Abstract: Formatting of data entered and/or stored in a financial transaction record may be automatically corrected or modified to an expected or compatible format. The format in which data is to be stored may be defined by a financial institution processing the transaction and/or a customer affected by the transaction. Format rules may be defined and used to judge whether a transaction record parameter meets the required format. If so, the record parameter may be validated and saved. If, however, the parameter is not formatted according to the rule, the system may automatically revise the value stored in the parameter to satisfy the requirements. According to another aspect, if a transaction record has been modified, manual confirmation of the change may be requested.

Abstract: Formatting of data entered and/or stored in a financial transaction record may be automatically corrected or modified to an expected or compatible format. The format in which data is to be stored may be defined by a financial institution processing the transaction and/or a customer affected by the transaction. Format rules may be defined and used to judge whether a transaction record parameter meets the required format. If so, the record parameter may be validated and saved. If, however, the parameter is not formatted according to the rule, the system may automatically revise the value stored in the parameter to satisfy the requirements. According to another aspect, if a transaction record has been modified, manual confirmation of the change may be requested.

Abstract: The present invention increases the aperture size of a microphone array by introducing a diffracting structure into the interior of a microphone array. The diffracting structure within the array modifies both the amplitude and phase of the acoustic signal reaching the microphones. The diffracting structure increases acoustic shadowing along with the signal's travel time around the structure. The diffracting structure in the array effectively increases the aperture size of the array and thereby increases the directivity of the array. Constructing the surface of the diffracting structure such that surface waves can form over the surface further increases the travel time and modifies the amplitude of the acoustical signal thereby allowing a larger effective aperture for the array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the charge cycle of a rechargeable power source within portable electronic equipment is disclosed. When external power is applied to the portable electronic equipment, a determination is made of the present power capacity of the rechargeable power source for the equipment. If the present capacity is lower than a predetermined value, then a charge cycle is initiated. If the present capacity is not lower than the predetermined value, then a charge cycle is not initiated. Furthermore, the predetermined value may be fixed or adjustable by a user.