Abstract: According to some embodiments, an identification card may be provided with a processor, coupled to a substantially card-shaped body, executing an operating system. A substantially planar display device may also be coupled to the card-shaped body and communicate with the processor to provide visual information to a cardholder. A storage unit, coupled to the card-shaped body and in communication with the processor, may store a plurality of image files. According to some embodiments, execution of the operating system results in a selection of one of the image files to be provided on the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus and systems for providing an intelligent shopping cart service that operates to alert a consumer when a product or service is not aligned with the consumer's preferences, criteria or requirements before a purchase transaction is consummated. In some embodiments, a consumer device includes a processor that stores intelligent shopping cart software in a memory, and that uses the intelligent shopping cart software to detect product or service identification data when a consumer adds a product or service to a shopping cart. The processor then determines, based on the product or service identification data, that the product or service is a mismatch when compared to predetermined consumer preferences, criteria or requirements. An alert indication is then provided to the consumer via an output component before a purchase transaction is consummated.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems include an intelligent decision engine that analyzes data associated with the payment card accounts of a consumer along with other information regarding a particular transaction, and then provides a recommendation to a cardholder concerning which payment card account(s) to use to maximize value. In an embodiment, a processor receives service call data associated with a purchase transaction, determines that a cardholder is a registered smart preferences user, and accesses smart preferences cardholder profile data. The processor then determines a recommendation of at least one payment card account to select for use in the purchase transaction, and transmits the recommendation to a device for consideration and selection of a payment card account by the cardholder.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an identification card may be provided with a processor, coupled to a substantially card-shaped body, executing an operating system. A substantially planar display device may also be coupled to the card-shaped body and communicate with the processor to provide visual information to a cardholder. A storage unit, coupled to the card-shaped body and in communication with the processor, may store a plurality of image files. According to some embodiments, execution of the operating system results in a selection of one of the image files to be provided on the display device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a low-power micro-controller unit having both a standby micro-controller optimized for low power consumption and a main micro-controller optimized for high performance. A power supply is coupled to the main micro-controller and the standby micro-controller. The power supply provides power to one or more of the low-power, standby micro-controller and the high performance, main micro-controller by separate power supply paths, depending on system needs. The separate power supply paths allow the main micro-controller and the standby micro-controller operate independent of each other. During a low-power standby operating mode, power can be disconnected to the main micro-controller, while providing power to the standby micro-controller, thereby eliminating the leakage current associated with the large number of transistors in the main micro-controller, while still retaining the computational capabilities of the standby micro-controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the lambda value of an internal combustion engine with a catalytic converter for subsequently treating the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine, with a binary lambda probe, which is mounted upstream from the catalytic converter and which senses the composition of the exhaust gases. According to the invention, the lambda set value is superimposed with a lean/rich amplitude. This lean/rich amplitude has an integral component and a discontinuous component leading back to the lambda set value. When a change that differs from the change in the exhaust gas composition caused by the lean/rich amplitude is detected, the coefficient of the integral component is modified and/or a discontinuous component is added to the integral component or subtracted therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating the lambda value of an internal combustion engine with a catalytic converter for subsequently treating the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine, with a binary lambda probe, which is mounted upstream from the catalytic converter and which senses the composition of the exhaust gases. According to the invention, the lambda set value is superimposed with a lean/rich amplitude. This lean/rich amplitude has an integral component and a discontinuous component leading back to the lambda set value. When a change that differs from the change in the exhaust gas composition caused by the lean/rich amplitude is detected, the coefficient of the integral component is modified and/or a discontinuous component is added to the integral component or subtracted therefrom.