Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: An enterprise network 100 for tracking objects is provided. The network 100 includes: (a) a plurality of subscriber communication devices 134 and 138; (b) a plurality of readers 160, each of the communication devices being in communication with a corresponding reader, wherein each reader is operable to read a set of object identifiers, each object identifier in the set corresponding to an Identification device 168 positioned on a respective object 164; and (c) a location agent 324 operable to determine, from at least one of the sets of object identifiers, a physical location of each object 164 having an object identifier in the at least one of the sets of object identifiers.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a system for providing, to a terminal device of an investor, data indicating delay of distribution of financial data, which data is used for the investor to make decisions on investment transactions in a simple and reliable way. To achieve the above aim, after entity 20 carries out specific processing of financial data received from financial data broadcasting device 10 to generate new financial data derived from the received financial data, entity 20 adds time data and an entity identifier for identifying entity 20 to the derived financial data and transmits the data to another entity 20 located at a downstream position or to financial data searching device 30.

Abstract: Portable smartcard devices, methods of executing program code using smartcard devices, and computer readable storage media including instructions for smartcard devices are provided. According to some embodiments, the presently disclosed smartcard device includes an interface for presenting smartcard functionality to a host system and for receiving a program execution command from the host system, non-volatile memory, executable memory, a copying mechanism such as an internal copying mechanism for copying program code from the non-volatile memory to the executable memory, and a program execution mechanism for executing the program code. Appropriate interfaces include but are not limited to ISO 7816 compatible interfaces, USB interfaces, and MMC interfaces. In some embodiments, the smartcard functionality includes SIM functionality and/or USIM functionality. Optionally, execution of the program code commences when only a portion of the copied executable code resides in the executable memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for creating and using documents with machine-readable codes. A computer program displays a list of fields in an electronic document, receives user input selecting one or more of the fields, automatically generates generation instructions for a machine-readable code to be displayed in a final appearance of the electronic document, and stores the generation instructions in the electronic document. The generation instructions specify that the machine-readable code is to be produced using data to be provided for the selected fields. In some embodiments, the program can also evaluate the user input, as well as user modifications made to the electronic document, to determine whether the machine-readable code is validly configured. By guiding users through the process of setting up machine-readable codes, the program can help users create forms with machine-readable codes that have a high probability of being scanned and decoded successfully.

Abstract: A point of sale device (102) establishes a short range secure radio link (105) with a wireless payment device (104) to complete a transaction. The point of sale device transmits the transaction information to the wireless payment device (304) so the a user of the wireless payment device can approve the transaction (306). Upon approving the transaction, the wireless payment device transmits payment information to the point of sale device (308). The point of sale device uses the payment information to contact the appropriate payment source (110) to record the transaction. Upon the payment source confirming the transaction, the brand of the financial institution, card associations, and affinity groups acting as the payment source is announced so as to be observable by those in the vicinity of the point of sale device.

Abstract: An implantable device and a wireless communication integrated circuit (IC) implementable in the implantable device for communicating with a remote unit, wherein the communication IC is capable of self-initializing, namely initial booting without requiring an external general booting program to force the booting process. Moreover, the implantable device and the communication IC provide for checking of the validity and integrity of any program instructions received from the remote unit for the desired operation of the implantable device. The implantable device and the communication IC therein have power-saving capability in order to extend the operation of the implantable device between battery charges. A further embodiment provides a robust communication IC, whereby signal distortion or interference between the analog and digital components collectively residing on the same communication IC is minimized or eliminated.

Abstract: A stored-value card includes a housing and at least one internal wall substantially enclosed within the housing. The housing includes an account identifier signifying a financial account or record linked to the stored-value card. The at least one internal wall is configured to define an airflow chamber within the housing. The housing defines an opening leading into the airflow chamber. The stored-value card is configured to produce a whistle sound when air enters the airflow chamber from the opening and moves within the airflow chamber.

Abstract: A memory chip and embedded microprocessor (‘smart memory card’) with a sputtered memory ring for additional memory capacity. The card configuration allows use with ISO 7816 compliant readers. The smart memory card has a spring bolt-hole which allows use of the smart memory card on an adaptor with compact disc and digital video disc drives. The memory chip and sputtered memory ring have sufficient capacity for high-density memory applications such as high-level encrypted security systems, biometric identification systems, and combination access systems. The processor configuration may include a wireless transceiver for 802.11 series, Bluetooth™ and other wireless systems.

Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counting or measuring the relative positions of a number of resonant tag elements in proximity to each other. By measuring the resonant frequency of a given set of tags using a reader antenna and comparing the measured frequency to a reference resonant frequency, the observed frequency shift is used to ascertain certain properties of the set of tags, such as the number of tags present or the relative positions thereof.

Abstract: A transaction card having one or more folds therein to provide a compact and easily stored transaction card is provided. Moreover, a foldable transaction card having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding a keychain, or other device for attaching the transaction card to another item, such as a set of keys, a wallet, or other item is provided. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. In addition, methods of making foldable transaction cards are provided.

Abstract: An interface surface for user interaction with a computer system via a sensing device, the interface comprising: visible graphical information; and, substantially invisible coded data readable by the sensing device, the coded data comprising a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern with a target structure extending radially outwardly from a center of the pattern for allowing relative rotation of the predetermined pattern to be determined; wherein, the visible graphical information indicates an operation that the user can select and transmit to the computer system by reading the coded data with the sensing device.

Abstract: A smart card having a support element, at least one electrically conductive contact-making element in a surface area of the support element, and at least one electrical circuit, which is on and/or in the support element, and is coupled to the at least one electrically conductive contact-making element. Microstructures and/or nanostructures are incorporated in the at least one electrically conductive contact-making element, of such a size that the microstructures and/or nanostructures absorb electromagnetic radiation at at least one wavelength.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for creating value by facilitating third party participation in mobile commerce transactions, providing consumers with a unified perspective of commercial activity, and selectively implementing discounts. The system may include a computerized engine and a point of sale wallet, which may be embedded in a personal trusted device. The computerized engine may be programmed to selectively implement a discount associated with a particular transaction. The personal trusted device may comprise a wireless communications technology, which enables the device to communicate with a back-end system and/or other point of sale devices. The personal trusted device may serve as the nexus of consumer transactions by facilitating payment as well as receipt and storage of electronic receipts. The personal trusted device may also be configured to transmit electronic receipts via the communications technology.

Abstract: A ID circuit produces a unique binary identification code (ID) for each integrated circuit in which it is implemented by setting states of each bit of the ID as a function of random variations in material forming the IC that occur at the time the IC is fabricated. The ID circuit includes an ID generating circuit for generating the ID, a non-volatile memory, and a control circuit for writing the ID generated by the ID generating circuit into the non-volatile memory in response to a first occurrence of a write cue event. Thereafter the control circuit responds to each occurrence of a read cue event by reading the ID out of the non-volatile memory and providing it as an IC output.

Abstract: An enhanced PIN, password, passcode protection system and method using an input terminal interface displaying a sequence of random symbols and a set of software rules set in a lookup table also prepared by software means, and the software means is stored in hardware means and at least one of a plurality of transformations are selected by a user and are based on preselected rules arranged in the lookup table and preprogrammed into the software. A currently used PIN has one or more symbols transformed according to the preselected rules and the user's PIN, transformed into a modified PIN, is input into the input terminal interface.

Abstract: A system is described for providing certified digital photos as a form of photo identification. In an m-wallet transaction, a vendor requests photo identification from the user of a mobile station, such as a mobile telephone or smart card. In response to the request, the mobile station displays a digital image of an authorized user of the mobile station. The mobile station also displays a trust-certification indicator to indicate to the vendor that the image is authentic. The mobile station may retrieve the image of the authorized user, together with a trust-certification, from a service provider.

Abstract: A document is cupped at a first time to stiffen and straighten the document before the document is stacked in the interior chamber of a document stacker. The cupped document is cupped at a second time which is different from the first time to maintain the document stiff and straight as the document is being stacked in the interior chamber of the document stacker so as to reduce the chance of a stacking defect from occurring when a succeeding document is subsequently stacked on top of the document. A trailing edge of the document is engaged to urge the trailing edge of the document in a direction away from direction of movement of the document into the interior chamber of the document stacker so as to prevent a succeeding document which is to be subsequently stack on top of the document from stacking out of sequence relative to the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods maintain a database of recipient names and addresses where the delivery point addresses contain secondary address. Data that is stored in the database may be arrayed in secure data tables. The structure of the secure data tables ensures that the data is secure and prevents an unauthorized user from learning address information improperly. A delivery service provider may create secure data tables using 20-byte Secure Hash Algorithm. A software searches secure data tables for the matching recipient name and address. If the match is found, a business sender may receive valid secondary address information for that recipient. If, however, a database does not contain a matching recipient name and address, a business sender may not receive any further information about that recipient's address.