Abstract: A method and apparatus of processing data is disclosed for recognizing unknown characters of a known character set based in part upon the frequency of occurrence of the characters. The method includes the steps of storing the image data of the unkown characters and then sequentially applying discrete sets of tests capable of first recognizing data and identifying characters having a higher frequency of occurrence. A second stage of discriminatory tests is sequentially applied to the unrecognized data for recognizing data and identifying characters having a lower frequency of occurrence than the first group of characters.

Abstract: A demodulator for reading a self-clocking frequency modulated code establishes time frames based on the reading process by which erroneous signal peaks can be detected. Signal peaks that fall outside of prescribed time frames are detected as errors, as are extra peaks occurring when only one is permitted. This demodulator is particularly useful in reading data from a magnetic stripe record on a bank passbook or credit card.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a circuit arrangement for electrically driving print electrodes in an electroerosion printer by means of driver stages producing relatively strong and relatively short ignition pulses as well as by means of driver stages producing relatively weak burning pulses which are of longer duration than the ignition pulses. The burning pulse is first initiated and if an arc is struck, the ignition pulse is not required. Use of the burning pulse alone produces a sharp edge printing mark. Only if the burning pulse is unable to strike an arc is the ignition pulse delivered to assure that printing occurs.

Abstract: In hand-held magnetic readers, it is desirable that the magnetic read head be able to detect flux transitions on the surface of a magnetic media without requiring that the head have a specific orientation to the media. The present invention provides such a read head in which a thin planar magnetoresistive element is mounted so as to be perpendicular to the surface of the media. A thick yoke which is coplanar with the element provides a pole face adjacent the media surface which is sufficently wide as to extend over adjacent flux transitions when the plane of the element is skewed with respect to the flux transitions. A further pole face of the yoke is adjacent the edge of the element remote from the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for segmenting character images in an optical image system where the character images have a predetermined pitch. The optical image system generates character information in the form of a successive series of scan lines of data. Profiles of the character images being scanned are generated, and a profile segment meeting certain criteria is selected. The center of the selected profile segment is located, and segmentation points between the character images are established as a linear function of the character image pitch and located center. The segmentation points are integer multiples of the pitch.