Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques related to device performance mode adjustment based on activity detection. In some embodiments, the techniques involve detecting, based on processing sensor data obtained from one or more gesture sensors, an activity in which a user of the one or more gesture sensors is engaged. The techniques further involve generating information corresponding to the detected activity in which the user of the one or more gesture sensors is engaged. The techniques also involve controlling, based on providing the generated information to a device for monitoring a physiological characteristic of the user, adjustment of a performance mode of the device for monitoring the physiological characteristic of the user.

Abstract: A method of performing out-of-band user authentication includes, by a service electronic device associated with a service a request to initiate a session of the service, generating an authentication token, encrypting the authentication token to generate an encrypted authentication token, and transmitting the encrypted authentication token to the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of communicating between a first electronic communication device of a plurality of electronic communication devices and a wireless communication initiating device for reading the first electronic communication device. The method comprises receiving, at the first electronic communication device, a communication signal from the wireless communication initiating device and determining a first characteristic value relating to the communication signal. The method further comprises receiving at least a second characteristic value relating to a communication signal received by at least a second electronic communication device that is connected to the first electronic communication device and initiating communication with a reading device based on the first and second value.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing a patient's insulin dosage regimen over time, comprising: at least a first computer-readable memory for storing data inputs corresponding at least to one or more components in a patient's present insulin dosage regimen and the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times; a processor operatively connected to the at least first computer-readable memory, the processor programmed at least to determine from the data inputs corresponding to the patient's blood-glucose-level measurements determined at a plurality of times whether and by how much to vary at least one of the one or more components of the patient's present insulin dosage regimen in order to maintain the patient's future blood-glucose-level measurements within a predefined range; and a display operative to display information corresponding to at least the patient's present insulin dosage regimen.

Abstract: Presented are cryptographic digital assets for retail products, methods for making/using such cryptographic digital assets, and computing systems for generating, intermingling, and exchanging blockchain-protected products. A method for provisioning cryptographic digital assets associated with retail product transfers includes broadcasting notifications of a future transaction of a retail product, and receiving, over a distributed computing network from the computing devices of multiple users, requests to participate in the transaction. A select number of users is added to a virtual line associated with the retail product transaction; from the virtual line, a first user is selected to receive the retail product and a second user is selected to receive a cryptographic digital asset containing a digital retail product and a unique digital asset code.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic commerce system integrated with a social networking system. In some aspects, a user of the social networking system may claim a merchant offer by scanning a visual code identifying the offer. Later, the user may make a purchase at the merchant using the social network application. The social network application may apply the offer to the purchase transaction, and authorize a payment based on application of the offer to the purchase. One or more features of the social networking system may also be associated with the offer, such that these features become available to the user within the social network system upon use of the offer as part of the purchase transaction. For example, in some aspects, additional image filters may be made available within the social network system as a result of redemption of an offer.

Abstract: A method for determining the authenticity of an identity document is provided that includes the steps of capturing, by an electronic device, image data of a PDF417 barcode, where the PDF417 barcode is located on an identity document including textual data. Moreover, the method includes the steps of extracting data from the PDF417 barcode, determining a class to which the identity document belongs using the extracted data, and identifying in the extracted data, data unique to the determined class. The unique data is in addition to the textual data. Furthermore, the method includes the steps of comparing the identified unique data against unique data of any authenticated identity document belonging to the determined class, calculating an authenticity score based on the comparison, and determining the identity document is authentic in response to determining the authenticity score satisfies a threshold score.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a binary file to be executed on a client device. The method further includes comparing, by a processing device, the binary file to an authenticated version of the binary file stored on a blockchain, in response to identifying the binary file and before executing the binary file. The method further includes, in response to determining that the binary file and the authenticated version of the binary file match, executing the binary file. The method further includes, in response to determining that the binary file and the authenticated version of the binary file do not match, triggering a predefined remedial action.

Abstract: A configuration device in a test and measurement system including an event generator and a Device Under Test (DUT) to receive one or more events generated by the event generator includes an output display structured to graphically illustrate a first event timeline that includes source event markers for a first test channel for a second test channel, in which the first event timeline and the second event timeline appear on the output display as separate timelines vertically separated from one another. The position of the event delay indicator or a position of the event width indicator may be movable by a user, and moving the position of the event delay indicator or moving the position of the event width indicator causes the event generator to change one or more event generation parameters of the first event based on such movement. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for receiving cash deposits at a point of sale includes a processor; a product inventory database; a communication interface; a product inventory item reader; and a purchase instrument reader. The processor is configured to receive a product code from the product inventory item reader; access the product inventory database to recognize the product code as a deposit product code; receive signals indicating an amount of a deposit associated with the deposit product code; receive signals from the purchase instrument reader identifying an account for the deposit; and send signals to a transaction processing network via the communication interface to thereby effect the deposit of the amount into the account.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide systems and methods for validating an action using a physical token, such as a near-field-communications (NFC)-capable chip. A server may receive a request to perform the action, and may require validation from the holder of the physical token. The holder of the physical token may log into an application using their log-in credentials, providing a first tier of authentication. The holder may then scan the physical token with a reader on their mobile device, which provides a second tier of authentication. The scan may reveal a value for a counter on the physical token, which may be compared to a counter at the server in order to validate that the physical token has been used as expected. If the server deems it appropriate, a third (or further) tier may be required, such as scanning a photographic identification of the holder.

Abstract: A computer system receives an indication from a user that the user wishes to perform a mobile wallet transaction to transfer funds to a recipient using a mobile device. The transaction is authenticated by the computer system. The authentication includes receiving login credentials manually entered by the user and determining that the login credentials match stored login credentials for the user. The authentication further includes determining that the mobile device has a device token stored thereon that matches a device token stored in a database of the computer system. The device token uniquely identifies the mobile device in the computer system. The authentication further includes determining that the mobile device has a customer token stored thereon that matches the customer token stored in the database. The customer token uniquely identifying the customer in the computer system. The computer system transmits the funds to the recipient responsive to the authenticating step.

Abstract: An information handling system may include a host system including a processor and a management controller communicatively coupled to the processor and configured for out-of-band management of the host system. The information handling system may also include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface communicatively coupled to the management controller via a Peripheral Component Interconnect Enhanced (PCIe) card electro-mechanical (CEM) connector. The host system may implements a host-side subsystem configured to engage CEM terminations in response to a USB mode of the host-side subsystem being disabled and the host-side subsystem being in a main power state and selectively enable communication to and from a USB host of the host system via the PCIe CEM connector based on the USB mode of the host-side subsystem.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to methods and systems for detecting an event in a physical region within a physical space. Accordingly, a computing system may receive from a subscriber device an indication of a virtual region within a virtual representation of the physical space such that the virtual region corresponds to the physical region. The system may also receive from the subscriber a trigger condition associated with the virtual region, where the trigger condition corresponds to a particular physical change in the physical region. The system may also receive sensor data from sensors in the physical space and a portion of the sensor data may be associated with the physical region. Based on the sensor data, the system may detect an event in the physical region that satisfies the trigger condition and may responsively provide to the subscriber a notification that indicates that the trigger condition has been satisfied.

Abstract: An exemplary system, method, and computer-accessible medium can include, for example, storing on a first device a digital tag, the tag configured to be associated with at least one application on a second device, such that receipt of the tag on the second device launches the application on the second device; and emitting from the first device to a second device the digital tag; wherein the application on the second device is configured to launch in a special state when the second device is in at least one state from a pre-determined list of states.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate closed-lid portable computers are disclosed. An example portable compute device includes: a microphone; a speaker; a first camera to face a first direction; and a second camera to face a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction. The compute device further includes communications circuitry; a first display; a second display separate from the first display; and a hinge to enable the first display to rotate relative to the second display between an open position and a closed position. At least a portion of the second display is capable of being visible when the first display is rotated about the hinge to the closed position. The portion of the second display is multiple times longer in a third direction than in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction, the third direction extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the hinge.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for verifying the identity of a user in an identity authentication and biometric verification system which includes collecting information from the user regarding the user's identity, which is then electronically authenticated. Upon authentication, personal information regarding the verified identity of the user is retrieved from a source database which is used to verify the identity of the user, via user interaction. Upon successful verification and authentication, biometric data regarding the user is electronically collected.

Abstract: A system that comprises an X-ray imaging device for capturing an X-ray image on an imaging film, and a device for reading out said imaging film. The imaging film includes an optically readable marking, and the X-ray imaging device and/or the readout device includes a device for reading information stored on the data carrier, the data device being designed to register the optically readable marking using said readout device. A method for providing information for a readout device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides details on an intermediary service bureau (ISB) system which includes an ISB center that acts as an intermediary communication center between communication devices used by correctional facilities and contract providers. The ISB records communications, stores security data, and provides front end processing to facilitate an inmate to communicate with an outside party by way of a contract provider. Further, the ISB provides accounting services for inmates and friends and family that use services provided the contract provider. The contract provider provides security and routing services for the ISB by obtaining data from the ISB and updating data at the ISB according to the communications.

Abstract: A method of provisioning or distributing a cryptographic digital asset and supervising a secondary transfer of the digital asset includes receiving a transaction confirmation indicative of a completed transaction of a product from a first party to a second party; determining or receiving a unique owner identification (ID) code or wallet address of the second party; recording or transmitting a request to record ownership of the cryptographic digital asset to the unique owner identification (ID) code or wallet address of the second party; receiving a request to transfer the cryptographic digital asset to a second unique owner identification (ID) code or second wallet address; and recording or transmitting a request to record ownership of the cryptographic digital asset to the second unique owner identification (ID) code or second wallet address.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to eligibility checking for transfer of one or more electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) between two mobile wireless devices. Eligibility to transfer an eSIM to an eUICC of a target device can depend on whether the eUICC of the target device satisfies certain security requirements for the eSIMs to be transferred. The mobile wireless devices can obtain a transfer eligibility result based on communication with one or more network-based servers that can determine compatibility for eSIM transfer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a smart card that determines a context associated with the smart card and displays information based on the determined context. The smart card may determine a location of the smart card. Based on the determined location, the smart card may retrieve a list of establishments. The list of establishments may be used to determine a context, for example, based on information related to the establishments, historical information, user information, etc. Once the context is determined, the smart card may select information to display on the smart card. By limiting the information displayed on the smart card, the smart card may limit what can be captured by bad actors, thereby improving the security of the smart cards.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to enabling access transaction systems to accept different communication protocols. In some embodiment, an access device receives, from a portable device, an indication that a transaction is to be performed by exchanging transaction information between the portable device and a remote computer, wherein the remote computer is configured to communicate using a first communication protocol. Next, the access device determines that the portable device is configured to communicate using a second communication protocol. The access device then converts communications between the portable device and the remote computer from the second communication protocol to the first communication protocol to assist the portable device and the remote computer in exchanging the transaction information.

Abstract: A method of event-based distribution of a cryptographically secured digital asset includes receiving, from a computing device associated with a user, an indication that the computing device is located at a predetermined venue within a predetermined window of time, receiving an indication that a conditional triggering event has occurred during the predetermined window of time, receiving, from the computing device, a unique owner identification (ID) code associated with the user, and transmitting a request to record a transfer of the cryptographically secured digital asset to the user on a distributed blockchain ledger. The request comprises both a unique digital asset ID code and the unique owner ID code, and transmitting the request to record the transfer of the cryptographically secured digital asset on the distributed blockchain ledger occurs only after the indication is received that the conditional event has occurred.

Abstract: At least one server operates to receive a request for delivery of at least one tangible item including cash, from a mobile device such as a smart phone. The at least one server operates to approve the request and provide the mobile device with data corresponding to a transaction identifier. The user operates the mobile device to send data corresponding to the transaction identifier, an amount associated with the at least one tangible item, and delivery information, to a service terminal associated with the service entity that causes delivery of such tangible items. A terminal operated at the location of delivery of the at least one tangible item communicates to confirm the delivery of the at least one tangible item. The at least one server operates to charge the financial account for the amount associated with the at least one tangible item that is delivered.

Abstract: A privacy-related consent extension and data processing system may be configured to automatically extend one or more privacy-related consents for a user of a first computing device to a second computing device. In various embodiments, the system is configured to provide a computer-readable indicium(indicia) on a previously unknown computing device upon initiation of a transaction between a user and an entity collecting and processing privacy data. In response to a user using a known computing device to scan the computer-readable indicium, in various embodiments, the system may provide the ability to share user consent data provided by the first known device to the second unknown device, allowing the user to provide consent without manually re-entering privacy and consent preferences.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for auctioning advertising inventory for various applications, including for mobile applications. In various embodiments, a request for an advertisement is received at a first server from a client device. The request is sent, from the first server, to two or more remote servers. A bid value and an asset to be presented at the client device is received from each of the two or more remote servers. A highest bid is determined from the received bid values. Whether the asset associated with the highest bid is compliant based on the request is determined. When the asset is determined to be compliant, the asset is sent to the client device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a storage device that is installable in an electronic apparatus includes a first communication interface for connecting the electronic apparatus to the storage device, a nonvolatile memory for storing data and data management table storing a data size and address information for the data stored in the nonvolatile memory, and a processor configured to change at least one piece of data stored in the nonvolatile memory without changing file management information stored in the data management table. The processor is configured to change the stored data without receiving an instruction to do so from the electronic apparatus through the first interface.

Abstract: A method of executing an application program in an electronic apparatus is provided. The method includes storing device support information corresponding to at least one application program, receiving device information from an external device, searching for one or more application programs supporting the external device based on the device information and the device support information, and executing an application program among the found one or more application programs.

Abstract: A marker is arranged to indicate the presence of ultraviolet radiation. The marker includes at least an emitting layer having a fluorescent material arranged to emit visible light in a first range of wavelengths in response to excitation by ultraviolet radiation in a second range of wavelengths. The emission of visible light is reversible, and the marker is reusable. The marker may be a warning sign, and may be adhered to a surface or incorporated into a freestanding portable apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to providing virtual network functions to a customer node by a communication system with a provider node in an automatic, traceable, and auditable way. The provider node includes a retrieving module, a validation module, and a deployment module. The retrieving module is configured to retrieve a notification signal, wherein the notification signal is indicative of a selected one of a plurality of virtual network functions and the customer node. The validation module is configured to establish service level agreement data and to validate the agreement service level data, based on the notification signal. The deployment module is configured to selectively transmit a deployment signal to a communication node depending on the validation of the service level agreement data for providing the selected virtual network function to the customer node.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitoring condition compliance. In some embodiments, a system comprises a child device comprising a child device sensor configured to capture condition data, a child device memory configured to store the condition data, a child device transmitter configured to transmit the condition data, and a control circuit configured to cause transmission of a discovery message, receive acknowledgment messages, determine if the discovery message reached a parent device, if the discovery message reached a parent device, cause transmission of the condition data to the parent device, and if the discovery message did not reach a parent device, determine, from the other devices, one of the other devices, and cause transmission of the condition data to the one of the other devices, and the parent device configured to store and transmit condition data received from a plurality of child devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods of real-time audiovisual interaction with a target location includes receiving an identification of a target location. The identification can be received at a processor of a server from an electronic device of an end-user. A request can be transmitted for a video feed associated with the target location. For example, the video feed can be a live video feed of an interior of the target location or a video chat with a representative of the target location. In response to receiving the video feed, the video feed can be transmitted to the electronic device of the end-user. When audiovisual communication is established, a user can view different aspects of a target location, for example the capacity of a restaurant or speak directly with a representative of a clothing store to see if they have a specific item in the users' size.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating biometric data into gameplay of interactive content titles are provided. More specifically, such systems and methods may provide a healthcare gamification hub in an online gaming system. whereby players are incentivized to reach health and wellness goals that may be translated into in-game or metagaming resources for interactive content titles. Earning game resources may be associated stored health gamification rules that specify actions associated with corresponding biometric data and a virtual reward that is redeemable towards one or more in-game rewards associated with one or more interactive content titles. Real-time biometric data regarding a user may be received and the biometric data may be captured by one or more sensor devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for locating small indicia in large images are disclosed herein. An example method includes: identifying an aiming pattern zone that includes a detected or presumed location of an aiming light pattern, wherein an offset between the location and a center of image data varies due to a parallax; determining one or more coordinates of the aiming pattern zone; capturing image data representing an image of an environment appearing within a field of view (FOV) of a handheld scanner including the indicia; encoding the one or more coordinates into a tagline of the image; and providing the image with the tagline to an indicia decoder such that the indicia decoder attempts to decode the indicia from the image data starting in a region of the image data selected based upon the one or more coordinates.

Abstract: A system for detecting a fraudulent ATM transaction is disclosed. The system relates to an ATM machine that receives a bank/ATM card from a customer. The ATM first attempts to read information from the card chip, but is unable to do so due to a read error. The ATM then instead reads the information from the magnetic strip, and initiates a fraud detection procedure. In one such procedure, the ATM uses a local wireless access point to detect a customer's device, such as a phone, in the vicinity of the ATM. In another such procedure, the ATM communicates with a backend server. The backend server then determines the location of the customer device either by transmitting a message to request authorization, or by utilizing GPS or other location-detection means on the customer device to determine whether the customer device is within the ATM vicinity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for authenticating a first computing device to access a secure account. Receiving a request from a second computing device to be authorized to access the secure account. Providing, to the second computing, first data that represents a first machine-readable code for presentation by the second computing device. Receiving, from the first computing device, second data that represents a second machine-readable code as read by the first computing device. Authorizing the second computing device to access the secure account in response to determining that the second data accurately represents the first machine-readable code as sent to the second computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing air traffic and tolling for a plurality of unmanned aircraft system. Various embodiments include terrestrial and unmanned aircraft system based tracking modules for tracking a plurality of unmanned aircraft systems and reporting flight data to a tolling entity for collection from operators.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for performant data matching. Entities maintain large amounts of data and desire to reconcile duplicative records. One way to solve this problem is through data matching. However, standard data matching at the record level can be laborious and inefficient. To remedy these inefficiencies in data matching, the present disclosure describes a system where the token records are tokenized a second time into token sets based on the token records satisfying at least one token set rule. A token set rule may be based on the common presence of multiple tokens in a token record. If multiple token records have the required tokens from the set rule, then those token records can be hashed and rolled-up into the token set (i.e., tokenized a second time into the token set). The token set allows for more efficient data matching.

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein are systems and methods that bring together edge technologies into a single, streamlined process that automates the tracking and usage of assets (containers, equipment, mobile storage, etc.). These systems and methods include the use of smart beacons, low power cellular, sensors (strain gauges, level, contact, ohm/voltage, etc.), voice, video, microcontroller advancements, and the like. Conventional systems that have electronic service order and/or tickets are still limited in their functionality because of data, communication and processing hurdles. Disclosed are modern electronic data capture systems (IoT sensors) along with algorithms to assist on the tracking of assets and workers, more quickly capture authorized transactions for billing and remove the manual processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for welding asset tracking are disclosed. In some examples, a welding asset tracking system may comprise an asset tracking network of tags, hubs, and/or gateways retained by welding assets within a welding area. The asset tracking network may obtain and/or communicate to an asset tracking server welding data related to one or more of the welding assets, as well as position data obtained via an internal and/or external positioning system. In this way, the welding asset tracking server may continually receive updated information regarding each welding assets identity, location, and/or use. The asset tracking server may additionally send a command to a selected welding asset that causes an interface of the selected welding asset to emit an output that enables an operator to physically identify the welding asset.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for executing a point of sale deposit. In one embodiment, a system may include one or more memory devices storing software instructions, and one or more processors configured to execute the software instructions to receive deposit information related to a point of sale deposit from a mobile device, and generate a deposit token retaining at least the deposit information and deposit authorization information. The one or more processors may also be configured to transmit the deposit token to the mobile device for displaying a readable code generated based on the deposit token, receive a point of sale deposit authorization notification from the merchant device indicating at least receipt by the merchant device of the deposit token from the mobile device, and transfer funds to a financial service account based on the received deposit information and authorization notification.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes automatically performing security operations associated with a client system based on aggregated event impact scores of computing events during a rolling time interval. Event data is obtained, wherein the event data is from a plurality of computing devices of the client system associated with computing events occurring during a time interval after an endpoint of the rolling time interval. Event impact scores are calculated for the computing events of the obtained event data over the time interval based at least on cardinality estimation. The calculated event impact scores are merged into the set of aggregated event impact scores associated with the rolling time interval and event impact scores associated with an expired time interval are removed from the set of aggregated event impact scores. Based on the set of aggregated event impact scores, at least one security operation is performed for at least one computing event.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, comprising receiving an order associated with a user, and capturing information associated with a physical attribute of the user; for the order being completed, performing a matching operation on the physical attribute of the user and information associated with a region of the user that includes the physical attribute of the user and respective physical attributes of other users, to determine a closest match; and generating an output that identifies the user associated with the closest match in the information associated with the region of the user, and providing the output to a server to deliver the order to the user.

Abstract: A method may include receiving a menu set selection including a plurality of predetermined dish options at a registered user device and transmitting the menu set selection to an unregistered user device. The method may further include receiving a recipe selection of one or more of the plurality of predetermined dish options from the unregistered user device and directing a cooking operation at the cooking appliance based on the received recipe selection.

Abstract: A method includes, after completion of a leg of travel with a first-mode travel carrier (FMTC), acquiring, by at least one electronic device, an originating paper bag tag (BT) identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed BT from the FMTC that is on a luggage item of the passenger to create digital BTI data linked to the FMTC. The method includes extracting a passenger bag number from the BTI data and accessing a passenger name record (PNR) from the FMTC, based on the number. The method includes autonomously creating a passenger manifest record from the BTI data and the PNR, with data identifying for check-in of a return leg of the passenger with a return travel carrier (RTC); and repeating the method for a plurality of passengers associated with a lodging entity to autonomously form a manifest file with a conduit for check-in passengers with the RTC.

Abstract: A method of communicating devices using virtual buttons comprises receiving, by a user device, a store code and transmitting, by the user device, the store code to a server; searching, by the server, for virtual buttons corresponding to the store code, and transmitting, by the server, to the user device the virtual buttons corresponding to the store code; providing, by the user device, an interface configured to receive a location identifier and button selection input among the virtual buttons received from the server, and transmitting, by the user device, the location identifier and the button selection input to the server; transmitting, by the server, to a staff device the location identifier and the button selection input; and receiving, by the staff device, the location identifier and the button selection input and displaying information associated with the location identifier and requested service corresponding to the button selection input.

Abstract: Through the described contactless payment technology with payment card network to open banking network conversion, the open banking network can be leveraged to bring acceptance for digitized bank account based contactless payments. A converter can receive, via a payment card API channel, a contactless payment message, which includes at least a consumer account number, an acquirer account number, and transaction information for a transaction. The converter can convert the contactless payment message to an open banking message by obtaining a unique B2B trust token corresponding to the consumer account number and creating the open banking message for an open banking API channel using at least the B2B trust token, the acquirer account number, and the transaction information. The converter can communicate, via the open banking API channel, the open banking message to a consumer bank system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and reporting the status of paper ballots for mail-in voting are provided. The paper ballots are monitored during their transit to and/or from the voters. Reports regarding the status of such paper ballots may be provided to the voters and/or the elections division. Such reports may facilitate increased transparency into the mail-in voting process.

Abstract: Unique codes for marking packages for liquid food are generated with a header portion (40) containing non-encrypted code-definition data ([E], [G]) that represents the code structure and/or the code generation methodology, and a payload portion (41) containing encrypted payload data ([EP]). The encryption ensures that the code is sufficiently scrambled to make guessing and fraudulent code generation difficult. The payload data, before encryption, may be defined to be unique in each code, thereby also rendering the code unique. The payload data, before encryption, may also be structured so as to enable efficient search for the code in a database. When read from a package, the code may be processed by extracting the code-definition data ([E], [G]), identifying the payload portion (41), extracting the encrypted payload data ([EP]), re-creating the payload data by decryption, and searching the database for the code based on the payload data or one or more subsets thereof.