Abstract: An optical punched badge reader is provided for slidably receiving a data badge, and reading data holes punched therein. The badge reader includes a row of pairs of registered data sensing apertures arranged perpendicular to the axis along which the data badge is received. The slidable movement of the badge into the badge reader actuates the slidable movement of an electro-optical strobe pair along a stationary strobe strip. In operation, the row of data sensing apertures reads the row component of each punched hole on the data badge while the electro-optical strobe pair and the stationary strobe strip read the column component.

Abstract: A badge reader which uses infrared light employs circuitry for determining whether portions of the identification badge are relatively opaque or transparent to infrared radiation upon insertion of the badge into the badge reader. The circuitry includes a source of infrared radiation, such as an infrared emitting diode, a detector of infrared radiation such as a phototransistor, an alignment device for detecting the alignment of the opaque or transparent portions of the badge with the source and detector and for producing an alignment signal. The alignment signal is delivered to an infrared emitting diode driver for driving the diode to produce a pulse of infrared radiation in response to the alignment signal. The detector detects a sufficient amount of infrared radiation only when that portion of the card is relatively transparent, and produces an output in response thereto.

Abstract: A new and improved micro card reader includes a unitary molded base member having a planar rectangular slot therein for slidably receiving a punched data card of standard credit card size having a plurality of columns and rows. Along one edge of the base member is a plurality of registering depressions disposed in the outer facing side of the base member which are adapted to receive optical components. The registering depressions also include registering data sensing apertures therethrough, the number and spacing of the apertures correspond to the number and spacing of the data rows in the data card. Adjacent to one face of the base member is a plurality of light sources disposed within the depressions and aligned with the registering apertures therein. Adjacent to the other face of the base member is a plurality of light sensors which are also aligned with the registering apertures of the base member.