Abstract: A standalone business card information exchange device and associated method are disclosed. The device includes a processor and a card reader coupled to the processor, the card reader operable to read business card information associated with each user. A storage medium coupled to the processor stores read business card information associated with each user and a camera coupled to the processor captures an image associated with the read business card information associated with each user. An audio/video device may be coupled to the processor for storing an audio/video clip associated with each user. A means for allowing modification of the read business card information associated with each user by the user and a means for distributing the stored business card information to the plurality of users are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for management of terminal devices. The core of the present invention is as follows: a terminal device monitors and acquires events generated in the terminal device under off-line conditions, and reports the events to a management side, after establishing communication with the management side. The aforementioned management side then performs management of the terminal device. With the present invention, the terminal events can be monitored, and the terminal device can be managed based on the monitored terminal events. Thus, the adverse impact of the terminal events on the terminal device may be prevented and eliminated in a timely fashion. This reduces the probability of equipment errors, and thus improves the service quality of the service provider.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for managing content using a labeling method in a portable terminal. The method for labeling content in the portable terminal includes selecting a label from a label database, selecting content from a content database and storing the content designated with the label in the content database.

Abstract: A self-service terminal includes at least one electromechanical hardware component (e.g., a display monitor, a card reader, a cash dispenser, a cash acceptor, and a statement printer) configured to interact physically with a human user of the self-service terminal as the user engages in a financial transaction between the user and a financial-services institution. A self-service component is configured to control operation of the electromechanical hardware component as the electromechanical hardware component interacts physically with the user during the financial transaction, and a client component is configured to interact with the electromechanical hardware component at least once while the financial transaction is in progress.

Abstract: A financial transactions processing system includes a cradle to receive dispensed notes for dispensing cash to customers and/or tellers. The cradle may be rotatable for use with more than one user. The cradle may have end walls to provide security and privacy to each user. A rotatable shield may provide additional security and privacy. A lock may prevent the cradle and/or shield from rotating to prevent unauthorized access to cash in the cradle.

Abstract: A portable storage device with identifying function is provided. The portable storage device comprises a data transmission interface, for electrically connecting to a host end; a memory transmission interface; a microcontroller, having a smart card engine and electrically connected to the data transmission interface and the memory transmission interface respectively; and a memory, having a personal identification number (PIN) stored therein and electrically connected to the memory transmission interface.

Abstract: A process for validating an identification badge for a plurality of predetermined periods of time. The process includes generating, preferably randomly, an initial image for an initial predetermined period of time and then transmitting this initial image to a heat transfer printing device. The heat transfer device prints the image on the identification badge to thereby validate the badge for the initial predetermined period of time. Subsequently, a subsequent image is randomly generated for a subsequent predetermined period of time. This subsequent image is then transmitted to the heat transfer printing device. The device subsequently prints the subsequent image on the identification badge to overlay the initial image, thereby concealing such initial image and validating the badge for the subsequent predetermined period of time. A novel heat transfer ribbon is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring employees is provided. The apparatus includes a biometric sensor generating biometric data, such as a fingerprint reader, and time of measurement data. An identification system receives the biometric data and determines a personal identifier, such as an employee's name, based on the biometric data. An employer notification system generates a notification message that includes the employee's name and the time that they clocked in. A notification message transmission system determines the best way to get the notification message to the employer, such as by checking an employer notification profile.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of and apparatus for storing, retrieving and updating information on an information card or calling card. The card is made of traditional materials with at least a first surface reserved for traditional print and/or graphics. A second surface of the card contains computer readable storage media permanently affixed to the card. In another embodiment the card may be made from plastic materials and include an RFID tag as the electronic storage media. The storage media contains an electronic version of the printed text from the first surface of the card and other information. Information stored on the computer readable storage media can be read from the card using a magnetic reader or other card reader. Updated information card data may stored on a remote computer and accessed by card-recipients via the Internet. The information cards may be used in various systems including use as emergency tags, residential information tags, vehicle tags, and retail tags.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic ticket compatible with the existing railway paper tickets, which comprises two layers of paper media where an antenna and a chip are buried in advance and is characterized in that dynamic encryption information is written into said chip in advance and has a check code associated with a serial number for anti-counterfeiting; at a ticket selling terminal, ticket information will be written into said chip, and such ticket information in said chip can be rewritten many times; and said antenna is used for receiving RF signals and transmitting them to said chip.

Abstract: A defined purchase instrument and method for controlling spending is provided which uses defined conditions chosen by a purchaser of a defined purchase instrument to provide limitations on the use of the defined purchase instrument. The defined purchase instrument is a financial instrument that can be used by a holder of the instrument to purchase goods and services. The defined purchase instrument can define a particular set of vendors and can define a set of purchase conditions for which that particular defined purchase instrument can be used. The defined purchase instrument cannot be used for other vendors or for conditions other than those defined by the purchaser of the defined purchase instrument.

Abstract: A wireless authentication system performs authentication by means of radio signals, and has a use restriction function for an appliance in order to prevent illegal use or unauthorized use thereof. The system carries out multiple level authentication and settlement relating to payment cards, including credit cards and has functions for locking and unlocking a container, including a locker, whereby not only can a user deposit his or her own luggage, but luggage can also be deposited and collected by different persons.

Abstract: A method and a system for updating a counter of an electronic component in which are stored recordings, each containing at least one individual value and at least one sorting value, including: transferring into a memory of a reader an initial count of the counter and said recordings; calculating on the reader side an intermediary count equal to the minimum of the initial count and of the sum of the individual values of the recordings, the sorting value of which is within a range known by the reader; and transferring into the counter of the electronic component a number which is a function of the intermediary count.

Abstract: A communications protocol is provided for use in a refueling environment connected to a remote facility. The remote facility is disposed apart from the fuel dispenser locations and is connected to a network such as the World Wide Web of the Internet. Regarding a customer at one of the fuel dispenser locations, a user identification such as credit card account information is sent to the remote facility. The remote facility then establishes an access connection with a network node such as a server, on behalf of the customer. The network communications follow a client-server session format and are correlated to the user ID. The remote facility sends a cookie element to the server that was previously set by the server during an initial Web site visit. The cookie contains state information such as a unique identification number generated by the server. The remote facility associates the unique identification number with the relevant user ID.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for verifying product information. The apparatus includes an identification module configured to obtain a first set of data associated with a product. A database, in communication with the identification module, is configured to store data associated with the product in a database. An image module is configured to capture at least one image of a product. A recognition module, in communication with the image module, is configured to obtain a second set of data from at least one captured image of the product. A determination module configured to determine whether a match exists between the second set of data and the first set of data by comparing the second set of data with data in the database.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for managing traveler information of a traveler having a country of origin and traveling from a country of embarkation to a country of destination. The method includes receiving input data from a graphic user interface containing traveler information at the country of embarkation, sending the traveler information to the country of origin, and requesting confirmation from the country of origin of the accuracy of the traveler information by comparing the traveler information with data received from at least one of a police department, customs department, or immigration department. The method further includes receiving the confirmed traveler information from the country of origin and verifying traveler identity at the country of embarkation.

Abstract: A chip card retaining mechanism for detachably retaining a chip card (50) and allowing the chip card to be connected to terminals (20) formed on a printed circuit board (60). The chip card retaining mechanism includes a base (10), two locking members (30). The base has a first surface (11) for exposing the terminals. The locking members are arranged at lateral sides of the base. Each locking member has a top plate (32) configured for limiting movement of the chip card along a horizontal direction. Each locking member further includes a stopper (324) formed at one end thereof and disposed at a movement path of the chip card in a horizontal direction. The base, and the locking members cooperatively define a receiving space for receiving the chip card therein.

Abstract: There is provided a code pattern readable by a reader having a given number of dots that are selectively arranged in a block that is an information unit.

Abstract: Scanners are provided. A scanner includes a scan module, a separator, and a housing having a transparent plate. The scanning module is movably received in the housing to scan a first object or a second object through the transparent plate. The separator includes a rotary member and a main body connected to the scan module. The rotary member connects the main body and movably contacts the transparent plate. When the rotary member is at a first angle, the first object is located in a depth of field (DOF) of the scan module. When the rotary member rotates from the first angle to a second angle, the scan module moves toward the transparent plate, such that the second object is retained in the depth of field.

Abstract: An automatic optical reading apparatus (1) having a light emitting section (26), a light receiving section (27) and an outside interface section (36). A first unit (2) houses at least one of the emitting section (26) and the receiving section (27) and a second unit (3) houses at least the outside interface section (36). The first unit (2) and the second unit (3) are mutually connectable in at least two different mutual orientations.

Abstract: A barcode reader and processing circuitry are disclosed for identifying a position of a cylinder rod, for example, along a path of movement. The barcode is marked on a surface of the rod and constitutes a series of markings extending along a portion of the length of the rod. The markings represent encoded information based on numbers calculated with a random number generator, and are grouped into subsets, each of which corresponds to a particular rod position. A portion of the rod including a subset of barcode markings is exposed to light emitted from the reader. Light reflected off the barcode is sensed with an array of photosensors provided in the reader. The photosensors generate electrical signals, and using Bayesian probability, a likely subset of markings is determined corresponding to the received electrical signals. Once identified, the markings subset is associated with a location corresponding to the position of the rod.

Abstract: A counter-rotating disk scanner together with another scan mechanism provides two-dimensional optical scanner. The counter-disk scanner includes counter-rotating scan disks that implement the scanning action as they rotate through an optical axis of the system.

Abstract: A printer includes a reading unit to read an original that includes a machine-readable code, an extraction unit to extract the machine-readable code from the original, and a scaling unit to reduce the original. The printer further includes a detection unit to detect a margin area in the reduced original, a combining unit to combine the extracted machine-readable code with the reduced original in the margin area if the size of the margin area is larger than the size of the machine-readable code, and a printing unit to print the combined data.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a barcode scanner platform is provided in which the gain of an analog signal representative of a barcode is controlled using a control loop. In embodiments, an MTF detector generates a value (e.g., DC) representative of a low frequency portion (wide or out of optical focus elements) of the analog signal and a second value (e.g., DC) representative of a high frequency portion (narrow elements or in optical focus elements) of the analog signal. The processor uses the first and the second values and a reference amplitude to determine a gain signal. The processor provides the gain signal to an AGC circuit that provides a linear response to the gain signal using matched JFETs. A noise filter can be enabled or disabled based on the first value, the second value, and/or the barcode scanner platform read rate.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital-imaging based system for reading bar code symbols involving: automatically detecting the presence of an object within a field of view FOV of the system, and in response thereto, automatically generating an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern and projecting the ICZ framing pattern within the FOV and onto the detected object; visually aligning the code symbol on the detected object, within the ICZ framing pattern; manually actuating a trigger switch when the code symbol on the object is located within the ICZ framing pattern, and while the ICZ framing pattern and a field of illumination are being simultaneously projected onto the object during object illumination operations, forming and capturing a digital image of the code symbol on the detected object; automatically cropping the image pixels contained within the spatial boundaries of the ICZ framing pattern, from the pixels of the digital image; and decode processing the cropped image so as to read one or more 1D and/or 2D cod

Abstract: A hand held data collection device, such as a bar code scanner, portable data terminal, transaction terminal, or bar code verifier, containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that has been modified to improve the efficiency of light energy transmission. The modification involves transition features at the interface between the LED die surface and the ambient environment. Devices using such modified LEDs may offer a number of advantages such as extended read range, decreased read time, and improved battery life.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for employing a housing as part of a hand held scanner as to increase utility and add ruggedness. The housing comprises an upper top housing and lower bottom housing, with the top housing comprising a set of accessory rails adapted to accept accessories associated with the hand hold scanner, and the lower housing including an adjustable mass element for balancing a weight of the scanner. Also, top housing can be adapted to accept various key pad configurations via a transitional mounting frame, and the bottom housing can hold a stylus. A bar code scanner system employing such housing can incorporate displays located on various sides of the housing and/or key pads to facilitate a reading from the scanner at slanted angles.

Abstract: A scanner such as a bar-code scanner includes a scan-beam generator, a beam reflector having a first magnet, and a beam-sweep mechanism having a second magnet. The beam-sweep mechanism causes the reflector to sweep the scan beam across a target such as a bar-code symbol by exerting a force on the first magnet with the second magnet. In one example, attraction between the magnets holds the reflector steady in a non-sweep position. Conversely, in a sweep position, repulsion between the magnets causes the reflector to oscillate and sweep the scan beam across a target such as a bar-code symbol. Because it does not include a motor for rotating a beam-sweep mirror, the scanner is often smaller and uses less electrical energy than motorized bar-code scanners.

Abstract: A wireless image capture apparatus includes an image sensor, a backend circuit and a radio frequency module. The image sensor converts captured images into digital signals. Subsequently, the backend circuit performs image processing, data compression and format transformation on the digital signals. The output signals of the backend circuit are series-for-mat signals compatible with the radio frequency module. Thus, wireless signals are outputted by the radio frequency module toward the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: In a card processor having a function of intermittently transporting a magnetic card, card information is prevented more effectively from being illegally acquired by a skimmer mounted on a card slot. Transport rollers are mounted near the card slot. When a sensor turns ON as a card is inserted into the card slot, the transport rollers are intermittently driven to intermittently transport the card and fetch it in the card processor. Since the card is intermittently transported approximately at the same time when the card is inserted, even if a skimmer SK is mounted on the card slot, information skimmed with a magnetic head H of the skimmer SK during card insertion is only little information in a range a, and most of information will not be skimmed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a value document, in particular a bank note, having a value document substrate and at least three different feature substances for checking the value document, which has a first feature substance, and wherein second and third feature substances are applied to the value document substrate in a printing ink jointly. The second feature substance is formed by a luminescent substance, and the third feature substance by a material absorbent in a special spectral range.

Abstract: A system applies a security mark to a recipient. A data reception component receives information from one or more sources. A security mark generation component generates at least one miniature security mark (MSM) configuration based at least in part upon the information from the data reception component. An application component applies the at least one MSM configuration to one or more recipients.

Abstract: A transaction card having one or more folds therein to provide a compact and easily stored transaction card is provided. Moreover, a foldable transaction card having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding a keychain, or other device for attaching the transaction card to another item, such as a set of keys, a wallet, or other item is provided. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. In addition, methods of making foldable transaction cards are provided.

Abstract: An RFID tag-incorporating bar code label having sufficiently high durability even when the label is attached to a tire and capable of reliable communication with a reader. A dipole antenna type RFID tag 14 is interposed and fixed between a first sheet member 11 whose front surface is printed with a bar code 13 and a second sheet member 12 having an adhesive layer formed on the rear surface, thus fabricating an RFID tag-incorporating bar code label 10 having an RFID tag buried in the central portion of a bar code sheet 17. The label 10 is bonded to a tire. Therefore, the position of the RFID tag 14 can be easily specified. Due to the existence of the second sheet member 12, the RFID tag 14 can be spaced apart from a rubber member and a steel product constituting the tire by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a portable electronic apparatus comprising in the same microchip a digital processor with cryptography means a large capacity flash memory and a digital signal processor (FIG. 1) which is entirely embedded into a smart card. This said portable electronic apparatus comprises a digital processor (1) linked directly (17) to a large capacity flash memory (2), this said memory (2) linked directly to a digital signal processor (DSP) (3). This said portable electronic apparatus comprises a direct link (19) between the said digital processor (1) and the said digital signal processor (3). This said portable electronic apparatus comprises a signal switch (4) driven by a signal (11) which, according to its value, establishes a contact between the numerical signals (13, 14) with the contacts (10, 12), or a contact between the analog signals (15, 16) with the contacts (10, 12).

Abstract: The present invention is intended to improve the receiving performance of a loop antenna to be connected to an IC chip that is incorporated in an IC card or a portable cellular phone. A loop antenna that is connected to an IC chip which has a CPU and a memory mounted thereon and which is incorporated in a casing, and that transmits or receives predetermined electromagnetic waves to or from a reader writer includes a main loop antenna and at least one sub-loop antenna disposed away from the main loop antenna. The sub-loop antenna is connected to the IC chip in parallel with or in series with the main loop antenna. A transmission/reception frequency at which the sub-loop antenna transmits or receives electromagnetic waves may be different from the one at which the main loop antenna transmits or receives electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A card and reader system is provided enabling larger storage capacity and faster data transmission. The card is configured in a Smart Card or SIM card format and communicates with either standard Smart Card readers or specially configured readers capable of higher data transmission speeds. Eliminating the processor from the card and including it in the reader allows the cost of the card to be reduced. A software driver installed in existing Smart Card readers enables the additional storage capability of the card to be concealed from the reader, thereby eliminating a need to replace readers already deployed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device improved in IC card function is disclosed. An external connecting terminal for extended interface not conforming to ISO/IEC7816-3 is disposed on a first main surface of a card chip and in an area sandwiched in between two rows of external connecting terminals for interface conforming to ISO/IEC7816-3 which is for IC card function. With this layout, the memory card function and other electronic circuit functions can be incorporated into the card chip and hence it is possible to improve the function of the card chip.

Abstract: An identification data carrier has a substrate as well as a resonant circuit structure, which is formed on or in the substrate, for an electromagnetic resonant circuit. The resonant circuit structure has a resonant frequency which is specific for an object to be identified. A read apparatus for reading object-specific information which is contained in an identification data carrier has, an electromagnetic radiation source for emission of electromagnetic energy in a predeterminable frequency range, a detection device for detection of the electromagnetic energy which is absorbed by a resonant circuit structure of the identification data carrier at different frequencies in the frequency range, and for determination of the value of the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit structure, a determination device for determination of the object-specific information which is contained in the identification data carrier, from the value of the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit structure.

Abstract: A thermostat that can display information in multiple different orientations is provided. The thermostat includes a housing, a display, and an input device. As the housing is mounted in a particular orientation, the thermostat changes the orientation of the information for properly displaying same to a user. This is accomplished by sensing the orientation of the housing in one embodiment, and through user selection of a desired orientation in another embodiment. A separate display and input device(s) are provided in one embodiment, and a combined touch screen display and input device is provided in another embodiment.

Abstract: A ventilation device and the method of use thereof for dehumidification of residential attached or detached garages, sheds, greenhouses, RVs, motorhomes and other similar structures. This device and method uses an extraction ventilator to dry out the structure's environment, and reduce the interior humidity using a motorized fan to expel moisture latent air out of the structure. The fan continuously runs at minimal speeds to continuously exhaust interior air and ventilate the structure, thereby controlling the garage environment, while eliminating backdrafts, and preventing animals, snow and rain from entering the structure. The device uses a dehumidistat control to activate the fan to maximum ventilation capacity when the humidity reaches the set point, exhausting ambient air and extracting excess humidity from the structure. Once the humidity drops below the set point, the dehumidistat deactivates and returns the ventilator to minimum speed operator.

Abstract: An HVAC controller may include an upper housing having a front and a back, the back including a center. A lens dial including an engagement portion may be rotatably secured relative to the upper housing. A set point operator may include a first portion that is disposed about the upper housing center as well as a second portion that is adapted to interact with the lens dial engagement portion. A mechanical movement to electrical signal converter such as a potentiometer may be disposed within the HVAC controller such that the first portion of the set point operator communicates with the potentiometer.

Abstract: The secondary heating/cooling system, with sections of the building separation, is invention which unable energy conservation, by maintaining desire temperature in one section of the building and living the other section unheated/un cooled, during could or hot periods of the year, when energy demand is higher, or owner of the building has limited budget for heating or cooling.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a medical implant component. The method may include the steps of producing a substrate from a first material wherein the substrate has a bearing portion, spraying particles of a second material onto the bearing portion in accordance with a predetermined spraying technique to provide a coating thereon, and subjecting the coated bearing portion to a hot isostatic pressing process, a vacuum sintering process, or a controlled atmospheric sintering process. The first material may be the same as or different from the second material. The predetermined spraying technique may be a thermal type spraying process such as a plasma spraying process or a high velocity oxygen fuel spraying process.

Abstract: An explosive and narcotics detection system detects the presence of trace particles of materials that are adhering to surfaces. In order to detect such particles, to the particles are first dislodged or released from the surface, then transported to the detection instrument, and then accumulated on or in a particle collection device. When the sample collecting system and the target surface are in relative motion across the line-of-sight greater than fifteen centimeters per second, non-contact sample collection may be accomplished using a vortex or vortex attractor particle collector together with a plurality of air or aerosol jets. A plurality of large diameter vortex collectors may obtain samples at relative line-of-sight velocities greater than five feet per second over a large surface area and for a complex-shaped surface.

Abstract: Modification of tropical storms or hurricanes by mixing the upper layer of a section of a body of water with water from a lower section of the body of water. Rapidly mixing the warmer upper layer with the cooler lower layer cools the surface of the water, thereby reducing the amount of heat energy available to fuel the intensity and movement of storms. By cooling selected sections of water, the frequency, intensity or direction of storms may be altered. In one embodiment of the invention, a bluff shaped object is attached to a submarine to facilitate rapid mixing of the upper and lower layers of the body of water.

Abstract: The invention turns a hurricane/tropical cyclone into a tropical rainstorm by spraying a super coolant such as liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen, or liquid nitrogen, or other super cold liquid gas around the top of the eye wall and additionally if needed, into the front of the eye wall, or forming eye wall using aircraft with pre-measured amounts of super coolant. Based on actual results, a real time computer system will be developed to enable communications between aircraft and control the amount of super coolant dispersed. The result of the invention will reduce/eliminate the damage to life and property due to high winds and storm surge as well as the staggering costs for rebuilding.

Abstract: Systems and methods for atomizing materials are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes: a first unit operative to accelerate the material such that the material experiences an acceleration force higher than Earth's standard gravitational force; and a second unit operative to use atomizing fluid to disturb the material; wherein, while the material is in liquid form and experiencing the acceleration force, liquid droplets of the material depart the exposed surface and become entrained in the atomizing fluid such that at least some of the liquid droplets aerosolize.

Abstract: A fuel injection and mixing system is provided. The system includes an injector body having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, and defines a fuel flow path between the inlet and outlet. The fuel flow path may include a generally helical flow passage having an inlet end portion disposed proximate the fuel inlet of the injector body. The flow path also may include an expansion chamber downstream from and in fluid communication with the helical flow passage, as well as a fuel delivery device in fluid communication with the expansion chamber for delivering fuel. Heating means is also provided in thermal communication with the injector body. The heating means may be adapted and configured for maintaining the injector body at a predetermined temperature to heat fuel traversing the flow path. A method of preheating and delivering fuel is also provided.

Abstract: The invention turns a hurricane/tropical cyclone into a tropical rainstorm by spraying a super coolant such as liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen, or liquid nitrogen, or other super cold liquid gas around the top of the eye wall and additionally if needed, into the front of the eye wall using aircraft with pre-measured amounts of super coolant. Based on actual results, a real time computer system will be developed to enable communications between aircraft and control the amount of super coolant dispersed. The result of the invention will reduce/eliminate the damage to life and property due to high winds and storm surge as well as the staggering costs for rebuilding.