Abstract: A sheet conveyance device includes a roller by which a sheet having a wireless tag is conveyed along a path, a communication device configured to transmit a radio signal to the wireless tag and receive a response signal therefrom, and a processor configured to repeatedly perform a process of controlling the roller to convey a sheet along the path while controlling the communication device to transmit the radio signal to a wireless tag of the sheet using a transmission power that is different in each repeat, and acquire a strength of the response signal from the wireless tag, and specify a minimum strength of the response signal that has been acquired in the repeated process, the minimum strength being equal to or greater than a threshold, and set a transmission power that has been used when the minimum strength has been acquired as a reference strength of the radio signal.

Abstract: An RFID tag is provided that includes an RFIC module with a base substrate and an RFIC chip, and an antenna element. A principal surface of the base substrate is provided with a first chip connection terminal connected to a first input/output terminal of the RFIC chip, a second chip connection terminal connected to a second input/output terminal, a first module-side terminal connected by direct current or capacitively coupled to a first antenna-side terminal of the antenna element, a second module-side terminal connected by direct current or capacitively coupled to a second antenna-side terminal, a first wiring pattern connecting the first chip connection terminal and the first module-side terminal, a second wiring pattern connecting the second chip connection terminal and the second module-side terminal, and a third wiring pattern connecting the first module-side terminal and the second module-side terminal.

Abstract: Discloses a combined ultra-wideband cross-polarized chipless RFID tag based on MFCC feature coding, which comprises a tag patch unit, a dielectric substrate and a grounding layer, wherein the tag patch unit comprises a barcode-type resonant unit and a double L-type resonant unit; the barcode-type resonant unit consists of five identical rectangular patches arranged in parallel and rotated counterclockwise; the double L-type resonant unit is formed by reversely combining two L-type patches composed of four identical rectangular patches; a transmitting antenna transmits horizontally polarized electromagnetic waves as interrogation signals, the scattered waves reflected by the tag are acquired by a receiving antenna, a receiver acquires the spectrum of the scattered waves to convert the spectrum into time domain signals by inverse Fourier transform, the response of the tag is extracted through a window, and MFCC features are extracted by pre-emphasis and short-time Fourier transform.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system first interrogates, in a first mode, one or more particular target zones of the plurality of target zones including a given target zone. Each particular target zone is interrogated with one of the antennas at a time at a first power for the particular target zone. The RFID system monitors, upon first interrogating, for a trigger condition to occur. In response to the trigger condition not occurring, the RFID system continues the first interrogation in the first mode. In response to the trigger condition occurring, the RFID system second interrogates the given target zone in a second mode at a second power with a plurality of the antennas. The second power for the given target zone is greater in an aggregate across the second interrogating antennas than the first power for the given target zone.

Abstract: In some implementations, a transaction card may receive transaction data from a transaction terminal based on initiation of a transaction with the transaction terminal; generate a tokenized primary account number, for use with the transaction, based on the transaction data and an actual primary account number of the transaction card; and transmit the tokenized primary account number to the transaction terminal for processing the transaction.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system of activating and using a contactless card are disclosed. More particularly, a transaction card including a contactless enabled chip having payment information and identity information stored thereon, where the contactless enabled chip is configured to communicate the identity information to a mobile device via a contactless communication, and where the identity information comprises a cryptographic key, cryptographic token, or a digital certificate is disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a proxy card with an electronic wallet are disclosed. A computer implemented method may include receiving an authentication information of a proxy card, and associating the proxy card with an electronic wallet, wherein associating the proxy card with the electronic wallet allows secure access to the electronic wallet when the proxy card is presented at a point of sale. A system may include a proxy card comprising authentication information, and an electronic wallet associated with the proxy card, wherein the association of the electronic wallet with the proxy card allows secure access to the electronic wallet when the proxy card is presented at a point of sale. A wallet redemption card may comprise a rewriteable magnetic stripe, a smart chip, a wireless communicator operably connected to the smart chip, and an interface operably connected between the rewriteable magnetic stripe and the smart chip.

Abstract: An RFID device is provided with a substrate and a plurality of RFID components associated to the substrate. The substrate is initially provided in a substantially planar configuration, with the RFID components being associated to the substantially planar substrate. After the RFID components have been associated to the substrate, the substrate is folded at least one fold line to give the substrate and resulting RFID device a non-planar structure. All or portions of at least two of the RFID components are associated to portions of the substrate that are present in different planes, which may include portions of the substrate that are oriented in generally parallel planes or at an angle to each other. By such a non-planar, three-dimensional configuration, an RFID device may be provided with enhanced functionality, including increased bandwidth, ability to receive and radiate signals in a plurality of distinct frequency bands, and directivity.

Abstract: An RFID system includes an RFID antenna assembly configured to be positioned on a product module assembly of a processing system. The product module assembly is configured to releasably engage at least one product container. A first RFID tag assembly configured to be positioned on the at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to position the first RFID tag assembly within a detection zone of the RFID antenna assembly whenever the product module assembly releasably engages the at least one product container.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods and devices for implementing a temperature-aware, multi-antenna scheduler that cools mmWave devices by preventing heat buildup via switching or distributing a data stream to other redundant antennas, allowing for dissipation of heat as well as providing reliable connectivity.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a substrate, an anti-reflection (AR) coating, and a chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The substrate includes central and peripheral portions. The AR coating is disposed on the substrate. The chipless RFID tag is disposed in the peripheral portion to uniquely identify the liquid lens.

Abstract: A radar based, fill-level sensor comprising at least one semiconductor element, including at least a semiconductor chip and a chip package, in which the at least one semiconductor chip is arranged, wherein the at least one semiconductor chip has at least one coupling element, which serves as a signal gate for electromagnetic waves, preferably in the millimeter wave region, characterized in that at least one first resonator structure is arranged on a surface portion of the chip package.

Abstract: Error checking data used in offloaded operations is disclosed. A remote execution device receives a request from a host to store a data block in a memory region. The data block includes data and host-generated error checking information for the data. The remote execution device updates the data block by overwriting the host-generated error checking information with locally generated error checking information for the data. The data block is then stored in the memory region.

Abstract: A wireless tag processing device includes a wireless tag reader-writer and a processor configured to acquire first and second sets of parameter values, control the reader-writer to transmit a radio wave using each parameter value of the first set and acquire a first intensity of a response wave from a wireless tag, when a highest first intensity satisfies a first condition, determine a parameter value of the first set corresponding to the highest intensity as a parameter value to be used by the reader-writer, and when the highest intensity does not satisfy the condition, control the reader-writer to transmit a radio wave using each parameter value of the second set and acquire a second intensity, and when a highest second intensity satisfies a second condition, determine a parameter value of the second set corresponding to the highest second intensity as the parameter value to be used by the reader-writer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a housing, recording medium, a magnetic head, an internal wireless communication device, and an internal component. The housing has an internal space. The internal wireless communication device generates at least either of: an electric signal representing information to be written to the recording medium, the electric signal corresponding to light, a magnetic field, or an electric field generated by an external wireless communication device; and light, a magnetic field, or an electric field toward the external wireless communication device, the light, the magnetic field, or the electric field corresponding to an electric signal representing information read from the recording medium.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a microcontroller includes a processor, and a signal path that allows a signal conforming to an ISO7816 standard to be transferred between a card reader and a secure element without intervention of the processor.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device communicates with a terminal including a first NFC device, the terminal being capable of receiving data from a provisioning server. The mobile wireless communications device includes a housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, a second NFC device carried by the housing, a memory carried by the housing, a display carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, the second NFC device, the memory, and the display. The processor is configured to implement a digital wallet including user cards, receive from the terminal, via the second NFC device, a blank user card including user data fields, and fill the user data fields of the blank user card to define a completed user card and send the completed user card to the provisioning server.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a secure booting method, apparatus, device for an embedded program and a storage medium. The method includes: when a boot program is running, acquiring data of an application program, including signature information, public key information, parameter information, encrypted data, and a digital check code; performing signature check according to the signature information; performing integrity check according to the digital check code if the signature check passes; and performing data decryption according to the public key information and the parameter information if the integrity check passes. The present disclosure may improve information security.

Abstract: Provided is a process that includes: obtaining a first request by a first program associated with a first sub-partition of a first partition of a tamper-evident data store of a decentralized computing platform to read data stored in either (i) a second sub-partition of the first partition of the tamper-evident data store of the decentralized computing platform, or (ii) a second partition of the tamper-evident data store of the decentralized computing platform; determining with a subset of peer computing nodes of a set of peer computing nodes that the first program is authorized to read from the second sub-partition or the second partition; and in response to the determination, causing the requested data to be read from the second sub-partition or the second partition.

Abstract: A system is provided including a first server storing a first data file for a first user, a second server storing a second data file for a second user, a first data card of the first user registered with the first server and locally storing a portion of the first data file, and a second data card of the second user registered with the second server and associated with the second data file. The first data card detects a pairing gesture between the first and second data cards, and in response, establishes a peer-to-peer connection between the data cards. The first data card subsequently detects a transfer gesture between the first and second data cards, and in response, transmits the portion of the first data file from the first data card to the second data card over the peer-to-peer connection.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing comprising a front plate facing a first direction, a rear plate facing a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a side member configured to enclose a space between the front plate and the rear plate, a display panel having a first surface viewed through the front plate, a cover panel coupled to a second surface of the display panel and positioned at an inner area of the display panel, the cover panel comprising a hole formed adjacent to a first edge of the display panel, and a sensor comprising a light receiving portion positioned to correspond to a position of the hole of the cover panel, and a light emitting portion positioned at an outer area of the display panel.

Abstract: An automated identity verification computing device, system and method receives an encrypted renewal request from a user computing device including a biometric value, a digital passport object identifier, and request data. The computing device, system and method retrieves trusted biometric data based on the digital passport object identifier from an identity database, determine a verification score based on the trusted biometric data and the biometric value, and generates a renewal package including the verification score, the digital passport object identifier, and the request data. The computing device, system and method transmit the renewal package to a sponsoring authority computing device.

Abstract: A method includes: reading, by a tile lifter, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag within a floor tile that is locked to a support structure; comparing, by the tile lifter, a personal identification number (PIN) of the RFID tag to an access code within the tile lifter; determining, by the tile lifter, a match between the PIN of the RFID tag and the access code; and actuating, by the tile lifter and in response to the determining the match, an actuator in the floor tile.

Abstract: Wait times at ATMs may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. ATMs are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for users to have to wait on a line to access an ATM. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the ATM. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to ATM when the smart card is inserted into ATM. The user does not provide the ATM with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the ATM, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM and enhancing user satisfaction.

Abstract: A wireless charging system concurrently charges several wireless devices within a shielded chamber acting as a hollow electromagnetic waveguide. Electrically conductive walls of the chamber create transverse modes that support longitudinal propagation of the electromagnetic field along the waveguide with no diminution of the energy flux density due to the inverse-square law. A transmitting antenna located inside the chamber emits an electromagnetic field that excites one or more transverse modes of the waveguide. An absorptive lid absorbs the electromagnetic field to minimize reflections that could excite longitudinal modes. Each wireless device includes a whisker antenna that receives part of the electromagnetic field for charging a battery. Due to the spatial uniformity of the electromagnetic field, the wireless devices charge with high efficiency regardless of their positions, ensuring they all charge at a similar rate.

Abstract: An information handling system may include a processor, an interface configured for hot-insertion of information handling resources, and a management controller configured to provide out-of-band management of the information handling system. The management controller may be configured to: receive a first notification that an information handling resource has been hot-removed from the interface; and in response to the first notification, disable power to the interface to prevent initialization of an information handling resource that is hot-inserted at the interface.

Abstract: An antenna structure comprises an impedance matching part, a first conductive structure and a second conductive structure. The first conductive structure with a first length along a first direction is coupled to a first side of the impedance matching part and has a plurality of first polygon conductive structures, each of which is coupled to each other through a first conductive element. The second conductive structure with a second length along a first direction is coupled to a second side of the impedance matching part and has a plurality of second polygon conductive structures, each of which is coupled to each other through a second conductive element, wherein the second length is larger than the first length. The first and second polygon conductive structures are protrusion toward the second direction. In one embodiment, the antenna structure can be applied on an object having metal housing or liquid contained therein.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the application disclose a method and apparatus for paying a fare. When a user takes a public transit means, the user terminal establishes an NFC connection with the fare-collecting device of the public transit means, the user terminal transmits the encrypted account ID of the user to the fare-collecting device, and the fare-collecting device may request a server to deduct the fare from the account of the user.

Abstract: A wearable article, system, and method includes a structure configured to enclose a body part, a first antenna, in a first position on or within the structure, tuned to communicate according to a wireless communication modality through air, a second antenna, in a second position on or within the structure, tuned to communicate according to the wireless communication modality through the body part, the first antenna being tuned differently than the second antenna, and a transceiver, operatively coupled to at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna, configured to communicate with an external antenna via the at least one of the first and second antennas according to the wireless communication modality.

Abstract: A memory controller, which manages a memory device, receives a memory command. The memory controller determines whether the memory command is encrypted. Upon determining that the memory command is encrypted, the memory controller performs a decryption function corresponding to the memory command. Conditioned on the performance of the decryption function resulting in a successful decryption of the memory command, the memory controller performs an operation on a memory location corresponding to a memory address included in the memory command.

Abstract: Devices and methods for recharging an embedded battery in a smart card, including a control method implemented by a smart card (CD1) including a rechargeable battery (8). The control method may include operations for processing a transaction (TR1) with a terminal (T); receiving during this transaction a predetermined transaction command requiring a processing time, by the smart card, long enough to allow a recharging of the battery to at least a first predetermined threshold charge level; and, upon detection (S32) of this transaction command, triggering the recharging of the battery (8) by using a power supply delivered by the terminal (T) to reach at least the first predetermined threshold charge level.

Abstract: Systems and methods monitor loading of cargo onto a transport vehicle to avoid incorrect cargo loading incidents. A wireless monitoring device positioned near an access port of a cargo hold of the transport vehicle receives a tracking identifier of a wireless tracking tag attached to a logistic container containing the cargo as the logistic container is conveyed into the cargo hold. An alert is generated by the wireless monitoring device when the tracking identifier is not listed in a manifest listing identifiers of wireless tracking tags attached to logistic containers expected to be loaded into the cargo hold. Within the cargo hold, the wireless tracking tags may also exchange their tracking identifiers such that any one of the wireless tracking tags may determine, by counting, when less than a target threshold number of wireless tracking tags are present.

Abstract: A system includes a switch of an electric power distribution system, the switch being configured to receive data and to transmit data, and the system includes a controller configured to communicatively couple to the switch. The controller is configured to create a software defined network by instructing the switch to transmit data to a location, and the controller is configured to generate a set of keys and to provide the set of keys to the switch to enable the switch to communicate data via a Media Access Security (MACsec) communication link, a MACsec key agreement (MKA) connectivity association, or both.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a plurality of terminal devices configured to wirelessly communicate with a balance storage medium; and a settlement control device that is communicably connected to each of the plurality of terminal devices. The settlement control device includes an update instruction distribution unit that distributes, to each of the terminal devices, balance update instruction information including a balance update instruction and an update instruction identification number corresponding to the balance update instruction. The terminal device includes an update control unit that performs balance update processing corresponding to the balance update instruction on the basis of a comparison between an update instruction identification number that has been acquired from the balance storage medium and that is recorded in the balance storage medium, and the update instruction identification number included in the balance update instruction information.

Abstract: An absorbent article has one or more fluid filter layers to inhibit electrode traces from being exposed to low volumes of fluid to reduce the number of false positives that are indicated by an RFID tag of the incontinence detection pad. An antenna inlay has a sacrificial trace portion to permit testing for proper operation of an RFID chip electrically coupled to the antenna inlay. After testing, the sacrificial trace portion is severed. A fluid barrier layer blocks fluid from reaching portions of electrode traces that are located on a backsheet outside a periphery of an absorbent core of an incontinence detection pad. The power at which an antenna transmits to wirelessly energize a passive RFID tag of an incontinence detection pad is controlled to reduce the number of false positives indicated by the RFID tag.

Abstract: A booster antenna for enabling ID information, code information, or the like to be reliably and easily read from an IC card or the like with a portable terminal without bringing the IC card or the like directly close to the portable terminal. The booster antenna includes: an inner coil wound twice into a circular shape; an outer coil surrounding the outer side of the inner coil and wound twice into a rectangular shape; and a terminal-side coil wound four times into a circular shape. One end of the inner and outer coils are electrically connected to each other. The diameter of the inner coil is 93% or more of the short sides of the outer coil. The booster antenna includes a connection cord connecting the other end of the inner coil and one end of the terminal-side coil and electrically connecting the other end of the outer coil and the other end of the terminal-side coil.

Abstract: To protect memory cards, such as SD type cards, and similar devices from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), the input pads of the device include points along their edges that are aligned with correspond points on a conductive frame structure mounted adjacent the input pad to form a spark gap. The input pads are connected to a memory controller or other ASIC over signal lines that include a diode located between the input pad and the ASIC and a resistance located between the input pad and the diode. The resistance and diode are selected such that an ESD event at an input pad triggers a discharge across the spark gap before it is transmitted on to the ASIC, while also allowing a high data rate for signals along the signal line.

Abstract: A message processing request is received from a channel partner device, where the message processing request includes a ciphertext message encrypted in a trusted execution environment (TEE) of a service provider device based on a service processing request that includes a plaintext message of the ciphertext message, and where the service processing request requests at least a portion of the plaintext message to be sent to a target user. A first smart contract deployed in a blockchain of the blockchain network is invoked using a TEE of a blockchain node of a blockchain network. The ciphertext message is decrypted based on the first smart contract to obtain the plaintext message. The plaintext message is sent to an operator device to forward the at least a portion of the plaintext message to the target user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a security code of an electronic stored value card are disclosed. A computer implemented method may include receiving a request for a security code of an electronic stored-value card, calculating the security code by a security code provider, providing a calculated security code of the electronic-stored value card in response to the request for a security code, and eliminating the calculated security code from all databases of the security code provider. A system may include a computer device of a provider of a security code of an electronic stored-value card, the computer device to receive a request for a security code of the electronic stored-value card, to calculate the security code, to provide the calculated security code in response to the request for a security code, and to eliminate the calculated security code from the computer device.

Abstract: A method that is disclosed that includes the operations outlined below. Dies are arranged on a test fixture, and each of the dies includes first antennas and at least one via array, wherein the at least one via array is formed between at least two of the first antennas to separate the first antennas. By the first antennas of the dies, test processes are sequentially performed on an under-test device including second antennas that positionally correspond to the first antennas, according to signal transmissions between the first antennas and the second antennas.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for providing contactless payment at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal associated with a merchant, without local, direct communication of the POS terminal with a payment device. One exemplary method includes receiving a selection of a modified contactless payment option for a transaction at the POS terminal. In response, the POS terminal presents a detail for the transaction and receives a transaction setup message from a payment network. The transaction setup message includes a credential for a payment account associated with the consumer. An authorization request for the transaction is then generated, which includes the payment account credential, a merchant ID of the merchant, and an amount of the transaction. The POS terminal then transmits the authorization request to the payment network, via an acquirer associated with the merchant, thereby initiating the transaction without interacting locally and/or directly with the payment device.

Abstract: Provided are foldable transaction cards with a living hinge. In some approaches, a transaction card may include a body including a first main side opposite a second main side, wherein an identification chip is coupled to the body, and wherein a living hinge connects a first section of the body and a second section of the body. The living hinge may extend between the first and second main sides of the body, wherein the first and second sections of the body are pivotable about the living hinge between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A method for enrolling a holder of a biometric transaction device includes the following step: storing at least one biometric pattern in the device. The method further includes the following steps: a) providing the holder with a portable, mobile power connector, configured to trigger the storing; b) and/or activating the biometric pattern, the activation being carried out in response to or in association with a successful authentication of the holder. A corresponding system is also enclosed.

Abstract: The invention includes delivering and monitoring digital content distributed to correctional facility inmates, giving supervisory authorities the ability to screen the incoming digital content. Digital content can include email, and stored and steamed video content, and can be scanned for keywords by supervisory authorities before delivery to an inmate. A computer kiosk can be used by inmates to view and record digital video content. A portable player is provided to inmates which can be used to play, and in some embodiments record, digital content. The player is issued to a particular inmate, and can only be used with respect to that particular inmate's digital content. The kiosk, and in some embodiments, the player, can be used to shop for items available at a store, for example a commissary.

Abstract: A waste management system comprising a garbage bin for receiving rubbish and acting as a collection (14) point, an application used to notify a rubbish collector that the rubbish is ready for collection (14), the application being associated with an individual and wirelessly connected to a server, characterized in that identification means are provided to enable the application to track the route of the collected rubbish through one or more stages as the rubbish is transferred from the collection (14) point to a disposal point.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and systems for laser turning and attaching RFID tags to products. Such methods and systems may include a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The methods and systems may include determining a characteristic of a conductive trace on a substrate to be incorporated into an item to configure a tag performance in view of at least one of a dielectric property or a tuning property of the item. The methods and systems may further include a laser to alter the conductive trace on the substrate to have the characteristic to define an antenna for the tag. The methods and systems may further include an attaching device configured to attach a communications enabled device to the substrate so as to form an electrical connection between the communications enabled device and the antenna to form the tag.

Abstract: A location designation RFID tag for use in a storage facility includes an inlay, a first layer disposed on a first side of the inlay and having a first thickness, and a second layer disposed on a second side of the inlay. The first layer has a first thickness and the second layer has a second thickness. The inlay includes substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an integrated circuit disposed on the substrate. The location designation RFID tag may be easily and non-invasively placed and relocated on a floor of a storage facility in a manner that mitigates, and likely resolves, the issues experienced by known RFID tags when placed on a floor. Utilizing an inlay having a long, thin antenna, reduces the overall thickness of the location designation RFID tag, which allows layers to be disposed on the inlay that include a sufficient thickness to improve durability, mitigate detuning, and allow movable devices to readily pass over the location designation RFID tag.

Abstract: A transaction card is provided for communicating with a computing device. The transaction card may comprise a computer interface device, at least one memory, at least one processor, and a card reader module. The card reader module configured to receive, from the computing device through the computer interface device, a first data packet comprising a request associated with a transaction, the first data packet being compatible with an interface protocol. The card reader module may process the first data packet to generate a second data packet compatible with the payment authentication protocol; provide the second data packet to the processor; receive, from the processor, a third data packet comprising a response to the request; process the third data packet to generate a fourth data packet based on the response, the fourth data packet compatible with the interface protocol; and transmit, to the computer interface device, the fourth data packet.

Abstract: A resin card medium which has a substrate having electronic components mounted thereon and has sophisticated flatness and smoothness realized without providing any layer having holes for absorbing thicknesses of the electronic components; and a method for manufacturing a resin card medium. A resin card medium laminated body before pressing is prepared by laminating, on a first plastic finishing sheet, a substrate having one electronic component or two or more electronic components installed on one side of the substrate, with the one side, on which the electronic component or electronic components are installed, facing upward, and laminating, on the substrate, mixed paper constituted of plastic fibers and plant fibers, and by subjecting the resin card medium laminated body to hot pressing at a temperature which is a softening point or more of the plastic fibers and less than a melting point of the plastic fibers.

Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.