Abstract: The present invention is related to methods and systems for waste disposal. In one embodiment, a waste pickup apparatus comprises a network interface configured to communicate with a networked waste disposal unit associated with a first user, a data store containing user rules, processor executable instructions configured to read a user-specified waste pickup rule for a first user from the data store, determine if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied based at least in part on the status information, if the user-specified waste pickup rule is not satisfied, to again determine if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied when a predetermined period has elapsed, and if the user-specified waste pickup rule is satisfied, cause a waste pickup entity to pickup the waste, wherein the waste pickup entity is selected based at least in part on a preference of the first user stored in computer readable memory.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for detecting unauthorized or fraudulent use of stored-value instruments. A stored-value instrument can be any instrument (tangible or intangible) that may be associated with a debit account and/or may otherwise be presented for payment for goods and/or services, used to transfer money, etc. The systems and methods of the invention generally involve processing request activity through a predetermined rule set to ascertain whether the activity is potentially unauthorized or fraudulent. The systems and methods of the invention allow for real-time monitoring of request activity for potentially unauthorized or fraudulent use of stored-value instruments.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag system includes a coupler/controller subsystem and a memory. The coupler/controller subsystem wirelessly receives and transmits at least one user signal and at least one master signal. The memory is electrically coupled to the coupler/controller subsystem. The memory includes a user portion for storing information contained in the at least one user signal and a master portion for storing information contained in the at least one master signal, and the master portion of the memory is unalterable by a user.

Abstract: An optical scanner having a balanced mirrored spinner. The optical scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for directing the laser beam to produce scanning light beams, and an apparatus for rotating the mirrored spinner including a motor having a shaft which rotates about a first axis of rotation, a spinner mount coupled to the shaft and having an axle coupled to the mirrored spinner for rotating the mirrored spinner about a second axis of rotation, a drive mechanism for rotating the mirrored spinner about the axle, and a balance for counteracting precession of the mirrored spinner as it rotates.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are accurately marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates. A skew correction mechanism ensures accurate marking.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are precisely marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates by conducting an alignment scan prior to printing that collects data to compensate for ballot rotation angles due to skewing. The ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his or her selections have been marked.

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: A bar code reader includes a first circuit board on which a photodiode, which receives light reflected from a bar code, is installed and a second circuit board on which a processing unit that processes a signal output from the photodiode. The position at which the first circuit board is placed can be decided irrespective of the position at which the second circuit board is placed. The first circuit board is placed at a position that is most suitable for receiving light reflected from the bar code.

Abstract: An RFID weight-based security method with container compensation which compares total weights. The security method includes receiving item identification information from RFID labels affixed to items in a container, obtaining a reference container weight, obtaining reference item weights using the item identification information, obtaining a combined weight of the items and the container from a scale, comparing the combined weight with the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights, and processing payment for the items if the combined weight is within a predetermined threshold of the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights.

Abstract: A dual mode smart card controller is provided. In one embodiment, a USB and ISO7816 smart card controller is provided that determines the type of card that is inserted into a slot. If the smart card is a USB smart card, the controller is adapted to pass control of the smart card to an external PC host USB hub circuit. If the smart card is an ISO7816 card, then control is handled by the dual mode controller. In another embodiment, the controller includes an embedded USB hub circuit to permit the controller to directly control both USB and ISO7816 smart cards. Exemplary control sequencing includes monitoring a C4 signal line for a preselected time period, or generating an enable signal if a USB smart card is detected.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a plurality of mail units during transfer from a source location to a destination. One embodiment is a method comprising associating information identifying the plurality of mail units with a radio frequency (RF) tag that identifies a carrier unit. The method further comprises storing said associated information in at least one of the RF tag and a computer memory. The method further comprises communicating with the RF tag to identify the location of the carrier unit. The method further comprises identifying the location of at least one of the plurality of mail units based at least in part on the location of the carrier unit. Another embodiment is a system configured to perform an embodiment of the method.

Abstract: An ATM currency cassette is adjustable to hold currency of different heights. An assembly is removably connected to the inside of the cassette lid. With the lid in the closed position the currency is maintained in a proper position by the assembly. The assembly is adjustable to achieve different spacing arrangements. The cassette can hold a first sized currency with a first spacing arrangement and a second sized currency with a second spacing arrangement.

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: An electronic trash disposal unit comprises a control unit which scans and identifies disposed items to store them in an appropriate recycling bin. The unit is connectable to a communication network which updates a central database with the contents of each unit. The unit initiates a reorder instruction to suppliers.

Abstract: A wireless terminal (30) including a smart card application host (34), such as a contact smart card or the terminal MCU or a terminal security component, and including a terminal interface (32), and also including a smart card router (33) that enables RF communication with a contactless card reader (35) in for example a ticketing system (31), even though the smart card application host (34) does not contain a contactless interface. The smart card router (33) includes an RF antenna (33c), separate from and external to the smart card application host (34), and also a modulator/demodulator (33b), and also includes a card access module and router (33a) for routing communication traffic (Rin) arriving via the RF antenna (33c) to either the smart card application host (34) or to the terminal interface (32), based on information included in the arriving communication traffic (Rin).

Abstract: In a store, a method of using a processing unit for marking down a package having an associated package specific price and an associated special package specific price is provided. The method includes the steps of (a) in the processing unit, receiving identifying information regarding the package; (b) identifying a discount for the package; (c) applying the discount to establish both a reduced package specific price and a reduced special package specific price; and (d) printing at least one discount label by a printer associated with the processing unit, including printing on the label each of (1) a scannable discount bar code, (2) the reduced package specific price and (3) the reduced special package specific price.

Abstract: A security system controls access to a currency cassette. The system includes a database having images of individuals authorized to access the cassette. The system also includes a camera for capturing an image of an individual attempting to access the cassette. A processor determines whether the captured image corresponds to an authorized individual represented in the database. Access is granted based on a positive determination. The security system can be used so that only approved service personnel can gain immediate access to a currency cassette.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: Processing circuitry is integrated within a hardware security module (HSM) chip card. The processing circuitry is configured to operate in accordance with a set of program instructions stored in a memory integrated within the HSM chip card. The set of program instructions includes program instructions for implementing a public-key cryptography standard (PKCS). The PKCS includes processes for generating and storing a master key. The master key is to be stored in the memory integrated within the HSM chip card. Also, using the master key stored in the memory of the HSM chip card, the HSM chip card enables direct management control of standard chip cards.

Abstract: A price information presentation system that easily notifies a shopping customer that his/her buying price is lower than one when buying at another store to improve the satisfaction level of the customer. The system includes a price database of other stores, a buying information input section, an obtaining section of another store's price information that refers to the price database of other stores and obtains the selling price of the same article at another store as the article that the customer bought, a price difference calculating section that calculates a price difference between the selling prices of the article that the customer bought and the selling price at another store, and presentation sections that present the price difference calculated by the price difference calculating section to the customer.