Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards alarm systems, apparatus, and methods of using the systems and apparatus. In one embodiment, an alarm system includes intrusion sensor(s) and a central control panel that allows limited access to changes to a system configuration based upon the use of an installer code and the system configuration includes adding or changing interface modules. Additionally, the system includes an authorization circuit that requests the installer code from the remote location over a communications link and in response thereto, provides the installer code to the control circuit.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to security-based apparatuses and methods. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a presence sensor that senses the presence of an individual, and an image sensor that captures an image of the individual in response to the sensed presence, and that provides the captured image as image data. A user authorization circuit identifies the individual as being authorized or unauthorized based upon the provided image data and stored image data for authorized individuals. An electromechanical device operates with the user authorization circuit to deploy one or more deterrents in the vicinity of the individual, in response to the user authorization circuit identifying the individual as being unauthorized.

Abstract: Approaches for implementing transactions involve audio-equipped transaction cards that reduce both data-management and costs. Certain applications facilitate loyalty to the business entity that issues the audio-equipped transaction cards by, e.g., facilitating transactions with the card-issuing entity and/or business partners. One example embodiment is directed to audio-equipped personal cards and an approach to purchase agreement that involve activating an audio transmission from a transaction card to establish a point-of-sale purchase agreement. Data regarding the purchase agreement is communicated to an account/payment institution to confirm the purchase agreement, optionally in response to the customer's PIN being received. In another embodiment, a two apparatus (or “card”) approach involves retailers entering data via a retailer card that is useable by selected users (e.g., the retailer's representatives or employees).

Abstract: Approaches for using and implementing transactions involving audio-equipped transaction cards reduce both data-management efforts and costs. In addition, certain applications further facilitate loyalty to the business entity that issues the audio-equipped transaction cards by, e.g., facilitating transactions with the card-issuing entity and/or selected business partners. One example embodiment is directed to audio-equipped personal cards and an approach to purchase agreement that involve activating an audio transmission from a transaction card to establish a point-of-sale purchase agreement. Data relating to the purchase agreement is communicated to an account/payment institution to confirm the purchase agreement, optionally in response to the customer's PIN being received. In another embodiment, a two apparatus (or “card”) approach involves retailers entering data via a retailer card that is useable by selected users (e.g., the retailer's representatives or employees).

Abstract: Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a security system uses a controller to communicate with security-monitoring devices and has an integrated image-capture device with a circuit board structure with an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating conductors. A camera is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a first angle relative to the nonadjustable surface. A motion detector is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a second angle relative to the nonadjustable surface of the circuit board. The support article sets the first angle relative to the second angle for capturing both images and motion in a target area. A data-communication circuit communicates data from the camera and the motion detector and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller. A solar circuit provides power to the device.

Abstract: Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a security system uses a controller to communicate with security-monitoring devices and has an integrated image-capture device with a circuit board structure with an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating conductors. A camera is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a first angle relative to the nonadjustable surface. A motion detector is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a second angle relative to the nonadjustable surface of the circuit board. The support article sets the first angle relative to the second angle for capturing both images and motion in a target area. A data-communication circuit communicates data from the camera and the motion detector and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller. A solar circuit provides power to the device.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, an integrated security arrangement detects unwanted intruders in a facility. The arrangement includes an intrusion sensor to sense an intrusion at a target area of a facility, a second sensor to sense movement, an image-capture device, and a base unit. The image-capture device captures images in response to an intrusion indication from the intrusion sensor and in response to a movement indication from the second sensor. The base unit integrates a direction of view of the second sensor and of the image-capture device, thereby directing the second sensor to sense in the target area in which the images are captured by the image-capture device.

Abstract: Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a security system uses a controller to communicate with security-monitoring devices and has an integrated image-capture device comprising a circuit board structure having an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating electrical conductors. A camera is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a first angle relative to the nonadjustable surface. A motion detector is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a second angle relative to the nonadjustable surface of the circuit board. The support article sets the first angle relative to the second angle for capturing both images and motion in a target area. A data-communication circuit communicates data from the camera and the motion detector via the data-communicating electrical conductors and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller.

Abstract: Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a security system uses a controller to communicate with security-monitoring devices and has an integrated image-capture device comprising a circuit board structure having an angle-setting support article, a circuit board with a nonadjustable surface, and data-communicating electrical conductors. A camera is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a first angle relative to the nonadjustable surface. A motion detector is secured to the nonadjustable surface and is directed at a second angle relative to the nonadjustable surface of the circuit board. The support article sets the first angle relative to the second angle for capturing both images and motion in a target area. A data-communication circuit communicates data from the camera and the motion detector via the data-communicating electrical conductors and wirelessly communicates the data to the controller.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, an integrated security arrangement detects unwanted intruders in a facility. The arrangement includes an intrusion sensor to sense an intrusion at a target area of a facility, a second sensor to sense movement, an image-capture device, and a base unit. The image-capture device captures images in response to an intrusion indication from the intrusion sensor and in response to a movement indication from the second sensor. The base unit integrates a direction of view of the second sensor and of the image-capture device, thereby directing the second sensor to sense in the target area in which the images are captured by the image-capture device.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless monitoring is implemented in a variety of embodiments. In one such embodiment, a monitoring system method is implemented for, wireless communication between a central device and monitoring devices. Each of the devices includes a wireless communication circuit to effect wireless communications. Power consumption from a limited power source is reduced at least one of the wireless communication circuits based upon a communications time interval and a selected channel for communication between the central device and a monitor device to effect wireless communications between the central device and the monitor device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the distribution of benefits to beneficiaries. It comprises a server for receiving telephone calls of beneficiaries, comprising: A module (20) for locating each caller according to the telephone signal received, A module (32) for identification of the caller, designed to find whether the identifier received by telephone from the caller corresponds to a benefiary's identifier, A module (40) for determining at least one automatic dispenser near the place of the call, and A module (40) for transmitting by telephone, particularly by voice synthesis, to the appellant the location of the automatic dispenser or group of dispensers selected, and a withdrawal authorization code in the dispenser, and for transmitting this authorization to the automatic dispenser or group of dispensers.

Abstract: Approaches for using and implementing transactions involving audio-equipped transaction cards reduce both data-management efforts and costs. In addition, certain applications further facilitate loyalty to the business entity that issues the audio-equipped transaction cards by, e.g., facilitating transactions with the card-issuing entity and/or selected business partners. One example embodiment is directed to audio-equipped personal cards and an approach to purchase agreement that involve activating an audio transmission from a transaction card to establish a point-of-sale purchase agreement. Data relating to the purchase agreement is communicated to an account/payment institution to confirm the purchase agreement, optionally in response to the customer's PIN being received. In another embodiment, a two apparatus (or “card”) approach involves retailers entering data via a retailer card that is useable by selected users (e.g., the retailer's representatives or employees).

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique way to attract prospective buyers, customers, bidders, and survey participants to an internet website. A predetermined, target population of people having interest in the information, merchandise, or service is selected and provided with a machine-readable debit card. The selected population is informed of the location of the website, the nature of the website content and/or of the terms of the incentive. Each member may visit the website and register. Upon completion of a predetermined task to ensure the effectiveness of the presentation, the registered visitor is provided a personalized identification number (PIN). The machine-readable access (debit) card may them be taken to an ATM machine where, by use of the PIN, the prospect receives a cash incentive payment.

Abstract: The present invention features a Point of Sale (POS) printer that includes an encoding module that magnetizes and reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check. The encoding module prints the characters in the AMOUNT field of the check, according to ANSI1, ISO2, or other standards. The characters are printed with an ink having magnetic particles embedded therein. The POS printer magnetizes and reads these characters after they are printed, in order to verify that the correct amount has been encoded onto the check. The encoding module can include a magnet to magnetize the characters; a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character; and a print mechanism with the capability of using magnetic ink for printing the characters. The method of the invention directs the POS printer to follow a certain sequence of actions in order to accomplish the printing and verification at the point of sale.

Abstract: A modular printer that can be configured to provide different printing sizes, models, and features. The modular printer has a base module that includes base printing electronics, and a drive and print mechanism. Coupled to the base module are different communication modules that provide an interface for the operator of the printer. Different battery modules are designed to interface with the other modular sections.

Abstract: A method for using a POS printer that includes means for magnetizing and reading the ON-US and ROUTING information from preprinted magnetic characters on a check. The characters are printed with an ink having magnetizable particles embedded therein. First, the ROUTING and ON-US fields of the check are magnetized, either by a fixed magnet, or within the read head itself. Next, the characters within the ROUTING and ON-US fields are read by the read head, and the signals analyzed by the electronics of the POS printer. This is followed by a verification, in which the printer electronically verifies that the account is not a "bad" account. If the account is good, the printer continues to endorse the check on its back and/or encode the check by printing MICR characters in the AMOUNT field on the face of the check. The POS printer may magnetize and read these characters after they are printed, in order to verify that the correct amount has been encoded onto the check.