Abstract: A reading device for reading an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data. The reading device includes: a harness which is configured to tight fittingly receive at least a portion of a user's hand; a housing coupled to the harness, the housing including a void configured to tight fittingly receive therewithin a finger tip portion of a finger of the user's hand received within the harness, the housing including an aperture in a wall of the housing which is located, in use, adjacent the underside of the finger tip portion of the finger; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture; and a processor for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a universal affinity card for consolidating a plurality of other affinity cards into a single card and displays the appropriate card automatically as a function of, among others, the location of use. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for providing a universal affinity card. The method includes: providing an affinity card having a memory, a display and a user interface; storing a plurality of bar codes in the memory; associating each of the plurality of bar codes with a respective provider; identifying the provider; and displaying the bar code associated with the identified provider on the display; wherein the step of storing a plurality of bar codes in the memory includes wirelessly receiving information defining the plurality of bar codes from a remote computer.

Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate in accordance with a layout, and method of generating such coded data, The layout has six-fold rotational symmetry and includes 6 identical sub-layouts rotated ? revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout. The coded data is disposed in accordance with each sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other sub-layout within the layout.

Abstract: The invention provides an identification device and method. The device includes a pattern adapted and configured to be read optically by a reader to obtain information. The pattern is formed at least in part by electrically conductive material. The device also includes a resonant circuit configured to resonate at a resonant frequency, the resonant circuit formed at least in part from the electrically conductive material of the pattern. The device may include a plurality of conductive members and may be adapted and configured to be read optically by a bar code reader. The plurality of parallel conductive members may be formed in a serpentine pattern or a continuous winding pattern, among others. The resonant circuit may also be configured to act as a dipole. Each of the conductive members may be connected by a straight conductor at an end of each of the conductive members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting the most cost-efficient payment provider to pay for communication services. A calling electronic device communicates alternative payment provider data to a network via a communications link. The network examines costs charged by a plurality of alternative payment providers indicated by the alternative payment provider data. The network determines and contacts the most cost-efficient payment provider to determine if the contacted payment provider will accept responsibility for paying for at least a portion of the communication services.

Abstract: The present invention includes a merchant system that recognizes virtually any payment device or technology that uses electronic check processing as a payment mechanism. For example, the merchant system associates presentation of the payment device with information used to electronically debit a checking account, such as MICR data, and submits the same to a transaction processor capable of settling electronic debit transactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring money or value, using a wide range of interfaces to initiate a transfer and a wide range of options for receiving the transfer, including receiving the transferred sum directly to the communication device/account of the receiver. The receiver can use the transferred sum as an airtime credit, to obtain cash or to pay for other goods or services.

Abstract: A system renders a barcode on a graphical user interface by displaying content within a graphical user interface. The content includes a barcode representing at least a portion of the displayed content. The system detects a change associated with the content displayed within the graphical user interface. In response to the change associated with the content, the system automatically generates a barcode incorporating the change, and automatically updates and displays the barcode on the graphical user interface in association with the content. The barcode reflects the detected change.

Abstract: A barcode reader having a light source illuminating a barcode, a diffuser disposed between the light source and the barcode, a camera opening at least partially surrounded by the diffuser, light reflected from the barcode passing through the camera opening and a camera oriented to acquire light reflected from the barcode after passing through the diffuser from the light source.

Abstract: A system and method that includes the use of a bank checking account that can be connected to insurance coverage. In particular, a banking consumer can purchase insurance coverage for unexpected events that may affect the historical deposits and withdrawals relating to the checking accounts. Additionally, insurance coverage other than that of the checking account itself can be included, such as life insurance, so long as the account remains active. Accordingly, the present invention can integrate the negative insurance sell into a positive banking experience.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring present location and/or present status of a target inventory item, where the inventory items are located on one or more inventory shelves or other inventory receptacles that communicate with an inventory base station through use of responders such as RFIDs. A user operates a hand held interrogation and display (IAD) module that communicates with, or is part of, the base station, to provide an initial inquiry. Information on location(s) of the target inventory item is also indicated visibly and/or audibly on the receptacle(s) for the user. Status information includes an assessment of operation readiness and a time, if known, that the specified inventory item or class was last removed or examined or modified. Presentation of a user access level may be required for access to the target inventory item. Another embodiment provides inventory information for a stack as a sight-impaired or hearing-impaired person passes adjacent to that stack.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a document audit trail system and method for tracking and auditing document processing operations performed on and distribution of an electronic document. This invention allows information relating to the source of an electronic document, whether the document is an original, document processing operations performed on the document, distribution of the document, and other historical characteristics be extracted from indicia applied to the document.

Abstract: The present teachings describe a system for processing financial transactions. In one embodiment, the system includes a remote terminal adapted to identify the location of financial transactions via global positioning system (GPS) information such that the remote terminal acquires transaction information from a user and transmits a first signal indicative of transaction information and GPS information. In addition, the system includes an authorizing host adapted to receive the first signal transmitted by the remote terminal such that the authorizing host evaluates the risk associated with financial transactions based, at least in part, on the GPS information so as to determine whether to accept or decline the financial transaction. The present teachings further describe devices and methods of acquiring GPS information for the purpose of managing risk for financial transactions.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reading device including a magnetic head assembly including a mounting element, at least one information reading sensor having output contacts, the sensor being mounted in the mounting element and a flat cable coupled to the output contacts of the at least one information reading sensor, a portion of the flat cable being arranged in a doubled-over configuration over the output contacts, thereby to provide anti-tampering protection to the output contacts.

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine is operative to authorize the installation, use, and/or configuration of ATM software applications and components. The machine may be provided with either an authorization key or a configuration certificate that is generated by a licensing authority. The machine is operative to authenticate the key or certificate prior to granting a user permission to install, run, and/or configure the software. The machine is operative to authenticate a configuration certificate by evaluating a digital signature associated with the configuration certificate. An authorization key may be authenticated by comparing it to a second authorization key generated responsive to inputted license information and one-way hash functions. The key or certificate may be associated with a plurality of configuration rules which specify the configuration software components and parameters for specific ATM software and hardware.

Abstract: There is provided an image reading device, which is provided with an illuminating unit that illuminates an object, a reading unit that forms an image of the object based on light from the object, and an illumination prohibition unit that prohibits the illumination unit from illuminating the object if the illumination prohibition unit receives a command for changing to a code reading mode in which a code formed by a pictorial pattern displayed on a screen of a device is read as the object.

Abstract: A fixture of a memory card base includes an inverted “S” or “S” shaped slot on a cover panel of a memory card base, a den in the shape of an acute triangle disposed at a back-and-forth resuming movable stand on a side of the base. A pillar hole or a through hole is disposed at an upper edge of the den; a latch hook being an inverted “L” or “L” shaped rod body includes a first protruding shaft on the rod body, and a second protruding shaft at the middle of a front side of the rod body. The latch hook is pivotally coupled to the pillar hole or through hole by the first protruding shaft, and a second protruding shaft is embedded into the inverted “S” or “S” shaped slot on the cover panel.

Abstract: The apparatus for point of sale currency verification includes a point of sale check printer having a printing device configured to print information on first and second opposing faces of a document, a scanning device configured to scan the first and second faces of the document, a verification module configured to verify the authenticity of the document, and a retention area that is secure, coupled to the apparatus, and configured to retain the document until removed by an authorized person. The document may be a check or currency. The method includes printing information on first and second opposing faces of a document, scanning the first face of the document, verifying the authenticity of the document, and retaining the document until removed by an authorized person.