Abstract: This disclosure describes barcode scanning techniques for an image capture device. The image capture device may automatically detect a barcode within an image while the image capture device is operating in a non-barcode image capture mode, such a default image capture mode. In one aspect, the detection of the barcode within the image may be based on a combination of identified edges and low intensity regions within the image. The image capture device may configure, based on the detection of the barcode, one or more image capture properties associated with the image capture device to improve a quality at which the images are captured. The image capture device captures the image in accordance with the configured image capture properties. The techniques may effectively provide a universal and integrated front-end for producing improved quality images of barcodes without requiring significant interaction with a user via a complicated user interface.

Abstract: A test swipe for testing drugs, explosives or a chemical compound includes a base; and one or more swipe pads positioned on the base to receive one or more chemicals thereon, the one or more swipe pads displaying an array of colors after receiving the chemicals to uniquely identify a chemical compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of authenticating and/or identifying an article containing a chemical marking agent, which is substantially inseparably enclosed in a marker as a carrier and contains selected chemical elements and/or compounds in the form of marker elements, in concentrations based on a predetermined encryption code, which method comprises the steps of: i) qualitatively and/or quantitatively identifying the marker elements of the chemical marking agent, and ii) comparing the values identified in step (i) with the predetermined encryption code.

Abstract: A hybrid card is described. The hybrid card includes an organic substrate, a first layer of a substantially organic backer that is securely affixed to a first side of the substrate, a second layer of a substantially organic backer that is securely affixed to an opposite side of the substrate, a first layer of thin-film overlay that is attached to the first layer of backer, a second layer of thin-film overlay that is attached to the second layer of backer. Manufacturing methods for the various embodiments of the hybrid card are also described.

Abstract: A machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transfers responsive to data included on data bearing records including user cards. The machine includes a user interface (15) including a display (24). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of user and a user's financial accounts. Records of the financial transfers are provided by a printer (30). A touch screen display module (608) is operative to securely receive manual inputs and/or card data. The touch screen display module includes a contact surface that can be electronically contoured to provide outputs that can be perceived through finger contact with the contact surface.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The card reader is operative to read and return card information read from the user card responsive. The automated banking machine further includes a sheet detector that is operative to detect at least one property usable to distinguish between the presence or absence of a sheet and/or determine a property of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to read a bar code or other optical code using a laser device and an image capture device. Using both devices improves the probability that a bar code is read on the first pass while still allowing a high pass by speed. In addition, using both devices improves the probability of reading a damaged or partially obscured bar code.

Abstract: A data acquisition device includes a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication of data with a data accumulation device in which data is accumulated, a type registration unit wherein data types of necessary data are registered beforehand, a type comparison unit for comparing the data type of data received via the wireless communication unit with data types registered in the type registration unit, a data extracting unit for extracting only data of which the data type matches, and a data holding unit for holding the extracted data.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device for detecting marks with defined contrast patterns includes a transmitter to emit polarized light beams, a receiver to receive light beams and having an output to produce receiving signals representing the received light beams, and a an evaluation unit to which the receiving signals are fed and in which the contrast pattern of a mark is detected with the aid of the receiving signals present at the receiver output. A thin-film polarization filter is arranged in front of the receiver to filter out a share of the received light beams specular reflected back by the mark.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for obtaining a parameter relating to a stent inventory shortage or to a specific patient and for configuring a stent in response. For example, the response may involve configuring a stent with a flow occlusion portion in response to the obtained parameter relating to the stent inventory shortage, configuring a stent with a flow occlusion portion in response to receiving the parameter relating to the specific patient, or specializing one or more stents in response to obtaining the parameter relating to the stent inventory shortage.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is communicatively coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that is resistant to bending stress and has a structure in which an antenna circuit, an electric double layer capacitor for storing electricity, and the like are formed over a signal processing circuit that is provided over a substrate and has a charging circuit. The signal processing circuit having the charging circuit is provided over a substrate, and the antenna circuit and the electric double layer capacitor are provided over the signal processing circuit. The antenna circuit is electrically connected to the signal processing circuit, and the electric double layer capacitor is electrically connected to the charging circuit. With such a structure, a wiring for connecting the charging circuit and the electric double layer capacitor can be made short. Accordingly, a semiconductor device that is resistant to bending stress can be provided.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable of communicating information to a magnetic stripe reader. Information used in validating a financial transaction is encrypted based on time such that a validating server requires receipt of the appropriate encrypted information for a period of time to validate a transaction for that period of time. Such dynamic information may be communicated using such an emulator such that a card may be swiped through a magnetic stripe reader—yet communicate different information based on time. An emulator may receive information as well as communicate information to a variety of receivers (e.g., an RFID receiver).

Abstract: In one implementation, a method for providing access to a secure facility includes authenticating the user; generating a card credential, transmitting the card credential to an access card carried by of the user, and transmitting the card key to the access card in a form that is usable by the access card. The generating the card credential includes encrypting the card key using a server encryption key. The card key is usable for a challenge-response interaction during subsequent access requests by the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and determine a feature of a target object 230 not having a bar code affixed thereto. The bar code reader includes a housing including one or more transparent windows H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. A camera C1-C6 has an image capture sensor array positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. If the target object has no bar code, the image processing system determines a feature such as a dimension of the target object from images captured by the imaging system.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. Users of the machine may deliver and receive records including individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine, such as notes, checks, or other documents. Notes assessed by the machine as being of questionable validity can be marked with a removable mark or otherwise identified.

Abstract: A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a transmission/received signal, a matching inductance element and a planar electrode which are provided on the surface of a feeder circuit board formed by a flexible dielectric, and a loop-shaped radiation plate provided on the undersurface of the feeder circuit board. Both ends of the radiation plate are coupled to a resonance circuit including an inductance element by electromagnetic field coupling. The wireless IC chip is operated using a signal received by the radiation plate. A response signal transmitted from the wireless IC chip is externally transmitted from the radiation plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has a plurality of operating characteristics where each operating characteristic can have a plurality of different states wherein a recipe includes a specific set of states of at least first and second characteristics, the method for switching between recipes and comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader, determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing from a current recipe to a next recipe when the circumstance set occurs.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for monitoring an exit window of a scanner using a plurality of imaging devices. The method includes capturing a first image through the exit window using a first imaging device, capturing a second image through the exit window using a second different imaging device, and detecting at least one of a plurality of features in both the first and second images. The method further includes matching the plurality of features detected in both the first and the second images, determining whether the at least one matched feature is present on the plane of the exit window, and monitoring a physical condition of the exit window based on the at least one feature.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for tracking a plurality of marine riser assets is provided. Part of a riser lifecycle monitoring system, the apparatus can include an oil and gas riser spider to connect a plurality of riser pipe sections during assembly of a riser pipe string. The riser spider forms an annulus around a first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections and supports the first section of the plurality of riser pipe sections during connection to a second section. The apparatus can also include an antenna to read a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, e.g., directional 125 kHz RFID tags, attached to outsides of the plurality of riser pipe sections. The antenna can include an oblong loop attached to and substantially spanning about half of an internal surface of the riser spider so that the antenna follows the contour of the riser spider.