Abstract: A magnetic character recognition (MICR) encoding device has a treatment station that applies a chemical treatment to the blank region as the sheets pass along the sheet path that compensates for a fuser release agent that a marking station uses. If blank region was not treated, the fuser release agent might detrimentally affect the printing of the additional magnetic ink markings. In order to properly align the blank region with the treatment station, the embodiments herein include at least one read head that is positioned before the treatment station along the sheet path. A controller analyzes the signals from the read head to determine whether the magnetic ink markings are aligned with the treatment station.

Abstract: A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a plurality of registration symbols contained in the imaged portion; (c) determining an orientation from the decoded registration symbols; and (d) using the determined orientation to sample and decode tag data.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for processing data stored on a magnetic stripe of a user medium performed by a hand-held computer system includes displaying an alignment GUI on a display of the computer system, wherein the GUI includes a visual alignment mark on the display at a first offset relative to a MEMS magnetic field sensor in the computer system, wherein when a user aligns the user medium to the alignment mark GUI, a portion of a first track of the magnetic stripe is disposed above the MEMS magnetic field sensor, sensing, by the MEMS magnetic field sensor, magnetic data stored on the first track when the user aligns the user medium to the visual alignment mark, and moves the user medium along the visual alignment mark, and determining user data stored on the first track from the magnetic data stored on the first track.

Abstract: A multipurpose card, including a multimedia card portion with tiny protrusions on its face and a second card portion with tiny recesses which mate with the protrusions, wherein the two card portions easily connect and come apart. The multimedia card portion includes a flash memory device, which can be a removable, and a plug for programming the flash memory device. The multimedia card portion can also include an elongated finger hole and ‘wings.’ The finger hole and wings allow a user to grip the multimedia card in one hand with a thumb and middle/ring finger and pop apart the second card portion with an index finger.

Abstract: A portable surgical tray unit can include a portable surgical tray for housing a processing unit, and that includes an opening extending entirely therethrough. The portable surgical tray unit can also include a plurality of instruments connected to the portable surgical tray and operably coupled to the processing unit, and a user input device positioned on at least one of the instruments. The user input device can be operably coupled to the processing unit and can be configured to receive a user input for controlling an operating parameter of one or more of the instruments. The processing unit can be configured to receive user input through the user input device and transmit an operating command to the one or more instruments. The portable surgical tray and the plurality of instruments can be sterilized and prepackaged in a single package.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for encrypting a consumer identification number contained in a portable consumer device by gradually changing a consumer identification number when an observable moment is observed is disclosed. Observable moments can be exposure to light or an electromagnetic field, use of the portable consumer device or a change in temperature. A pattern or history of how the consumer identification number is gradually changed is used to authenticate the portable consumer device or the consumer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding a barcode or other optical code include identifying one or more sub-regions of image data that contain promising data based on a first set of edge detection parameters, transferring the promising data from a first memory location to a new memory location for further processing, and decoding the promising data based on a different set of edge detection parameters.

Abstract: Various methods for card reading and providing associated output are provided. One example method includes receiving one or more signals provided by one or more sensors, the one or more signals being an indication that a medium is moving relative to the one or more sensor, determining position attributes of the medium based at least on the one or more signals provided by the sensor, and causing a graphic to be presented as moving in relation to the movement of the medium relative to the one or more sensors based at least on the position attributes. Similar and related example methods, example apparatuses, and example computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A wireless damage location sensing system uses a geometric-patterned wireless sensor that resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response that will experience a change when the sensor experiences a change in its geometric pattern. The sensing system also includes a magnetic field response recorder for wirelessly transmitting the time-varying magnetic field and for wirelessly detecting the harmonic response. The sensing system compares the actual harmonic response to a plurality of predetermined harmonic responses. Each predetermined harmonic response is associated with a severing of the sensor at a corresponding known location thereof so that a match between the actual harmonic response and one of the predetermined harmonic responses defines the known location of the severing that is associated therewith.

Abstract: An improved battery-powered credential reader, which may be used in security and other applications, includes include a micro-power proximity detector. The micro-power proximity detector is configured to lengthen battery life by reducing power consumption requirements of the credential reader during periods when no credential is present. An antenna formed about a perimeter of a printed circuit board is configured to propagate an electrostatic sense field adjacent to and through the credential reader using only microamps of electrical current. A control circuit of the micro-power proximity detector is configured to activate the credential reader from a “sleep” state when a disturbance in the electrostatic sense field caused by a credential is detected and/or registered.

Abstract: A method and device for visual code transaction verification enables more secure electronic transactions. The method includes generating a window having a first pattern of elongated segments. A second pattern of elongated segments is then generated, wherein a dynamic visual code is produced when the window and the first pattern of elongated segments are superimposed with the second pattern of elongated segments. A transaction with a user is then verified by matching the dynamic visual code with a code string entered by the user.

Abstract: Data is transferred from an operating device to a printer for printing with a simple operation. It is determined whether or not a printer ID received by a RFID tag for a printer of a printer via radio communication from a mobile terminal matches a printer ID of the printer of itself, and when the printer ID matches, printing data received by the RFID tag for a printer via radio communication from the mobile terminal is stored in a memory part of the RFID tag for a printer and then, the printing data is transmitted to a printer main body through a reader from the RFID tag for a printer and printed by a print head of the printer main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of encoding and decoding text on a matrix code symbol. A method of encoding text on a matrix code symbol includes; receiving a predefined encoding value associated with each of one or more characters of the plurality of characters and modifying the predefined encoding value associated with each of the one or more characters to obtain a corresponding modified encoding value. Thereafter, the one or more characters are encoded on the matrix code symbol using the corresponding modified encoding value. Further, the method of decoding the text on the matrix code symbol includes; retrieving one or more encoded values from the matrix code symbol and mapping each of one or more modified encoded values in the one or more encoded values with a corresponding predefined encoded value. Thereafter, the corresponding predefined encoded value is decoded to determine a corresponding character.

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: 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: 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: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: An identification display device which is provided in a work unit in which a plurality of work locations are arranged in rows, and which displays for identifying a designated location selected from the work locations, the identification display device includes a database which stores address information of the respective work locations; light-display section which is provided respectively on each of the work locations, and which emits a visible light which contains the address information of the work location in which the light-display section is arranged; a photoreceptor which transmits a photoreception signal which contains at least the address information contained in the light from the light-display section, when the light is received; and a confirmation section which receives the photoreception signal from the photoreceptor, and determines whether or not the address information contained in the photoreception signal matches the address information of the designated location obtained from the database.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes a system and method for counting and/or reconciling cash, including currency and/or coin, in a cash drawer or till. The cash drawer may be inserted into a cash handling device and the amount of cash in the drawer may be determined, i.e., using scales to weigh the cash. In some arrangements, the cash may be removed from the cash drawer. In other arrangements, some or all of the cash (i.e., the coin or the currency) may remain in the cash drawer for use in a subsequent shift, workday, etc.

Abstract: A content tagging and management capability is provided for enabling automatic tagging of content and management of tagged content. A sensor is configured for supporting automatic content tagging of content captured by a content capture device. The sensor may be configured for storing object data associated with an object, where at least a portion of the object data is stored securely, and communicating at least a portion of the object data toward the content capture device contemporaneous with a content capture operation by the content capture device. A sensor scanner is configured for supporting automatic content tagging of content where a sensor is used in conjunction with a content capture device. The sensor scanner may include a processor configured for storing object data associated with an object having a sensor associated therewith, and initiating propagation of the object data toward the sensor for storage by the sensor when permission to interface with the sensor is verified.

Abstract: A system includes a wireless-enabled smart card reader able to be connected concurrently to at least two devices and a mobile device able to be connected wirelessly to the smart card reader and to control connections of the smart card reader.

Abstract: A storage medium connecting device which enables electrical connection of a card-type storage medium with a substrate via a socket is provided. The storage medium connecting device includes an exterior member having an insertion port for allowing the card-type storage medium to be inserted into the socket; a connection section provided in a vicinity of the insertion port for connecting the socket to the substrate; and a cover member which extends from the insertion port in a direction of inserting the card-type storage medium and covers the connection section, the cover member being provided on the exterior member.

Abstract: A computerized device has an open communication session with a smart card via a smart card reader. The smart card reader and the computerized device cooperate to enable another computerized device to communicate with the smart card over the open communication session. Communication between the other computerized device and the smart card is routed via the computerized device that has the open communication session.

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 method is provided for decoding an encoded point matrix image including a first set of real grid points aligned along a first axis, a second set of real grid points aligned along a second axis intersecting the first axis, and a plurality of encoded data points distributed throughout the encoded point matrix image. The method includes: locating the first and second axes according to a first predetermined principle; finding a set of virtual grid points according to a second predetermined principle, each of the virtual grid points being located at an intersection of a corresponding first virtual line parallel to the first axis and a corresponding second virtual line parallel to the second axis; and decoding each of the encoded data points based on positional relation thereof with a closest one of the virtual grid points so as to obtain information encoded in the encoded point matrix image.

Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for tracking medical products in a two bin per medical product replenishment system. The system and method comprising storing medical product information including lot number and date of receipt, and recording replenishment requests and generated date. The system and method further correlate the date of receipt of the medical product having the particular medical product information with the generated date of recorded replenishment requests to identify probable corresponding replenishment requests. Also, the system and method correlate identified probable corresponding replenishment requests with location information of corresponding RFID tags to determine corresponding probable locations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of selling replacement parts for a product over a computer network including providing a plurality of product manufacturer selection options for a customer to select from, receiving a manufacturer selection of one of the product manufacturers, providing a plurality of product selections for the customer to select from, receiving a product selection of one of the products, providing a schematic illustrating a plurality of component parts of the product with associated reference identifiers, receiving a selection of at least one of the component parts, providing a description of the component part selected, including at least one name for the component part and at least one part number for the component part.

Abstract: A card reader system, method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed. The card reader can include a transmitter that modulates a radio frequency carrier with a transmit data signal and a receiver that detects a modulation of the radio frequency carrier by a contactless smartcard. A processor can be coupled to the transmitter and the receiver. The processor can generate the transmit data signal so as to simulate a data exchange according to a protocol of the contactless smartcard. The processor can determine a timing for reading data from or writing data to the contactless smartcard and can discontinue the simulated data exchange based on the timing.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for product identification using terahertz radiation detection. An area of interest is illuminated with radiation in the terahertz frequency range and terahertz radiation reflected from objects within the area of interest is detected and a detector signal based on the detected radiation is processed to generate identifying information for the objects. The generated identifying information may be compared against stored identifying information for products and the result of the comparison is used to select a product or group of products for which the comparison produces a match. Processing of the detector signal may generate a spectral signature characteristic of reflective and absorptive properties of an object under illumination, and the spectral signature may be compared with stored spectral signature information for products.

Abstract: A security device having a knowledge input module obtaining knowledge data and a user data storage module storing user-specific data. A processor performs at least part of a user authorization process in response to the knowledge data and the user-specific data. An emitter in communication with the processor emits a signal indicative of the result of the user authorization process.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the presence and identity of a game piece placed at a sensing location by attaching one or more conductive rings at fixed concentric locations on the bottom of the game piece and sensing the presence or absence of the conductive rings by means of sensors that are insensitive to the rotational orientation of the game piece.

Abstract: A method of generating an association between a software object and a position on a surface is disclosed. The method starts by sensing, by a sensing device placed on the position on the surface coded data at the position on the surface. The coded data at the position on the surface encodes an identity of the surface and the position of the coded data relative to the surface. The sensing device then generates indicating data using the sensed coded data. The indicating data is indicative of the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface. Upon receiving the indicating data from the sensing device by a computer system, the computer system identifies, using the indicating data, the identity of the surface and the position of the sensed coded data relative to the surface.

Abstract: A system for recording a transaction relating to a security document, the security document having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of at least an identity of the security document. The system includes a computer system that receives indicating data from a sensing device, in response to sensing of the coded data. The computer system determines the identity of the security document and the transaction and uses this to update transaction data indicative of the identity of the security document and the transaction.

Abstract: A processing system for digitizing a freehand graphic created by an optically imaging pen. The processing system is configured for: receiving digital ink representing interaction of the pen with a surface having a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the digital ink identifying one or more positions detected by the pen; determining if the detected position is in a first area or a second area of the surface; if the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a point in a freehand graphic; and if the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic.

Abstract: The invention is about a marking method and a corresponding coding center device for the marking of individual items (1), such as security documents, currency, tax excise stamps, labels, pieces of packaging, articles, or transportation means, with pertinent information indicating their nature and/or content, origin and/or destination, etc., and their registration in a remote, centralized data base, enabling the tracking & tracing of said items (1) and of the goods they may be applied to. The method of the invention is based on a three-step printreadcancel (PRC) sequence, embodied in a device comprising a printing unit (P), a reading unit (R) and a canceling unit (C), arranged in-line on an integrated equipment and operating under the control of information processing means (IP).

Abstract: Various RFID based blister pack embodiments are provided for improving the ability to detect and prevent tampering and counterfeiting of blister packs and/or facilitating the chain of custody tracking of blister packs during manufacture. Some embodiments employ an RFID chip network on the blister pack and some embodiments employ an RFID strap network on the blister pack, wherein the integrity of the network (or lack thereof) is used to indicate the possibility of tampering. Other embodiments determine the possibility of tampering based on the frequency of an RF signal that is received from a chip provided on the blister pack, which will vary depending on whether the associated antenna has been detuned as a result of some type of tampering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transponder of a radio frequency identification system. Connected to a controller is a memory storing r-pages of k-bits of data. A first page includes an ID code relating to an integrated chip forming part of the transponder. The controller is configured, after the transponder has been interrogated by a reader, automatically and on a transponder talk only basis, to transmit transponder ID data including a concatenation of pages. Each page is led by a respective m-bit header. The header includes: (a) a first part having a random number, (b) a second part having for the first page in the ID data, a total number of pages in the ID data and for any subsequent page, a page number of the page in the memory and; (c) a third part having a sequential number for the page in the ID data.

Abstract: A print shop includes at least one printing device adapted to print a print job. A central computer is in communication with the printing device. An offline finishing device includes a reader device, adapted to read a job identifier carried on the print job, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the reader device and a central computer wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read form data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser and a receipt printer. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine includes a check acceptor that operates to determine magnetic symbols included on checks. Cash may be dispensed in exchange for a check received through operation of the check acceptor of the machine.

Abstract: A mobile device comprising: an indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia; a communication module for sending and receiving radio communications; a display for displaying information; a processor for controlling software and firmware operation; a keypad for entering data to the processor; an illuminator for providing an operator with illumination under low ambient lighting conditions; and, a housing supporting the communication system, display, image processor and keypad configured to facilitate an operator holding the mobile device in one hand and keypad data entry with the other hand.

Abstract: A mobile device comprising: a data collection device; a trigger to activate the data collection device; a communication system for wireless communications; a display for displaying information; a processor for controlling software and firmware operation; a keypad for entering data for the processor; a power supply for providing power to the mobile device, the power supply comprising a fuel cell or an ultracapacitor; and a housing for supporting the data collection device, trigger, communication system, display, processor, keypad and power supply.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control installation (1) of a turbo-machine, comprising: a regulation device (2), a unit (4) located remotely from the device (2) by which it is controlled, a verification system (6) of the unit, comprising: an emitting/receiving antenna (8) connected to the device (2), a passive radiofrequency identification chip (12) mounted on the unit and incorporating information concerning this unit, wherein the chip (12) is designed to emit to the antenna (8) a radiofrequency signal comprising the information, in response to a radiofrequency signal sent by the antenna (8) to verify the unit, The installation is such that the antenna (8) is mounted on the unit (4).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and methods for biometric security using biometrics in a transponder-reader system. The biometric security system also includes a biometric sensor that detects biometric sample and a device for verifying biometric samples. In one embodiment, the biometric security system includes a transponder configured with a biometric sensor. In another embodiment, the system includes a reader configured with a biometric sensor. The device for verifying samples compares the biometric samples with information stored on the databases.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: A distributed antenna array with a centralized data hub for determining the presence and location of RF tags has been disclosed. This antenna array centralizes electronics and distributes the RF to zones in a facility to greatly reduce the expense of recurring components for monitoring RF tags. A single BRT/hub with multiple antennas attached to transmit and receive ports is used to cover an entire facility. Large facilities are covered by a small number of the BRT/hub combinations. The BRT/hub has transmit antennas coupled thereto, preferably by co-axial cable, that transmit signals to a portion or all of the RF tags and all or a portion of them modulate and reflect the RF signal to a particular receiving antenna. The receiving antenna then returns the RF signal with tag data to the BRT/hub, preferably by co-axial cable. Also disclosed is an RF backscatter tag that cleanly switches a resonant aperture antenna on and off, thereby greatly increasing the mark-to-space ratio of the backscatter data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for a universally operable Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader base unit. An RFID base unit is provided that can communicate with at least two different types of RFID tags, one at a time, that are commercially available as well as communicate with data collecting entities using any of at least two communication standards. The reader comprises a microprocessor (microcontroller) portion having at least one set of plug-in connectors. The reader then operates in different operational logic processes in accordance with the types and parameters of attached plug-in modules. The plug-in modules will typically comprise RF frequency modules for communicating with the RFID tags as well as a communication standard model for communicating with a computer network. Additionally, the plug-in modules contain memory that contains data and code used by the microprocessor in performing the operations obtainable by specific types of plug-in modules.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a physical object is provided. The system includes a RFID module for reading RFID tag information from a RFID tag in a RFID tag reading area, a handheld terminal being operable as a stand-alone device, a docking station for operably coupling the handheld terminal to the RFID module, and a storage for holding a physical object having the barcode and the RFID tag to locate the physical object in the barcode reading area and the RFID tag reading area. The method uses a system having a RFID module, a handheld terminal having a barcode scanner and being operable as a stand-alone device, a docking station for operably coupling the handheld device to the RFID module, and a storage for holding the physical object having a barcode and a RFID tag, the handheld device driving the RFID module via the docking station.

Abstract: A container having a compactor and bin for waste is disclosed permitting on-premises and remote monitoring of the system and collection is disclosed. The system can also detect non-complaint materials placed therein and act thereon. Methods are further disclosed for inventorying identification tags for tracking packages, merchandise and tags disposed of.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus of a secure RFID record are described herein. In one aspect, an apparatus of a RFID wristband comprises three layers: the top layer is a wristband, the middle layer is one RFID tag comprising one RFID chip and one tag antenna covering the wide area of the wristband, the bottom layer is made by anti-irritation materials. In another aspect, an apparatus of a RFID wristband comprises three layers: the top layer is a wristband, the middle layer has two RFID tags, each of which comprises one RFID chip and one tag antenna; the bottom layer is made by anti-irritation materials. In another aspect, a RFID system for secure communication comprises: a tag with at least two memory areas for storing an unique identifier and encoded data, respectively; a reader with at least three functions: key search, decoding process and encoding process; the unique identifier is associated with a key while the key is stored on the reader or a server connected to the reader.