Abstract: A system and method that facilitates the recovery of bar code scanning errors due to irregularities in the bar code. When a bar code scanning error occurs, the system displays the erroneously scanned bar code indicating the characters that could not be resolved successfully. The store clerk or operator need only fill the missing digit to confirm the scanned item without manually entering the entire code. Alternatively, a search engine evaluates the portions of the bar code which have been successfully resolved and displays a text and/or graphics list of all products having the resolved portion of the bar code. The store clerk or operator then need only choose the correct item from the screen list to confirm the sale. A printer allows the completed bar code to be printed on a receipt paper. The user of the system may then use the printed bar code for items that continuously result in a bar code error. The system may further keep a list of erroneously scanned bar codes.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of a cell gap of a reflective type liquid crystal display. An optical system having a rotating table, an input polarizer, a beam splitter, and a output polarizer is used. A reflective type liquid crystal device is disposed on a rotating table. An incident light is reflected by the liquid crystal device. The reflective type liquid crystal device is located between the input polarizer and the output polarizer. A beta angle &bgr; is defined as the angle between the input light polarization and the front liquid crystal director. A first formula is used to express the relationship between the reflectivity R⊥ and &bgr;. The reflectivity is R⊥ then differentiated by &bgr; to obtain a second formula that express the relationship between &bgr;max and the thickness of the cell gap. The rotating table is rotated to measure the maximum value &bgr;max of the angle &bgr;. The thickness d can thus be obtained more precisely.

Abstract: A device for a contactless transmission of data includes a data transceiver with an antenna. The impedance of the antenna of the data transceiver is purposely mismatched. A reactance is introduced into the antenna in order to tune the antenna to a frequency different from its resonant frequency. In the event that the antenna impedance has to be adapted to the characteristic impedance of a line of unknown length, the loss resistance of the antenna is deliberately increased. The power required to produce a magnetic alternating field with the data transceiver for operating at least one portable data carrier is reduced.

Abstract: Playing cards that include a machine-readable bar code in the form of a number of mutually parallel and juxtaposed bars, wherein the code is adapted to be read by light sensitive detectors. Each playing card includes at least one six-position binary code in which a bar is either present or absent at each of the six positions. The code includes a reference code in the form of an additional bar in at least one further position adjacent to the six-position binary code. The reference code is positioned for detection by a light sensitive detector. The binary code is intended to be read by means of the light sensitive detectors when the existence of the reference code is detected.

Abstract: A method of protecting data, stored in a memory device of a computer system connected to a SCSI interface, against, unauthorized access whereby access by the computer system to the memory device is either permitted or refused, depending upon the authorization of a request, by an exchange of information between the computer system and the memory device at the SCSI interface. Authorization is by means of identification of an authorized user. During access by the computer system to the memory device, any kind of operation with the memory device can be blocked, or access permission given for memory readout only, or for readout and recording, or only for recording. The equipment for carrying out the method includes a memory device connected by a SCSI bus to a host computer system, while between the memory device and the host computer system there an additional control unit with authorization block is inserted.

Abstract: A method for assisting the recall of retail good information in a point of sale (POS) system can include the steps of scanning an identifier associated with a retail good; searching a translation table for retail good information corresponding to the scanned identifier; and, if the retail good information cannot be found in the translation table in the searching step, displaying a list of retail good information previously assigned to the scanned identifier. In a preferred embodiment, the retail good information can be a purchase price corresponding to the retail good.

Abstract: An IC card mechanism includes an IC card for insertion into a receiving space of an electronic device; a contact which is brought into contact with an external contact of the card when the card is inserted; a card pusher which is advanced, when the card is inserted, in an insertion direction of the card by being pushed by a front end face of the card, thereby accumulating resilient ejecting force; and a lock for locking, when the card is inserted, the card pusher in an advanced position and unlocking, when the card is pushed again in the direction of insertion of the card, the card pusher so that the card pusher is retracted by the resilient force and such that the card pusher, when retracting, pushes the front face of the card in a direction opposite to the insertion direction of the card, thereby allowing ejection of the card.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods, systems and devices for transferring, by electromagnetic linkage, data between universal readers and badges with different communication protocols. The universal reader searches for the nomadic objects by emitting a scanning signal of modulation modes. Each nomadic object, receiving the scanning signal, produces an echo signal, according to its own particular protocol. The universal reader analyzes each echo signal and deduces therefrom the specific protocol applied by the nomadic object. The universal reader inserts in universal reader inserts in conformity with the specific protocol, the messages to be transmitted in the reader frames interpretable by the nomadic object.

Abstract: A pre-paid card system enables customers to make purchases, calls, and to participate in a survey using an authorized card. The system includes four main functional components: a plurality of cards, a host computer, a plurality of on-site activation terminals and a main processor. Each of the cards having a security number associated therewith. The card is typically formed of cardboard, paper or plastic and may include the security number in cleartext under a suitable blackout. The main management and processing of the system is effected by the host computer. The host includes a database for storing security numbers associated with authorized cards. The data terminals are remote from the host computer and connectable thereto for transmitting data between the terminals and the host computer. The processor is controlled by the host computer for enabling customer purchases using the authorized cards.

Abstract: A vehicle refueling system including a controller disposed in a vehicle, a fuel nozzle communicator arranged adjacent a fuel intake conduit, connected to the controller and communicating information from the vehicle to refueling systems outside thereof and a securely attached vehicle identifier assembly including a vehicle identification chip disposed in an identification portion, an output portion defining a connector coupled to the controller and a neck separating the identification portion and the connector, the vehicle identification chip including a data store containing identification data, the data store being connected to a data output in the output portion-via connectors passing through the neck, the neck securely fitting into the vehicle's chassis, the neck having a breaking strain lower than that of the remainder of the system, whereby an attempt to remove the vehicle identification chip from the vehicle by removal of the output portion, causes breakage of the vehicle identifier assembly at th

Abstract: A multi-application card for providing secure access to multiple card accounts. This system includes a multi-application card storing a readable identification number corresponding to the card, and a database located remotely from the card. The database correlates the identification number with a record associated with the card, and the record contains a list of card account numbers and associated indexes. The system also includes a translator that receives a transaction request including the identification number read from the multi-application card and one of the associated indexes obtained from a source other than the card. The translator then uses the received identification number to access the corresponding record in the database, and uses the received index number to retrieve the corresponding card account number and expiry date. The translator then transmits the card account number and expiry date in response to the transaction request.

Abstract: A modular indicator of a price or of any information relating to an article on display comprising a plurality of units which can be fixed each to the following other along a longitudinal axis of composition for the modular indicator, wherein each unit in turn comprises a support mount and an alphanumerical segment cantilevered on the support mount.

Abstract: A reader for contactless badges which includes a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter and receiver operate on the same carrier frequency, and are connected by a coupling circuit to an antenna. The reader further includes a management device for interacting with the transmitter and receiver for establishing a dialog with a badge. The coupling circuit to the antenna includes a delaying element, traversed by the connection between the transmitter and the antenna, while the receiver includes two channels, starting off on either side of the delaying element. The management device is then arranged to selectively operate the reception channels according to selected criterion.

Abstract: A payment management method and system for performing suitable payment management, wherein a user of a credit IC card can store a transaction history in the IC card, collate the transaction history with charged amount data possessed by a credit company, quickly confirm a payment due date, judge an illegal demand for purchase by a non-authorized user, and know charged amounts claimed for the next time. The system includes the IC card which stores the transaction history data therein, a terminal device for accessing the data within the IC card, and a server of the credit company connected to the terminal device via a network for storing credit user data demanded by a credit member store therein. The terminal device stores transaction history data at the time of a purchase into the IC card, extracts the credit user data from the server of the credit company, and collates the transaction history data read out from the IC card with the credit user data extracted from the server.

Abstract: A substrate provided with at least part of a system for the non-contact identification of articles, including at least one electronic device which includes an electromagnetic-wave transmission and reception device coupled with an electronic module making it possible to process received signals and to retransmit other signals. The substrate is based on cellulose fibers and the electronic device is inserted into the substrate. A process for manufacturing such a substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smart card architecture includes a run-time environment, a card manager, one or more security domains, a provider application and an issuer application. One or more APIs provide communication. The life cycle of the card and card manager includes states: Pre-production, Ready, Initialized, Secured, Locked and Terminated. The life cycle of an application includes states: Installed, Selectable, Personalized, Blocked, Locked and Deleted. A card registry keeps track of card manager and application data elements. The functionality of a security domain on a smart card is extended to allow it to perform delegated management of smart card applications: delegated loading, installation and/or deletion of an application. A provider of an application is assured of more direct control and management of their application, yet an issuer still maintains some control over the management of the card.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: The gate system includes a center to perform the ticket reservation control, an automatic gate apparatus that is connected to the center and examines a magnetic recording medium or a wireless card inserted as a ticket, a ticket vending machine to issue a ticket, and an in-compartment ticket issuing terminal carried by a trainman in a train for performing a fare adjustment for a riding past ticket, etc. through the wireless communication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming table managing system and method thereof for determining the performance of dealers and also estimating the revenue for each gaming table. The system employs a wireless communications network and includes: an identification card; a table module having a plurality of service call buttons, a chip sensing mechanism and a card reader, for generating service call data, dealer-associated data and chip-associated data; a host computer for receiving the dealer-associated data and the chip-associated data and determining the performance of the dealer and estimating the revenue of the gaming facility, using received data; and a service call processing unit for receiving the service call data and displaying same on a screen.

Abstract: An automated transaction system includes an automated transaction machine (10) for carrying out banking transactions. The machine includes a plurality of customer stations (16, 18, 20) at which customers may conduct transactions. Each of the transactions requested by customers is carried out using a set of transaction function devices (34) positioned within or adjacent to the machine housing. The robotic item handling device (42) is included among the transaction function devices and enables moving items between the customer stations and the transaction function devices included in the machine. The machine is enabled to carry out transactions for multiple users simultaneously. The machine is also readily configured to add and delete transaction function devices, thereby more readily changing the types of transactions which may be conducted.