Abstract: An image forming apparatus for simultaneously conducting multiple lines of exposure by scanning multiple laser beams from multiple light sources onto an image carrier in a main scanning direction, including: multiple light sources which are driven to emit laser beams based on image data; and a control section capable of controlling an image formation in two types of image forming modes of a first image forming mode where an image is formed at a first image forming speed by using all the multiple light sources, and a second image forming mode where the image is formed without using at least one of the multiple light sources at a second image forming speed slower than the first image forming speed, wherein the control section controls a light source which is not used in the second image forming mode to emit a laser beam onto outside of an image area.

Abstract: An optical fiber, comprising: (i) a core, (ii) a cladding surrounding the core, (iii) at least one stress member adjacent the fiber core and situated within the cladding, said stress member comprising silica co-doped with B and F.

Abstract: An LCD device and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, to prevent a sealant from being coagulated or disconnected at a predetermined portion, the method comprising preparing lower and upper substrates; dispensing a sealant on any one of the lower and upper substrates by a dispenser; dispensing liquid crystal on any one of the lower and upper substrates; and bonding the lower and upper substrates to each other, wherein the process of dispensing the sealant includes sequential steps of dispensing a first dummy sealant in the periphery of a main sealant pattern, dispensing the main sealant pattern after forming the first dummy sealant, and dispensing a second dummy sealant pattern in the periphery of the main sealant pattern after forming the main sealant pattern.

Abstract: A light activated optical switch includes at least one conductive layer located adjacent to a piezoelectric element to enhance the electrical field that is applied to the piezoelectric element in response to an activation light. The conductive layer has free electrons or electron holes that collect on a surface adjacent to the piezoelectric element when the activation light is applied to the piezoelectric element. The collection of free electrons near the piezoelectric element enhances the electrical field that is applied to the piezoelectric element in response to the activation light. The enhanced electrical field is used to enhance the performance of the piezoelectric element and ultimately to enhance the performance of the optical switch.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes: preparing a first substrate in which a plurality of first panels is formed; preparing a second substrate in which a plurality of second panels is formed; forming a seal pattern around an outer edge of the panel, the seal pattern defining an active region and a dummy region and having at one side a protruding portion extending to the dummy region; dropping liquid crystal more than the reference amount to the active region; bonding the first and second substrates together by the seal pattern; separating a plurality of liquid crystal panels by cutting the first and second substrates, the liquid crystal panels being formed by bonding the first and second panels; and removing surplus liquid crystal from the liquid crystal panel by pressurizing the liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: Information processing equipment includes a photoelectric conversion module disposed on a circuit substrate, a first optical connector connected to the photoelectric conversion module through a plurality of first optical fibers and disposed to an edge portion of the circuit substrate, and a second optical connector disposed on an optical backplane and optically connected to the first optical connector. The disposing direction of the optical fibers in the photoelectric conversion module is in nonparallel with the main surface of the circuit substrate and the disposing direction of the optical fibers in the first optical connector and the disposing direction of the optical fibers in the second optical connector are in nonparallel with the main surface of the circuit substrate.

Abstract: An optical or optoelectroronic component is mounted to a substrate, and an optical thumbtack is inserted into a through-hole of the substrate. The optical thumbtack is positioned to receive light from or send light to the optical or optoelectronic component and provide a conditioned, for example collimated or focused, beam. The optical thumbtack comprises a lens portion, a spacer portion, and a foot portion. Light may enter the thumbtack from either direction.

Abstract: A card reader module includes capabilities for receiving and decrypting an encrypted user PIN to facilitate off-line transaction authorization. In an off-line transaction, a transaction processing system need not communicate with an outside authorization network to obtain transaction authorization. Off-line transaction authorization is particularly relevant when a customer uses a secure payment device, such as a smart card. With a smart card, the transaction processing system, in cooperation with the smart card, compares a user-entered PIN, input through a keypad, with a user PIN stored on the smart card. If the input PIN matches the stored PIN, the transaction processing system authorizes the customer's transaction. Rather than including the keypad, the card reader module receives the PIN in encrypted format directly or indirectly from a separate keypad. To minimized fraud, the separate keypad encrypts the PIN before it is sent to the card reader module.

Abstract: An automated transaction system includes an automated transaction machine (10) for carrying out banking transactions. The machine includes a plurality of customer stations (16, 18, 20) at which customers may conduct transactions. Each of the transactions requested by customers is carried out using a set of transaction function devices (34) positioned within or adjacent to the machine housing. The robotic item handling device (42) is included among the transaction function devices and enables moving items between the customer stations and the transaction function devices included in the machine. The machine is enabled to carry out transactions for multiple users simultaneously. The machine is also readily configured to add and delete transaction function devices, thereby more readily changing the types of transactions which may be conducted.

Abstract: A method and a device of identification and authentication of a holder of a mobile electronic transaction device in an electronic transaction process between a transaction service provider and a transaction terminal in communication via a computer network. A transceiver is adapted for transmitting an identity of the device to the transaction terminal and receiving a challenge transaction identifier from the service provider via the transaction terminal. A data processing device is adapted for determining an authenticity of a user identification input by comparison with a reference user identification, and for performing a cryptographic transformation of the transaction identifier using a secret key only on the identification input being determined as authentic. The transceiver is also adapted for transmitting a response result of the cryptographic transformation to the service provider via the transaction terminal for validating the transaction.

Abstract: An IC card (80) has a communication module (20) embedded in a core member (30). The communication module (20) has a contact terminal (24), an antenna (60) and an IC chip (82) mounted on the same circuit board (22) for making the assembly work easier. The contact terminal (24) is formed at an upper surface of the circuit board (22) to be exposed from an opening (26a) of a surface material (26). The antenna (60) and the IC chip (82) are provided to a lower surface of the circuit board (22) to indirectly face the contact terminal (24). The IC chip (82) automatically adjusts the resonance frequency of the antenna (60) such that an output from the antenna (60) has the maximum value constantly.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for dispensing pre-coded scrip is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of accepting a cashout command at a gaming device, scanning a code on the pre-coded scrip in response to the cashout command, transmitting the code to a remote processor having access to a database for storing and retrieving codes from a plurality of gaming devices, receiving a scrip dispense message from the remote processor, and dispensing the pre-coded scrip. The article of manufacture comprises a data storage device tangibly embodying instructions to perform the method steps described above. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a scanner for scanning a code on a pre-coded scrip, a scrip dispensing unit for emitting or issuing the scrip to the user, and a processor.

Abstract: A detector for reading information stored in a magnetic tag is disclosed, the reader comprising two assemblies of permanent magnets (each containing three magnets) arranged with their magnetic poles in opposition such that the magnetic poles of one triplet are physically opposite the like poles of the other triplet. The magnets are preferably elongate with their long axes being mutually parallel. The two magnet assemblies define between them a gap through which, in use, a tag having magnetic material is passed. Receiver coils are positioned within the gap. The magnet assemblies are preferably rigidly secured within an aluminum housing. Electrostatic screening foils may be placed over the receiver coils.

Abstract: An add value terminal provides an automatic fare collection environment with a compact, easy to use, and easy to install device that re-values and issues transit fare cards exclusively utilizing credit and debit functions. The add value terminal alleviates long lines often associated with automatic vending machines that allow bill and coin transactions. The add value terminal also can sell tickets in out-of-station environments including malls, grocery stores, post offices, and airports.

Abstract: A card reader for chip cards, which have contacts on a front face for reading and entering card information, with a card slot for receiving chip cards via an opening with a first contact arrangement mounted in the card slot for contacting the contacts of an inserted chip card and a first switching arrangement that responds to the presence or absence of chip cards in the card slot and a second contact arrangement opposite the first contact arrangement for contacting a second inserted chip card.

Abstract: A portable data carrier with a break-out mini smart card embedded therein. The mini smart card is separated from the remaining card body by a free punch extending over substantial parts of the mini smart card. According to the invention, another rated breaking line is provided within the mini smart card, preferably consisting of a perforated line and permitting further reduction in size of the mini smart card.

Abstract: A mark position detecting system includes a light source for illuminating light on a mark for alignment measurement formed on a semiconductor substrate, a light detecting optical system and a measured light intensity profile preparing part, a theoretical light intensity profile preparing part, a light intensity profile comparison part. The measured light intensity profile preparation part prepares a measured light intensity profile denoting light intensity of reflected light from the mark from a detection result by the detecting optical system. The theoretical light intensity profile preparing part prepares a theoretical light intensity profile of the reflected light from a region of the mark where the intensity would change, using information on the shape and material of the mark. The light intensity profile comparison part compares the theoretical light intensity profile with the measured light intensity profile to detect the mark and misalignment.

Abstract: A media cassette (10) for a self-service terminal (SST) comprises a body (20) for receiving media to be dispensed in the form of a bundle of media (12) having end faces and side faces. At least one movable guide member (16, 17, 18, 19) is provided for locating the media within the body (20) and for engaging a respective side face of the media bundle (12). The guide member (16, 17, 18, 19) is urged towards the respective side face of the media bundle (12).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for guiding an IC card into and ejecting the card from a card reading apparatus which includes an electrical connector having at least one terminal for engaging at least one contact on the card. A frame has the connector mounted therewithin. A slider receives the card. The slider has guide means for guiding insertion of the card in a direction of mating the card with the connector. The slider is movably mounted relative to the frame for moving the card therewith away from the connector and ejecting the card from the apparatus.

Abstract: A device, system and method for extracting deposited items from a secure enclosure, such as the envelope bin of an ATM/CAT safe, makes use, for example, of computer hardware and software applications, as well as one or more secure access devices, card devices, transponder devices, input devices, control mechanisms, transport bins, and transport devices, to modify or field retrofit an existing ATM/CAT to enable removal of items without opening the safe door. The modified ATM/CAT enables a service person, for example, to enter a retrieval request, which is received by a control device, and the control device automatically opens an access port of shutter of the ATM/CAT safe and automatically activates a transport mechanism to transport items out of the safe to be received by the service person or a secured access bin docked, for example, with the access port.