Abstract: A physical currency card (in some cases without any on-board source of power or computing capabilities) is configured to maintain access information for digital bearer assets. Public access information, like a cryptographic hash address operable to receive digital bearer assets or a public key operable to derive a cryptographic hash address operable to receive digital bearer access, may be visible upon inspection of the card such digital bearer assets may be transferred to the card in one or more transactions on a decentralized computing platform, like a blockchain-based decentralized computing platform. Private access information, like a secret, private key that corresponds to the public key (e.g., a public-private key-pair) or a representation of the private key (like a ciphertext thereof) and corresponding encryption key, is physically concealed with tamper-evident components such that a user can readily determine whether the private access information was divulged.

Abstract: Methods and node-enabled apparatus are described that involve use of node-enabled packaging material as part of a container for an item to be shipped. The method begins by forming at least a part of the container with the packaging material. Next, the method activates a node integrated as part of the packaging material. The node is operative to communicate with one or more network devices (such as an ID node, master node and/or server) in a wireless node network. The method then registers shipping information with a server in the wireless node network via a user access device operated by a shipping customer. The shipping information is related to the container and the node integrated as part of the packaging material of the container. The item to be shipped may be sealed within the container.

Abstract: A method for supporting target tracking includes obtaining a feature model for a target that represents imagery characteristics of the target, extracting one or more features from one or more images captured by an imaging device carried by a movable object, and applying the feature model on the one or more features to determine similarity between the one or more features and the feature model.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage device, an image reading device, a complementary image storage device, and a control device. The complementary image storage device stores a complementary image for complementing an incomplete two-dimensional code. The control device includes a processor and functions, through the processor executing a control program, as a detector, a synthesizer, and an analyzer. The detector detects, from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device, the incomplete two-dimensional code. The synthesizer synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device to generate a complete two-dimensional code. The analyzer analyzes the complete two-dimensional code generated by the synthesizer and activates an extension function.

Abstract: A system and a method for document information authenticity verification for applications including verifying the authenticity of information of statements of attainment of course documentation issued by registered training organisations, verification of travel documents and other sensitive documents requiring authenticity verification of documents issued by law firms, accountancy firms, governmental institutions and the like, the method comprises a verification record creation stage comprising: receiving document content metadata from a document; generating a metadata hash using the document content metadata; creating a blockchain transaction comprising the metadata hash; and generating computer readable data encoding the metadata hash; updating the document with the computer readable data and a document verification stage comprising: receiving the document; extracting the metadata hash from the computer readable data; and identifying the metadata hash within blockchain transactions of the blockchain to veri

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) for identifying or assisting in identifying a product or a set of products of a user, such as the content of a meal tray (2), said system for identifying or assisting in identifying comprising a counter (11), a lighting system (3) for lighting the counter (11), a plurality of image acquisition devices (41, 42, 43) pointing towards the counter (11), and an identifier device (5) enabling the user to be identified. Said system for identifying or assisting in identifying further comprising a control device (7) configured to acquire the identifier (601) of the user, to acquire an image of said product or set of products with each of said image acquisition devices (4), and to associate the acquired images with the identifier.

Abstract: In an embodiment a method for supplying energy wirelessly through RFID comprises the steps of sending by an RFID reader device a request message to at least one RFID tag device, receiving by the at least one RFID tag device the request message, sending by the at least one RFID tag device an answer message to the RFID reader device and changing by the at least one RFID tag device its state into a high power mode, receiving by the RFID reader device the answer message, sending by the RFID reader device an energizing signal having an unmodulated constant wave at a predefined frequency during an adjustable amount of time, receiving by the at least one RFID tag device the energizing signal, converting said signal into energy and using the energy by the at least one RFID tag device, and changing by the at least one RFID tag device its state into an RFID operation mode at the end of the adjustable amount of time.

Abstract: A peer node in a blockchain distribution network includes a processor and a transceiver operatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to generate an encrypted test block. The encrypted test block is indistinguishable from an encrypted blockchain in the blockchain distribution network. The transceiver is configured to transmit the encrypted test block to a server for distribution throughout the blockchain distribution network. The transceiver is also configured to receive a message from a second peer node in the blockchain distribution network, where the message indicates that the second peer node received the encrypted test block.

Abstract: A system for reprogramming a transaction card may include a reprogrammable microchip transaction card, an account provider system, and a mobile device. A reprogrammable transaction card may include an embedded microprocessor chip, or integrated circuit (IC), housing various modules to provide card capabilities, such as transaction capabilities, security capabilities, and reprogramming capabilities. An account provider system may include a number of servers and computers, each equipped with storage and modules programmed with various capabilities, such as, storing cardholder data, transaction processing, and/or transaction card reprogramming. A user device may include various hardware and software components, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) hardware and software components, one or more processors, various input/output interfaces, and/or modules, such as transaction processing modules and transaction card resetting modules.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for authentication through generating and communicating encoded representations containing unique application fingerprints, e.g., metadata. Techniques include receiving an access request, receiving application metadata, identifying a unique verification token, generating an encoded visual representation including the metadata and verification token, making available to the encoded visual representation for scanning by a user for verification of the metadata. Further techniques include requesting access to a secure resource, transmitting metadata, scanning an encoded visual representation including the metadata and a verification token, and sending the verification token to a security server to complete an authentication process.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for facilitating a payment transaction wherein a cardholder purchases an item from a merchant on behalf of a buyer is provided. The method includes receiving proposal data from a buyer computing device including at least one of an identification of an item proposed for purchase, a particular merchant, and a merchant purchase price. The method includes receiving a selection message from the buyer computing device indicating a selected cardholder chosen to purchase the item on behalf of a buyer using a merchant payment card associated with the particular merchant. The method includes reserving at least the merchant purchase price and a cardholder processing fee associated with the merchant payment card in a buyer account. The method includes transferring funds from the buyer account to a selected cardholder account, the funds determined at least in part by the merchant purchase price and the cardholder processing fee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system.

Abstract: A computer system is described that automatically allocates credit between two or more users of a shared line of credit. For example, a computer system is configured to monitor information relating to a plurality of credit needs of a plurality of users of a shared line of credit and feed the information into a trained machine learning model to automatically determine whether an amount of credit allocated to each user of the plurality of users is sufficient for the respective user's credit need. Based on output from the model, the computer system may automatically reallocate credit to at least a first one of the users identified as needing additional credit from at least a second one of the users identified as having unused or unneeded credit.

Abstract: A wearable device may store a biometric token associated with a wearer of the wearable device, the wearable device including: a wireless communications interface; a processing circuitry; a memory configured to store a biometric token associated with a wearer of the wearable device, the biometric token including a device identifier that is associated with the wearable device, a biometric template for each of one or more biometric scans of the wearer of the wearable device, and an indication of whether or not the biometric token is valid, wherein the biometric token, if valid, establishes a trust that wearer identifying information, linked to the biometric token, is associated with the wearer; an invalidating event detector configured to determine if an invalidating event has occurred; wherein the processing circuitry is configured to invalidate the biometric token in response to detecting that an invalidating event has occurred for the biometric token.

Abstract: A bioptic barcode reader configured to be supported by a workstation and having a lower housing with a platter having a generally horizontal window and a tower extending generally perpendicular to the lower housing and having a generally vertical window. A radio-frequency identification radio is positioned within the lower housing and is communicatively coupled to a feed patch positioned within the lower housing and proximate, but spaced apart from, the platter such that the feed patch is capacitively coupled to the platter and configured to energize the platter such that the platter is operative as a radio-frequency identification reader antenna.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a transport unit that transports a recording medium along a transport path to a formation area in which an image is formed on the recording medium, an image forming unit that forms the image on the recording medium in the formation area, and a protrusion amount setting unit that sets a protrusion amount of the image protruding from the recording medium to a first protrusion amount in a first case, and sets the protrusion amount to a second protrusion amount larger than the first protrusion amount in a second case where the recording medium is inclined to a transport direction more than the first case.

Abstract: A system for managing a list of products in an inventory includes a plurality of addressable LEDs, each for positioning adjacent a product storing position that includes an identification code; at least one code reader; and at least one controller coupled to both the plurality of addressable LEDs and the at least one code reader for i) receiving from the code reader a command indicative of the list of products; and ii) as a result of the command, controlling the addressable LEDs so as to energize LEDs therefrom corresponding to the list of products. A method for managing the list of products further includes verifying an identity of each product from the list by reading and comparing the identification code thereof to the identification code associated to the corresponding addressable LED.

Abstract: A method for contactless conveyance of transactional data includes: displaying, on a display device interfaced with a computing device, a machine-readable code, wherein the machine-readable code is encoded with transaction data; receiving, by a receiver of the computing device, a trigger notification; generating, by the computing device, a contactless data message, wherein the contactless data message is formatted according to one or more standards and includes at least the transaction data formatted according to the one or more standards; and electronically transmitting, by a transmitter of the computing device, the generated contactless data message to a point of sale device using a contactless communication protocol.

Abstract: In a measurement system according to the present invention, a management control device that measures a total value of chips bet on the game table using an image analysis result obtained by an image recording device is provided. Further, the chip as the gaming chip to be used in this system has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers having different colors are laminated including at least a colored layer in the middle thereof, and a white layer or a light color layer (may be a layer having a lighter color than the colored layer although not illustrated) is laminated on both sides of the intermediate colored layer.

Abstract: QR codes or the like are used in hardlink applications, by which different users may receive different information in response to a user's interaction with a touchpoint. The content delivered to a particular user in response to a hardlink code or a presented hyperlink may be dependent on the time of the scan, the geographic location of the user, a weather condition at the geographical location, personal information associated with the user, a number of previous scans of the code by prior individuals, and any combination of the these or other variables, which may be determined by an originator of the QR code or other party. User devices may be re-directed to alternate content or network addresses based on one or more programmed conditions.

Abstract: An industrial system and method for monitoring and analyzing industrial operations such that data is obtained from one or more sensors of one or more industrial components and transmitted to a master controller as a data stream through a communication network, the transmitted data is captured, copied, and stored for analysis without interfering with the data stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using machine learning to determine an origin of an alphanumeric code are presented. The code is analyzed to determine a set of characteristics based on the values and the types of values within the code. The code and the set of characteristics may then be embedded into an image. To embed the code and the set of characteristics into an image, each of the code and the set of characteristics may be converted into a corresponding set of pixel values. The pixel values may then be combined to form the pixels in the image. The image is provided to a machine learning model as input. The machine learning model is configured to use the image to determine at least one entity that is associated with the code.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving, by a computing device, transaction information for a transaction, wherein the transaction information identifies one or more items in the transaction; classifying, by the computing device, each of the one or more items; selecting, by the computing device, one or more payment accounts, of a plurality of payment accounts, to use to pay for the one or more items based on the classifying each of the one or more items; and communicating, by the computing device, with one or more payment servers to charge the one or more payment accounts for the one or more items.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses using a memory device and one or more processors communicably coupled to the memory device. The one or more processors are structured to receive information relating to a mobile device of a user; receive information regarding fraudulent activity on an account; associate the information regarding fraudulent activity on the account with one or more pieces of information relating to the mobile device to associate the mobile device with fraudulent activity; detect the mobile device based on the information relating to the mobile device; responsive to detecting the mobile device, determine that fraudulent activity is associated with the mobile device; and in response, provide a notification to a component proximate to the mobile device to alert the component of fraudulent activity.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of beacon devices. Each beacon device of the plurality of beacon devices may include a circuit board including a beacon identifier (ID), a battery, and a first transceiver. The first transceiver may be configured to wirelessly broadcast a beacon signal. The beacon signal may include the beacon ID. The system may include an asset tag that may include a processor, a memory including asset information of the asset tag, and a second transceiver. The second transceiver may be configured to receive the beacon signal from a beacon device of the plurality of beacon devices. The processor may be configured to create a data packet. The data packet may include the beacon ID of the received beacon signal and the asset information of the asset tag. The second transceiver may be configured to wirelessly transmit the data packet to a hub.

Abstract: A method of generating and using a 2D barcode to provide an authenticated service subscriber with an adapted offer comprising monitoring and identifying, by a monitoring application associated with a first service provider, a social network for keywords related to a negative subscriber interaction with a second service provider; engaging a subscriber associated with the negative interaction by the first service provider; generating a one-time use 2D barcode associated with an offer and comprising embedded subscriber information; storing the barcode in a data store; sending the barcode to a mobile device; presenting and scanning the barcode; decoding the information by an offer application; authenticating the identity of the subscriber; adapting the offer based on the subscriber information; searching an inventory data store associated with a physical retail location of the first service provider; locating and presenting the adapted offer; and marking the barcode as expired in the barcode data store.

Abstract: A network element of an Internet Protocol multimedia subsystem buffers network resource usage information in the cloud. After generating network resource usage information based on an observation of network resource usage, the network element transmits the network resource usage information to a cloud-based storage service for buffering. Once a network resource usage collection function is available, the network element retrieves the network resource usage information from the cloud-based storage service and transmits it to a charging collection function for generation of call detail records.

Abstract: An authentication apparatus including an input interface to acquires an image of a hologram label on an access object including key information; a processing history storage table that correlates a first image with the key information and stores the correlated image; an information determination circuit that refers to the processing history storage table, based on key information included in a second image that is being acquired after the first image, and determines whether the key information corresponds to key information of the second image; and a processing determination circuit that compares feature data of the second image that is not key information with feature data of the first image that is not key information in response to the information determination circuit determining the key information of the first image as being present, and uses the results of the comparison to determine whether to execute processing using the second image.

Abstract: The specification discloses a dynamic graphic code implementation method and apparatus. The method includes: invoking a distance sensor to detect a distance between a device and a blocking object when displaying a graphic code; and if the distance is within a preset distance range, stopping refreshing the graphic code.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting medical fraud using blockchains including receiving a prescription comprising first prescription data from a prescription entry device associated with an prescribing entity, generating a validation code for the prescription based on the first prescription data, adding the validation code to the first prescription data, appending the first prescription data including the validation code to a blockchain, and receiving a query associated with the prescription from a prescription verification device associated with a prescription dispensing entity. The query includes second prescription data. The method further includes comparing the first prescription data to the second prescription data, for example, using pixel comparison, determining based on the comparison that the prescription has been modified, and transmitting to the prescription verification device an indication that the prescription has been modified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for access authentication. The method includes: receiving profile information of a visitor through a server, and generating a visitor code and transmitting the same to a visitor terminal, and generating a random code based on a valid visitor code, and receiving a decoding result based on decoding the random code and the visitor code by the visit terminal, and predetermining an access authority for the visitor for a predetermined time as the decoding result is successfully matched.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using unique identifiers to retrieve configuration data for tag devices are described herein. An example method may involve obtaining a unique identifier associated with a tag device. The tag device may include an antenna and a sensor configured to obtain sensor readings that can be wirelessly transmitted to a reader device via the antenna. The method may also involve determining configuration parameters associated with the tag device based on the unique identifier. The method may further involve storing, in at least one memory, at least a portion of the configuration parameters in association with the unique identifier.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a purchaser of a gift to associate a personal message (e.g., an audio and/or video message) with the gift is described. The personal message may be associated with the gift via a unique identifier associated with a parcel (e.g., a parcel tracking number) in which the gift is shipped to the intended recipient of the gift. Once the gift is received by the gift recipient, the gift recipient may also associate a message with the gift via the unique identifier. The gift recipient's message may be in response to the purchaser's message, an unrelated message to the purchaser, a message to the retailer where the gift was purchased, or a message to a common carrier.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) measurement systems and methods are provided. The systems and methods include a 3D imager and a marker. The marker includes an adapter and a marker element, wherein the adapter is arranged to be at least one of installed, placed, and attached to a fixed object of a scanned environment and the marker element includes a coded identifier that is detectable by the 3D imager, wherein the coded identifier identifies the specific location of the fixed object within the scanned environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying a promotion to a payment transaction originating at a point of sale system of a merchant are described. Transactional information is provided to an acquirer computing system of the merchant. Based on identifying indicia associated with the transactional information, the acquirer computing system determines whether to modify the payment transaction messaging before communicating it along to an issuer computing system.

Abstract: A system and method is described for printing a label with an RFID tag. The system includes an RFID reader that queries a first RFID tag coupled to a first medicinal container that includes a medication. In response, the system receives a first unique identifier and uses the first unique identifier to determine a status of the medication, associate the first medicinal container with a medical provider and print a second label that includes a second RFID tag for a second medicinal container.

Abstract: A light emitting diode lamp includes a light emitting diode driving apparatus and at least one light emitting diode. The light emitting diode driving apparatus includes a radio frequency identification tag, an address burning controller, an address memory and a light emitting diode driving circuit. The radio frequency identification tag wirelessly receives a radio frequency identification signal. The radio frequency identification tag converts the radio frequency identification signal into a local address signal. The radio frequency identification tag sends the local address signal to the address burning controller. The address burning controller converts the local address signal into a local address data. The address burning controller burns the local address data into the address memory so the address memory stores the local address data.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are disclosed whereby a business partner computer system interfaces with a rental vehicle reservation management computer system via a web service connector. The web service connector can be configured to (1) receive, via a network, a document, the document comprising a web service request by a computer system of a business partner for a rental vehicle transaction with respect to a replacement rental vehicle reservation, (2) process the received document in accordance with a web service specification document to create one or more data objects having a format supported by a rental vehicle reservation management software program, and (3) communicate the one or more data objects to the rental vehicle reservation management software program for automatic processing thereby of the one or more data objects for management of the replacement rental vehicle reservation in accordance with the request.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving a shopping experience are described. When a shopper walks into a store, the shopper's mobile device transmits a signal with the shopper's shopping preferences and shopper profile. Any items that are within a certain distance of the mobile device and satisfy at least one of the shopper's preferences may light up to indicate that the item matches something the shopper is looking for. In addition, the price of the item based on the shopper profile for that shopper is displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for linking a customer's preexisting financial account to a merchant issued payment vehicle. If an account number associated with the preexisting financial account changes, the linking of the merchant issued payment vehicle is updated with an updated account number.

Abstract: A method for conducting a raffle comprising reading an item identifier from an identification tag affixed to an item at an equipment management system, prior to an event related to the item. The raffle notification data is then transmitted to users after the event has occurred. A plurality of raffle ticket purchase requests are then received from the plurality of devices and are processed. The raffle tickets are then delivered to the plurality of devices, such as in electronic form. One of the raffle tickets is then selected, and winning notification data is transmitted to the associated device. The winner can authenticate the winning item by reading the identification tag affixed to the item after the event at the equipment management system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing targeted marketing to goods and services provides and consumer resource management services to consumers. An example system and method for targeted marketing comprises collecting transaction data from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and using a consumer identifier in the transaction data to access stored information about the consumer. This information may be used to target offers and advertisement to the consumer. In an example system for consumer resource management, a consumer may configure a consumer account on the enterprise infrastructure via a web-site. The consumer may use the consumer account to purchase and configure gift cards that may be used for purchasing goods and services. A universal transaction identifier may be associated with the consumer account and used to purchase goods and services from more than one selected goods and services providers.

Abstract: An interactive shopping system for use in a retail store. The system can include a container for holding products selected by at least one user, a client device, a scanner, a scale, and a processor in communication with the client device, a positioning system in communication with the client device or the processor, and a visual or audible indicator. The at least one user can select products, view product information, initiate a payment transaction, and complete a purchase utilizing the interactive shopping system.

Abstract: A mobile robot is configured for operation in a commercial or industrial setting, such as an office building or retail store. The mobile robot can have a motorized base and a robot body on the motorized base, the robot body including a rotatable ring that rotates horizontally around the robot body. A mechanical arm that can contract and extend relative to the robot body is coupled to the rotatable ring and performs a plurality of actions. A controller of the mobile robot provides instructions to the rotatable ring and the mechanical arm and can cause the mechanical arm to open a door, take an elevator to move to a different floor, and test whether a door is locked properly.

Abstract: A processor may receive a request including a vehicle identifier, a first symptom identifier, and a second symptom identifier. In response to receiving the request, the processor may determine a circuit element identifier to include in a reply to the request. To do so, the processor may make a determination that the received vehicle identifier matches or is mapped to a stored vehicle identifier, that the received first symptom identifier matches or is mapped to a stored first symptom identifier, and that the received second symptom identifier matches or is mapped to a stored second symptom identifier. In response to making the determination, the processor may determine that a particular circuit element identifier is the circuit element identifier to include based on the particular circuit element identifier being mapped to these stored identifiers. Then, the processor may generate and subsequently output the reply including the determined circuit element identifier.

Abstract: A registration settlement apparatus comprises an acquiring module configured to acquire a commodity list from an external device; an input module configured to input designation of a commodity; a registering module configured to register a commodity displayed in the list as a purchased commodity if the list is acquired by the acquiring module and to register a designated commodity as a purchased commodity in a distinguishable manner from the commodity registered from the list if the designation is input by the input module; a granting module configured to grant mutually different privileges for purchase of the commodity registered as the purchased commodity by the registering module depending on whether the commodity registered from the list is contained in the commodity registered as the purchased commodity; and a settlement module configured to perform a processing for settling a price of a commodity registered as the purchased commodity by the registering module.

Abstract: An automatic billing updater (ABU) manager computing device for managing an account information data source and tracking access to the account information data source is provided. The ABU manager computing device receives account data from an issuing party, stores the account information in an account information data source, and provides the account data to requesting parties. The ABU manager computing device tracks access to the stored account data via an ABU traffic data source. ABU manager computing device may also track transaction-related messages corresponding to the stored account data in a transaction traffic data source. In certain embodiments, ABU manager computing device may generate and transmit notifications based on data stored in one or more of the stored account data, the ABU traffic data source, and the transaction traffic data source.

Abstract: Systems and methods of improving the operation of a transaction network and transaction network devices is disclosed. A transaction network host may comprise various modules and engines as discussed herein wherein the probability that a transaction is a business or personal transaction may be evaluated for establishing proper usage of differentiated transaction instruments according to their proper purposes. For instance, a probable personal transaction may be identified as being associated with a business-oriented transaction card, whereby the transaction network may tailor the handling of the transaction, such as by denying it, whereby the transaction network may actively deter misuse of transaction products whereby the transaction network more properly functions according to approved parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is a system, data access management utility and a method of generating links between local merchants and community programs, whereby the merchant may provide incentives to customers in relation to community programs. The present invention may track community programs, as well as both online and offline customer transactions between participants that make use of the incentive. The present invention may include as participants, customers, merchants, community organizations, intermediaries, and other groups or individuals. Participants may have participant identifiers, which may be linked to a payment source. Data may be collected about all participants, either expressly, or from offline or online transactions between participants utilizing a participant identifier, and said data may be stored in a data storage area. All data in the data storage area may be utilized by logic tool, which may provide information, such as details of consumer behaviour and analytic reporting.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure include receiving transaction data for a transaction that is to be executed between a first user and a second user by a computer-implemented P2P payment system, the transaction data including negotiable instrument data provided from a physical negotiable instrument that is provided by the second user and that is to be used in the transaction, the first user being a user of the P2P payment system, and the second user being a non-user of the P2P payment system, processing, the transaction data to execute the transaction, and transmitting a notification to at least one of the first user and the second user, the notification providing information regarding the transaction.