Abstract: A system includes a vision system, a database, a chip reader, and a computer system. The computer system accesses an image of a two-dimensional barcode captured by the vision system and determines barcode information for a group of cards. The barcode information comprises a chip expiration date that applies to the cards in the group of cards. The computer system accesses particular chip information read by the chip reader for a particular card of the group of cards and verifies that the particular chip information matches the barcode information. The computer system updates the database to include the chip expiration date for the group of cards. The computer system analyzes a plurality of chip expiration dates stored in the database and determines, based on the analysis, an order in which to pull groups of cards from inventory in order to issue cards to users.

Abstract: A system includes a vision system, a database, a chip reader, and a computer system. The computer system accesses an image of a two-dimensional barcode captured by the vision system and determines barcode information for a group of cards. The barcode information comprises a chip expiration date that applies to the cards in the group of cards. The computer system accesses particular chip information read by the chip reader for a particular card of the group of cards and verifies that the particular chip information matches the barcode information. The computer system updates the database to include the chip expiration date for the group of cards. The computer system analyzes a plurality of chip expiration dates stored in the database and determines, based on the analysis, an order in which to pull groups of cards from inventory in order to issue cards to users.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a vision system configured to capture images of two-dimensional barcodes. The apparatus further includes a processor operably coupled to the vision system and a network interface. The processor is configured to process a captured image of a two-dimensional barcode on a card to obtain card processing information, to obtain user information for a user associated with the card, and to combine the card processing information with the user information to generate a resolution request message. The network interface is configured to send the resolution request message to an institution associated with the card.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a vision system configured to capture images of two-dimensional barcodes. The apparatus further includes a processor operably coupled to the vision system and a network interface. The processor is configured to process a captured image of a two-dimensional barcode on a card to obtain card processing information, to obtain user information for a user associated with the card, and to combine the card processing information with the user information to generate a resolution request message. The network interface is configured to send the resolution request message to an institution associated with the card.

Abstract: A card generating system that includes a card information database and a card processing system. The card processing system comprises an interface, a vision system, a processor, and card processing hardware. The interface is configured to receive card requests. The vision system is configured to process two-dimensional barcodes to obtain card feature data. The processor is operably coupled to the interface, the vision system, and card processing hardware. The processor is configured to select a card comprising a two-dimensional barcode based on the card request and to obtain a card data file corresponding with the card request. The processor is further configured to compare card feature data to the card data file and to determine whether the card feature data corresponds with the card data file. The card processing hardware is configured to process the card in response a determining the card feature data corresponds with the card data file.

Abstract: A device/object is paired to one or more communication devices for the purpose of activating and/or deactivating the device/object. Such activation of the device/object requires that the paired devices be in concurrent possession of the user (i.e., within a specified range of the user) and that, while in concurrent possession of the user, communicate information from the device/object to the communication device. Thus, the invention provides for additional security, in that two or more devices must in the possession of the user (or within the specified range of the user), and communicating with one another, in order for one of the paired devices to be in activated state.