Abstract: A method and system for providing information about recorded media content having a beginning and end time. A progress bar including a first portion is displayed on a display device. The first portion graphically represents the duration of the recorded media content and has a first color. The progress bar also includes a second portion having a second color. The second portion graphically represents a section of the recorded media content that is viewed during a viewing session. The second color is distinct from the first color.

Abstract: Technique for ensuring that a device that contains coupons with barcodes will not output a barcode belonging to an invalid coupon to a barcode reading system. The technique avoids validation of the coupon at the time the barcode is provided to the barcode reading system. In the technique, the mobile device responds to a validity event that may affect the validity of a given coupon by inhibiting the provision of the given coupon's barcode to the barcode reading system until the coupon has been validated on the basis of validity information available in the device that is outputting the barcode, and then again permitting the given coupon's barcode to be output to the barcode reading system. In applications of the technique, the coupon may be used n times, the coupon may be shared, or the coupon may become valid after a set of actions have occurred.

Abstract: A method of generating a self-authenticating printed document and authenticating the printed document. The back side of the printed document contains 2d barcode which encode extracted features of the document content. The features are hashed into a hash code, converted to a barcode stamp element, and transformed into a hierarchical barcode stamp by repeating the stamp element. The hierarchical barcode stamp is printed as a gray background pattern on the front side of the same sheet of printed document. To authenticate the printed document, the barcodes on the back side are read to extract the document features. The features are hashed into a hash code and compared to the hash code extracted from the hierarchical barcode stamp on the front side of the document to detect any alterations of the back side barcodes. Further, the document features extracted from the front and back sides of the document are compared.

Abstract: An electronic device may generate a matrix code that includes information for performing an interactive activity related to content, combine the matrix code with the content, and transmit the combination of the matrix code and the content to a display device. Subsequently, the displayed matrix code may be captured by a matrix code reader in order to initiate performance of the interactive activity. In some implementations, the content may be a sporting event and capture of the matrix code may initiate performance of an activity corresponding to a fantasy sporting event league associated with the sporting event. In various implementations, the matrix code reader's initiation of performance of the interactive activity related to the content may utilize one or more other electronic devices located in a user location.

Abstract: A cash handling device includes one or more universal cartridges storing cash which may be swapped between different types of cash handling devices. The swapping of universal cartridges may allow for improved efficiency when a cash handling device is detected to have a need for additional currency, removal of surplus currency, removal of unfit currency, and other services.

Abstract: A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A banking system machine is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash dispenser, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening, and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraud devices. An anti-fraud sensing system is operative in the machine to sense the probable installation of unauthorized devices on the machine. Such unauthorized devices may include fraudulent card reading devices, fraudulent keypad input intercepting devices, cash outlet trap devices, and deposit input diversion devices.

Abstract: An automated banking machine can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read a user identifier from a magnetic stripe of the user's card. Financial transfers are carried out responsive to machine communication with a transaction host computer. The machine also sends the read user identifier to a remote marketing computer. The marketing computer uses the user identifier to determine the next marketing presentation in a marketing campaign that is to be presented to the user. Responsive to a message received from the marketing computer, the machine operates to display the determined next marketing presentation to the user. The marketing campaign includes a sequence of presentations to be output in a predetermined order to the user.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is able to perform at least one banking operation responsive to account indicia read by the card reader from the card. The banking operations include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. A user is also able to perform at least one banking operation responsive to financial account data received by the automated banking machine from a mobile phone.

Abstract: A system for authorizing a financial transaction includes a processor operable to execute an application on a wireless communications device, communicate wirelessly with a data stripe through a security enabled wireless communications protocol, receive a request to authorize a financial transaction involving a financial account associated with account data, access authorization criteria for determining whether to authorize the financial transaction, apply the authorization criteria to the financial transaction, generate an authorization code based on the application of the authorization criteria to the financial transaction, and communicate the authorization code.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for identifying a user associated with a wearable electronic device. First, a directed electromagnetic radiation comprising an identifier associated with a user of the wearable electronic device is transmitted to a first target device. In response, a challenge signal is received requesting a verification response verifying the authenticity of the identifier. The wearable electronic device than detects a predefined user input, and responsive to receiving the challenge signal and detecting the predefined user input, transmits a challenge response corresponding to the predefined user input to a second target device. The first and second target devices may be the same device. The predefined user input may be comprise one or more sensed head movements and/or detected user input operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically checking out items located on a moving conveyor belt for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of a checkout process and revenue at a point-of-sale. The system includes a conveyor subsystem for moving the items, a housing that enclosed a portion of the conveyor subsystem, a lighting subsystem that illuminates an area within the housing, visual sensors that can take images of the items including UPCs, and a checkout system that receives the images from the visual sensors and automatically identifies the items. The system may include a scale subsystem located under the conveyor subsystem to measure the weights of the items, where the weight of each item is used to check if the corresponding item is identified correctly. The system relies on matching visual features from images stored in a database to match against features extracted from images taken by the visual sensors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.

Abstract: A hand controller for controlling an electro-optic sensor of a weapons system may include a first cam/spring mechanism configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a first direction. A second cam/spring mechanism may be configured to provide non-linear displacement to an operator applying a torque to rotate the hand controller in a second direction. A first sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the first direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the first direction. A second sensor may be configured to sense torque being applied in the second direction and to generate a command signal to control rotation of the electro-optic sensor in the second direction. The command signals may be substantially mathematically proportional rate command signals with respect to applied torque.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a target, includes a housing having a presentation area, a solid-state imaging sensor having an imaging array of image sensors looking at a field of view that extends through the presentation area to the target, and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light over the field of view from the target through the presentation area, and for projecting the captured return light onto the imaging array during imaging of the target. The assembly has a plurality of lenses, an aperture stop, and a holder for holding the lenses and the aperture stop in spaced relation along an optical axis. The aperture stop has a non-rotationally symmetrical aperture through which the optical axis extends. Alignment elements on the imaging lens assembly are used to align the non-rotationally symmetrical aperture with the imaging array.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encoding and decoding data is disclosed. The system may receive data, and may create a field of marks corresponding to the data, along with one or more identifiers corresponding to positions within the field of marks. A decoding system may receive the field of marks, and may decode the marks into data based at least in part on the one or more identifiers.

Abstract: A method and imaging assembly (10) are disclosed adapted for reading a target object comprising a scan engine (48) having a sensor (46), focusing optics (44), and an imager (48). The scan engine includes a field-of-view defining an area to be imaged by the imaging assembly (10). A housing (80) internally lodges the scan engine (48) and an illumination source (36). The illumination source (36) is adapted to project illumination from the housing (80). A boot (30) extends from the housing (80) for shaping the illumination as it passes through the boot to form an illumination pattern from the illumination. The illumination pattern substantially conforms to a geometrical shape of the boot (30) and is adapted to envelope the scan engine field-of-view.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a barcode rendering device includes a communication interface, a reflective display, and a detector. The communication interface is configured to receive barcode data corresponding to a barcode in one of a plurality of barcode symbologies. The reflective display is configured to legitimately display barcodes in any of the plurality of barcode symbologies. The detector is configured to detect illumination emitted by a barcode scanner and incident on the reflective display.

Abstract: A data reader, such as an optical code reader, including one or more imagers, the data reader having a generally horizontal central section with an upward extension on a first end and a depression on a second end opposite the upward extension, the depression being configured to provide a better angle of view of an object in the view volume above the central section from the second end from a position below the surface of the horizontal central section. In one configuration, an image from the view volume along and over the depression is directed by one or more fold mirrors and focused by a lens system onto an imager or sensor array, these optics components, along with the window through which they view, are all disposed below the surface of the central section. Preferably, where the horizontal central section is a weigh platter for a scanner-scale, the optics of the data reader such as the fold mirror(s), lens system and imager are unsupported by the weigh platter and thus are off the scale.

Abstract: An imaging reader has a two-dimensional array of image sensors for capturing return light from a two-dimensional symbol over a field of view as pixel data to be stored in internal random access memory (RAM) of a controller even though the internal RAM has less storage bytes than the number of sensors. The controller determines a size and a location of the symbol in the field of view, maps and subdivides the symbol into a plurality of image capture zones based on the symbol size and location, sequentially captures the return light from each zone, sequentially stores the pixel data from each zone into the internal RAM, sequentially digitizes the stored pixel data from each zone as digitized data, and decodes the digitized data from all the zones.

Abstract: An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample analyzer for analyzing a sample by using a reagent contained in a reagent container, which includes: a reagent container holder configured to hold a reagent container to which an information storage medium is attached; an actuator configured to actuate the reagent container holder to move the reagent container held by the reagent container holder to a first position and a second position different from the first position; a reagent aspirator configured to aspirate a reagent from the reagent container when the reagent container is located at the first position; an information communication section configured to write reagent amount information regarding an amount of the reagent in the reagent container, into the information storage medium attached to the reagent container when the reagent container is located at the second position; and a controller configured to control at least the actuator and the information communication section.

Abstract: A smart card is constituted by a card body made of a first material that is integral with a support made of a second material. The body is overmoulded on the surface of the support such that the card is made integral therewith by local bonding of the first and second materials.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes a first and second interfaces adapted to establish communication with an external electronic entity, an element for processing a secret value, that is adapted to react to reception of a message via either interface, and a control element adapted to update an indicator of use of the element for using a secret value via either interface, to apply a first inhibition to communication using the first interface as a function of the indicator, and to apply a second inhibition to communication using the second interface as a function of the indicator, wherein for at least one value of the indicator the second inhibition is different from the first.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing RFID tags. A base sheet member is formed by fixedly attaching unit base substrates to a belt-like first sheet member at predetermined space intervals. Each unit base substrate is formed with an antenna pattern and has a non-contact communication-type IC chip mounted thereon. An upper-layer sheet member is formed by arranging reinforcing members between elastic, belt-like second and third sheet members, and is laminated on a surface of the first sheet member toward the unit base substrates such that each IC chip and each reinforcing member overlap each other in plan view. Regions each containing one unit base substrate are sequentially cut out from a laminate of the upper-layer sheet member and the base sheet member, thereby making RFID units.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method includes interfacing a mobile device including a GUI. User credentials used to execute transactions with contactless devices are securely stored and associated with one or more enterprises. The secure memory includes master credentials and a master security framework that enables enterprises to store or update user credentials and associated security frameworks. Displays associated with the user credentials are dynamically generated and presented through the GUI of the mobile device. Wireless transactions are executed with contactless devices using the selectable user credentials.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which may be used as an ID chip and data may be rewritten only one time. In addition, a semiconductor device may be used as an ID chip and data may be written except when manufacturing the chip. The invention has a modulating circuit, a demodulating circuit, a logic circuit, a memory circuit, and an antenna circuit over an insulating substrate. The modulating circuit and the demodulating circuit are electrically connected to an antenna circuit, the demodulating circuit is connected to the logic circuit, the memory circuit stores an output signal of the logic circuit, and the memory circuit is a fuse memory circuit using a fuse element.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system includes a sensor made from an electrical conductor shaped to form an open-circuit, electrically-conductive spiral trace having inductance and capacitance. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the sensor resonates to generate a harmonic response having a frequency, amplitude and bandwidth. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to the sensor and wirelessly detects the sensor's response frequency, amplitude and bandwidth.

Abstract: To realize a dot pattern which can be read even by a frame buffer of which algorithm for search is simple and of which resolution is low without sacrificing an information dot for defining a direction of a block. There is provided a dot pattern, wherein a plurality of reference points is provided in an area of a block having a predetermined information dot arranged thereon; a plurality of virtual reference points to be defined is arranged from the reference points (for example, a central point of a grid area); an information dot is arranged, of which information is defined by a distance and a direction from the virtual reference point; and at least the information dot at the predetermined position is made into a direction dot showing the direction of the block by a direction from the virtual reference point.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code publishing program that provides display of beautiful two-dimensional codes with homogeneity and a high sense of design, and a two-dimensional code decoding program that decodes bit strings expressed as two-dimensional codes in various situations. In a display of cells having a color with a low visibility against the blank area surrounding the two-dimensional code, a contrast is set between the gradation of the color component having a gradation close to that of the blank area and/or in a display of cells having a color with a high visibility against the blank area surrounding the two-dimensional code, the contrast is reduced between the gradation of the color component having a gradation far from that of the blank area.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for a measurement probe for use with a coordinate positioning machine. The storage apparatus including a storage unit having at least one receptacle for a measurement probe; and at least one temperature source for controlling the temperature of a measurement probe located in the at least one receptacle.

Abstract: According to the invention, the thermostatic valve (10) includes, on the one hand, a mobile sleeve (30) for adjusting the flow of fluid through the valve body (20), said sleeve comprising a tubular body (31) provided with peripheral sealing fittings (32, 33, 34) adapted for interaction by sealed contact with the fixed seats (25A, 26A, 27A) in order to stop the fluid flows between the openings (21, 22, 23) defined by the valve body and, on the other hand, a thermostatic member (40) including a fixed portion (42) rigidly connected to the valve body and a fixed portion (41) movable in translation in the direction of the axis (X-X) of the sleeve under the action of a volume variation of a thermo-expansible material, the sleeve being kinematically connected to the mobile portion so that the movement of the mobile portion relative to the fixed portion controls the movement of the sleeve relative to the seats.

Abstract: A prefabricated module (1) to be used in constructing a track for an urban transport vehicle. The module comprises an integral carrier structure (2) made of concrete and comprising two side sills (4) having an upper surface (5), used as a driving pathway for the vehicle wheels, and connecting crossbars (8) which connect and retain the sills substantially parallel to each other. The lower surfaces (6, 39) of the sills and crossbars are ground-bearing surfaces. A guiding rail section (3), mounted on the carrier structure, is preferably symmetrical, has an I section and a lower portion coated with a liner material (13). The modules, whether rectilinear or curved, are to be placed on an existing road layout or in a trench with a compacted bottom, and are connected one after the other to form the driving track.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a railroad tie including a core, a first sleeve encapsulating the core and a second sleeve encapsulating the first sleeve. The first sleeve includes fingers running parallel to a long axis of the core along a top surface and fingers running perpendicular to a long axis of the tie along elongated sides of the first sleeve.

Abstract: An elastic tensioning clamp made of spring steel for rail fixation comprises a central loop (44) having two inner legs (46) connected by an arc-shaped central portion (48) as well as nooses (42) connected to the inner legs (46) of the central loop (44) and running towards the free ends (50) of the tensioning clamp (40). The nooses (42) are formed so as to have, in the unloaded state, a maximum height (H) of at least 20 mm above the upper plane (E2) of the central loop (44) in the region of the two inner legs (46).

Abstract: A wick which comprises a network matrix ceramic that is contacted either directly or indirectly with a liquid composition such as a fragrance-containing composition. The wick absorbs and transports the liquid composition through capillary action, and the composition is subsequently diffused into the surrounding ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a “dusk” or “dawn” light condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed for optional activation using a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A spray head for spraying a cosmetic or dermatological composition, in particular for application to the human body, may include a sonotrode for transmitting ultrasound vibration from a transducer to an ejection surface for ejecting particles of composition, the sonotrode including a channel for feeding the composition to the ejection surface. The channel may present a narrow portion between a composition inlet into the sonotrode and the composition outlet to the ejection surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for lengthening an extendible pipe comprised of first and second pipe portions having an interior includes a cylinder having an end wall and an open end connected to the first pipe portion. A piston is received in slidable and sealable engagement with the cylinder and is connected to the second pipe portion. The piston, cylinder and end wall define a chamber that is physically isolated from the interior of the pipe. Introduction of a control fluid into the chamber displaces the piston relative to the cylinder so as to lengthen the pipe. The apparatus above may be applied to a sprinkler head riser apparatus and buried as part of an in-ground sprinkler system.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer component, such as for a steering air ring or bell cup for a rotary atomizer with at least one steering air jet for delivering steering air (or controlled air) and a rotary bearing shaft where, in axial direction between the bell cup and the steering air jet, a circumferential annular gap is located. A shaft cover in form of a bushing covers the bearing shaft, when mounted, at least partially in the annular gap area between the bell cup and the steering air jet. In addition, the annular gap space between the front surface of the bearing unit and the internal surface facing it axially or any other front element of the atomizer is sealed in a radial way internally against the externally accessible area of the shaft. The sealing element provided for this purpose is located along the internal circumference of the air-steering rings or front element and able to be attached to the front surface of the bearing unit in a way that it is elastically deformable.

Abstract: A gassing apparatus including a composite gas flow screen having a plurality of respective screen elements, each with at least one respective flow opening therein, the cross-sectional areas of the respective flow openings in respective elements decreasing in a downstream direction with respect to gas flow and at least one other screen element having no flow opening. A nozzle preferably produces a relatively high velocity central gas stream with surrounding gas streams of decreasing velocity as they are spaced further away from the central gas stream. Methods and apparatus are described.

Abstract: An outlet nozzle is configured to be attached to a sanitary water line outlet end, and includes a valve unit movable between a blocking position, closing the water line, and an open position, releasing the water line. The outlet nozzle includes a two-part construction with a connection part configured to be attached to the outlet end of the water line and an adjacent holder part. The holder part is configured to receive at least one jet regulator unit, which includes at least one of: a jet divider, homogenizing device, or flow rectifier, a shower unit, or a jet former.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a needle valve having an engagement part, and a movable core having an engagement part to be engaged with the engagement part of the needle valve. One of the engagement part of the needle valve and the engagement part of the movable core is defined by two inner faces of a recess opposing to each other in an axis direction, and the other engagement part is defined by two outer faces of a projection opposing to the inner faces, respectively. The projection is movable between the inner faces in the axis direction in a state that the projection is located in the recess.

Abstract: A swayable and retractable shower, includes a retractable assembly and a shower head. The retractable assembly includes a fixed portion, a retractable portion and a reset portion. The fixed portion has a through sliding hole. The retractable portion with a through water entry is hermetically and slidably connected in the through sliding hole. The reset portion is disposed between the fixed portion and the retractable portion. The water entry communicates with the through sliding hole. The shower head is swayably connected to the lower end of the retractable portion and can communicate with the water entry, so the shower head can swing left or right in optional directions when it is stretched out.

Abstract: A faucet assembly is disclosed having internal carrier tubes, where the faucet spout can swivel relative to a faucet base without stressing the tubes. One tube connects a mixing valve to a connector sleeve. Another tube connects a spout outlet to another connector sleeve. The connector sleeves telescope within each other, have a seal there between, and are provided with a clip structure to hold them axially together while permitting relative rotation there between.

Abstract: A compressed air throttle apparatus has at least one throttle valve adjusted by an electric motor, and an electric circuit fitted with contacting elements to alternatively interrupt and close the electric circuit in relation to the throttle valve settings. This throttle apparatus preferably is applicable to a compressed air path of powder spraycoating equipment.

Abstract: A shredder includes a housing having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded, a shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a powered motor and cutter elements used to shred the at least one article, a detector configured to detect a presence of the at least one article being received by the throat, and a controller coupled to the motor and the detector. The controller is configured to allow a running operation of the motor responsive to the detector detecting an article being received by the throat. Also, after a predetermined amount of time, the controller may stop operation of the motor if an article is not inserted into the throat. A thickness detector may also be used in the shredder.

Abstract: A garbage disposer includes a casing, a garbage cup (103), a stirrer, an electrical heater (110), a deodorizing box (111) and a blower (113). An impeller (3) is arranged in the chamber surrounded by the mounting board (1) of the blower and the blower casing (2). An electromotor (4) is arranged at the other side of the mounting board. The output shaft of the electromotor drives the impeller (3) through the mounting board (1). The inlet (96) of the blower is provided on the blower casing in the axis direction of the impeller. The outlet (97) of the blower is provided on the circumference of the blower casing. The mounting board (1) includes a board body (81) and a mounding portion (82) formed integrally. The board body (81) and the mounding portion (82) are perpendicular to each other. Several recesses (85) are formed by punch on the outside of the right angle (83) formed by the board body (81) and the mounding portion (82).

Abstract: A spinning reel master gear assembly is rotatably attachable to a reel unit of a spinning reel. The spinning reel master gear assemble includes a master gear shaft being rotatably attachable to the reel unit, and a master gear fixed to the master gear shaft in an integrally rotatable state. The master gear shaft includes an attachment portion. The attachment portion has a male threaded portion at least partially on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The master gear includes a female threaded portion screwed onto the male threaded portion, and a centered portion including an axis appropriately aligned by the attachment portion.

Abstract: The disclosed seat belt retractor may include a spool for retracting a seat belt, a torsion bar, a pre-tensioner, and a locking device. The torsion bar may disposed inside the spool, wherein one side of the torsion bar is connected to the spool, and configured to absorb energy of movement of an occupant while being deformed under torsion. The pre-tensioner may be positioned at one side of the spool and configured to generate a rotating drive force for rotating the spool in a retracting direction in a condition of rapid deceleration of a motor vehicle. The locking device may be capable of locking another side of the spool such that a rotation of the spool in a withdrawal direction is suppressed at both an operating time of the pre-tensioner and a non-operating time of the pre-tensioner.