Abstract: A multifunctional scanner having a first processor, an image scanner, a laser scanner, and a host interface port is provided. The image scanner scans documents to detect the presence of images imprinted thereon, generates image data based on the detected images, generates mark-sense row/column data based on downloaded data masks, and forwards the image data to the first processor. The laser scanner scans documents to detect the presence of bar-code symbols imprinted thereon, decodes the bar code symbols, generates bar code information based on the decoded bar code symbols, and forwards the bar code information to the first processor. The host interface port electrically couples the first processor to an external host processor. The first processor receives the image data from the image scanner, converts the image data into a host datastream, and forwards the host datastream to the external host processor via the host interface port.

Abstract: A dual card scanning module announces when the symbols of a face-up standard playing card and a face-down standard playing card achieve a desired combination. The module has a scanner system that illuminates and scans at least a portion of a symbol of the face-up standard playing card and at least a portion of a symbol of the face-down standard playing card and stores the results thereof in a first and second array device, respectively. The module also has a guide to assist in receiving and positioning the cards such that the face-up standard playing card is above and aligned with the face-down standard playing card. When in this position, the symbol portions of the face-up and the face-down standard playing cards can be scanned by the array devices to generate respective scanning results. The module compares the scanning results with a memory storing a plurality of references representing respective symbols of the standard playing cards to determine if the cards have achieved the desired combination.

Abstract: A module for announcing when a Dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the Dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the Dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the Dealer as to the identity of the Dealer's up-card, and announces whether the Dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the Dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process.

Abstract: A module for announcing when a dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the dealer as to the identity of the dealer's up-card, and announces whether the dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for detecting malfunctions in an automatic card shuffler device of the type which randomly extracts cards from two or more storage wells. Detection is accomplished by sensing the failure of a card to be extracted for a storage well and counting the number of successive failures from each storage well. When the number of successive extraction failures associated with any one storage well reaches a predetermined value, an alarm is activated.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for entering data from a marked card into a central processing unit and for producing a receipt on which is displayed the entered data in alpha-numeric characters and a unique transaction code in machine readable form. The system utilizes a plurality of dispersed card reader-printers, each with data storage and processing capabilities, in communication with a local terminal on a sequential polling basis. The local terminal is, in turn, in communication with the central processing unit which stores the data read from the cards and assigns the transaction code to it. The system allows the data stored in the CPU to be verified against that read by the card reader-printer and allows the printed transaction code to be verified against that assigned by the central processing unit.

Abstract: Badge reading apparatus for reading a data encoded badge or the like has a channel for receiving the badge, the channel having a slide positioned therein which clock-holes for producing synchronizing timing signals, the slide being adapted to move within the channel in abutting relation to the badge. Means are provided for maintaining the badge and slide in fixed abutting relation while the badge is moved so as to read, such means incorporating a wrap-around spring on which the badge rides and which keeps the badge properly aligned. The slide element further incorporates a fold-over arrangement for the clock-holes, whereby the slide need not contain the same number of clock-holes as there are rows of data to be read from the badge, thereby enabling a smaller slide element and reduced size of the overall apparatus.

Abstract: A reader for reading encoded data on cards, badges and the like, which cards and badges can be of differing thicknesses, having specially adapted drive roller pairs each comprising a drive roller of a first durometer and a pinch roller of a second durometer, arranged to efficiently capture the badge or card and apply a positive drive force to it. The drive roller is fixed in position and of a relatively high durometer, while the pinch roller is at contact with the drive roller in the absence of a transported card or badge, but is adapted to be displaced against a spring force to accommodate the thickness of the badge or card being read. The efficiency of capture is a function of the relative durometers of the two respective rollers of the drive roller/pinch roller pair, as well as the degree of spring force provided on the pinch roller.

Abstract: A badge reader adapted to communicate with remotely located data processing equipment, said badge reader having data processing circuitry controlled by a rate clock which in turn is enabled and disabled by internal and external signals to provide clock signals only when and as required for carrying out selected data processing operations.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for reading a data encoded badge or document, wherein the operator manually inserts the badge into the reader. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided a movable slide element having clock holes thereon and means for ensuring that such slide moves in synchronism with the badge as it is inserted into and withdrawn from the reader by the operator. Suitable sensors and accompanying electronics are provided to synchronize the reading of data from the card with the detection of the passage of slide clock holes past a predetermined point in the reader. Special reader electronics is provided to ensure reliable clock detection, and to inhibit false generation of clock signals which could result from sensor ringing.

Abstract: A card reader is disclosed for reading cards and like materials one at a time, the card reader having a transport mechanism and special control circuitry for control of same so as to provide single feed card transport over a predetermined transport cycle. The reader controls provide means for selecting the amount of data to be read from the transported card and for controlling the transport cycle in accordance with the selected portion of the card which is to be read. The reader of this invention is suitably a subcombination of an addressable system comprising a plurality of like devices which are addressably controlled by a central processing unit.

Abstract: A card reader having means for receiving cards and transporting them past a read station and into an output hopper, the output hopper being modified to embrace means whereby cards can be unloaded from the output hopper while the machine remains in operation and is feeding cards through the reader and into the output hopper. The primary feature of the embodiment for unloading on the fly is a solenoid-actuated lever mounted on top of the output hopper, having a lever head at one end which when actuated presses against the side of cards in the hopper and clamps at least some of the cards in the hopper between the lever head and a cooperating indentation formed in the opposite side of the hopper, whereby the clamped cards are held in place.

Abstract: A document reader, for reading paper cards and other types of discrete documents, having means for adjusting the reader to accommodate different width documents. The transport channel of the apparatus, through which the cards are passed during the reading process, is equipped with an adjustable wall for defining either discrete channel widths or a width range which can be set for operation with documents of any width within such range. In another embodiment, the document reader contains channel width adjusting elements in both the input and reading sections, and the channel width adjustment means of the reader section is adjustable in response to the position of the input width adjusting element.

Abstract: Card reader apparatus having efficient means for reading information carried by paper cards or the like in the form of punched holes, marks, or both holes and marks. A dual LED light source configuration cooperates with a single light sensitive element to provide for sensing of light transmitted through punched holes in cards transported through the reader, or light reflected from the transported cards. The light sensitive element is incorporated into a simple signal processing circuit which is enabled to generate like output signals corresponding to the sensing of either marks or holes. A novel switching arrangement modifies both the energization of the light source arrangement and the polarity of the electrical supply connected to the processing circuit so as to enable utilization of the simple processing circuit in the operation of the card reader in any one of the reading modes.

Abstract: A card reader system providing for a plurality of card reader units to be interfaced commonly to a single central processing unit, each card reader unit having an interface assembly wholly contained within the card reader electronics package and providing for Hollerith to ASCII conversion, retransmission of card data as often as requested, and suppression of trailing zeros in the transmitted card data. Each interface assembly provides for the generation and transmission of status signals upon the occurrence of predetermined card reader conditions. Means are provided in each card reader for receiving address characters from the CPU whereby each respective card reader is selectively enabled or disenabled from communicating with the CPU depending upon whether or not it has been properly addressed.

Abstract: In card reading apparatus of the type for reading data processing type cards, an improved picking arrangement for picking and feeding cards from a contained stack in a predetermined manner. The picking arrangement comprises a throat through which the picked cards pass, the throat having an improved toothing design to optimize picking bad cards thereto. The apparatus incorporates an integrated system design for minimizing contact with the information bearing portions of the cards as they are picked and processed.