Abstract: An encoding/verifying apparatus and method for encoding/verifying RFID containing stock is provided. The encoding/verifying apparatus enables the verification of information already programmed on stock containing a RFID tag and/or encodes specific information to the RFID component of the stock while verifying that the proper stock is programmed with the correct information. Stock can either be on a roll or a fan fold with or without pin feeds. The stock will be read/encoded one at a time and advanced only after each successful read/write. Any stock that contains a failed RFID component will be marked so as to designate it as defective. In addition, methods for uniquely programming RFID containing stock are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projector includes a reference temperature sensor, a comparison temperature sensor, and a shut-off unit for shutting off the power to a light source lamp for backlight when the difference between a temperature sensed by the reference temperature sensor and a temperature sensed by the comparison temperature sensor is more than a predetermined value. Used as the reference temperature sensor is a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the main body of the liquid crystal projector, and used as the comparison temperature sensor is a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of a liquid crystal panel. Alternately, used as the reference temperature sensor is a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the main body of the liquid crystal projector, and used as the comparison temperature sensor is a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature of the light source lamp for backlight.

Abstract: An ATM currency cassette includes an electronic lock control. The lock control includes a keypad. A combination can be entered into the keypad to unlock the cassette. The lock control is programmable to enable changing of the combination via the keypad.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to authorize the installation, use, and/or configuration of ATM software applications and components. The machine may be provided with either an authorization key or a configuration certificate that is generated by a licensing authority. The machine is operative to authenticate the key or certificate prior to granting a user permission to install, run, and/or configure the software. The machine is operative to authenticate a configuration certificate by evaluating a digital signature associated with the configuration certificate. An authorization key may be authenticated by comparing it to a second authorization key generated responsive to inputted license information and one-way hash functions. The key or certificate may be associated with a plurality of configuration rules which specify the configuration software components and parameters for specific ATM software and hardware.

Abstract: An electronic lock and money control system is provided that is capable of single unit stand-alone operation, as well as expandability to a network of multiple units having one of the units operate as a centralized network controller. The network includes at least one safe provided with a control system arranged to communicate with a data input device, electronic display, connector interface and electronic lock mechanism located on the safe. The control system includes a processor programmed to control operation of the electronic lock mechanism, as well as operate as a central system controller when connected to at least one other remote safe via the connector interface to monitor and accumulate financial and operational information for each remote unit. Thus, the safe can be used in stand-alone operation, or as a central control and reporting unit for a network of interconnected safes.

Abstract: An information processing system, includes several processors, each having at least one optical fiber input and at least one optical fiber output; a controller having an optical fiber input and at least one fiber output; fibers, bundled for transmitting information; and a fiber bundle redriver, coupled to the controller, having an input channel and an output channel, for simultaneously redriving an optical signal received from any selected one of the plurality of input fibers onto substantially all of the plurality of output fibers. The fiber output of each of the plurality of processors and the at least one fiber output of the controller are respectively is coupled to the input channel of the fiber bundle redriver, and the at least one fiber input of each of said plurality of processors and the fiber input of the controller are respectively coupled to the output channel of the fiber bundle redriver.

Abstract: A person authentication system, a person authentication method, an information processing apparatus, and a program providing medium authenticate a person who uses an information apparatus in data communication. A person authentication certificate storing a template which includes person authentication data is used in the person authentication system. A person authentication execution entity checks the validity of the certificate on the basis of a certificate expiration date, a certificate usage number limit, or a template expiration date in person authentication processing on the basis of the certificate. The person authentication is executed by comparing the template with sampling information input by a user if the validity is confirmed. A person identification certificate authority updates the certificate or the template according to the request of the entity or the authenticated person.

Abstract: A technique for on-line Personal Identification Number (PIN) verification uses polynomial hiding. The technique comprises enrolling a smart card, including initializing a smart card with an entity-selected PIN hidden in a polynomial over a finite field. The initialization polynomial is a function of the PIN, an entity-identifier, and a random number. The random number and the PIN are discarded after smart card initialization.

Abstract: An RFID device tester includes coupling elements for capacitively coupling a reader to an RFID device to be tested. The reader may power the RFID device by sending an outgoing signal, such as an outgoing AC power signal, which may be rectified and/or reflected by the RFID device, if the RFID device is operating properly. The outgoing signal may have a frequency that is different from the resonant frequency of an antenna of the RFID device. A reader in the RFID device tester detects the reflected and/or transmitted signal to confirm proper operation of the RFID device. The RFID device tester may be used as part of a roll-to-roll process, to individually test RFID devices on a roll of material. By utilizing short-range capacitive coupling, difficulties caused by simultaneous activation of multiple RFID devices may be reduced or avoided.

Abstract: An inventory management system utilizes unattended facilities remote from a central warehouse for service parts logistics. Items are placed in inventory in secure enclosures at the unattended facilities by the inventory management service or are delivered directly to the unattended facility. The unattended facilities may be located near one or more customers to reduce a service technician's travel time and customers' inventory costs. A service technician utilizes a passcode to retrieve needed items. The service technician may order items that are not kept in the inventory of the unattended facility in which case the items may be delivered to the unattended facility and the service technician may receive a notification related to all the items that comprise an order that the order is ready for pick up at an unattended facility.

Abstract: A code encoding device for outputting character, audio, and moving picture data converted to color marks by referring to a code conversion table (104, 204) and a code decoding device for outputting color marks converted to character, audio, and moving picture data by referring to a code conversion table (112, 212). High density recording is made possible through the medium of color marks. At the time of encoding and decoding of data, one unit of data is linked with one color among the plurality of colors to enable high density recording compared with conventional bar codes and two-dimensional codes.

Abstract: A system and method for funding a collective account via aggregating usage of electronic tags is disclosed. The system and method promotes the use of electronic tags, and the funding of collective accounts that may be associated with charitable or other philanthropic causes. Further benefits may be realized by replenishing the prefunded account that serves as the source of funds for the electronic tag to an affinity account that also benefits the charitable or other philanthropic cause.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bar code symbol having stored thereon a data structure. The data structure includes a plurality of module elements. Each module element is configured as a bar symbol or a space symbol. The data structure includes a start character containing predetermined number of module elements. The predetermined number of module elements is configured in a predetermined pattern of bars and spaces. A data portion is configured to encode a single numerical value. The data portion has one termination data character and 0 to N Continuation characters, wherein N is an integer value. The data structure also includes a stop character.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: A data communication device includes a first antenna; a semiconductor circuit for generating signals for use in outputting communication data through the first antenna, the semiconductor circuit having a CMOS configuration of a combination of a P-channel MOS transistor and an N-channel MOS transistor on a single chip; and an antenna connection circuit through which the semiconductor circuits is connected to the first antenna. The semiconductor circuit includes a power-supply-connecting MOS drain output part and a ground-connecting MOS drain output part. The antenna connection circuit has a first electric element for inhibiting a current from flowing into the corresponding semiconductor circuit in the power-supply-connecting MOS drain output part.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring passengers during boarding or disembarking of a passenger carrier is provided. This includes providing a passenger monitoring system at a gateway area for boarding or disembarking of a passenger carrier for a designated carrier event. The passenger monitoring system may include a passenger data collecting device, an instruction input device, a video monitor display device and a data processor that is in communication with a remotely located central database containing stored carrier and passenger data for the carrier event. Passenger boarding or disembarking data from at least one passenger is collected during boarding or disembarking operations at the gateway area with the passenger monitoring system. The stored carrier and passenger data is updated with the collected data. The stored carrier and passenger data is displayed on the display device of the passenger monitoring system upon inquiry instruction input into the instruction input device.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an optical code is provided including the steps of consecutively imaging an optical code respectively using at least a first and a second imaging setting; generating at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings; evaluating at least one of the first and second sets of image data; and selecting at least one of the first and second sets of image data in accordance with the evaluation. The system includes an imaging engine having a lens assembly and a photo sensor array for consecutively imaging an optical code located in a field of view of the imaging engine using at least the first and the second imaging settings, and generating the at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings.

Abstract: A barcode with enhanced visual quality may be used with an item such as a document. The barcode includes a background field having an embedded graphic. The background caries data related to the item. The embedded graphic may obscure some background data. A bar coding apparatus, system and a corresponding method involve two basic functions: encoding and decoding. The encoding function uses an encoding algorithm to generate the barcode. The graphic is then embedded onto the barcode and the thus-generated enhanced visually significant barcode is placed on the item. Decoding involves machine-reading the barcode using a decoding algorithm. The decoding algorithm can operate with or without an original bit map that was used to generate the graphic. The graphic may be enhanced in a manner that may make at least a portion of the encoded information within the graphic readable by a human.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated condition evaluator that conducts an evaluation of an item placed into a sensor chamber to identify the item and determine characteristics about that item that can assist a party in making a decision about the item. More specifically, an item is placed into a sensor chamber and various sensors are actuated in an effort to identify the item. Extrinsic information may also be introduced into the identification process. Once the item is identified, a rigorous evaluation of the item is conducted to determine any flaws, characteristics, or changes from the standard are present in the item. The sensors evaluate the item in 3 dimensional space and the results are compared against expected results. Any variations are classified for evaluation. When the item being evaluated is a vehicle, the classifications of the differences include scratches, dents, holes and other problems that are characteristic of vehicle flaws.