Abstract: In a noncontact type IC card, writing of data is executed when a voltage level of an operating voltage generated from a received power wave is a level suitable for the writing of the data to a nonvolatile memory, and it is recognized that the data write operation is normally terminated when the voltage level of the operating voltage is the level suitable for the writing of the data to the nonvolatile memory even after the writing of the data.

Abstract: A method for storing information in a smart tag comprises providing a smart tag having a memory, the smart tag memory having a permanent number stored in a first portion thereof that cannot be changed, and having a second portion in which information can be stored; storing application specific information in the second portion of the smart tag memory; generating a relational check number representative of one of (a) the application specific information and (b) the application specific information and the permanent number; and storing the relational check number in the second portion of the smart tag memory.

Abstract: In a noncontact type IC card, writing of data is executed when a voltage level of an operating voltage generated from a received power wave is a level suitable for the writing of the data to a nonvolatile memory, and it is recognized that the data write operation is normally terminated when the voltage level of the operating voltage is the level suitable for the writing of the data to the nonvolatile memory even after the writing of the data.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) card is presented comprising an input/output (I/O) interface and a smart card development interface (SCDI), coupled to the I/O interface, to receive and identify debug frames interlaced within a normal communication flow between the IC card and a host system.

Abstract: A printed media product, such as a trading card, that has a substrate and an encoded data element applied to a surface of the substrate containing information. The encoded data element includes first, second, and third data layers with first, second, and third patterns of encoded, colored dots defined by a binary encoding scheme. The dots of the first, second, and third layers are different colors separately resolvable by a scanner with decoding software. The colors of the dots are cyan, yellow, and magenta, and the layers are printed so that the dots overlap. The binary encoding scheme includes a two dimensional run length limited code. The printed media product includes a graphics element that can be interpreted by a human user, and typically, the information encoded in the encoded data element layers is related to the information in the graphics element.

Abstract: A system for testing an application running on a point-of-sale (POS) terminal comprises a host running on a personal computer connected to the POS terminal, and a target running on the POS terminal. The host sends simulated keystrokes, card swipes and the like to the target, which passes these to the application under test. The target can send information to the host regarding the POS terminal status, such as the screen display, so that the host can send the simulated keystrokes, etc., to the target on a need basis. The host can also receive other data and send instructions to the target, e.g. it can obtain available RAM space details, file details and system clock details, and can send instructions to restart the application.

Abstract: There have been a problem that if the capacity of a receiving buffer is small, data cannot be reliably received and another problem that the rate of detection of transmission errors caused by influence of noise is low. The IC card connector comprises a receiving buffer status flag (305) set up when a receiving buffer (304) cannot hold any more data, an overrun inspecting section (306) for detecting reception of another data while the receiving buffer status flag (305) is set up, and a resending request signal generating section (102) for requesting an IC card to resend the received data if the overrun inspecting section (306) detects overrun. If a receiving buffer (304) receives another data though the receiving buffer (304) cannot hold any more data, the IC card is requested to resend the data, and the same data is received again.

Abstract: A method of self-testing an IC card reader. The IC card reader communicates data with an IC card. The IC card reader sends the result of the communication to a higher level apparatus. Before the higher level apparatus issues an IC card execution command, the IC card is activated so as to determine whether the communication with the IC card is normal or abnormal based on success or failure of the activation, followed by storing the test result.

Abstract: A data code label including a QR code and an ID tag including a memory having an identification code area and a decode data writing area. A data code in the QR code showing an error in decoding is corrected and stored in the memory in the ID tag while the degree of defection of the QR code is low. When the defects advance, the error rate will increase. If the error occurs after advance of defects, the decode data in the memory is read when the error is detected. If the decode data cannot be read, the error correction is effected. If the error rate is higher than a reference, the decode data is obtained from the memory. If this decreases the error rate under the reference, the error correction is effected.

Abstract: A card system having an IC card and a card reader/writer wherein when data is transmitted and received over a signal line between the IC card and the card reader/writer for reading or writing of the data, a data transmitting side transmits a parity based upon content of the data together with the data over the signal line and a data receiving side checks whether or not there is any error in reception of data based upon content of the a data and the parity received to transmit back to the data transmitting side a data retransmission request signal for requesting the data transmitting side to retransmit the data when there is an error; and wherein the IC card corrects a level of the signal line for requesting the data transmitting side to transmit next data when it is verified that there is no error in the reception of the data based upon content of the data and the parity received by the data receiving side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading method and a bar code reader each suitably used for terminal equipment such as a POS terminal. The object is to perform an improved bar code reading rate and an improved effective bar code storage efficiency by detecting trash data so as not to store it in a memory. The bright and dark information on the bar width of a bar code 1 is detected to convert it into binary information. Plural pieces of the converted binary information are stored and then are sequentially outputted on a first-in, first-out basis. In the binary information storing operation, continuous binary information of which the bright and dark information of the bar code 1 does not come alternately is detected as error information. When error information is continuously detected, only the last data of the continuous binary information is stored but the remaining data are erased.

Abstract: A two-dimensional, high-density, damage-tolerant printed code suitable for encoding multiple biometrics and text for positive off-line identity verification comprises a horizontal header section; a vertical header section; a start pattern; a left row address pattern; an encoded data portion; a right two address pattern; and stop pattern. The horizontal header section encodes the number of bit areas in a transverse row of the encoded data portion; and the vertical header section encodes the vertical height of each bit area. The start and stop patterns of the code demarcate the lateral extent of the code (i.e., the beginning and end) from the adjacent quiet zone. Information is encoded into the ended information portion in bit areas that may be printed or blank. The information is encoded sequentially in the information portion from the top of the encoded information portion along each transverse row of bit areas to the next row of bit areas until the end of the encoded information portion.

Abstract: A device and method to read bar-codes in which a ratio of a number of modules is compared to a reference module width character included in a bar-code. The number of modules is rounded up and off based upon the number of modules that includes the error component. When the error amount in the ratio exceeds a permissible value, the character in question is demodulated based on the resulting rounding up or off.

Abstract: A method of accurately determining the location of dots of sensed image data amongst an array of dots of image data in a fault tolerant manner, said data stored at a high pitch rate on a card and subject to rotations, warping and marking effects, said method comprising the steps of: processing the image data in a column by column format; recording the dot pattern of previously processed columns of pixels; generating an expected dot pattern at a current column position from the recorded dot pattern of previously processed pixels; comparing the expected dot pattern with an actual dot pattern of sensed image data at said current column position; if said comparison produces a match within a predetermined error, utilising said current column position as an actual dot position otherwise altering said current column position to produce a better fit to said expected dot pattern to thereby produce new actual dot position, and utilizing said actual dot position of the dot at a current column position in the deter

Abstract: The IC card sets a status bit, to which an update command including write data is allotted, at a processing start state if receiving the update command from a host apparatus, updates a data region based on control information including information on a previous control region, sets the status bit at a processing end state, and finally transmits a response message to the host apparatus. When restarted if an update processing was interrupted, the IC card prohibits a write data update processing and transmits an error signal to the host apparatus if the status bit is set at the processing start state, and completes the update processing and then transmits the response message to the host apparatus if the status bit is set at the processing end state.

Abstract: A method for secure distribution of data or programs, the transmitted data being provided with an electronic signature. The unit receiving the data or programs checks the electronic signature by executing a modular multiplication, thereby necessitating a multiplication and a division thereof. According to the invention, the unit receiving the data or program checks the signature by performing a modular multiplication according to the Montgomery method wherein an additional multiplication by a factor on the basis of base 2 and even exponents is performed.

Abstract: A method for encoding, on an imprintable medium, identification information for identifying the imprintable medium in a manner detectable by a print-monitoring system includes the steps of defining an identification pattern. The identification pattern is imprinted on a print control region so as to be relatively inconspicuous to an unaided human reviewer of the printed matter while remaining detectable to a print monitoring system. The method includes the step of imprinting, at a plurality of locations in the print control region, a plurality of bit characters detectable by the print control system. The spatial distribution of the bit characters encodes information about the identity of the document.

Abstract: A card system comprising an IC card and a card reader/writer wherein when data is transmitted and received over a signal line between said IC card and said card reader/writer for reading or writing of the data, a data transmitting side transmits a parity based upon content of the data together with the data over the signal line and a data receiving side checks whether or not there is any error in reception of data based upon content of the data and the parity received to transmit back to the data transmitting side a data retransmission request signal for requesting the data transmitting side to retransmit the data when there is an error; and wherein said IC card corrects a level of said signal line for requesting the data transmitting side to transmit next data when it is verified that there is no error in the reception of said data based upon content of said data and said parity received by the data receiving side.

Abstract: A method of bringing together and joining plastic cards, which are provided with an identification mark, and printed card carriers associated with the respective plastic cards, comprises the following steps: providing the plastic card and the printed card carrier; detecting the identification mark of said plastic card; reading data from a database by means of said identification mark; detecting the data on said printed card carrier prior to joining said card carrier to the plastic card; determining whether the data detected on the card carrier correspond to the data read; and, provided that the data read and the data detected correspond, bringing together and joining the plastic card and the card carrier.

Abstract: A method of information distribution on printed cards is disclosed including the steps of dividing the surface of the card into a number of predetermined areas; printing a first collection of data to be stored in a first one of the predetermined areas; utilizing the printed first predetermined area when reading information stored on the card; and when the information stored on the card is to be updated, determining a second one of the predetermined areas to print further information stored on the card, the second area not having being previously utilized to print data. The areas are selected in a predetermined order and the printing utilizes a high resolution ink dot printer for printing data having a degree of fault tolerance with the fault tolerance, for example, coming from Reed-Solomon encoding of the data. Printed border region delineating the border of the area can be provided, in addition to a number of border target markers to assist in indicating the location of the regions.

Abstract: A machine data acquisition system connected to a machine, for acquiring data on an internal status of the machine, and for use with an IC card having storage. The machine data acquisition system comprises an IC card accepting device which accepts the IC card, a machine data acquisition device which acquires data on the internal status of the connected machine, and a card writer which writes data acquired by the machine data acquisition device into the storage in the IC card.

Abstract: In a system for printing and recording multimedia information on an information recording medium in the form of an optically readable code pattern, reading the code pattern and restoring the original multimedia information, the code pattern of the information recording medium includes processing information necessary for editing and processing data according to the restoration processing procedure for restoring the multimedia information. Further, the restoration processing procedure includes a hierarchical structure of layers 1 to 5 and an application process. In the layer 5 and application process, a set specification identifier determining section selects the decoding section, selects the reproducing output section and sets parameters according to the set specification name identifier and SDCH supplied as header information prior to user data of the subset from the layer 4.

Abstract: A method of the invention reads a bar code based on bar-code data obtained by scanning the bar code with light. The method includes the steps of a) obtaining bar-code data, b) obtaining a sum of bar-data widths with respect to a predetermined number of bar data provided in at least one of a preceding portion and a following portion of the bar-code data, c) repeating the steps a) and b) once to obtain another sum, and d) making a comparison of the sum with another sum. The methods further includes a step of accepting the bar-code data as valid data when a result of the comparison satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: An information storage apparatus is disclosed for storing information on inserted cards the apparatus comprising a sensing means for sensing printed patterns on the surface stored on the card, the patterns arranged in a predetermined number of possible active areas of the card; a decoding means for decoding the sensed printed patterns into corresponding data; a printing means for printing dot patterns on the card in at least one of the active areas; a positioning means for positioning the sensed card at known locations relative to the sensing means and the printing means; wherein the sensing means is adapted to sense the printed patterns in a current active printed area of the card, the decoding means is adapted to decode the sensed printed patterns into corresponding current data and, when the current data requires updating, the printing means is adapted to print the updated current data at a new one of the active areas after activation of the positioning means for correctly position the card.

Abstract: Demodulated data B containing the whole of a right block and a part of a left block is obtained after demodulated data A containing a start guard bar and based on a division reading process has been at first obtained. When demodulated data C containing an end guard bar and numerical data of three characters is thereafter obtained, a CPU aligns the demodulated data C with modulus 10-OK data obtained by synthesizing the demodulated data A with the demodulated data B on the basis of the end guard bar, and compares tenth through twelfth characters (of the numerical data) of both of data with each other. As a result of this comparison, if the tenth through twelfth characters (of the numerical data) of both of data are coincident with each other, the CPU increments an identical character counter.

Abstract: A method for currency management and tracking utilizing a unique standardized cassette for the transportation of note bundles and loading of note bundles into currency processing apparatus, the cassette having an accompanying smart card on which data regarding the individual note history of each note contained therein and distributed therefrom is recorded. The invention further provides for the uploading of data stored on cassette smart cards to a central data bank, thus allowing for the management and statistical modeling of the currency pool.

Abstract: A electro-optical memory includes a substrate on which is printed (or otherwise inscribed) a complex symbol or "label" or "bar code" of a high density two-dimensional symbology. The bar code contains component symbols or "codewords" which are placed in row and column formation, with a variable number of codewords per row, and a variable number of rows. The symbology utilizes implicit bar code encoding scheme for implicit encoding the number of rows and the number of columns of codewords, as well as a predetermined amount of error correction. The symbology is capable of supporting a fixed number of bar code variants, with each variant having a predetermined number of rows and columns of codewords, and a predetermined error correction capability. For some codewords the implicit encoding scheme is combined with a gray coding scheme to reduce the inter-row codeword crosstalk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card (such as a cash card) reject and recovery method, enabling to provide a reduced size of card reading/issuing apparatus capable of identifying an error cause for respective cards. The card issuing apparatus comprises: an embosser for embossing an error identification pattern on a card; an information reader for reading an information of a card; and a controller for determining, according to the information of the card, whether the card has an error. The card recovery method comprises steps of: feeding a card which has been determined to have an error, to the embosser; identifying an error identification pattern; and embossing on a card determined to have an error, a corresponding error identification pattern.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a system and method for checking expense entries for compliance with policy rules and detecting the possibility of fraud is provided. The preferred embodiment includes a policy checker comprising a knowledge based system designed to determine expense entries' compliance with policy rules and detect a possibility of fraud. The preferred embodiment also includes an auditor workflow system that works with the policy checker to guide manual audits of those expense entries that are not in compliance with the policy rules. The preferred embodiment also includes a data pattern analyzer that detects patterns of behavior that can be indicative of fraud. The preferred embodiment also includes a prioritizer for ranking detected policy violations. These systems work together to provide an automated system for checking expense entries for compliance with company rules, detecting instances where fraud is likely, and generating the appropriate reports.

Abstract: In a system for printing and recording multimedia information on an information recording medium in the form of an optically readable code pattern, reading the code pattern and restoring the original multimedia information, the code pattern of the information recording medium includes processing information necessary for editing and processing data according to the restoration processing procedure for restoring the multimedia information. Further, the restoration processing procedure includes a hierarchical structure of layers 1 to 5 and an application process. In the layer 5 and application process, a set specification identifier determining section selects the decoding section, selects the reproducing output section and sets parameters according to the set specification name identifier and SDCH supplied as header information prior to user data of the subset from the layer 4.

Abstract: An optically-guided indicia reader 10 system including a conveyor 12 carrying a parcel 14 bearing a destination address 20. An illumination source 24 defines a static area 26 to assist the positioning of the parcel 14 on the conveyor 12. A scanner 32 and a computer memory 42 of a character recognition system 40 are operated so as to store an image of a region defined with respect to the moving illuminated area 26. A sensor assembly 28, including a height sensor and reflectivity sensor, is located toward the downstream location of the illumination source 24. The scanner 32 is focused in response to height data from the height sensor, and the gain of the scanner 32 is adjusted in response to reflectivity data from the reflectivity sensor, so that the scanner 32 generates a clear image of the top of the parcel 14 as the parcel 14 passes beneath the scanner 32. A photo sensor 45 is positioned upstream from the scanner 32 to detect the presence of the parcel 14.

Abstract: An information (transmission) medium (30) has a code pattern printed and recorded thereon, containing processing information necessary to subject data to edit processing in accordance with a reproduction process for reproducing, to original multimedia information, a dot pattern which is read out from the information recording medium. A multimedia paper (MMP) reproduction apparatus (28) as the information reproducing apparatus performs data processing based on the processing information.

Abstract: A document dispenser comprises a document guide defining a guide portion of an advancing document path and a document identification code reading aperture formed in the document guide wherein a single detector in communication with the dispenser controller is positioned proximate the document identification code reading aperture and is operative to read a specific document identification code through the document identification code reading aperture. Correlated data, indicative of a specific document identification code and corresponding document data input during dispensing of a document carrying the specific document identification code, is generated subsequent the reading of the identification code. A plurality of alternative document identification code reading apertures are formed in the document guide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting optical symbol readability and operator and reader performance levels. The apparatus includes a reader for optical symbols which measures and reports the values of measurements with respect to the symbol and events occurring during the reading process indicative of the label readability. The apparatus further comprises data accumulation device including a memory storage to accumulate these measurement values for each set of labels, and a programmed computing system to analyze the measured values and report on the results of the analysis. A preferred method of monitoring and reporting optical symbol readability and operator and reader performance levels includes the steps of reading or attempting to read an optical symbol, performing measurements within the symbol and noting events during the reading process, accumulating these values, analyzing the accumulated data, and producing a report which lists the sets of labels which had readability problems.

Abstract: A printability gauge which make it possible for an observer by visual inspection of the gauge to determine the degree to which the dimensions of a printed bar code symbol deviate from the dimensions of an ideal bar code symbol defined by bars and spaces whose dimensions are derived from a unit bar of predetermined thickness. The gauge includes a checkerboard pattern whose black and white squares are all of the same size only when the thickness of the unit bar in the printed symbol matches that of the ideal symbol whereby the checkerboard pattern then appears to the observer to be 50 percent gray. Should the unit bar in the printed symbol, as a result of a processing error, be thicker than in the ideal symbol, then the size of the black squares will be correspondingly enlarged at the expense of the white squares, and the checkerboard pattern will then appear to be more than 50 percent gray.

Abstract: A electro-optical memory includes a substrate on which is printed (or otherwise inscribed) a complex symbol or "label" or "bar code" of a high density two-dimensional symbology. The bar code contains component symbols or "codewords" which are placed in row and column formation, with a variable number of codewords per row, and a variable number of rows. The symbology utilizes implicit bar code encoding scheme for implicit encoding the number of rows and the number of columns of codewords, as well as a predetermined amount of error correction. The symbology is capable of supporting a fixed number of bar code variants, with each variant having a predetermined number of rows and columns of codewords, and a predetermined error correction capability. For some codewords the implicit encoding scheme is combined with a gray coding scheme to reduce the inter-row codeword crosstalk.

Abstract: Recorded data is read by an image sensor from a recording medium on which the data is two-dimensionally recorded in a mesh pattern, and the read data is stored in an image RAM. The stored data is subjected to data decoding and error correction to reproduce target data. A scanning reference pattern of a mesh pattern recorded on the recording medium serves as a guide when the stored recorded data read by the image sensor is reproduced by scanning in the image RAM. A reproduction apparatus has a capability of coping with a partial destruction of the scanning reference pattern. Error checking codes are added to the recording medium in addition to the target data. These items of data are recorded as an encoded image after being subjected to scrambling processing and randomization processing. The reproduction apparatus can easily cope with an error when the encoded image is reproduced.

Abstract: A bar code imaging system capable of accurately and efficiently reading a printed bar code that is partially damaged, distorted, or erased. The bar code imaging system comprises an imaging element adapted to receive light reflected from a bar code symbol and provide a two-dimensional image of the bar code symbol. The two-dimensional image is decoded into data representative of the bar code symbol. More particularly, code words in the bar code pattern are decoded along a path beginning at the start of the bar code and moving toward the end of the bar code. As each code word is decoded, the decoded data is stored in a memory. When an invalid code word is encountered, decoding continues along a path beginning at the end of the bar code and moving toward the beginning of the bar code, and the decoded data is stored in the memory with the previously decoded data.

Abstract: A secure monetary system comprises an electronic module and equipment to access the electronic module. The electronic module comprising a substantially token-shaped module and secure memory circuitry to store monetary information. The secure memory positioned in the substantially token-shaped module. The equipment accesses and manipulates the monetary information stored in the memory in the electronic module. The equipment comprises memory to store control and encryption programs and the memory is coupled to a microprocessor, which is also coupled to the electronic module and a control panel. The microprocessor is secure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described which provides improved error correction for reading a PDF417 or other machine-readable symbol having a data region with symbol characters representing encoded data. A processor receives the encoded data read from the PDF417 symbol and executes an error correction routine. The error correction routine includes a two dimensional discrete Fourier transform with a reduced number of arithmetic operations. The transform is a variant of the Good-Thomas FFT performed over the Galois field GF(929), and includes a set of first index values i.sub.1 (consisting of all integers from 0 to 28 inclusive) and a second set of index values i.sub.2 (consisting of all integers from 0 to 31 inclusive). For a given first index value, the transform is performed only over a subset of the second index values. The subset of second index values is the first k values of a sequence given by i.sub.1 +29*r, where r=0, 1, 2, . . . , 31, and k is the minimum of values 31 and ?b/29!+1.

Abstract: A checkout device including a conveying section for conveying an article in one direction, an optical scanner for scanning the article conveyed by the conveying section with a scanning light beam to read an article code affixed thereto, and a registration processing section for registering the article based on the article code read by the optical scanner. The optical scanner is provided with a variable scanning range to which the scanning light beam is applied, and the registration processing section includes control means for detecting physical features of the article conveyed by the conveying section and for controlling the scanning range of the optical scanner to be optimized for reading the article code affixed to the article based on a conveying position and the detected physical features of the article.

Abstract: A data memory of an IC card is divided into a plurality of areas, a logic type used when data is written in each area is set, and the logical AND between the written data and stored data in the memory is calculated by an AND logic circuit and written in the memory. In read access, output data can be directly obtained from the memory.

Abstract: A business system including at least one transaction terminal such as an automated teller machine ATM (10) and an interface device (12) for use by an operator in carrying out maintenance of the ATM (10) or replenishing consumable items used during its operation. The interface device (12) is separate from the ATM (10) and two-way communication between the interface device (12) and the ATM (10) is arranged to take place in a contactless manner. Preferably communication is enabled by the use of a radio frequency technique. The interface device (12) provides the operator with a sequence of instructions and is arranged to await the receipt of a confirmation signal from the ATM (10) prior to displaying the next instruction in the sequence. The ATM (10) provides the confirmation signal only when a sensor (22-44) within the ATM (10) detects that the previously displayed instruction has been carried out by the operator.

Abstract: A scanner communicates with a microcomputer over a serial communications link utilizing the serial I/O port of the microcomputer. Both signals representing the data which is scanned and signals representing commands to the scanner and commands from the scanner indicative of the status thereof (e.g., scanner trigger actuation) are communicated over a plurality of lines in the communication link. These lines may be of the type utilized for transmission of data and commands in accordance with a communications protocol, such as the RS-232 protocol. Interrupts are generated when the scanner is connected to the serial port via the communication link and the microcomputer is available for decoding. Then appropriate interrupts are generated to actuate the scanner and to respond to the data. The scanner may be a laser or optical beam scanner or a wand which is moved across a bar code symbol. The symbol has bars which are relatively opaque and reflective (black or white).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for error correction enhancement for machine-readable symbols applies particularly to symbols having symbol characters, repeating characters such as pad characters, and error correction characters derived from the symbol and pad characters. The method and apparatus read a selected symbol where the selected symbol has at least one damaged pad character. After failing to decode the symbol, the method determines that the symbol has at least one damaged pad character and then locates at least two consecutive pad characters in the selected symbol. The method replaces any damaged pad characters, and then again attempts to decode the symbol, using the error correction characters, after the pad characters have been replaced.

Abstract: A system for decoding a bar code symbol receives a signal representative of the symbol and searches the signal in one dimension to locate two adjacent critical points corresponding to an element of the symbol. The system also computes a value representative of the signal energy between the two critical points and determines the width of the element in accordance with the value.A bar code symbol decoding system receives a signal representative of a bar code symbol having a plurality of characters, one of which is a checksum character. The system determines a first choice for each of the characters and a second choice for at least one of the characters from the signal. The system performs checksum analysis in accordance with the first choice for each of the characters. If that checksum analysis is not satisfied, then the system performs checksum analysis using the second choice.

Abstract: A bar code demodulating method includes a step of measuring lengths of successive characters of a bar code, a second step of obtaining a ratio of the length of a demodulating character which is to be demodulated and the length of a preceding, demodulated character and a third step of demodulating the demodulating character by mutually different first and second demodulation schemes, selected in accordance with the obtained length ratio falling within respective, and different, first and second predetermined ranges.

Abstract: A bar code demodulating method, in a first step, determines a number of modules, corresponding to the black bars present within a demodulating character of a bar code to be demodulated, with reference to reference black bars in a previously demodulated character and, in a second step, determines a number of modules corresponding to all white bars present within the demodulating character, based on a corresponding reference white bar in the previously demodulated character and, then, demodulates the demodulating character based on the respective numbers of modules determined in the first and second steps.

Abstract: A portable, conveniently usable, and inexpensive non-contact bar code verifier permits testing of bar code labels at some arbitrary but constant distance from the verifier. Means are provided for analog analysis of bar code label contrast levels, and for derivation of new, instructive indices characterizing the readability and print quality. Additionally, a new method for determination of absolute bar code label dimensions is disclosed. The method of calibration for arbitrary scanning distance and angle standardizes not only the verifier's ability to measure absolute dimensions at unknown distances, but also its ability to discern contrast under arbitrary lighting conditions and scanning equipment. This is accomplished by employing calibration standards of known characteristics. Bar code verification information may be stored and/or employed for a variety of control and analytical functions as recognized in the art.

Abstract: Methods of operating embossed card package production system (10) by verifying by reading and comparing information obtained by reading embossed (32) and magnetically encoded information (35) and coded information (27) on a carrier (26A, 26B) stored card and carrier information in a forms data memory (44) and a card data memory (40) to make new cards appropriately prepared and are correctly matched to the carriers (26A, 26B). Incorrect cards (30) are sent to a reject location (90) to prevent formation of incorrect packages. Only cards (30) which are determined to be correctly prepared have activation labels 21 applied which also serve to distinguish them from incorrectly prepared cards (30) and inventory reports are automatically kept of rejected carriers, rejected cards and the number of labels as well as the number of correct carriers produced which are printed on the very type of carrier to which the accounting information relates with a carrier printer (48).