Abstract: Systems, methods, and an article of manufacture for printing a new postal authority code on a mail piece prepared by and received from an inserter or wrapper. A barcode post-processing system receives a mail piece from an inserter and communicates with the image capture equipment. The barcode post-processing system during performs various functions. The functions can include receiving legacy address block information from the mail piece from the image capture equipment, processing the captured legacy address block information to determine one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code to create processed data, and supplementing the captured legacy address block information data with the one or more missing parameters of the new postal authority code received from one or more data source.

Abstract: A biosensor can be measured by a method that includes: determining malfunction of a production lot information sensing unit; alerting malfunction when the production lot information sensing unit malfunctions; encoding the production lot information through the production lot information sensing unit when the production lot information sensing unit does not malfunction; and detecting a component of a sample through a biosensor strip by using the encoded production lot information.

Abstract: A barcode reading apparatus adapted to detect a barcode is provided. The barcode reading apparatus includes an imaging lens, an image sensor, and a barcode decoder. The imaging lens has a spherical aberration to extend a depth of field of the imaging lens. The imaging lens is configured to image the barcode onto the image sensor. The image sensor converts an image of the barcode into a barcode signal. The barcode decoder is configured to decode the barcode signal to obtain information represented by the barcode. A barcode reading method is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing test procedures for measuring and defining the sensitivity of payment devices to ESD (electrostatic discharge) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of test equipment in a controlled environment are used to measure the peak discharge current (Ip) when a payment device is inserted into a charge/discharge device during several simulated conditions. Energy levels of the discharge currents are calculated using an energy calculation program. One or more reference current and energy levels are determined.

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 one embodiment, a code reading apparatus includes an image capturing section configured to capture an image picked up by an image pickup section; a code reading section configured to detect a code symbol included in the captured image and read code information corresponding to the code symbol; an image comparing section configured to compare, if the code information read this time and code information read before this time and most recently are the same, images related to the reading of the pieces of code information; and an output section configured to output the read code information and, if the images are similar as a result of the comparison of the images, regard the code information read this time as code information read twice and suppress output of the code information.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating optical reader systems employs a target with areas comprising linear gray scale levels. The gray scale levels include the darkest and the lightest scenes. The gray scale levels are illuminated by an array of LEDs and the light reflected from target impacts photo-transistors. The photo-transistors are biased in their linear ranges and the target is scanned while the LED drive current is changed. The photo-transistor responses to the different gray scale levels at the different LED drive currents are analyzed, and the LED rive current that produces a linear output from the photo-transistors over the gray scale dynamic range is selected. Several video channels may be used and their offsets and gains are normalized. Black offsets and black to white gain correction functions are generated for balancing or correcting each pixel. The correction functions may be applied by a processor for later raw image data of scenes scanned by the optical reader.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing test procedures for measuring and defining the sensitivity of payment terminals to ESD (electrostatic discharge) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of test equipment in a controlled environment are used to measure the peak discharge current (Ip) when a payment device is inserted into a payment terminal during several simulated conditions. Energy levels of the discharge currents are calculated using an energy calculation program. One or more reference current and energy levels are determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the performance of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, comprising: a drive motor, that is driven according to a preset speed; a turntable, that is fixed on to a plane of drive motor, said turntable including a gadget to fasten the label, the gadget makes the under-test label perpendicular to the plane and rotates with the turntable; a reader antenna, that is set to a fixed position around the turntable and connected to the under-test reader, wherein direction of main lobe axes of the reader antenna and direction of the main lobe axes of antenna built in the under-test label are in the same plane. The present invention utilizes circular motion in the lab to simulate rectilinear motion in the practical application. The present invention reduces the volume of RFID test device and the space in the lab, and improves the flexibility of the test.

Abstract: Infrastructure-mounted RFID-readable tags or transponders are provided for various applications. Such infrastructure tags may be employed in combination with RFID-readable product tags and an RFID reader for an improved inventory-management system which requires both types of tags to be scanned to constitute a successful product count. Infrastructure tags may also be employed as “read” or “no-read” tags in an RFID read field. The infrastructure tags of the RFID read field are combined with an RFID reader which is dynamically adaptable during initial set-up and use to improve the performance of the read field. When a perturbing object is detected in the read field, one or more performance parameters of the reader are adjusted to overcome any perturbing influence caused by the object.

Abstract: An indicia reader comprising: a light source configured for transmitting light onto information bearing indicia (IBI); a light receive circuit comprising a photodetector for converting light reflected from an IBI into photodetector output signals representative of the IBI; a trigger actuated by an operator for activating the indicia reader; a speaker for broadcasting audible voice messages; at least one processor for: decoding IBI information derived from photodetector output signals; controlling the light source and light receive circuit; determining if reader performance is suboptimal and the cause for the suboptimal performance; sending a message to the speaker broadcast the message to notify the operator the cause for the suboptimal performance; and, a housing configured for hand held operation for supporting the light source, light receive circuit, processor, trigger and speaker.

Abstract: In an optical code reader, at least a selected one of AGC processing and automatic focus control is performed in parallel with optical code decoding. Preferably, the selected process is initiated ahead of any signal which initiates decoding. Preferably, the selected process is performed periodically and independently of any signal which initiates decoding. In an embodiment, decoding and the selected processes are performed by different first and second processors, respectively, which operate in parallel, and the second processor performs the selected process without the first processor exercising any control over the performance of the selected process.

Abstract: An imaging system with in-field image quality testing and reporting features, includes a housing, and a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors supported by the housing for capturing return light from a target located in a range of working distances from the housing in an image capture mode of operation, and for capturing return light from a test pattern positioned at a predetermined position in the range of working distances in a test mode of operation different from the image capture mode. An electrical signal indicative of the captured return light is generated in each mode. A memory is supported by the housing for storing a test program for testing image quality.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise causing a report to be automatically generated. The report can be indicative of a result of a read of a mark. The result can be automatically determined to pass a verification test. The verification test can be performed on an image obtained via an imaging system.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying and transmitting data entities in a wireless communication system including at least one mobile user terminal. The method includes the steps of identifying a primary service to be provided, identifying a plurality of data entities associated with that service, selecting which of the plurality of data entities is to be transmitted and transmitting the selected data entities in a single transaction.

Abstract: A biosensor can be measured by a method that includes: determining malfunction of a production lot information sensing unit; alerting malfunction when the production lot information sensing unit malfunctions; encoding the production lot information through the production lot information sensing unit when the production lot information sensing unit does not malfunction; and detecting a component of a sample through a biosensor strip by using the encoded production lot information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for testing the reading reliability of smart labels (3), comprising a reader (6), a transport device (2) arranged at a distance from the reader (6) for receiving and transporting the smart labels (3), and a device for adjusting the transmitting power of the reader (6), wherein the reader (6) has a reader antenna (7), the distance (d) of which from the transport device (2) can be varied.

Abstract: A test system and method for test performance of a multi-card reader includes identifying types of cards the multi-card reader can communicate with, obtaining a protocol of each type of card, and setting a protocol between the multi-card reader and the test system to one of the obtained protocols. Controlling the multi-card reader to read test data from a storage system of the test system and sending the read test data to the test system, testing performance of the multi-card reader by comparing the read test data with the test data stored in the storage system, to obtaining a test result according to the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a process for storing and reading information, having a data storage medium for storing information and a reading unit for reading the information stored in the data storage medium, the data storage medium having a dielectric and the information being formed by the presence or non-presence of at least one storage electrode in the data storage medium, and the reading unit having at least one input electrode and at least one reading electrode, it being possible for the data storage medium and the reading unit to be coupled to each other, for the purpose of reading the information, in such a manner that the input electrode and the storage electrode form a first capacitor and the reading electrode and the storage electrode form a second capacitor. The reading unit also has means for generating a digital voltage jump at the input electrode and means for comparing the voltage jump occurring at the reading electrode with a reference voltage.

Abstract: A device (110) for evaluating an electromagnetic field strength/field geometry of an electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) is provided, the device (110) comprising a measurement unit (112) adapted for receiving a measurement signal from the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) and determining a value of the field strength of said measurement signal, a communication unit (114) adapted for receiving command data from the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) and adapted for sending response data to the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120). Optionally, the device (110) comprises an evaluation unit (116,118) adapted for evaluating the electromagnetic field geometry of the electromagnetic gate apparatus (120) based on said values of the field strength received from the measurement unit (112).

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise causing a report to be automatically generated. The report can be indicative of a result of a read of a mark. The result can be automatically determined to pass a verification test. The verification test can be performed on an image obtained via an imaging system.

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 portable object (1) of the smart card type comprises a main circuit (3, 8, 9, 10) for internal processing and storage of data. The main circuit comprises several integrated circuits (3, 10). The portable object comprises a supply voltage circuit (7) for applying a first supply voltage (3 to 5V) to one of the integrated circuits (3) of the main circuit and for applying a second, different supply voltage (1.2 to 1.8 V) to another integrated circuit (10) of the main circuit.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for testing a radio frequency identification reader. The radio frequency identification reader transmits a test signal to a diagnostic tag during a diagnostic period. Responsive to receiving a return signal from the diagnostic tag, the radio frequency identification reader compares the return signal with an expected return signal to form a comparison. The radio frequency identification reader identifies an operational status for the radio frequency identification reader using the comparison.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating optical reader systems employs a target with areas comprising linear gray scale levels. The gray scale levels include the darkest and the lightest scenes. The gray scale levels are illuminated by an array of LEDs and the light reflected from target impacts photo-transistors. The photo-transistors are biased in their linear ranges and the target is scanned while the LED drive current is changed. The photo-transistor responses to the different gray scale levels at the different LED drive currents are analyzed, and the LED rive current that produces a linear output from the photo-transistors over the gray scale dynamic range is selected. Several video channels may be used and their offsets and gains are normalized. Black offsets and black to white gain correction functions are generated for balancing or correcting each pixel. The correction functions may be applied by a processor for later raw image data of scenes scanned by the optical reader.

Abstract: An imaging system with in-field image quality testing and reporting features, includes a housing, and a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors supported by the housing for capturing return light from a target located in a range of working distances from the housing in an image capture mode of operation, and for capturing return light from a test pattern positioned at a predetermined position in the range of working distances in a test mode of operation different from the image capture mode. An electrical signal indicative of the captured return light is generated in each mode. A memory is supported by the housing for storing a test program for testing image quality.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an integrated global biological activity detection, traffic tracking and scheduling, and boundary/border security system. Detection apparatuses of the system are preferably placed in a stream of currency such as in financial institutions and other sites of currency exchange, and are also placed in or about transportation vehicles and linked into a data collection, analysis, and graphical information system to provide early warning for security activities. Detection apparatuses located in and about transportation vehicles are combined with a system for routing vehicles into security corridors and with a system of notification, scheduling, and monitoring to enhance the capacity of authorities to insure security and efficient trade movement particularly as it approaches boundaries and borders.

Abstract: Testing is performed upon a transaction payment card having a substrate with opposing surfaces, battery powered circuit, and having memory in contact with the substrate to store data that includes an identifier for an account upon which a transaction can be conducted. An electronic component, in contact with the substrate, is powered by the battery powered circuit. In the testing, an electrical measurement is made of the battery powered circuit at each of different times when the card is exposed to an environmental condition. An output of the electrical measurements is made. The environmental condition can be temperature, current pulse applied at different states of charge of the one or more batteries, an acceleration, deceleration, or vibration for a period of time applied to card, a vacuum condition applied to the card, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing RFID straps. Arrays of RFID straps in a roll-to-roll process are coupled to an array of test elements. RF programming and interrogation signals are frequency and time multiplexed to the RFID array. Return signals are detected to determine sensitivity and programmability parameters of the RFID straps.

Abstract: A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining characteristics of an operator's scanning technique. In a preferred configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable collection device for later analysis and reporting.

Abstract: An apparatus for seating within a battery compartment and a smart card compartment of a device, including a battery component and a smart card component. The battery component is coupled to the smart card component. The smart card component is configured to seat within a smart card compartment of a device. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into a smart card compartment of a smart card containing device substantially simultaneously with the insertion of the battery component into a battery compartment of the device. The smart card component may be a test smart card, and the battery component may be a battery emulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing RFID straps. Arrays of RFID straps in a roll-to-roll process are coupled to an array of test elements. RF programming and interrogation signals are frequency and time multiplexed to the RFID array. Return signals are detected to determine sensitivity and programmability parameters of the RFID straps.

Abstract: An apparatus for seating within a battery compartment and a smart card compartment of a device, including a battery component and a smart card component. The battery component is coupled to the smart card component. The smart card component is configured to seat within a smart card compartment of a device. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into a smart card compartment of a smart card containing device substantially simultaneously with the insertion of the battery component into a battery compartment of the device. The smart card component may be a test smart card, and the battery component may be a battery emulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for testing the reading reliability of smart labels (3), comprising a reader (6), a transport device (2) arranged at a distance from the reader (6) for receiving and transporting the smart labels (3), and a device for adjusting the transmitting power of the reader (6), wherein the reader (6) has a reader antenna (7), the distance (d) of which from the transport device (2) can be varied.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image processing section for performing tone correction of an image signal; and an image output section for outputting an image in accordance with an image recording signal output, wherein the image processing section includes: a tone correction processing unit which, in accordance with an input image signal, outputs the image signal having undergone tone correction; a density calculation unit for calculating a density value at a given position in a scanning direction of a test pattern image in accordance with an image signal pertaining to the input test pattern image; and a discrimination unit for discriminating whether or not density inconsistencies having arisen at the given position in the scanning direction can be corrected by the tone correction processing unit, on the basis of the density value calculated by the density calculation unit and a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for automatically adjusting the modulation index of a wireless smart device reader are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method (performed at a wireless smart device reader) that includes receiving a signal from a wireless smart device. A parameter of the signal is determined. The method also includes determining at least one transmission parameter using the parameter of the signal. The transmission parameter(s) is applied to a transmitter of the wireless smart device reader in order to adjust the modulation index of the transmitter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing RFID straps. Arrays of RFID straps in a roll-to-roll process are coupled to an array of test elements. RF programming and interrogation signals are frequency and time multiplexed to the RFID array. Return signals are detected to determine sensitivity and programmability parameters of the RFID straps.

Abstract: A test system (1) has a test controller (2) and at least one probe (3). An ICC card (C) is inserted into a slot (8) of the probe (3), and a card-simulating interface (5) of the probe (3) is inserted in the slot (S) of the terminal (T) under test. The test controller (2) communicates bi-directionally with the terminal (T) and an external transaction processing system (B). Up to six data monitoring points (100 to 105) are possible, different numbers of points providing different modes of operation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for a smart card may include a transceiver for communicating with a host device and a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) test controller for performing at least one test operation. Further, the integrated circuit may also include a processor for causing the JTAG test controller to initiate the at least one test operation based upon receiving at least one test request from the host device via the transceiver. More particularly, the processor may convert the at least one test request to JTAG data for the JTAG test controller. That is, the integrated circuit advantageously allows communications between the host device and the JTAG controller via a system bus, for example, without the need for a dedicated JTAG test access port (TAP) which is typically required for accessing JTAG controllers.

Abstract: A hand-held diagnostic tool designed to operate and easily upgrade software applications developed for automotive diagnostics, is disclosed. The diagnostic tool, which communicates with a plurality of motor vehicle control units, provides application upgrades and/or modifications and/or new algorithms that are developed/adapted via remote updating. Remote updating is accomplished through a number of external ports on the tool that facilitate modem, Ethernet and wireless communications, including point-to-point protocol connection to the Internet.

Abstract: Development assistance for a program comprising code in more than one language, is provided appropriately for each language in an integrated development environment. The assistance can include syntax highlighting, structure analysis, error reporting, completion assistance and/or context-sensitive help. The language of the subject element of code is determined and the appropriate assistance processes are applied. If the code is in a supplementary language, routines associated with the supplementary language are invoked to provide the assistance. When needed, information from other parts of the program file is provided to determine the appropriate assistance for the element of code.

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: An ultrasonic wave sensor is mounted on a card reader. A detection range of the ultrasonic wave sensor covers a front surface of an inlet. The ultrasonic wave sensor detects presence or absence of a foreign body at the time of standby until a card is inserted into a card slot. When a processing of the card is terminated and the card is discharged, the ultrasonic wave sensor detects presence or absence of the card or presence or absence of a foreign body. In the case where the ultrasonic wave sensor cannot detect the card although the card has been discharged, an abnormality signal can be output.

Abstract: A bill-receiving device having an upper cover, a print checking region and an ultraviolet ray checking region are installed thereon. Other than receiving bill or being inserted by a credit card, the bill-receiving device has further the function of counterfeit bill and counterfeit card-preventing. Therefore, the loss in business can be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically analyzes and culls-out defective contactless smart cards. Analysis of smart cards may include RF ranging for both near and far ranges, card type decoding for sorting or encoding using a multi-protocol reader, full memory reading and writing, concave and convex card flexing, optical graphics verification of both sides of card, reading and verifying printed serial numbers, and matching encoded serial numbers with printed serial number. The apparatus also provides high speed encoding and initializing of contactless smart cards. Contactless cards moved through machine serially without belts and rollers. The testing and encoding sequence includes bending and flexing the smart cards followed by RF testing. Self-positioning capability provides accurate card positioning over RF antennas.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) is described. The terminal (10) comprises a user interface (12) and at least one proximity sensor (40) located adjacent the user interface (12), such that the sensor (40) may detect foreign objects placed in contact with or in close proximity to the user interface (12). A fraud prevention arrangement, and a method of detecting fraud at an SST are also described.

Abstract: A digital business card has a rectangular substrate and a magnetic stripe. The substrate has a printing surface disposed on a surface of the substrate for printing visual data, and a photo-recording region disposed on the rear of the substrate for storing digital data. The magnetic stripe is disposed on the surface of the substrate adjacent to a short side of the substrate for recording magnetic recording data and storing a specific encoded password. The digital business card effectively controls reading data in the digital business card through the combination of the magnetic stripe and the photo-recording region so as to prevent the data from being stolen. Besides, the digital business card has the same size as a conventional printed business card, so that the digital business card is carried handily and has high capacity of storing data.

Abstract: An evaluation system (10) for evaluating media is described. The system is particularly suitable for evaluating banknotes to determine their suitability for use in an ATM. The system comprises sensing means (12) for sensing properties of media (18) including the location of any imperfection in the media, and an evaluation module (16) for evaluating imperfections in the media(18). The evaluation module (16) includes a classifier (52) comprising an artificial neural network (60) and fuzzy logic (66). The evaluation module (16) may include a plurality of classifiers (52), and a second level classifier (56) for generating a suitability index (20) from the outputs of the first level classifiers (52). A method of evaluating media is also described.

Abstract: An IC card system has, at least, an IC card having a first set of terminals and an external unit having a second set of terminals. The IC card has a detector for detecting a contact condition between the first and second sets of terminals, a controller, and an internal circuit such as an EEPROM. If the detector determines that the contact condition is faulty, the controller completes a given process, and then, stops the operation of the internal circuit. If an access operation to the internal circuit is in progress when the detector finds contact fault, the controller does not stop immediately and continues to complete the access operation, to prevent the writing or reading of erroneous data. The present invention also provides an IC card for the IC card system and a semiconductor IC incorporated in the IC card.

Abstract: A circuit in a smart card reader to detect when a variation in a power supply provided to a smart card has occurred, indicating a possible fault in the smart card. As an example, the circuit detects this variation by determining when the power supply has dropped below a reference voltage. If this happens, the circuit will modify the smart card control signals, for example, by clamping them at or near ground potential, thereby preventing any possible damage to either the smart card or the smart card reader.