Abstract: A card storage device for storing payment cards, such as credit and debit cards or other media in an orderly fashion. The device may be used at a food and/or drink establishment. The device securely stores a number of cards for a number of patrons who wish to open a tab at a bar, pub, restaurant, or other service environment.

Abstract: A near-field antenna based on a coplanar waveguide is provided. The antenna is configured to communicate with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The antenna may include a first ground plane, a second ground plane, a dielectric substrate, and a conductive strip. The first ground plane and the second ground plane extend along the dielectric substrate and the conductive strip extends between the first ground plane and the second ground plane such that first ground plane and the conductive strip define a first slot extending between the first ground plane and the conductive strip and the second ground plane define a second slot extending between the second conductive strip and the conductive strip. The first ground plane, the second ground plane, and the conductive strip are substantially coplanar. In other embodiments, a novel assembly of a ribbon guide and a near-field antenna is provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an indicia reading terminal including operatively configured to interact with a storage module to store data, including location data, of a decodable indicia found in a captured document image. In one embodiment, the indicia reading terminal can be provided with one or more pre-stored information about the decodable indicia and/or the document. In another embodiment the indicia reading terminal can be provided with instructions and similarly operatively configured components that can identify information about the decodable indicia, store such information in a table, and utilize the tabulated data to process captured image data of subsequent documents.

Abstract: A transaction card processing and activation system comprising the identification of a unique identifier corresponding to an aggregate of transaction cards of affiliated or non-affiliated card issuers and the activation of each transaction card corresponding to the unique identifier of the aggregate irrespective of the number, types, or card issuers of the transaction cards. Additionally, the present invention allows a point of sale entity to initiate the activation of each of the multiple, disparate transaction cards in the aggregate by merely processing the unique identifier associated with the aggregate.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a vehicle cover having a plurality of photovoltaic cells, an inverter, a vehicle battery connector, a plug, and a switch assembly configured to operatively couple the inverter selectively to one of the vehicle battery connector and the plug based, at least in part, on a charge level of the battery. Another apparatus may include a receptacle configured to receive a plug having an identification tag; an identification tag reader to obtain, from the identification tag, identification data associated with a customer of a power company providing a power distribution system; and a controller to receive the identification data and provide the identification data to an account server associated with the power company. A method may include receiving a plug including an identification tag, reading identification data, contacting an account server, and providing the identification data to the account server.

Abstract: A system for receiving of disposable items in an operating room, where the objects that are to be disposed of and which are equipped with a data carrier are automatically acquired and electronically registered in databases. The data carrier on the objects can be RFID tags or a barcode. The data read out are used in particular to individually recognize the type, quantity, and value of an object and to be able to document and display the type, quantity, and value of an object by using an electronic inventory and value determination process.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus configured to provide membership status in a roadside assistance program after occurrence of a roadside event is disclosed. The apparatus executes instructions that cause/allow the apparatus to receive input related to an electronic membership card, retrieve from a data store membership information associated with the vehicle, and dynamically update the electronic membership card for display on the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices provide for blind withdrawal of currency for transportation. A cash handling device may allow a selection for transport withdrawal. The user need not know the amount to be requested for dispensation. At least a portion of the currency in the cashing handling device may be stored in the container. The container may have an identifier (e.g., a barcode, an RFID tag, and the like) on it. The identifier may be stored in a database along with the amount of currency in the container. The database may be stored locally in the cashing handling device or in remote location. At a location to which the container is being delivered, the identifier may be read and used to lookup in the database the amount of currency in the container. The currency in the container may be counted and compared to the amount stored in the database for the identifier.

Abstract: A data collection module including an illumination assembly and an imaging assembly, a processor configured to operate the illumination and imaging assemblies, at least one network interface configured to communicate with a terminal module, at least one power supply and a terminal module interface configured to communicate with a terminal module when the data collection module is mated with the terminal module.

Abstract: As automated screening system and method. A method includes receiving a personal identifier from an individual at an induction kiosk and issuing a scanning unit at the induction kiosk. The method includes associating the scanning unit with the personal identifier and inducting the scanning unit, including at least one item added by the individual, at the induction kiosk. The method includes conveying the scanning unit to an imaging device, and imaging the scanning unit and the item to produce a scanned image. The method includes receiving the personal identifier at a return kiosk and returning the scanning unit and the item to the individual based on the association between the scanning unit and the personal identifier.

Abstract: Under the present invention, item verification is automated and expedited. Specifically, items to be purchased can be scanned by the shopper using a barcode reader (e.g., a scanner), attached to or positioned near the checkout station. As items are scanned, they are identified based on their barcode, and added to an item list. Item verification can then be performed at checkout using imaging technology. Specifically, as items are scanned, an item verification unit will capture an appearance thereof (via a camera). Item verification software within the item verification unit will access a database that associates items with their images/appearances. The appearance will be compared for consistency to the identity as determined based on the scan. In general, the item verification unit is a separate unit from the cash register, but adapted to work in conjunction therewith (e.g., as a pluggable system, via wireless communication, etc.).

Abstract: A targeting sight having viewing optics, a focal plane array and an alignment frame having an aperture that defines a target area that is mounted proximal the muzzle of a weapon. Electronic processing means is provided to define a crosshair in the viewing optics. The alignment frame is illuminated with a beam and the reflected portion of the beam is received by the focal plane array and is processed to position the crosshair with respect to the aperture.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for accurately authenticating a document (e.g. a credit card) having a magnetic stripe are provided. The magnetic field at different points of the magnetic stripe are measured, e.g., by a checkout scanner to create a magnetic signature. Digital samples of the measurements may be used to create a representation of the magnetic signature. The representation can then be compared to reference values to produce a measure of the authenticity of the document. The reference values are updated over time to reflect changes in the magnetic stripe of the authentic document, as may occur due to physical deterioration. For example, reference values may be optimized based on recent measurements of the authenticated document to provide a more accurate determination of authenticity for future measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a code reading device capable of associating various kinds of information with obtained data with ease simply by connecting the code reading device to a data holding device. A code reading device (1) includes a code reader (15) for reading code information, a memory (31), and a data processing control portion (32). The data processing control portion (32) stores code information read by the code reader in a code information storage area (311) of the memory (31), reads data from a data holding device when the data holding device is connected to the code reading device and stores the data in a data storage area (312) of the memory (31), and sends to a personal computer the data in the data storage area (312) in a state of being associated with the code information in the code information storage area (311) when the personal computer is connected to the code reading device.

Abstract: A paper money receiving/dispensing mechanism comprises a paper money storage unit that temporarily stores paper money; a paper money receiving/dispensing opening, arranged above the storage unit, used for receiving and dispensing paper money; a paper money transport unit capable of switching to either one of an operating position for transporting paper money between the storage unit and the paper money receiving/dispensing opening and a standby position; and a transport control unit for switching the paper money transport unit to the operating position or the standby position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide an infrared-transmissive dome, such as for infrared imaging applications. For example, an infrared-transmissive dome, for an embodiment, includes a main body providing a hollow, hemispherical-shaped dome; wherein the main body is made of an ultra-high molecular weight or a very-high molecular weight polyethylene material; and wherein the main body has a wall thickness equal to or less than approximately 0.012 inches to allow infrared transmittance greater than approximately sixty five percent through the main body for infrared imaging in a wavelength range of approximately three to fourteen micrometers.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus comprises a body defining: a first seat to receive a first device having a wireless communication interface; and a second seat to receive a second device having a wireless communication interface; a first wireless communication interface supported by the body to communicate with the wireless communication interface of the first device; and a second wireless communication interface supported by the body to communicate with the wireless communication interface of the second device.

Abstract: A communication apparatus performing communication in a noncontact manner is provided. The communication apparatus includes a transmission control unit configured to transmit a command; a timeout period checking unit configured to check whether a timeout period during which a response to the command is waited for has elapsed; a retransmission control unit configured to retransmit the command only after the timeout period has elapsed; an error checking unit configured to check whether data received within the timeout period has an error; and a processing unit configured to regard the data received within the timeout period as a correct response to the command if the data does not have an error and perform a process in accordance with the response. If the data received within the timeout period has an error, the retransmission control unit does not retransmit the command and the timeout period checking unit continues to check whether the timeout period has elapsed.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a method for facilitating online gift shopping includes: receiving an order for a gift for a recipient from an online shopper via a computer network; providing a gift notice for the recipient to inform the recipient that the gift has been ordered for the recipient; receiving a reply to the gift notice from the recipient via the computer network, wherein the reply includes gift feedback information; and updating a recipient profile responsive to the reply and based on the gift feedback information from the recipient, wherein the recipient profile is associated with the recipient. Computer program products and systems for facilitating online gift shopping are also provided.