Abstract: An apparatus for producing and printing a photograph includes a touch-screen CRT display, a currency receiving and dispensing device, a remote control device for adjusting location of a photo image area on the CRT display and controlling capture of a photo image of the user from a video camera lens and controller board, and a printer, all connected to a central processor. Video impressions viewed by the camera lens are converted into a series of electrical impulses which are selectively captured and digitized. Thereafter, a digitized photo image of the user is either combined with a stored postage meter image for printing by the printer to produce a printed picture on one side of an adhesive-backed postage meter strip, or, alternatively, uploaded by a high-speed modem to a host computer for processing a passport.

Abstract: An apparatus is designed for use with optical mark-sense cards which have predetermined bubble positions arranged on at least one side thereof. The apparatus includes a frame member with a flat backing surface, a template positionable in overlying relation to the backing surface and a guide for directing the optical mark-sense card in sliding receipt between the template and the backing surface so that holes formed through the template register in alignment with the bubble positions on the card. A stylus includes a normally concealed marker tip and a casing with a distal end structured for receipt and engagement within any of the template holes. The marker tip is selectively extendible from the distal end of the casing so that when the stylus is held in engagement within one of the desired holes, the marker tip can be extended to contact the card and place an optically readable mark at the bubble position aligned with the hole.

Abstract: A device and method for collecting voting data is disclosed, the device including a housing having a front face, back panel, opposite sides and a base, a visual character display, and a slot opening on the front face. A central processor within the housing stores data, including preprogrammed data and collected data in a primary memory, and controls operation of the components of the device, including a card reader. The card reader is structured to pull a ballot card through the slot opening for scanning data thereon, including votes cast by the voter, and transferring the scanned data to the central processor where the voting data is stored and tallied. The scanned ballot cards are deposited into a collection box within a locked interior of the housing. A bar code reader and/or a magnetic strip reader on the device reads encoded data on a voter's identification card, such as a voter registration number, so that the encoded data may also be transferred to the central processor for storage.

Abstract: A data collection device and a method of collecting data using the device is disclosed, the device including a housing having a front face, back panel, opposite sides and base, and a visual character display on the front face for providing instructional information to a user of the device. A central processor unit within the housing stores data, including preprogrammed data and collected data in a primary memory, and controls operation of the components of the device, including an optical mark reader structured to pull a pre-printed data card through a first slot opening for scanning thereof in order to identify darkened spaces on the card. The optical mark reader transfers data, based on the identified darkened spaces, to the central processor for matching, consolidation and storage along with corresponding preprogrammed data stored in a primary memory.