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 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: 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: 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: 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 wired network may be used to carry signals for a wireless network, in a frequency-shifted manner, to extend the range of the wireless network. A wired network may detect signal interference emanating from a wireless service provider, and received through a leak in the wired network's infrastructure. Devices may be installed or leveraged in the vicinity of the interference to extend the wireless service to geographic areas that may have poor reception. The devices may amplify wireless downstream signals and transmit them wirelessly, and may receive upstream wireless communications and transmit them upstream in the wired network's protocol.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling a user log in and log out process. The system may include the use of a near field communication (“NFC”) transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter, or an RFID transmitter worn or carried by the user, such as by embedding the transmitter in a fob, bracelet or ID badge, and a receiver, which may be connected to the computer, which receives user data from the transmitter. The computer may be equipped with software modules (e.g., an operating system or application) that would extract user data from the receiver in order to manage the log in and log out process based on the location of the user.

Abstract: A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.

Abstract: A hand-held indicia-reading device includes a housing and a cable having a unitary-construction. The indicia-reader has a head portion with an indicia-reading system including a printed circuit board. The entire handle portion of the reader is typically over-molded onto a host-connector cable. The host-connector cable includes a circuit board connector on one end and a connector for connecting to a host at an opposite end extending from a base portion of the handle.

Abstract: Techniques for making electronic cards that can be displayed on a mobile phone. The techniques permit making an electronic card based on an arbitrary SMS message and making an electronic card (eCard) that corresponds to a pre-existing non-electronic privilege card such as a loyalty card. In the latter case, the system on which the card is being made obtains information about the user and the issuer and uses the information to determine whether to issue the eCard and also to make use validity information which is associated with the card and is used to determine the validity of the card as it is used.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for an information delivery system for a container. At least one machine readable indicia may be printed on an outer surface of the container. A top label may cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the container. The top label may be rotatable about the outer surface of the container. The top label may have a transparent window allowing at least one of the machine readable indicia to be visible through the transparent window.

Abstract: First communication circuitry of a first device is made discoverable by a second device via a short-range wireless protocol. A device name for the first communication circuitry is set to a user identifier that is specific to a user of the first device. The second device discovers the first device and the user identifier is transmitted to the second device. A response message can also be included with the user identifier and can be appended to the user identifier. The second device stores the user identifier, and the response message if included, in a log to record a presence of the user of the first device within a range between the first and second devices of the short-range wireless protocol.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for automated customer display of product information. A price verification and product information station broadcasts a radiofrequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal and receives an RFID return message from an RFID tag affixed to a product in the immediate vicinity of the station. The station relays the return message to a server, which generates information responsive to the return message, for example, by decoding the RFID return message to extract product information included in the RFID return message. The server organizes and formats the product information extracted from the return message, and the retrieved information, and transmits it to the station, which displays the information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products for a clearing house for creating and directing readable indicia to/from merchants, users, and/or vendors. As such, merchants, users, and vendors may all be able to recognize, read, and complete transactions using a created universal readable indicia, irrespective of the entities associated with the transaction. The invention may create and provide a universal readable indicia that may be read and/or scanned by any of a user, merchant, or vendor. Subsequently, upon scanning, the system may recognize the appropriate vendor associated with the scan, based on information about the user or merchant derived from the scan. As such, the invention may be able to convert the universal readable indicia to one or more indicia accepted by a vendor that may complete the transaction with the user and/or merchant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling dynamic product and vendor identification and the display of relevant purchase information are described herein. According to embodiments of the invention, a recognition process is executed on sensor data captured via a mobile computing device to identify one or more items, and to identify at least one product associated with the one or more items. Product and vendor information for the at least one product is retrieved and displayed via the mobile computing device. In the event a user gesture is detected in response to displaying the product and vendor information data, processing logic may submit a purchase order for the product (e.g., for an online vendor) or contact the vendor (e.g., for an in-store vendor).

Abstract: Mobile or embedded devices are dynamically paired with medical applications. By displaying identifying information associated with the medical application and capturing the display with a sensing device, the identifying information may be used by a server to route sensed data from the sensing device to the medical application for the patient. Barcodes or other identifying information may be used. The mobile device may be a smart phone, allowing smart phones to be dynamically paired with the medical application as desired by the user.

Abstract: A method of completing transactions using a device includes displaying a pictogram including transaction details associated therewith by a merchant. The mobile device acquires the pictogram. The mobile device or a remote server decodes the transaction details. The mobile device displays for a user the decoded transaction details. If the decided transaction details are acceptable to the user, the user accepts, via the mobile device, the decoded transaction details. The mobile device transmits a confirmation of acceptance by the user to a remote server. The remote server transmits a payment request for the payment amount reflected in the transaction details to a payment gateway. The payment gateway validates the payment request. The merchant and the device receive a payment confirmation.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes automatically activating an image capture device responsive to determining that a mobile device in a restricted access state (e.g., a locked mobile device), is being held by a user. The image capture device may take pictures and the mobile device may determine whether the pictures contain a readable code, such as a QR Code or foreign text. Responsive to determining the pictures contain a readable code, the mobile device may process the readable code and display an indication of the readable code, for example, a decoded URL or translated text. In some implementations, the mobile device may automatically exit the restricted access state responsive to detecting or resolving a readable code and launch a corresponding application for viewing the indication of the readable code.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device utilizing barcode images to communicate between a mobile terminal and a backend server and a mobile terminal thereof, which can correctly decode a barcode image of any code format, ensure the security of user information, and provide services on the side of the mobile terminal in the absence of the backend server.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for optimizing data transmission include receiving an indicator indicating the availability of a first communication channel, the first communication channel having a higher data rate than a second communication channel. Aspects can include determining whether the first communication channel is available to transmit data based on the indicator, and transmitting the data via the first communication channel, upon determining that the first communication channel is available. Additionally, aspects include entering a sleep state, upon determining that the first communication channel is not available, and determining whether the first communication channel has become available during a subsequent awake period. Entering a sleep state and determining whether the first communication channel has become available during a subsequent awake period may occur until the first communication channel becomes available or until an expiration of a timer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated generation of QR codes with embedded images therein are provided. The QR code has an active, machine-readable portion and a background portion. An example system comprises an image identification module to identify a human-readable image. A primitive creation module generates a primitive QR code. The primitive QR code comprises a machine-readable QR code having the image embedded in the QR code. An overlay interface module generates an intermediate QR code by modifying the active portion of the QR code using a first modification and modifying the background portion using a second modification.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing an update to a biometric access system. An instruction is received at a handheld device defining the update. An encoded signal is generated from the instruction to be transmitted to a biometric terminal from the handheld device. An acknowledgment is received from the biometric terminal at the handheld device that the encoded signal has been received and acted upon. Update information is transmitted from the handheld device over a network to a server to record the update.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of displaying augmented reality gaming information associated with a player card using mobile device in an augmented reality gaming system. In one embodiment, the method includes: enabling a user to view a live image of a player card through a display of a mobile device; acquiring player identification information from the player card; sending the player identification information via a network to a server; retrieving player specific information from the server using the mobile device; and displaying the player specific information in conjunction with the player card when viewing the player card through the display of the mobile device using augmented reality.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in decoding a bar code symbol may include an image sensor integrated circuit having a plurality of pixels, timing and control circuitry for controlling an image sensor, gain circuitry for controlling gain, and analog to digital conversion circuitry for conversion of an analog signal to a digital signal. The apparatus may also include a printed circuit board for receiving the image sensor integrated circuit. The connection between the image sensor integrated circuit and the printed circuit board characterized by a plurality of conductive adhesive connectors disposed between a plurality of electrode pads and a plurality of contact pads, where the conductive adhesive connectors provide electrical input/output and mechanical connections between the image sensor integrated circuit and the printed circuit board. The apparatus may be operative for processing image signals generated by the image sensor integrated circuit for attempting to decode the bar code symbol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and device for changing a notional viewing location for a moving image on a device, depending on an orientation of the device. For the moving image management system, it comprises: a sensor; a movement detection module connected to the sensor providing movement data registering a notable signal from the sensor; and a moving image adjustment module determining a new viewing location of the moving image utilizing the movement data and generating a replacement moving image for the moving image representing the moving image as viewed from the new viewing location.

Abstract: Techniques for making electronic cards that can be displayed on a mobile phone. The techniques permit making an electronic card based on an arbitrary SMS message and making an electronic card (eCard) that corresponds to a pre-existing non-electronic privilege card such as a loyalty card. In the latter case, the system on which the card is being made obtains information about the user and the issuer and uses the information to determine whether to issue the eCard and also to make use validity information which is associated with the card and is used to determine the validity of the card as it is used.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (700) for operating a security tag of an Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) system. The methods involve: executing on a mobile Point Of Sale (“POS”) device (104) an application operative to control operations of a peripheral device (190) attached to the mobile POS device for facilitating performance of a purchase transaction; receiving, by the mobile POS device a request to detach the security tag from an article; and communicating a message from the mobile POS device to the peripheral device via a first short range communication. The message is configured to cause the peripheral device to perform operations to facilitate a detachment of the security tag from the article. Next, a signal is communicated from the peripheral device to the security tag. The signal causes an actuation of a detachment mechanism of the security tag or a heating of an adhesive disposed on the security tag.

Abstract: In various embodiments, two-dimensional (“2D”) barcodes are used in conjunction with a general purpose reloadable debit card (“GPR card”) to facilitate various user administration and management actions. The 2D barcode allows a user to easily perform various actions without having to enter account information. The actions may be initiated upon reading the 2D barcode, and may include accessing a web site, initiating a voice call, sending a text message, or sending an email message. The communications may include indication of the account number, so that a contact center, upon receiving the communication, can quickly ascertain the balance. In addition, a destination address encoded in the 2D barcode may be used to uniquely identify the brand of GPR card and/or type of card within a brand. An originating address associated with the communication may be verified against address information associated with the account number.

Abstract: A data collection module including an illumination assembly and an imaging assembly, a processor configured to operate the illumination and imaging assemblies, at least one network interface configured to communicate with a terminal module, at least one power supply and a terminal module interface configured to communicate with a terminal module when the data collection module is mated with the terminal module.

Abstract: A credential management and administration system and method by which the documented eligibility of persons to receive benefits, services, access to premises or events, and the like is centrally administered. In one embodiment, credentials are distributed to the individuals electronically, via communication network, to respective portable device having a corresponding display. Each display is configured to visually present certain qualifying information that is updated at periodic intervals. Alternatively, the qualifying information may be presented via wireless means to a suitable receiver proximate the location where services are delivered.

Abstract: A method of displaying navigation limits for a planned travel route of a vehicle is presented here. The method calculates estimated navigation limits for the vehicle using an onboard subsystem of the vehicle, where the estimated navigation limits represent self-assessed navigation accuracy of the vehicle relative to the planned travel route. Contracted navigation limits are acquired for the vehicle, where the contracted navigation limits represent specified navigation accuracy of the vehicle, relative to the planned travel route, as mandated by a third party navigation controller. A navigation display is rendered on an onboard display element such that it includes graphical representations of the planned travel route, at least one of the estimated navigation limits, and at least one of the contracted navigation limits.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively attaching sensor(s) or antenna(s) to a mobile device at a convenient location are provided. The mobile device includes a body and a processing unit housed within the body for running an application, where the body includes a forward end and a rearward end that supports engagement with a charging dock. In addition, the rearward end accepts engagement of a snap-on module that physically assembles to and electronically interfaces with the mobile device. The antennas or sensors are externally mounted to the mobile device at a location proximate to the forward end of the body. Further, these antennas or sensors are interconnected to the snap-on module using media-routing conduit(s) that are configured to carry signals from the antennas or sensors to the snap-on module for distribution as an input to the application running on the processing unit.

Abstract: A multi-function Radio-Frequency device integrated into a computer system is disclosed and includes a substrate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a touchpad area disposed on the first surface of the substrate for generating a touch signal according to a touch situation, an antenna disposed on the first surface and/or the second surface of the substrate for receiving and transmitting a Radio-Frequency signal, and a control module disposed on the second surface of the substrate and coupled to the touchpad area and the antenna for generating a touch control signal according to the touch signal and generating an identification signal according to the Radio-Frequency signal to the computer system.

Abstract: Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body having: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The apparatus also comprises circuitry contained within the body that is adapted to couple the apparatus to the Internet and that is adapted to permit the apparatus to be used to communicate by text messaging when connected to the Internet.

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

Abstract: Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.

Abstract: A portable scanning apparatus is disclosed, which may include a bar code scanner module incorporated within a housing; a portable computer memory assembled to the bar code scanner and incorporated within said housing, wherein the computer memory is operable to receive and store data obtained by the bar code scanner, and wherein the assembly of the bar code scanner and the portable computer memory within said housing forms a compact and portable package.

Abstract: A communication device includes a housing, an opening, an NFC antenna and a contactless charging coil. The NFC antenna is arranged to surround the opening. The communication device further includes a first magnetic sheet which is arranged between the NFC antenna and a main board and between the opening and the main board, and a second magnetic sheet which is arranged between the contactless charging coil and the main board.

Abstract: A portable computer hand held 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 contacts and the like may be incorporated.

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.