Abstract: An arrangement for and a method of collecting and displaying information in real time along a line of sight from a human operator to remote targets located at variable distances therefrom and identifiable by machine-readable indicia. A two-dimensional image is automatically projected along the line of sight on the target alongside the indicia while maintaining the image size relatively constant over an extended range of working distances.

Abstract: An automatic identification system and method are provided which employ a machine readable multiple layer label. The label has a plurality of machine readable marking layers stacked one upon another. Each of the marking layers encodes an identification symbol detectable using one or more sensing technologies. The various marking layers may comprise the same marking material or each marking layer may comprise a different medium having characteristics detectable by a different sensing technology. These sensing technologies include x-ray, radar, capacitance, thermal, magnetic and ultrasonic. A complete symbol may be encoded within each marking layer or a symbol may be segmented into fragments which are then divided within a single marking layer or encoded across multiple marking layers.

Abstract: A card verification system in which a card identification code is registered. A read unit reads the card identification code from the card. A verification apparatus verifies the card only when an existing place of the read unit belongs to an area corresponding to the card identification code. The card is a card used for settlement, and is used when the card identification code is read by the read unit. The use place of the card is coincident with the existing place of the read unit. By adding the use place of the card to a verification condition of the card, unjust use of the card can be prevented.

Abstract: An issuer distributes to its customers a premium to attract and retain consumers. The premium comprises a checkbook having a number of partially pre-printed checks from a number of merchants. The checks are redeemable at the merchants for a predetermined amount of money towards a purchase. The consumer fills out certain information when presenting the check so that the transaction appears to be performed using a check as the method of payment while the consumer is still able to receive the financial benefit often accompanying the use of coupons. The remaining transaction amount is made using conventional payment methods.

Abstract: A method of forming symbols, characters, and other images from a light polarizing material including machine readable indicia enabling automated identification of articles is disclosed. A light polarizing material is applied over a reflective layer in a machine readable pattern. The material may be an image imprinted on a label with a light polarizing material on a substrate such as a transparent oriented film. In one aspect, a mail processing system includes a computer including a database of destination codes corresponding to a plurality of mail pieces for delivery to at least some of the destination codes. A media applicator utilizes the database for generating and applying a light polarizing material to a label or article to form a machine readable indicia, including the destination code for each of the plurality of mail pieces. A mail sorting system utilizing the label includes a camera with polarized lenses for filtering light reflected from indicia formed from a light polarizing material on the label.

Abstract: An optical branching unit is formed of a plurality of interconnected optical interleavers for separating input optical signals into separate components for output on separate branches and for combining separated component optical signals with other input optical signals for output on common branches.

Abstract: The invention concerns a computer system enabling collaborative document markup. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms which support interaction with a computer system or network. Each form is printed on sheet material such as paper and includes printed data readable by the user and coded data which allows interaction with the computer system via a sensing device operated by a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically reading information is disclosed. The apparatus includes a photosensor, and a reading system capable of generating a decoded signal regardless of the orientation of the optical indicia relative to the photosensor. The method includes steps of positioning an optical reader containing a photosensor, imaging an information area onto the photosensor without requiring prior angular movement of the reader, and generating a digital representation of content imaged from the information area onto the photosensor for any angular relationship between orthogonal axes of the information area and the pixel axes of the photosensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlled conveying of products (2), such as drinks cans or bottles from an intake (3) at a first height level to an outlet (5) at a second height level. The device comprises a substantially vertical conveyor duct (4), which is arranged to contain a plurality of axially stacked products (2) and which forms a transport path from the intake (3) to the outlet (5), a sensor device arranged to provide a signal expressing that a product has been removed from the outlet (5) conveyor devices, arranged to perform a repeatable convey cycle for controlled conveying of a product to the outlet, and a control device, arranged to implement the convey cycle on the basis of the said signal. In a preferred embodiment the conveyor device' comprises a seat (6) which protrudes through a gap extending in the conveyor duct's longitudinal direction, and which is controllably movable in the conveyor duct's longitudinal direction, and in addition a blocking device (7).

Abstract: A queue monitoring system is disclosed. A detection system (10) provides at least one coverage zone (15) covering at least a part of a queuing area (30). A handset (12) is issued to a user, the detection system (10) being arranged to detect the handset (12) when it is within the coverage zone (15) and to record the user of the handset as being in the queue. Queue load is subsequently used to provide recommended itineraries to visitors via the handsets (12).

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: Systems and methods including one or more point-of-sale devices for effectuating value transfers. In particular implementations, various point-of-sale devices are in communication with various transaction systems. Thus, a transaction can be effectuated from one point-of-sale device to another utilizing one or more of the communicably coupled transaction systems. The transaction systems can include, but are not limited to, money transfer systems, fraud detection systems, check acceptance systems.

Abstract: A retail terminal and/or a method of operating a retail terminal having a first weight scale associated therewith includes the step of weighing an item by using the first weight scale. The method also includes the step of producing a first output signal dependent upon the weighing step. The first output signal includes a first weight signal and a first noise signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of estimating the first noise signal to produce an estimated first noise signal. Yet further, the method includes the step of subtracting the estimated first noise signal from the first output signal. A retail checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-purpose transaction system using a universal card is disclosed herein. The universal card is issued by a transaction card processing center (TCPC) and can be used for various purposes and to conduct a variety of transactions, such as retail transactions, financial transactions, security purposes, information purposes, civil purposes and for other purposes. The transactions may include purchases and payments. The universal card allows a consumer/cardholder to conduct various types of transactions using a single card that has a single, unique, arbitrary identification number. The transactions may include purchases and payments. All of the transactions for a given billing period (e.g. month) may be consolidated on a single billing statement. The consumer can make a single payment to the TCPC or may make individual payments directly to the vendors.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device in which the accuracy of the gap between its substrates can be improved includes a reflector formed in at least a part of each pixel area on a liquid-crystal-side surface of one of substrates disposed in opposition to each other with a liquid crystal interposed therebetween, the reflector serving to reflect light incident from the other substrate, an uneven portion formed on a reflection surface of the reflector, and columnar spacers formed on a liquid-crystal-side surface of the other substrate. Each of the columnar spacers is disposed with its vertex portion being opposed to a convex portion of the reflector.

Abstract: A system and method are useful for tracking an article at a plurality of stations. A smart tag is associated with each article to be tracked, e.g., by being attached to the article either directly or indirectly, e.g., to a container containing the article. The smart tag includes at least an electronic memory coupled to an antenna by which information from the memory may be transmitted and/or information may be received and stored in the memory. Smart tag control units and antenna at the stations communicate with the smart tags and communicate directly or indirectly with one or more processors that process the information.

Abstract: A multi-mode IC is provided for operating in a first mode such as an ISO mode in accordance with International Standards Organization 7816 (ISO 7816) protocol, and a second, non-ISO mode, such as a USB mode in accordance with Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol. The multi-mode IC is preferably in a smart card and includes a microprocessor and an external interface. The external interface comprises a voltage supply pad, a ground pad, a first set of pads for the first mode, and 2 second set of pads for the second mode. The first set of pads preferably include a reset pad, a clock pad and an input/output pad in accordance with the ISO 7816 protocol, and may also include a variable supply voltage pad in accordance with the ISO 7816 protocol. The IC further includes a mode configuration circuit for detecting a mode condition on one pad of the first set of pads, and configuring the IC in the ISO mode or the non-ISO mode depending on the result.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a memory card that includes a host connector conforming to a host connection standard protruding from a flexible housing. The flexible housing conforms to a form factor of a memory card standard, substantially similar to a credit card with an increased thickness to accommodate the host connector and allow a memory to fit within the housing. The host connector facilitates direct coupling of the memory card to a computing device without an adapter or reader. The memory card may include a smart card contact conforming to an ISO 7816 smart card standard that allows the memory card to be backward compatible with conventional smart card readers. Unlike conventional memory cards, the flexible memory card is compatible with smart card applications, and unlike conventional smart cards, the flexible memory card includes a powerful, internal memory.

Abstract: Means and a method for authenticating a photographic image (3) on an identification device (1), the identification device (1) being provided with: a photographic image of a person (3) and a microprocessor (8), the microprocessor (8) having: a) a processor (7), b) a memory (9) connected to the processor (7) and having stored authentication data, and c) interface means (5) connected to the processor (7) for communicating with an external device, wherein said photographic image (3) comprises steganographically hidden information, the content of which together with said authentication data allows authentication of said photographic image (3), the method having the following steps: a?) scanning the photographic image (3) and generating image data, b?) analyzing these image data in accordance with a predetermined image analysis procedure to derive said hidden information, and c?) carrying out the authentication of the photographic image (3) based on the hidden information and the authentication data.

Abstract: A wholesale and/or retail check out station system includes a biometric finger print reader and storage for reading and storing biometric data of employees having access to the cash registers of the check out stations in the system. Authorization to use a cash register in the system is programmed into the microprocessor in the system, limiting use of a cash register to authorized employees. Employees are identified by finger print using biometric technology. Limitations of use is extended to access to operate particular cash register(s); handling returned merchandise at a cash register; refunds on returned purchases require authorization of the manager and the cashier; cashing checks at a cash register, where the limitation includes only cashing of employer drawn payroll checks of employees; and, clearing errors made in tabulations at a cash register. Unauthorized persons attempting to gain access to cash registers to which they are not authorized serves to activate an alarm.