Abstract: Detecting information relating to a medium in an interactive media device. The device includes a surface able to receive the medium and a sensor network embedded within the surface. The sensor network includes a configuration able to detect medium information. The device has a processor able to issue signals to the sensor network and to receive signals indicating capacitance change caused by proximity of a region of the medium to the sensor network. Thus, the processor is able to detect medium information based on the capacitance change.

Abstract: An indicia reader system comprising: an indicia reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia, the indicia reader capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; a controller capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; and, a translation interface for translating data from the controller which is in a first protocol to a second protocol for receipt by the indicia reader.

Abstract: A method of detecting a fraudulent transaction of an item having an item-identifying indicium processes the indicium to obtain item-identifying information, and captures a digital representation of a surface area of the item. The item-identifying information is used to retrieve a stored digital representation of the surface area of the item. Further, the method compares the captured digital representation with the stored digital representation to determine if the captured digital representation corresponds to the stored digital representation.

Abstract: Systems and methods to determine timebase and timing (i.e., time sync) of received signals in RFID systems. Multiple matched filters corresponding to multiple timebases are used to receive the preambles of signals received from RFID tags. The multiple matched filters define a range of expected timebases of the received signals. The matched filter with the maximum output signal peak is used to derive the timebase and timing of the received signal. Viterbi techniques can be used in determining the timebase and timing to incorporate a portion of the data signal in addition to the preamble. Reconfigurable matched filters can be used so that after a preliminary timebase is determined as described above, the matched filters can be reconfigured to define a new smaller range centered about the preliminary timebase. This allows the timebase to be determined with finer resolution when another preamble portion is received.

Abstract: A portable terminal is disclosed having a first housing; a swing hinge module providing a rotation axis which extends perpendicularly to a top surface of the first housing; and a second housing coupled to the swing hinge module and adapted to be rotated about the rotation axis while facing the first housing. As the second housing is rotated about the rotation axis, the swing hinge module stops the rotation of the second housing at least once at a predetermined position. The second housing is rotated semi-automatically by means of the swing hinge module.

Abstract: A portable consumer device includes a base, and a computer readable medium on the base. The computer readable medium comprises code for an issuer verification value and a supplemental verification value. The issuer verification value is used by an issuer to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an on-line transaction and the supplemental verification value is used to verify that the portable consumer device is authentic in an off-line transaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating an item at a node includes an item-specific location device disposed in association with the item and that includes a circuit that uniquely identifies the item. A fixed mesh network communication device, in communication with a computer, is in an item storage portion of the node. The computer is programmed to execute the following steps: if an item identification request is received from a requester via a global computer network including a requested item identification, then send an item identification message to the fixed mesh network communication device. If an item identified message is received from the fixed mesh network communication device indicating that the item-specific location device corresponds to the requested item identification, then transmit to the requester, via the global computer network, an item identified notification and a location identification that identifies the node.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional card reader, in which an application procedure used by a user to use a card reader includes pre-operation, setting of required executable program and operating of data program. The setting of required executable program step of the application procedure is used when a user wants to open data stored in a memory card, thereby enabling the user to set the executable software program required to open the data, whereafter the user presses a button on the card reader, and the data stored in the memory card is opened using the preset software program. Moreover, the software program set to open the data can be reset to another software program required by the user to open the data, thereby achieving the objective of convenience of use for a user.

Abstract: A portable data terminal generally includes a housing supporting: a data collection device; a keypad; and a touch screen. One or more PDTs are provided with a monitoring system that records occurrences experienced by the portable data terminal. The record of occurrences may be analyzed to identify errors and/or failure prone parts of the PDT along with behaviors likely to lead to errors or failures. Additionally, the record of events may be analyzed to predict errors and/or failures for any given PDT.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency identification tag are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A Provided is an electronic device in which: alternating current power from an RF coil which receives an electromagnetic wave and converts the electromagnetic wave into power is rectified by a diode and a first capacitor; the power is stepped up by a charge pump type step-up circuit; the power stepped up by the step-up circuit is stored in a second capacitor by a charging and discharging circuit; and the stored power is supplied from the charging and discharging circuit to an RF transmission circuit.

Abstract: A first code is read from a user carried device useable in an access control system. The first code is an encoded form of at least an ID of a user carrying the device and at least one privilege. The privilege defines the user's access to a resource. The first code is compared to a second code, and access is permitted only if the first code compares favorably to the second code. A reader of the access control system computes the second code based on the user ID and the privilege. The first and second codes may be also based on a secret key applicable only to the user.

Abstract: A method of encoding information in a document using a plurality of marks (104), the information comprising first data and second data, the method comprising the steps of encoding the first data using a first plurality of arrays of modulated marks disposed in a corresponding first plurality of tiles (610) spaced apart from each other at a first repeat rate (660); and encoding the second data using a second plurality of arrays of modulated marks disposed in a corresponding second plurality of tiles (680) spaced apart from each other at a second repeat rate (670); wherein: the second repeat rate is different to the first repeat rate; and the second plurality of tiles are embedded within the first plurality of tiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to digital watermarking and steganographic encoding. One claim recites a method including: receiving data corresponding to at least a portion of digital data; separating the data into a plurality of portions; determining a measure relative to a predetermined measure for each of the portions, wherein the measure comprises a measure related to a predetermined digital watermark signal; based at least in part on the measure, identifying which out of the plurality of portions are likely to host digital watermarking therein. Of course, other combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: A method of printing including determining a symbol to be printed; segmenting the symbol to be printed into a plurality of symbol sections; and for each of the symbol sections, selecting an ink to be used to print the symbol section from a group of at least two different inks, wherein encoded information is provided in the symbol when the symbol is printed based upon location of at least one of the different inks in the symbol.

Abstract: A secure reader for reading a spatial code and a security feature. The secure reader comprises: (i) a security module, and (ii) a read engine for reading both a spatial code and a security feature carried by an item. The security module is operable to transmit a unique reader identification each time an authentication request is sent to a data management system. The spatial code may be a barcode, such as a two-dimensional barcode. The security module may include tamper responsive sensors for destroying any stored data in the event that the security module is tampered with. The security module may also include a unique identification conveyed to the data management system as part of an authentication request to allow the secure reader to be identified by the data management system.

Abstract: An optical encoder, including a light emitting section; a light receiving section; and a resinous code plate disposed movably relative to the light emitting section and the light receiving section. The resinous code plate includes, on the plate face thereof, a plurality of tracks respectively provided with molded code-pattern surfaces different from each other, and a local structured-surface area formed between the tracks arranged side-by-side relative to each other, the local structured-surface area possessing a surface configuration different from the molded code-pattern surfaces of the tracks. The molded code-pattern surface of each of the tracks includes a flat surface area and an irregular surface area, adjacent to each other as seen in the extending direction of the track.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention recite a method, apparatus and system for conveying cartridge notification. In one embodiment, a permanently encoded pattern of location information embedded on a printed medium is recognized using an electronic interactive device. Note that the encoded pattern identifies an application. A determination can be made as to whether the electronic interactive device has access to the application based on its memory and the memory of an attached cartridge. In response to the electronic interactive device not having access to the application, it is determined based on a cartridge lookup table of which cartridge includes the application. A message can be conveyed regarding the cartridge to the user. The cartridge lookup table may be populated with information regarding the application contents of various cartridges in response to these cartridges being inserted into the interactive device.

Abstract: The invention combines fluorescent QDs and methods to dispense and detect them efficiently in a compact volume for a range of optical tagging applications. Micro-fluidic devices are used for mixing water-soluble fluorescent QDs in aqueous solutions to create a multi color fluorescent nano-optical tag, and gratings are used for spreading the spectral components of the fluorescent signal leading to an improvement in optical data storage capacity over prior art methods. The spectral signature of the tag is detected by a compact read-out head with a grating spectrometer. One way is to dispense the tag within the pits of a DVD or CD using an ink-jet nozzle and exciting them by a large range of wavelengths each shorter that the emission peak. The filters have a high immunity to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and up to 41 infrared filters can be holographically recorded by spatial multiplexing of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for accurately and flexibly delivering item-specific information from a voice server to a user and the method of using same is disclosed. The user scans a unique identification code associated with an item using a scanner on the device. The device then connects to the voice server. The voice server searches for information related to the item and converts the information for the item into audible information for delivery to the user. The audible information is audibly played to the user by the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an information processing apparatus that includes: a card slot in which a card-type medium is inserted; and a data communication unit that performs data exchange with the card-type medium in an operation mode that is judged as the faster mode that offers a faster data exchange with the card-type medium, which is either a first operation mode or a second operation mode.

Abstract: A method of requesting assistance relating to a product item is provided. The product item includes an associated interface surface. The interface surface has disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item. The method comprises the steps of, in a sensing device: (a) sensing the coded data; (b) generating, using the sensed coded data, indicating data indicative of the product item identity; and, (c) transferring the indicating data to a computer system. The computer system is responsive to the indicating data so as to cause provision of assistance.

Abstract: A global positioning system includes a fixed base unit of known position and at least one mobile unit, the base unit and the mobile unit each including a GPS receiver. This system further includes means for comparing the simultaneous GPS identified positions of the mobile unit and the base unit to establish the relative position of the mobile unit to the base unit. The mobile unit may be provided in a vehicle for allowing the instantaneous position of the vehicle to be identified relative to the base unit. Alternatively the mobile unit may include a bar code scanner for reading a bar code on an item and recording instantaneously the GPS identified position allowing a map of the position of various items relative to a base unit to be compiled.

Abstract: A handheld electronic book reader, program product, and method incorporate enhanced annotation and/or usage tracking capabilities. Users may create “contexts” for defined terms in an electronic document. Moreover, annotation data such as contexts, comments and highlighting may be associated with various users, and displayed in connection with the display of an electronic document so as to indicate that different annotation data has been originated by different users. In addition, from the standpoint of usage tracking, usage statistics for an electronic document displayed in a handheld electronic reader may be generated on a page-by-page basis, and/or in association with term definitions. Moreover, usage statistics for multiple users may be combined and analyzed.

Abstract: A process includes the steps of loosening a pack of piled substrates, taking a first image of the piled planar substrates, the image being made of a two-dimensional array of single image detectors arranged in lines and columns, counting the number of edges of substrates detected, statistically treating the result obtained and, based on the statistical treatment, determining whether the counting is accurate.

Abstract: A card reader includes a shutter provided at a card insertion port, a shutter opening and closing detection device for detecting the shutter being opened and a control device for taking the card shaped medium into the inside of the card reader. In a waiting state where the shutter is closed and a card shaped medium is not present in the inside of the card reader and further, when the shutter opening and closing detection device detects opening of the shutter without detecting insertion of a card shaped medium from the card insertion port, the control device decides occurrence of abnormality to perform abnormality coping processing.

Abstract: A tag for identifying a component or a basket used in a manufacturing facility. The tag is made from a stainless steel plate and has a plurality of thru-holes formed therein. The holes are arranged in a pattern that defines a two-dimensional (2-D) bar code. The 2-D bar code can be read from a front side or a rear side of the plate using a bright-field or dark-field vision system. The tag may further include indicia such as letters, numbers, or symbols that are recognizable by humans.

Abstract: A method for activating a user interface of a mobile terminal or device having an ISO14443 smart card attached in a ISO7816 reader, where the mobile device monitors the state of the inactive ISO7816 interface, the ISO14443 smart card changes the state of one or more of the ISO7816 contacts when it needs user interaction during contactless communication, and when a state change occurs that did not originate in the mobile device, an interrupt is generated that communicates to the mobile device that smart card requires its services.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of selectively applying a particular label from a plurality of different types of labels includes providing a label application apparatus that is adapted to selectively apply at least one of a plurality of different types of labels to an article. An article is identified. The label application apparatus is controlled to selectively apply at least one of a plurality of different labels to the article as a function of the identity of that article.

Abstract: A multi-step method for producing contactless tickets or cards, the tickets or cards including a chip (24) which is connected to an antenna (10) on a paper carrier. The method includes: printing the antennae in series on the paper carrier strip using a silkscreen ink; fixing a chip to each ticket by connecting bond pads of the chip to the antennas' bond pads (14, 16); and covering the paper strip, including the silkscreen-printed antenna and the corresponding chip, with an adhesive paper strip. After each step, the paper carrier strip is wound up before the next step is begun. Each of the silkscreen-printed antennae is coated with a protective layer (12) to prevent silkscreen ink from being transferred to the back of the paper carrier strip during the successive winding-up following each step.

Abstract: A device (80) for reading a coded golf ball (40) comprises a helical track (82) on the inside or outside of a cylindrical housing (81), the track serving to change the orientation of the ball relative to an antenna coil (85) to ensure that the code is read. The track may be arranged horizontally and rotated by a motor; a flap (30) may be provided to avoid balls following each other too closely onto the helical track. Alternatively the track may be arranged vertically and the balls may fall under gravity.

Abstract: Embodiments related to methods and systems for determining support for a memory card, where the memory card is accessible to a card reader and the card reader is in communication with an accessing device.

Abstract: Hyperlinking or associating documents to other documents based on the names of people in the documents has become more desirable. Although there is an automated system for installing such hyperlinks into judicial opinions, the system is not generally applicable to other types of names and documents, nor well suited to determine hyperlinks for names that might refer to two or more similarly named persons. Accordingly, the inventor devised systems, methods, and software that facilitate hyperlinking names in documents, regardless of type. One exemplary system includes a descriptor module and a linking module. The descriptor module develops descriptive patterns for selecting co-occurent document information that is useful in recognizing associations between names and professional classes.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method for hierarchically pricing chargeable items in a healthcare provider's chargeable item database is disclosed. The method applies hierarchical pricing to related chargeable items. A system for hierarchically pricing related chargeable items is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for producing graphical indicators and interactive systems for utilizing the graphical indicators. On the surface of an object, visually negligible graphical indicators are provided. The graphical indicators and main information, i.e. text or pictures, co-exist on the surface of object. The graphical indicators do not interfere with the main information when the perception of human eyes are concerned. With the graphical indicators, further information other than the main information on the surface of object are carried. In addition to the main information on the surface of object, one is able to obtain additional information through an auxiliary electronic device or trigger an interactive operation.

Abstract: A computer system configured for operating graphic design software to enable a user to perform graphic design activity using an interface surface. The interface surface contains information relating to the graphic design software. The interface surface includes coded data having a number of coded data portions indicative of an identity. The computer system is configured to receive indicating data from a sensing device; determines, using the indicating data, a determined identity; retrieve, using the determined identity, a layout indicative of the information on the interface surface; determines, using the layout and the determined identity, at least one parameter relating to a graphic design activity; and operate the graphic design software at least partially in accordance with the at least one parameter.

Abstract: A template representing a desired target is applied to response signals from an area including a plurality of targets and illuminated by electromagnetic radiation. The response signals include poles or damped sinusoids representing resonances (e.g., resonant frequencies) distinctly associated with each of the targets within the area. An embodiment of the present invention utilizes pole or damped sinusoid frequencies of a desired target to construct the template or comb-like pattern that is compared to the mixture of pole frequencies within the response signals from the area. The comparison yields a resulting score that indicates the presence of the desired target within the area.

Abstract: A printed publication, such as a book, with a connection is provided. The printed publication has one or more readable codes associated with it which can be read by a scanner or other reader. The scanner provides a connection, preferably via a wireless standard, to a computer. The computer, cell phone, pda or any wi fi system contains software that can decode and relay the information to a platform targeting the proper hyperlinks or directly to those hyperlinks in response to the code can display other the master platform or specific websites.

Abstract: A storage device includes a recording medium having a user-area and a system-area. The storage device conducts a self-diagnostic test on a recording medium. When conducting the self-diagnostic test, a writing/reading unit performs writing of data in and reading of data from the system area at a user-area write/read frequency that is a frequency for writing of data in and reading of data from the user area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a near-field RFID encoder is provided that includes a pair of capacitive elements formed from an arrangement of stripline conductors. The near-field encoder may non-resonantly excite RFID tags. In addition, the near-field encoder may characterize RFID tag quality using a VSWR measurement.

Abstract: Routing telecommunications to a user including receiving a call, determining that the call is intended for the user, receiving an RFID signal from a user's RFID tag, determining the location of the user in dependence upon the RFID signal, and forwarding the call to a telephony device in dependence upon the user's location. In typical embodiments, determining that the call is intended for the user also include prompting the caller for the name of the user, receiving from the caller as speech the name of the user, converting the speech to a text, and retrieving a user record in dependence upon the text.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control and/or monitoring device comprising pairs (P, P?) of interactive members (1, 2; 1?, 2?) each of which includes an electronic label (1, 1?) identified by a specific identification code (KID1, KID1?) communicating with said label (1, 1?). For each pair (P) of interactive members, the inventive device also comprises a state encoder at least partially borne by the label (1), said encoder producing a state signal which is accessible to the reader (2) and representing a logic or analog state affecting the label (1) or a relationship between the label (1) and the reader (2).

Abstract: A memory card connector includes a housing defining at least part of a card-receiving cavity of the connector and including a bottom wall and a side wall joined to the bottom wall. A slider is movably mounted on the housing and is engageable with the memory card for movement therewith. The slider is slidable along an inside of the side wall of the housing. The slider has a projection engageable in a recess in a side of the memory card. The projection causes the slider to be biased outwardly toward the side wall if the memory card is inserted into the cavity in an incorrect orientation. A slit is formed adjacent a juncture between the bottom wall and the side wall of the housing to allow the side wall to yield in the event that the slider is biased outwardly against the side wall in response to the incorrectly inserted memory card.

Abstract: An active matrix emissive display (ED) is disclosed that also includes optical scanning capability. Each display pixel is independently addressable and independently internally driven for light generation. Each display pixel is also given the ability to be coupled to detection circuitry in order to sense currents or voltages that are optically generated or leaked by its internal LED when exposed to light (and thus acting in a photodiode capacity). Since the intensity of the light illuminating the diode determines the magnitude of generated currents and/or voltages or leakage current through the diode (when reverse biased), these sensed currents or voltages give an indication of the intensity of the light striking the pixel. In this manner, active matrix ED pixels are configured to serve the dual purpose of being able to generate and detect light.

Abstract: A method of enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface and a sensing device. The interface surface includes an interface, the interface including visible graphical information and substantially invisible coded data. When the sensing device is placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, it senses indicating data indicative of the operation using at least some of the coded data. The graphical information designated is at least partially indicative, to the user, of the operation. The operation indicated by the indicating data is then performed in the computer system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a card discriminating system used for identifying whether a card is authentic or not. The card has a surface, and N sensing marks are formed on the surface of the card. The card discriminating system includes a position-based pulse generation module, at least one sensor, and a micro-controller unit. The micro-controller unit is respectively coupled with the position-based pulse generating module and each of the sensors. When the card actuates and passes through the position-based pulse generating module, the position-based pulse generating module will generate a reference position-based pulse. When one of the N sensing marks of the card passes through one of the sensors, the sensor will generate a corresponding sensing position-based pulse. The micro-controller unit is used for comparing the sensing position-based pulse with the reference position-based pulse, so as to identify whether the card is authentic or not.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling registration of a user to use a computer system. The method includes providing a printed registration form containing information relating to user registration, the form including coded data indicative of an identity of the form and of at least one reference point of the form. Indicating data is received, in a processing system associated with the computer system, from a sensing device regarding the identity of the form and a position of the sensing device relative to the form. The sensing device, when placed in an operative position relative to the form, generates the indicating data using at least some of the coded data on the form. The method further includes identifying, in the processing system and from the indicating data, at least one parameter relating to user registration, and storing the at least one parameter so as to be accessible by said computer system.

Abstract: A system for browsing a computer network includes at least one server that is programmed to generate page print data incorporating visible data representing information for reading and invisible coded data. At least one network printer is connected to the server and is configured to print the visible information with conventional ink and the pattern with invisible ink that is capable of being read with an optical reader. At least one optical reader is connected to the, or each respective, printer and is capable of detecting the invisible ink to generate a signal representing the coded data. The, or each, server is programmed so that at least a portion of the coded data represents at least an instruction to one or more servers to retrieve further page print data from the network.

Abstract: A writing information processing device includes a writing acquiring unit that acquires writing information which is an electrified writing onto a medium that a document image is printed on, a link acquiring unit that acquires at least one of link information to a first electronic document that is an original of the document image and link information to a second electronic document generated from the first electronic document, and a file generating unit that generates a file in which the writing information is added to the link information.

Abstract: An interface system for enabling a user to instruct a computer system to perform an operation via an interface surface including an interface, the interface including visibly printed graphical information and substantially invisible coded data printed in infra-red ink, the coded data comprising a plurality of substantially undifferentiated marks positioned relative to a predetermined pattern, wherein each mark has a minimum radius and a maximum radius and wherein the length of a mark's minimum radius is greater than 40% of the length of that mark's maximum radius; and a sensing device which, when placed by the user into an operative position relative to the interface surface to designate at least some of the graphical information, senses at least some of the coded data and generates indicating data indicative of the operation using the sensed coded data; the computer system being configured to: receive the indicating data from the sensing device; and perform the operation indicated by the indicating data; whe