Abstract: A method of enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface includes an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data. When the sensing device is placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, it senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data. The graphical information designated is at least partially indicative, to the user, of the operation. The operation indicated by the indicating data is then performed in the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating alcohol consumption includes an ID tag having a unique ID for a person. When a person desires to purchase an alcoholic beverage, the ID tag is scanned or read by a reader. Information relating to prior purchases of alcoholic beverages are retrieved. An anticipated blood alcohol level is calculated based upon the current order and previous orders of alcoholic beverages. If the blood alcohol level of the user is anticipated to exceed a threshold, then sales of alcohol beverage are declined.

Abstract: In order to reduce a two-dimensional data structure to a minimum number of bits, a two-dimensional surface pattern is provided, which can be used in particular for identifying an absolute position on the surface and which has a pattern which comprises a SYNC pattern, which is used for synchronization, and a position-dependent code PC(x, y), with the SYNC pattern being variable and being formed in accordance with an already known formation rule.

Abstract: An interface system for enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface including an interface, the interface including visibly printed graphical information and substantially invisible coded data printed in infra-red ink, the coded data comprising a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, wherein each mark has a minimum radius and a maximum radius and wherein the length of a mark's minimum radius is greater than 40% of the length of that mark's maximum radius; and a sensing device which, when placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, senses at least some of the coded data and generates indicating data indicative of the operation using the sensed coded data; the computer system being configured to: receive the indicating data from the sensing device; and perform the operation indicated by the indicating data; whe

Abstract: A dual side-by-side refrigerator having a courtesy section and a paid-vend section both cooled by a single cooling unit. A frontal door or double-hung doors are mounted at the front of the cabinet to cover both courtesy and paid-vend sections. An array of sensors including product-removal sensors in the paid-vend section detect removal of products, and door-open sensors the opening of door(s). A programmable controller is connected to all of the sensors for compiling data therefrom and for communicating it to a hotel front desk, and to room service. The fully-monitored refrigerator simplifies and improves housekeeping services because empty containers and wrapper are not left for the next guest, and refrigerators which were not opened since the last cleaning need not be restocked and/or cleaned.

Abstract: An identification method of a recording material container of the present invention sets a recording material container having a first identifying code for storing a recording material in an image forming apparatus, reads the first identifying code in the image forming apparatus, reads an identifying sheet having a recorded second identifying code in the image forming apparatus, and identifies truth or falsehood of the recording material stored in the recording material container on the basis of the relationship between the first identifying code read and the second identifying code.

Abstract: A low-cost non-contact ID card having practical electrical properties and the like is disclosed. The non-contact ID card comprises an antenna circuit board wherein an antenna is formed on a substrate and an interposer board wherein an enlarged electrode is formed on a substrate that is mounted with an IC chip. The enlarged electrode is connected to an electrode of the IC chip. The antenna circuit board and the interposer board are joined in such a manner that an electrode of the antenna is in direct contact with the enlarged electrode which is a resin electrode made of a conductive resin containing a thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: In a verification system which verifies individual input data against registered data to perform individual authentication, the verification program is checked for alteration. Programs for verification in a processing unit are checked for alteration by a check program in the tamper-proof environment of a lower-level storage unit. Hence illicit use of the verification system through program alteration can be prevented.

Abstract: A system for identification comprising: a surface (14) comprising retro-reflective indicta; a source of light that illuminates the indicta (18) along an illumination direction; and a detector (20, 21) that views light reflected from the indicta, wherein the retro-reflector reflects the light that illuminates it as a plurality of beams at a plurality of angles relative to the illumination direction.

Abstract: An automated banking machine (10) is operatively controlled from a front consumer user station (12) and a rear maintenance user station (14). The machine is operative to output a consumer user interface (28) through a front display device (16, 80). The consumer user interface includes interactive options for performing transactions with the machine including dispensing cash with a cash dispenser (32). The machine is further operative to output a maintenance user interface (30), through a rear display device (18, 82). The maintenance user interface includes options for configuring, troubleshooting, servicing and maintaining the machine. The operating system of the machine is operative to generate a desktop environment (84) that spans both the front display device and rear display device, such that a first portion (86) of the desktop is output by the first display device and a second portion (88) of the desktop is output by the second display device.

Abstract: In a product distribution management system in which a product is packaged in an outer case and delivered, a product wireless tag is attached to a product such as a toner cartridge, and a product wireless tag ID is written on the tag at a production factory. Then, at a product warehouse, an outer-case wireless tag is attached to the outer case in which the product is packaged, and an outer-case wireless tag ID is written on this outer-case tag. A correlation computer correlates the product wireless tag ID and the outer-case wireless tag ID with each other. At a customer's premises, the outer-case wireless tag ID can be used, and at a recovery/recycling factory, the product wireless tag ID can be used. Production information, delivery information and recovery information are correlated with the wireless tag ID's and integrally managed at a data center.

Abstract: Barcode imaging and laser scanning systems are disclosed having at least one processor storing barcode decoding algorithms each corresponding to a respective symbology. The at least one processor causes at least one LED and/or a projected laser beam of the barcode imaging system to blink by rapidly turning it off and on one time or several times whenever a successful decode occurs. In the laser scanning system, the at least one processor causes a projected laser beam to be blinked by turning a laser beam system off and on one time or several times whenever a successful decode occurs. The act of blinking the at least one LED and/or the projected laser beam in the barcode imaging system or the act of blinking the projected laser beam in the laser scanning system provides a visual indication to a user of a successful decode. The act of blinking can also be used to visually indicate other information to a user.

Abstract: A method for processing mail pieces having information thereon includes scanning the mail piece information and storing scanned mail piece information. Stored information is accessed when a scanned mail piece information is incomplete to obtain previously stored complete mail piece information. The previously stored complete mail piece information is employed in processing the mail piece with the incomplete information. The information may be a code or text that is scanned and stored during the processing of the mail. Fragmentary information from various sources on the scanned mail piece may be combined to access a previously stored mail piece record. The accessed information may be displayed.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to enable users to operate the machine to carry out transactions such as the dispensing of cash. The exemplary machine provides audible instructions which are output through external loudspeakers, a headphone, or a handset. Rotation of a rotatable knob (372, 382) or other movable item causes the output of user selectable characters, transaction types and/or amounts corresponding to each respective position. The user selects the audible output produced in the current position of the knob for receipt by the machine as a transaction input by pressing on the knob. Characters and other selectable inputs corresponding to knob positions can be varied by the computer in the machine to reduce the risk of a criminal intercepting the user's inputs to the machine.

Abstract: A method of performing a money transfer send transaction comprises receiving information at a call center from a sender for a send transaction, including a proposed send amount, and responsive to the information from the sender received at the call center, building a staging record for the send transaction. The staging record includes compliance data responsive to the proposed send amount and to compliance rules. A data center receives information from an agent provided by the sender to the agent, with the information including a retrieval key to identify the staging record, a requested send amount and agent location information. Responsive to the requested send amount and the agent location information, the data center identifies in the compliance rules at least one applicable compliance window and tests the requested send transaction and compliance data in the staging record for consistency with the at least one applicable compliance window.

Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of an over-power condition not conforming to preestablished standards to meet prevalent safety standards.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for searching rights objects stored in a portable storage device by using an object location data. The method includes: accessing the portable storage device; transmitting an object identifier to the portable storage device; receiving a location data of a first object searched based on the object identifier from the portable storage device; storing the location data of the first object with the object identifier; and transmitting the location data of the first object and an operation data representing operations to be performed with the first object to the portable storage device by using the location data of the first object.

Abstract: Systems and method for dynamically tracking assets located in different geographic zones are disclosed. Disclosed embodiments include a central zone hosting an inventory system. The inventory system is in network communication with remote zones that include sensors for interrogating tagged assets located in the zones. The inventory system is configured to poll the remote zones to obtain information regarding the tagged assets and store the information in a database. The inventory system may then determine whether any of the received information deviates from an expected result, and take appropriate action in response to the deviation.

Abstract: A product is on a surface provided with a first position code which codes coordinates for a plurality of first points. In at least one partial area on the surface, the product is further provided with a second position code which codes coordinates for a plurality of second points. The partial area further comprises a field which is associated with a predetermined function to be performed in consequence of a user unit being placed in the field. Methods and devices for coding and for recording of information from a surface are also described.