Abstract: A barcode and RFID reading apparatus includes: a micro-controller; at least a RFID antenna configured to detect a RFID tag in a first area proximate to the reading apparatus; a RFID reader connected to the at least one antenna and controlled by the micro-controller, the RFID reader being configured to receive a RFID tag data from the at least one antenna and send the RFID tag data to the micro-controller; and a barcode reader controlled by the micro-controller, the barcode reader being configured to detect a barcode in a second area proximate to the reading apparatus and send a barcode data from the barcode to the micro-controller; the micro-controller is configured to check whether the barcode reader or the RFID reader ends a data-reading process; if one reader ends the data-reading process, the micro-controller switches off the one and switches on the other.

Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic access control system includes an electronic access apparatus, an electronic lock, and an access control administration program. The electronic access apparatus provides a wireless power signal and a wireless digital data signal to the electronic lock. The wireless power signal can be the only source of power used by the electronic lock to actuate an electronic lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism includes a piezoelectric latch.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a marker affixed to the surface of an object, includes: acquiring a photographic image of a zone containing at least one marker; extracting contours from the photographic image; detecting a marker-positioning contour from among the aforementioned contours, which corresponds to a set of confocal conics having a predetermined form; modelling an image of the confocal conics in the form of a matrix having at least two symmetric matrices of order 3; analyzing the matrices in order to determine a perspective correction for the photographic image; detecting, in the perspective-corrected photographic image, an indexing element associated graphically with the positioning contour of the marker, and rotation-correcting the photographic image; detecting, in the perspective and rotation-corrected photographic image, encoded data graphically associated with the positioning contour of the marker, and decoding the encoded data. A marker-detection system using the method is also described.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, a communication interface, and an EIR device, all communicatively coupled to a system bus. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The EIR terminal can be configured to execute an HTTP server software module. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to receiving an HTTP request, to transmit to the originating HTTP client an HTTP response comprising at least one HTML page including one or more input fields configured to receive one or more terminal configuration parameters. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to receiving an HTTP request comprising one or more values of the terminal configuration parameters, to perform at least one terminal configuration operation based on the values of the terminal configuration parameters.

Abstract: A card reader guide for use in a fascia of a self-service terminal is described. The card reader guide defines a card reader aperture extending in a first direction through which a customer may insert a data card. The card reader guide also comprises: a first protrusion extending (i) along part of the card reader aperture through which a magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer, wherein the first protrusion defines a stripe path in registration with the magnetic stripe of the card as the card is inserted by the customer; a second protrusion, opposite to, and aligned with, the first protrusion, and extending (i) along the part of the card reader aperture through which the magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer; and a magnetic reader detector located in the first protrusion at the stripe path.

Abstract: An RFID module including an antenna element forming an RFID antenna; an RFID circuit block to which the antenna element is connected; and a first resonance frequency adjustment circuit having an element that includes a drain terminal connected to the antenna element, a gate terminal that is grounded, and a source terminal that is grounded, wherein a pull-up resistor is connected between the drain terminal and a power supply.

Abstract: An active electronic tag for a memory card is disclosed herein. The active electronic tag includes an antenna, a first amplifier, an automatic gain control circuit, a phase synchronization locking circuit, a decoding and TX/RX control unit and a second amplifier. The antenna receives a detecting signal transmitted from a card reader, in which the detecting signal is carried on a first carrier. The phase synchronization locking circuit generates a positive carrier and a negative carrier with a phase difference of 180 degree. The decoding and TX/RX control unit generates a response signal, which is carried on the negative carrier. By utilizing the phase difference of the first carrier and the negative carrier, the response signal cancels the first carrier on the card reader, so as to transmit the information saved inside the active electronic tag.

Abstract: A system for identifying different types of products on a display hanger and determining a quantity of each of the different types of products includes a plurality of electrically conductive segments coupled to the display hanger, an electrically conductive rail coupled to the display hanger, and a sensor device electrically coupled to each of the plurality of electrically conductive segments and to the electrically conductive rail. The sensor device is configured to identify the different types of products on the display hanger and to determine the quantity of each of the different types of products based on a unique electrical signature associated with each of the different types of products.

Abstract: Laser scanning module employing a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.

Abstract: Differences in the output of the printed barcode caused by differences interpreting the barcode generating code of an application program are absorbed so that the barcode desired by the user can be printed. The printer driver 32 of the host computer 11 extracts the character data contained in plural blocks of input barcode generation data, combines the extracted character data to generate a character data array, and based on the generated character data array generates and outputs a single barcode generation command CMB to the printer 12.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to document processing, and more particularly to systems and methods that can utilize relative positions between the content of the document and a decodable indicia affixed to the document. In one embodiment, indicia reading terminals are provided that include an imaging module for capturing a frame of image data of a document. The document can include one or more decodable indicia such as a form barcode and various content fields, which delineate particular content of the document. The form barcode can include information respecting the form design and form design data. This information can be used to process the content of the document such as by providing coordinates or similar location and positioning metrics for use in processing the content of the document.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case can include a front shell attachable to a back shell, the front shell and the back shell at least partially surrounding an electronic device installed in the case. The case can include an attached payment device reader that is electrically connected to the electronic device, an attached product information input device electrically connected to the electronic device, and a battery electrically connected to the electronic device. The case can also include an electromechanical button and a trigger member that can actuate the electromechanical button. The case can also include a rotatable mount that is removably attachable to an outer surface of the case and a hand strap attached to the rotatable mount.

Abstract: Systems, devices, admixtures, and methods are described including transponder devices (e.g., a palatable transponder, an edible transponder, a palatable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an edible RFID tag, etc.) for admixing with a food product.

Abstract: A communication system including a reader application device having a reader application, and a reader configured to operate under control of the reader application to allow data to be transmitted between the reader application device and a user device via the reader.

Abstract: A contactless device including a transmission antenna configured to transmit a transmission signal; a pickup antenna configured to detect a field generated by a pickup signal, which comprises a response signal transmitted from another contactless device and the transmission signal; and a cancellation circuit configured to subtract a voltage of the transmission antenna from a voltage of the pickup antenna.

Abstract: A card medium processing device is controlled by means of the control method including: a first judgment step for judging whether or not a card medium having been inserted is detected by a first detection means for detecting the card medium having been inserted; a second judgment step for judging whether or not the card medium having been inserted is detected by a second detection means for detecting the card medium having been inserted, the second detection means being placed at a position behind the first detection means further away toward a rear side in an inserting direction for the card medium; and a processing step for carrying out a predetermined process, supposing that the first detection means has an error, under a situation where the first judgment step does not detect the card medium having been inserted while the second judgment step detects the card medium having been inserted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide an infrared-transmissive dome, such as for infrared imaging applications. For example, an infrared camera system includes a housing having a lens coupled to the housing and an infrared detector within the housing configured to receive infrared energy passing through the lens. An infrared-transmissive dome, coupled to the infrared camera system, includes a main body providing a hollow, hemispherical-shaped dome, with the main body made of an ultra-high molecular weight or a very-high molecular weight polyethylene material. The main body may have a wall thickness equal to or less than approximately 0.012 inches to allow infrared transmittance greater than approximately sixty five percent through the main body to the lens for infrared imaging in a wavelength range of approximately three to fourteen micrometers.

Abstract: A method of decoding an encoded signal includes steps of receiving the encoded signal, creating a decoding signal by delaying the encoded signal by a predetermined amount of time ?, sampling the encoded signal using the decoding signal, and determining a value of each of a plurality of decoded bits represented by the encoded signal based on the sampling. Also, a method of operating a shift register wherein the shift register has an initialization state wherein a first binary symbol is stored in a first position and a second binary symbol different than the first binary symbol is stored in each of one or more intermediate positions and a last position. The method includes determining that the shift register is full responsive to detecting that the first binary symbol has been stored in either one of the intermediate positions or the last position.

Abstract: An antenna (18), in particular a patch antenna for an RFID reading apparatus (10), having a circuit board (24) which has at least one slot (26) and a contact (28) at the slot (26) for feeding and/or picking up an electromagnetic signal. In this respect, the slot (26) is folded into itself and so forms a two-dimensional pattern on the circuit board (24).

Abstract: A method of reading an RFID tag (30) including receiving, from the tag, a signal (50) including a structural mode (54) and an antenna mode (56), and selectively analysing a time period of the received signal corresponding to the antenna mode.

Abstract: A detector comprises a radio-frequency, RF, transmit antenna; a RF receive antenna; and a cable avoidance tool, CAT, antenna.

Abstract: A laser scanning system with sufficient power to drill very small holes or marks in materials. The holes or marks are so small that they cannot be seen with the human eye. These holes and marks can be arranged in an ID matrix barcode or other barcode that can be detected with a specially designed barcode reader.

Abstract: An RFID tag having a resin substrate, an IC chip positioned in the center section on the substrate, a single-layer antenna for forming an electric closed circuit by connecting with the IC chip and positioned in the peripheral section of the IC chip, and a sealing material for sealing the IC chip and the antenna, wherein the antenna is a coil antenna or a loop antenna, the resonant frequency (f0) of the antenna is the operating frequency of the IC chip or thereabouts, the operating frequency of the IC chip is 13.56 MHz-2.45 GHz, or 0.86-0.96 GHz, and the size of the RFID tag is 13 mm or less in length, 13 mm or less in width, and 1.0 mm or less in height; and an automatic recognition system using the same.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include an array of finger sensing pixels to receive a user's finger adjacent thereto. Each finger sensing pixel may include a finger sensing electrode. The finger sensing device may include a finger drive electrode configured to couple a drive signal through the user's finger to the array of finger sensing pixels. The finger sensing device may also include differential pixel measurement circuitry coupled to the array of finger sensing pixels and configured to generate a plurality of interpixel difference measurements for adjacent pairs of the finger sensing pixels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for minimizing potential security problems and battery power usage in a tracking device used in tracking an associated product while being transported along a route wherein wireless communication may be nonexistent or intermittent. This is accomplished in part by having an accessible database of signal quality and strength at a large plurality of locations along given transportation routes whereby adjustments can be made as to the times for the tracking device to obtain GPS location information as well as for times to report any location and or product status data to a remotely located central station. The ability to predict when, along a transportation route communication problems may occur provides the opportunity to notify appropriate authorities in advance of arriving at the communication gap zones whereby arrangements can be made to alleviate potential problems during transportation through wireless communication “gap or dead” zones.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) for verifying a final product being packaged in a final container (28), includes an optical spectroscopy analysis unit including a device for holding the final container (28), and a probe, characterized in that the holding device includes a clamping system including a reference platform (32) for supporting and positioning the final container (28) in a determined position with respect to the probe (P) and a clamping bar (36), the holding device being adapted to receive any form of final containers such as syringes, vials or Intravenous bags. In addition, a software for managing and characterizing optical signals from a drug product to confirm that the drug was correctly prepared prior to administration is described.

Abstract: A read head is configured to be coupled to the mobile device. The read head is positioned in a housing. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data from the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack adapted to be inserted at least one of the audio jack or microphone input port of the mobile appliance to provide a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to, the mobile device. The output jack extends at least 2 mm from the housing.

Abstract: A wireless Bluetooth® paired connection is established between a Bluetooth® module in an electro-optical, handheld reader and a Bluetooth® module in a mobile terminal via a human interface device (HID) profile. Data capture from a target is initiated upon one type of manual actuation, e.g., a single pull, of a trigger on the reader. A soft keyboard is caused to appear on a display on the terminal, either immediately, or after a predetermined event, after the establishment of the Bluetooth® paired connection. The soft keyboard is caused to disappear upon manual actuation of the trigger with a different type of manual actuation, e.g., a double pull, of the trigger. Another double pull of the trigger will cause the soft keyboard to reappear.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a communications interface between a monitoring apparatus and one or more equipment monitoring components is disclosed. The equipment monitoring components are designed to physically and/or electrically interface with each other while in proximity to equipment being monitored. Each of these components has a proximately disposed unique associated machine readable code. A set of configuration information is also associated with the machine readable code. The codes are scanned and mapped to the configuration information in order to automate configuration of communication between the monitoring apparatus and equipment monitoring components.

Abstract: A card reader device is provided that includes a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is positioned in the housing. The read head reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head has sufficient impedance to set amplitude of a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device for providing the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card feed unit for transferring a data carrier of card information of a multi-services cards, such as a bank card or credit card, to a reading head of a reading unit for at least reading out of card information, the card feed unit comprising: attachment means for attaching the card feed unit in an arrangement respective of the reading head that is suitable for transporting the data carrier of the card in the direction of the meeting head, a receipt position for receipt of the card, a transfer assembly for transferring the card by means of the transfer assembly in the direction of the reading head, in which: the card feed unit is suitable for, during insertion of the card in the receipt position, receiving the card in the receipt position by means of an insertion operation with a direction of movement that, at least as seen in one direction, is substantially perpendicular to the readout direction of the card for preventing that the card is readable during the insertion operat

Abstract: A read head is provided that is configured to be coupled to a mobile device. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card. The slot is utilized for a financial transaction between a buyer and seller and reads data on the magnetic stripe. A signal is produced indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe, An output jack of the read head is adapted to be inserted at least one of the audio input port or microphone input port of the mobile device. The output jack delivers the signal to the mobile device. A sampling rate of the signal at the audio input port or a line input port of the mobile device is at least 15 kHZ.

Abstract: An antenna method and arrangement of co-located antennas for wireless communication, includes at least one first antenna having a reflector panel and at least one second antenna utilizing a ground plane, wherein the reflector panel and the ground plane are the same element of the arrangement. The first antenna can be a loop element parallel to the reflector panel and the second antenna can be a monopole element perpendicular to the reflector panel/ground plane.

Abstract: A decoder 20 of a code scanner 1 measures a distance to a baggage 4 based on a reflection light by the baggage 4 of a laser light 15a outputted by a laser light generator 15, which is detected by a CMOS image sensor 13, adjusts focus of a focus lens 11 and irradiation light amount of illumination by a pulse LED 14 at image pickup based on the measured distance, analyzes the image including a code symbol 5 on the baggage 4 whose image is picked up under conditions after the adjustments, and decodes information indicated by the code symbol.

Abstract: A card information protection device and a finance service equipment having the same are provided. The card information protection device is arranged between a transverse card inlet and a longitudinal magnetic card information reader, and comprises a magnetic card transverse admission port. A magnetic card conveying channel is arranged between the magnetic card transverse admission port and the longitudinal magnetic card information reader. A magnetic card rotating mechanism is arranged in the magnetic card channel. The magnetic card rotating mechanism is used for rotating a transversely-inserted magnetic card to longitudinal direction in order to convey the magnetic card into the longitudinal magnetic card information reader, and rotating the longitudinal magnetic card returned by the longitudinal magnetic card information reader to transverse direction in order to convey the transverse magnetic card out.

Abstract: A computer includes an application that expects to receive data via a unidirectional communication interface. The computer also includes a background service having a first thread and a second thread. The computer additionally includes device management client software. A barcode reader scans one or more barcodes to generate scanned data. The scanned data is sent to the computer via the unidirectional interface. The first thread of the background service reads the scanned data from the unidirectional interface and sends the scanned data to the application. The second thread of the background service enables the device management client software to perform management operations on the barcode reader via a bidirectional communication interface.

Abstract: An antenna (18), in particular a patch antenna, is provided having a planar resonator element (22) which has the geometry of a polygon with a plurality of edges, wherein the resonator element (22) has a plurality of slots (26) at the edges for their extension and additionally has a plurality of projections (28) at the edges.

Abstract: An improved beam shape control device, and more particularly an improved antenna comprising a beam shape control device, is distinguished by the fact that the beam shape control device (RET, M-RET) comprises reading electronics with an RFID receiving antenna and/or writing electronics with an RFID transmitting antenna, by means of which antenna-specific data can be read from an RFID tag positioned in the region of the antenna.

Abstract: A method for determining direction of travel of a tag is described. The method includes a tag that receives sample signals from two spatially separate LF magnetic fields generated by an exciter. The received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data associated with each of the sample signals is determined. A first RSSI profile is created for the first LF magnetic fields. A second RSSI profile is created for the second LF magnetic fields. The first and second RSSI profiles are compared to determine a direction of travel of the object. A tag, an exciter and a computer readable medium are configured to facilitate the method.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code display system has a display unit which can display a two-dimensional code representing predetermined information by plural cells arrange in a matrix, and a control unit which changes the display form of the two-dimensional code. For example, after 0.5 second has elapsed since the display unit starts displaying the image of a logo mark, the control unit controls the display unit to change the display from the image of the logo mark to a two-dimensional code. After 2.0 seconds has elapsed since the display unit starts displaying the two-dimensional code, the control unit controls the display unit to change the display from the two-dimensional code to the image of the logo mark. By repeating such control, the control unit can control the display unit to display alternately the image of the logo mark and the two-dimensional code.

Abstract: Provided is a wearable personal digital device and methods for enlarging display space using the wearable personal digital device. The wearable personal digital device may comprise a processor, a memory unit, an expandable display, a camera, a projector, a communication circuit, a swipe card reader, one or more biometric sensors, one or more accelerometers, a housing, and a band. The expandable display is be communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to expand to enlarge display space using a flip up portion, detachable portion, or bending the expandable display. The band may include one or more rechargeable batteries configured to power the wearable personal digital device. Biometric sensors and accelerometers provide data for monitoring health and activity of the user. The swipe card reader is configured to read payment card data.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for reading matrix codes comprising an ultrasound transducer 20 which comprises transmitter and receiver electrodes, a receiver unit 24 connected to the receiver electrodes for processing the signals received by the receiver electrodes, and a transmitter module 21 connected to the transmitter electrodes, the transmitter module transferring an electronic signal to the transducer, where the signal shape is selected between a number of signal shapes according to the characteristics of the matrix code to be read.

Abstract: Provided is a chip tray which is capable of accurately reading out an IC tag for use in RFID without increasing a magnitude of a magnetic field generated by an antenna. A magnetic field generating antenna is disposed along a direction in which a plurality of tokens having embedded therein feeder antennas of IC tags for use in RFID are stacked.

Abstract: A system and a method for testing a magnetic stripe decoding chip are provided. The system includes a host, a digital-to-analog converter, and a testing device. The host outputs simulation signal data. The digital-to-analog converter receives the simulation signal data and generates a test waveform signal representing a test string. The testing device includes a signal input terminal, a signal conversion circuit, a chip slot, and a processor. The terminal receives the test waveform signal. The chip slot is configured to receive a decoding chip. The circuit includes a transformer connected between the terminal and the chip slot, and is configured to couple the test waveform signal into a pseudo track signal. The processor receives a decoded string generated after decoding the pseudo track signal by the decoding chip. Through comparing the decoded string with the test string, a decoding function of the decoding chip can be determined.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a patient support, a multi-directional optical reader, and a control system. The multi-directional optical reader is secured to the patient support and configured to detect a first indicia having a predetermined pattern. The control system includes a processor in communication with the multi-directional optical reader, a transmitter in communication with the processor, and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory stores an identifier associated with the patient support apparatus. The processor receives a signal from the multi-directional optical reader indicative of data from the first indicia detected by the multi-directional optical detector. In response to receiving the signal, the processor performs a set of instructions.

Abstract: A method for encoding information in structured illumination pattern (120) includes selecting information to be encoded; characterizing a relief pattern (130) of an object's (115) surface; selecting at least one portion of the object's surface including the surface relief pattern; creating at least one structured illumination pattern responsive to the selected surface relief pattern and the selected information; and storing the structured illumination pattern.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification automatic detecting system with an antenna net includes a radio frequency identification module, an enhancing surface wave-guide coaxial cable structure including a coaxial cable having at least one aperture region without an outer conducting layer, a receiving apparatus having a plurality of receiving spaces and a plurality of extension wires disposed adjacent to the receiving spaces and coupled or connected to the outer conducting layer of the coaxial cable. The electromagnetic field is formed in nearby regions adjacent to the receiving spaces because the electromagnetic wave caused by the current generated from the radio frequency identification module is transmitted by the outer conducting layer and extension wires. The radio frequency identification electronic tag on the object is triggered automatically when the object is moved toward or moved out from the respective receiving space such that the automatic detecting effect is achieved.

Abstract: An antenna extender configured to be coupled electromagnetically to an RFID read/write station. The extender includes a first circuit oscillating at variable frequency and a second oscillating circuit coupled to the first oscillating circuit, and a processing unit which is powered by energy supplied by the second oscillating circuit when the extender is placed close to the read/write station. The processing unit includes a mechanism to measure voltage at terminals of the second oscillating circuit and a controller that can be used to vary resonance frequency of the first oscillating circuit as a function of the value of the measured voltage to optimize frequency tuning between the extender and the read/write station.

Abstract: A method of operating a contactless integrated circuit (IC) card reader includes calculating a first transition time of at least one first magnetic pulse during a first transition interval and calculating a second transition time of a second magnetic pulse during a second transition interval. The first transition time is calculated in a calibration phase, and the second transition time is calculated in a detection phase. A contactless IC card is determined to be within a communication rage of the reader based on a comparison of the first and second transition times.

Abstract: Some battery-powered devices, such as smartphones, can be unlocked with use of wearable NFC (Near Field Communication) authentication devices. However, using conventional NFC authentication procedures is expensive in terms of power consumption because of continual rediscovery and reauthentication of the wearable authentication device. To address this, the present inventors, devised, among other things, more efficient methods for authenticating NFC-tagged authentication device, such as rings. For example, one embodiment uses two NFC polling loops or structures, instead of one as conventionally done. The first loop, used for initial authentication, entails scanning for two or more types of NFC tags. And the second loop, invoked after initial authentication, scans for a smaller subset of the two or more types to conserve battery power.