Abstract: A natural leather embossed with a skin texture for authenticating said natural leather with an identification code comprising the steps: —applying a protective top-coat on said natural leather; and —selecting an identification code and converting said identification code to a plurality of locations; and —forming a skin texture with higher up elements and lower located elements; arranged according said plurality of locations; and —embossing said skin texture in said protective top-coat.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory express over fabric solid state drive mounting device detachably connected to an outer support frame, having a thermally conductive tray, a left support wall demountably connected to the tray, the left support wall having a left guide groove, a right support wall demountably connected to the tray, the right support wall having a right guide groove, a disk slidably engaged within the left support wall left guide groove and the right support wall right guide groove, a circuit board having at least one component, the circuit board demountably connected to the tray and detachably engaged to the disk drive and a flexible heat dissipation pad contacting the at least one component and detachably contacting the tray.

Abstract: A system that includes a three-dimensional (3D) printing device, processor and computer-readable memory a 3D barcode and prints a three-dimensional object containing information embedded in the 3D barcode by: (i) receiving information to be embedded in the 3D barcode; (ii) determining a barcode symbology, wherein the barcode symbology includes at least one symbol character in a z-dimension; (iii) generating a build sequence that will cause the 3D-printing device to print the 3D barcode that embeds the received information in the 3D barcode in accordance with the barcode symbology; and (iv) using the build sequence to print the 3D object so that each symbol character of the symbology that is to appear in the z-dimension is printed as a physical representation in the z-direction on the 3D object.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, on an electronic payment device, a radio frequency signal from a mobile electronic device. The radio frequency signal is used to control an activation of an electric current to one or more color producing components on the electronic payment device. The electric current is transmitted to the one or more color producing components. The one or more color producing components display a color when the electric current is transmitted to the color producing components.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information bearing medium and an information reading unit. The information bearing medium has a two-dimensional array of unit data zones. Marks are provided on some of the unit data zones so as to form a digital code. Mark patterns of any two Y-directional adjacent unit data zone strings based on the arrangement of marks in an X-direction differ from each other. The information reading unit generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from a plurality of signals output from a group of detection units that detect the marks in synchronization and recognizes the digital code of the information bearing medium on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones.

Abstract: An information processing system includes an information bearing medium and an information reading unit. The information bearing medium has a two-dimensional array of unit data zones. Marks are provided on some of the unit data zones so as to form a digital code. Mark patterns of any two Y-directional adjacent unit data zone strings based on the arrangement of marks in an X-direction differ from each other. The information reading unit generates a data string on the basis of a unit signal formed from a plurality of signals output from a group of detection units that detect the marks in synchronization and recognizes the digital code of the information bearing medium on the basis of a group of the data strings sequentially obtained from the array of the unit data zones.

Abstract: A method of identifying a plurality of items, the method comprising: performing a CT scan of a plurality of items, at least some of said items bearing information tags; reconstructing an image based on the CT scan; and identifying an information tag associated with the items based on the reconstructed image.

Abstract: A system for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes an accounts database and a feature management module. The accounts database stores account holder data containing assigned enhancement features for associated credit cards. The feature management module is capable of updating and managing the assigned features of an individual credit card independently of other cards so as to provide enhancement features that can be customized for each individual cardholder.

Abstract: A system for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes an accounts database and a feature management module. The accounts database stores account holder data containing assigned enhancement features for associated credit cards. The feature management module is capable of updating and managing the assigned features of an individual credit card independently of other cards so as to provide enhancement features that can be customized for each individual cardholder.

Abstract: The present invention provides A surface identification system comprising: at least one identification code pattern comprising a plurality of recesses, through holes and/or projections formed on an code area of a first surface, the identification code pattern being made to correspond to the first surface or a second surface; and a code reading apparatus for reading the identification code pattern, the code reading apparatus being capable of irradiating light rays towards the code area, receiving reflected light rays reflected from the code area to read out the identification code pattern according to an amount of the reflected light rays from each of the plurality of recesses, through holes and/or projections, and indicating a correspondence between the identification code pattern and the first surface or the second surface. The invention also relates to a surface identification method, an object having an identification code pattern and a code reading apparatus for reading the object.

Abstract: Directional albedo of a particular article, such as an identity card, is measured and stored. When the article is later presented, it can be confirmed to be the same particular article by re-measuring the albedo function, and checking for correspondence against the earlier-stored data. The re-measuring can be performed through us of a handheld optical device, such as a camera-equipped cell phone. The albedo function can serve as random key data in a variety of cryptographic applications. The function can be changed during the life of the article. A variety of other features are also detailed.

Abstract: A reflection type encoder, which receives a plurality of light-receiving signals from a single scale, includes a light source, a scale having a plurality of patterns formed thereon to which light is irradiated from the light source, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected from each of the plurality of patterns, wherein a plurality of patterns each having different thicknesses are formed on a single track of the scale by using a dielectric substance, light of a plurality of wavelengths each having different brightnesses in accordance with differences in the thickness of the dielectric substance is irradiated from the light source, and a light-receiving signal is obtained for the respective thicknesses of the dielectric substance. Therefore, the scale can be downsized by overlapping a plurality of patterns on the same track.

Abstract: Carriers for a data storage device. The carriers comprise a support member sized and shaped to receive and retain the data storage device. The carriers also comprise one or more projecting members configured to retain the data storage device in the support member. The projecting member extends from a portion of the carrier towards the data storage device. The projecting member is retained in position by a structure selected from the group consisting of a rail and a sidewall of the support member. The projecting member can comprises a pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact card recognition system and a recognition method using a touch screen, and to a contact card used in a contact card recognition system. More particularly, a contact card recognition system using a contact card includes: a contact card having a rear surface with at least one protrusion for representing characteristics of the contact card related to the information printed on a front surface of the contact card and identifying characteristics of the contact card; a touch screen for sensing the protrusion of the contact card, and generating position information for the zone corresponding to the protrusion; a reading unit for searching a code database on the basis of the position information, and generating code information in accordance with the position information; and a control unit for searching a characteristic database of the contact card in accordance with the code information, and extracting characteristic information in accordance with the code information.

Abstract: An identifier device, which may be part of a tracking or similar transponder device, which can be removably coupled to an article to be identified or tracked. Data representing the identity of the article is encoded in the form of a pattern, and can be read by the identifier device when correctly engaged to the article, by sampling the pattern so as to extract the data encoded therein for transmission. The pattern may be a relief pattern, for example in the form of bumps and pits such as a Braille pattern, or magnetic domains, or the like.

Abstract: Metal-containing transaction cards, useful for the purchase of goods and/or services are disclosed. The metal-containing transaction cards may be standard-sized (i.e., about 3? inches by about 2 14 inches) or any other size yet still usable as a transaction card. Moreover, the metal-containing transaction card may include a pocket having characters embossed therein. Further, the metal-containing transaction card may include a fill panel disposed within the pocket. The metal may be titanium or stainless steel.

Abstract: A manufactured item includes an outer part including at least one outer material; and an identifier including at least one three-dimensional configuration corresponding to the identifier, the at least one three-dimensional configuration being embedded within the outer part. The three-dimensional configuration includes at least one of (1) a substantially empty cavity in the at least one outer material, and (2) at least one identifying material filling at least part of a cavity in the at least one outer material. Where at least one identifying material fills at least part of a cavity in the at least one outer material, the at least one outer material is substantially opaque to visible light. The item may be manufactured using one of the processes generally known as rapid prototyping, but other manufacturing processes may be used as well. Methods for making the item and for making a computer-readable representation of the item are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a bank structure which partitions off a pattern formation region in which a functional liquid is to be disposed and flow. The pattern formation region includes a first pattern formation region, and a second pattern formation region which is continuously connected to the first pattern formation region and which has a larger width than the first pattern formation region. The second pattern formation region is provided with at least one partition bank which partitions off the second pattern formation region to regulate the flow direction of the functional liquid. A partition width substantially orthogonal to the flow direction of the functional liquid which is regulated by the partition bank is less than ±20% of the width of the first pattern formation region.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate having embossed indicia configured, for example, to emulate a license plate. The substrate defines a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is opposite the first surface. The substrate includes embossed indicia defined by regions projecting in relief with respect to the first surface and/or the second surface. The embossed indicia may, for example, emulate a license plate or the like. The substrate further includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. Stored-value cards, methods of providing a stored-value card, and other embodiments of stored-value or transaction cards and associated combinations are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive security element comprising at least one volume hologram the latter being responsive to at least one applied external stimulus and exhibits a defined optical effect in form of an image, whereby the optical effect in form of an image is preferably different when being observed at different angles of view and the different images may be observed at least after an external stimulus has been applied, to a method of verifying said interactive security element as well as to the use thereof for verification, identification, authentication or anti-counterfeiting purposes, in particular as a public feature to security products such as banknotes, passports, identification documents, tickets, credit cards, smart cards, etc., and for brand and production protection.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: Display systems with digitizers. In a display system, an interface is coupled to a host system, and a control unit is coupled to a digitizer module, the display panel and the interface. The control unit drives the display panel to display a corresponding image and generates a scan timing signal to the digitizer module, according to an image signal from the host system via the interface. The digitizer module is coupled to the host system via the same interface and executes a scan operation to generate position data in response to the scan timing signal.

Abstract: A sheet material for producing packages of food products and having a succession of optically detectable register mark; each mark, has a first and a second segment parallel to each other and perpendicular to a feed direction of the material, and a sloping segment interposed between the parallel segments, so as to define a broken, to substantially Z-shaped line, which may be used to determine the position of the material both in the feed direction and in a perpendicular direction.

Abstract: Transactional presentation instrument systems having one or more chambers, and method of using and constructing such systems are provided. Systems can include a presentation instrument, an information storage medium configured to store a unique identifier, and a chamber having a fluid component and an object component. The object component can include a plurality of items that float in or disperse throughout the fluid component.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.

Abstract: A memory card comprising a die paddle having opposed, generally planar first and second die paddle surfaces and multiple peripheral edge segments. Disposed along and in spaced relation to one of the peripheral edge segments of the die paddle is a plurality of contacts, each of which has opposed, generally planar first and second contact surfaces. An inner body partially encapsulates the die paddle and the contacts, the first contact surface of each of the contacts and the first die paddle surface of the die paddle being exposed in and substantially flush with a generally planar first inner body surface of the inner body. The inner body further defines a generally planar second inner body surface which is disposed in opposed relation to the first inner body surface, the second contact surface of each of the contacts being exposed in the second inner body surface. At least one electronic circuit element is attached to the first die paddle surface and electrically connected to at least one of the contacts.

Abstract: A transponder label including a transponder film, a chip mounted on the transponder film and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer has a thickness that is equal to the thickness of the chip. The adhesive layer also has a recess in an area of the chip, which recess has a contour that matches the shape of the chip.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for identifying an individual and reading biometric information pertaining to the individual from an optical card is disclosed. The system includes an optical card drive and a biometric scanner that are both coupled to a data processor. The optical card includes biometric data of the individual. The biometric scanner reads the biometric information from the individual.

Abstract: The chip module comprises a semiconductor chip, which is fixed on a main side of a substrate of planar extent. A component, which is provided for taking up, emitting, reflecting or partially shielding electromagnetic radiation, e.g., a radiation sensor or an optical display device (display), is provided on the same main side of the substrate and is connected to the semiconductor chip. The substrate is transmissive to the relevant radiation to a sufficient extent and at least in a region occupied by the component.

Abstract: A method of locating a reference calibration patch on a photographic element, that includes the steps of: exposing the photographic element to form a latent image of a reference calibration target having a two dimensional barcode symbol with a finder feature and a reference calibration patch having a known spatial relation to the finder feature of the two-dimensional barcode symbol; processing the photographic element to form a density image from the latent image; scanning the density image to produce a digital image; locating the finder feature of the two-dimensional barcode symbol in the digital image; and locating the reference calibration patch relative to the finder feature in the digital image.

Abstract: A method of forming on a flexible backing strip a decorative thermal-transfer film containing graphics defined by images and/or texts and by a progressive identification code (bar code, alphanumeric code, etc.) assigned to each graphic; the method providing for applying on the backing strip a first polymer film, on which the graphics are screen printed, and the respective progressive identification codes are thermographically printed; and a second polymer film is then applied on the first film, so that the graphics and associated identification codes are interposed and packed between the two polymer films to form the decorative film. The polymer films are made of polymer materials compatible with both the screen printing and thermographic printing inks and/or pigments used.

Abstract: The activation source creates or activates a visual/audible signal in an acceptance device upon an activating circumstance. The activating circumstance may include a security condition, a credit limit, a user identification, a vendor identification, communication between the acceptance device and the transaction card, selection of one or more data profiles, approval or rejection to conduct a transaction, reaching of a purchase limit, denoting a product or transaction card type, awarding of a reward, or getting close to a credit limit or award. The activation source may cause an illumination, sound, or other indicia. As such, the activation source may illuminate a transaction card upon receipt of an activating circumstance.

Abstract: A magnetic card (10) has a base card (11), a magnetic stripe (12) formed on the base card (11), and a plurality of optical fibers (15) extended within the base card (11) substantially perpendicularly to the magnetic stripe (12). The magnetic stripe (12) consists of an arrangement of a plurality of unit magnetic segments (12a) each having a recording capacity of a predetermined number of bits, for example, eleven bits. The optical fibers (15) are assigned to the unit magnetic segments (12a), respectively. A read/write head (23) reads magnetic information from the magnetic stripe (12), an optical read device including a light-emitting device (20) and a light-receiving device (22) read optical information from the optical fibers (15), and a controller (25) examines the magnetic information with reference to the optical information to authenticate the magnetic information.

Abstract: A holographic security label and automated reading machine for marking and subsequently authenticating any object such as an identification badge, a pass, a ticket, a manufactured part, or a package is described. The security label is extremely difficult to copy or even to read by unauthorized persons. The system comprises a holographic security label that has been created with a coded reference wave, whose specification can be kept secret. The label contains information that can be extracted only with the coded reference wave, which is derived from a holographic key, which restricts access of the information to only the possessor of the key. A reading machine accesses the information contained in the label and compares it with data stored in the machine through the application of a joint transform correlator, which is also equipped with a reference hologram that adds additional security to the procedure.

Abstract: A card type memory device comprises a semiconductor chip having a nonvolatile semiconductor memory formed with external connection terminals and a metal frame comprising bed sections and external terminal electrode sections with a step section formed between the bed section and the external terminal electrode section, the bed sections of the metal frame being electrically connected to the external terminal electrode sections of the semiconductor chip. At least one surface and outer peripheral surface of the semiconductor chip are resin sealed such that at least electrode surfaces of the external terminal electrode sections of the metal frame are exposed substantially flush with a resin-sealed body surface. By doing so, a semiconductor package is formed. The semiconductor package is buried in a recess in a card type base board such that the electrode surfaces of the external terminal electrode sections of the metal frame in the semiconductor package is buried substantially flush with an external surface.

Abstract: This invention in its preferred embodiment comprises an apparatus and process (including a computer program) for controlling unmarked lock-opening keys in a security systems, whereby the conventional metal keys used to unlock rooms or cars or other entities can be controlled even though unmarked. The technique of the invention effectuates such control through taking electronic photographs, creating a silhouette of the side of unmarked keys using their individual configurations on the edge, generating an individual and distinctive electronic signal, specific for each such key to generate a digital coordinate series of numbers for each key and inventorying each such identifying signal representing a key so that keys are recognized by these signals rather than numbers or codes marks on the key. Although marked keys can be utilized in such a system, it would be a waste of the identifying ability of the invention.

Abstract: A dual card smart card reader including a portable housing with a viewing aperture and a virtual image display positioned to provide an image at the aperture. A sensor in the housing constructed to have a first smart card with data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition and a second smart card with access data stored thereon positioned adjacent thereto in data sensing juxtaposition. The second smart card serving as a security feature and allowing for access and/or editing to certain information contained on the first smart card. Electronics mounted in the housing and connected to the sensor for receiving sensed data and sensed access data and further connected to the virtual image display for supplying image data thereto.

Abstract: A data card terminal, such as a credit card transaction terminal, is disclosed. The terminal includes a transaction terminal comprising an embossed character reader and magnetic stripe reader, with a separate signature capture printer. The transaction terminal is operative for detecting the physical presence of a data card during a card transaction. The embossed character reader employs a tactile imager and pattern recognition for detecting the embossed characters on the data card. A signature capturing printer prints a paper receipt, which is signed by a cardholder at a signature capturing window on the printer. A signature capturing system digitizes and compresses signals corresponding to the signature of the card holder. Transaction data including compressed signature signals and signals indicative of the presence of the card are transmitted to the host computer system of a transaction processor, who guarantees the transaction as chargeback-protected under certain circumstances.

Abstract: A grid for use to select and enter data into a computer, which comprises a planar surface on which selective elements, preferably consisting of beads, are movably mounted. Each element can be introduced onto the planar surface between a set of predetermined locations that preferably extend along a slot and each corresponds to one of the data to be entered. Each slot corresponds to a question. For each question, the grid offers several positions which correspond to a corresponding number of responses. Once all the responses are given, the grid can be read by a suitable reader connected to a microcomputer, the process being simple, fast, reliable and not expensive. The grid and its reader can be part of a kit also including a software to be inserted and used by the computer to which the reader is connected, for compiling the information that is transmitted to this computer by the reader.

Abstract: A portable memory device has a lead of a ground terminal of a connector extending and bent to contact a conductive cover. When static electricity is applied to the memory device, it is conducted to the ground terminal and, thus, electric current caused by a static discharge is not supplied to parts within the device so that latch up of IC and loss or discharge of stored data is prevented.

Abstract: An identification card having one part that is movable relative to the other part of the card. A primary code portion 15 located on one part of the card, and a secondary code portion 15 located on the other part of the card. The card holder can move one part of the card relative to the other part to make codes function in combination with each other to identify the holder.

Abstract: An access card, such as a credit card or a key card, having a card body including a plurality of hinged tabs which can be pivoted between a first position in a first plane and a second position in a second plane so that the selected pivoted ones of the tab members in the second position provide a particular coded information for checking the authenticity of a user of the access card. The tab members are arranged in a side-by-side position preferably within a frame member having a partition member disposed between adjacent tab members. Abutment members are provided on the free ends of the tab members opposite the hinged portions, for engagement with abutment portions adjacent thereto, preferably disposed on the frame member, to maintain the selected tab members in the depressed second position even when the access card is longitudinally twisted.

Abstract: A credit card type small thin rectangular IC card has a battery and an IC comprising a CPU, a ROM and a RAM mounted on a flexible printed circuit and bonded within an insulative plastic material. The printed circuit of the card has a plurality of electrode terminals exposed in a parallel array along at least one edge of the card which are adapted to engage contacts of a mating socket. The printed circuit terminals are manufactured by coating copper, nickel and gold over polyamide resin and squeeze finishing the leading edge. The mating socket comprises a general U-shaped frame having a U-shaped channel adapted to receive the IC card and having internal recessed contacts adapted to engage the terminals of the IC card. The contacts extend from an exterior surface of the frame for interconnection with the circuits of a mating device. Downwardly projecting portions thereof are bent at least twice in the portion penetrating the bottom of the frame.

Abstract: A menu device comprises(a) a card,(b) indicia on the card listing items to be selected,(c) bubbles on the card in alignment with the indicia, the bubbles having positions on the card representative of items to be selected,(d) the bubbles having first positions projecting in one direction outwardly from the plane of the card, and second positions into which they are displaced relative to the plane of the card, by finger pressure, to indicate selection of items corresponding to bubble positions on the card,(e) the bubbles have integral local ribbing for bubble displacement control.

Abstract: A card-like electronic apparatus comprises a core member an electronic assembly, an upper cover, and a lower cover. The core member includes a frame having an accommodation section for accommodating the electronic assembly, and a thick portion protruding from the frame. The electronic assembly is arranged in the accommodation section and includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of stational key contacts, an IC chip, an electronically-driven display unit, and a thin flat battery. The upper cover is arranged on one surface of said electronic assembly and includes a pressure-deformable sheet having movable key contacts aligned with said stational key contacts, key indicia aligned with the movable key contacts, and a display window aligned with the display unit. The lower cover includes a supporting plate, arranged over another surface of said electronic assembly, having a cutaway portion in which said thick portion is fitted, and which has high rigidity.

Abstract: A magnetic medium for magnetic embossment comprises a main magnetic layer and a high permeability magnetic-metal layer, a nonmagnetic white metal layer and a coloring layer laminated on the main magnetic layer.A magnetic card comprises a card substrate which is nonmagnetic, and a magnetic medium for magnetic embossment disposed on at least a part of the card substrate, which magnetic medium comprises a main magnetic layer and a high permeability magnetic-metal layer, a nonmagnetic white metal layer and a coloring layer laminated on the main magnetic layer.

Abstract: A menu device comprises(a) a card,(b) successive rows of indicia on the card listing items to be selected,(c) rows of bubbles on the card in alignment with said rows of indicia, the bubbles having positions on the card representative of numbers of items to be selected,(d) each bubble having a first position projecting upwardly from the plane of the card, and a second position into which it is displaced relative to the plane of the card, by finger pressure, to indicate selection of a number of said items corresponding to bubble position on the card.

Abstract: An access card having a card body including a plurality of hinged tab members which can be pivoted between a first position in a first plane and a second position in a second plane so that the selected pivoted ones of the tab members in the second position provide a particular coded information for checking the authenticity of a user of the access card. The tab members are arranged in a side-by-side position with a partition member disposed between adjacent tab members. Abutment members are provided on opposite sides of each tab member, and abutment portions are provided on opposite sides of each partition member for engagement with the tab abutment members to maintain the selected tab members in the depressed second position. Preferably, the tab members and partition members are parts of an insert member which is secured to the card body.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a marking forming apparatus, a method of forming a laser marking on an optical disk, a reproduction apparatus, an optical disk, and a method of manufacturing an optical disk, capable of providing a greatly improved copy prevention capability as compared to prior known construction. To achieve this object, in the optical disk of the invention, for example, a marking is formed by a laser on a reflective film of a disk holding data written thereon and at least position information of the marking or information concerning the position information is written on the disk in an encrypted form or with a digital signature appended thereto.