Abstract: Objects associated with targets to be read by image capture are detected without any additional hardware in an imaging module. Return light is captured over a field of view of the module. Images are processed, during an object detection mode, to determine their image brightness from the captured return light. Illumination is emitted from an illumination light assembly at a first power level to determine a first image brightness from a first processed image, and at a different, reduced, second power level to determine a second image brightness from a second processed image. An object is determined to be in the field of view when a difference between the first image brightness and the second image brightness equals or exceeds a detection threshold value.

Abstract: A transaction security apparatus, including an input device or receiver for inputting or receiving transaction information regarding a transaction on or involving an account, a camera or video recording device for obtaining or recording a photograph or video clip of an individual involved in the transaction, a processing device for processing the information regarding the transaction and for generating a notification message containing information regarding the transaction, and a transmitter for transmitting the notification message to a communication device associated with an account holder independently of any processing of the transaction by a transaction authorization processing computer. The apparatus transmits the photograph or the video clip to the communication device independently of any processing of the transaction by a transaction authorization processing computer.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read form data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser and a receipt printer. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine includes a check acceptor that operates to determine magnetic symbols included on checks. Cash may be dispensed in exchange for a check received through operation of the check acceptor of the machine.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a read system (4), and the use of the latter, which is intended to communicate with a transponder (2) placed on a surgical instrument so as to quickly identify the surgical instrument by bringing the read system (4) close to the transponder (2) of the surgical instrument and then reading the information associated with the instrument contained in the transponder (2), and communication with a computer system (5), wherein the transponder (2) is housed in a compartment (13), formed in the instrument, said compartment (13) being closed off in a sealed manner by a thin lid (14) welded or affixed (3) to the body (10) of the surgical instrument so that the outer surface of the surgical instrument has no projecting sharp points, and with the transponder (2) communicating or recording, via the read system (4), information concerning clinical history.

Abstract: A device, such as a printer or copier, identifies the type of module being used. If the type of module requires the device to receive an unlock code, the device prompts for the unlock code (which can be a hash of the serial number of the device). Once the unlock code is received, the device can be used with modules of that type. If the unlock code is not received, the device does not operate with modules of that type.

Abstract: From the detection result of a sensor for detecting a card, whether or not the card exists in the inside, and whether or not the card exists in a return area are determined, respectively, and in the state where it is determined that the card exists in the inside, if the time counted by a first timer has reached a time while a command from a host system is not received by a communication unit, then it carries out the communication error process of addressing that the command is not received. That is, the card in the inside is returned to the area, and subsequently, in the state that it is determined that the returned card exists in the area, if the time counted by a second timer reaches a second time while the card is not taken out from the area, the card is taken to the inside.

Abstract: A card reader includes a hollow base provided with a USB standard metal casing at one side, and an electric module mounted in the USB standard metal casing and the hollow base and defining with the USB standard metal casing an electronic card receiving space for accommodating an electric card such that the accommodated electronic card is insertable with the USB standard metal casing into a USB port of an electronic apparatus for two-way data transfer (reading or storing) between the electronic card and the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for data management pertaining to master data management, processing, and optimization; to maintenance management; and to asset management. A master data management system may include a dynamic object identification system. The dynamic object identification system may identify objects using a segmented and coded globally unique identifier. The globally unique identifier may be updated while the objects are within the system. The globally unique identifier may comprise coded segments including a personal identification number, an external key, technical data, and administration data. The technical and administration data may be more or less detailed, depending on, among others, the object, its history of use, and its present circumstances. Implementation of the asset management system may include the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuration management in an article of manufacture disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for documenting a configuration of an article of manufacture includes an identifier positioned on the article of manufacture. A local positioning system is used to determine a positional location of the identifier on the article of manufacture. A multifunction apparatus configured to interactively communicate with the identifier and the local positioning system is present that is operable to communicate configuration information to the identifier.

Abstract: A method for personalizing a presentation instrument for an account holder while the account holder is present is described. The method includes transmitting to a server computer a request to personalize a presentation instrument for an account holder who has a financial account with a financial institution. The request includes the account holder's name and background information indicating a background to be placed onto the presentation instrument. The method further includes receiving, at the server computer from the financial institution, presentation instrument data to be included on the presentation instrument. The presentation instrument data comprises an account number and an expiration date.

Abstract: A digital circuit which transmits information by a multilevel signal having at least two values. A waveform shaping section is provided to which at least first and second presumption values for defining at least first and second presumption ranges based on said at least two values, respectively, are set. The waveform shaping section performs a waveform shaping for eliminating higher harmonic components of a waveform in each of the presumption ranges and performs a waveform shaping for maintaining abrupt changes of the waveform in a transition period from one of the presumption ranges to another.