Abstract: An augmented binary code symbol (100) includes a perimeter, first and second data regions (20) along adjacent sides of the perimeter, first and second utility regions (30) along adjacent sides of the perimeter opposite the first and second data regions (20), first and second finder cells (40) at opposite comers of the rectangle, and inner and outer quiet regions distinguishing the first and second data regions, the first and second utility regions (30), and the first and second finder cells (40) from their background. Each data region and each utility region has at least one row (22) of a plurality of data cells (24) and utility cells, respectively, which encode data and have well-defined edges, enabling the number of data and utility cells to be increased, so as to increase the density of the encoded data. The data and utility cells are marked using a short wave length laser in order to create the well-defined edges.

Abstract: An instruction symbol identifier comprising a digital imaging capturing features that utilizes a light field sensor to capture the intensity and direction of incident light is described. The instruction symbol identifier comprises a computing device, whereby a digitally captured image may be digitally focused to identify an instruction symbol. An instruction symbol identifier is described being coupled to a point of sale counter, whereby product bar codes may be identified more quickly and effectively than conventional bar code scanners. A light emitting feature and an image locator feature are described, to further enhance capturing an image.

Abstract: A device, method and system is provided for determining if an optical code is presented to an optical code scanner in either a printed form or on the display of an electronic device. Certain presentation characteristics of an optical code are different depending on whether the optical code is presented in printed form or on the display of an electronic device. The changes in the presentation characteristics require changes to certain parameters of the optical code scanner for the optical code to be read.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader assembly and method includes a panel having portions defining a card entry opening of a card entry path provided for receiving a magnetic stripe card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card entry path. A card swipe path in communication with the card entry path is provided for swiping the card with the magnetic stripe disposed parallel to the card swipe path, and a magnetic stripe read head is disposed proximate the card swipe path for reading only a pre-determined segment of the magnetic stripe. The panel is also provided with portions defining a card withdrawal opening of a card withdrawal path in communication with the card swipe path and partly overlapping the card entry opening for withdrawal of the card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card withdrawal path.

Abstract: A system having a UHF RFID transceiver is adapted to communicate exclusively with a single electro-magnetically coupled transponder located in a predetermined confined transponder operating region. The system includes a near field coupling device comprising a plurality of lines connected in parallel with an unmatched load. The near field coupling device may be formed, for example on a printed circuit board with a plurality of electrically interconnected traces and a ground plane. The system establishes, at predetermined transceiver power levels, a mutual electromagnetic coupling which is selective exclusively for a single transponder located in a defined transponder operating region. Also included are methods for selective communication with the transponder in an apparatus such as a printer-encoder.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. In particular, the architecture can include a dynamic discount card that includes an information access component for receiving information. In addition, the dynamic discount card can include a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID tag having capacitive load, including: an antenna unit, a capacitive load and an RFID device. The antenna unit includes two metal sheets and a conductive substrate, and the metal sheets are disposed at a corresponding position above the conductive substrate and electrically connected to the conductive substrate. The capacitive load is electrically connected to the metal sheets. The RFID device feeds the antenna unit by electrically connecting to the metal sheets or coupling. This dramatically decreases the operating frequency, so the imaginary part of impedance is higher with the same size of the antenna unit, thereby reducing the size of the RFID tag. As a result, the weight is reduced, the manufacture process is simplified and the subsequent structure can be easily adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID tag having capacitive load, including: an antenna unit, a capacitive load and an RFID device. The antenna unit includes two metal sheets and a conductive substrate, and the metal sheets are disposed at a corresponding position above the conductive substrate and electrically connected to the conductive substrate. The capacitive load is electrically connected to the metal sheets. The RFID device feeds the antenna unit by electrically connecting to the metal sheets or coupling. This dramatically decreases the operating frequency, so the imaginary part of impedance is higher with the same size of the antenna unit, thereby reducing the size of the RFID tag. As a result, the weight is reduced, the manufacture process is simplified and the subsequent structure can be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A method for receiving and presenting user-generated designs and sets of terms for portable consumer devices. The method provides for allowing a first person to create a customized design for a portable consumer device, and share the design with other consumers via a host site. Similarly, the method provides for allowing a first person to create and share a customized set of terms for the portable consumer device. Methods for receiving and distributing feedback for customized designs and sets of terms are included.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit authentication system provides authentication services over available communication networks. The system assigns unique anti-counterfeit certificates to authentic items. The certificates are stored in anti-counterfeit tags that are attached to the authentic items. An authentication server provides authentication services to authentication clients over the communication networks. The authentication clients read, via tag readers, the anti-counterfeit certificates from the tags associated with items to be authenticated, provide the anti-counterfeit certificates to the authentication server which determines authenticity and supplies authentication results back to the authentication clients.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a cover, a sheet support member, a plurality of separate sheet members, and an account identifier. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members transition between folded and unfolded configurations. Each of the plurality of separate sheet members is coupled to the cover via the sheet support member. In the folded configuration, each separate sheet member is maintained within a footprint of the cover. In the unfolded configuration, each separate sheet member extends beyond the footprint of the cover. When one separate sheet member is in the unfolded configuration others of the plurality of separate sheet members are in the folded configuration and substantially hidden from view via the sheet support member. The account identifier is statically connected to one of the cover, the sheet support member, and the plurality of separate sheet members and links the transaction product to a financial account.

Abstract: A method is provided for packaging and activating open loop stored value cards. A retailer is provided an open loop card and a closed loop card in an integrated package, the open loop card associated with a first account number and configured for activation by an open loop account processor, and the closed loop card associated with a second account number. An electronically readable card component contains data corresponding to a control account including the first and second account numbers. Upon receiving an activation request from a point of sale which contains the data corresponding to the control account, the control account and the account numbers are identified, and the closed loop card is activated. An activation request is transmitted electronically to the open loop account processor, wherein activating of the closed and open loop cards may be substantially simultaneous with respect to the point of sale.

Abstract: Card data read by a card reader and a personal identification number inputted via an input unit are transmitted to an information processing apparatus. A timer is made to start measuring a predetermined waiting time in accordance with a notification of completion of processing using the card data and the personal identification number from the information processing apparatus. A warning is given if a card loaded in the card reader is detected by a detection unit when the measurement of the waiting time by the timer is finished.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically checking out items located on a moving conveyor belt for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of a checkout process and revenue at a point-of-sale. The system includes a conveyor subsystem for moving the items, a housing that enclosed a portion of the conveyor subsystem, a lighting subsystem that illuminates an area within the housing, visual sensors that can take images of the items including UPCs, and a checkout system that receives the images from the visual sensors and automatically identifies the items. The system may include a scale subsystem located under the conveyor subsystem to measure the weights of the items, where the weight of each item is used to check if the corresponding item is identified correctly. The system relies on matching visual features from images stored in a database to match against features extracted from images taken by the visual sensors.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, retail advertising systems and methods are provided for coordinating an advertising message with a product display. An advertising media device may be used for broadcasting recorded advertising messages about products in a retail environment. A product display may be used that is associated with a product on sale in the retail environment and that includes an associated wireless identification tag. A wireless identification system may be used that includes at least one antenna in the retail environment and that is configured to detect the wireless identification tag in the retail environment. An advertisement coordination system may be used that determines from the wireless identification system that the product display is located in the retail environment and in response causes the advertising media device to broadcast an advertising message related to the product display.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and a cash dispenser. The automated banking machine carries out banking transactions related to user accounts based on information read from cards. The automated banking machine provides a printed receipt for transactions conducted. The machine carries out transactions when operatively connected to a source of AC power and a transaction network. The machine also carries out certain exception instructions when disconnected from its power source and/or network connection.

Abstract: The document includes a support (10) provided with at least one first (12) and second (14) parts that can move relative to one another, the support including an electronic microcircuit (3) and contactless coupling members (2) electrically connected to the electronic microcircuit (3), and capable of being coupled to an external reading station (5) for establishing a contactless communications with the latter (5). The support also includes detecting elements (20) capable of detecting the relative proximity of the first and second parts independent of the contactless coupling members (2), and securing elements (30) connected to the detecting elements (20) and capable of inhibiting and/or authorizing the activation of the contactless communication according to the relative proximity of the first and second parts thus detected.

Abstract: An automatic banking machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and a cash dispenser. The automated banking machine carries out banking transactions related to user accounts based on information read from cards. The automated banking machine provides a printed receipt for transactions conducted. The machine carries out transactions when operatively connected to a source of AC power and a transaction network. The machine also carries out certain exception instructions when disconnected from its power source and/or network connection.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes an RFID payment terminal with a display-embedded antenna. According to one aspect, an RFID payment terminal with a display-embedded antenna includes a display for graphically displaying payment information to a user. An RFID antenna is embedded in a portion of the display used for displaying the payment information to a user and for communicating with an RFID device of the user to receive transaction information form the RFID device. An RFID payment module is coupled to the antenna for receiving the transaction information and for effecting the payment transaction.

Abstract: A color barcode can record much more amount of information than black white barcode. However, the problem of the color barcode is that it is easy to lose integrity or authenticity in printing and copy generation. This invention provides an apparatus and a method to keep the integrity or authenticity of the color barcode. Such is accomplished by the color information portion of the color barcode representing the color information about what colors are used for color tiles of data portion of the color barcode and an apparatus and a method for producing and reproducing such color barcode.