Abstract: The invention enables a registered PEAD user to exchange a secure message with another registered PEAD user by using the user ID and the user public key information in the server. The sender can retrieve the public key information from the server 1201 using the receiver's user ID as an index; then the sender can derive the shared secret using the receiver's public key. The sender then can encrypt the message with the shared secret and send it over to a server with the other PEAD user's (receiver's) ID appended with the sender's user ID over the wireless network and/or Internet. The server then stores the message and forwards the message to the receiver once the receiver's PEAD is polling for messages. (It is understood in the art that the server can push the messages to the receiver's PEAD). The receiving PEAD user can use the sender's PEAD user ID and sender's public key information to derive the shared secret to decrypt a received secure message.

Abstract: A method permits a user to conduct a charged transaction utilizing a charge terminal of an electronic transaction system, the charge card terminal being configured to interface with a charge card for the purpose of conducting the charge card transaction. A merchant card is provided to a merchant where the charge card transaction is to be conducted. A charge card terminal at the merchant accepts the merchant card and a pin number or cellular phone number from the user conducting the charge card transaction. The phone number or pin number of the customer causes a call to be placed to a cellular phone of a person required to authorize the charge card transaction.

Abstract: A portable data terminal for use in a portable data collection network including a backbone network and a plurality of access points coupled to the backbone network. The portable data terminal includes a keypad for inputting data; a barcode reader for inputting barcode information an RF transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one of data input via the keypad and barcode information read by the barcode reader to the backbone network by way of at least one of the plurality of access points a speaker; and a voice circuit operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the speaker for receiving voice data via the RF transceiver, and for converting the voice data into a voice signal which is output through the speaker.

Abstract: A computer configured to authenticate a user to an electronic transaction system is disclosed. The computer includes a central processing unit and electronic authorization firmware disposed within the computer and in electronic communication with the central processing unit. The electronic authorization firmware includes a non-volatile memory circuit configured to store at least one of a user private key and user identification data and a firmware identification data. The electronic authorization firmware further includes decryption logic circuitry disposed between the non-volatile memory circuit and the electronic transaction system. The decryption logic circuitry is configured to prevent unauthorized access to at least one of the user private key and the user identification data in the non-volatile memory circuit.

Abstract: A method permits a user to conduct a charged transaction utilizing a charge terminal of an electronic transaction system, the charge card terminal being configured to interface with a charge card for the purpose of conducting the charge card transaction. A merchant card is provided to a merchant where the charge card transaction is to be conducted. A charge card terminal at the merchant accepts the merchant card and a pin number or cellular phone number from the user conducting the charge card transaction. The phone number or pin number of the customer causes a call to be placed to a cellular phone of a person required to authorize the charge card transaction.

Abstract: The invention enables a registered PEAD user to exchange a secure message with another registered PEAD user by using the user ID and the user public key information in the server. The sender can retrieve the public key information from the server 1201 using the receiver's user ID as an index; then the sender can derive the shared secret using the receiver's public key. The sender then can encrypt the message with the shared secret and send it over to a server with the other PEAD user's (receiver's) ID appended with the sender's user ID over the wireless network and/or Internet. The server then stores the message and forwards the message to the receiver once the receiver's PEAD is polling for messages. (It is understood in the art that the server can push the messages to the receiver's PEAD).

Abstract: A portable data terminal for use in a portable data collection network including a backbone network and a plurality of access points coupled to the backbone network. The portable data terminal includes a keypad for inputting data; a barcode reader for inputting barcode information an RF transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one of data input via the keypad and barcode information read by the barcode reader to the backbone network by way of at least one of the plurality of access points a speaker; and a voice circuit operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the speaker for receiving voice data via the RF transceiver, and for converting the voice data into a voice signal which is output through the speaker.

Abstract: A system for automated remote retrieval and display of product specific information includes a bar code reader for scanning uniform product code information, or other suitable indicia from a product. This information is decoded via local mapping, remote mapping done by a mapping server, or direct correlation with a network address. Such decoding allows for immediate and automated access to product specific information which is obtained, communicated to a user terminal, and displayed. Use of hypertext-based displays allow a consumer to provide additional querying specific to that particular product to obtain further or specified information. Demographic information specific to a user is suitably obtained to provide valuable market information for the product manufacturers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for approving a transaction request between an electronic transaction system and a portable electronic authorization device (PEAD) carried by a user using an electronic service authorization token. The method includes the steps of receiving at the PEAD first digital data representing the transaction request. The PEAD provides information to the user regarding an ability to approve the transaction request. When the transaction request is approved by the user, the PEAD receives second digital data representing the electronic service authorization token. In one aspect of the invention, the method and apparatus include a remote agent server that provides a bridge between the electronic transaction system and the PEAD. In an embodiment providing a further level of security, the private key is stored on the portable device, encrypted. The decryption key is stored outside of the device, at a trusted 3rd party location.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for approving a transaction request between an electronic transaction system and a portable electronic authorization device (PEAD) carried by a user using an electronic service authorization token. The method includes the steps of receiving at the PEAD first digital data representing the transaction request. The PEAD provides information to the user regarding an ability to approve the transaction request. When the transaction request is approved by the user, the PEAD receives second digital data representing the electronic service authorization token. In one aspect of the invention, the method and apparatus include a remote agent server that provides a bridge between the electronic transaction system and the PEAD. In yet another aspect of the invention, the method and apparatus are used at a point of sale location. Advantages of the invention include the ability to securely and conveniently perform transactions with a portable device.

Abstract: By providing subpixel accuracy in the detection of the position of an element of a pixel data image, the invention makes possible reductions in scanner and storage resolution of the order of 65 percent or greater for two-dimensional applications. Methods use normalized gray level values to determine the extent of coverage of an image cell by individual pixels. By then applying such gray level values of a plurality of successive pixels to a preconstructed lookup table, ambiguities are resolved to determine the position of cell edges. The cell edge data can be used to determine cell position or used directly in edge-based bar code decoding techniques. Cell position data is used for construction of a virtual image of a bar code or other dataform of interest and virtual image information may then be used for purposes of decoding the bar code or other dataform.

Abstract: Prior methods of reading MaxiCode dataforms have been subject to reduced resolution image scaling and processing and speed constraints of Fourier transform computations. Described spatial domain data extraction methods provide bull's eye center location by T-sequence pixel pattern analysis, axis identification by moment analysis of data cell pairs, and integral width square wave analysis of illumination transitions to avoid reading-line cell fragmentation. The center and top of a MaxiCode are identified in high-resolution pixel data, without scaling reduction or Fourier type frequency domain processing. Data is extracted serially from rows of data cells by sampling along lines of pixels aligned by fragmentation analysis so as to traverse complete rows of data cells. Dynamic thresholding accurately defines illumination value transitions between adjacent linear groups of data cells, each group consisting of one or more data cells of the same reflectivity.

Abstract: A portable data collection device is disclosed. The device includes an imaging assembly including a two dimensional (2D) photosensor array overlied by a RGB color filter. The imaging assembly is selectively actuatable with a first trigger for reading a dataform in the imaging assembly's target area and actuatable with a second trigger for capturing a color image of the target area. In one operating embodiment of the portable data collection device of the present invention, actuating the first trigger results in the imaging assembly capturing an image of the target area including a dataform and an associated image area of interest. The image area of interest is at a predetermined position with respect to the dataform. The imaging assembly decodes the dataform and outputs a compressed, digital representation of the image area of interest along with decoded data from the dataform.

Abstract: An original document of one or more pages containing human-readable printed information is encoded in one or more two-dimensional bar code symbols and transmitted by facsimile to a remote site where a facsimile of the symbols is machine read, decoded and printed to provide an accurate reproduction of the original document. The facsimile symbol can be facsimile transmitted to another remote site where the facsimile symbol is regenerated, machine read, decoded and printed as another reproduction of the original document. The machine readability of the symbol facilitates computer entry of the original document printed information. The coded symbol may also contain data used at a remote site to control processing and dissemination of the original document printed information.

Abstract: Sub-pixel processing of image data representing a dataform, such as a 2D bar code, enables reading of dataforms including more data/smaller elements, without costly increases in sensor and memory capacity. Whole pixel processing is employed for pixel-per-element resolutions of two or better. Sub-pixel cell edge transition location in image data is enhanced by use of a dynamically implemented noise margin applied with bands of gray scale values designated within the envelope of applicable gray scale maximum and minimum values. Sub-pixel cell edge transition location employs selection of transition segments (subject to the noise margin) and determination of a dynamic threshold for each relevant transition segment. The intersection of the threshold and the transition segment is then indicative of the location of the cell edge transition along a sampling line crossing the dataform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the function of document processing machines such as copying machines and facsimile machines. Control data is submitted to a controller in a two-dimensional symbology having error correcting capability. The control data is decoded and used to process a plurality of documents without the need of a manual keying of instructions by an operator controlling the document processing machine.

Abstract: Line-by-line dataform readers and methods are enabled to operate with reduced buffer memory capacity. Storage and retention of image data are controlled on an interactive basis by concurrent analysis while lines of image data are coupled from a linear scanner. In a first embodiment lines of image data are analyzed for recognition of a feature unique to a type of dataform. Upon successful feature recognition a series of earlier and later lines of image data adequate to include a complete dataform image are retained in memory for decoding purposes. Prior to successful feature recognition, as lines of image data exceeding a limited memory storage capacity are received the earliest stored lines are discarded on a first-in-first-out basis. In a second embodiment, a buffer memory has a storage capacity adequate to store only a partial dataform image.

Abstract: A bar code reader system includes a record, a bar code reader, a decoder, a processor, a transferring element, and a printer. The record includes a substrate with an information area containing first data removably encoded on the substrate in an error-correctable machine readable format and text. The bar code reader converts the first encoded data from the record into electrical signals which are decoded by the decoder. The processor encodes second data entered through a keyboard, and generates transfer drive signals for controlling the transfer of the second encoded data onto the record. The transferring element detects the presence of the first encoded data on the record, and in response to the drive signals when the first encoded data is present on the record, subjects the record to an erasing operation to remove the first encoded data. The printer then prints the second encoded data on the record.