dimensional or one-dimensional laser or CCD based means. Depending on its size, either the entire file can be replaced, selected locations can be replaced, or selected relocatable object files can be linked at the target device in order to effect the program revision.

Abstract: An imaging assembly having a 2D image sensor so oriented in relation to its supporting structure that, when a reader including the imaging assembly is held in its normal operating position during the reading of a 1D bar code symbol, the image of that 1D symbol is aligned with a diagonal of the image sensor, thereby increasing the resolution with which the 1D symbol is read. An image sensor including a generally rectangular 2D array of photosensitive elements is secured to a mounting structure so that the plane of the array is generally parallel to and approximately in the focal plane of an associated 2D imaging optics assembly. The angular orientation of the image sensor with respect to its mounting structure is selected so that, when a reader including the imaging assembly is held in its normal reading position during the reading of a 1D symbol, the image of the 1D symbol is formed along a diagonal of the array.