Abstract: A method of detecting interference with a fraud prevention transmitter on a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises: detecting presentation of a card at a card reader; attempting to detect a customer while the card is presented; and triggering an alarm event if the customer is not detected while the card is presented on a predetermined number of occasions.

Abstract: Electronic storage devices include one or more substrates, storage circuitry configured to store electronic data and communication circuitry configured to receive the electronic data from a programming device and provide the electronic data to the storage circuitry. The storage circuitry and communication circuitry are embedded in and are in direct physical contact with the one or more substrates. Programming methods include providing an electronic storage device comprising storage circuitry configured to store electronic data and communication circuitry configured to receive the electronic data and provide the electronic data to the storage circuitry, the storage circuitry and communication circuitry being embedded in two or more substrates. The methods also include communicating the electronic data to the communication circuitry and storing the electronic data in the storage circuitry.

Abstract: Context based scanning and reading systems and methods are provided with an end-to-end framework for receiving information and performing a plurality of different actions based thereon. An end-to-end framework includes one of scanning and reading an item to obtain a first set of information based thereon, presenting the first set of information in context, obtaining a plurality of actions in context based on the first set of information in context, and selecting one of the plurality of actions in context based on criteria. A system includes at least one readable device associated with an item, at least one mobile device configured to scan the at least one readable device, and an end-to-end framework operable on the at least one mobile device to obtain information from the at least one readable device and present the information and associated actions based on a context.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow users to post or publish audio information to a destination on a digital network. A particular embodiment provides a user interface for recording and uploading a short comment, remark, song segment, sound effect or any other audio portion. The comment can be sent directly to another user's device or can be published or uploaded to a network site, web page, user group or other location. A user interface allows organizing, reviewing, editing, tagging, transferring and other types of processing or manipulation in association with the audio portion to be transferred, or which has been received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a smart phone casing and information exchange system which enables a user to carry a single system that merges the digital and telecommunications necessities of the individual with the personalized cards, membership accounts, consumer credit and/or medical insurance or health information in a single source protected both physically with a hardened case, and digitally with appropriate safeguards for electronic protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optically scanning a machine-readable device applied to an object, comprising a transport apparatus for transporting the object in a transport direction, the object being supported on the transport apparatus on an underside, the transport apparatus containing a first transport belt with a first upper strand and a second transport belt with a second upper strand, wherein a gap is formed between the first transport belt and the second transport belt which is arranged ahead of the first transport belt in the transport direction, and comprising a scanning apparatus for scanning the machine-readable marking, wherein the scanning apparatus has at least one scanning element associated with the gap, wherein the first upper strand and the second upper strand are arranged so as to have a height offset relative to each other in such a way that the underside of the object can be scanned by tipping the object when the object is transferred from the first transport belt to the second t

Abstract: A medium processing apparatus is provided. The medium processing apparatus comprises an MR sensor, one or more differential amplifiers, a storage, and a controller. The MR sensor comprises a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a magnetic component of a medium. The one or more differential amplifiers receive respective output signals of two detection elements among the plurality of detection elements to subtract and amplify the received signals. The storage stores various pattern information of a magnetic component signal for the medium. The controller compares the pattern information, stored in the storage, with magnetic component signals respectively outputted from the detection elements and a magnetic component signal outputted from the one or more differential amplifiers to determine authenticity of the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting up a fluid treatment apparatus using a single, and always accessible, reader of information relating to replaceable components which are to be mounted on the apparatus to perform the fluid treatment. It is also disclosed a fluid treatment apparatus having the always accessible reader. The reader can also be relied on to enter information other that those relating to the replaceable components, such as commands for the apparatus, patients' related information, etcetera.

Abstract: A memory tag is a transponder device with a memory for storing digital content. Purchase-related information for a product is stored in such a memory tag. A write capability of the memory tag is disabled.

Abstract: Tamper evident card readers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a data-bearing instrument reader includes a sensor configured to read data from a data bearing instrument, circuitry configured to receive data from the sensor, a housing that at least partially contains the sensor and the circuitry, wherein at least a portion of the housing is translucent and the translucent portion of the housing is configured to permit visual inspection of the portions of the sensor and circuitry contained within the housing.

Abstract: An imaging-based barcode system including a scanning arrangement and an illumination apparatus is shown. The scanning arrangement includes a sensor assembly for capturing an image from a target object, the sensor assembly having a field-of-view focused by an optical arrangement onto a sensor array located within the sensor assembly. The illumination system includes a first illumination assembly and a second illumination assembly, each of the first and second assemblies including an illumination source directing illumination through a light pipe and a focusing lens to generate an illumination pattern directed towards a target object, wherein the light pipe includes an input surface and an output surface, the light pipe is configured to change the light intensity distribution at its output surface.

Abstract: A POS-based bar code symbol reading system that reads bar code symbols on objects being passed through the 3D imaging or scanning volume supported by the system, and employs one or more object motion sensors (e.g. imaging based, IR Pulse-Doppler LIDAR-based, ultra-sonic energy based, etc.) to (i) measure or estimate the speed of objects being manually passed through the 3D imaging or scanning volume by the system operator, and (ii) visually and/or audibly display object scanning speed measures or estimates to provide the system operator with feedback for optimizing system throughput. The POS-based bar code symbol reading system has a performance advantage that leads to quicker customer checkout times and productivity gain that cannot be matched by the conventional bar code symbol scanning technology.

Abstract: A meter for flowing material, e.g., water, has a meter register having an electronic display, e.g., an LED or LCD display, and a mechanical read-out display driven by a stepper motor to record units of water that flowed through the meter. In the event of an electrical power failure, the LED or LCD readout values are lost, however, the mechanical read-out values remain. Further, signals are transmitted to a microprocessor of a meter register to change the rotation of the stepper motor so that the meter register can be used with different types of meters. Still further, a meter generator co-acting with a meter register forwards an electrical pulse signal after a quantity of material or utility passes through a water meter to a microprocessor of a remote reader. The remote reader includes an odometer coupled to a stepper motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for cleaning teeth wherein a variety of cleaning tools are coupled to a common handle section for the individual cleaning of teeth. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric dental cleaning device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, as well as said cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section detects a coding provided on the respective cleaning tool attached. In dependence upon the respective coding detected, various functions of the dental cleaning device are controlled.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit system comprises an item with at least one marker affixed thereto. The marker comprises a chemical signature having at least one chemical, and indicates the source of the item. The marker is detectable in the item to reveal whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In at least one embodiment, the marker comprises a chemical signature that is unique to a particular entity and is affixed to items authentic to that entity. Further, a method of determining the authenticity of an item comprises isolating an item for testing, determining the presence of a marker, analyzing the marker for a chemical signature, comparing the results of the analysis to a chemical signature unique to a particular entity, and determining from the comparison whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises quantifying the results of the analysis, such as the chemical(s) discovered therein.

Abstract: An “RFID-Based Inference Platform” provides various techniques for using RFID tags in combination with other enterprise sensors to track users and objects, infer their interactions, and provide these inferences for enabling further applications. Specifically, observations are collected from combinations of RFID tag reads and other enterprise sensors including electronic calendars, user presence identifiers, cardkey access logs, computer logins, etc. Given sufficient observations, the RFID-Based Inference Platform automatically differentiates between tags associated with or affixed to people and tags affixed to objects. The RFID-Based Inference Platform then infers additional information including identities of people, ownership of specific objects, the nature of different “zones” in a workspace (e.g., private office versus conference room).

Abstract: There is provided an image forming device that includes a conveyor section, an image forming section, an accessing section and a control unit. The conveyor section conveys recording media in a conveying path, the recording media including a recording medium having a data storage unit attached thereto and a recording medium with no data storage unit attached thereto, the data storage unit storing data or being capable of storing data. The image forming section forms an image on the recording medium. The accessing section is disposed at an access position along the conveying path and accesses the data storage unit to execute an access operation to write data into or read data from the data storage unit.

Abstract: A remote code reader system sends a code read by a code reader to an appropriate function by utilizing identification information assigned specific to a client in order to select a function. A barcode reader and a host computer connected to a network are included therein. An ID (pen ID) of the barcode reader 1 and a barcode as read are transmitted to the host computer through a terminal connected to the network. The host computer decodes the received pen ID to select a CGI which conforms to the pen ID, and sends the barcode to the CGI 9 as selected in order to make the CGI process it.

Abstract: An electronic device determines to transmit an image including a matrix code to a display, receives input specifying to alter the matrix code, generates an updated image according to the input, and transmits the updated image to the display. The device may alter a size and/or position of the matrix code, a display duration and/or complexity of the matrix code, and so on. The device may generate the matrix code and modify it in response to input, receive different matrix code versions and select a different version in response to input, receive the image including the matrix code and generate a replacement to overlay over the image, and so on Additionally, independent of input, the device may receive an image, detect an included first matrix code, generate a second matrix code based on the first, and generate an updated image by adding the second matrix code to the image.

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. One embodiment comprises transmitting a first test command to the memory card, receiving a response to the first test command, and determining that the response to the first test command indicates that a card type is not supported by a plurality of card drivers. In response to said determining, at least one additional test command specific to a card type supported by a selected card driver is automatically transmitted, and if the response is successful, the selected card driver, which was previously determined not to support the card type of the memory card, is indicated to support the card type of the memory card.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a card reader that can read a unique magnetic characteristic of a magnetic stripe on a card. The machine can then send data reflective of the read characteristic to a remote card validator. The card validator can compare the received data to referenced magnetic characteristic data corresponding to cards authorized for use with the machine. The machine can also communicate with a transaction host computer to carry out a financial transaction. As a result of the magnetic data comparison, an invalid card can be discovered and a fraudulent transaction prevented. Communication between the card validator and machine is independent from communication between the transaction host and machine.

Abstract: A presentation instrument package is constructed of a carrier having a package identifier. The package defines an enclosure into which is held a presentation instrument having a human readable presentation instrument identifier such that the human readable information is hidden from view.

Abstract: A fuel cell component includes a fuel cell component body having a surface, and an identification information display portion provided on the fuel cell component body. The identification information display portion is provided at a recessed region of the fuel cell component body recessed relative to the surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided an overmolded support assembly for support of optical elements. In one embodiment the support assembly can be of multi component construction including a base component and a supplementary component, wherein the supplementary component can be overmolded onto the base component. In one embodiment each of the base component and the supplementary component can be of unitary construction. In one embodiment the supplementary component can have a material hardness rating of lower than a material hardness rating of the base component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel wireless barcode MEMS canary which can be embedded in electronic systems and periodically monitored to measure degradation over a period of time. The material used to print the bars of the barcode is selected such that it is capable of changing one or more of its properties in response to a change in ambient conditions. Means are provided for reading out said change in properties such that when an interrogator is brought into proximity to the sensor, the change in properties can be detected. By establishing the relationship between the healthy state of the barcode and its degradation to that of the electronic system and the components, the residual life of the system can be established and preventive measures taken before failure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for setting up a fluid treatment apparatus using a single, and always accessible, reader of information relating to replaceable components which are to be mounted on the apparatus to perform the fluid treatment. It is also disclosed a fluid treatment apparatus having the always accessible reader. The reader can also be relied on to enter information other that those relating to the replaceable components, such as commands for the apparatus, patients' related information, etcetera.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system and associated processes for monitoring a customer's product purchases and product consumption. Further, the system enables the customer to maintain customer-selected preferences by presenting to the customer product information associated with the customer preferences and a product. In one embodiment, the system can monitor the consumption of products over a predefined period of time to facilitate the customer maintaining the customer preferences over the predefined period of time. In one embodiment, the system can present alternative product purchases based on a selected product and the customer preferences. In one embodiment, the system can facilitate monitoring nutrition consumption. In one embodiment, the system can facilitate monitoring pharmaceutical use. In one embodiment, the system can facilitate the customer making environmentally conscious purchases.

Abstract: A structure of a subject such as a card, a bank note, or a stock certificate easily faked and needing authenticity validation and a method for judging the authenticity of the subject. An authenticity validation chip having structural color developers irregularly arranged is attached to a card. An optical sensor detects the arrangement of the structural color developers to individually recognize the card or judge its authenticity. To validate the authenticity, when or after the card is taken in, the information in the authenticity validation chip provided on the card is read. Each of the structural color developers is a transparent resin flake or a transparent resin thin layer. The information is read two-dimensionally with a camera, and the authenticity of the authenticity validation chip is judged by observing the distributed state of the structural color developers. Alternatively, the information can be read linearly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and a method for light beam interrogation of an optical biosensor and for monitoring a biological event on the biosensor for use, for example, in microplate image analysis. The system and method correct pointing-errors that can be encountered, for example, in scanning label-independent-detection biosensor applications.

Abstract: A method of recording a transaction relating to a security document is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on the security document, with each coded data portion encoding an identity of the security document and part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. A sensing device senses at least one coded data portion. From the coded data portion sensed by the sensing device a determined identity and a determined signature part are determined. The security document is authenticated using the determined identity and the determined signature part. Transaction data associated with the security document, stored in a data store, is updated upon successful authentication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting data from an ultrasonic tag to an ultrasonic reader. The method comprises generating and transmitting an ultrasonic sound pressure wave, receiving the ultrasonic sound pressure wave at a first ultrasonic repeater, determining that the received ultrasonic sound pressure wave was not processed at the ultrasonic reader, retransmitting the ultrasonic sound pressure wave from the first ultrasonic repeater, and processing the retransmitted ultrasonic sound pressure wave at the ultrasonic reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing data rights are provided. A first label associated with a first data object may be received, and the first label may be converted into a first universal label based at least in part upon one or more predefined rules for the conversion of the first label into the first universal label. Additionally, a second label associated with a second data object may be received, and the second label may be converted into a second universal label based at least in part upon one or more predefined rules for the conversion of the second label into the second universal label. A combined universal label applicable to both the first data object and the second data object may be generated from the first universal label and the second universal label.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sensor for checking documents of value and an apparatus and a method, wherein there are used a magnetization device for magnetizing a document of value and the magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic signals of the document of value. The magnetic sensor has two sensor lines which have several magneto-sensitive elements with different main sensitivity directions which are oriented in particular perpendicular to each other. The first sensor line selectively detects first magnetic areas of the document of value of a first coercive field strength and the second sensor line selectively detects second magnetic areas of the document of value of a second coercive field strength. Since the differently coercive magnetic areas of the document of value are detected independently of each other, there can be ascertained reliably and independently of each other two magnetic codings from differently coercive magnetic areas, which are arranged on the same document of value.

Abstract: An equipment comprising a receptacle for receiving an optical article; a first set of electrical connectors configured to be in direct contact with a second set of electrical connectors disposed on the optical article, when the optical article is received by the receptacle; an activation device operably coupled with the first set of electrical connectors; wherein the activation device is configured to generate an activation signal which is transmitted to the second set of electrical connectors by the first set of electrical connectors, wherein an electrical device is configured to provide a power component to the optical article via the first set of electrical connectors and the second set of electrical connectors which are in direct contact. A system comprising the equipment is also provided. Also provided is a checkout device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a bag supporting table includes a pair of hooking sections configured to support a shopping bag and an auxiliary-bag supporting section. The shopping bag has a pair of grips. The pair of hooking sections are spaced apart from and opposed to each other. The pair of hooking sections respectively hook the grips of the shopping bag and support the shopping bag. The auxiliary-bag supporting section is arranged on the outer side of an arrangement area for the shopping bag supported by the pair of hooking sections.

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: A mobile communication device is equipped with hardware and/or software components to enable the device to output a data in a form of a radio frequency signal, emulating outputting of the data by either an active or a passive RFID transponder. The data may be a security key or an identifier. Emulation of an active RFID transponder includes facilitating selection of the data and instruction to output by a user. Emulation of a passive RFID transponder includes detecting for proximal presence of a RFID reader. Either case, provision of the data to the mobile communication device may include provision of associated signal attribute(s).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for incorporating primary components of an EAS system into hand-supportable and countertop-supportable bar code symbol reading systems having a housing with a light transmission window covered by an optically transparent faceplate having outer dimensions closely matched to the light transmission window. About the optically transparent faceplate, a faceplate bezel is mounted embodying a coil of electrically conductive wire having terminals connected to an electrical interface circuit, which is connected to a flexible EAS cable extending from the electrical interface circuit. The flexible EAS cable extends towards electrical drive circuitry associated with the EAS subsystem, for powering the coil during EAS tag deactivation operations controlled by the host computer system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing the digital content of non-free event to viewers through interactive display electronic devices. The present invention includes a validator device that has unique Device Access Control address to interact with the entertainment system. Viewer's book ticket though the web interface component providing event details, preferred date/time to watch the event, location to watch event at home or theatre. For home viewing the Device Access Control (DAC) address is also submitted. Viewers receive email of ticket with 6-digit authentication code. At the time of the event the validator device authorizes the authentication code on ticket, validates count of viewers watching the event based on count of tickets purchased and if viewers are in right age to watch the event depending on rating of the event. Then the validator device downloads the digital content of event and streams to viewer's home display device from the theater/auditorium.

Abstract: An optical scanner with a floating load cell frame. The optical scanner includes a plurality of planar load cells and a frame for tying the planar load cells together in order to counteract side loads and minimize corresponding spreading of the planar load cells. In one embodiment, the optical scanner includes four planar load cells and the floating frame includes two to four frame members that tie the planar load cells together.

Abstract: A convertible barcode reader which includes different configurations for self-service operation and assisted-service operation. An example convertible barcode reader includes a first housing portion including a first barcode reader engine, a second housing portion including a second barcode reader engine, and a hinge for coupling the second housing portion to the first housing portion between the first and second barcode reader engines. The second housing portion is moveable between a first position for self-service operation and a second position for assisted service operation.

Abstract: An RFID system includes a number of RFID tags and an RFID reader. Each RFID tag includes a respective portion of a target data object. The RFID reader is adapted to read each portion of the target data object from the respective RFID tags. A method of providing an identification function includes using an RFID reader to read one portion of a target data object stored on an RFID tag, from among a number of portions of the target data object stored on a respective number of RFID tags.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.

Abstract: An electronic ink containing charged particles includes a combination of resin particles, a pigment, and a charge director. The resin particles exhibit an average particle size less than 1.0 micron and contain a resin that exhibits a molecular weight of 500 to 20,000. The pigment is loaded on the resin particles. The charge director can physically associate with the resin particles. The charged particles may be negative or positive.

Abstract: A method and device exchanging contact information on an electronic device. Contact information is obtained from a contact by scanning a barcode using an electronic device and decoding the barcode to recover the contact information encoded therein. The contact information may be used to reciprocate by sending user contact data in a message addressed to an electronic address obtained from the contact information. The user contact data may be encoded in a second barcode displayed on the electronic device.

Abstract: A label for enabling verification of an object includes a scannable region that enables determination of auto-acquired unique spatial orientation of the scannable region with respect to a reference thereby enabling determination of a spatial orientation of the label with respect to the reference. The label is applied onto the object and a change in the spatial orientation of the label indicates tampering of the label, thereby enabling verification of the object. Further, a method for detecting tampering of an object includes providing label on the object. The label has at least a portion which is scannable region with a plurality of patterns and is associated with an external reference point. Further, the method includes determining a first and a second spatial orientations of the label based on computation between the patterns and the reference point, and generating an alert on noticing a change between first and second spatial orientations.

Abstract: A foreign substance detection device for a card reader includes an emitting module (1), a receiving module (2) and a control processing module (3). The emitting module (1) is embedded on a wall surface of a card reader insertion opening (101) for emitting detection waves to a detection area (103) in front of the card reader insertion opening (101). The receiving module (2) is embedded on the wall surface of the card reader insertion opening (101) for receiving the detection waves emitted by the emitted the emitting module (1). The control processing module (3) identifies whether the receiving module (2) receives the detection wave reflected by the foreign substance in the detection area (103), and determines whether the foreign substance exists in the detection area (103) according to the determination result. A card reader socket which includes a case (100) and the foreign substance detection device is also provided.

Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.

Abstract: Transaction processing involves receiving data from an access transaction application of a portable consumer device, wherein the received data comprises data from an access transaction data string that includes a transit verification value wherein, with the exception of the transit verification value, the access transaction data string is substantially similar to a retail data string comprising retail data, wherein the access application data string is adapted for use with an access transaction processing system and the retail data string is adapted for use with a retail processing system. The transaction processing involves processing access transaction application data for selective authorization of the transaction.