Abstract: An inputting device for a refrigerator, comprises: a display having one or more button regions; and an optical sensor for sensing the button region selected by a user according to whether optical signals have been shielded; and a controller for receiving a signal indicating the sensed state from the optical sensor thereby controlling an operation of a refrigerator. Since the optical sensor for sensing the button region selected by a user is provided, an operation error is reduced. Furthermore, since the optical sensor has a low cost, a fabrication cost is reduced.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods are disclosed for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. A dynamic discount card is disclosed according to an aspect of the present invention. The dynamic discount card comprises an information access component for receiving information and a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting transaction anomalies and information reflecting potential fraudulent activities is disclosed. Data is collected from transactions carried out in a number of business applications such as computer systems, telecommunication systems and security systems. This transaction data is normalized to generate transaction data having consistent format for analysis and/or comparison. User profiles are generated by sorting the normalized data by user and identifying particular user characteristics from the sorted data. Each user profile therefore reflects the behavior of the user as it relates to the business applications. The user profiles and/or predetermined rules are then used to detect anomalies in incoming transactions.

Abstract: A system and method to allow users to purchase software applications for point of sale (POS) terminals from an application server via a network (e.g., the Internet) utilizing the POS terminal itself. One or more menus providing portals to available applications and their respective demonstration applications are provided to users on POS terminals. The demonstration applications may be directly downloaded from the application server onto the POS terminals. In addition, the user is able to purchase the application via the POS terminal either before or after the user has viewed/downloaded the demonstration application. After purchase, the application may be downloaded directly from the application server onto the POS terminal.

Abstract: A method and a device transport multiple items, in particular mail items, to predefined destination points. The respective destination point and a value of a predefined feature of each item are measured and stored. The item is transported together with other items in a transport device to an intermediate point. The transport device is furnished with a label which has a machine-readable identification. The identification is read. The transport device in which an item was transported is determined by the measure. After transportation to the intermediate point a value of the feature is measured afresh. In order to find a stored data record, a restriction is implemented on the search space to the data records of those items which were transported in the same transport device.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for protecting an integrated circuit against an extraction of data read from at least one memory, comprising the steps of comparing each data word to be output from the integrated circuit with at least one value stored in this circuit, and generating an error signal in case of an identity between the value and the data waiting to be output.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read form data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine is operative to receive a screen message from a host banking system. The screen message may include data indicating the presence of speech data in the screen message.

Abstract: System and methods for transaction processing using a rewards account are described. The method may include: receiving a transaction containing a transaction type, formatting a message based on the transaction type and sending the message. The method may alternately include, receiving a transaction message and processing a transaction based on a transaction type contained within the transaction message. The system may include one or more software modules performing the following functions: receiving module to receive transactions, transaction processing module to parse the transaction and determine a transaction type, message processing module to format a transaction message based on the transaction type, and a user interface module to provide a user interface to a customer.

Abstract: An imaging module is supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia. The imaging module includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading. A laser scanning module is also supported by the housing and includes a scanner for scanning at least one of a laser beam from a laser and a field of view of a light detector in a scan pattern across the indicia during reading. A controller is operatively connected to the modules, and is operative for preventing reading interference between the modules during reading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a window for an optical scanning device comprising a panel having a pair of oppositely directed light transmitting surfaces. A PTC heater wire preferably of a diameter less than the width of the smallest permissible indicia of a barcode is used to regulate the temperature of the panel. A conductive layer comprising carbon nanotubes is also provided for regulating the temperature of the device window. A window intrinsically comprising carbon nanotubes is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a reactive bar-code element which is unreadable prior to irradiation and readable after irradiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactless transactions is disclosed. In one embodiment, a transaction fob assembly includes a standardized fob core and an outer shell adapted to secure the core within the outer shell. Various embodiments provide for the fob core to include circuitry, an antenna, a battery, a switch and a LED.

Abstract: A substrate having a position-coding pattern disposed on its surface thereof. The position-coding pattern has a plurality of target elements defining a target grid. The target grid includes a plurality of cells and each cell has a target element positioned at its corners so that neighboring cells share target elements. A plurality of tags are contained with the position-coding pattern, each tag being defined by a plurality of contiguous cells. Each tag contains respective location data encoded by a respective set of data elements.

Abstract: A cash dispensing automated banking machine, such as an ATM, has leveling legs. The legs are also used to fasten the ATM to a shipping pallet. Each leg has a support foot and an opposite free end. The free end is inserted through an opening in an intermediate shipping plate. With the shipping plate situated between the foot and the ATM underside, the free end is screwed into an underside opening. The leg is rotated until the plate is raised to be secure against the underside. The plate is then set on the pallet and fastened thereto by lag screws. The pallet includes horizontally adjustable stabilizing feet at sides thereof. The pallet feet can be extended outward to decrease the ability of a supported ATM to tip over. When not needed, such as during pallet storage, the feet can be retracted inward to reduce pallet size.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are shown for providing information on a pill. A patient specific delivery apparatus for medicine using information on a pill or pills is shown as well, and a database with patient specific information may be provided, resulting in an individualized pharmacopoeia for a patient. A dispenser and a method for dispensing pills are provided and may generate audible messages. The dispenser may be constructed with a protective barrier to maintain shelf-life and integrity of the pills.

Abstract: A system for managing the production of retail tickets in accordance with a ticket order includes a ticketing services bureau that receives the ticket order and a print center that prints tickets in accordance with the ticket order. The system additionally includes a client connected to the ticketing services bureau via the internet. As part of an interactive ticket proofing process prior to the execution of the ticket order, the client electronically retrieves an on-screen proof and, if necessary, dynamically modifies the on-screen proof in real time. As one feature of the invention, the ticketing services bureau converts size information in the ticket order into a corresponding color element in the on-screen proof. As another feature of the invention, the client can optionally receive a physical ticket sample prior to execution of the ticket order, the ticket sample being generated by a digital press using the tentatively approved on-screen proof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monetary cards are described. The cards are free from personally identifiable data, e.g., no name or embossment. In an example, the card includes a first number that activates the card and a second number written to the card at activation away from the card manufacturer. This helps prevent theft at the manufacturer. This second account is a bearer account where anyone who knows the account number can withdraw the funds from the account. The account may be funded with either the account number or the authentication number.

Abstract: A portable, biometrically-secured device for facilitating various different types of in-person and online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to safely perform in-person financial transactions, such as credit card transactions, in which the user's identity is biometrically authenticated. The portable, biometrically-secured device can also be used for performing biometrically-secured online transactions. For example, the portable, biometrically-secured device can be used to create a secure platform from which to make the online transactions by loading a secure operating system from the device to a host computer's volatile memory. Biometrically-secured online transactions can then be performed using the host computer. In one embodiment, the portable, biometrically-secured device facilitates online financial transactions that can be performed without transmitting a user's financial information to the online merchant.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which can accept checks and dispense cash. Cash can be dispensed to an authorized user in exchange for one or more checks received from the user during a transaction session. Following closure of the transaction session, the ATM analyzes image and magnetic data from a received check to determine an analyzed check value. The ATM then determines whether the analyzed check value corresponds to a check value inputted by the user. With corresponding values, the user account is credited with the check value. Without corresponding values, the user account balance is adjusted accordingly and the user is notified of the discrepancy.