Abstract: A device for decoding magnetic patterns printed on documents comprising a reading head (12) having: a reader (20) arranged to read first magnetic signals belonging to the magnetic patterns and to electromagnetic noise due to sources internal and/or external to the device. The device further comprises: a further reader (40), arranged to read second magnetic signals belonging to the electromagnetic noise, an adder component (25) arranged to algebraically subtract the amplified second magnetic signals from the amplified first magnetic signals, and a converter (16) arranged to convert the resulting signal into a digital signal representing the read magnetic patterns. A method for decoding magnetic patterns is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for reading and decoding paper or non-paper documents (12) including micro-perforated or “watermark” patterns and graphic patterns is provided. The device comprises at least one image sensor (11) having a light flashing means (33, 44) arranged to flash first light signals on a first side (12a, 12b) of a document (12), and image sensor reading means (31, 41) arranged to read the first light signals reflected by the graphic patterns (6, 7). The device further comprises at least one array of infrared light emitting means (14, 24) located in front of said image sensor (11) and arranged to flash second light signals on a second side (12b) of the document (12) whereby image sensor reading means (31, 41) are arranged to read the infrared light signals passing through the micro-perforated or “watermark” patterns (5).

Abstract: A device for decoding magnetic patterns printed on documents comprising a reading head (12) having: a reader (20) arranged to read first magnetic signals belonging to the magnetic patterns and to electromagnetic noise due to sources internal and/or external to the device. The device further comprises: a further reader (40), arranged to read second magnetic signals belonging to the electromagnetic noise, an adder component (25) arranged to algebraically subtract the amplified second magnetic signals from the amplified first magnetic signals, and a converter (16) arranged to convert the resulting signal into a digital signal representing the read magnetic patterns. A method for decoding magnetic patterns is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for reading and decoding paper or non-paper documents (12) including micro-perforated or “watermark” patterns and graphic patterns is provided. The device comprises at least one image sensor (11) having a light flashing means (33, 44) arranged to flash first light signals on a first side (12a, 12b) of a document (12), and image sensor reading means (31, 41) arranged to read the first light signals reflected by the graphic patterns (6, 7). The device further comprises at least one array of infrared light emitting means (14, 24) located in front of said image sensor (11) and arranged to flash second light signals on a second side (12b) of the document (12) whereby image sensor reading means (31, 41) are arranged to read the infrared light signals passing through the micro-perforated or “watermark” patterns (5).