Abstract:
A system and method for providing pharmaceutical information to a patient is disclosed. The invention includes electronically identifying the pharmaceutical product dispensed to the patient with an identification device and electronically prompting the patient with a message using a first output. The message provides the patient with the opportunity to accept or decline the pharmaceutical information by interacting with an input device. If the patient decides to accept the pharmaceutical information, the pharmaceutical information is provided to the patient through a second output. A computer-based apparatus is also disclosed for providing pharmaceutical information to the patient. The computer-based apparatus includes a central processing unit configured to run an executable software program configured to control the functions of peripheral devices operatively connected to the computer-based apparatus.
Abstract:
A sales device for selling multimedia productions in digital file form includes at least one computer unit to which one or more data memories are allocated. Multimedia productions are stored in file form in the data memories. The sales device includes at least one selection terminal at which the production may be at least partly displayed or played and one or more productions may be selected. The selection of multimedia productions may be displayed at the selection terminal. Furthermore, an issue unit issues the selected multimedia productions in file form or stores them on a data carrier.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling.
Abstract:
An automated banking machine (10) is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia (50) in operative connection with a frame (110). The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser (24), receipt printer (20), and a card reader (22). The fascia may include replaceable bezels (550,552) with apertures therein for providing access to hardware devices. The bezels may be operative to float with respect to the fascia and hardware devices to automatically align hardware devices with the bezels. In addition the hardware devices may include movable portions which are operative to automatically align with the bezels. The bezels may include ramps, ribs, or other angled surfaces which guide the hardware devices into alignment with the openings in the bezels.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for controlling the operating state of a lock characterized by a locked state and an unlocked state. The method comprises: entering secret information on an electronic input device (e.g. keypad) located on a radio frequency identity card, then electronically comparing the secret information against an authorized code to determine whether the secret information is authorized, then transmitting by radio frequency an unlocking signal to a radio frequency reader located at the lock for opening the lock in the event that the secret information is authorized. In a related use of such RF identity cards, the invention also provides a system and method of tracking movements of individuals within a secure area. The method comprises the steps of: using a loop antenna operable to transmit and receive RF signals from at least one radio frequency (RF) identity card carried by an individual; transmitting RF signals at a frequency not exceeding 1 megahertz from a reader through the loop antenna to the aforesaid RF card to request a secret code; entering this secret code on an electronic input device (e.g. keypad) device located on the RF card, transmitting this secret code to the reader through a transceiver disposed on the RF card; and using a data processor/CPU located at the reader to determine whether the secret code corresponds to the aforesaid authorization.
Abstract:
As a mobile equipment for supplying fuels, serving also for storing and purchase of other kinds of liquids, like drinking water etc., there is designed a liquid dispensing station provided with dispensing means, pumping equipment and an operation unit having a control unit and card handling means. All the accessories are located in a common housing (1) comprising a frame with a jacket, having at least vertical walls (12) reinforced with at least two longitudinal beams (13) and at least two transversal beams (14). The tank (5) is attached to a bottom part of the frame (10) by means of a pair of holders (15) and a pair of feet (16), both pairs being mutually diagonally arranged. The feet (15) are furnished with means for resilient seat of the tank (5). Within the housing (1), adjacent to the tank (5), there are located module (2) of hydraulics, intake module (3) and module (4) of electronics. The modules (2,3,4) having face panels (20,30,40) arranged at one of the vertical walls (12), are preferably designed as slide removable units. The housing (1) is at least above the tank (5) provided with a removable roof (18). The module (2) of hydraulics is provided with dispensing means including a hand-held nozzle (21) with a hose.
Abstract:
An automated banking machine (12) is operative to conduct transactions in response to HTML documents and TCP/IP messages exchanged with a local computer system (14) through an intranet (16), as well as in response to messages exchanged with foreign servers (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 96) in a wide area network (18). The banking machine includes a computer (34) having an HTML document handling portion (76, 80, 82). The HTML document handling portion is operative to communicate through a proxy server (88), with a home HTTP server (90) in the intranet or the foreign servers in the wide area network. The computer further includes a device application portion (84) which interfaces with the HTML document handling portion and dispatches messages to operate devices (36) in the automated banking machine. The devices include a sheet dispenser mechanism (42) which dispenses currency as well as other transaction devices. The device application portion communicates with a device interfacing software portion (64) in the banking machine through a device server (92) in the intranet. The device server maintains local control over the devices in the banking machine including the sheet dispenser. The banking machine operates to read indicia on the user's card corresponding to a system address. The computer is operative to connect the banking machine to the home or foreign server corresponding to the system address, which connected server operates the banking machine until the completion of transactions by the user.
Abstract:
An automated fee collection and ticket dispensing machine is disclosed that is capable of operating under a variety of operating modes. The machine permits users to purchase a variety of passes. The disclosed machine includes printers to produce receipts or passes for services or activities. These receipts and passes may be printed for each specific user, and may feature a machine-readable bar code. The disclosed machine also includes a bar code reader, allowing users to return printed receipts or passes at the machine, and to receive credit for any unused portion. Payment may be made using credit cards, debit cards or cash. The device is provided with networking means, to allow central control and monitoring of the device. Power for the machine may be provided by hard-wiring the device to conventional AC power lines, by solar panels, by batteries, or a combination of any of these. Power consumption is held to a minimum by providing a nullsleepnull mode. The user interface includes a video output screen with nulltouch screennull capability to receive user input, audio output means, and a proximity sensor to activate the machine when a user approaches. Additionally, security means are provided to deter potential thieves or vandals.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment for display in a fuel dispenser, a display is connected to a printed circuit board. A light source is interposed between the display and the printed circuit board for illuminating the display.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method thereof to display a logo on a screen of an optical disc playback apparatus includes a storage unit storing logo data, wherein the storage unit is removable from the optical disc playback apparatus. A controller checks whether the storage unit is installed in the optical disc playback apparatus when the optical disc playback apparatus is turned on, and outputs the logo data stored in the storage unit when the storage unit is installed. An image processor performs image processing on the logo data stored in the storage unit controlled by the controller.