Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently communicating information to/from an RFID reader are provided. According to one embodiment, a command is received by a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) reader from a handheld computer via an audio connection of the handheld computer. Responsive to the command, a tag scanning process is initiated by the RFID reader to cause all RFID tags within range of the RFID reader to communicate their unique IDs to the RFID reader. A unique ID of an RFID tag is received by an RFID transceiver of the RFID reader. Responsive to receipt of the unique ID, the RFID reader: (i) assigns a short tag ID to the RFID tag and creates an entry in a table having stored therein the short tag ID and the unique ID; and (ii) reports detection of the RFID tag by transmitting to the handheld computer the short tag ID and the unique ID.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic sensor includes: a case disposed facing an object that is to be detected; a plurality of magnetic sensing portions accommodated inside the case; and a magnetic generator disposed inside the case, between the plurality of magnetic sensing portions and the object that is to be detected.

Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for reading magnetic information by a mobile device are presented. In example embodiments, the mobile device comprises a housing having an integrated surface for swiping a magnetic swipe card and a magnetometer, positioned within the housing, for detecting direction and strength of magnetic fields to read magnetic information from a variety of sources and to produce digital magnetometer output signals. The digital magnetometer output signals represent magnetic information derived from the magnetic swipe card and from the Earth's magnetic fields (or other sources). Each of the digital magnetometer output signals having a magnitude related to the strength of the detected magnetic fields. The mobile device determines at least some of the digital magnetometer output signals represent the magnetic information derived from the magnetic swipe card and provides that information to a magnetic card application for processing.

Abstract: A method of transmitting encrypted information to a mobile device and a payment service uses a card reader. The card reader has device electronics that include a microcontroller with logic resources with code and an output jack. A raw magnetic head signal is received from a reading of the card in the slot. The raw magnetic head signal is converted into a processed digital signal that the microcontroller can interpret. The logic resources and the code create both an encryption and signed signal. An encrypted and signed output jack message is delivered to the mobile device through the output jack based on the contents of the signal, with at least a portion of the output jack signal being encrypted.

Abstract: The recognition rate is improved and recognition errors are suppressed when recognizing magnetic ink characters. When the magnetic ink character 101 one character before the target character to which a magnetic recognition process is applied is not recognized, the character recognition unit 80 of a check reader 1 detects a different peak in a specific range before and after the position of the peak detected as the first peak of the one preceding magnetic ink character 101 in the signal waveform data, extracts character waveform data for the one preceding magnetic ink character 101 from the signal waveform data based on the position of the detected different peak, and applies the magnetic recognition process to the extracted character waveform data.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a fill image of a bank note being processed. At least one magnetoresistive detector is employed to obtain line-scan sensings of a bank note as the note passes. A central processing unit obtains the sensing as magnetic pattern data which is subsequently stored in a database for processing.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) device includes a resonance unit and an NFC chip. The resonance unit emits an electromagnetic wave to communicate data with an external NFC card in a reader mode. The NFC chip estimates a distance between the resonance unit and the external NFC card based on an antenna voltage generated by the resonance unit while the resonance unit emits the electromagnetic wave, and adjusts a magnitude of the electromagnetic wave based on the estimated distance.

Abstract: A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions, such as spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digitated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemical batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RF ID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired.

Abstract: A decoding system with a decoding engine running on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a buyer's financial transaction card, accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of a buyer's financial transaction card until the signals reach a steady state, detects the read of the buyer's financial transaction card once the incoming signals are in a steady state, identifies peaks in the incoming signals and digitizes the identified peaks in the incoming signals into bits. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. A payment system is in communication with the transaction engine.

Abstract: A small card reader has a read head with a slot and positioned in a housing. The read head is configured to be coupled to a mobile device. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe from a card that is slid in the slot and produces an output jack signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted in a port of the mobile device and deliver the output jack signal to the mobile device. The read head positioned to accommodate rocking of a card while being swept in the slot while producing a successful read of the magnetic stripe of the card. The rocking is in an amount of 1 to 10 degrees of rotation of a bottom surface of the card away from a bottom surface of the slot.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader module includes a magnetic sensor and an adjacent groove, a micro controller and an application. The magnetic sensor is configured to pick-up 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.

Abstract: A smart phone payment management system includes a synthetic barcode module and near field communication module. Each module is configured to wirelessly convey payment information to a point of sale, with the synthetic barcode module being available for use if the point of sale is not equipped with a compatible near field communication terminal.

Abstract: Provided is a method of fabricating a magnetic axis-controlled structure. The method of fabricating a magnetic axis-controlled structure includes providing a composition including magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid medium, applying a magnetic field to the composition to align the magnetic nanoparticles along the magnetic field and form a magnetic axis, and solidifying the liquid medium to fix the magnetic axis.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method to control a resonance frequency of a device subject to wireless power transmission interference. The apparatus and method include supplying power from a printed circuit board (PCB) to an integrated circuit (IC) during exposure to a wireless power transmission environment experiencing mutual resonance. The apparatus and method also include a resonance frequency of the PCB based on a change in the supply of power.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for discriminating between high and low coercivity magnets is disclosed. The sensor comprises a first magnetic field operable to orient high and low coercivity magnets in a first magnetic orientation. The sensor also comprises a second magnetic field, lower in strength than the first magnetic field, and operable to orient only the low coercivity magnets in a second magnetic orientation opposite to the first magnetic orientation. The sensor further comprises a sensor for ascertaining the magnetic orientation of each of the magnets and thereby identifying if a magnet is a high coercivity magnet or a low coercivity magnet.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a microsphere having a structural color, which includes providing a composition for generating a structural color including a curable material and magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in the curable material, forming an emulsion by adding the composition for generating a structural color to an immiscible solvent, arranging the magnetic nanoparticles located in the emulsion droplet of the curable material in a one-dimensional chain structure by applying a magnetic field to the emulsion, and fixing the chain structure by curing the emulsion droplet.

Abstract: A technique for tamper protection of incoming data signal to an electronic device is disclosed. An intentional interference signal is generated and modulated onto the incoming data signal as one composite input signal, to prevent unauthorized acquisition of valid data from the incoming data signal. The magnitude of the interference signal is adjusted to correspond to the magnitude of the incoming data signal, thereby preventing an attacker from properly differentiating the two different signals and/or decoding the valid data from the composite input signal. Once the composite input signal is safely received within the device, the interference signal can be filtered out in either analog mode or digital mode.

Abstract: A magnet is disposed on one side of a conveyance plane in which a sheet-like medium to be read is conveyed and generates a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance plane. A magnetoresistive effect element is disposed between the magnet and the conveyance plane, and detects an intensity variation in a conveyance direction component of the magnetic field in a magnetic reading area. An imaging optical system and a light receiver are disposed on the side opposite to the magnet side with respect to the conveyance plane. The imaging optical system forms an image of an optical reading area on the light receiver, the optical reading area including at least a portion in the conveyance direction of the magnetic reading area of the conveyance plane.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a transaction engine running on a mobile device. In response to a financial transaction between a buyer and a seller, the transaction uses the mobile device to accept information selected including but not limited to information from financial transaction or information pertaining to financial transaction card used by the buyer in the transaction. At least a portion of this information is communicated with a third party financial institution or payment network to authorize the transaction. Encrypted information is sent to the third party payment system authorizing a financial transaction.

Abstract: A hard disk device includes a main body and a temperature alarm circuit. The temperature alarm circuit includes a temperature detecting module detecting an internal temperature of the hard disk device, a control chip electrically coupled to the temperature detecting module to receive the internal temperature and configured to compare the internal temperature with a first preset temperature and a second preset temperature, a voltage pull-up module electrically coupled to the control chip, and an alarm module electrically coupled to the voltage pull-up module. The control chip outputs a control signal to the voltage pull-up module, the voltage pull-up module pulls up voltage of the control signal, and transmits the voltage pulled up control signal to the alarm module, and the alarm module alarms, in event that the internal temperature is higher than or equal to the first preset temperature or less than or equal to the second preset temperature.

Abstract: A reader for a card having an information strip, the reader comprising a first movable member, a read head capable of reading the information strip, the read head disposed on the first movable member and a second movable member which upon translation causes the first movable member to translate in a direction opposite to the second movable member. The reader includes a guide slot disposed in line with the direction of translation of the second movable element such that when a card is placed in the guide slot and subsequently moved transversely along the guide slot, the card urges the first movable member in the opposite direction and moving the head across the information strip as the information strip is moved in the opposite direction as the read head movement.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that include sampling a light intensity signal at different frequencies based on the waveform of the signal to produce a more accurate digitized signal. The light intensity signal is an analog signal proportional to the intensity of light received at a detector of a pulse oximetry system. In one embodiment, the signal may be sampled exponentially during pulse width periods, such that the end of the pulse width periods where the signal reaches a maximum amplitude may be sampled more frequently. The signal may also be exponentially sampled or oversampled during periods when the signal is expected to near a maximum amplitude. Further, the signal may be sampled less frequently during low amplitude periods of the signal, and during dark periods, such that processing power may be conserved.

Abstract: An information reproduction device for use with a magnetic recording medium storing information may include an analog/digital (AD) converter structured to convert an analog signal, which is reproduced from the information recorded in the magnetic recording medium, into a digital signal; a peak detecting unit structured to detect a peak point of the reproduced signal, from the digital signal, according to a threshold as a judgment level in accordance with an output of the AD converter; and an information generating unit for generating structured to generate a rectangular waveform signal of the reproduced signal, waveform-shaped according to interval information of peak points detected by the peak detecting unit.

Abstract: A digital measurement system and method for optical applications including a mobile client device having a digital camera and an audio port, and a laser measurement device having a laser and a magnetic card reader. The laser measurement device and the magnetic card reader are electrically connected to the audio port of the mobile client device. The mobile client device is configured to activate the laser at the same time as the digital camera is activated, capture an image of a patient, and calculate position of wear measurements based on a location of a laser mark in the captured image. The mobile client device also allows an order for a frame and lenses to be submitted to an ophthalmic laboratory, and payment transactions to be processed using the magnetic card reader.

Abstract: A card is provided, such as a credit card or security card, that may transmit information to a magnetic stripe reader via a magnetic emulator. The emulator may transmit the information serially in order to reduce the amount of circuitry needed to emulate a particular block of information. Additionally, for example, a serial encoder may send any amount of information through a single emulation segment. Such a magnetic emulator may be provided on a credit card. A dynamic credit card number may be provided by, for example, coding a number with a different coding scheme for different periods of time. The magnetic emulator may be utilized to transmit a particular coded number for a particular period of time. In this manner, a dynamic credit card number may be provided such that to help secure, and progress, a payment transaction.

Abstract: A door lock/unlock system for a building automatically controls locking and unlocking of a door. A door lock controller interfaces with an electronic door lock and receives messages including door lock commands from a local receiver. In turn, the local receiver interfaces with a hub device through a mesh network. The hub applies a rule set to make lock operation decisions, and sends messages comprising commands to operate the door lock through the mesh network to the local receiver. The local receiver decodes the messages and passes the commands to the door lock controller to automatically control the electronic door lock. A door state device checks the state of the door. When the checking mechanism indicates that the message was not received or the lock operation failed, the system alerts the user to take appropriate lock action.

Abstract: A method comprising, at a reader, performing at least one transaction-based risk management process prior to energizing a contactless interface, initiating communication with a card utilized for a contactless transaction, receiving information associated with the card, terminating communication with the card, and authorizing the contactless transaction.

Abstract: A proxy card comprising a swipe speed sensor that detects the speed at which the proxy card is traveling through a magnetic card reader and a microcontroller that uses the swipe speed to adjust a rate at which magnetic stripe data stored in a memory on the proxy card is transmitted to a magnetic stripe emulator on the proxy card is disclosed. The magnetic stripe emulator emulates the magnetic stripe data by generating a magnetic field that changes at the rate at which the magnetic stripe data is received from the microcontroller to ensure that the changing magnetic field is readable by a magnetic stripe reader in the time it takes to complete the swipe. The rate at which the magnetic stripe data is transmitted to the magnetic stripe emulator can be a predetermined multiple of the swipe speed of the proxy card.

Abstract: Apparatus for electronically notifying an individual of an incomplete transaction associated with a received correspondence item is provided. The apparatus may include a receiver for receiving a single paper correspondence item associated with a first correspondence. The apparatus may include a processor for deriving a digital image from the paper correspondence item. The processor may be configured to determine, based on the derived digital image, whether the correspondence item is a paper check. In response to the determination of the correspondence item as a paper check, the processor may be further configured to use a real-time notification channel to notify the individual of receipt of the paper check. The notification may be based, at least in part, on the identification of the individual. The processor may be further configured to use the real-time notification channel to present at least one option for identification of an account to which the check should be applied.

Abstract: There is provided a recording apparatus which can effectively execute compression processing regardless of the mixdown level, and which can thereby carry out the mastering process easily. A DSP mixes down audio signals assigned to a plurality of tracks into a stereo audio signal. When performing the mastering process, the DSP uses a peak value detected during the mixdown to adjust a threshold value for the compression processing, and carries out the compression processing using the adjusted threshold value. Subsequently, the DSP performs normalization processing so as to produce a master data, and records the master data in a recorder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an indwelling catheter having a cannula device (2, 4) and a reservoir, which is connected in a use position to the cannula device (2, 4), such that blood can flow from the cannula device (2, 4) into the reservoir (6), wherein the housing (3) has housing identifiers (8) and the reservoir (6) has reservoir identifiers (9), and the housing identifiers (8) and the reservoir identifiers (9) give mutually assigned codes. In addition, the disclosure relates to a transfusion cannula kit and the method for testing a transfusion system.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a card reader with a read head positioned in a housing. The read head is configured to be coupled to a mobile device and has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a raw magnetic signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. A power supply is coupled to wake-up electronics and a microcontroller. An output jack is adapted to be inserted in a port of the mobile device and deliver an output jack signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that communicates with a host device via audio channels includes an interfacing circuit that receives and transmits analog signals on the audio channels. Such audio channels are designed for audio speakers and microphones and the interfacing circuit transmits digital data based on the received analog signals. The integrated circuit includes a processing device that is electrically coupled to the interfacing circuit. The processing device receives the digital data from the interfacing circuit and adjusts at least one parameter of the interfacing circuit based on the received digital data. The interfacing circuit receives the digital data from the processing device and transmits analog signals on at least one of the audio channels based on the at least one adjusted parameter.

Abstract: A method for the compensation of disturbances upon magnetic measurements on value documents, in which a sensor having several measuring tracks for generating measurement signals is employed, in which for each value document a specified number of data records is generated, the value document not being captured by at least one of the measuring tracks during the measurement, wherein from the measurement signal of the at least one measuring track there is ascertained a value for the quantity of a disturbance present in the region of the sensor during the measurement on the value document, and a compensation of the deviations of the measurement signals of the measuring tracks capturing the value document, which deviations are caused by the disturbance present during the measurement, is carried out by means of said ascertained value for the quantity of the disturbance.

Abstract: A device and method for waveform transmission of transaction card data to a merchant point-of-sale device are provided. The device includes a memory device for storing data, a processor, and a transmitter. The device is programmed to receive transaction card data that mimics data stored within a magnetic stripe associated with a transaction card, convert the transaction card data to a first data file for storage within the memory device, transmit the first data file to the transmitter, and transmit a first waveform from the transmitter to the POS device, wherein the first waveform includes changes in a magnetic field that represent the transaction card data.

Abstract: A decoding system has a decoding engine running on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives as its input decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine. At least a portion of a first party's financial card information or information relative to a first party's financial account is used to create a mobile device payment application on the mobile device.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader module includes a magnetic sensor and an adjacent groove, a microcontroller and an application. The magnetic sensor is configured to pick-up 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.

Abstract: A mobile checkout system and method for completing a purchase transaction to purchase items from an internet merchant. A user browses and selects items for purchase from the merchant through a shopping application or browser. During the processing of the transaction, a checkout application installed on a mobile communication device is launched. The checkout application receives a checkout token created by a checkout server that identifies the purchase transaction. The checkout application uses this token and communicates with the checkout server to cause the checkout server to complete the purchase transaction. When the transaction is complete, the shopping application or browser is relaunched and a results page is displayed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses, methods and computer program products for registering a device. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: determine a device accesses an application; determine whether the device is a trusted device; in response to determining the device is not a trusted device, forward an approval request; and in response to receiving approval, register the device based on a device fingerprint associated with the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing and utilizing a tamper resistant 3D magnetic stripe reader integrated circuit in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional magnetic stripe reader integrated circuit (IC) includes at least one magnetic read sensor configured to generate a signal representative of information on a magnetic stripe, a decoding circuit configured to receive the signal from the at least one magnetic read sensor and generate a data signal, an encryption circuit configured to receive the data signal from the decoding circuit and generate an encrypted signal, a substrate layer, where the at least one magnetic read sensor, decoding circuit, and encryption circuit are mounted to the substrate layer, and IC packaging at least partially enclosing the at least one magnetic read sensor.

Abstract: A solid state magnetic sensor for sensing magnetic information on a magnetic track is provided. The solid state magnetic sensor includes at least one half of a Wheatstone bridge including at least two legs, each of the at least two legs including at least a portion of a strip of magnetic material, and barber pole nonmagnetic shorting bars arranged on the portions of the strip forming the at least two legs of the at least one half of the Wheatstone bridge. An inner gap between parallel and adjacent strips of a respective at least two legs is on the order of a transition length on the magnetic track to be sensed.

Abstract: Removable card for a contactless communication contains an antenna (4) formed of threads (10) placed on the external surface of the body (1) of the card and covered by a layer (7) of a ferromagnetic material. In advantageous adjustment the antenna (4) contains on one area (2) of the card eight threads (10) and both areas (2) of the card are covered by a layer (7) of a ferritic foil. The antenna (4) is connected to the series with element (12) with capacity and the resistance (11) on the other side. Resonant circuit is tuned in for the final frequency from 13.0 to 15.0 MHz. The signal from the antenna (4) is read between the first and the second thread (10) from the side of the element (12) with capacity.

Abstract: Method for broadcasting a magnetic stripe data packet from an electronic card by measuring a swipe speed of the electronic card past a magnetic reader head during a swipe of the electronic card past the magnetic reader head and then adjusting a broadcast signal containing the magnetic stripe data packet according to the measured swipe speed so that the magnetic stripe data packet in the broadcast signal is read by the magnetic reader head during said swipe. The swipe speed is measured by a speed sensor. The electronic card can contain a false swipe detection means so that the capacitive sensor changes from a sleep mode to an active mode after a wake up sensor is activated during the swipe and the swipe speed is measured by the capacitive sensor while it is in the active mode before the broadcast signal is broadcast during the swipe.

Abstract: A magnetic tag device for generating a magnetic tag includes one or more magnetic field sources. The one or more magnetic field sources are configured to generate magnetic fields that superimpose so as to form an overall magnetic field exhibiting a predefined magnetic identification pattern representing the magnetic tag. The magnetic tag is readable by a computing device.

Abstract: An improved document scanning device and a scanning method for checking the transparency and thickness of an identification document. In a preferred embodiment, any one surface of the document is illuminated by the illumination source facing the said surface and the opposite surface of the document is captured by the camera. The amount of light that passes through the illuminated surface of the document is measured and contrasted with the amount of light that passes through the same surface of a reference or original document. The scanning method is also capable of validating an identification document by detecting and authenticating any laser image imprinted on such document.

Abstract: A reader for a card having an information strip, the reader comprising a first movable member, a read head capable of reading the information strip, the read head disposed on the first movable member and a second movable member which upon translation causes the first movable member to translate in a direction opposite to the second movable member. The reader includes a guide slot disposed in line with the direction of translation of the second movable element such that when a card is placed in the guide slot and subsequently moved transversely along the guide slot, the card urges the first movable member in the opposite direction and moving the head across the information strip as the information strip is moved in the opposite direction as the read head movement.

Abstract: An approach for associating a card (e.g., a transaction card, an identification card, etc.) that corresponds to a primary account with one or more ancillary accounts (e.g., a library account, etc.) includes obtaining information from the card and associating that information with an ancillary account. The card may then be used to access the ancillary account. The card may be a transaction card and the primary account may be a financial account. The ancillary account may be a library account. When the card is a transaction card, fees associated with the ancillary account may be charged to the financial account.

Abstract: Reference equipment including a reference card and a reference reader is provided for testing electronic payment devices such as cards and card readers. The reference equipment includes reference cards and reference readers that respectively can be used to verify compliance of product cards and product readers with product specifications The product specifications may, for example, be the ISO 14443 Standard specifications which are commonly accepted in the electronic payment industry The reference equipment is designed to enhance interoperability of product payment devices whose functional behaviors may vary because of vendor customization of device specifications or due to manufacturing tolerances In some embodiments, the reference equipment includes a reference card for testing card readers The exemplary reference card can comprise a current mirror to permit an electronically adjustable variable load using an external controller The reference card electronic circuit can exhibit variable load conditions.

Abstract: A card reading machine includes a card reader for reading data on a magnetic card and a device for preventing reading of the data on the magnetic card by illegal card reading devices operatively associated with the card reading machine. The device for preventing may include an oscillator, a driver circuit and a coil for generating electromagnetic signals similar to data on a card. A method for preventing reading of data on a magnetic card by in illegal card reader in operative association with an apparatus having a card reader intended to read the data on the magnetic card includes producing a signal ruining the data collected by the illegal card reader. The apparatus having a card reader may include an insertion slot in which case the method may further include producing the signal near the insertion slot.

Abstract: Read head array stitching techniques are described. A card reader includes an array of magnetic sensors (a read head array) for retrieving account information from a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card. The magnetic sensors can be arranged in rows and columns. During a card swipe, each magnetic sensor receives a series of readings. A processor determines relative bit rates for each series of readings. The processor determines which sensor corresponds to which track of the magnetic stripe based on a comparison of the relative bit rates. The processor generates a data stream for at least one track based on portions of readings from each sensor during periods of time the sensor is determined to correspond to the track.