Abstract: Methods for characterizing the surface shapes of optical elements include the following steps: carrying out, in an interferometric test arrangement, at least a first interferogram measurement on the optical element by superimposing a test wave, which has been generated by diffraction of electromagnetic radiation on a diffractive element and has been reflected at the optical element, carrying out at least one additional interferogram measurement on in each case one calibrating mirror for determining calibration corrections, and determining the deviation from the target shape of the optical element based on the first interferogram measurement carried out on the optical element and the determined calibration corrections. At least two interferogram measurements are carried out for the at least one calibrating mirror, which differ from one another with regard to the polarization state of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A transaction terminal may be configured to perform a financial transaction intermediated by an RFID bearing payment token. The financial transaction may be of a general type.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method are provided for managing of peripheral devices and communication of sensitive data, such as, payment transactions in a manner that satisfies security concerns while minimizing maintenance of sensitive data by point-of-sale providers, which can be achieved by reducing or eliminating direct connections from internal networks to workstations and devices, and using a dedicated secure communications link for updates and processing of all sensitive data. In this manner, the system and related method reduces risk of system compromise and maintenance overhead.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal configured to perform a financial transaction intermediated by an RFID bearing payment token. The financial transaction is of a general type.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed transactional terminal according to the invention in one embodiment includes a housing having a top portion partially defined by a touch screen, a base, and an enlarged head portion extending forwardly from the base to define a lip. An insert style card reader having horizontally oriented feed slot opening toward the front of the housing is disposed in the lip of the housing. The feed slot may be angled downward slightly to reduce build up in the slot and to encourage a sweeping action by a card during card removal. The touch screen may be angled downward in coplanar relationship with the feed slot to improve visibility of the touch screen and to improve simultaneous observation of touch screen and card indicia.

Abstract: A method for authenticating data comprising the steps of: providing data to a first device having at least two initial cryptographic keys; generating authentication information required to authenticate the data utilizing the at least two initial cryptographic keys; sending the data and authentication data to a second device having paired cryptographic keys wherein each paired cryptographic key is associated to one of the at least two initial cryptographic keys; and authenticating the data in the second device utilizing the paired cryptographic keys.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal configured to perform a financial transaction intermediated by an RFID bearing payment token. The financial transaction is of a general type.

Abstract: In one embodiment, information content files, such as text files, image files, XML files and the like, that provide information related to an identifier bearing item, such as a consumer item with a barcode, are stored on a data storage device such as network server. Identifier data entries, such as UPC data, are associated with file data entries, such as file names, in a database. General file access information that is used in accessing the information content files is stored on a terminal. In operation an identifier is read by the terminal and is used to extract one of the file data entries from the database based on database communication information stored on the terminal. The file data entry in combination with the general file access information is used to establish communication with the data storage device and to extract one of the information content files.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal having an encryption mode apparatus comprising a secure information entry circuit and a secure mode indicator. The secure information entry circuit is operable to execute an encryption routine including steps that involve application of an encryption algorithm. Further included in the secure mode information entry circuit is cryptographic firmware which adapts the secure information entry circuit so that an encryption mode signal is caused to change state when an encryption routine is called. The indicator of the encryption mode apparatus is made responsive to the encryption mode signal so that the indicator indicates to a user as to whether data entered into the terminal will be encrypted by the terminal.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed transactional terminal according to the invention in one embodiment includes a housing having a top portion partially defined by a touch screen, a base, and an enlarged head portion extending forwardly from the base to define a lip. An insert style card reader having horizontally oriented feed slot opening toward the front of the housing is disposed in the lip of the housing. The feed slot may be angled downward slightly to reduce build up in the slot and to encourage a sweeping action by a card during card removal. The touch screen may be angled downward in coplanar relationship with the feed slot to improve visibility of the touch screen and to improve simultaneous observation of touch screen and card indicia.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal having an encryption mode apparatus comprising a secure information entry circuit and a secure mode indicator. The secure information entry circuit is operable to execute an encryption routine including steps that involve application of an encryption algorithm. Further included in the secure mode information entry circuit is cryptographic firmware which adapts the secure information entry circuit so that an encryption mode signal is caused to change state when an encryption routine is called. The indicator of the encryption mode apparatus is made responsive to the encryption mode signal so that the indicator indicates to a user as to whether data entered into the terminal will be encrypted by the terminal.