Abstract: There are provided a method and system for authenticating a stamp touch. The method of authenticating a stamp touch according to the invention is executed in a wireless terminal having a capacitive touch screen which supports a multi-touch, the method including, a first operation in which N touch points touching a touch stamp having N (N?5) touch units made of a conductive material on the capacitive touch screen are recognized, a second operation in which a touch authentication condition set for authenticating a touch using the touch stamp is used to check an authentication result of a geometrical position relation of the N touch points, and a third operation in which a designated service linked with the touch stamp starts when the N touch points are authenticated.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating an item such as a banknote, including a photoluminescent material absorbing an incident radiation from a radiation source and emitting an emitted radiation having a spectral signature with a decay time after removal of the radiation source, and a sensor detecting the spectral signature in the emitted radiation during the decay time.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information bearing medium and an information reading unit. The information bearing medium has a two-dimensional array of unit data zones. Marks are provided on some of the unit data zones so as to form a digital code. Mark patterns of any two Y-directional adjacent unit data zone strings based on the arrangement of marks in an X-direction differ from each other. The information reading unit generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from a plurality of signals output from a group of detection units that detect the marks in synchronization and recognizes the digital code of the information bearing medium on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information bearing medium and an information reading unit. The information bearing medium has a two-dimensional array of unit data zones. Marks are provided on some of the unit data zones so as to form a digital code. Mark patterns of any two Y-directional adjacent unit data zone strings based on the arrangement of marks in an X-direction differ from each other. The information reading unit generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from a plurality of signals output from a group of detection units that detect the marks in synchronization and recognizes the digital code of the information bearing medium on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones.

Abstract: A test swipe for testing drugs, explosives or a chemical compound includes a base; and one or more swipe pads positioned on the base to receive one or more chemicals thereon, the one or more swipe pads displaying an array of colors after receiving the chemicals to uniquely identify a chemical compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact card recognition system and a recognition method using a touch screen, and to a contact card used in a contact card recognition system. More particularly, a contact card recognition system using a contact card includes: a contact card having a rear surface with at least one protrusion for representing characteristics of the contact card related to the information printed on a front surface of the contact card and identifying characteristics of the contact card; a touch screen for sensing the protrusion of the contact card, and generating position information for the zone corresponding to the protrusion; a reading unit for searching a code database on the basis of the position information, and generating code information in accordance with the position information; and a control unit for searching a characteristic database of the contact card in accordance with the code information, and extracting characteristic information in accordance with the code information.

Abstract: A card carrier is displayed for sale with at least two independently redeemable cards affixed thereto. A barcode is displayed on the package that is associated with an account number encoded on a magnetic stripe or barcode of each of the cards. Both cards are valued at a point of sale by a sales clerk scanning in the single bar code on the package. The cards can then be redeemed at a merchant associated with each of the cards.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus and method comprising an array of retractable pins in association with a housing attached to a base component through which each pin individually passes. The apparatus is attached to a primary device and in communication therewith. Each retractable pin is in individual physical contact with spring tension means positioned below the pin and located in a containment sleeve within the housing. Each spring continuously exerts pressure on the base of their respective pins so as to push the pin up through the base component. At the base of each spring is a pressure sensitive pad in communication with the primary device.

Abstract: An embossed card package production system with a computer controller (12) for accessing embossed card information in a card data memory (40) and embosser (20) for embossing a card (30) with the stored embossed information and an embossed card verification system with an embossed card character reader (70) for reading embossed information (32) on the card with the computer controller comparing the read embossed information on the card (30) with the stored embossed information for the card in the card data memory (40) to determine if there is a match and automatically identifies each card which has embossed information on the card which does not match the stored information on the card to reject each card identified as being incorrectly produced.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: An IC card connector capable of handling an IC card having embossed data rows with a simple and small-size structure of high mechanical strength is provided. The IC card connector includes a connector body for accommodating an IC card having a contact array and embossed data rows. An IC card receiving port is provided at one end of the connector body for receiving the IC card. A guide mechanism is provided along both sides of the IC card receiving port for guiding insertion of the IC card and grooves are formed in portions of the connector body along the direction in which the IC card is inserted so that the embossed data rows can move through the grooves.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: A system for reminding a user to remove a credit card from a credit card machine is provided. Such system includes a credit card machine for recording information stored on a credit card. Further provided is a mechanism for producing sound upon the actuation thereof. Finally, a trigger assembly is connected to the credit card machine for actuating the mechanism for producing sound when the information of the credit card is read.

Abstract: A card reader (for example, a swipe card reader for reading bank or security cards) is disclosed which comprises a detector for detecting surface features of the card such as embossed characters. In this way, a security check for false cards is implemented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection of imprint markings (6) made into an object, especially for reading a bar code, the markings (6, 6a) of which are formed into a second level (8) which differs from the surface level (4) of the object, the second level (8) being arranged to reflect a radiation (5) to at least some extent. The method utilizes apparatus which transmit (1) and receive (2) a radiation, the apparatus being separated from each other by a separating wall (3) which is arranged transversely with respect to the surface plane of the object and near the surface (4), the wall preventing radiation from passing from the transmitting (1) to the receiving apparatus (2) at such locations where the surface (4), which is at a higher lever, extends to an edge (7) of the separating wall (3).

Abstract: A card entry gate has a slot defining several ridges extending longitudinally from the upper and lower surfaces of the slot. A data-bearing card, with an encoded strip and embossed portions, fits between the ridges of the slot when inserted lengthwise in any orientation. The ridges are positioned to avoid the encoded strip and the embossed portions, thereby preventing damage to the card and reducing jitter. The ridges further resist the malicious or accidental insertion of certain coins, odd-shaped cards, and many foreign objects.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing forms a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. Improved data acquisition and decode methods for sampling the embossed character data and decoding the data to form an account number. The data acquisition method samples the embossed characters at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined magnetic character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing defines a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally-closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. The read head is operative to float relative to the surface of the card and relative to the embossing on the card.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A low cost, compact embossed card reader for reading embossed characters on credit or debit cards and for integration into a combined embossed character/magnetic stripe terminal. A low-profile housing forms a card path and provides a surface for mounting a removable read head. The housing includes an integrated card guide for guiding the embossed characters along a linear path adjacent the read head. The read head includes a plurality of pins mounted orthogonally to the card, and aligned so as to scan each of the embossed characters in parallel paths as the card moves relative to the read head. The pins move upwardly as they encounter an embossed character and open a normally closed switch formed by a printed circuit board and a plurality of leaf spring fingers. Improved data acquisition and decode methods for sampling the embossed character data and decoding the data to form an account number. The data acquisition method samples the embossed characters at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the remanent noise in a magnetic medium by DC saturation of a region thereof and measurement of the remaining DC magnetization. A conventional magnetic recording transducer may be used to determine the remanent noise. Upon determination, the remanent noise may then be digitized and recorded on the same magnetic medium to thereby "fingerprint" the magnetic medium. This "fingerprint" may then be later used to verify and authenticate the magnetic medium as being an original. In such manner, any magnetic medium, or any object having an associated magnetic medium, may be "fingerprinted" including credit cards, computer programs, compact discs, videotapes, cassette tapes, etc.

Abstract: A grid for use to select and enter data into a computer, which comprises a planar surface on which selective elements, preferably consisting of beads, are movably mounted. Each element can be introduced onto the planar surface between a set of predetermined locations that preferably extend along a slot and each corresponds to one of the data to be entered. Each slot corresponds to a question. For each question, the grid offers several positions which correspond to a corresponding number of responses. Once all the responses are given, the grid can be read by a suitable reader connected to a microcomputer, the process being simple, fast, reliable and not expensive. The grid and its reader can be part of a kit also including a software to be inserted and used by the computer to which the reader is connected, for compiling the information that is transmitted to this computer by the reader.

Abstract: An object verification system generates an incremental verification key which can be carried on the object co-extensive with the region of the associated randomly varying characteristic. The incremental key can be formed by measuring values of the characteristic and comparing selected pairs of values. The algebraic sign of the comparison can be used as an indicium for creating a verification key distributable across the region of the object. Alternately, the magnitude of the difference between the selected pairs of values can be also be included in some or all of the indicia.

Abstract: An access card, such as a credit card or a key card, having a card body including a plurality of hinged tabs which can be pivoted between a first position in a first plane and a second position in a second plane so that the selected pivoted ones of the tab members in the second position provide a particular coded information for checking the authenticity of a user of the access card. The tab members are arranged in a side-by-side position preferably within a frame member having a partition member disposed between adjacent tab members. Abutment members are provided on the free ends of the tab members opposite the hinged portions, for engagement with abutment portions adjacent thereto, preferably disposed on the frame member, to maintain the selected tab members in the depressed second position even when the access card is longitudinally twisted.

Abstract: A relief image scanner scans successive linear areas on an information-carrying medium such as a plastic card, illuminating each area from two different directions. The reflected light is converted to first gray-level data when the illumination is from one direction, and to second gray-level data when the illumination is from the other direction. The second gray-level data are subtracted from the first gray-level data; then the difference, and its additive inverse, are compared with a threshold to detect edges of relief patterns on the card, and pairs of edges are connected to create an accurate, distortion-free image of the relief. Additional facilities may be provided to extract edge skeletons before joining the edges, and to capture printed information by binarizing the gray-level data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of verifying objects utilize an inherent randomly varying and detectable characteristic of a recordable magnetic region affixed to the object. Detectability of the randomly varying magnetic characteristic can be enhanced by recording a selected electrical signal thereon. Digital and analog signals may be used. Both saturation and nonsaturation forms of recording can be used. A verification apparatus senses the enhanced randomly varying magnetic characteristic and compares it to a prestored representative profile previously created. Correspondence between the prestored profile and the currently read characteristic indicates an authentic object. Other objects can be rejected.

Abstract: In an apparatus for processing embossed characters on an embossed card, a sensing head has sensing wires extending generally parallel with each other in a first direction, the tips of the sensing wires disposed at different positions along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The sensing wires are repeatedly actuated toward their tips. Advancement of each sensing wire exceeding a predetermined distance is detected and electrical signals indicating the results of detection are produced. The embossed card is moved relative to the sensing head in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, with the surface of the embossed card held parallel with the second and third directions, and close to the tips of the sensing wires.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.

Abstract: In that a method for bar code marking on vulcanizable or vulcanized rubber products, where the bar code of each marking varies from the preceding one, a bar code pattern (4) is given to the rubber product (2) through a source of electromagnetic radiation which is controlled by a computer electronic word processing system to form the bar code pattern (4) required on the rubber product (2) surface, i.e., the first side (12) and focusing on this, and that the source of radiation wavelengths and energy are adapted to the kind of marking and marking (4) depth required in the rubber product (2), higher bar code wearability is achieved.

Abstract: A transducer for an IC card having a built-in semiconductor memory performs signal conversion by magnetic coupling to read out data. This transducer comprises a substrate, which has a first section of a predetermined thickness, and a second section, thinner than and formed in contact with the first section. A pair of first thin-film spiral coils, both would in the same direction, are formed on the first section of the substrate, and thin-film connection pads, respectively coupled to the first spiral coils, are formed on the second section. Then, an insulating film is deposited on the substrate and the first spiral coil. Through holes are made in the insulating film, thus exposing the center portion of the first spiral coil. A pair of second thin-film spiral coils, both also would in the same direction, are formed on the insulating film such that they are coupled to the first spiral coils.

Abstract: A data identifying system for identifying information recorded in a recording medium comprises: a discriminable card like a credit card having a magnetic stripe; a memory medium like an optical ROM card having an accident card list in which data regarding invalid cards (accident cards) is stored; a first reading unit to read the data stored in the memory medium; a discriminating circuit to discriminate whether the card is invalid or not on the basis of an output of the reading unit; a circuit to inform the fact that the card is invalid when it is decided to be invalid; and a second reading unit to read the data recorded on the card.

Abstract: The portable memory medium of the invention has a memory, for storing the predetermined information which is embossed on its surface, and a CPU. When a read instruction is supplied from a portable memory medium handling system externally connected to the portable memory medium, the CPU reads out the predetermined information stored in the memory, and supplies it to the portable memory medium handling system, which then displays the information on a display unit. The operator compares the information displayed on the display unit with the predetermined information embossed on the portable memory medium, and thereby determines the authenticity of the embossed predetermined information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an embossed card on which embossed characters are formed. The apparatus performing the method by optically reading embossed characters and producing corresponding electrical signals. The produced corresponding electrical signals are then compared with characteristic data of a predetermined set of characters. From this comparison, identification of the embossed characters is determined.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of verifying objects utilize an inherent randomly varying and detectable characteristic of a recordable magnetic region affixed to the object. Detectability of the randomly varying magnetic characteristic can be enhanced by recording a selected electrical signal thereon. Digital and analog signals may be used. Both saturation and nonsaturation forms of recording can be used. A verification apparatus senses the enhanced randomly varying magnetic characteristic and compares it to a prestored representative profile previously created. Correspondence between the prestored profile and the currently read characteristic indicates an authentic object. Other objects can be rejected.

Abstract: A menu device comprises(a) a card having a transparent section,(b) indicia on the card listing items to be selected,(c) bubbles on the card transparent section in alignment with the indicia, the bubbles having positions on the card representative of items to be selected,(d) each bubble having a first position projecting in one direction outwardly from the plane of the card, and a second position into which it is displaced relative to the plane of the card, by finger pressure, to indicate selection of items corresponding to bubble position on the card.

Abstract: An information carrier (17) has formations (20,21) which are engaged by contact elements (30,32) during insertion of the carrier into a receiving member (39) the movement of the contact elements is amplified and transmitted by levers (26,33) to respective means (25,34) for providing electrical signals representing movement of the contact elements.

Abstract: An access card having a card body including a plurality of hinged tab members which can be pivoted between a first position in a first plane and a second position in a second plane so that the selected pivoted ones of the tab members in the second position provide a particular coded information for checking the authenticity of a user of the access card. The tab members are arranged in a side-by-side position with a partition member disposed between adjacent tab members. Abutment members are provided on opposite sides of each tab member, and abutment portions are provided on opposite sides of each partition member for engagement with the tab abutment members to maintain the selected tab members in the depressed second position. Preferably, the tab members and partition members are parts of an insert member which is secured to the card body.

Abstract: A single unitary terminal configuration includes a card reader for reading data contained on a credit or debit card, a communications system for accessing a central database for authorization purposes, an input/output system for inputting alphanumeric data into the terminal, and for displaying audio and visual signals concerning the use of the terminal and the card's status, and a printer for printing data onto a receipt. The terminal preferably includes a fixed head magnetic card reader for reading magnetic stripes of credit or debit cards. The card reader is preferably of an insertion type having a card receiving channel opening at an edge of the terminal housing.

Abstract: A secured point-of-sale mechanism is provided by a closable two compartment housing having (1) a secured portion which includes a printer and a plurality of signal devices for verifying that the mechanism is in a "locked" state and (2) an unsecured portion which cooperates with said secured portion in such a manner that transactions involving credit cards, negotiable instruments and the like are protected against unauthorized intervention. In certain preferred embodiments of this invention, the mechanism further comprises (a) means for accessing a computer system maintained by issuers of credit cards, negotiable instruments, etc., (b) means to access an external communication in order to identify a payor of a negotiable instrument and to perform an electronic funds transfer, (c) telephonic means to communicate with issuers of credit cards, negotiable instruments etc., and (d) a keypad, for customer use, which is located outside the closable two compartment housing.

Abstract: A credit card security system includes a system to generate a security code number determined by the spatial positions of corresponding data in two different forms of encoded data on the card. The system generates the security code number each time a card is used and compares it to a stored security number generated in the same way when the card was first encoded or previously used. The system is described in terms of a card having a familiar magnetic stripe and embossed character encoding, and apparatus for sensing the embossed characters is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security paper with a hallmark in the form of a coating applied by vacuum deposition techniques to the surface of a paper substrate. The coating is very thin and almost invisible to the naked eye even as a metal layer, although permitting accurate automatic or machine examination for verification purposes. the absorption of the hallmarks in a certain range of the wavelength of the spectrum, the exiting spcetrum of luminescence, the photoconductivity and/or the electrical conductivity of the hallmarks are characteristics used during the automatic examination of the authenticity of the security paper.

Abstract: A credit card including a credit card body bearing the usual information representing the type of card, as well as raised encoded symbols on the card for identifying the card owner, the card having a plurality of foldable tabs with each of the tabs being provided with a different code associated therewith. Folding of selective ones of the tabs, by the card user, provides an additional encoded identification for determining the authenticity of the individual when presenting the card to a vendor.

Abstract: Apparatus for collection of aluminum containers and for direct payment of refund deposits for containers bearing a distinguishing indicia, including an exterior housing having an access port therein, a container access area sized to accomodate both crushed and non-crushed containers, an aluminum detector for determining whether a container offered by a customer is substantially aluminum, an optical scanning device for detecting the presence of the distinguishing indicia, a movable shelf responsive to the aluminum detector and the optical scanning device for accepting a container identified as being substantially aluminum and bearing the distinguishing indicia, a dispenser for dispensing refunds for containers accepted, a crusher for crushing the containers, and a bag for storing the crushed containers.

Abstract: Device and method for reading indicia embossed, punched or impressed in a sheet of base material, such as credit-type cards and the like. The reader employs a head having a plurality of movable fingers disposed to sense the holes or embossing when the card is moved relative to the head. The fingers carry light guides thereon which are spaced from and disposed to transmit light from a fixed source. A light cut-off shield is disposed between the source of the light and the light guides to intercept and prevent or permit transmission of the light when the fingers pass over the embossed indicia or holes. Light detectors are disposed at the opposite terminus of the light guides to detect the presence or absence of light and produce electrical pulses corresponding thereto. These electrical pulses can be used or processed in any circuitry as information input correlating to the indicia on the base material, e.g.

Abstract: A nonconductive data carrier has arrays of ring-shaped metallic lamina in each data location, on one surface thereof, for providing information to be inductively read. The information or data is placed on the carrier by removing a portion of predetermined rings to separate the ring. A ring which is not separated will reduce the magnetic coupling when the rings are placed in a magnetic field during inductive reading of the data, while a separated ring will not reduce the magnetic coupling. The ring portions may be removed mechanically, by milling or grinding, or by melting the ring portion. The ring portion may be melted by a capacitive discharge between two electrodes placed on the ring portion to be removed or by inducing a sufficiently strong short-circuit current in the ring to melt the ring portion.

Abstract: Containers and an apparatus for sensing containers such as beverage cans, which cans include means for identifying the beverage cans on which a return payment is to be made. The containers on which a deposit is made will be identified in a particular way to indicate that upon return a return payment is to be made. The present device provides an automatic, individual container sensing unit used as shown in combination with a crushing device for sensing whether the can is proper for repayment, and crushing the container subsequent to proper identification.

Abstract: Device and method for reading indicia embossed, punched or impressed in a sheet of base material, such as credit-type cards and the like. The reader employs a head having a plurality of movable fingers disposed to sense the holes or embossing when the card is moved relative to the head. The fingers carry light guides thereon which are spaced from and disposed to transmit light from a fixed source. A light cut-off shield is disposed between the source of the light and the light guides to intercept and prevent or permit transmission of the light when the fingers pass over the embossed indicia or holes. Light detectors are disposed at the opposite terminus of the light guides to detect the presence or absence of light and produce electrical pulses corresponding thereto. These electrical pulses can be used or processed in any circuitry as information input correlating to the indicia on the base material, e.g.

Abstract: A system for introducing the instructions of a program into an accounting or similar programmable office machine comprises a drum mounted rotatable into a container and carrying at its periphery a plurality of removable and programmable code bars. A feed mechanism and a reading unit are disposed into the office machine for rotating step by step the drum with respect to the container to bring serially the code bars in front of the reading unit. A locking mechanism locks the container into the office machine during the reading cycle. At the end of the reading of the program the locking mechanism is released allowing the container to be removed from the office machine.

Abstract: A credit card system for providing verification of authority of a credit card bearer to use the credit card for a credit transaction. Initial authorization of card use is given to the authorized user upon selection by the user of one of a set of supplemental characters appearing on the card as the authorized user's private identifier. Presentation of the card at a point of sale initiates a check of this private identifier against a supplemental character identified by the presenter of the card as his/her private identifier.