Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, an interference suppressing unit includes a closed-loop coil that forms a suppression area disposed in a propagation area where at least either one of the electromagnetic wave for power supply and the electromagnetic wave for transmission and reception of the ID information is propagated, and suppresses a magnetic-flux change based on the magnetic-flux change in the propagation area. At least one of an image pickup device and a carrier cable is disposed in the suppression area, and consequently, interference of the electromagnetic wave for power supply or the electromagnetic wave for transmission end reception of ID information that would otherwise propagate to a reading unit with the carrier cable thereof is suppressed. Thus, even if pickup image data of the RFID card and the ID information of the electronic tag are simultaneously obtained, the obtained pickup image data can be of high quality.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to a modular marking apparatus and method are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash. Responsive to a diagnostic article being in operative connection with the machine a servicer interface of the machine may selectively output textual indicia included in service manuals. Servicers may also selectively conduct diagnostic activities at a servicer interface and a consumer interface on the machine.

Abstract: A reflection type encoder, which receives a plurality of light-receiving signals from a single scale, includes a light source, a scale having a plurality of patterns formed thereon to which light is irradiated from the light source, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected from each of the plurality of patterns, wherein a plurality of patterns each having different thicknesses are formed on a single track of the scale by using a dielectric substance, light of a plurality of wavelengths each having different brightnesses in accordance with differences in the thickness of the dielectric substance is irradiated from the light source, and a light-receiving signal is obtained for the respective thicknesses of the dielectric substance. Therefore, the scale can be downsized by overlapping a plurality of patterns on the same track.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electronic keys. The method comprises providing a plurality of devices and generating an electronic key for each device of the plurality of devices, wherein the electronic keys are generated substantially simultaneously. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the electronic keys for all of the devices are generated in the same amount of time that is required to generate one electronic key for one device.

Abstract: Some implementations of the invention involve forming “logical” or “virtual” devices by aggregating a plurality of physical devices. The physical devices may be, for example, controllers, RFID readers and/or storage devices. Some logical devices comprise components of physical devices, such as individual antennas from a plurality of RFID readers. The physical devices may be located near one another or may be distributed over a wide geographical area. Logical device definitions can also be concatenated to include devices having two or more levels of logical device definitions. A single logical device grouping may include physical devices at differing levels of a network hierarchy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for data processing for IC tags and an image forming device capable of recording an image onto a conveying medium on which IC tags are mounted. The apparatus and method set up a state that enables reliable radio communication between a reader/writer and an IC tag and read and/or write electronic information from/to IC tags. The reader/writer's antenna to face IC tags mounted on the conveying medium, arranged in multiple rows and columns in the conveyance direction, is skewed so that the IC tags pass sequentially under the antenna and each IC tag can be identified. The reader/writer reads and/or writes electronic information associated with the thus identified IC tag.

Abstract: A method for performing system administration using radio frequency identification (RFID) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting a radio frequency identification device, reading the device for information contained within the card, determining whether the information contains a request to perform a task to administer a computer system, and executing the task in response to the request if the information contains the request.

Abstract: A device for identifying a gas cartridge connectable to a gas-powered fastening apparatus via a valve includes a solenoid for both opening/closing the valve and for defining an antenna for wireless communication with an electronic label that is located on the cartridge and identifies the cartridge.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to carry out transactions using data read from user cards through operation of a card reader. The automated banking machine includes a chest portion, with a moveable door. A cash dispenser extends in the chest portion. The chest door is mounted to the chest portion through hinge assemblies having respective hinge pins. A bolt work is operative to selectively hold the chest door closed. A security module portion on at least one of the hinge assemblies and the bolt work includes at least one hard freely rotatable body in a bore. The security module portion is resistant to attack by a saw. The security module portion at least partially spans at least one critical component of the hinge assemblies or the bolt work to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to the chest portion.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a lens, a slide, an actuating mechanism, a housing and an account identifier. The slide depicts a plurality of scenes, and each of the plurality of scenes is separately depicted on a different portion of the slide. The actuating mechanism is positioned to cause movement of the slide to change which one of the plurality of scenes aligns with and is viewable through the lens at a given time. The housing substantially encloses the lens, the slide and the actuating mechanism. The account identifier is coupled with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal such that value can be added to or deducted from the account using the account identifier. Other product, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system controlled by a data bearing record includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including identifying data and to authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The automated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine.

Abstract: Provided is a portable terminal (100) which can perform pseudo push distribution and display of a message obtained in response to a request from a reader/writer from a noncontact IC card by noncontact communication which is difficult to be always connected with. A noncontact IC card, a reader/writer and information distribution method are also provided. The noncontact IC card for receiving a message transmitted from the reader/writer by noncontact communication is mounted on the portable terminal (100). The message transmitted from the reader/writer is provided with an event header wherein setting conditions for specifying a message to be displayed by the portable terminal (100) are indicated.

Abstract: The IC Card includes a main device having a microprocessor and a memory unit, and an I/O contact pad for a connection between the main device and a read write device, also referred to as a main interconnection. The IC card also includes additional device connectable to the main device via a secondary interconnection including the I/O contact pad, and a switch control for selectively switching between the main interconnection, for a transmission of data between the read write device and the main device, and the secondary interconnection, for a transmission of data between the main device and the additional device.

Abstract: An ATMemo arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement allows an ATM to present a person's own reminder memo to that person. A personal memo is authored by an ATMemo customer with a personal computer and then the memo is stored at a remote data store. The data store is accessible by an ATM network. The stored memo is associated with the customer and a display period. Any ATM in the network is operative to display the memo to the customer. Display of a stored memo at an ATM is based on valid customer identification, the memo's display period, and the current date. The ATM accesses and displays the memo if both the ATM customer ID matches the memo author ID and the current date is within the time period for displaying the memo. The ATM can also print the memo on a transaction receipt.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a quantity of waste in a waste transfer station environment. Embodiments of the invention maintain a running total of waste deposited within the waste transfer station by automating the process of recording the weights of vehicles depositing and removing waste from the waste transfer station.

Abstract: A self-service terminal comprises a plurality of devices, each device having a unique device identifier. The terminal also has a fascia including a plurality of apertures, each aperture having a corresponding indicator and being associated with a device in the self-service terminal. The terminal executes a control application for identifying and energizing an indicator corresponding to an aperture to be used by a customer. The terminal also includes a mapping component for allowing an authorized user (i) to display the current mapping of indicators to device identifiers, and (ii) to modify the current mapping to associate an indicator with a different device identifier.

Abstract: A reject structure in a cash transaction machine includes a main body of the cash transaction machine including a receiving section wherein a fixed magnet is included in the receiving section; a reject box body being detachably disposed in the receiving section; a reject box shutter being provided on the reject box body to open and close a reject box; and a locking member including a movable magnet in one end of the locking member and being provided pivotably toward a first location capable of locking the reject box shutter and a second location capable of releasing the reject box shutter inside the reject box body, wherein when the reject box body is disposed in the receiving section, the locking member is pivoted toward the location capable of releasing the reject box shutter due to a magnetic force between the fixed magnet and the movable magnet.

Abstract: Fuel dispensers located at a fueling facility may perform operations in a coordinated manner. In particular implementations, a system and process for coordinating the operation of fuel dispensers at a fueling facility may include the ability to determine at a first fuel dispenser that a function is to be performed by at least one other fuel dispenser at the fueling facility. The system and process may also include the ability to generate at the first fuel dispenser a message regarding the function, the message to be sent to the at least one other fuel dispenser at the fueling facility. Fuel dispensers may, for example, coordinate operations that relate to diagnostic testing, theft deterrence and loss prevention, safety monitoring, and redundant customer services.