Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for optically communicating data between two data handling units where one of the data units supplies all of the optical power needed for the optical communications between the two data units. In a preferred embodiment a first data unit comprises a first data source, first and second optical sources of optical energy, and a first optical detector, while a second data unit comprises a second data source, a second optical detector and an optical modulator. In a first mode of operation, a first stream of digital data from the first data source pulse modulates the first optical source on and off causing the first optical source to transmit optical pulses to the second optical detector. These optical pulses are converted by the second optical detector back into a representation of the first stream of digital data for use by the second data unit.

Abstract: A system including a portable personal terminal which may be used for handling a wide variety of financial, shopping, and other transactions. The personal terminal is credit-card sized, is intelligent, includes a plurality of transaction totals and is constructed to be user-friendly. An interface module is used to couple the terminal to other systems for on-line uses.

Abstract: A security system and method are disclosed in a network comprised of a plurality of remote terminals in communication with a central processor wherein, before a user can access data from the central processor, that user's assigned terminal must first verify that the user is the proper user of that terminal and then the central processor must verify that the terminal requesting that data is authorized to access that data. In a preferred embodiment, a first memory in the terminal that is assigned to a particular user is initialized by storing therein a file number associated with the particular user, an assigned terminal number of the terminal, an assigned algorithm, and a first number derived from the use in the assigned algorithm of the assigned terminal number and a secret PIN number entered by the particular user into the terminal.

Abstract: A system including a portable personal terminal which may be used for handling a wide variety of financial, shopping, and other transactions. The personal terminal is credit-card sized, is intelligent, includes a plurality of transaction totals and is constructed to be user friendly. An interface module is used to couple the terminal to other systems for on line uses.

Abstract: A currency dispenser having a housing having a discharge opening therein; a flexible, transparent carrier having bills of currency detachably mounted on carrier; a drive unit for moving the carrier within the housing so as to position successive ones of the bills near the opening and pick-off structure to separate the bills from the carrier and move them out of the discharge opening. Embodiments of the carrier include the use of adhesive members, tongue-like structures and a fan-folded configuration for providing single, spaced bills of currency on the carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the performance of a currency dispenser by detecting the displacement of a roller caused by the thickness of a record member. This displacement is measured by the movement of a graded density translucent member between the photodiode and sensor of a detector. Electronic circuitry associated with the detector indicates the presence of a record member between the rollers, and also the presence of multiple record members. The fabrication of the member allows the circuitry to detect only the displacement from the static position of the rollers, eliminating the necessity for adjustment due to wear, temperature, and other mechanical factors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for issuing negotiable instruments such as checks from a terminal comprising: first means (identification card reader) for identifying an account number against which a monetary amount of a check to be issued by the terminal is to be charged; second means (handwriting transducer) for inputting into the terminal identification data which will be used in determining whether to accept or reject a user of the terminal as authorized to issue a check against the account number; third means (bank data system) for supplying authorized identification data to the terminal and also for supplying evaluation criteria, such as a current monetary balance, for the account number; entry means (keyboard) for entering check data including the monetary amount; means for comparing (processor) the identification data with the authorized identification data and for generating an accept signal or a reject signal as a result of the comparing; the comparing means also comparing the monetary amount with the evalu

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing a section of photographic medium such that it exhibits an incremental gradient in optical density across an area of the medium. A source of radiant energy is located in a container, which container is covered by a ground glass plate. This plate is covered by an opaque sheet, which sheet contains a narrow aperture. This sheet is covered by a second ground glass plate, such that the edge of the second plate overlies the edge of the aperture. A camera is focused on the surface of the opaque sheet. A portion of the light from the light source is diffused through the edge of the second plate and reflected toward the camera from the surface of the opaque sheet, causing the resultant image captured on the medium when the camera is activated to show a change in optical density with respect to the distance from the image on the medium of the edge of the second plate.

Abstract: A record member feeding device is disclosed for feeding record members from a stack, located in a hopper having spaced-apart surfaces positioned at one end thereof defining an opening through which the record members may be fed. A vacuum-operated, solenoid-control picking member grasps one of the record members and shifts it through the opening to a position in which it is contacted by projections on a rotatable feeding element and is moved thereby into engagement with counter-rotating take away rollers which further transport it to its desired destination.

Abstract: A transducing device converts to representative electrical signals those force variations which are produced by the act of a person writing a signature. In the device, a signature writing surface is provided, and is part of an arm attached by resilient means to a support member which in turn is secured to a base. A magnetic core is connected to the underside of the signature writing surface and coacts with a plurality of coils mounted on the base to provide a motion transducer which, with associated circuitry, generates an electrical signal which varies in accordance with the varying forces applied to the signature writing surface as a signature is written thereon. Stop rods secured to the base limit the extent of travel in one direction of the signature writing surface.

Abstract: A multi-track magnetic recording head is used to record data in human readable form on a magnetic track on a record medium. A viewer, having a viewing window containing microencapsulated ferromagnetic particles, is used to read the data. When the viewing window is placed in operative proximity with the magnetic track, an image corresponding to the data on the track is formed on the viewing window to enable a user of the record medium to read the data thereon. The image on the viewing window is erased after reading by providing relative movement between the viewing window and a magnetic field.

Abstract: A method of producing a diffraction grating master which comprises exposing a plurality of reduced first grating patterns on a light sensitive layer in conformance with a predetermined code; processing the light sensitive layer to produce first gratings therein; exposing a plurality of reduced second grating patterns on the light sensitive layer (superimposed on the first gratings) and repeating the processing step to produce the second gratings; vacuum depositing a layer of silver on the superimposed first and second gratings; electroplating a layer of nickel on the silver layer on the superimposed gratings; separating the resulting nickel-silver layer from the light sensitive layer; and reinforcing the nickel-silver layer (formed in the pattern of the first and second gratings) for use as an embossing master. A special electroplating fixture used in the electroplating step insures that the nickel layer being deposited lies flat without "peeling".

Abstract: A method of producing a diffraction grating master which comprises exposing a plurality of reduced first grating patterns on a light sensitive layer in conformance with a predetermined code; processing the light sensitive layer to produce first gratings therein; exposing a plurality of reduced second grating patterns on the light sensitive layer (superimposed on the first gratings) and repeating the processing step to produce the second gratings; vacuum depositing a layer of silver on the superimposed first and second gratings; electroplating a layer of nickel on the silver layer on the superimposed gratings; separating the resulting nickel-silver layer from the light sensitive layer; and reinforcing the nickel-silver layer (formed in the pattern of the first and second gratings) for use as an embossing master. A special electroplating fixture used in the electroplating step insures that the nickel layer being deposited lies flat without "peeling".

Abstract: A system and method for providing a security check on a credit card. The credit card has first data recorded thereon in the form of optical gratings to provide for card uniqueness and second data recorded thereon in a magnetic track also located on the card. The optical gratings on the card cannot be reproduced by "skimming" or without destroying the card itself. When the magnetic track is recorded by a bank issuing the card, some reference to the first data on the card is included and encrypted on the magnetic track by the bank's encrypting hardware so as to eliminate fraudulent duplication or use of the card. The first data, which is unique to the card, is compared with selected portions of the encrypted second data to provide a security check to determine the validity of the card being used. The optical gratings are embossed on an aluminized plastic strip which is sandwiched between plastic sheets in the credit card to form a non-separable and tamperproof card structure.

Abstract: An optical identification system including a reader for reading superimposed optical gratings on a record medium in which the reader has a grating plane and a radiant energy source for directing energy therefrom along an optical axis to the grating plane. Detectors are positioned in the reader to receive diffracted beams from the optical gratings on a record medium positioned at the grating plane. The reader also includes an optical imaging system having a concave lens for directing a zero order reflected beam which is displaced from the optical axis back to the grating plane to enable the resulting beams diffracted from the optical gratings to be received at the detectors whenever a record medium is displaced slightly from the grating plane.

Abstract: An optical marking system which utilizes tags that are formed from multiple diffraction gratings, which gratings differ in orientation and number of lines (frequency) in accordance with the coded information desired on the tags. A monochromatic light source illuminates a diffraction grating tag, with reading of the coded information on the tag being accomplished by sensing the reflected light which is projected as images in a Fraunhofer plane. Retroreflective elements are provided in the optic train as a means for stabilizing the direction of reflection from the diffraction gratings such that the reflections are somewhat independent of the tilt angle of the tag with respect to the illuminating light.

Abstract: The code and record medium of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of code marks which are positioned around the periphery of one or more circles in a predetermined sequence, on a record member, for merchandise marking or other appropriate use. One or more of the code marks can be designated to be a marker for an orientation of the code sequence. A machine can read the code marks by scanning the code marks with a light beam, or other suitable scanner, as an associated article of merchandise, for example, is moved transversely across the scan path of the beam. Light reflections from the code marks are detected and converted into corresponding electrical signals. The electrical signals are then compared against known valid signals to eliminate false signals not corresponding to known code marks.