Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least a portion of a media item pathway are disclosed. The apparatus includes a transfer module comprising shafts that are rotatable and spaced apart in a substantially parallel relationship. A removable module is located with respect to the transfer module to selectively locate spaced apart rows of protruding guide elements with respect to the arm elements. At least one arm element comprises an abutment member that moves with the arm element and abuts with an abutment region of at least one guide element when a respective shaft element is rotated. A portion of a media item pathway is at least partially determined via opposed guide surfaces of the guide elements and the arm elements.

Abstract: A mobile device configured for currency exchange enables a user to electronically cause funds in a first pre-established account and denominated in a first currency to be sent to a first transaction machine to purchase funds denominated in a second currency. The mobile device electronically receives second account information after a second account is created, with the second account being created responsive to completion of the first transaction. The created second account includes the purchased funds denominated in the second currency. Accordingly, the user is enabled, subsequent to the first transaction, to select a second account module in the mobile device that has since been configured with the received second account information of the created second account. The user can thereafter cause the mobile device to send that second account information to a second, different transaction machine to perform a second transaction in the second currency. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to recognize retail products in a physical retail store through a portable device that comprises a decision control circuit configured to: process each frame of the subset of frames by multiple modeling techniques each relative to a corresponding image attribute and obtain a corresponding product identification probability; determine corresponding aggregated identification probabilities of the first product based on the product identification probabilities; collectively evaluate the aggregated identification probabilities and identify when a predefined relationship with a collective threshold probability exists; and cause an image of the first product to be displayed in response to identifying that one or more of the aggregated identification probabilities having the predefined relationship with the collective threshold probability.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for presenting self-diagnostic test instructions in the form of audiovisual messages. The system and method include collecting by a user of a testing device a biologic sample for use with a testing device, assigning correlative values as test results, and receiving the test results at a server disposed on a network. Some aspects of the system and method present test instructions to the user in the form of audiovisual messages. The audiovisual messages are provided to the user as a response to an interaction with a retail diagnostic product. In some aspects, the complete audiovisual message is presented before the user may complete a self-diagnostic test.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to provide a weight of a product in a machine-readable code on a scale. More specifically, the scale can include an associated display that is configured to display a machine-readable code when a product is weighed on the scale, where the machine-readable code informs a scanning computing device of the weighed amount.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of cosmic space data technology, in particular to a cosmic space data system, a method, a computer device and a storage medium. The system comprises: a data import unit configured to store input microparticle-related data according to types of microparticles; an annotating unit configured to annotate the stored microparticle-related data; and a feature association unit configured to establish an association relationship of the stored microparticle-related data according to the annotation. In the embodiments of the present application, relevant data of a plurality of microparticles can be simultaneously stored in one system, and researchers can acquire data related to a variety of microparticles from this system according to research needs, so that the researchers can quickly obtain the required microparticle-related data by means of a feature relationship between the microparticle-related data.

Abstract: A method for authorization of multiple transactions using a single authentication process is described. The method includes determining that a user is an authorized user based on user credentials associated with the user; authorizing a transaction device identified by the authorized user for future electronic transactions with one or more restrictions; and providing previously stored payment card information associated with a user account of the authorized user for electronic transactions initiated at the authorized transaction device in accordance with the one or more restrictions.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag exemplarily includes: a housing; a detachable card including: a booster antenna, and at least one ultra-high frequency RFID module uncoupled to the booster antenna when the detachable card is detached from the housing; and a coupling coil, configured to couple the booster antenna with one of the at least one ultra-high frequency RFID module when the detachable card is attached to the housing. The RFID switch tag may have complete functions, the RFID switch tag is detachable and convenient in use, and the RFID switch tag can be applied in various scenarios.

Abstract: A gas analyzing module includes a first connector, which includes a connection detection mechanism (CDM), and is connectable to a gas sampling line via a second connector. The gas analyzing module also includes a pump, a pressure sensor and a controller. The controller controls operation of the pump and receives a signal from the CDM. When the pump is on/active, the controller measures the CDM output signal, and if the CDM output signal indicates misconnection between the first connector and the second connector, the controller switches the pump off only if a pressure measured in the gas sampling line corroborates the CDM's misconnection indication, or, if the measured pressure refutes the CDM's misconnection indication, the controller maintains the pump's on state. The gas analyzing module may be a capnography module configured for capnography. Also provided is a gas analyzing system that includes the gas analyzing module and a gas analyzer.

Abstract: The identification card includes a glass substrate provided with first and second surfaces facing opposite directions. The first surface of the glass substrate is provided with at least one first recess, and the identification card includes a first resin material layer filled in the first recess; and at least one of a first information storage medium, a first security feature, and a first decorative feature bonded to the first resin material layer. In a variation, an identification card has a ceramic substrate with first and second surfaces facing in opposite directions. The first surface of the ceramic substrate is provided with at least one first recess, and the identification card includes a first resin material layer filled in the first recess(es); and at least one of a first information storage medium, a first security feature, and a first decorative feature bonded to the first resin material layer.

Abstract: The integrity of a memory is checked by: storing data representative of an operation to be executed in the memory; executing the operation; and erasing the data once the execution is complete.

Abstract: A zero-step authentication system and method which uses biometric data to automatically make payments in a secure manner without requiring the customer to handle his or her mobile device. The system and method use a biometrics verification server and a payment facilitation device at the business location which automatically detects and recognizes registered mobile devices, displays a photo of the customer to a business employee for identity confirmation, and automatically deducts payments for purchases from a pre-authorized customer account. The customer account is managed by a payment processing server, which stores the customer account data, makes appropriate deductions, sends confirmation of deductions to the customer's mobile device, and automatically refills the customer's account by making pre-authorized charges to the customer's banking institution.

Abstract: Authenticity of a sticker (e.g., a mark-down sticker on a retail item), or integrity of a closure (e.g., on a delivery bag or package), is confirmed by reference to spatial information. In some embodiments a fingerprint is formed from parameters describing spatial placement of a sticker or pattern on a substrate. In some embodiments a digital watermark pattern provides a spatial frame of reference within which one or more other features can be located. A great many other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A method for the transmission of data to a magnetic read head of a payment terminal. The method is implemented by an electronic device capable of generating a magnetic field representative of an encoding of the data to be transmitted, and the transmission of the data includes a plurality of emissions of a same sequence of standardized data. The standardized data is data representative of a payment means and is formatted according to the ISO/IEC 7813 standard. The method further includes transmitting secondary data that are emitted between two successive emissions of the sequence of standardized data.

Abstract: A secure indicator includes a substrate, a barcode symbol that has a plurality of barcode modules provided on the substrate, and a security material positioned proximate the barcode symbol on the substrate. The security material is configured to be activated by irradiation at one or more predetermined activation wavelengths. Additionally, the barcode symbol is configured to be read (i) before the security material is activated and (ii) while the security material is activated.

Abstract: Provided are compact transaction cards. In some approaches, a body of the card includes first and second sections rotatably coupled together, wherein the first and second sections define a first main side opposite a second main side, an insertion end perimeter opposite a second end perimeter, and a first side perimeter opposite a second side perimeter. The body may include a chip along the first main side, the chip being located on the first section of the body. A magnetic stripe may be provided along the second main side of the body, wherein the magnetic stripe is located on the second section, wherein the magnetic stripe extends parallel to the insertion end perimeter when the first and second sections are in a first configuration, and wherein the magnetic stripe extends perpendicular to the insertion end perimeter when the first and second sections are in a second configuration.

Abstract: Generating a knowledge base in a database, the knowledge base including a first field which specifies a plurality of known brands of a plurality of known objects, a second field which specifies a plurality of known categories corresponding to the plurality of known objects, and a third field which specifies a plurality of sets of known image-based parameters of the plurality of known objects; receiving in one or more computer memories an indication of a brand, an indication of a category, and an image-based description parameter for a particular object; comparing, the indications of the brand, the category, and the image-based description parameter for the particular object with one or more of the plurality of known brands, known categories, and sets of known image based parameters, respectively, and providing an indication of whether the particular object is one or more of the plurality of known objects, based, on the comparisons.

Abstract: A television service provider system includes interactive elements embedded within advertisements or other content related to a particular product or service that a user may select to receive an initially non-redeemable coupon for the product. The system then electronically communicates to the seller or advertiser system the indications of such electronic interactivity between the viewers of content and content related to the product being sold or advertised. The advertiser or seller may then electronically activate and thus convert the non-redeemable coupon into a redeemable coupon. A system for processing retail transactions redeems the coupons for the product for a particular user using an identifier of the user associated with the account of the user with the television service provider.

Abstract: A sound source playback apparatus includes a mounting unit, to which a sound source device may be attached and detached, and a control unit that recognizes tag information of the sound source device and performs authentication when the sound source is attached to the mounting unit, requests sound source data from the sound sources server according to a result of the tag information is authenticated, and playback the received sound source data. Accordingly, the sound source playback apparatus and the sound source playback method using the same allows permanently keep the high quality album and images of a favorite artist on a single purchase and playback a high quality sound source.

Abstract: In a printing device, a supply portion is configured to convey a tape in its longitudinal direction. The tape includes: a plurality of labels arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of storage elements provided on respective ones of the plurality of labels. A first storage element is provided on a first label and configured to store first authentication data. The second storage element is provided on a second label and configured to store second authentication data. A printing portion is configured to print on the plurality of labels. A controller is configured to perform: reading the first authentication data from the first storage element and the second authentication data from the second storage element by a reading portion; and determining whether the first authentication data is correlated to the second authentication data to meet an authentication condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing capabilities of an account of a user system at a commerce platform are described. The method may include receiving, at the commerce platform, a request from a user system that identifies an account at the commerce platform and includes a capability requested for the account, where the requested capability corresponds to a desired functionality of the account. The method may also include mapping the requested capability to a compliance plan that defines a set of account data to be collected before activation of the capability for the account by the commerce platform. Furthermore, the method may include transmitting a message, generated by the commerce platform, that comprises a listing of additional data to be provided by the user system before activation of the capability for the account, where the additional data comprises a minimal set of account data defined by the compliance plan less any data already associated with the account at the commerce platform.

Abstract: A package for a medical tool has a receiving space for the medical tool. The package has a readable data carrier with tool-specific data. The package is usable in a method for automatic identification of a medical tool.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, a circuit board structure and a manufacturing forming thereof are provided. A circuit board structure includes a core layer, a first build-up layer and a second build-up layer. The first build-up layer and the second build-up layer are disposed on opposite sides of the core layer. The circuit board structure has a plurality of stress releasing trenches extending into the first build-up layer and the second build-up layer.

Abstract: A method for removing an EMV chip from a plastic credit card or debit card and placing the removed EMV chip onto a metal card, includes heating the plastic credit or debit card containing the EMV chip to loosen the EMV chip, the EMV chip being substantially square and planar, the EMV chip having an upward top face, a downward bottom face, and four sides; removing the loosened EMV chip from the plastic credit or debit card; bending the four sides of the EMV chip towards the downward bottom face of the EMV chip; applying an adhesive coating to the bottom face and the bended four sides of the EMV chip; and placing the adhesive coated bottom face and bended four sides of the EMV chip into a holding cavity of the metal card.

Abstract: A method for determining NOx sensor data falsification based on remote emission monitoring, includes the steps of: acquiring a plurality of vehicle data sets and urea level data of to-be-tested reference vehicles, wherein vehicle data include NOx sensor readings and corresponding engine data vectors; acquiring urea level data of reference vehicles; calculating standard urea consumption per kilometer; (2) acquiring an average distribution probability of the vehicle data of the to-be-tested vehicles through a probability distribution evaluation step; counting a total proportion of invalid or negative NOx sensor readings in the plurality of vehicle data sets; determining whether the data of the to-be-tested vehicles satisfy one or more falsification conditions; if so, determining that the data from the NOx sensors of the to-be-tested vehicles are falsified; otherwise, determining that the data from the NOx sensors of the to-be-tested vehicles are not falsified.

Abstract: Facial recognition-based authentication comprises obtaining a first image of a target object, updating projection information associated with a display by a display device, obtaining a second image of the target object, the second image being an image of the target object after the projection information is updated, obtaining an image difference data based at least in part on the first image and the second image, and determining whether the target object is a virtual object based at least in part on the image difference data.

Abstract: A method for evaluating contextual risk profiles at a computing device (110, 212, 312) in a vehicle (310), the method including obtaining information about a proximate vehicle (320, 330); utilizing the information to create a risk profile for the proximate vehicle (320, 330); and based on the risk profile, initiating an action at computing device (110, 212, 312).

Abstract: A system includes a handheld-computer case and a sled adapter. The handheld-computer case includes a body portion adapted to receive a handheld computer. The sled adapter includes a pedestal adapted to receive the handheld-computer case and a base portion adapted to mount the sled adapter to a sled. The body portion is positioned at a 45-90° angle relative to the base portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a unique identifier from an item and sending a communication to an electronic device requesting that a user confirm a pending transaction, receiving input from the electronic device associated, and sending the received input to an authentication system for completing a transaction. In another embodiment, a system comprises a sensor, an authentication system, and a transaction processing system. The sensor is configured to emit energy and receive at least one first identifier, send at least one communication to an electronic device requesting a second identifier, receive at least one second identifier, and send the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier to the authentication system.

Abstract: An electronic device displays a messaging interface. The messaging user interface includes a search affordance and a conversation between a user of the device and another user. While displaying the messaging interface, the device detects activation of the search affordance. In response, the device ceases displaying the messaging interface and displays a search interface. The search user interface includes a search field and categorized content items. The categorized content items include a content item stored on the device and a content item from the Internet. While displaying the search interface, the device detects selection of a first item in the categorized content items; and, afterwards, displays the first item in the conversation. The device transmits the first item to the device that corresponds to the other user in the messaging session. The other user's device displays the item in a conversation that corresponds to the messaging session.

Abstract: A computing device may include a memory configured to store a group connection lease and a group user interface (UI) cache shared by different users within a user delivery group. The computing device may also include a processor coupled to the memory and configured to establish communications links with a plurality of smart card devices associated with different users within the user delivery group, initiate virtual sessions for the different users based upon the group connection lease responsive to establishing the communications links with the smart card devices, and launch the virtual sessions for the different users based upon the group UI cache.

Abstract: A packaged redeemable code system is disclosed. The packaged redeemable code system includes a paper insert having a front surface with a removable item, and a rear surface with redeemable code. The packaged redeemable code system further includes a paper sleeve having an interior that encloses the paper insert and conceals the redeemable code. The paper sleeve also having a ripcord configured to open an edge of the paper sleeve to provide an access point for removal of the paper insert. The paper sleeve further having a front surface with a cutout extending therethrough. The cutout aligns with and provides visual access to the removable item. The removable item is a different color than or provides contrast with the front surface of the paper sleeve. The paper sleeve further having a rear surface with an activation code that is associated with the redeemable code.

Abstract: An electronic system can include an electronic module and a trace circuit that provides a perimeter that encloses the electronic module. A sensing circuit within the electronic system can be configured to detect a discontinuity in the perimeter. In response to detecting the discontinuity in the perimeter, the sensing circuit can initiate, from a response device, a response signal.

Abstract: Provided is an optical code that retains compatibility with existing optical codes and is used for recording information different from the information recorded under prescribed conditions. Also provided are a method and a device for reading the optical code. The optical code includes a plurality of light color modules of a light color and a plurality of dark color modules of a dark color to record first data. At least the light color modules or the dark color modules are made up of a first module and a second module having different reflectance for light of a predetermined wavelength. Second data is recorded in a pattern of the first and second modules.

Abstract: A process for preparing a printed rigid plastic substrate is described, the process comprising: providing a rigid plastic substrate comprising a primer on a surface of the rigid plastic substrate, the primer comprising a primer resin; printing a liquid electrophotographic ink composition comprising a thermoplastic resin onto the primer on the surface of the rigid plastic substrate; depositing a cross-linking composition comprising a cross-linker onto the printed electrophotographic ink composition disposed on the primer; and laminating the rigid plastic substrate with a flexible film such that the ink composition and the cross-linker are disposed between the rigid substrate and the flexible film and wherein the lamination of the rigid substrate with the flexible film causes cross-linking of the thermoplastic resin of the ink composition and of the primer resin.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein each include at least one of systems, methods, software, and devices for edge system health monitoring and auditing. One embodiment, in the form of a method includes performing a system audit over a first network of devices deployed within the facility to determine a status of each respective device. This embodiment further includes determining an overall system status for the facility based on results of the system audit including consideration of a status of each of the devices deployed within the facility and storing data representative of the overall system status of the facility. This embodiment also transmits at least a portion of the data representative of the overall system status of the facility over a second network to a facility system status monitoring application which may then present a single indicator of the overall system status or health.

Abstract: A payment card includes hidden features (e.g., textual messages, graphics, emphasis features associated with conspicuous features of the payment card, or the like) undiscernible under only visible light, but discernable under ultraviolet light. The hidden features can be incorporated into multiple layers of a side of the payment card and can be present at different transparencies. The hidden features, applied during manufacturing, can be i) selected (e.g., randomly or sequentially) from an available hidden features list; ii) supplied by user input; and/or iii) selected based on a user's previous hidden feature(s) (e.g., the same as or different from the previous hidden feature). A quality check can include comparing an image of the payment card illuminated under ultraviolet light with the selected hidden feature(s).

Abstract: A tape mounter includes at least two storage units storing respective tape sets therein, a reader for reading information of the tape sets stored in the respective storage units from RFIDs attached to tubes around which the tape sets are wound as tape rolls, the storage units having shafts inserted in the tubes and being disposed such that they are spaced from the reader by respective different distances, a time measuring unit for measuring reading times spent until the reader receives radio waves generated and transmitted by the RFIDs and reads the information of the tape sets represented by the radio waves, a mapping table containing positions of the storage units corresponding to the respective reading times, and a recognizing section for checking the reading times against the mapping table, and recognizing the positions of the storage units and types of the tape sets.

Abstract: A display device includes a display window, a light guide member, a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element. The display window is provided in a housing and is formed in a slit shape extending in a predetermined direction from one end side to the other end side. Thea light guide member is disposed in the display window. The first light emitting element faces one end portion of the light guide member on the one end side. The second light emitting element faces the other end portion of the light guide member on the other end side. A display area of the light guide member is exposed through the display window.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for remote activation of an automated teller machine (ATM) to dispense cash to a customer. The customer may stage a transaction using a mobile application on a mobile device. Upon the staged transaction being authenticated and approved, the customer may visit the ATM. The customer may capture an image being displayed on a display of the ATM using a camera of the mobile device. The captured image may be sent to an application server from the mobile device. The application server may associate the ATM with the staged transaction that is staged using the mobile application, and send instructions to the ATM to dispense cash according to the staged transaction.

Abstract: An antenna device is provided. The antenna device includes an antenna layer, a first transparent layer, and a second transparent layer. The antenna layer is a metal mesh structure having a plurality of thru-holes, and the antenna layer includes at least one soldering region and an embedded region. The first transparent layer and the second transparent layer are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the antenna layer. The first transparent layer and the second transparent layer are connected to each other, so that the embedded region of the antenna layer is embedded in-between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer has a hollow region corresponding in position to the at least one soldering region, so that the at least one soldering region is exposed from the hollow region.

Abstract: A device comprising: an antenna; a power harvesting circuit for harvesting power from a radio frequency field received at the antenna in order to power functions of the device; a communication unit coupled to the antenna for transmitting and receiving signals by means of the antenna, the communication device being configured to communicate according to a protocol in which a party to a communication session deems the session to have timed out if during a predetermined period it does not receive a signal from another party to the session; and a module comprising a processing circuit; the device being configured to interrupt the operation of the module when the communication unit is transmitting a signal by means of the antenna.

Abstract: Technology is described for providing and using a thermo-sensitive payment card. An example payment card comprises a card substrate and a personalization layer overlaying the card substrate. The personalization layer includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region. The first region includes an account number associated with an account of a user, and the account of the user is maintained by a payment service system that issues the payment card. At least one of the first region or the second region comprises a thermochromic ink such that application of heat to the first region or the second region having the thermochromic ink causes a change in color of the personalization layer so as to reveal the account number.

Abstract: A payment switching method includes displaying a display interface of virtual cards after receiving an interface displaying instruction by a first terminal. The display interface of the virtual cards displays at least two payment modes, one of the at least two payment modes being a currently selected payment mode. The method also includes determining a target payment mode from the at least two payment modes according to a detected payment switching operation and switching from the currently selected payment mode to the target payment mode. The method further includes performing a payment based on the target payment mode.

Abstract: Object marking, and method for producing same, for optical authentication of an object, wherein at least one section of a material piece of a basic material is determined arbitrarily or randomly and the object marking is produced with the at least one section, and wherein the basic material of the material piece has a repeating security feature having optical properties dependent on the viewing angle, the dimensions of said security feature being larger than the dimensions of the section, more particularly larger than the dimensions of the object marking, such that each section is unique and has only a part of the security feature.

Abstract: In a management system of a game token coin, one RFID tag having a data non-rewritable region and a data rewritable region is imparted to the game token coin. The location relating information of the game token coin is stored in the data rewritable region. The system includes a writer configured to additionally write the location relating information, a reader configured to read the location relating information from a plurality of the game token coins, and a management controller configure to examine the information obtained from the reader. The management controller includes a function that determines whether a history of the location relating information obtained from the reader has no abnormality.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for enhanced near-field communications for wireless devices. A processor of a first device may send a first Bluetooth communication at a first signal strength. The processor may receive a first indication of activity associated with a near field communication (NFC) device of the first device, wherein the processor and the NFC device are collocated on the first device. The processor may determine a second signal strength associated with a second Bluetooth communication, the second signal strength less than the first signal strength. The processor may receive a second indication that the activity associated with the NFC device has concluded. The processor may decrease a power supplied to the NFC device.

Abstract: An identification document includes a first layer and a second layer fused to the first layer. The first layer and the second layer include polyester, and the identification document is non-delaminable. Forming the identification document includes providing variable data on a surface of a first layer including polyester, aligning the first layer and a second layer including polyester, and fusing the first layer and the second layer to yield a fused identification document.

Abstract: An armor piece may include a tested material. The armor piece also may include a plurality of electrical contacts distributed about and electrically connected to the tested material. The armor piece further may include a non-volatile memory (NVM) device. The NVM device may be hardened against exposure to x-ray radiation. The NVM device may be configured to store control voltages associated with respective electrical contacts of the plurality of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A card core includes a body defining a cutout and a discontinuity. The cutout includes an opening in the body defined by an edge and the discontinuity includes a channel defined by the body extending from an outer surface of the body to the cutout. At least one circuit element is positioned within the cutout. The cutout defines a size and geometry such that a gap is defined between the at least one circuit element and the edge to electromagnetically isolate the at least one circuit element from the body.