Abstract: An accessed object having a non-contact IC module including a semiconductor device and a module-side antenna formed extending over two sides of an accessed object, wherein the module-side antenna consists of a first module-side antenna and a second module-side antenna continuous to the first module-side antenna, wherein the first module-side antenna secures a necessary antenna effective area by coming into face-to-face relation with a first apparatus-side antenna on communication apparatus to communicate with the accessed object, and wherein the second module-side antenna is disposed close to the second apparatus-side antenna in an access direction different from the direction in which the first apparatus-side antenna makes access to the accessed object.

Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein provides for creating multiple spatial patterns, such as magnetic patterns on credit cards. The invention includes storage of information from which patterns may be created, a pattern creation device for creating the spatial patterns, and control whereby the information which is stored is selectively utilized to cause the pattern creation. This allows multiple desired patterns to be simulated, allowing convenient replacement of a number of separate pattern carrying devices.

Abstract: Apparatuses forming portable identification cards and associated methods are described. A preferred apparatus includes an input device adapted for a consumer to enter authentication data, a memory for storing reference data, a processor configured to compare the authentication data entered by the consumer to the reference data stored in the memory to determine whether the authentication data entered by the consumer is valid authentication data, an indicator for informing a merchant when the processor has determined that the consumer has entered valid authentication data, and a power source adapted to supply power to the processor and the indicator. Other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for selecting a particular barcode on an item that includes multiple barcodes. The system (1) acquires, via a barcode imager, an image of the item within the field of view of the barcode imager, (2) analyzes the acquired image to determine a set of potential barcode fields, (3) determines, using a predetermined criterion (e.g., distance from center of imaged area, type of bar code, etc.), a candidate barcode field from among the set of potential barcode fields, (4) displays a modified image derived from the acquired image, wherein the candidate barcode field is identified within the modified image, and (5) allows the user to initiate a decode session when the candidate barcode field includes the desired barcode.

Abstract: If a USB device is turned off or is not active, the device may be electrically disconnected from a USB host controller. The device may be electrically disconnected through a physical interface on the device. In some embodiments, if the device becomes active during a wait period (e.g., 2-3 seconds) prior to electrically disconnecting the device, the device may not be electrically disconnected. In some embodiments, when the device is electrically disconnected from the USB host controller and no system activity of a bus mastering peripheral is occurring, the CPU may enter a low power state if other conditions are met. In some embodiments, if the USB device becomes active after electrically disconnecting, the electrical disconnection may be discontinued.

Abstract: A multimedia intelligent business card system allows multimedia and Web content to be stored on a smart card. The invention automatically and selectively translates each file, URL, or file references as they should be when the contents of the smart card are read. The invention waits for a smart card to be inserted into a smart card reader attached to or resident in the host computer and intelligently distinguishes between a multimedia, Web-enabled, or combination smart card. A multimedia file/mp3 file/playlist or URL address is accessed from the smart card. The multimedia player required to play the accessed file/playlist or the browser required to display the accessed URL is determined and the accessed file/playlist is sent to the multimedia player and played to the user or the accessed URLA is sent to the browser and the Website is displayed to the user. The invention enables multiple auto play from multimedia files/MP3 playlist and multiple automatic connection with multiple URLs.

Abstract: A bar-code reading device includes a container, a holder and a bar-code reader. The container has an outer circumferential surface on which a bar code is provided. The holder holds the container in an upright position. The bar-code reader reads the bar code from the container. A pulling mechanism pulls up the container from the holder until the bar code is completely exposed, when the bar code reader reads the bar code.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading codes for capturing one- and/or two-dimensional codes located at varying distances. A light receiver is arranged in a housing that also includes a projection optics and a deflecting mirror located on the optical axis between the projection optics and the light receiver. The deflecting mirror is mounted on a pivot arm that is pivotable relative to the housing about a pivot axis for changing the projected image of the object by pivoting the pivot arm to effect positional and angular changes of the light receiver relative to the projecting optics. The light receiver is coupled to the pivot arm so that, upon pivoting of the pivot arm, the light-receiving surface of the light receiver changes its position and angular orientation.

Abstract: Prescriptions are imputed or allocated to a non-reporting sample outlet in a universe of outlets that generally report prescription data to a database. Prescriptions are imputed or allocated based on the outlet's recent prescription or physician distribution. Prescription allocations to an outlet for a particular product in a product group are proportional to the ratio of the recent prescriptions for that particular product and for the product group.

Abstract: A method and system of transmitting electronic value information between terminals.

Abstract: A system for personalizing a plurality of transaction cards comprises an array of shells that are adapted to engage a sheet having a plurality of transaction cards. Each of the shells comprises an antenna adapted for transmitting data onto one of the cards. An orientation detector is used to determine the orientation of the sheet relative to the array of shells. A controller is used to direct operation of the antenna so that data may be recorded on the cards.

Abstract: The present invention, roughly described, pertains to a small memory card that includes features which allow the memory card to be more easily handled by a user. In various embodiments, the memory card can include a chamfer and/or a raised portion that allows the memory card to be more easily grabbed by a human hand (or mechanical device) and also provides additional room to store passive devices such as capacitors and/or resistors. Because different electronic devices use different types of memory cards, an adaptor is provided that allows the memory cards disclosed herein to be used in ports or connectors on electronic devices that are meant for other types of memory cards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording a bar code comprising a plurality of base elements. A reading device generates a sequence of partially overlapping images which together reproduce the bar code. Images are analysed to produce information which describes the positions of the base elements in each image. The bar code is then reconstructed by putting together information that has been extracted from the subimages, so that the contents of the bar code can be interpreted. In reconstruction, the position information and the images are used. By using the image information, the putting together process can be made less calculation-intensive. The invention also relates to a corresponding device and a corresponding computer program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method of automatically counting the loaded electronic components in a carrier tape. A pair of detectors is arranged respectively above and below the carrier tape, and a counting wheel having teeth on the periphery is operatively coupled to the keyholes of the tape and reel machine. An encoder is utilized having its axis coupled to the counting wheel.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for an imaging-based bar code reader. The automatic focusing system employs a two step process for moving a lens of an imaging system along its path of travel such that a sharp image of a target bar code is projected or focused onto an imaging system pixel array. The first step is laser ranging which utilizes a laser beam for range finding. Laser ranging determines a distance between the imaging system pixel array and the target bar code. Given the determined distance, the automatic focusing system moves the lens to a suitable position for imaging the target bar code. If ambient conditions prevent laser ranging from properly working, the second step is focus analysis. Focus analysis involves moving the lens in accordance with a search routine and analyzing image frames of the target object to find a suitable focus position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for creating and using documents with machine-readable codes. A computer program receives user data provided for one or more fields in an electronic document, generates input data containing the user data and metadata that provides a self-contained description of the user data, encodes the input data into a machine-readable code, and generates a final representation of the electronic document with a display of the machine-readable code. Upon reading the machine-readable code, the metadata can be used to identify a set of fields in a target system to which to assign the user data. In some embodiments, the metadata and the user data can be transformed and sent to a target system. The use of metadata in this manner enables machine-readable codes to maintain a physical representation of data that facilitates transfer of the data back into an electronic environment.

Abstract: A product management system has a database, an owner identification device, a card issuance device, and a checking device. The database correlates and stores therein product and owner information in relation to the owner of the product. The owner identification device wirelessly reads out information from an IC tag, which is fixed to the product and has stored therein product information, and also reads out from the database product information and correlated owner information. The card issuance device issues a card having a storage medium for storing the information. The checking device checks and compares information read out from the card, information read out from the IC tag, and information read out from the database, to thus validating the owner of the product. The product management system prevents a product which has been sold from being illegally used by or dealt with a person other than a valid owner.

Abstract: A memory card comprising a substrate which has a plurality of contacts and a plurality of metal features. The contacts and the metal features are disposed in spaced relation to each other and each define opposed first and second surfaces. Mounted to the substrate is at least one electronic component which is electrically connected thereto. A body covers the electronic component and at least portions of the contacts and the metal features such that the second surfaces of the contacts and the metal features are exposed in a common exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method (and a corresponding terminal) of detecting a presence of a circuit extending arrangement inserted between a physical interface, connected to a terminal, and a smart card, the physical interface being adapted to receive the smart card, the method comprising the steps of measuring at least one electrical characteristic of the physical interface, and determining whether a circuit extending arrangement, changing at least one characteristic of said physical interface, is coupled to said physical interface on the basis said measurement. In this way, simple and efficient detection of a tampering/spy circuit is provided.

Abstract: A sensor calibration system includes a sensor having one or more sensing components formed on a substrate. A barcode can also be configured or printed from or on the, such that the barcode contains calibration data associated with a calibration of the sensor and the sensing component(s). One or more barcode readers can be provided which can scan the barcode and reads the calibration data associated with the calibration of the sensor and the sensing components thereof, in order to reduce the need for trimming the sensor while also providing for a reduction in associated manufacturing and production costs. A binning methodology can also be implemented for reducing overall sensor manufacturing costs.