Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a conveyance system, a capacitance sensor, a processor, an image forming mechanism, and a tag writer. The conveyance system conveys paper. The capacitance sensor detects a value indicating the capacitance at a plurality of detection positions for the paper conveyed by the conveyance system. The processor detects that the paper conveyed by the conveyance system is provided with an RFID tag, and that the paper is being conveyed without overlapping with other paper based on the value indicating the capacitance detected at a plurality of detection positions by the capacitance sensor. If the processor detects that the paper is provided with an RFID tag and is conveyed without overlapping with other paper, the image forming mechanism forms an image on the paper. The tag writer writes data to the RFID tag provided on the paper on which the image forming mechanism forms the image.

Abstract: A physically unclonable function (PUF) device comprises a plurality of conductors, at least some of which are arranged so that they interact electrically and/or magnetically with one another. A media surrounds at least a portion of each of the conductors, and circuitry applies an electrical challenge signal to at least one of the conductors and for receiving an electrical output from at least one of the other conductors to generate an identifying response to the challenge signal that is unique to the device.

Abstract: A camera interface circuit for a barcode scanner includes a binary conversion block and a selection module. The binary conversion block receives image signals from a camera, and converts gray levels of each pixel in each image frame into binary codes. The selection module alternately provides binary codes of one image frame and image signals of a consecutive image frame as outputs.

Abstract: A method of granting control access comprises displaying a QR code on a fire panel annunciator. A user device captures the QR code, extracts information from it, and forwards the extracted information to the fire panel. If the fire panel verifies that the extracted information is valid, the panel grants temporary control access to the user device.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, and software for dynamic mobile wallet items. One embodiment in the form of a method includes receiving, via a network, a dynamic mobile document request associated with a registered user and including a token associated with data to be included in the dynamic mobile document. The method may then retrieve data for the dynamic mobile document from a database based at least in part on the token and an identifier of the registered user and then continue by transmitting, via the network, the retrieved dynamic mobile document data and data indicating how the dynamic mobile document is to be provided to the registered user to a dynamic mobile document generation service, the dynamic mobile document generation service to generate and provide the dynamic mobile document to the registered user.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, system and server for utilizing barcode. The method includes: a server receiving a decoding request sent by a user terminal, the decoding request comprising a barcode image associated with a smart device, or a code value of a barcode presented in the barcode image associated with the smart device; the barcode server acquiring state information associated with the code value of the barcode; returning operation information associated with the user if the state information is a second state information; or sending configuration address information to the user terminal for configuring the smart device, and changing the state information associated with the code value, if the state information is a first state information.

Abstract: A payment method includes obtaining, by a platform application running on a terminal, order information from a web page corresponding to a merchant, sending the order information to a backend server by using the web page, obtaining a preparatory order number from the web page, and calling a payment application running on the terminal to complete a payment procedure with the backend server according to the preparatory order number. The merchant accesses the platform application through the web page. The preparatory order number is generated by the backend server according to the order information and is sent to the web page.

Abstract: A portable terminal, a terminal function management system, and a terminal function management method that can prevent electronic money fraud by another person after loss or theft and readily and accurately determine the electronic money balance to be guaranteed are provided. In a portable terminal, a lock function that imposes restrictions on access to a chip storage unit that stores a value balance is enabled. It is thereby possible to prevent electronic money fraud by another person after the loss or theft of the portable terminal. Further, in the portable terminal, a value balance acquired after the lock function is enabled and before the lock function is released is stored in an electronic money server. It is thereby possible to readily and accurately determine the electronic money balance to be guaranteed which is stored the chip storage unit at the time when the loss or theft is found.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the possibility of failure in the detection of metallic foreign object. A metallic foreign object detector includes a sensor part having at least one antenna coil that receives a magnetic field or current to generate a vibration signal a vibration time length measurement circuit that measures a vibration time length indicating the length of time required for the vibration of the vibration signal output from the sensor part corresponding to a predetermined wavenumber larger than 1, and a determination circuit that determines the presence/absence of a metallic foreign object approaching the antenna coil based on the vibration time length and a criterion vibration time length which is the vibration time length obtained in the absence of the approaching metallic foreign object.

Abstract: A method and system for improved ordering and management of a seat assignment at a venue are provided. The method comprises modifying seat identifiers associated with seat locations and outputting the seat identifiers to a display system. The method further comprises identifying first information, determining a first seating arrangement from the first information, wherein the first seating arrangement identifies the seat locations with the seat identifiers, identifying second information, and determining a second seating arrangement from the second information, wherein the seat identifiers are modified to reflect to the second seating arrangement. The second seating arrangement is generated after the first seating arrangement. The system comprises a display system in a venue and a processor configured to display seating information through the display system. The display system comprises a plurality of display devices associated with a plurality of seats.

Abstract: A device may receive an indication that an ATM transaction is to be conducted, display prompt(s) for a user to input user authentication credential information and to select an ATM transaction type, detect user input(s) that include a user authentication credential and a selection of a particular ATM transaction type, and receive, from an ATM device, a request to establish a communication session. The ATM device may include a sync button to initiate communicative coupling of the ATM device and the user device. The request may be based on a user selection of the sync button. The device may communicatively couple to the ATM device, and provide, to the ATM device, the user authentication credential and data regarding the particular ATM transaction type to cause the ATM device to perform the ATM transaction. The device may display information regarding the ATM transaction.

Abstract: A container determination system is provided and generally includes a server, a database, and a customer computing device. The server may obtain, from the database, purchase order data identifying order lines of a purchase order, where each order line is associated with one or more items. The server may associate each order line of the purchase order with an initial container. The server may then optimize the assortment of items amongst the initial containers by attempting to re-associate a selected order line with another container based on whether the other container can hold the items associated with the selected order line, and based on a comparison between an acceptance rate and a randomly selected rate. The re-associations are attempted multiple times to determine optimized assortment information, which may be transmitted to an associate device to have a bagger place the purchased items in containers according to the optimized assortment information.

Abstract: A communication apparatus having a direct wireless communication function includes a generation unit configured to generate a first two-dimensional code including an address of the communication apparatus and an SSID corresponding to the direct wireless communication function, and a second two-dimensional code including the address of the communication apparatus and not including the SSID corresponding to the direct wireless communication function, and an output unit configured to output the first two-dimensional code and the second two-dimensional code.

Abstract: A method includes: obtaining an image of a graphic code from a scanning device that scans the graphic code displayed on a user terminal of a user; extracting, from the image of the graphic code, graphic code information encoded in the graphic code; verifying signature information in the graphic code information, wherein the graphic code information comprises the signature information, at least one piece of identity information of the user, and service permission information of multiple services; determining whether the at least one piece of identity information of the user matches identity information accepted by a service provider corresponding to the scanning device; determining whether the service permission information of multiple services of the graphic code information matches service permission information of a service supported by the scanning device; and executing the service.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus includes an information reading section, a communication section, a memory, a first determination section, a second determination section, and a control unit. In the apparatus, every time data is determined to be unread data (i.e., data read by one information reading apparatus but not shared yet by all of a plurality of information reading apparatuses) by the first determination section, the control unit records the unread data in the memory, while transmitting the unread data to other information reading apparatuses through the communication section. The control unit also records data determined to be unread data by the second determination section in the memory. A plurality of such information reading apparatuses are employed in an information reading system in which each information reading apparatus can easily keep track of the entire progress of reading tasks.

Abstract: A method of tracking a medical device includes creating a patient profile; creating an operating profile with at least one identified surgical site; providing a tracking assembly including a reader with a scanner, a housing enclosing the scanner and a medical drape; placing a medical device having an identifier over the reader; scanning the identifier of the medical device to electronically record the medical device data; associating the scanned medical device data with the at least one surgical site; and using the medical device on a patient on the at least one surgical site.

Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus belong to the technical field of image processing. The method is applied to a mobile terminal, and includes: acquiring a target image on a Two-dimensional (2D) image (S11); creating a Three-Dimensional (3D) image layer, taking the 2D image as a background of the 3D image layer, and creating a background frame on the 3D image layer (S12); detecting an orientation of the mobile terminal, and adjusting a shape of the background frame according to the orientation of the mobile terminal, so that different areas of the 2D image are moved into or out of the background frame (S13); and when the target object on the 2D image is not completely accommodated within the background frame, drawing the target object at a position of the target object on the 3D image layer (S14), where the 2D image, the background frame, and the drawn target object on the 3D image layer are sequentially stacked from bottom to top.

Abstract: A system of facilitating printing of shipping labels includes a computing device and a label printer. The computing device receive shipment database data from a remote computing device, store the shipment database data in a shipment database, receive scan data associated with an object from a scanning device, determine whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database, determine shipping information for the object based on whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database, and send shipping information to the label printer. The shipping information for the object is based on whether shipment data for the object is in the shipping database. The label printer prints a shipping label for the object based on the shipping information.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses for forming and using pixels for image sensors. In one embodiment, an image sensor having at least two pixel electrodes per color region, and having at least two modes is disclosed. The example image sensor includes a first, unbinned, mode; and a second, binned, mode. In the first, unbinned mode, the at least two pixel electrodes per color region are to be reset to substantially similar levels. In the second, binned mode, a first pixel electrode of the at the least two pixel electrodes is to be reset to a high voltage that results in efficient collection of photocharge, and a second pixel electrode of the at the least two pixel electrodes is to be reset to a low voltage that results in less efficient collection of photocharge. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A computing system for calculating a total calorie count is provided. The computing system comprising an electronic personal assistant application program executed on a client computing device, and including a purchase tracking module configured to receive notifications of purchases made for individual food items, a calorie tracking module configured to identify calorie counts associated with each purchased food item and to calculate a calorie count statistic based thereon, a calorie apportionment module configured to apportion the calorie counts of the food items to a user so that the calorie count statistic is based upon an apportioned total of the calorie counts of the food items that have been apportioned to the user; and a graphical user interface module configured to display a graphical user interface including an indicator of the calorie count statistic on a display associated with the client computing device.

Abstract: A system receives from a customer having an associated rewards points account a price offer for an item. The system determines if the price offer for the item is below an established threshold price, e.g., a price a retailer would accept for the item. When the price offer for the item is below the established threshold price, the system determines an amount of rewards points to be redeemed by the customer to thereby allow the customer to purchase the item at the price offer for the item as received from the customer. The system then allows the item to be purchased by the customer at the price offer for the item as received from the customer in the event that the customer indicates a willingness to redeem the determined amount of rewards points from their associated rewards points account.

Abstract: A system and approach for conveying engineering and license data with a handheld or mobile device via a multi-dimensional code. Engineering data from a page such as a schematic may be generated, formatted, and encoded with a multi-dimensional code. The code in a visual presentation may be embedded in the schematic. A mobile device may scan the code. The device with an appropriate application may decode and un-format the engineering data from the code for a consumer or user. License data may be generated, encrypted, and encoded in a multi-dimensional code. The code in a visual presentation may be scanned and decrypted by the mobile device with an appropriate application, for a consumer or user.

Abstract: A device may receive an indication that an ATM transaction is to be conducted, display prompt(s) for a user to input user authentication credential information and to select an ATM transaction type, detect user input(s) that include a user authentication credential and a selection of a particular ATM transaction type, and receive, from an ATM device, a request to establish a communication session. The ATM device may include a sync button to initiate communicative coupling of the ATM device and the user device. The request may be based on a user selection of the sync button. The device may communicatively couple to the ATM device, and provide, to the ATM device, the user authentication credential and data regarding the particular ATM transaction type to cause the ATM device to perform the ATM transaction. The device may display information regarding the ATM transaction.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to maintain an inventory of products within a product carrier. The product carrier utilizes a radio frequency (RF) blocking material and a RF reader disposed within an interior of the product carrier to identify products placed therein. The product carrier can further include an indicator on an exterior thereof to provide an indication regarding a status of the products within the product carrier.

Abstract: An access control reader device integrates a touch pad in proximity to a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna. A touch pad circuit board includes the RF antenna having a physical aperture and the capacitive touch pad positioned at least partially within the physical aperture of the RF antenna. This configuration allows the RFID reader to detect RFID tags in proximity to the capacitive touch pad. In order to prevent interference, such as the formation of eddy currents, the sensors of the touch pad are in the form of interrupted loops.

Abstract: A charging cabinet includes a housing including a plurality of horizontal storage chambers for storing mobile electronic devices, a mounting chamber at a back side relative to the horizontal storage chambers, a plurality of flip covers pivotally mounted at a front panel thereof and biasable to close/open the respective horizontal storage chambers and clocks for locking the respective flip covers, and a power supply unit including a power input module mounted at a back panel of the housing and electrically connectable to an external power source for power input, and a power socket module and an expansion module respectively electrically connected to the power input module with respective power jacks and respective USB connectors thereof arranged at different elevations to face toward the respective horizontal storage chambers for the connection of the respective storage mobile electronic device for charging.

Abstract: An example processor-implemented method for accessing peripheral devices with the present disclosure includes establishing connection between a portable computing device and a dock, determining a pairing status between the portable computing device and the dock, and managing access to at least one peripheral device by the portable computing device based on the pairing status. The dock is associated with the at least one peripheral device.

Abstract: A method, system, and a computer-readable medium for pairing a wireless sensor device which is associated with a user to a wireless relay device are disclosed. The method, system, and computer-readable medium comprise providing an identification code that includes a network address within the wireless sensor device. The method, system, and computer-readable medium include utilizing an application within a wireless relay device. The application selects the wireless sensor device by using the corresponding identification code, scans for network addresses, and compares the network address to the scanned network addresses. When the network address matches one of the scanned network addresses, the wireless sensor device is paired to the wireless relay device by the application.

Abstract: Described herein is a barcode-reading system for a mobile device that may include an optic system with a reflective surface for folding a field of view of a camera of the mobile device towards a target area positioned at a top side of the mobile device, a reflective surface for folding a field of illumination of a white light source of the mobile device towards the target area, and a target-generating mechanism for narrowing the field of illumination of the white light source along a first direction such that the field of illumination of the white light source has a divergence angle in the first direction that is approximately the same as a divergence angle of the field of view of the camera in the first direction.

Abstract: In an information code reader, an image is imaged by an imager. An information code contained in the image is quantified depending on light-dark levels thereof (tones, color depths, or luminance levels thereof), thereby providing cell information by this quantification. The obtained cell information is transmitted to from the information code reader to a server. In the server, based on the cell information received from the reader, the information code imaged by the imager is decoded. Decoded information is transmitted to the information code reader so that the reader is perform control based on the decoded results.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a foveated imaging system capable of capturing a wide field of view image and a foveated image, where the foveated image is a controllable region of interest of the wide field of view image.

Abstract: Value documents such as coupons and event tickets that are represented or indexed in the form of QR codes or other types of two-dimensional encoding techniques may be acquired by imaging with a suitably-enabled mobile device, and then translated in the mobile device into a form suitable for presentation as a one-dimensional barcode at a point-of-sale/service using light-simulated barcode technology.

Abstract: Various display control methods and apparatuses are provided. A method comprises acquiring planar mapping relationship information between an imaging plane and a display plane, and deform-displaying the display content on the display plane at least according to the planar mapping relationship information, to reduce a deformation degree of an image formed by the deformed display content on the imaging plane. A requirement for alignment precision of an imaging device required by the imaging plane is reduced to acquire an image of the display content deformed less to some extent, and users' operational convenience is increased.

Abstract: A mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, can execute functionality for configuring a network device in a communication network and for subsequently controlling the operation of the network device with little manual input. The mobile device can detect sensor information from a network device. The mobile device can determine device configuration information based, at least in part, on decoding the sensor information. The mobile device can provide the device configuration information to an access point of a network. The mobile device can receive communication link information from the access point. The mobile device can provide the communication link information to the network device. The mobile device can receive a message indicating a communication link between the network device and the access point is established.

Abstract: An electronic device including a display, a memory that stores instructions, and a processor. The processor, under control of the instructions, performs processes including a first display process of controlling the display such that the display displays a code while setting the display with a contrast ratio; and in a case where the code is displayed on the display, a contrast change process of automatically changing the contrast ratio of the display at each of intervals, each of the intervals corresponding to a first duration of time.

Abstract: A variable form factor multi-portion housing of a handheld computer. The housing includes a first housing portion to provide a first interior for mounting a first electronic component, the first housing portion having a common first mating surface for facilitating coupling to a secondary housing portion. The housing includes the secondary housing portion having a version configuration of a first form factor selectable from a family of different version configurations having a plurality of different form factors contributing to a selectable variable form factor nature of the multi-portion housing, such that each of the version configurations from the family of different version configurations has a same second mating surface that is configured to couple to the common first mating surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a foveated imaging system capable of capturing a wide field of view image and a foveated image, where the foveated image is a controllable region of interest of the wide field of view image.

Abstract: A printed matter, on which a dot pattern, in which a dot code corresponding to the control operation of equipment to be controlled is encoded; a storage that stores a table that includes a correspondence between the dot code and the control operation of the equipment; a remote control device that images the dot pattern, decodes the dot code, and transmits the decoded dot code; and an interface device that performs processing of receiving the dot code, processing of specifying the control operation for the equipment to be controlled based on the dot code, and processing of transmitting the control operation as a control signal to the equipment to be controlled, where the table stored in the storage means includes a correspondence between the dot code and a location where the equipment is installed.

Abstract: A system for and a method of communicating barcode information using a mobile device. A method comprises steps of: invoking an application print feature using a first software application of the mobile device, the first software application being print-capable; extracting one or more barcodes from the print content using a second software application; and transmitting an extracted barcode from the mobile device as pulsed light using light-emitting hardware of the mobile device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a sensing technology. A pattern code recognition multimedia playback apparatus and driving method therefor according to some embodiments recognize pattern code by using pattern code recognition pen, extract multimedia data corresponding to the recognized pattern code from pattern code recognition set-top box, and control playback of the multimedia data, thus easily calling multimedia data stored in memory pack attached to the pattern code recognition set-top box with the pattern code recognition pen for recognizing pattern code printed on pattern code-printed material and promptly and easily watching the multimedia data played through display unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a mobile terminal to process a visual graphics code. The method mainly comprises: obtaining a digital image recorded by the mobile terminal; analyzing the digital image to obtain a visual graphics code in the digital image; decoding the visual graphics code and classifying decoded information obtained after decoding; and processing the decoded information according to the classification of the decoded information. The present invention can achieve an effect that the mobile terminal can adaptively recognize and process various types of visual graphics codes, and greatly enhance the ability for the mobile terminal to intelligently process a visual graphics code, thereby improving the function of the mobile terminal, and causing the mobile terminal to meet the need of a user better.

Abstract: An RFID transponder in one embodiment comprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, processing logic coupled to the RF transceiver, a switch coupled to the processing logic, a tunneling device coupled to the switch and a differential sensing circuit having a first input coupled to the tunneling device and a second input coupled to a predetermined reference voltage. In one embodiment, the tunneling device can discharge to a voltage below the predetermined reference voltage.

Abstract: A nontraditional transaction device, for example a mobile device, may be employed to complete a transaction. The mobile device may utilize radio frequency (RF) communication and/or authentication to facilitate completion of a transaction. Secondary identification information, for example voice recognition data, biometric recognition data, or alphanumeric data, may be utilized for secondary end user authentication. For security reasons, the mobile device account data may transmitted after the secondary identification information is verified.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a register module, a determining module, and a transfer module. The register module is configured to store event data corresponding to a specific QR code. The determining module is configured to obtain the event data, and to communicate with a mobile device, so as to determine whether application programs on the mobile device includes a first application program which is corresponding to any one of the event data. If yes, the determining module transmits launch information to make the mobile device lunch the first application program. If not, the determining module transmits install information to make the mobile device install the first application program. The transmitting module is configured to transmit a message corresponding to the first application program to the mobile device, so that the first application program launched by the mobile device displays the message.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a shipment conveyance device which is a shipping container, pallet, or piece of luggage, a memory device located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device which stores information regarding the shipment conveyance device, a global positioning device which determines a position or location of the shipment conveyance device, a processing device which processes information regarding the shipment conveyance device in response to an occurrence of an event or a request for information and which generates a message containing information regarding the position or location of the shipment conveyance device and information regarding the occurrence of an event, a status of a shipment or transportation involving the shipment conveyance device, a temperature, or an impact or force on the shipment conveyance device, and a transmitter located in, on, or at, the shipment conveyance device which transmits the message to a communication device.

Abstract: An identification mark may have a calibration color, a predetermined authentication color, and a predetermined difference between the calibration color and the predetermined authentication color that is associated with a product; and a visual code with a mechanism that identifies the predetermined difference.

Abstract: A system and method for the interaction between humans which can be implemented using audio and/or video communication initiated by any of the points within a network so that the selection, engagement and interaction between said humans replicates the natural in-person interaction that would occur if the participants were co-located in the same physical space.

Abstract: A method and system for providing on-line services to a user from a services provider over a wireless cellular network. The cellular network is located between the user and the services provider, and a distributed computer system such as the Internet is located between the services provider and the cellular network for transmitting data between the services provide and the cellular network. In one embodiment, the services provider transmits software and operating characteristics over the distributed computer system to the cellular network, and the cellular network installs this software on one or more nodes of the network. When a user connects to the cellular network for services from the service provider, the network operates the software on the one or more nodes in accordance with the operating characteristics, to provide one or more services from this one or more nodes to the user from the service provider.

Abstract: Techniques for managing resources within a data center include using a portable device for interaction with technicians. The portable device has a web browser that the technician uses to navigate to an administrative web site from which a browser-based application is downloaded. The application is executed by the browser and maintains a browser-based data store that is asynchronously synchronized with a back-end data store when network communications are available.

Abstract: A portable computer in the form of a cellular telephone arranged to rest comfortably in the hand has a small display screen. Accelerometers capable of detecting movement of the pen cellular telephone with respect to gravity provide input to a microcontroller which selects a response from a number of viewing modes. The pen cellular telephone may be held in either hand and the output message to the screen will be oriented according to the location of the pen cellular telephone. Full personal digital assistance functionality may be incorporated in a relatively small plastics casing and functions, such as calendar, contracts maps and the like may be incorporated.