Abstract: There is presented a method and a computing device for user authentication and transaction staging on a user device. The method comprises authenticating a user of the user device by a first device verification method and generating transaction credentials at the user device. The method further comprises generating at least one optical code data corresponding to the transaction credentials and displaying the at least one optical code on the user device in a form suitable for scanning by a second device to progress a transaction with the second device.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: first and second external path selection circuits respectively controlling first and second powers at first and second nodes to be electrically connected to first or second system ports; and an internal path selection circuit controlling a third power at a third node or a fourth power at a fourth node to be electrically connected to one or more power conversion modules. The first and the second external path selection circuits, the internal path selection circuit and the power conversion modules perform one of the following operations: (1) receiving at least one external power from one or more of the first and second system port, to generate third power at the third node and/or generate fourth power at the fourth node; or (2) converting power from a battery, to generate at least one output power at the first and/or second system port.

Abstract: There is presented a method and a computing device for user authentication and transaction staging on a user device. The method comprises authenticating a user of the user device by a first device verification method and generating transaction credentials at the user device. The method further comprises generating at least one optical code data corresponding to the transaction credentials and displaying the at least one optical code on the user device in a form suitable for scanning by a second device to progress a transaction with the second device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for extending dialogue between a mobile device and a point-of-interaction (POI). One example computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a by a host server, from a POI computing device, an identifier specific to an account of a user, a receipt for an interaction, and one or more encrypted actions. The method also includes decrypting, by the host server, the one or more encrypted actions and storing the receipt. The method then includes, based on the decrypted one or more actions, notifying, by the host server, the user, via a mobile device of the user, of the receipt and accessibility of the receipt.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for extending dialogue between a mobile device and a point-of-interaction (POI). One example computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a conduit server, from the POI, via a first connection between the conduit server and the POI, a request for an extended connection between the POI and the mobile device, and notifying a host server of the request. The method then includes receiving, from the mobile device, via a second connection between the conduit server and the mobile device, an identifier for the mobile device and pairing, based on the identifier, the first and second connections, to establish a wireless connection between the POI and the mobile device, via the conduit server. The method further includes submitting a wake-up call to the mobile device, whereby the mobile device publishes the identifier to establish a wireless connection directly between the POI and the mobile device.

Abstract: A hard mask structure includes a tungsten-based conductive layer, a carbon-based hard mask layer and a nitride layer. The carbon-based hard mask layer is formed over the Tungsten-based conductive layer. The nitride layer is formed between the tungsten-based conductive layer and the carbon-based hard mask layer to enhance adhesion therebetween.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: first and second external path selection circuits respectively controlling first and second powers at first and second nodes to be electrically connected to first or second system ports; and an internal path selection circuit controlling a third power at a third node or a fourth power at a fourth node to be electrically connected to one or more power conversion modules. The first and the second external path selection circuits, the internal path selection circuit and the power conversion modules perform one of the following operations: (1) receiving at least one external power from one or more of the first and second system port, to generate third power at the third node and/or generate fourth power at the fourth node; or (2) converting power from a battery, to generate at least one output power at the first and/or second system port.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for extending dialogue between a mobile device and a point-of-interaction (POI). One example computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a conduit server, from the POI, via a first connection between the conduit server and the POI, a request for an extended connection between the POI and the mobile device, and notifying a host server of the request. The method then includes receiving, from the mobile device, via a second connection between the conduit server and the mobile device, an identifier for the mobile device and pairing, based on the identifier, the first and second connections, to establish a wireless connection between the POI and the mobile device, via the conduit server. The method further includes submitting a wake-up call to the mobile device, whereby the mobile device publishes the identifier to establish a wireless connection directly between the POI and the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in extending dialogue between a mobile device and a point-of-interaction. One exemplary computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a point-of-interaction (POI) computing device, an identifier for an interaction with a user where the identifier is specific to a card associated with an account of the user or to the user in general, and submitting, by the POI computing device, a request for the identifier to a registration database to determine whether the account is registered for one or more services. The method then includes, in response to the request, receiving an encrypted action (associated with a service), encoding, by the POI computing device, a receipt for the interaction, and transmitting, by the POI computing device, the encoded receipt and the encrypted action to a host server for initiating the encrypted action between the POI computing device and a mobile device associated with the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for use in extending dialogue between a mobile device and a point-of-interaction. One exemplary computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a point-of-interaction (POI) computing device, an identifier for an interaction with a user where the identifier is specific to a card associated with an account of the user or to the user in general, and submitting, by the POI computing device, a request for the identifier to a registration database to determine whether the account is registered for one or more services. The method then includes, in response to the request, receiving an encrypted action (associated with a service), encoding, by the POI computing device, a receipt for the interaction, and transmitting, by the POI computing device, the encoded receipt and the encrypted action to a host server for initiating the encrypted action between the POI computing device and a mobile device associated with the user.

Abstract: A method of enhanced interaction between a first computing device and a second computing device is described. A first channel for connection between the first computing device and the second computing device using a short range communication technology and a second channel for communication between the first computing device and the second computing device using a communication technology are established. A first interaction is performed using the first channel and an additional interaction is performed using the second channel. Suitable first and second computing devices are also described.

Abstract: A transaction takes place between a first device and a second device. There is an authorisation system associated with the first device and a transaction support system associated with the second device. The transaction support system and the authorisation system are connected by a transaction infrastructure. A communication path is provided between the second device and the transaction support system. The second device is adapted to take the following actions. It performs a transaction with the first device and receives and generates transaction data. It splits the transaction data into basic transaction data and enhanced transaction data. It provides the basic transaction data to the transaction support system over the communication path. It also provides the enhanced transaction data by a separate route to the authorisation system for reconciliation with the processed transaction provided by the transaction support system for use by the authorisation system in authorising the transaction.

Abstract: There is presented a method and a computing device for user authentication and transaction staging on a user device. The method comprises authenticating a user of the user device by a first device verification method and generating transaction credentials at the user device. The method further comprises generating at least one optical code data corresponding to the transaction credentials and displaying the at least one optical code on the user device in a form suitable for scanning by a second device to progress a transaction with the second device.

Abstract: A method of enhanced interaction between a first computing device and a second computing device is described. A first channel for connection between the first computing device and the second computing device using a short range communication technology and a second channel for communication between the first computing device and the second computing device using a communication technology are established. A first interaction is performed using the first channel and an additional interaction is performed using the second channel. Suitable first and second computing devices are also described.

Abstract: A lens shading correction method for pixels of an image is provided. The method includes the steps of: inputting coordinates of the pixels and setting a threshold range on the image; providing a first gain function and a second gain function, each relating the coordinates of the pixels to brightness gains; performing the first gain function on the pixels located at the interior of the threshold range for calculating the brightness gains; and performing a blended gain function on the pixels located at the exterior of the threshold range for calculating the brightness gains, wherein the blended gain function is the combination of the first gain function and the second gain function.

Abstract: A lens shading correction method for pixels of an image is provided. The method includes the steps of: inputting coordinates of the pixels and setting a threshold range on the image; providing a first gain function and a second gain function, each relating the coordinates of the pixels to brightness gains; performing the first gain function on the pixels located at the interior of the threshold range for calculating the brightness gains; and performing a blended gain function on the pixels located at the exterior of the threshold range for calculating the brightness gains, wherein the blended gain function is the combination of the first gain function and the second gain function.

Abstract: A signal calibration method for synchronizing a clock signal and at least one data signal in a transmission system is disclosed. The signal calibration method comprises detecting at least one transmission time difference between the clock signal and the at least one data signal transmitted in the transmission system, calculating a plurality of delay periods of the clock signal and the at least one data signal according to the at least one transmission time difference, and respectively delaying the clock signal and the at least one data signal for the plurality of delay periods to synchronize the clock signal and the at least one data signal.

Abstract: Software robots (“bots”) may be detected in a client computer using a client-side bot detector. The client-side bot detector may be configured to receive bot event profiles indicating IP (Internet Protocol) addresses involved in malicious online activities perpetrated by bots and time frames when the malicious online activities occurred. The client-side bot detector may determine dynamic IP addresses that have been dynamically assigned to the client computer by consulting a dynamic IP assignment profile of the client computer. The client-side bot detector may compare the bot event profiles against the dynamic IP assignment profile of the client computer to determine if the client computer is infected by a bot.

Abstract: A cellular phone includes a housing and a cover detachably installed on the housing, the cover containing an ID module for identifying the cover. The cellular phone also contains a transceiver for controlling operation of the cellular phone, the transceiver containing a detection port for communicating with the ID module of the cover and determining identification of the cover, a memory electrically connected to the transceiver, and a database stored in the memory for providing operation parameters to the transceiver according to the identification of the cover.

Abstract: A verification system for verifying authenticity of a battery used in a portable electronic device includes a battery for supplying a first electrical current, the battery containing a transducer for inducing an analog voltage based on the first electrical current, and a portable electronic device having the battery removably installed therein. The portable electronic device includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) electrically connected to the transducer for converting the analog voltage to a digital voltage value, a lookup table for providing an expected voltage value based on an operating state of the portable electronic device, and a controller. The controller reads the expected voltage value from the lookup table, compares the expected voltage value with the digital voltage value, and determines whether the battery is authorized for use in the portable electronic device according to the expected voltage value and the digital voltage value.