Abstract: A system is disclosed for authenticating an object on the basis of certain physical phenomena or character, specifically, measurable, but not practicably duplicable random variations in the object. In one form, the object (authenticator (T)) is a paper tag having a reference space (14), the varying translucency pattern of which is a measurable but practicably unduplicable characteristic of the paper. The reference space (14) is sensed to provide reference signals indicative of the varying translucency. A reference numeral (10) is then provided from some registered form, as on the tag or in a list. If the numeral (10) is readily accessible, it likely will be cryptographically encoded. Note the value of putting encoded information on the tag to avoid the need for large reference files.For verification, freshly sensed reference signals, as from the tag (T) (actually characteristic of the tag) are compared with signals that previously were sensed as characteristic of the tag (T).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for creating custom garments of clothing for a wearer by combining data on personal tailoring measurements of the wearer, physical characteristics of the wearer, a garment pattern, and garment options selected on the basis of the resulting combination of personal and pattern data. As disclosed, the system is embodied with a central location unit including a cutting table apparatus, a memory for a substantial number of patterns, and a pattern-processing system. The central unit serves a plurality of remote location equipments through a communication system which may incorporate a telephonic link. The remote equipments include an interactive graphic display terminal which cooperates with a remote location computer for the effective combination of physical data, personal selection data, and pattern data.

Abstract: A credit verification system is disclosed including remote terminals and a central unit, for use with identification cards carrying a changeable recording medium. On presentation, cards are sensed to provide signals indicative of identification with (1) an aggregate amount of all value transactions supported by the card during a period (month) and (2) an aggregate amount of all those value transactions occurring at "off-line" stations or terminals during the period. Each terminal senses signals indicative of amounts of values as a control, depending upon the current mode of operation for the terminal involved, e.g. "off-line" or "on-line." Approval is indicated in either state, providing the card is acceptable under established criteria for each state, e.g. that the imposed limits are not exceeded.

Abstract: .Iadd.A system is disclosed for providing financial status data from a data processing system to a plurality of input units. Operation is based on identification verification, personal history records, and current activity of subjects. Subjects are verified using two classes of identification, one that is characteristic of a subject and another that is arbitrarily assigned. Arbitrary identification signals designate a memory location for a subject's status and characteristic identification. A comparison between recorded and inquiry identification confirms a subject's identity. The system includes apparatus for accepting and recording identifications for first-time subjects. Memory also registers personal history, for example, negative information on subjects which is provided as one form of status data. Records of a subject's recent activity are generated in the memory to indicate another form of status data.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing financial status data from a data processing system to a plurality of input units. Operation is based on identification verification, personal history records, and current activity of subjects. Subjects are verified using two classes of identification, one that is characteristic of a subject and another that is arbitrarily assigned. Arbitrary identification signals designate a memory location for a subject's status and characteristic identification. A comparison between recorded and inquiry identification confirms a subject's identity. The system includes apparatus for accepting and recording identifications for first-time subjects. Memory also registers personal history, for example, negative information on subjects which is provided as one form of status data. Records of a subject's recent activity are generated in the memory to indicate another form of status data.

Abstract: A status-indicating system is disclosed, directed specifically to provide information for regulating credit transactions and the like. An inquiry station includes structure for providing signals that identify a subject and also indicate whether or not the contemplated transaction suggests caution, e.g., cash will be returned on a check. The inquiry signals are transmitted to a primary register which has a location assigned for each subject and which locations record first signals (indicating that the subject is or is not authorized) and second signals (indicating the subject is or is not in question). The questionable status results from a relatively recent inquiry by a subject which involved a transaction of the type suggesting caution. Thus, such transactions result in the recording of the second signals, in the primary register.