Abstract: A vehicle may include a frame structure, a body mounted to the frame structure, and a vehicle navigation system. The vehicle navigation system may include a navigation sensor mounted to the frame structure, and a processor in communication with the navigation sensor. The navigation sensor may be configured to detect reference elements disposed in or on a road on which the vehicle travels. The processor may be configured to receive, from the navigation sensor, signals indicative of a sequence or pattern of detected reference elements. The processor may also be configured to determine, using the received signals, at least one of a position, velocity, or orientation of the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader comprising a groove for shifting of a magnetic card and a magnetic read head mounted on a first printed-circuit board so as to enable reading of a magnetic stripe of the magnetic card. The magnetic read head has a tunnel magnetoresistance sensor called a TMR magnetic sensor positioned in a recess of a side wall of the groove.

Abstract: A linear rotary encoder includes a pair of rotational surfaces. A contact belt has a first end coupled to a first rotational surface in the pair and a second end coupled to a second rotational surface in the pair. The contact belt is driven to rotate around the pair of rotational surfaces by a driving force applied to media to move the media from the first end toward the second end. An encoding scale is coupled to an inner surface of the contact belt. A reader is positioned to read the encoding scale as the contact belt rotates around the pair of rotational surfaces. The reader generates an output signal indicating a position of the media based on reading of the encoding scale.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic control unit (ECU) includes a normal mode and a protected mode. In the protected mode a new security artifact is stored in a microcontroller. The security artifact is transferred from the microcontroller to a microprocessor, and, after having received the security artifact, the microprocessor uses the security artifact for authenticating a program.

Abstract: A reader device for reading information stored on a magnetic strip containing a plurality of polarized magnets, each providing a magnetic flux, said reader device including: a magnetoresistive sensor including a plurality of magnetoresistive elements and configured for reading the information stored on the magnetic strip and outputting a read signal; a processing module configured for decoding the read signal and extracting binary data; wherein the read signal includes amplitude information of the magnetic flux; and wherein the processing module is further configured for decoding the read signal using the amplitude information of the read signal is described. Further, an amplitude decoding method for decoding the read signal outputted by the reader device is described.

Abstract: In some implementations, a device may determine whether an existing record for a file, received at a file storage location, is present in a record log. The device may generate, based on determining that the existing record for the file is not present in the record log, a record for the file in the record log. The record may identify the file and a first region. The device may determine, after generating the record, whether the record has been changed to identify a second region. The device may process the file based on determining that the record has not been changed to identify the second region.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an emergency communication (EC) system includes an emergency notification application for generating and receiving one or more emergency notification messages; a Websocket server for connecting one or more computing devices configured with the emergency notification application; a cloud-based storage server, wherein the storage server is configured for storing a plurality of rules for determining one or more actions to be taken in an emergency; and one or more communication channel identifiers for distributing the emergency notification messages to the one or more computing devices.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring patterns of commands provided by a self-service terminal controller, identifying potential fraud in the monitored patterns of commands, and suspending operation of a dispenser of the self-service terminal responsive to the identification of potential fraud.

Abstract: An example method may include transmitting a noise signal through a reader connection of a magnetic reader element. The control component and the magnetic reader element may be associated with a card reader device of a transaction device, and the magnetic reader element may be configured to read a magnetic strip of a transaction card. The method may include receiving, from the magnetic reader element, a reader connection signal from the reader connection. The reader connection signal may include the noise signal. The method may include extracting, from the reader connection signal, a card information signal associated with the transaction card from the magnetic strip. The card information signal may be extracted based on the noise signal. The method may include performing an action associated with the card information signal.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a plurality of magnetoresistive element units. Each of the magnetoresistive element units includes a flat-surface-type first magnetoresistive element having a detection axis in a first direction and a flat-surface-type second magnetoresistive element having a detection axis in a second direction different from the first direction. The first magnetoresistive element and the second magnetoresistive element are arranged so as to face each other. The plurality of magnetoresistive element units are arrayed in a direction orthogonal to flat surfaces of the first magnetoresistive element and the second magnetoresistive element. The surfaces facing a measurement sample constitute a surface parallel to the direction in which the magnetoresistive element units are arrayed.

Abstract: A stand for positioning a mobile device comprises a quick attach mount configured to receive a mobile device and a height-adjustable upright member connected to support the quick attach mount and adjustable to position the quick attach mount within a desired height range for users.

Abstract: A payment terminal includes a magnetic card reader slot having a magnetic head, an IC card reader slot configured to be front of a user, and a first board with a touch area for a contactless payment arranged diagonally upward toward the user. The magnetic card reader slot is arranged toward the user obliquely upward with respect to a direction parallel to the plane. The magnetic card reader slot and the IC card reader slot are arranged, so that a swipe direction of the magnetic card into the magnetic card reader slot and an insertion direction of an IC card into the IC card reader slot are substantially perpendicular to each other. The magnetic card reader slot, the IC card reader slot, and the first board are arranged in this order from the plane in a height direction.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising: a near field communication (NFC) module; a magnetic stripe data transmission (MST) module; and at least one processor functionally coupled to the NFC module and the MST module, wherein the processor is configured to: select at least one of the NFC module or the MST module; and transmit payment information to an external device by using the selected module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enabling card as well as a system and method for completing a financial transaction in a P.O.S. terminal comprising: a processor carried by the enabling card for: establishing a connection with a mobile device; receiving secure information from a mobile device and generating a digital signal; a coil carried by the enabling card for generating a magnetic field in response to the digital signal to simulate the swipe of card in the P.O.S. terminal and complete the financial transaction.

Abstract: A method includes sensing magnet information at a plurality of magnet positions on a cannula and determining identification information for the cannula based on the magnet information.

Abstract: A rotary input device includes a base, a cover, a column, one or more first magnets, one or more second magnets, a plurality of magnetic sensors, and a signal processing circuit. The cover includes a cap portion and a side wall vertically extending from the cap portion. The column surrounded by the side wall includes a first end for connecting to the base and a second end for connecting to the cover. The first magnet surrounds the column and is configured on the cover. The second magnet surrounds the first magnet and is configured on the base. The magnetic sensors are configured on a lateral surface of the column and coupled to the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for coding and identifying plate-type workpieces are provided. The methods include: coding a workpiece by producing a code with a local modification in a material structure of a base material of the workpiece within a coding region, reading out the code by performing an eddy-current measurement of a local distribution of an electrical conductivity and/or a permeability of the base material by an eddy-current sensor along a reading-out section in a reading region at least partially including the coding region, a signal calibrated to a distance of the eddy-current sensor from a surface of the reading region being determined for reading out the code, storing the read-out code in a storage device, repeating the reading out of the code by repeatedly performing the eddy-current measurement, and identifying the workpiece by comparing the stored read-out code in the storage device and the repeated read-out code.

Abstract: A card reader includes a digital connector such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug or an Apple® Lightning® plug. The digital connector includes a corresponding connector interface, which provides voltage to at least a card reader interface and an integrated circuit (IC) of the card reader. The card reader interface outputs an analog transaction information signal upon reading the card. The IC generates a digital version of the analog transaction information signal, encrypts the digital version, converts that into an analog audio signal. The audio signal can then be sent to the connector interface, which converts it into a digital signal such as a USB or Apple® Lightning® signal that is sent by the digital connector to a mobile device. Alternately, the audio signal can be sent to a microcontroller that converts the audio signal to a digital format such as USB, and then to the digital connector.

Abstract: Systems, methods and tools for securely scheduling appointments, maintenance and repairs of vehicles. The system may be an automated service kiosk available 24 hours a day. A customer can schedule services, drop off and pick up keys for receiving service at any time that may be convenient for the customer, without regard for the normal operating hours of the service provider and may do so without having to interact with an employee of the service provider. Automated customer recognition may be performed using license scanning or biometric scanning. The user may select a service from a menu of services and deposit keys (or key fobs) within the kiosk system or receive keys therefrom. Upon returning to complete the service transaction customers may scan a paper or digital receipt provided during the initial scheduling of the service and tender payment via the kiosk or using digital currency.

Abstract: A card reader is provided which is capable of detecting a skimming magnetic head attached to a front side of a card insertion member formed with a card insertion port and a skimming magnetic head attached to an inclined face of the card insertion port with a simple structure. The card reader includes a card insertion member 8 formed with a card insertion port 3 and a light emitting element 9 and a light receiving element for detecting that a foreign matter has been attached to the card insertion member 8. A lower face of the card insertion port 3 is formed to be an inclined face 3a which is inclined toward a lower side as going to the front side.

Abstract: A device may include one or more sources such as circuit elements and electrical components that function as sources for physically unclonable function (PUF) data. PUF data may be acquired from the PUF sources and one or more error correction codes may be applied to the PUF data. The resulting PUF values may be used to generate information that may be used for device security operations such as encryption and tamper detection.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable of communicating information to a magnetic stripe reader. Information used in validating a financial transaction is encrypted based on time such that a validating server requires receipt of the appropriate encrypted information for a period of time to validate a transaction for that period of time. Such dynamic information may be communicated using such an emulator such that a card may be swiped through a magnetic stripe reader—yet communicate different information based on time. An emulator may receive information as well as communicate information to a variety of receivers (e.g., an RFID receiver).

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device programming apparatus includes a transport system (102) to transport media (104) in a transport direction (106), and an RFID device reader (112) to obtain first device identification data from a first RFID device (108) on the media and second device identification data from a second RFID device (110) on the media that is offset from the first RFID device in the transport direction. A first RFID device programmer (114) may program the first RFID device associated with the first device identification data, and a second RFID device programmer (116) may program the second RFID device associated with the second device identification data.

Abstract: A card may detect variations (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration and direction) of a read head in relation to the card. Based on certain parameters (e.g., card length, initially detected read head position, and read head velocity) the card may change communicated bit parameters (e.g., bit period) so that a total number of data bits may be communicated by the card to the read head while the read head remains within a communication distance of the card.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of ticket checking technologies, and provides a ticket checking device including an identifier and a control unit; the identifier is configured to identify ticket surface information of a ticket presented by a user; and the control unit is configured to compare the ticket surface information identified by the identifier with preset ticket surface information corresponding to the seat.

Abstract: A dial device includes a base, a cover, a column, a magnet, a magnetic sensor and a signal processing circuit. The cover includes a cap portion and a side wall vertically extending from the cap portion. The column surrounded by the wall includes a first end for connecting to the base and a second end for connecting to the cover. The magnet surrounds the column and is disposed on the base or the cover. The magnetic sensor is disposed on a side surface of the column and coupled to the signal processing circuit. When the cover rotates relative to the base, the magnet rotates around the magnetic sensor, and the magnetic field strengths sensed by the magnetic sensor vary. The signal processing circuit determines the relative rotation direction between the cover and the base according to the difference of the magnetic field strengths sensed by the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a frame including sidewalls; a platen roller supported by the frame, through bearings, the platen roller being configured to rotate with a rotational shaft; a thermal head disposed opposite the platen roller; a support member for supporting the thermal head, the support member being configured to be pivoted with respect to the frame; and an adjustment mechanism disposed between the rotational shaft of the platen roller and the thermal head, the adjustment mechanism allowing a distance between the rotational shaft of the platen roller and the thermal head to be adjusted, while contacting at least one from among components of the platen roller and components of the thermal head, so that a gap between the thermal head and the platen roller is adjusted.

Abstract: A detection activity of a card may be sensitive to capacitance changes in one or more pads on the card, where a capacitance change detected in a pad during a first time period does not affect a capacitance change detected in the pad during subsequent time period(s). Accordingly, the detection activity may remain sensitive to a faster-moving device with greater accuracy in a determination of position, velocity and/or acceleration of the faster-moving device in relation to the card. A second detection activity may follow a first detection activity, which may increase a probability of a successful communication sequence subsequent to the first detection activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling tokens. In one aspect, a token is intercepted by a data processor and a contact is made with a detokenization provider by the data processor. In another aspect, token service is aggregated. In another aspect, tokenization is extended to physical cards, to deter certain kinds of fraud.

Abstract: A card exhibiting multiple linear arrays of sensors are provided to detect a presence and movement of an external object (e.g., a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader). Each sensor of each array of sensors may be independently connected to a dual port of a processor so that the processor may determine a direction in which the card is swiped through a magnetic stripe reader. A portion of sensors of each array of sensors may be shared by a portion of inputs and/or outputs of a single port of a processor. Sensors may be cross-coupled to a single processor port so that forward and reverse directions of a card swipe may nevertheless be detected by a single-port processor of a card.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting credit card skimmers are provided herein. A device can include a printed circuit board having a pattern of electrical traces on its surface, and a computer readable medium comprising instructions that cause a processor to direct an electrical voltage to a trace and detect an electrical current between two points of the trace. A gap can be disposed between the two points across which a voltage is applied in order to detect a magnetic reader. A count of the detected magnetic readers within a credit card reading device may be indicative of the presence of a credit card skimmer.

Abstract: Cards made in accordance with the invention include a specially treated thin decorative layer attached to a thick core layer of metal or ceramic material, where the thin decorative layer is designed to provide selected color(s) and/or selected texture(s) to a surface of the metal cards. Decorative layers for use in practicing the invention include: (a) an anodized metal layer; or (b) a layer of material derived from plant or animal matter (e.g., wood, leather); or (c) an assortment of aggregate binder material (e.g., cement, mortar, epoxies) mixed with laser reactive materials (e.g., finely divided carbon); or (d) a ceramic layer; and (e) a layer of crystal fabric material. The cards may be dual interface smart cards which can be read in a contactless manner and/or via contacts.

Abstract: A card reader may include a transport path; a housing; a magnetic head to read the magnetic information at a reading position of the transport; and a first inductive proximity sensor. The first inductive proximity sensor may include a first oscillation circuit; and first and second detection coils connected in parallel to the first oscillation circuit. The magnetic head may be accessible to the magnetic card from a first side of the transport path in a first direction perpendicular to a transport face of the magnetic card. Coil center lines of the first and second detection coils may extend in the first direction on the first side of the transport path. The first and second detection coils may be disposed adjacent to each other in the transport direction and structured to generate magnetic fields in opposite directions in the first direction when the first inductive proximity sensor is driven.

Abstract: An electronic device may have a display. The display may have an active region in which display pixels are used to display images. The display may have one or more openings and may be mounted in a housing associated with the electronic device. An electronic component may be mounted in alignment with the openings in the display. The electronic component may include a camera, a light sensor, a light-based proximity sensor, status indicator lights, a light-based touch sensor array, a secondary display that has display pixels that may be viewed through the openings, antenna structures, a speaker, a microphone, or other acoustic, electromagnetic, or light-based component. One or more openings in the display may form a window through which a user of the device may view an external object. Display pixels in the window region may be used in forming a heads-up display.

Abstract: A method and system for encouraging the selection of healthy products with a vending machine are provided. The method includes providing a vending machine that displays an inventory of products. Each product of the inventory of products includes a dispensing countdown time displayed on the vending machine. The method also includes receiving a first customer selection of a first product from the inventory of products, where the first product has a first dispensing countdown time. Additionally, the method includes actuating a countdown timer to count down to zero seconds from the first dispensing countdown time. The method also includes dispensing the first product once the countdown timer reaches zero seconds. The first product is only dispensed if a customer does not select a second product having a second dispensing countdown time before the first dispensing countdown time counts down to zero seconds.

Abstract: An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a memory, a coil, a waveform-generating circuit, and a processor configured to: obtain card information stored in the memory; when a first part of the card information is a first value, apply a first voltage or a first current having a first waveform to the coil, where a first tangential slope of a first amplitude of the first waveform for time changes in at least a part of a first interval corresponding to the first part; and when a second part of the card information is a second value, apply a second voltage or a second current having current second waveform to the coil, where a second tangential slope of a second amplitude of the second waveform for time changes in at least a part of a second interval corresponding to the second part.

Abstract: According to some aspects of the disclosure, an electronic ID device is configured to allow a user to select an account associated with the user to employ in a transaction. The electronic ID device comprises a biometric sensor configured to receive a biometric input provided by the user, a user interface configured to receive a user input, a communication interface configured to communicate with a secure registry, and a processor coupled to the biometric sensor to receive information concerning the biometric input.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to decoding the output of a multi-turn magnetic sensor using a successive approximation technique to detect a number of turns of a magnetic target. A decoder circuit can decode a turn count of the multi-turn magnetic sensor by obtaining measurements at nodes that are determined from values of previous measurements.

Abstract: An example method may include transmitting a noise signal through a reader connection of a magnetic reader element. The control component and the magnetic reader element may be associated with a card reader device of a transaction device, and the magnetic reader element may be configured to read a magnetic strip of a transaction card. The method may include receiving, from the magnetic reader element, a reader connection signal from the reader connection. The reader connection signal may include the noise signal. The method may include extracting, from the reader connection signal, a card information signal associated with the transaction card from the magnetic strip. The card information signal may be extracted based on the noise signal. The method may include performing an action associated with the card information signal.

Abstract: A payment reader and a POS terminal may communicate over a wireless connection. An original state of the payment reader can be used to determine a behavioral model, wherein the behavioral model defines an expected behavior of the payment entity. The system and method include detecting a change in the original state of the payment entity, wherein the change in the original state is triggered by another payment entity not authorized by the merchant; comparing the change of the original state with a threshold deviation defined by the behavioral model; and if the change of state is not within the threshold deviation, performing one or more actions to revert the payment entity to the original state.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a magnetic security feature of a valuable document including a transport apparatus configured to transport the valuable document through the apparatus, sensors configured as magnetic sensors and having at least two security feature sensors and at least one compensation sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to receive the signals output by the sensors, wherein the sensors are arranged and configured in a line parallel to the transport plane and transversely with respect to the direction of transport. The sensors are arranged at a distance from the transport plane such that the distance of the security feature sensors is configured to capture a security feature by means of at least one of the security feature sensors, and that the distance of the compensation sensor is configured not to capture a security feature by means of the compensation sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic jammer for a card reader and structured to generate a magnetic field for jamming illegal reading of magnetic data stored on a card may include a core including magnetic material; a coil wound around the core and structured to generate a jamming magnetic field; a case accommodating the core and the coil; and a resin sealant filling the inside of the case and covering the core and the coil. The core and the coil may be disposed apart from an inner face of the case such that the core and the coil do not come into contact with the inner face of the case. A portion of the resin sealant may be disposed between the core and the inner face of the case and between the coil and the inner face of the case.

Abstract: A rotation detection device includes a detection unit and a determination circuit unit. A first magnetoresistive element pair, a second magnetoresistive element pair and a third magnetoresistive element pair are located to be farther from the end part than a fourth magnetoresistive element pair and a fifth magnetoresistive element pair are. The second magnetoresistive element pair is located in a region surrounded by the first magnetoresistive element pair, the third magnetoresistive element pair, the fourth magnetoresistive element pair and the fifth magnetoresistive element pair. The detection unit is to generate a main signal based on outputs of the first magnetoresistive element pair, the second magnetoresistive element pair and the third magnetoresistive element pair and to generate a sub signal based on outputs of the fourth magnetoresistive element pair and the fifth magnetoresistive element pair.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology teaches integrating disc drive electronics into a transducer head. Decreased electrical transit times and data processing times can be achieved by placing the electronics on or within the transducer head because electrical connections may be made physically shorter than in conventional systems. The electronics may include one or more of a control system circuit, a write driver, and/or a data buffer. The control system circuit generates a modified clock signal that has a fixed relation to phase and frequency of a bit-detected reference signal that corresponds to positions of patterned bits on the disc. The write driver writes outgoing data bits received from an external connection to off-head electronics directly to the writer synchronized with the modified clock signal. The data buffer stores and converts digital data bits sent from the off-head electronics to an analog signal that is synchronized with the modified clock signal.

Abstract: A wireless sensor includes at least one undulating electrical conductor. The undulating electrical conductor(s) extends along a spiral path between its first end and second end that remain electrically unconnected. Each undulating electrical conductor has inductance and capacitance wherein, in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the undulating electrical conductor(s) resonates to generate a harmonic response.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of reading DPM codes on objects therewith are provided. An apparatus includes a housing and a first imaging assembly housed within the housing and includes a first image sensor. The apparatus also has a second imaging assembly housed within the housing and includes a second image sensor. The apparatus also includes an illumination assembly configured to provide an illumination light having a central illumination axis. At least two of a FOV central axis of the first imaging assembly, a second FOV central axis of the second imaging assembly, and the central illumination axis pass through a plane within a first distance of no greater than about 40 mm of each other. The plane being (i) normal to the first FOV central axis and (ii) a second distance between about 0 to about 5 inches from a nose of the housing.

Abstract: According to some aspects of the disclosure, an electronic ID device is configured to allow a user to select an account associated with the user to employ in a transaction. The electronic ID device comprises a biometric sensor configured to receive a biometric input provided by the user, a user interface configured to receive a user input, a communication interface configured to communicate with a secure registry, wherein the communication interface includes a near field communication transceiver, and a processor coupled to the biometric sensor to receive information concerning the biometric input.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system includes a power transmitter configured to provide a power transfer to a power receiver via a power transfer signal. The power receiver includes a first mode controller configured to transmit a standby mode exit request to the power transmitter by changing a loading of a communication inductor of the power transmitter. The power transmitter includes a mode controller configured to control the power transmitter to operate in a standby mode where a presence of the power receiver is detected but no power transfer signal is generated. A detector is configured to detect an impedance change of the communication inductor. The mode controller is configured to initiate a transition from the standby mode to a power transfer mode in response to the detector detecting the impedance change.

Abstract: A method for authenticating an additively manufactured (AM) object is disclosed herein. A computing device obtains a measurement that is indicative of a stochastic distribution of dopant incorporated into the AM object. The computing device generates authentication data for the AM object based upon the measurement, and authenticates the AM object based upon the authentication data.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader module includes a magnetic sensor and an adjacent groove, a micro controller microcontroller and an application. The magnetic sensor is configured to pickup an analog magnetic signal generated by swiping a magnetic stripe through the groove. The magnetic stripe is attached to a card and comprises tracks with magnetically encoded data. The microcontroller is configured to convert the analog magnetic signal into a digital signal. The application is configured to analyze the digital signal, and to perform soft-decision decode of the digital signal and to generate an output comprising the magnetically encoded data and side information providing card swipe information feedback.