Abstract: A card read/write apparatus for reading or writing information from or into an IC memory region of a card comprises a card carriage formed with an IC exposure opening through which the IC memory region of the card is exposed when the card is placed on the card carriage, and a contact device having contact pins that is protruded into or retracted from the IC exposure aperture while being maintained to be in parallel with the IC memory region of the card so as to contact with or move away from the IC memory region of the card which is exposed from the IC exposure aperture.

Abstract: A SIM contact position tester (100) for verifying the position of SIM card contacts (c1-c8). A printed wiring board (102) is provided with traces (A-D) which correspond to the contacts (c1-c8) of the SIM card reader connector (101) and are configured to mate with the contacts of the SIM card reader connector (101) mounted within the radio telephone. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) (106) are coupled to the traces (A-D). The light emitting diodes (106) are configured to provide an indication of the position of the contacts (c1-c8) when the PWB (102) is positioned within the radio telephone. In one embodiment, the LEDs (106) sequentially light up as the printed wiring board (106) is moved into position over the contacts (c1-c8) of the SIM card reader connector (101).

Abstract: The contact error of a contact section which is brought into contact with an IC card is detected reliably. The level of a reset signal which is supplied to a reset terminal (RST) of an integrated circuit (21) mounted on an IC card (20) through a contact section (11) is controlled to be low and also, the level of a clock signal which is supplied to a clock terminal (CLK) of the integrated circuit through the contact section is controlled to be low. After that, power for the integrated circuit (21) is supplied to a power supply terminal (Vcc) of the integrated circuit (21) through the contact section (11). At that time, the voltage which is outputted from an I/O terminal (I/O) of the integrated circuit (21) through the contact section (11) is compared with a predetermined reference level by a comparator (16). When the voltage is lower than the predetermined reference level, it is judged to be contact error of the contact section.

Abstract: A combination range optical scanner includes a short distance laser and a long distance laser. A scan mirror is oscillated by a motor and scans a beam from one of the two lasers across a field of view. A controller turns the two lasers on and off such that both a short distance scan and a long distance scan are automatically performed. The rate at which the controller turns the lasers on and off may be synchronized with the oscillation rate of the scan mirror. A collection mirror may include two facets, integrally formed therewith, where the two lasers are respectively directed toward the two facets.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electronic data access and retrieval system comprising at least first and second smart cards, a first card being encoded with digital data fields representative of predetermined information and a second card including authorization codes for enabling access to and authorized retrieval of selected information from digital data fields of the first card, and includes computer means including display means for displaying the access data. A method is also disclosed of operating an electronic secured access verification display system for displaying an indication of permissible and non-permissible access to a facility of authorized personnel and for verifying the identity of such personnel by providing IDENTITY SMART CARDS, one for each authorized person, and an ACCESS SMART CARD to each authorized operator of the system.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanner for producing a high-resolution raster-type 2-D laser scanning pattern within a 3-D scanning volume. The scanner comprises a housing, holographic laser scanning mechanism disposed within the housing for producing a high-resolution raster-type 2-D scanning pattern within a 3-D scanning volume. The holographic laser scanning mechanism includes a laser beam source for producing a laser beam, and a holographic scanning disc rotatable about an axis of rotation and supporting a plurality of holographic optical elements. The laser beam is directed towards the holographic laser scanning disc at an angle of incidence so that the laser beam is diffracted by the holographic optical elements and produce a raster-type 2-D laser scanning pattern for scanning code symbols within the 3-D scanning volume.

Abstract: A method of reading a pattern including steps of heating or irradiating with infrared light a substrate on which a transparent pattern is formed, the pattern containing a material capable of absorbing infrared light of specific wavelength such as polyacrylonitrile, and detecting infrared light which is radiated or reflected from the pattern.

Abstract: An automated florist system, including an associated cooler (20, FIG. 1) and order taking control unit (22, FIG. 2) for automated vending and order placements specifically for flowers and gift items. The system, with the control unit being pre-programmed using appropriate logic (FIG. 3), allows a walk-up or drive-up customer to select from a variety of pre-made flower arrangements from discrete cells equipped with the necessary refrigeration for immediate purchase, or, alternatively, a selection may be made, and information entered, for remote delivery at a specified time and place (note displayed "order form" of FIG. 5). Further, the operating, host florist of the vending system can remotely monitor and conduct all business with the vending machine from the operating florist's shop (FIG. 4), with the sole exception of stocking the machine with items for immediate purchase; while the sending of an order to an affiliated florist for a distant delivery is fully automated; see FIG. 6.

Abstract: A client computer with a scanner capable of scanning objects for a code. The client computer scans the object of interest and translates the code into a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that specifies both a server computer and the location within the server of information that is relevant to the object. The client computer transmits the URL to the server computer, receives the information related to the object from the server computer, and communicates the information to the customer.

Abstract: A system for expanding the operation and play of gaming devices such as slot machines is disclosed. It employs an enhanced gaming device including an audio and a video channel between the gaming device and a central location manned by one or more concierges who can communicate with the player, answer questions, make reservations and, in general, attend to the requests of the player. Selected video displays under the control of the concierge are substituted for the normal video display such as a pay table at the gaming device. Communication is initiated by the player by lifting a handset, operating a call button or by inserting a club card into a card slot. Any of these actions will place the call in a queue for answering. If a club card was inserted, player data is displayed before a concierge and the player views an image of the concierge. Player requests may then be addressed. Other calls are likewise addressed. Machine malfunction, jackpot win and coin in/coin out data also trigger concierge response.

Abstract: The present invention includes an alignment pad set in front of a plurality of charge couple devices. The alignment pad includes a plurality of alignment patterns formed on the pad. The signals detected by the CCDs are respectively fed to a multi-processor. The multi-processor is used to determine which CCD's signal can be fed into next element. A correlated double sampling (CDS) is used to respond the detected signal and adjust dc gain of the detected signal, therefore generating adjusted image signal. A 3 to 1 R, G, B multiprocessor is connected to the CDS. An analogue to digital converter is respond the 3 to 1 R, G, B multiprocessor to convert adjusted image signal to a digital signal. Then, the image data is fed into an application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) to generate a plurality of collation datas.

Abstract: A card reading device for receiving and/or passing on information provided by or for a card. The card reading device has a compartment that makes it possible for the card to be pushed into the card reading device. The card reading device described is distinguished by a resiliently held locking element which, in an initial position, protrudes into the compartment and is configured in such a way that the card can make contact with a first region or a second region of the locking element when it is pushed into the compartment. In particular, the entry of the card is dependent on its orientation when it is pushed into the card reading device. When the card runs onto the first region, the locking element can be pushed away by the card, allowing the entry of the card into the compartment. When the card runs onto the second region of the locking element, the latter keeps the compartment blocked and thereby prevents the continued entry of the card into the compartment.

Abstract: An object is to provide a system for issuing and utilizing a ticket with which a passenger, using an IC card, can purchase a ticket and pass through a ticket gate, the structure being a non-contact terminal memories the non-contact signal transmitted from a ticket-selling machine and involving the permitted-section information corresponding to the section the passenger is aboard the train, and exchanges the permitted section information between the non-contact terminal and the ticket gate.

Abstract: A reading frame for an apparatus for reading smart cards, comprising a body supporting brush contact elements for electrically contacting the conductive pads of a chip on a card inserted in the frame. The frame comprises an electric circuit connected to at least some of the brush contact elements and connectable to the electronic circuit of the card reader. The electronic circuit on the connector comprises an arrangement for controlling the insertion of the card in the card reader and its withdrawal therefrom, and the reading frame comprises an additional brush contact or cut-off sensing which is offset in relation to the primary brush contacts in the direction in which the card is inserted, and electrically contacts one of the conductive pads of the smart card whether or not the card has a primary contact.

Abstract: An IC card having therein an IC including a processor and a memory is issued to a consumer. The consumer himself registers personal information onto the card. The card in which the personal information has been registered is set into a terminal device of a service providing system and receives an automatic presentation of the service. Upon registration, the consumer sets a disclosure flag with respect to only the information to be disclosed, thereby providing the personal information only when the disclosure flag has been set in response to a request of the personal information from the service providing system. When the disclosure flag has been reset, the consumer doesn't provide the personal information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor which is adapted for reprogramming the reader and for other interactions with the reader. In one aspect of the invention the host processor may be configured to read a parameter table stored in a memory space of the reader, execute commands to edit the parameter table and write the edited parameter table back to the reader memory space, or to another location such as to a bulk storage device for use in reprogramming additional readers. In another aspect of the invention, the host processor may be in communication with a host memory space that stores a plurality of candidate parameter tables, and may be configured to read and edit the candidate parameter tables from the host memory space.

Abstract: A system is for detecting the passage of multiple sheets along a feed path. The system includes a sensing station (12) through which the feed path passes and which has a light emitter (48) and an optical sensor (50) arranged to sense light transmitted from the light emitter through an item comprising a single or multiple sheet present at the sensing station. The optical sensor (50) provides a voltage output whose magnitude is dependent on the intensity of the transmitted light received by the optical sensor. This output is applied to the first input (58) of a log ratio amplifier (60). A voltage representative of the output of the optical sensor when no item is present at the sensing station (10) is applied to the second input of the amplifier (64). The output of the amplifier (60) is applied to data processing means (52) which then determines whether a single or multiple item is present at the sensing station.

Abstract: A system for automatically associating user-generated data to images, the system comprises a card reading device which receives and recognizes the user-generated data entered directly from manipulation of the terminal by a user. A camera captures an image and receives the data from the card reader device for associating a captured image and the data for forming a labeled image.

Abstract: A self service terminal (10) has a central processing unit (CPU) (12) connected to a keyboard (20) on which images can be displayed. The keyboard comprises a plurality of separate, individually operable keys whose user engagable surfaces are arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each key incorporates a liquid crystal display (LCD) (24) where the image displayed by each LCD is changeable and under the control of the CPU. The keyboard is used to display text, characters or other images to the user of the self service terminal. Thus, no separate display is required. The keyboard serves also as a data entry device.

Abstract: A cradle for holding a wireless terminal. The cradle includes a lower spring-loaded leveling tray and an upper bracket including two spaced-apart retainers that allow one-handed access to the wireless terminal using an ergonomically safe push-down-and-tilt motion. Easy removal is enhanced by using an optical infrared (IRDA) coupling between the cradle and the wireless terminal. The IRDA coupling allows an optional articulating keyboard to communicate with the wireless terminal when the wireless terminal is in the cradle. A battery charging terminal in the leveling tray charges the battery in the wireless terminal. The leveling tray is automatically locked when the wireless terminal is installed in the cradle When the wireless terminal is in the cradle, a solenoid may be activated to open the lock.