Canon Kabushiki Kaisha

Cathryn Anne Chamley

Sue-Ken Yap

Andrew Timothy Robert Newman

Zhenya Alexander Yourlo

William Simpson-Young

Stephen Robert Bruce

Zhi-Lei Wang

A customizable data filter system is disclosed, that is adapted to reduce the dimension of a searchable data base (), and to enable performance of a database search and/or a data item selection, in relation to the reduced search space. The system comprises a Portable Customizable data Filter and Interface (PCFI) () storing at least a base data filter parameter, and able to provide a user interface by means of user selectable icons. The system also comprises a reader () for the PCFI (), and database processing means () responsive to the data filter parameter and a user icon selection, wherein the reduced search space is defined by the filter parameter, and the database search and/or the data item selection is performed using the selectable icons.

Customizable filter interface

Disclosed is an electronic ticketing system () and method () utilizing a smart card () The smart card can be loaded with pre-purchased tickets which are then booked at a subsequent date. Alternatively, the booking and payment for the ticket can be made at the one transaction. The smart card is customizable by a user () who would normally be a promoter or organizer of an event for which tickets are required. Also disclosed is a multiple purpose card () which is both a smart card having electronic data stored () therein and a conventional business card having information () printed thereon for use by a reader. The donee of the card is able to insert same into a card reader () to obtain detailed information from the computer () of the donor of the card. The multiple purpose smart card may also be used as a trading card () as part of a set () of similar cards each offering differing levels of user access to a database () related to the set.

Smart card systems and electronic ticketing methods

Disclosed is a smart card device having a surface onto which are formed a plurality of user interpretable icons and electronic apparatus attached to the card portion. The electronic apparatus includes a memory in which are retained at least a plurality of character strings each associated with a corresponding one of the icons, a processor means coupled to the memory means, and communication means for coupling the processor means to a reading device configured to facilitate reading of the secure access device. The processor means is configured to relate reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of the icons and received via the communication means with at least one of the retained character strings to thus perform a secure access checking function for enabling or rejecting user access to a desired service. Also disclosed is a multiple level user interface card for interfacing between a user provided with a card reader communicating with a computer and an application program having a multiplicity of hierarchical operating or ordering levels operating on, or operated by, the computer. The card comprises a smart card or interface card (known per se) having a plurality of user activatable regions thereon and an electronic memory with data stored therein corresponding to each of the regions. Then regions and the data are arranged in a hierarchy with a multiplicity of levels corresponding to the application program levels, and each level has a plurality of regions. Selection of a region of each level in the sequence of the hierarchy activates the stored data in the hierarchical sequence to operate, the application program at the operating or ordering level corresponding to the last selected region.

Growing community of inventors

Eastwood, Australia

Cathryn Anne Chamley