Abstract: A self-authenticating encryptable font for creating secure documents. The document onto which the font is printed includes a surface containing one or more transaction fields such that transactional data from the font is printed within at least one of these fields. The font includes human-readable characters that are defined by a fill pattern made up of spaced marks and a patterned background. Security characters, made up of one or more encryptable data elements, may also be included. The encryptable data elements may be either fixed or randomly variable with regard to each human-readable character, independent of the human-readable characters, or capable of alteration by an encryption algorithm.

Abstract: An electronic coupon system and a method of processing electronic coupons are provided utilizing a coupon card on which data representing selected coupons may be stored for subsequent redemption at a point-of-sale terminal. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic coupon system is provided including, a coupon card, an in-store kiosk, a point-of-sale terminal, a host computer, and a coupon data processor. The host computer is in communication with the in-store kiosk and the point-of-sale terminal. The in-store kiosk includes a user interface and a coupon card interface. The point-of-sale terminal includes a transaction data interface and a point-of-sale coupon card interface. The coupon data processor is programmed to correlate the transaction data with the coupon data read from the coupon card by the coupon card interface and to reduce the product sale price by an amount indicated in the coupon data.

Abstract: A mobile, automated data collection device for the portable, self-contained reading and human-intelligible presentation of printed indicia on an object. The automated data collection device includes a container, a detector, a controller to coordinate the transfer of electrical signals to and from the detector, an extensible arm connected on its proximal end to at least one of the container or components therein and on its distal end to the detector, and a display to present the information corresponding to data received from the detector in human-intelligible format. The container is equipped with wheels, at least one handle and a closeable cover so that the detector, controller, arm and display can fit inside when not in use such that the entire device can be carried by a human user from location to location. In addition, all of the components within the device can be shielded from ambient conditions, including moisture- and particulate-rich environments.

Abstract: A smart card is provided having a removable integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is mounted on a semiconductor chip assembly which is locked within the smart card. The semiconductor chip assembly is configured so that once it is locked in place, it may only be removed with a special tool. The special tool allows the locking mechanisms holding the semiconductor chip assembly within the smart card to be disengaged. Attempts to remove the semiconductor chip assembly without the special tool may result in damage to one or both of the semiconductor chip assembly and the smart card. The semiconductor chip assembly may be mounted through the side of the smart card or through one of the faces. A security label applied to the smart card and the semiconductor chip assembly provides additional security with a visual indication of tampering with the semiconductor chip assembly.

Abstract: A mobile, automated data collection device for the portable, self-contained reading and human-intelligible presentation of printed indicia on an object. The automated data collection device includes a container, a detector, a controller to coordinate the transfer of electrical signals to and from the detector, an extensible arm connected on its proximal end to at least one of the container or components therein and on its distal end to the detector, and a display to present the information corresponding to data received from the detector in human-intelligible format. The container is equipped with wheels, at least one handle and a closeable cover so that the detector, controller, arm and display can fit inside when not in use such that the entire device can be carried by a human user from location to location. In addition, all of the components within the device can be shielded from ambient conditions, including moisture- and particulate-rich environments.

Abstract: A card display packages is provided comprising front and rear panels and a card secured to the rear panel, wherein the panels and card are arranged so as to preserve uniform package thickness, provide for enhanced packaging security, and, is some cases, eliminate the need for making die cuts in manufacturing the package. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a card display package is provided comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and a card. The front panel height is less than the rear panel height. The front panel is secured to the rear panel such that a card mounting zone is defined in a lower portion of the rear panel. The card may include a magnetic stripe and may be secured within the card mounting zone such that the magnetic stripe and a portion of the card extend beyond the bottom edge of the rear panel.

Abstract: An improved scheme for shipping and handling Smart Cards and Smart Card readers is provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a business form is provided including a mounting ply defining a mounting surface and a card reader defining an upper reader panel and a lower reader panel. The upper reader panel is coupled to the lower reader panel via a reader hinge. The reader hinge is arranged to enable the upper reader panel to pivot relative to the lower reader panel from an open reader position to a closed reader position. The open reader position is characterized by separation of the upper reader panel from the lower reader panel by an angle of approximately 180° about a pivotal axis defined by the reader hinge. The card reader is removably secured to the mounting surface of the mounting ply in the open reader position. The card reader is preferably removably secured to the mounting surface with an adhesive.

Abstract: A smart card is provided having a removable integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is mounted on a semiconductor chip assembly which is locked within the smart card. The semiconductor chip assembly is configured so that once it is locked in place, it may only be removed with a special tool. The special tool allows the locking mechanisms holding the semiconductor chip assembly within the smart card to be disengaged. Attempts to remove the semiconductor chip assembly without the special tool may result in damage to one or both of the semiconductor chip assembly and the smart card. The semiconductor chip assembly may be mounted through the side of the smart card or through one of the faces. A security label applied to the smart card and the semiconductor chip assembly provides additional security with a visual indication of tampering with the semiconductor chip assembly.