Abstract: A method and apparatus for the user-defining, configuring and starting of an application or software components to form an application by means of a token and in particular a chip card. Via the service identifiers stored in the chip card which represent applications or software components to form applications, the chip card user can install the desired application. The card agent accepts the request for an application, checks the register to see if the application is present and if it is not, makes a connection to communicate with the server in order to download the application to the user system.

Abstract: The present discloses a framework that allows a synchronization engine to synchronize data between a mobile device and Back End data stores independently from the architecture and data formats of that Back End data store. The framework introduces content adapters, which access synchronization data from backend data systems. These adapters convert the data into a Back End data store independent representation, which can be used by all applications or modules which need to access different back-ends in a generic manner. A generic synchronization engine for the purpose of conflict detection and resolution is one example for a module of this kind. Other applications that could use the content adapter are Notification Frameworks or Portals and all other applications aggregating data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to communication improvements between a mobile device (12) and backend system (20) applications. A special purpose server computer—a Device Registry Server (18)—is switched between a large variety of different mobile device types (12) and a plurality of backend systems (20) for improving the communication between a mobile device and a backend system. The server (18) stores information usable for facilitating communication setup, operation and maintenance of device applications. Preferably, a ready-to-use, already customized device-type specific application can be downloaded from said server (18) to a variety of different mobile devices which is then used for easily communicate with any desired backend system (20).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new synchronization architecture for synchronization of data between different clients by using a central synchronization server linked to a Back End data store which additionally provides a cache for permanently buffering incoming updates into a permanent store by assigning an unique cache identifier (ID). Write conflicts between the synchronization server writing new entries to the cache and updates replicated from backend to cache are solved using a blocking mechanism based on the cache IDs, so that the backend updates are blocked as long as incoming updates from the clients having the same cache ID are not completely written into the cache during a synchronization session. The present invention is preferably suited for a synchronization architecture having a high number of clients connected with the central synchronization server as blocking of the Back End data store, and the connection and the transport to the Back End data store are minimized.

Abstract: The objects to be stored on a SmartCard or on a similar device are output from the host application computer in a form adapted to the device, particularly in form of a byte array which can easily be stored on such a SmartCard. That serialization comprises to convert any particular object into a sequence of bytes representing the object and its current status by storing all attributes, the name of them and all further objects which are referenced by the object which is subject to that serialization step. With the total of that information that object can be recovered in an unchanged form after any reset or interruptions which can possibly take place during usage of the SmartCard in a respective SmartCard terminal. The recover procedure is performed in analogous form: the object as well as all further objects being referenced by that object is instantiated and is initialized with the data read out from the SmartCard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for powdering printed sheets, especially printed sheets made out of paper, whereby a powder coating device is arranged inside a sheet feeding device and an electrostatic charging device that is disposed outside the sheet feeding device is assigned to the sheet.

Abstract: The time during which a data link is not being used, it is used to download those pages to which references are made by links. If one of the pages downloaded in anticipation is needed later on (namely when the user does in fact select the link concerned), the page is already in the cache of the local computer and can be displayed at once. The automatic downloading in anticipation can be initiated both by the client and by the server. The automatic downloading takes place during the time when an already established connection exists. In this way any unused capacity the connection has is exploited to the full. This improves the economics or in other words allows fuller use to be made of the chargeable (telephone) connection which has been made to the network service provider.

Abstract: A mobile device (power supplying device) includes a mobile device power server (MD PS) for providing power to another mobile device (power receiving device) having no external power supply connection. The (MD PS) may be integrated into the power supplying mobile device or may be provided as a separate portable connector usable as a connection between the power supplying mobile device and an external power supply adapter.

Abstract: A method and system for minimizing code needed in a client to synchronize data records in the client with data records in a server system is disclosed. The method and system of the present invention includes creating setup information in the client and providing the same to the server, wherein the setup information enables the server system to identify the client and to provide appropriate commands for the client.

Abstract: A simplified authentication system for communicating devices having fewer security requirements than conventional cryptographic systems. The device to be authenticated includes a secret, a function component for generating a random number, a function component for exchanging messages with other devices and finally an algorithm for calculating a hash using random number and secret. The device requesting authentication includes a secret and an algorithm for calculating a hash using a random number received from the device to be authenticated. A function component for comparing both hashes may be implemented in both devices. If the hashes calculated by both devices match it can be assumed that the authentication was successful. Preferably, this system and method may be used within a communication structure using portable communication devices like smartcards, personal digital assistants or mobile phones. Neither an exchange of the plain secret itself nor the storage of digital keys is required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer-aided shopping systems. With the help of a customer-associated mobile computing device having an adequate interface to a product data source the customer is enabled to easily gather any relevant product information including technical information about the product or variations of it, he can store the information without any purchase decision necessary to be taken in the shop and he is enabled to retrieve the information including technical information for example at home by exporting the product information via a standard interface onto his personal desktop PC for further analysis or revision. Thus, the advantages of real shopping are combined with the advantages of any kind of virtual shopping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to communication improvements between a mobile device (12) and backend system (20) applications. A special purpose server computer—a Device Registry Server (18)—is switched between a large variety of different mobile device types (12) and a plurality of backend systems (20) for improving the communication between a mobile device and a backend system. The server (18) stores information usable for facilitating communication setup, operation and maintenance of device applications. Preferably, a ready-to-use, already customized device-type specific application can be downloaded from said server (18) to a variety of different mobile devices which is then used for easily communicate with any desired backend system (20).

Abstract: This invention is a contactless label chipcard including payment and identification information and a check-out system including a contactless reader for reading and updating payment information stored in that label chipcard. The contactless label chipcard is attached to a product, and the system further includes a device for reading and initiating updating of the payment status resident on the chipcard. The device includes the contactless reader for reading information stored in the contactless label chipcard, and a component for generating an invoice based on the information received from the contactless label chipcard. Further, the device includes a component for checking payment of the invoice and a component for initiating update of the payment status. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A method, system and program for payment in a purchasing action performed by means of a cellular standard communication between a customer using said cellular standard communication device and a provider offering goods and/or services, wherein the communication between said customer and said provider is performed via a voice channel of said communication device and transmissions of an electronic bill from said provider to said customer, of a money transfer order from said customer to a payment provider and of a receipt of payment from said payment provider to said customer are performed via a service channel of the cellular standard network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a set of software components (201, . . . , 206) out of which a software application to be executed by an apparatus (400) comprising processor means and memory means can be partly or entirely assembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dusting moving printed sheets, having a reservoir body for powder, an inlet for a carrier air flow terminating in the reservoir body and an outlet from the reservoir body for the carrier air flow loaded with powder, wherein the reservoir body is at least in sections divided into a delivery chamber and a storage chamber by means of a separating wall, and the inlet and the outlet communicate with the delivery chamber, and the storage chamber is used for filling the delivery chamber.