Abstract: Audio jack coupled secure magnetic card readers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described. One embodiment includes reading data from at least one track of data encoded on a magnetic stripe using a magnetic read head, encrypting the data using an encryption circuit, encoding the encrypted data into a transmission format using an encoder, passing the encoded data through an anti-aliasing filter to generate a data signal, and transmitting the data signal. on the microphone channel of an audio jack.

Abstract: Apparatus and Methods for imaging magnetic fields and for using images of magnetic fields in the authentication of magnetic stripe cards or documents are disclosed. The systems described provide an increased tolerance for misalignments of magnetic reading heads. One preferred embodiment of the invention includes sensing circuitry for sensing an image of the magnetic field using an array of magnetic reading heads and sampling circuitry connected to the sensing circuitry.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe documents are identified and authenticated on the basis of repeatable magnetic characteristics of a stripe recorded with digital data and waveform characteristics of the sensed digital data. Stripes are sensed to provide an analog signal, only the portion storing leading zeros being used. Cyclically, the leading-zero portion is sampled and digitized to provide a target number of samples using a frequency locked loop. The target number of samples is then reduced by a selection process that attains a predetermined number of digital samples from central locations in magnetized portions of the record specifically, spaces between data transitions. Selected groups, each of a predetermined number of digital samples, are then combined to provide magnetic characteristic data. Such data is then combined with waveform data (range) to provide an identification word. Documents are verified by correlating reference and sensed identification words.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe documents are identified and authenticated on the basis of repeatable magnetic characteristics of a stripe recorded with digital data. Stripes are sensed to provide an analog signal, only a portion of which is used, specifically, the portion storing a plurality of zeros. Cyclically, the zeros are sampled and digitized as a target number of samples using a frequency locked loop. The target number of samples for each zero is then reduced by a selection process that attains a predetermined number of digital samples that represent a magnetized portion of a zero, specifically, a space between data transitions. Groups of selected predetermined number of digital samples are then combined to provide a card magnetic characteristic identifier. The harmonic content of the characteristic identifier is tested as a measure of the quality of the stripe sensing. A predetermined level of quality conditions verification. Documents are verified by correlating reference and recent characteristic identifiers.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe documents are identified and authenticated on the basis of repeatable magnetic characteristics of a stripe recorded with digital data. Stripes are sensed to provide an analog signal, only a portion of which is used, specifically, the portion storing leading zeros. Cyclically, the leading zeros are sampled and digitized as a target number of samples using a frequency locked loop. The target number of samples for each zero is then reduced by a selection process that attains a predetermined number of digital samples that represent a magnetized portion of a leading zero, specifically, a space between data transitions. Groups of selected predetermined number of digital samples are then combined to provide a card magnetic characteristic identifier. Documents are verified by correlating reference and recent characteristic identifiers. Specific forms of sensor structures are utilized for the applications involving multitudes of different documents and sensor structures.

Abstract: A data-bearing card is transported past a reading, writing or other communication head by at least one drive element connected to an electric motor through a preselected gear train. The mechanism moves the card at speeds corresponding to a preferred range of rates at which data borne by the card is intended to pass the communication head, and does so with a minimum of "jitter". In one particular embodiment, the gear train includes a worm screw driving a worm wheel for rotation with the drive element. In another embodiment, the electric motor is supported on a base oriented substantially parallel to the card being transported, and a shaft carrying the drive element and a first gear of the gear train is supported for rotation by at least one side plate detachably mounted to the base.

Abstract: A card issuing and processing system embodied in a terminal to accomplish issuing and processing operations on cards bearing both human-readable and machine-readable data, e.g., cards bearing visual indicia, one or more magnetic stripes, and/or an integrated circuit ("chip") is provided, having an input hopper mechanism for storing and dispensing new cards, multiple transport mechanisms for transporting the cards, and various processing stations, including a cleaning station, an IC station, a magnetic-write station, a magnetic-read station, and a print station. The cleaning station cleans the surface of the card in preparation for a subsequent operation. The IC station accomplishes electronic data transfer with cards bearing a chip. The magnetic-write and read stations accomplish magnetic data transfer with cards bearing either high and/or low coercivity magnetic medium, and the print station accomplishes the application of visual data, including graphic images, text, background designs, or even bar codes.

Abstract: A reduced-power dynamic magnetic transducer system includes a magnetoresistive read head, a low duty cycle pulse generator to supply power to the head, a signal processor, and a controller. As a data-bearing card is moved adjacent to the magnetoresistive read head, the pulse generator actuates the read head, thereby providing an intermittent signal representative of data recorded on the card. The intermittent signal is processed by the signal processor to reconstruct the original recorded data. The reconstructed data is utilized by the controller in conducting transactions with a user of the system.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a transport for cards to be repeatedly scan printed with component colors. In the transport, a pair of belt rollers are fixed axially parallel in a frame, the belt rollers defining circumferential annular aligned grooves. Belts encircle the belt rollers, positioned in the grooves, and extend to define a virtual working bed on which the card is moved to be printed. Pinch rollers retain the card fixed to the belts. In sequence, cards are cleaned, magnetically processed and printed.

Abstract: A card entry gate has a slot defining several ridges extending longitudinally from the upper and lower surfaces of the slot. A data-bearing card, with an encoded strip and embossed portions, fits between the ridges of the slot when inserted lengthwise in any orientation. The ridges are positioned to avoid the encoded strip and the embossed portions, thereby preventing damage to the card and reducing jitter. The ridges further resist the malicious or accidental insertion of certain coins, odd-shaped cards, and many foreign objects.

Abstract: An off-line terminal, located at an airline boarding gate processes composite tickets bearing a magnetic stripe. Processing includes: authenticating, verifying, recording, canceling, bursting into component sections and sorting. Operations are controlled, logged and interrelated in accordance with ticket content and operating programs. Structurally, a processing computer cooperates with magnetic stripe transducers, a printer, a burster, signal lamps and a plurality of document-direction gates to select and control the path of individual ticket components. An additional magnetic sensor for ticket components (e.g. boarding passes) enables control of passenger movements after initial clearance with ticket processing.

Abstract: A system for use with a mag-stripe card for transducing signals and performing predetermined transaction processing to record fresh data on the card. A closed-end slot is defined for guiding the card in manual motion. Offset record (broad path) and read (narrow path) transducers are mounted in a relationship to afford increased tolerances. Optical sensors manifest card positions as data for a processor to control and sequence proper operation. The processor also receives confirmatory read signals to verify proper recording on a card.

Abstract: A heat transferable line printer used with a cassette carrying a heat transferable ink ribbon capable of being printed many times. The ink ribbon cassette comprises a case which is symmetrical to left and right, a pair of spools provided within the case, one spool serving as a winding spool whereas the other serving as a supply spool, both of which carry the ink ribbon, and a cylindrical hub gear supported on opposite ends of each of the spools and projected from a notch provided on the side of the case.The printer comprises a print unit and a feed unit which are pivotably connected with each other through a shaft, the feed unit including a platen extending parallel to the shaft, the print unit having a thermal head extending along the platen. The print unit comprises a pair of spool shafts selectively fitted into the hub projecting from the side of the ink ribbon cassette, the ink ribbon cassette being inversely mounted on the print unit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sensing a single moving magnetic track, to provide two distinct binary signals (clock and binary data) representative of digital information. Magnetically recorded signals in the Manchester or F/2F code format are selectively processed into electrical representations, using time and amplitude criteria to verify and distinguish between clock (sync) pulses and binary data pulses. An amplitude discriminator is controlled on the basis of the amplitude of immediately prior signals as well as the character of prior binary data pulse signals. A time discriminator is controlled (to segregate clock and data pulse signals) on the basis of the interval of immediately prior signals as well as the character (1 or 0) of prior binary data pulse signals. Consequently, the system is tolerant with regard to signal quality and speed consistency of the relative motion.