Abstract: In a character reading apparatus, a slip image having three reference marks printed at three of the four predetermined corners of the slip is stored in an image buffer. The image in the image buffer is scanned to detect the three reference marks. A feed orientation of the slip is determined on the basis of the layout of the three reference marks. Data can be read on the basis of the detected three reference marks and the determined feed orientation of the slip.

Abstract: An IC card processing apparatus has a data reading/writing unit which accepts an IC card and electrically connects the IC card with terminal equipment. Data is exchanged with the IC card and/or the data reading/writing unit. To shorten the time for processing data of the IC card processing apparatus, the terminal equipment directly exchanges data with the IC card. To achieve this, the data line of the terminal equipment is connected to the data line of the IC card. Before using the IC card for transactions, the data reading/writing unit feeds a personal identification number (PIN) to the IC card for identifying the PIN information. To prevent the PIN information from being delivered to the terminal equipment, a switch is provided between the data line of the terminal equipment and the data line of the IC card. While identification of the PIN information is underway, the switch remains totally open, preventing reception of the code by an unauthorized party.

Abstract: A system for reading a data record stripe on a credit card which includes an injection molded case including a card guide slot integrally molded into the case near one side thereof and a read head window integrally formed in one sidewall of the card guide slot. A data read head assembly having a read head on a front face thereof is mounted in the read head window and is spring biased toward the wall of the card slot opposite the read head window. A circuit arrangement is coupled to the read head assembly for detecting data signals on a card passing through the slot and converting the data signals to a substantially square wave signal pattern representing binary signal data in the form of positive and negative signal transitions of the square wave signal.

Abstract: A method for optically scanning a document having preprinted marking positions is disclosed. According to the invention, the document has a specified format including rows of preprinted marking positions to be scanned. Document size in at least one direction is automatically measured at each row of preprinted marking materials before that row is scanned. The scanning of each row of preprinted marking positions is automatically adjusted to compensate for random variations in shrinkage and expansion of document size. Document skew relative to the scanning camera is automatically measured at each row of preprinted marking positions to be scanned before scanning each row, and an indication that scanning should not continue is provided if any skew measurement exceeds a predetermined skew limit.

Abstract: A debit card includes at least one address and control logic circuit and a nonvolatile memory having a zone with memory locations provided for storing updated devaluation status of the debit card. At least part of the memory is electrically erasable and all of the memory locations of the zone of the nonvolatile memory can be read out and written upon bit by bit. A method and circuit for devaluation of a monolithically integrable electronic circuit of the debit card includes dividing the zone of the nonvolatile memory into partial zones each having a different value in the form of a multi-stage counter. A simultaneous erasure of the memory cells is permitted only for all of the memory cells of one partial zone of a given value. Erasure of each partial zone is permitted only after a transfer bit has been written into a previously unwritten memory cell of the partial zone of next-higher value. Writing-in is monitored with a logic circuit.

Abstract: A data processing form used with photosensing apparatus that senses the presence of indicia in indicia-receiving locations on the form comprises a sheet of paper or like material. The form has a first control mark column containing a plurality of control marks in specified relation to a plurality of indicia-receiving locations on a first surface of said sheet. On the second surface of the sheet is a fail-safe mark opposite to and aligned with the first control mark column. The fail-safe mark has a continuous extend sufficient to connect at least two adjacent marks on said first surface, were such control marks on the second surface of said sheet in a location immediately opposite their location on said first surface.

Abstract: A method of organizing time sequential application data in an IC card, and an IC card having a structure for organizing such time sequential data. The IC card has an onboard microprocessor and an onboard semiconductor memory. Information is recorded in addressable application blocks defined for the purpose of receiving and recording application data. So long as unrecorded information blocks remain available, new application data is recorded in time sequential locations in those blocks and a record is kept of the sequence of recordation along with the block address at which the data is recorded. When all of the application blocks are filed, the last mentioned record is searched to determine the oldest data recorded in an application block, the new data is overwritten over that data, and the time sequential record updated.

Abstract: An optical code reader system includes an optical code reader and a corresponding optical code format. The code reader includes a detector circuit for establishing an adaptive threshold level related to the difference in successive positive and negative peaks of the analog signal corresponding to white and black areas of the code. The code format comprises a plurality of alternating encoded black and white areas bounded by white quiet zones and black preset areas associated with the quiet zones for presetting the threshold value of the detector circuit to a known level before the code is read.

Abstract: Digital data apparatus is programmable by means of digital data encoded on one or more datastrips contained on an application insert. In order to substantially increase the amount of digital data in each datastrip, fixed-length digital data is compressed according to a predetermined compression/decompression code to produce variable length data which are then encoded on the datastrip. The disclosed apparatus minimizes the time required (1) to read the encoded data into the digital data apparatus and (2) to decode the encoded data so that the decoded data can be ready to be used. As disclosed, a reader reads the encoded data into digital memory during one pass of the reader over the length of the datastrip and while the reader returns to its starting position, the encoded data is decoded according to the predetermined code.

Abstract: A machine readable binary code which is dynamically variable in size, format and density of information is provided. The binary code is formed as a matrix having a perimeter and data contained therein. The perimeter is provided with density indicia for indicating the density of data contained within the matrix. The perimeter is also provided with size indicia for indicating the size of the matrix. By utilizing the density indicia and size indicia, a scanning device is able to calculate the size and information density of the binary code.

Abstract: The system comprises memory cards and card readers. The card memories (MEM) include validation memory points V.sub.j and credit memory points C.sub.i,j. The addresses of the validation points V.sub.j and the addresses of the associated credit point C.sub.i,j are defined by a reference table (TRR) and a permutation table (TP) which make use of a data item (Z.sub.F) which is specific to the card.

Abstract: A reliable electronic lock comprises means for reading a key card upon insertion and withdrawal. Sets of data read from the key card are compared to CRC data read from the key card to determine which set contains actual data and no false data erroneously read by the electronic lock. The CRC data is stored in scrambled form on the card to minimize the possibility of match to a set of actual and false data.

Abstract: A data communication apparatus having a data transmitting portion, a data receiving portion, a detachable memory device such as an IC card or optical card in which received items of data are memorized, and a controller for controlling the process of transmitting and receiving data. In the memory device is set identification codes for identifying the receiver in a confidential communication process. The form of data transmitted by this apparatus is preliminarily converted in accordance with the function of the other party's apparatus.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for encoding magnetic information on a magnetizable substrate where the substrate is liable to be moved erratically, e.g. manually, past a magnetic head. Two parallel tracks are provided on the substrate and the first is encoded with binary information conventionally with shorter spaces between change of field representing one binary digit and longer spaces representing the other digit. The other track is encoded using changes in field on the first track as a timing reference such that any change of field on the second track substantially coincides with a change of field on the first track and one digit of the binary pair is represented by no change in field as the field changes on the first track while the other binary digit is represented by a change of field coincidentally with a change of field on the first track. The system and apparatus are eminently suited for use in parking meters where a power source to drive a card consistently past a reading head is not available.

Abstract: An IC card system comprises an IC card, each card including a microprocessor, a communication interface, a power supply interface, and memories such as RAM, ROM and EEPROM, and an external device such as a terminal. The terminal functions to supply electric power and send commands to the IC card, and includes a card reader/writer effecting data processing for transactions. The commands include a start command and an end command for the transaction data processing for the IC card connected therewith, and the IC card comprises a validity data flag table within the EEPROM. When a start command is received, the flag table records the validity flag in an invalid state and holds such state as long as an end command is not received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a signal processing apparatus comprising a sensor whose impedance varies according to changes in quantity sensed thereby, a power source applying a voltage to the sensor, a current/voltage conversion circuit for converting an output of current flowing through the sensor to a voltage signal, and a feedback means for passing a current corresponding to the output voltage of the current/voltage conversion circuit through the sensor.

Abstract: A scanner for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto to a host computer includes a scanning apparatus for optically scanning bar code labels and for providing an electrical signal in response thereto, and a decoding circuit, responsive to the scanning apparatus for translating the electrical signal into a digital signal. A microprocessor, responsive to the decoding circuit, controls operation of the scanner and translates the digital signal into data to be provided to the associated host computer under control of control characters. The scanner further includes a non-volatile random access control memory in which control characters are stored, and an interface, connected to the host computer and to the microprocessor, for transferring data from the microprocessor to the host computer and for transferring control characters from the host computer to non-volatile random access control memory via the microprocessor.

Abstract: An information memory system suitable for a recording medium such as an optical card which reciprocates. This memory system includes: a reading apparatus for reciprocating the recording medium and reading out the information recorded on the recording medium; an auxiliary memory apparatus different from the recording medium; and a managing apparatus for managing the reading apparatus and the auxiliary memory apparatus. The reading apparatus transfers the information read out of the recording medium to the managing apparatus, and the managing apparatus stores the information transferred from the reading apparatus to the auxiliary memory apparatus while new information is being read out. The reading apparatus has a memory for temporarily storing the information read out of the recording medium and transfers the information from the memory to the managing apparatus when the recording medium is reversed.

Abstract: A bar code label comprises a recording medium and a bar code recorded on a recording medium. The bar code includes a plurality of bar elements lined up parallel. Each width of bar elements is different in accordance with the kind of bar elements. The width of the bar elements is made wider than it would normally be based on its distance from the center of the bar code toward the end of the bar code.

Abstract: The scanner includes scanning circuitry for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical signal in response thereto, decoding circuitry, responsive to the scanning circuitry for translating the electrical signal into a digital signal, and a microprocessor, responsive to the decoding circuitry, for controlling operation of the scanner and for translating the digital signal into data to be provided to the associated host computer under control of control characters. A non-volatile random access control memory is provided for storing control characters. Interface circuitry, connected to the host computer and to the microprocessor, transfers data from the microprocessor to the host computer. A switch enables the microprocessor to translate the digital signal into control characters and enables the microprocessor to store the control characters in the non-volatile random access control memory.

Abstract: Digital data utilization apparatus includes a datastrip reader for reading digital data encoded on one or more datastrips on an application insert. Disclosed is a system for guiding a user in orienting the application insert relative to the datastrip reader so that the datastrips are read in the correct sequence. The digital data utilization apparatus includes an electronic display which displays messages to prompt the user in correctly orienting the application insert relative to the reader. The apparatus also includes guide marks which align with marks on the insert, to further assist the user. Preferably, the application insert also includes a membrane touch pad which overlays a membrane touch pad on the digital data utilization device.

Abstract: A method for merging data from at least two data capture devices (12, 14) includes capturing data from a plurality of documents at a first data capture device (12). The captured data is stored in a first plurality of records. Within each of the plurality of records, the time the data was captured for the corresponding one of the plurality of documents is also stored. A calculation is made to determine the time elapsing between successive data captures using the time stored in the first plurality of records and an inter-document time is generated. Data is further captured from the plurality of documents at a second data capture device (14). The data captured from the second data capture device (14) is stored in a second plurality of records. Within the second plurality of records, the time the data was captured for the corresponding one of the plurality of documents is also stored.

Abstract: An information memory apparatus includes: an endless belt which is driven forward and in reverse by a motor and reciprocates a recording medium such as an optical card; an optical head for reading out information from the recording medium which is being moved by the endless belt; a memory for temporarily storing the information read out by the optical head; a transfer apparatus for transferring the information read out of the memory to the outside; and a control circuit for changing the positions at which the information stored in the memory is read in accordance with the reading of the information upon the forward and returning operation of the recording medium. The control circuit also changes the reading directions of the information from the memory in accordance with the forward and returning operations of the recording medium. With this apparatus, the information reading efficiency is improved and the information is efficiently transferred by a simple constitution, while reducing the number of memories.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of optical mark readers and mark scanning systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for checking the velocity of a scannable document as it travels under the read head of a mark scanning system.

Abstract: An IC card system according to this invention adopts a so-called intelligent-type IC card which has an internal power source of its own, can store designation data using the power source, and can display the storage content on a display unit. When the IC card is inserted in a terminal, the presence/absence of designation data is judged from the ON/OFF state of the power source of the card and, thereafter, a predetermined processing operation corresponding to the designation data is executed.

Abstract: A device and method for transferring data from a microprocessor located in a transaction card through a card reader by emulating a prerecorded magnetic stripe on a conventional transaction car such as a credit or debit card. Data is sequentially produced by the microprocessor within the card and applied to a magnetic field generator which produces magnetic fields that emulate prerecorded data on a conventional magnetic stripe of a transaction card. This allows transfer of data from a microprocessor to standard card readers without the necessity of substantially modifying the card reader device. Circuitry is also provided for detecting the position and speed of movement of the card through the card reader to ensure that all of the data is transmitted from the microprocessor to the magnetic field generators within the scanning time of the card across read head of the card reader.

Abstract: A read/write method using a non-contact system and used between a storage substrate and a read/write unit, the method including a storage substrate providing a memory at a card or other substrates, and a read/write unit, the storage substrate providing a coil for power supply, a coil for receiving data to be recorded in a memory, a coil for outputting toward the read/write unit the data recorded in the memory, and a coil for receiving a mode command, the read/write unit providing coils corresponding to four coils at the storage substrate, so that the respective corresponding coils at the storage substrate are insertably positioned in the magnetic flux generated by each coil at the read/write unit, whereby the read/write unit writes data in the memory at the storage substrate, or the data stored in the memory at the storage substrate is read by the read/write unit.

Abstract: In an IC card information reading and writing apparatus, a clock oscillator (4.9 MHz) is incorporated in the apparatus. Since the high-frequency clock is not passed through a cable connected between the apparatus and an external control unit, but supplied from the clock oscillator to the IC card via a short distance, the external control unit can stably control the IC card through the long cable without generating crosstalk or reflection. The clock signal is selectively supplied to the IC card via an AND gate in response to a clock-enable signal from the external control unit or a binary logic signal supply voltage for the reading and writing apparatus.

Abstract: A bar code reading method and apparatus. Comparison reference values are calculated based upon actual measurements of the width of bars and spaces which comprise the bar code pattern and upon a prestored constant. The measured bar and space widths are compared to the reference values to determine the information represented by the bar code. Since the reference values are generated from the measured values of the bars and spaces the scanning speed is irrelevant and errors are avoided. Similarly, minor width variations, caused by inaccurate printing, between like bars or spaces do not affect reading results.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for determining the occurrence of transitions in a binary encoded analog input signal. The system includes a threshold circuit, responsive to the input signal, for generating first and second grating signals in dependence upon whether the input signal exceeds or is less than a first threshold level, respectively. A first circuit means, responsive to the input signal, differentiates the input signal to form a first derivative signal. A threshold circuit, responsive to the first derivative signal, generates third and fourth gating signals in dependence upon whether the first derivative signal exceeds a second threshold level or is less than a third threshold level, respectively. A second circuit means, responsive to the first derivative signal, differentiates the first derivative signal to form a second derivative signal.

Abstract: An improved optical reader for reading both bar codes and alphanumeric characters with one image sensor wherein a switching gate selects either one of two digital signal processing means, so that there does not occur processing of both formats concurrently. The optical reader recognizes the binary pattern of the specific format.

Abstract: A card reader includes an opaque arm movable in response to the insertion of a credit card. The arm, when moved, interrupts a light path signalling the presence of the card thus permitting write or read operations on a magnetic stripe on the card. The use of arm permits highly reliable operation due to the location of the light path defining devices in a place where they are protected from contaminants. In addition, the light path is always interrupted with an obstruction of known opacity.

Abstract: A digital bar code slot reader provides low first bar error rates and a wide scan speed range for bar codes on laminated badges and tags, and is also capable of reading bar codes on paper. The reflectance waveform from the bar code is differentiated in order to find the regions of high slope. The differentiated signal is peak detected to find the amplitude of the slope occurring at the initial card edge. This peak detected value is used to generate thresholds to be compared to the differentiated reflectance signal during the rest of the scan. When the slope of the reflectance signal is above the positive threshold or below the negative threshold, a switching signal is produced. To compensate for the lower amplitude output of the differentiator at low scan speeds, one of the amplifiers in the circuit produces a higher gain at low frequencies than at high frequencies.

Abstract: A method and system for reading encoded information from conventional bar codes and from hand-encoded barcodes is provided. The method and system include processing which eliminates false spaces and bars in conventional pre-encoded printed barcode formats as well as those in hand-encoded barcode formats. A pre-printed barcode form containing a plurality of bars and spaces representing the elements of a character code is used in which at least one of the bars is designed to be modified by hand to represent the encoded character. A barcode reader system scans the barcode and processes the scanned barcode symbol into decoded form. A barcode label for encoding a multi-character string readable by a barcode reader is also provided which includes a plurality of data lines which contains barcode readable start and stop codes unique to each data line and a barcode readable digit form located between the start and stop code of each data line.

Abstract: A transducer apparatus for use with cards bearing a magnetic recording stripe and having an optically sensible anticounterfeit uniqueness characteristic, the apparatus including a sensor for the anticounterfeit characteristic which scans the card by a small discrete window of perception, pixel. The apparatus isolates predetermined areas of perception for the card, so as to verify on the basis of signals from a prior observation recorded by the magnetic stripe. Areas of perception, pixel size, are less than one sixty-fourth of a square inch. The magnetic sensing head of the apparatus is mounted with the anticounterfeit sensor to accommodate common resilient displacement with movement relative to a card.

Abstract: The absolute spatial distance of the widths of individual bars and spaces of a bar code are precisely measured by a bar code scanning apparatus having two photodetector circuit elements positioned a fixed and predetermined distance from each other for sensing light reflected from the bars and spaces of the bar code at a fixed differential time. The photodetectors are part of an integral unit and are parallel in independent circuits connected to a digital processing unit and storage memory for clocking the passage of the two photodetectors over the bars and spaces against an absolute time determined from a constant frequency pulse generator or digital clock. The precise measurement is compared with references and a readout is provided.

Abstract: For reading a coded sequence of magnetic signals recorded on a card, which sequence is formed of bits of identical duration the reading of which results, for the 0s, in a single change of level of an electric voltage, and for the 1s, in two such changes evenly spaced apart in time, the real duration of each bit read is measured, and the time of identification of each bit is adjusted depending on the real duration t.sub.0 of the preceding bit and on the nature of this preceding bit by giving to the time interval T which separates the end of reading of this preceding bit and the time of identifying the following bit, if the preceding bit is a 1, a value T.sub.1 equal to 5/8 of t.sub.0 or to 11/16 of t.sub.0 and if the preceding bit is a 0, a value t.sub.0 equal to 7/8 of t.sub.0, or else equal to 13/16 of t.sub.0 if the bit preceding the above 0 was again a 0 and to 15/16 of t.sub.0 in the opposite case.

Abstract: Identification marks in the form of code fields are arranged on a material band which is adapted to be moved in a continuous manner. These identification marks are recognized by a reader head with a subsequent evaluating logic, whereby under conditions of signal flow produced by the reader head on passing of the code field at the evaluating logic, this signal flow is transformed into identification marking corresponding to the respective code field. Each code field is preceded by a starter label which produces a start signal causing the release of the initially blocked signal flow between the reader head and the evaluating logic and actuates a switch component to assume a transmitting condition. On completion of the signal flow transformation into the identification marking, the signal flow ceases due to actuation of the switch component.

Abstract: A system for scanning and digitizing printed documents for subsequent storage, retrieval and manipulation. Documents are continuously transported across the focal plane of a stationary scanner, and are repetitively scanned in a single axis. In a preferred embodiment, two scanners are employed to permit scanning and digitization of both sides of a particular document in a single pass through the transport mechanism. Circuitry is included in the scanner which permits the presence or absence of a document to be detected and allows dynamic adjustment of threshold levels, thereby accomodating documents which utilize shaded backgrounds.

Abstract: A memory card has a card medium and a laser memory for storing data. A data processing section for storing encryption and/or decryption key data, an encryption and/or decryption program and a password is arranged in the card medium. When the same password as prestored in the data processing section is input, the input data is encrypted and/or decrypted in accordance with the encryption and/or decryption key data and the encryption and/or decryption program. The encrypted and/or decrypted data is stored in the laser memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for skew compensation in an optical reader is described. The method provides for calculating the amount of skew between the read scan line used to read the data and the recording path line used when the data was written on the recording media. By determining the position of each end of the scan line by counting delimiter marks along the two edges of the data being read, the skew can be calculated by determining the difference in delimiter counts. The data is divided into bands along the direction of scan within which the skew will not cause trouble misreadings at the extreme bits of the scan line within a band. The data is scanned multiple times during the transition of the data strip so that at least one good read of each data band in the data strip will occur.

Abstract: Methods for variably encoding recorded information in accordance with the type of information which is recorded. The information is organized into types of numeric data, alpha data, alphanumeric data and ASCII character data. Numeric data is encoded in 4-bit code; alpha data is encoded in 5-bit code; alphanumeric data is encoded in 6-bit code; and ASCII character data is encoded in 7-bit code. The fields of the individual data code groups are variable in length to fit the length of the individual data code group stored therein. Each individual field is terminated by a field separator encoded in the same type code as the data type contained in that field. A type separator at the end of each data type signifies transition to data of the next type. This encoding method is particularly adapted to the recording of information in a limited recording area, such as a credit card.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus are disclosed for scanning documents and producing electronically stored signals corresponding to images on the documents. A stripe pattern of lines obliquely inclined relative to the direction of document movement provides precise indications of "pel" increments of document displacement relative to the image sensing apparatus. Using these indications, the system is effectively rendered insensitive to interruptions of document motion and/or variations in document motion speed. For example, this enables a system having limit buffer storage capacity to capture a full document image; by intermittently scanning portions of the image which fill the store, and halting document motion between scans of successive portions to allow for processing of the partial image data between the buffer store and other parts of the system's memory.

Abstract: A card having an uninterrupted strip of magnetizable material affixed to the surface of a substrate can carry a machine readable code in the form of a magnetized pattern. By removing alternate magnetized segments, in a column of parallel rifts across the strip, the machines readable code becomes non-alterable, since a uniform, unidirectional magnetization of the remaining material restores the original code.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a reading surface which is formed by a plurality of photo-diodes. Each photo-diode is connected to an input of an AND-gate. The AND-gates each have another input which receives pulses from a scanner which distributes pulses to the inputs of the AND-gates in turn. The AND-gates are actuated in turn and, if the associated photo-diode is illuminated by the image of a marking element passes a signal to a counter. A decoder connected to the counter produces a signal indicating how many of the photo-diodes are illuminated and, thus, the length of the marking element.

Abstract: A method and system for decoding time-varying, two-frequency, coherent-phase data, such as data from the stripe on a magnetic stripe-bearing medium, includes detecting flux intervals at the beginning of a bit cell of such data; timing with a clock or counter the length of such a bit cell; digitally determining the average length of at least the two bit cells immediately preceding the cell being measured; and digitally determining whether or not another flux reversal lies at or near the midpoint of the bit cell being decoded.

Abstract: An information retrieval system for retrieving desired information from information recorded in a record medium is disclosed. The information on the record medium is classified into at least two groups and a first mark is added to the lower class information and a second mark is added to the higher class information. The marks are detected by mark detection means and the feed of the record medium is controlled in accordance with the output of the mark detection means. When there is an error in the retrieval or in the input, the error is detected and the feed of the record medium is stopped.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for decoding coded information such as may be provided by a printed bar code. The coded information is segmented into a plurality of words, each having more bits than the number of bits appearing in the corresponding decoded word. The bits of each coded word are subdivided into at least two partial coded words. Each of these partial coded words is then decoded and the decoded versions for all the partial coded words combined so as to yield the decoded word. In the preferred embodiment the method of combination is summation of the decoded partial coded words.

Abstract: A character and image processing apparatus comprises a scanning section for photoelectrically converting data on a sheet in which character data and image data are mixedly arranged in a free format; an image buffer for storing the photoelectrically converted data; a scanning control circuit for scanning the stored data in the image buffer to detect control marks and for determining a character read mode, an image data output mode or a skip mode according to the control mark; a character recognizing circuit for recognizing characters from the image buffer when the scanning control circuit determines the control marks as the character read mode; a data compression circuit for compressing the image data from the image buffer when the scanning control circuit determines the control marks as the image data output mode; and a data editing circuit for discriminately editing the character data and the image data.

Abstract: A plurality of vertically aligned sensing members scan a matrix type bar code on a document. During the scanning of the bar code, the time period between the detection of succeeding bars is determined. An average time period which occurs during the detection of a number of bars is then generated. Each succeeding time period generated as a result of detecting the next bar is divided by the average time period to determine the presence or absence of the bar in addition to the number of spaces preceding the detected bar. This information is used in decoding the bar code label.