Abstract: A method and a system are proposed for increasing the data integrity on smartcards. In accordance with the invention a sequence of write processes on a smartcard is defined as a unit for which the integrity of the data to be written is ensured. The write process may involve the writing of data to one or more files. The data of an integrity unit i.e. a unit of data for which the integrity is to be ensured is preferably written to shadow memory. The method in accordance with the invention decreases considerably the likelihood that data will be corrupted through an error in writing the data on the smartcard. Data can be restored or completed through the interface of read-write units. The method in accordance with the invention can serve as a basis for maintaining data files external to the smartcard consistent with data on the smartcard.

Abstract: Method for controlling line printers comprising a revolving type band (400) and a print hammer bank for precalculating the firing times of the print hammers.The type band generally comprises equidistantly spaced scannable time marks (402) and a reference mark (501).The character spacing on the type band is subject to a coarse raster pitch .DELTA.T which is derived from the time mark pitch.The time mark positions are associated with coarse raster positions.The arrangement of the print hammers is subject to a coarse raster pitch .DELTA.T and a fine raster pitch .DELTA.T. Coarse and fine raster values are defined as time values.The hammers are sorted according to the fine raster values and their firing times are calculated by means of a special algorithm according to the order resulting from the sort step.

Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled adapter circuit for real-time controls, in particular for print hammer controls in line printers with revolving type carrier with two asynchronously driven FIFO buffers (FIRST IN, FIRST OUT). The first FIFO buffer contains time values (e.g., firing times for the print hammers) and the second FIFO buffer control information associated with these time values (e.g., print hammer address, control commands for the print hammer). By a request circuit (e.g., counters), the time values are successively read from the first FIFO buffer and fed to a gate circuit for switching the control information, associated with these time values, from the second FIFO buffer for controlling the output values.