Abstract: Readily available mobile computing devices and electronic display signs that are associated with particular locations are used to provide enhanced location specific services to customers in a secure manner. A customer at enterprise premises can access the available services published by the enterprise by capturing information from an electronic display sign using an authentic mobile computing device application. Non-reproducible content is displayed on the electronic display signs to enable authentication of a mobile computing device application, where the mobile computing device application once authenticated acts as a trusted end point to publish the enterprise services. Hardware investment for the enterprise is reduced, and shortcomings of existing network based location specific services are overcome.

Abstract: A generic RFID reader is provided that can function across a large range of computing devices including mobile computing devices, without customization or with minimal customization.

Abstract: The use of bi-stable display technology in electronic signage systems introduces non-volatile content. As a result, incorrect pricing may be displayed during times of system failure such as battery removal, electronic signage relocation, loss of network connectivity, battery exhaustion, etc. Such failures are detected, and the content is invalidated upon occurrence of a failure.

Abstract: A generic RFID reader is provided that can function across a large range of computing devices including mobile computing devices, without customization or with minimal customization.

Abstract: An electronic sign includes a bi-stable display portion to display primary content such as price, type of offer, etc. and another secondary display portion to display secondary content such as enterprise name, logo, eye-catching message, etc. Enterprises are enabled to adhere to their organization's color theme while conveying secondary information. Secondary content may be fixed content or may be selected from a predefined set of content. The presently described electronic sign uses a passive medium to display secondary content along with a bi-stable display for displaying primary content, resulting in an effective, low cost solution.

Abstract: Readily available mobile computing devices and electronic display signs that are associated with particular locations are used to provide enhanced location specific services to customers in a secure manner. A customer at enterprise premises can access the available services published by the enterprise by capturing information from an electronic display sign using an authentic mobile computing device application. Non-reproducible content is displayed on the electronic display signs to enable authentication of a mobile computing device application, where the mobile computing device application once authenticated acts as a trusted end point to publish the enterprise services. Hardware investment for the enterprise is reduced, and shortcomings of existing network based location specific services are overcome.

Abstract: A transaction device adds or injects a random noise component into signals representing (x,y) coordinate signals associated with user interface with an input screen associated with the device. The noise component can be generated by converting to analog the output of a random number generator, and then adding the noise component to the x-axis and/or y-axis component of the (x,y) coordinate signal. Alternatively the noise component can be injected into the x-axis and/or y-axis operating potential for the input screen. The result is a masking of the original (x,y) positional information. The randomly generated number is only available internal to the device. The device can use this number to de-crypt the true (x,y) signals, which signals can then be re-encrypted before transmitting from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transaction processing. The apparatus may be a transaction terminal including a keypad, a circuit for interacting with the transaction customer and a link communicatively connecting the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. The cashier may interact with the keypad, while the customer (and not the cashier) may interact with the customer-interaction circuit. The link may communicate a dollar amount for the transaction between the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. Accessories for the keypad may include a check reader, a display or a receipt printer. Accessories for the customer-interaction circuit may include a smart-card reader, a magnetic-strip reader and biometric readers. The customer-interaction circuit may include a port for connection to a remote service provider. That port may be the only remote-access port in the transaction terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transaction processing. The apparatus may be a transaction terminal including a keypad, a circuit for interacting with the transaction customer and a link communicatively connecting the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. The cashier may interact with the keypad, while the customer (and not the cashier) may interact with the customer-interaction circuit. The link may communicate a dollar amount for the transaction between the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. Accessories for the keypad may include a check reader, a display or a receipt printer. Accessories for the customer-interaction circuit may include a smart-card reader, a magnetic-strip reader and biometric readers. The customer-interaction circuit may include a port for connection to a remote service provider. That port may be the only remote-access port in the transaction terminal.

Abstract: A transaction device adds or injects a random noise component into signals representing (x,y) coordinate signals associated with user interface with an input screen associated with the device. The noise component can be generated by converting to analog the output of a random number generator, and then adding the noise component to the x-axis and/or y-axis component of the (x,y) coordinate signal. Alternatively the noise component can be injected into the x-axis and/or y-axis operating potential for the input screen. The result is a masking of the original (x,y) positional information. The randomly generated number is only available internal to the device. The device can use this number to de-crypt the true (x,y) signals, which signals can then be re-encrypted before transmitting from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for translation processing. The apparatus may be a transaction system including a keypad, a circuit for interacting with the transaction customer and a link communicatively connecting the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. The cashier may interact with the keypad, while the customer (and not the cashier) may interact with the customer-interaction circuit. The link may communicate a dollar amount for the transaction between the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. Accessories for the keypad may include a display. Accessories for the customer-interaction circuit may include a smart-card reader, a magnetic-strip reader, a check reader, a receipt printer and a biometric-information circuit. The customer-interaction circuit may include a port for connection to a remote service provider. That port may be the only remote-access port in the transaction system.

Abstract: A transaction device adds or injects a random noise component into signals representing (x,y) coordinate signals associated with user interface with an input screen associated with the device. The noise component can be generated by converting to analog the output of a random number generator, and then adding the noise component to the x-axis and/or y-axis component of the (x,y) coordinate signal. Alternatively the noise component can be injected into the x-axis and/or y-axis operating potential for the input screen. The result is a masking of the original (x,y) positional information. The randomly generated number is only available internal to the device. The device can use this number to de-crypt the true (x,y) signals, which signals can then be re-encrypted before transmitting from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for virtually presenting a product for purchase by a consumer. The product has one of the following characteristics: vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell and a temperature. A memory stores a representation of a characteristic of the product. The representation is retrieved on demand from a shopper, and the characteristic reproduced from the retrieved representation for the benefit of the shopper. At the appropriate point—say, after the shopper's buying the product—the retrieval of the product for the shopper may be initiated. The storing of the characteristic representation may involve storing the representation in a database accessible over an internet. The apparatus may include a memory containing a representation of an approximation of a characteristic of the product for purchase, the characteristic from a set of characteristics including vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell, and a temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for encrypting an identifier such as a PIN entered on a keypad. The apparatus may include a pad, an encrypting circuit adjacent the pad and a link coupling the pad and the encrypting circuit. The pad is for entering an identifier, and the circuit for encrypting the entered identifier. The pad may be a physical touch pad such as an N-wire-technology touch pad. Alternatively, the pad may be a virtual touch screen. The encrypting circuit may be a CPU along with a memory coupled to the CPU and programmed to encrypt. The CPU and programmed memory may be the first CPU programmable to encrypt the entered identifier, through which the identifier passes. The encrypting circuit may be a microcontroller programmed to encrypt. In still another variation, the encrypting circuit may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The apparatus may include a housing that encloses the encrypting circuit and link. The housing would be resistant to access, tampering or tapping.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for virtually presenting a product for purchase by a consumer. The product has one of the following characteristics: vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell and a temperature. A memory stores a representation of a characteristic of the product. The representation is retrieved on demand from a shopper, and the characteristic reproduced from the retrieved representation for the benefit of the shopper. At the appropriate point—say, after the shopper's buying the product—the retrieval of the product for the shopper may be initiated. The storing of the characteristic representation may involve storing the representation in a database accessible over an internet. The apparatus may include a memory containing a representation of an approximation of a characteristic of the product for purchase, the characteristic from a set of characteristics including vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell, and a temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an apparatus for inputting data. The apparatus comprises a detection circuit for providing a first reference voltage to a first and a second electrode of a first conductive layer of a resistive touch screen and providing a second reference voltage to a first and a second electrode of a second conductive layer of the resistive touch screen. The detection circuit maintains the first and second reference voltages under quiescent conditions and when the first and second conductive layers couple together. The method includes applying substantially equal voltages to the first and second electrodes of the first conductive layer of the resistive touch screen. Substantially equal voltages are applied to the first and second electrodes of the second conductive layer of the resistive touch screen. Approximately zero current is conducted in the first and second conductive layers under quiescent conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an apparatus for inputting data. The apparatus comprises a detection circuit for providing a first reference voltage to a first and a second electrode of a first conductive layer of a resistive touch screen and providing a second reference voltage to a first and a second electrode of a second conductive layer of the resistive touch screen. The detection circuit maintains the first and second reference voltages under quiescent conditions and when the first and second conductive layers couple together. The method includes applying substantially equal voltages to the first and second electrodes of the first conductive layer of the resistive touch screen. Substantially equal voltages are applied to the first and second electrodes of the second conductive layer of the resistive touch screen. Approximately zero current is conducted in the first and second conductive layers under quiescent conditions.

Abstract: A transaction device adds or injects a random noise component into signals representing (x,y) coordinate signals associated with user interface with an input screen associated with the device. The noise component can be generated by converting to analog the output of a random number generator, and then adding the noise component to the x-axis and/or y-axis component of the (x,y) coordinate signal. Alternatively the noise component can be injected into the x-axis and/or y-axis operating potential for the input screen. The result is a masking of the original (x,y) positional information. The randomly generated number is only available internal to the device. The device can use this number to de-crypt the true (x,y) signals, which signals can then be re-encrypted before transmitting from the device.

Abstract: A modular signature and data capture device employs a standardized ISA bus, standardized communication ports, and standardized ×86 CPU architecture to promote flexibility in using past, present, and future software and accessories. A VGA-caliber backlit LCD is superimposingly combined with a pressure touch pad that is useable with a passive stylus. The LCD displays pen drawn signatures and graphics in real-time, and can display images and data stored in the device, or downloaded from a host system, including advertisements. The LCD can also display menus, device instructions, virtual pressure-sensitive data keys, and control keys. The device includes a built-in a three-stripe magnetic card reader unit. The device accepts PCMCIA-compatible accessories including solid state memory units and smartcards, and is compatible with plug-in accessories including an external PIN keypad entry unit, a fingerprint unit, an omnibus unit including a printer and check processor in addition to a fingerprint unit.