Abstract: The invention relates to detecting transparent and/or translucent cards. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a transparent and/or translucent card includes using a light emitter and a light detector. In aspects of the invention, the information concerning detection of the transparent and or translucent card is received at a microprocessor that enables the fabrication or the processing of the transparent and/or translucent card.

Abstract: A card reader system includes a sensor to sense the presence of a scoring of a card at a specified card location. A read head is employed to read a magnetic stripe disposed on the card. Also, a circuit is coupled to both a sensor and the read head. The circuit is configured to receive input from the sensor, to determine whether the card is a first size or a second size based on the received input, and to enable the read head to read the entire magstripe when the card is the first size and to read a portion of the magstripe when the card is the second size.

Abstract: The invention relates to detecting transparent and/or translucent cards. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a transparent and/or translucent card using a light emitter and a light detector is disclosed. In aspects of the invention, the information concerning detection of the transparent and or translucent card is used to enable the fabrication or the processing of the transparent and/or translucent card.

Abstract: Improved card reader systems and methods are provided which are capable of processing miniature cards as well as larger cards. In one embodiment, the card reader system includes a means for sensing the presence of a scoring of a card at a specified card location. The system includes a read head adapted to read a magnetic stripe disposed on the card, and a circuit coupled to both the sensing means and the read head. The circuit is adapted to receive input from the sensing means, to determine whether the card is a first size or a second size based on the received input, and to enable the read head to read the entire magstripe when the card is the first size and to read a portion of the magstripe when the card is the second size. In this manner, by providing an improved sensing device with card reader systems, the operation of the read head may be controlled so that it is not fooled into believing more cards exist than are truly passing by the read heads.