Patents Examined by Laura A Gudorf
  • Systems for collecting retailer-specific data
    Patent number: 11023872
    Abstract: A retail customer or event attendee can provide feedback specific to a retail location, event, or other desired association using an association-specific machine executable code printed on a transaction request at a retailer or event host. In some embodiments, a system may include a server subsystem and a processor module configured to provide a customer with a printed or electronic version of an association-specific machine-readable code. The association-specific machine-readable code may include a decodable instruction for interacting with a server subsystem to access an electronic platform configured to provide a respective association-specific request for information and receive and store response data received in response to the information request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: MY OPINE LLC
    Inventor: Rafael Etzion
  • RFID transponder and method of operating the same
    Patent number: 11023797
    Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder is provided, comprising a modulator and a modulator controller, wherein the modulator is configured to generate a modulated signal to be transmitted to an external RFID reader, and wherein the modulator controller is configured to control a duty cycle of the modulator in dependence on an available amount of power. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of operating a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder is conceived, comprising: generating, by a modulator of the RFID transponder, a modulated signal to be transmitted to an external RFID reader; controlling, by a modulator controller of the RFID transponder, a duty cycle of the modulator in dependence on an available amount of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Pichler, Christian Weidinger, Ivan Jesus Rebollo Pimentel
  • Valuable medium processing apparatus
    Patent number: 11024109
    Abstract: A valuable medium processing apparatus that includes a mounting section which is set to either a first state in which a storage unit that stores a valuable medium is not mounted or a second state in which the storage unit is mounted, and a control section that performs, based on selection of the mounting section, a switching process between the first state and the second state of the selected mounting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Glory Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Mutou, Ryuji Kataoka, Atsushi Sakamoto, Mitsushi Nagao
  • Fast frequency switching for RFID applications
    Patent number: 11017187
    Abstract: RFID readers may be configured to supply power to tags during frequency hops. When a reader is supplying power to a passive RFID tag via a first RF waveform having a first radio frequency and determines that it is to frequency-hop, the reader may determine whether the tag requires power during the hop. If so, the reader begins (or continues) to synthesize a second RF waveform with a second radio frequency while also synthesizing the first RF waveform, and frequency-hops by transitioning from transmitting the first RF waveform to transmitting the second RF waveform such that the power transmitted during the transition is sufficient for the tag to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Thomas, Omer Onen, Joe Tarantino, Christopher J. Diorio
  • Optical character recognition of voter selections for cast vote records
    Patent number: 11004292
    Abstract: An electronic voting system is described that utilizes printed vote records (PVRs) in which a voter's vote selections are recorded in voter readable characters. Optical character recognition (OCR) techniques may then be utilized to scan the PVR to record the voter's selections. The OCR data is then utilized to generate the cast vote record. Thus, the electronic voting system directly interprets the voter selections from the PVR just as the voter sees the data. In this manner “what you see is what you get” printed vote record data is provided for a voter's viewing and that same data is used to generate the cast vote record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Hart InterCivic, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Canter, Drew E. Tinney, Ievgen Konovalenko
  • Method and system to identify coal characteristics at the mine
    Patent number: 10997379
    Abstract: A composition is provided that includes a carbonaceous feed material to be combusted to generate an off-gas and an identifier. The identifier is associated with a predetermined composition, characteristic or property of the feed material or the off-gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: ADA-ES, Inc.
    Inventor: Sharon Sjostrom
  • Systems and methods for advanced communication mechanisms for magnetic cards and devices
    Patent number: 10990867
    Abstract: A card may detect variations (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration and direction) of a read head in relation to the card. Based on certain parameters (e.g., card length, initially detected read head position, and read head velocity) the card may change communicated bit parameters (e.g., bit period) so that a total number of data bits may be communicated by the card to the read head while the read head remains within a communication distance of the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: DYNAMICS INC.
    Inventor: Bruce S. Cloutier
  • Error tolerant system for reading tags
    Patent number: 10984205
    Abstract: A tag comprises cells represented by marks, such as white and black, arranged in a predetermined pattern. Reference cells are used to determine the edges of the tag and orientation, while others are used to encode data and error correction data. During processing, a tag is detected based on a variability metric within a given region of an image exceeding a threshold value. Once detected, the orientation of the tag is determined using the reference cells. Confidence values, indicative of a likelihood that the cell is a particular cell value, such as white or black, are determined for each cell in a first set of cell values. If the first set is invalid, the cell values for a set of lowest confidence cell values are inverted to produce a second set of cell values. The second set is tested, and if valid, is used to produce output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ejaz Ahmed, Jeremy Samuel De Bonet, Oded Maron, Mirko Ristivojevic
  • Identity authentication using a barcode
    Patent number: 10979421
    Abstract: In a method for identity authentication, a portable electronic device displays a barcode encoding verification information for verifying authorization of access to the portable electronic device, and identification information for authenticating an identity of a user of the portable electronic device. An identification device scans the barcode and generates an authentication command. An authentication server extracts the verification information and identification information from the authentication command. When determined that the verification information is authentic, the authentication server authenticates the identification information and transmits a result to the identification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Chien-Kang Yang
  • Secure electronic payment system
    Patent number: 10970703
    Abstract: A novel method of allowing secure payments from a purchaser to a seller through the utilization of a combined server platform/vault server system. Such a system entails the generation of a subscription service that allows for authentication of a consumer's credit card in terms of pre-approved identification for future transactions. Such a system initiates a tokenization procedure through transfer of credit card information to the server platform through the vault program and to issuing banks/card providers. Upon acceptance thereof, the vault server generates a token that correlates to a specific credit card of a specific user that is then stored on the server platform. Upon request from a subscribing merchant for acceptance of a tokenized card for payments, the user merely needs to provide an identifying code to access the card for such a purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PAAY LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Mendlowitz, James Ruffer, III
  • Ticket checking device, ticket checking method, and occupant seat position
    Patent number: 10970940
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of ticket checking technologies, and provides a ticket checking device including an identifier and a control unit; the identifier is configured to identify ticket surface information of a ticket presented by a user; and the control unit is configured to compare the ticket surface information identified by the identifier with preset ticket surface information corresponding to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jianhua Du, Fan Yang
  • Systems and methods for non-time smearing detection mechanisms for magnetic cards and devices
    Patent number: 10949627
    Abstract: A detection activity of a card may be sensitive to capacitance changes in one or more pads on the card, where a capacitance change detected in a pad during a first time period does not affect a capacitance change detected in the pad during subsequent time period(s). Accordingly, the detection activity may remain sensitive to a faster-moving device with greater accuracy in a determination of position, velocity and/or acceleration of the faster-moving device in relation to the card. A second detection activity may follow a first detection activity, which may increase a probability of a successful communication sequence subsequent to the first detection activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DYNAMICS INC.
    Inventor: Allen D. Bowers
  • Optical character recognition of voter selections for cast vote records
    Patent number: 10950078
    Abstract: An electronic voting system is described that utilizes printed vote records (PVRs) in which a voter's vote selections are recorded in voter readable characters. Optical character recognition (OCR) techniques may then be utilized to scan the PVR to record the voter's selections. The OCR data is then utilized to generate the cast vote record. Thus, the electronic voting system directly interprets the voter selections from the PVR just as the voter sees the data. In this manner “what you see is what you get” printed vote record data is provided for a voter's viewing and that same data is used to generate the cast vote record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Hart InterCivic, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Canter, Drew E. Tinney, Ievgen Konovalenko
  • System and method for detecting ATM fraud via weighing notes
    Patent number: 10943424
    Abstract: Systems and methods for ATM fraud detection are presented. ATM fraud detection may be provided in the context of including a weight sensor in the ATM to weigh currency notes. ATM fraud detection may be obtained by using a weight sensor to weigh any currency notes that remain after being dispensed to a user, and determining if the weight is correct for the amount of currency notes dispensed. A weight discrepancy resulting from removal of some but not all dispensed currency notes may indicate attempted theft or fraud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Pham, Reza Farivar, Kate Key, Mark Watson, Anh Truong, Fardin Abdi Taghi Abad, Jeremy Goodsitt, Austin Walters
  • Image processing system and method for detecting errors in an ATM terminal
    Patent number: 10943441
    Abstract: A system is configured for detecting errors in an ATM. The system includes a processor that receives a withdrawal request from a user to receive cash from a cash dispenser of the ATM. Currency denominations and a number of bills for each currency denomination needed to fulfill the withdrawal request is determined. The expected cash to be dispensed from the ATM is a sum of multiplications of each currency denomination with its number of bills. The system sends signal commands to cassettes of the ATM to dispense bills to fulfill the withdrawal request. A camera is positioned in a pathway of the bills being dispensed from the cassettes to the cash dispenser. The camera captures images of bills being dispensed from the cassettes and sends them to the processor. The processor generates an alert if the actual dispensed cash from the cassettes does not match the expected cash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Verlon Safold Watson, III, Shawn Cart Gunsolley, Douglas S. Wilson
  • Apparatus to integrate ballistics information with a rifle
    Patent number: 10942007
    Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a clamp element to clamp to a rifle scope. The apparatus also includes a housing. The housing is mechanically coupled to the clamp element. The housing contains recorded ballistics information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Blake Partney
  • NFC configuration method, mobile terminal, and computer-readable storage medium
    Patent number: 10936833
    Abstract: Provided are an NFC configuration method, a mobile terminal and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes following steps: when a preset NFC module is configured as an NFC card, current position information of the mobile terminal is acquired, and a static parameter in all of operating parameters of the NFC module is set as a first preset value corresponding to the current position information; when the NFC card is read by a card reader within a geographic range corresponding to the current position information, dynamic parameters in all of the operating parameters of the NFC module are set as multiple second preset values corresponding to the current position information in turn, where the multiple second preset values are ordered according to a preset sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lei Kou
  • Positional relationship detection device and positional relationship detection system
    Patent number: 10929629
    Abstract: A positional relationship detection device that detects positional relationships among a plurality of types of articles displayed in a display shelf partitioned by a plurality of shelf boards is provided. Information codes with specific information recorded are arranged at respective positions at which respective types of articles are displayed, the specific information being configured to specify the types of the articles by using the shelf boards. A guide code with prescribed arrangement information recorded is disposed such that a rotation angle of the guide code becomes a prescribed angle with respect to the shelf boards, the prescribed arrangement information indicating that the guide code is an information code arranged such that rotation angle of the guide code with respect to the shelf boards becomes the prescribed angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Takuya Yoda
  • Systems and methods for third party token based authentication
    Patent number: 10931671
    Abstract: A method for authenticating a user on behalf of a third party provider includes transmitting, by a user device, a request from a user to authenticate the user to a third party provider, providing, by the user device, a user identifier associated with the user to an identity provider computing system, wherein the user identifier corresponds to a token configured to authenticate the user to the third party provider based on the request from the user, and accessing, by the user device, services corresponding to the third party provider without establishing new authentication credentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventor: Brian M. Pearce
  • Multi frequency signatures using nano/microscale three dimensional printed structures
    Patent number: 10922503
    Abstract: The present invention provides a series of structures that provide a unique electromagnetic signature that can be used as a standalone device or as part of a larger security system. This structure's design method of manufacturing ensures that is resilient to commonly used techniques for reverse engineering electronic components and counterfeiting and is able to be applied to devices or any product before or after fabrication is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: LOCATORX, INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Khbeis, William D. Meadow