Abstract: A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. The value of the gift card is determined from an issuer of the gift card. The value of the gift card is stored in a digital payment account in a storage device. The digital payment account stores values of gift cards from issuers. A financial transaction corresponding to the issuer of the gift card is performed on the digital payment account. The value of a first gift card from a first issuer of a first digital payment account is exchanged with the value of a second gift card from a second issuer of a second digital payment account.

Abstract: A luminous cup-shaped body includes a light-permissible cup (10), a power supply module (20) and a lighting unit (30). The light-permissible cup (10) has a base (11) and a ring body (12) extending from the base (11). The light-guiding structure (122) is formed on a surface of the ring body (12). The power supply module (20) is fixed on the base (11). The lighting unit (30) is correspondingly installed on the base (11) and electrically connected to the power supply module (20). Thereby, the light-permissible cup (10) can be completely equably lit up.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include an image sensor array, an optic system, an image buffer, and a plurality of pre-processing circuits implemented in hardware. The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array. The plurality of pre-processing circuits may collectively implement a plurality of different image processing functions. Each pre-processing circuit may be configured to receive as input an image frame from the image sensor array or an image data record from the image buffer. The image data record may be derived from the image frame. Each pre-processing circuit may also be configured to perform an image processing function with respect to the image frame or the image data record, thereby generating a new image data record. A decoder may use at least one image data record to decode the barcode.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for utilizing enhanced SIM cards with integrated SIM cards. An example SIM card may comprise an integrated SIM card that is smaller than the SIM card; with the SIM card comprising a plurality of punched cutouts adjacent to the integrated SIM card. The punched cutouts may be arranged such that the integrated SIM card can be detached from the SIM card. Each one of the punched cutouts may line up with at least one electrical contact of the integrated SIM card, and a width of each one of the punched cutouts may be set based on at least one dimension of the electrical contact of the integrated SIM card. The punched cutouts may be arranged based on a direction of insertion of the integrated SIM card. The SIM card may comprise engraved lines arranged based on the punched cutouts.

Abstract: A lighting device for a motor vehicle that includes one or more electronic circuits incorporating electronic components sensitive to an electrostatic discharge. The electronic components are protected by encouraging the controlled flow to ground of any electrostatic discharges. All portions of one or more electronic circuits can therefore be protected by preventing random electrostatic discharges liable to destroy or to degrade sensitive electronic components.

Abstract: An illuminating device that replaceably attaches to a lineman pliers used in a work area and selectively illuminates the work area of the lineman pliers. The lineman pliers include a pair of opposing handles, a pair of opposing jaws, and a pivot. The illuminating device includes a mounting assembly and an illuminating assembly. The mounting assembly replaceably receives the pair of opposing handles of the lineman pliers. The illuminating assembly is integrally attached to the mounting assembly and selectively illuminates the work area of the lineman pliers.

Abstract: A light includes a housing and a heat sink extending upward from a lower portion of the housing. The heat sink includes a central body that defines a central aperture, a plurality of interior fins extending into the central aperture, and a plurality of light support surfaces arranged around a perimeter of the central body. The light also includes a first plurality of LEDs coupled to the light support surfaces and arranged to emit light in a 360 degree pattern, a second plurality of LEDs are supported on top of the heat sink and arranged to emit light upward, a power input supported on the lower portion of the housing, a battery pack received in a battery port defined in the lower portion of the housing, and a control panel is supported on the lower portion of the housing to control operation of the LEDs.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a plurality of settlement apparatuses and a registration apparatus. The registration apparatus includes a scanner, a storage unit, a communication interface, and a processor. The processor controls the scanner, the storage unit and the communication interface to identify a commodity corresponding to a scanned code, generate the settlement information, and transmit the settlement information to a selected one of the plurality of settlement apparatuses. The selected one of the plurality of settlement apparatuses determines, with respect to itself, whether a settlement processing is currently being performed and whether a settlement processing was completed within a preceding predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A semiconductor device employs at least one of semiconductor chip groups. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip included in the semiconductor chip groups, and a package. The semiconductor chip includes an information recording region on which is recorded a first piece of identification information indicating to which group of the semiconductor chip groups the semiconductor chip belongs based on a first category. The information recording region includes a plurality of fuses selectively blown in accordance with the first piece of identification information. Indicated on the package is a second piece of identification information indicating to which group of the semiconductor chip groups the semiconductor chip belongs based on a second category. The first and second pieces of identification information are combined together to identify the semiconductor chip from among the semiconductor chip groups.

Abstract: A card reader may include a card insertion port; a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor; and a disturbing magnetic field generator, wherein the card may include a magnetic stripe, and magnetic data recorded in the magnetic stripe may be arranged in a moving direction of the card inserted through the card insertion port. The MR sensor may include a first resistor and a second resistor separated by a distance which is less than a bit interval of magnetic data, in a case that “0” data are recorded in the magnetic stripe, in the moving direction of the card.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing prescription medication from a medication-dispensing machine. In an embodiment, an identification of medication and patient information for an electronic prescription is received. A container of the identified medication is retrieved from a plurality of containers stocked within the machine. Each container comprises a first barcode. The first barcode is scanned, and a patient label is generated and applied to the retrieved container. An image of the retrieved container is captured and provided to a pharmacist over a network. After an approval is received over the network from the pharmacist, the retrieved container is released to a user.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a card reader that provides heat dissipation for high data transfer ICCs. The card reader includes a body having a press bar that physically contacts an upper surface of the ICC when fully inserted into the card reader. The press bar includes an aperture directly overlying and aligned with the card contacts of the card reader and the contact pads of the ICC when fully inserted. The aperture allows any heat generated by the ICC to radiate to a surrounding cooling medium, such as air.

Abstract: An RF system is provided that includes an RFID card and a reader-writer device. The RFID card includes a substrate, an RFIC element, an antenna coil, and a deformation sensor. The reader-writer device and the RFID card transmit and receive predetermined information between an antenna coil of the RFID card and an antenna coil of the reader-writer device through a magnetic field. The RFIC element transmits the first signal via the antenna coil when the deformation sensor does not detect bending deformation of the substrate, and the RFIC element transmits the second signal via the antenna coil when the deformation sensor detects the bending deformation of the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is an IC tag favorably applicable even to linen products. An IC tag 100 using a magnetic field type tag unit 110 in which an IC chip and a coil antenna to be electrically connected to the IC chip are embedded inside a hard resin material. The IC tag includes: a flexible film made of resin (a base film 121, a cover film 123, and a protective film 124); and an auxiliary antenna 122 formed on the film, wherein the magnetic field type tag unit 110 is fixed to the film by an adhesive 130 with elasticity at a position that enables communication by electromagnetic coupling between the coil antenna and the auxiliary antenna 122.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a fixture and method for a fixture (referred to as a Two Way Fixture) displaying and holding objects for sale at a retail store. The two way fixture includes a free-standing frame which is formed by a I-shaped base portion and a U-shaped upright portion. A pair of tempered hardboards are inserted in the middle of the U-shaped upright portion. The two way fixture has shelves and wire racks mounted to the sides of the U-Shaped upright portion. The shelves, I-shaped base portion, and wire racks create a volume allows for the two way fixture to hide or obscure a cash box, therefor storing components of a point-of-sale (POS) station while keeping the electronic components live and updated. The two way fixture can be configured to surround the pole and the cash box.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include barcode reading hardware, which may include an image sensor. The image sensor may capture an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reading hardware may also include a communication interface for output of decoded data to a remote computing system. The barcode reader may also include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include start-up instructions. The barcode reader may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to obtain firmware for operating the barcode reader from a remote configuration server, load the firmware to the volatile memory, and commence execution of the firmware to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes: a flexible, sheet-shaped substrate; an antenna pattern that is formed on the substrate; an IC chip that is mounted on the substrate and that is connected to the antenna pattern; an adhesive member that adheres the IC chip to the substrate; and a reinforcement member that covers the IC chip and the adhesive, and that is at a position such that a central portion of the reinforcement member is offset along a length direction of the substrate with respect to the IC chip and the adhesive member.

Abstract: Provided are a lighting system, a backlight unit and a 3D image display apparatus including the backlight unit. The backlight unit includes: a lighting system configured to selectively output collimated light and diverging light, a diffraction device, and a light guide plate configured to guide the collimated light and the diverging light from the lighting system to the diffraction device. An exit direction of the collimated light from the diffraction device depends on at least one of an angle of incidence of the collimated light and the wavelength of the collimated light.

Abstract: An optical module includes a transmitting member. The transmitting member is fixed to a cap member so as to cover a through-hole. On the assumption that the height of one point on a first surface in a state in which the transmitting member is detached from the cap member is zero and the direction toward the outside of the optical module is a positive direction, the amount of warp that is a difference between the displacement at the central point and the displacement at a standard point, on the first surface, corresponding to a reference point, on the projection image, away from a center of gravity by a particular distance is different between a first geodesic line and a second geodesic line, the displacement being a height of the one point in a direction of the optical axis in a state in which the transmitting member is fixed to the cap member. The transmitting member is joined to the cap member at the first surface or the second surface.

Abstract: A container for a cosmetic product having a given period after opening (PAO) is disclosed. The container includes at least one electronic data processing device able to read data which, associated with the product, is contained in a data medium to selectively record at least a first opening of the product so as to be able to calculate the period after opening (PAO) of the product and also relates to a cosmetic product cartridge for such a container.