Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises: a photoelectric converter that converts image data into an electric signal and outputs the image data; a clock controller that generates a plurality of sampling signals having different phases to sample a level of an output signal of the photoelectric converter; a phase determination unit that compares signal levels in a sampling order, each of the signals obtained by sampling, using a respective sampling signal, the output signal of the photoelectric converter, so as to determine an optimum phase of the plurality of the sampling signals when a condition is fulfilled in which an absolute value of a variation between signal levels being compared is less than a threshold value; a storage unit in which the optimum phase is stored; and a sampling unit that samples the output signal of the photoelectric converter using the sampling signal having the optimum phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a memory card that is a second memory card provided in connection with a first memory card. The first and second memory cards include: a body portion having the shape of a rectangular plate; and guide portions that project from both sides of the body portion in a width direction of the body portion and extend in a longitudinal direction of the body portion. Each guide portion has a thickness less than a thickness of the body portion. The first and second memory cards are equal in thickness and length of the body portion and distance between tips of the guide portions. The body portion of the second memory card has a width greater than a width of the body portion of the first memory card.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a computer-based method and a computer program product for automatically sorting customers who make purchases from merchants using a credit card. The computer-based method includes the following steps. An adjusted index is calculated for a customer based on an amount of money the customer spent across merchants during a time period. The adjusted index is compared to a cut-off value. The customer is classified based on the comparison of the adjusted index to the cut-off value. In an embodiment, the method also includes re-classifying the customer based on at least one of (i) information about the merchants, or (ii) a number of transactions in a predetermined industry.

Abstract: An aiming pattern assembly (60) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) including: a light source assembly (62) generating focused light; a pattern shaping assembly (66) receiving focused light from the light source assembly (62) and including a first area (66a) and a non-overlapping second area (66b), focused light passing through the first area (66a) creating a first aiming pattern (P1) projected toward a field of view (FV) and passing through the second area (66b) creating a second aiming pattern (P2) projected toward the field of view (FV); and a pattern selection assembly (68) receiving the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2) and passing at least one of the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2).

Abstract: An integrated circuit card includes a plurality of electrical contacts; and a memory to store information, the memory being allowed to communicate with a processor via the plurality of electrical contacts. One set of electrical contacts are allowed to be allocated by the processor to support an operation in at least one mode depending on a presence of a certain protocol mode detected by the processor. The integrated circuit card is operable in various modes including both contactless and high speed protocols, a contactless only without the high speed protocol and the high speed protocol only without the contactless protocol.

Abstract: An automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read data from user cards and to use the data read by the card reader in operation of the machine. Status messages are received from automated banking machines operating in a network. The messages are received by an event management system operating at least one computer in operative connection with a data store. The data store includes information representative of the banking machines in the network, status messages generated by the banking machines and actions to be taken including entities to be notified of conditions which cause status messages to be sent by the various banking machines.

Abstract: Mass-customized parts are identified by encoding part identification information into a multi-dimensional bar code, wherein mass-customization machinery, such as stereolithography apparatus, is used to make the parts with the multi-dimensional bar code embedded therein.

Abstract: An ATM with a currency dispenser includes both a magnetic stripe card reader and an RFID tag reader. A user card includes both magnetic stripe data and RFID tag data. The ATM can read both the magnetic stripe data and the RFID tag data from the user card. The magnetic stripe data and the RFID tag data have a predetermined relationship. The ATM can use the RFID tag data in conjunction with the magnetic stripe data to verify the card user as an authorized card user.

Abstract: A reading device for reading an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data. The reading device includes: a harness which is configured to tight fittingly receive at least a portion of a user's hand; a housing coupled to the harness, the housing including a void configured to tight fittingly receive therewithin a finger tip portion of a finger of the user's hand received within the harness, the housing including an aperture in a wall of the housing which is located, in use, adjacent the underside of the finger tip portion of the finger; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture; and a processor for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a universal affinity card for consolidating a plurality of other affinity cards into a single card and displays the appropriate card automatically as a function of, among others, the location of use. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for providing a universal affinity card. The method includes: providing an affinity card having a memory, a display and a user interface; storing a plurality of bar codes in the memory; associating each of the plurality of bar codes with a respective provider; identifying the provider; and displaying the bar code associated with the identified provider on the display; wherein the step of storing a plurality of bar codes in the memory includes wirelessly receiving information defining the plurality of bar codes from a remote computer.

Abstract: Machine-readable coded data disposed on or in a substrate in accordance with a layout, and method of generating such coded data, The layout has six-fold rotational symmetry and includes 6 identical sub-layouts rotated ? revolutions apart about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout. The coded data is disposed in accordance with each sub-layout including rotation-indicating data that distinguishes the rotation of that sub-layout from the rotation of at least one other sub-layout within the layout.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting the most cost-efficient payment provider to pay for communication services. A calling electronic device communicates alternative payment provider data to a network via a communications link. The network examines costs charged by a plurality of alternative payment providers indicated by the alternative payment provider data. The network determines and contacts the most cost-efficient payment provider to determine if the contacted payment provider will accept responsibility for paying for at least a portion of the communication services.

Abstract: The invention provides an identification device and method. The device includes a pattern adapted and configured to be read optically by a reader to obtain information. The pattern is formed at least in part by electrically conductive material. The device also includes a resonant circuit configured to resonate at a resonant frequency, the resonant circuit formed at least in part from the electrically conductive material of the pattern. The device may include a plurality of conductive members and may be adapted and configured to be read optically by a bar code reader. The plurality of parallel conductive members may be formed in a serpentine pattern or a continuous winding pattern, among others. The resonant circuit may also be configured to act as a dipole. Each of the conductive members may be connected by a straight conductor at an end of each of the conductive members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology.

Abstract: The present invention includes a merchant system that recognizes virtually any payment device or technology that uses electronic check processing as a payment mechanism. For example, the merchant system associates presentation of the payment device with information used to electronically debit a checking account, such as MICR data, and submits the same to a transaction processor capable of settling electronic debit transactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring money or value, using a wide range of interfaces to initiate a transfer and a wide range of options for receiving the transfer, including receiving the transferred sum directly to the communication device/account of the receiver. The receiver can use the transferred sum as an airtime credit, to obtain cash or to pay for other goods or services.

Abstract: A barcode reader having a light source illuminating a barcode, a diffuser disposed between the light source and the barcode, a camera opening at least partially surrounded by the diffuser, light reflected from the barcode passing through the camera opening and a camera oriented to acquire light reflected from the barcode after passing through the diffuser from the light source.

Abstract: A system renders a barcode on a graphical user interface by displaying content within a graphical user interface. The content includes a barcode representing at least a portion of the displayed content. The system detects a change associated with the content displayed within the graphical user interface. In response to the change associated with the content, the system automatically generates a barcode incorporating the change, and automatically updates and displays the barcode on the graphical user interface in association with the content. The barcode reflects the detected change.

Abstract: A system and method that includes the use of a bank checking account that can be connected to insurance coverage. In particular, a banking consumer can purchase insurance coverage for unexpected events that may affect the historical deposits and withdrawals relating to the checking accounts. Additionally, insurance coverage other than that of the checking account itself can be included, such as life insurance, so long as the account remains active. Accordingly, the present invention can integrate the negative insurance sell into a positive banking experience.