Abstract: A data processing apparatus has a card inserting unit provided with a card inserting port for a contact type card which is disposed inside of a loop-shaped antenna through which data is transmitted to and received from a non-contact type card. Even if various kinds of cards are accessed, the sequence of accessed cards cannot be different from the sequence of cards being processed. With this arrangement, in a data processing apparatus capable of commonly using two or more kinds of cards including the contact type card and non-contact type card, the sequence of users utilizing the apparatus cannot be different from the sequence of data being processed.

Abstract: A transponder for use in an object identification system including an interrogator which transmits a continuous interrogation signal and detects a responsive identification signal transmitted by the transponder. The transponder receives and detects the interrogation signal and, in response to receipt of the interrogation signal, produces a repeating identification signal having a fixed number of binary bits consisting of an identification data portion of a specified number of consecutive bits less than one half of the fixed number of bits, and a synchronization pattern of consecutive bits consisting of first, second and third bits of alternating binary values, a consecutive sequence of a plurality of bits which are all of the same binary value as the second bit, and a single bit of the same binary value as the first and third bits. The identification signal is modulated onto a carrier signal and transmitted.

Abstract: An electronic stylus, for use with a computer having a digitizer, has a light emitter for emitting light to illuminate optically encoded information. A photodetector senses light reflected from the illuminated optically encoded information and produced an electrical signal representative of the optically encoded information. Stylus electronics provide positional input data by contacting a digitizer tablet with the stylus. The stylus housing contains the light emitter, photodetector and stylus electronics. A tip at a fore end of the housing is adapted for contact with the digitizer tablet and the light is emitted from other than the fore end of the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the remanent noise in a magnetic medium by DC saturation of a region thereof and measurement of the remaining DC magnetization. A conventional magnetic recording transducer may be used to determine the remanent noise. Upon determination, the remanent noise may then be digitized and recorded on the same magnetic medium to thereby "fingerprint" the magnetic medium. This "fingerprint" may then be later used to verify and authenticate the magnetic medium as being an original. In such manner, any magnetic medium, or any object having an associated magnetic medium, may be "fingerprinted" including credit cards, computer programs, compact discs, videotapes, cassette tapes, etc.

Abstract: A multi-port digital signal decoder capable of decoding digital signals produced from various types of scanning devices including, for example, high-speed counter top scanners, low-speed hand-held scanners, wand scanners, light pen scanners, and magnetic card scanners. The digital signal decoder of the present invention includes a plurality of data input ports for receiving digital input signals produced from the various scanning devices. The digital signal decoder also includes common digital signal and data processing circuitry for processing the digital input signals and digital data so as to produce, as output, decoded symbol data. In addition, the digital signal decoder further includes an output data port for providing the decoded symbol data to a host device operably connected to the digital signal decoder. In the illustrative embodiment, the digital signal decoder is realized using VLSI circuit and microprocessor technology.

Abstract: An enhanced card security system wherein an optically readable portion is incorporated into the magnetic machine readable stripe on the card. The optically readable portion can include a holographic representation of a bar code or other conventionally known optical digit generator.The optical stripe has a partial string of an identification number and, the magnetic stripe has the remaining string of the identification number. A check digit derived by combining the two partial strings and preforming a check digit calculation on the complete string is also recorded on the magnetic stripe. Transactions are approved if during reading of the card the calculated check digit from combining the two strings matches the recorded check digit.

Abstract: A hybrid card comprises a substrate carrying an IC chip. An IC terminal is electrically connected to the IC chip and is arranged on a first surface of the substrate. A contact region is defined around the IC terminal and is occupied when a contact terminal of a recording/reproducing apparatus electrically contacts the IC terminal. An optical recording region has a plurality of tracks extending parallel to each other on the first surface. The contact region and the optical recording region are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the tracks.

Abstract: A device for reading code lines on a moving carrier in which the lines extend transverse to the direction of movement. The reading head extends across the web and has a row of sensors subdivided into groups. The sensors of each group have a length equal to the maximum length of the coding traces and the total row has a substantially greater length so that the sensors are subdivided along the row into groups. The signals from sensors of preceding groups in a direction of signal flow along the row are summed e.g. at operational amplifiers before being summed with the corresponding sensor outputs of subsequent groups.

Abstract: There is provided an integrated semiconductor source-detector matrix in which solid state photonic diodes are configured as LEDs, disposed on a substrate and coupled to electronic circuits so that the diodes can be individually driven to emit light or to detect light as may be desired. Providing an integrated matrix of light source (emitter) and light sensor units disposed in close proximity results in each unit having nearly coextensive fields of view and illumination. Apparatus, such as bar code and optical readers utilizing such a matrix are shown, and are insensitive to the diffusion and laminate effects. In alternate embodiments the matrix is coupled to remote sensors or another similar matrix to provide optical communication and interchange devices having high bandwidth.

Abstract: An information recording and/or reproducing apparatus for use in a hybrid type card-like information recording medium on which an IC chip and optical information recording area and/or magnetic information recording area are provided; in which a contact for connecting the IC chip and an information processor is provided in a shuttle for containing the hybrid card. Therefore, in the apparatus according to the invention, information can be recorded and/or reproduced in and/or from IC chip formed on the medium without respect to the position of the shuttle. Further, it is possible to make the apparatus small in size and light in weight, because the independent mechanism for driving the terminal in accordance with the movement of the card is not necessary to be contained within the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: Azimuth related problems common to hand-inserted, magnetic card readers are avoided by a spring loaded edge guide track which extends along the entire length of travel of the card rather than only in the vicinity of the read head. The invention of both advancing edges of the card within tracks and a pressure plate maintain the advancing card in the plane of travel in a prescribed vertical position necessary for cards with active electronic elements as well.

Abstract: The present invention reads out track addresses written onto ID sections of a recording medium, for example, from five, tracks of the plurality of tracks read out simultaneously, to execute demodulation and error correction. In case where the addresses are multiple-written onto the ID sections, the optical spot judges the track address of the desired track on the basis of the plurality of read-out track addresses until the optical spot passes through the remaining track address. Further, in case where there is only a single one of the track addresses written on said ID sections, the track addresses are read out one by one, are demodulated and are error-corrected. The track address of the desired track is judged on the basis of the plurality of read-out track addresses, prior to the fact that the optical spot enters an information recording area.

Abstract: A reader comprises a feeding path for boarding pass to be inserted in various orientations, pairs of feeding rollers for transporting the boarding pass along the path, and four sensor units arranged along the path each for sensing a signal recorded on the boarding pass inserted in a particular orientation.

Abstract: A self check out/check in terminal is disclosed for facilitating independent withdrawal or return of articles having article identifying indicia on opposing surfaces thereof, and alterable security indicia for indicating the circulation status of the article. The terminal comprises first and second readers disposed at space opposed locations and operative to read the plurality of article identifying indicia and generate first and second article identifying signals in response thereto. Processing circuitry is provided in electrical communication with the readers and includes comparator circuitry for receiving the first and second article identifying signals and for generating a third signal when said first and second article identifying signals are substantially identical. Security indicia control circuitry is provided for altering the security indicia upon the article in response to the generation of the third signal.

Abstract: A device for reading bar codes affixed in a predetermined order on an elongated photographic film. The bar codes are provided at the same positions relative to a plurality of image frames that are recorded in the longitudinal direction of the photographic film as the photographic film is being conveyed in the longitudinal direction. The film includes a plurality of symbol reading units disposed parallel to the direction in which the photographic film is being conveyed for reading symbols. The results read by the plurality of symbol reading units are compared with each other, and a determination is made as to whether or not the read symbol is a bar code on the basis of the comparison results. In consequence, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of bar codes.

Abstract: A portable terminal device includes a printed wiring board having two main sides, a first interface for a first information data exchanging card disposed on one of the two main sides of the printed wiring board, and a second interface for a second information data exchanging card disposed on the other side of the two main sides of the printed wiring board. The first and second cards can be installed on both sides of the printed wiring board in parallel to each other sandwiching the printed wiring board.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively reading or writing data on a magnetic data stripe on a data card which is thin and flexible and for selectively returning or capturing the card. The apparatus includes a card guide arrangement comprising a cylindrical card guide path section, an entrance card path section with an entrance slit for admitting the data card, and an exit path section with an exit slit for discharging the data card for capture. A drive arrangement drives the data card through the entrance slit, throughout the cylindrical card guide path section, and through the exit slit. A transducer with a read head and write head is mounted relative to the cylindrical card guide path section. A position tracking arrangement determines the position of the data card within the cylindrical card guide and a card-in sensor senses the presence of a data card in the entrance path section. A microprocessor based control circuit is used to operate the system and control operational features.

Abstract: An object verification system generates an incremental verification key which can be carried on the object co-extensive with the region of the associated randomly varying characteristic. The incremental key can be formed by measuring values of the characteristic and comparing selected pairs of values. The algebraic sign of the comparison can be used as an indicium for creating a verification key distributable across the region of the object. Alternately, the magnitude of the difference between the selected pairs of values can be also be included in some or all of the indicia.

Abstract: The magnetic ink medium includes a plurality of magnetic regions which have diversifiable magnetic intensity and are mutually separated by spaces. At least one first part of the regions has a magnetic coercivity which differs from the remaining regions of the plurality of regions, in order to obtain at least two different readouts of the same plurality of regions upon applying different magnetic fields for orientating the plurality of regions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a card, comprising a first step of photographing objects and storing the photographed objects as image data, a second step of storing object data associated with the objects, and a third step of reading out desired image data from the image data and part of the object data corresponding to the desired image data. A step for synthesizing the desired image data and the part of the object data, and printing out the synthesized image and object data on a sheet is included.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading and writing a data signal from and on an optical card including an optical head having a semiconductor laser for emitting a writing light beam, a light emitting diode for emitting a reading light beam, a first object lens for projecting the reading light spots onto the optical card, a second objective lens for projecting the reading light beam reflected by the optical beam onto a photodetector and a half mirror arranged in an optical axis of the second objective lens, a driving mechanism for moving the optical card in it lengthwise direction, and a focusing control mechanism for moving the optical head in a direction normal to the surface of the optical card.

Abstract: In order to check if information stored on a card is authentic, the embossed character and figure information is compared with the information on the card. The rays radiated from the light emitting elements arranged in a line pass through a slit whose width is substantially equal to the thickness of embossed portions. Then, the rays are reflected on a card surface and received at an optical sensor consisting of LED elements arranged in a line as the card is in transit. The optical sensor is oriented in a manner to keep the same angle of reflection as the angle of incidence with respect to a normal. The light emitting elements are oriented to form another angle of incidence. These elements are used for reading the printed characters. To read a color pattern, a sensor having a photo detection sensitivity toward a normal of the card serves to receive the scattered rays reflected on the card, which rays are obliquely radiated to the card.

Abstract: A method storing multiple scanned images of a response-marked form document comprises scanning a copy of the form document on which no response information has been marked, using a scanning method that detects substantially all visual information present on the form document and produces a pixel image thereof and storing that pixel image data in a computer storage device. Additonal steps comprise scanning at least one copy of the same form document that has been marked with at least one response mark that absorbs light falling outside the visible spectrum, using a scanning method that detects only the presence of light outside the visible spectrum and that produces a pixel image of said at least one response mark, then compressing that pixel image to reduce the amount of pixel data used to repressent areas of the form document bearing no response marks and storing the compressed pixel image data in a computer storage device.

Abstract: A proximity detection system which combines the advantages of an electrostatic (electric) field coupling mechanism with those of an electromagnetic coupling mechanism in order to overcome the disadvantages of the respective individual coupling mechanisms. The system includes a coded tag which is excited with an induction field, i.e., by using an electromagnetic coupling mechanism as has been done in the past in such proximity identification systems, but which transmits stored data back to the receiver using both an electric field coupling mechanism and an electromagnetic field coupling mechanism. The receiver, in turn, is provided with a novel preamplifier circuit arrangement, so that it can simultaneously receive signals via either or both of these coupling mechanisms.

Abstract: A universal digital code processor device (10) for the processing of scanner digital input data including bar code data is disclosed. The device is flexible and universal in nature in that it can provide inputs to both a fixed program decoder (20) for the decoding of the Universal Product Code (UPC) code as well as a programmable processor (26) which can decode UPC as well as a variety of many other bar codes. Further, the device can handle inputs from various types of scanners (11) including high-speed counter top, hand-held scanners and light pen scanners and magnetic card readers, which provide input data over a wide range of frequencies. A large number of individual frequencies are made available in the device.

Abstract: A commodity data reading apparatus comprises a commodity receiving base having a placing surface. A support post projects upwardly relative to the placing surface of the base. A bar code reader having two laser beam scanners is mounted in the post to arrange the two scanners at two positions on the post, which are vertically spaced from each other.

Abstract: A datacard arrangement in an apparatus in which several datacards are used simultaneously, including a datacard receptacle designed to receive two datacards, and two datacards lying one on the other inserted into a data transmittal position in the datacard receptacle.

Abstract: A secure storage system for keys or similar articles has an locked storage module with a drawer. A horizontal drawer shelf holds a plurality of cards in numbered slots. Each card has a self-clocking bar code ID number that is scanned by a fixed optical reader as the drawer is opened or closed. A computer connected to the module stores in memory the key number and slot location of each stored key whenever the drawer is opened and closed. An authorized user enters his authorization code and a desired key number into the computer which unlocks the storage module. The computer displays the slot location of the requested key, inventories the keys and maintains records of all transactions.

Abstract: A bar code reading device includes a code reading section for reading a bar code attached to an article by emitting a light beam through a window and receiving therethrough the light beam reflected from the bar code, and a manual input section for inputting article information by operation of a keyboard. In the bar code reading device, the manual input section includes a transparent liquid crystal display panel, a transparent touch sensor panel disposed on the liquid crystal display panel, and a control circuit for selectively setting one of a manual input mode and an automatic reading mode, driving the liquid crystal display panel so as to display an image of keyboard in the manual input mode and to erase the image of keyboard in the automatic reading mode, and reading key-in data entered by touching portions of the touch sensor panel with reference to the image of the displayed keyboard in the manual input mode.

Abstract: A data collection system useful for trade shows employs identification cards each having a semiconductor memory chip for recording and storing data relating to individual attendees. The system includes an encoder/decoder that is coupled between a keyboard and a computer. The encoder/decoder accepts the memory cards for recording the data generated at the keyboard and for reading the recorded data at a later time.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for moving reciprocally a rectangular optical card in a longitudinal direction thereof, including two sets of three edge guide rollers each arranged along respective side edges of the optical card and separated from each other by a distance substantially equal to half of the longitudinal distance of the optical card, two sets of three periphery guide rollers each arranged along respective upper peripheries of the optical card and separated from each other by a distance substantialy equal to half of the longitudinal distance of the optical card, and driving rollers each arranged underneath the respective middle periphery guide rollers. The driving rollers are resiliently urged against the lower surface of the optical card and a shaft to which the driving rollers are secured and a motor connected to the shaft via gears are arranged movably up and down in conjunction with each other.

Abstract: A shutter is provided near an IC card inserting port of an IC card reader/writer. Contact members adapted to be come into contact with the contacts of an IC card are provided for a member constructing the shutter. When the shutter is closed, the contact members are located at positions such that they can come into contact with the contacts of the IC card.

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: Apparatus and methods of verifying objects utilize an inherent randomly varying and detectable characteristic of a recordable magnetic region affixed to the object. Detectability of the randomly varying magnetic characteristic can be enhanced by recording a selected electrical signal thereon. Digital and analog signals may be used. Both saturation and nonsaturation forms of recording can be used. A verification apparatus senses the enhanced randomly varying magnetic characteristic and compares it to a prestored representative profile previously created. Correspondence between the prestored profile and the currently read characteristic indicates an authentic object. Other objects can be rejected.

Abstract: A reader for a disk-shaped carrier with Wiegand wires is described which manages with only two permanent magnets (1, 2). the variation of the magnetic field needed for detecting the Wiegand wires is effected by flux concentrating pieces (3, 4, 7) attached to the permanent magnets (1, 2). In order to be able to read the carrier with the Wiegand wires without change when it is inserted into the reader rotated by 180.degree. round its longitudinal axis coinciding with the direction of insertion (14), the flux concentrating pieces (3, 4, 7) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (14) which is a two-fold axis of symmetry. To pick-up the Wiegand pulses, two E-shaped soft magnetic cores (9) are provided which carry on their center leg an electrical sensor winding (17). The free ends of the legs of the E-shaped cores (9) face one another and are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (14).

Abstract: Apparatus for optically reading data by transverse orthogonal scanning of a moving rectangular flat information carrier, such as a card. The apparatus includes a driver for advancing the carrier. The driver has two drive wheels and two cooperating idle rollers, the axes of which all lie in the vertical transverse main plane. Each drive wheel is independently driven by a separate electric stepper motor independently connected to control logic. By using independent stepper motors, the driver is able to straighten carriers not perfectly aligned as they enter the apparatus, and to permit reading of poorly printed carriers, achieving a high resolution even with mechanical components of conventional quality.

Abstract: Appartus and methods of verifying objects utilize detectable characteristics of a plurality of spaced apart, magnetizable magnetic security regions affixed to the object. Magnetic characteristics for each magnetic region are detected from two different orientations. A verification apparatus senses the magnetic characteristics from two different orientations and compares it to a prestored representative profile previously created. Correspondence between the prestored profile and the currently read characteristics indicates an authentic object. Other objects can be rejected.

Abstract: A data identifying system for identifying information recorded in a recording medium comprises: a discriminable card like a credit card having a magnetic stripe; a memory medium like an optical ROM card having an accident card list in which data regarding invalid cards (accident cards) is stored; a first reading unit to read the data stored in the memory medium; a discriminating circuit to discriminate whether the card is invalid or not on the basis of an output of the reading unit; a circuit to inform the fact that the card is invalid when it is decided to be invalid; and a second reading unit to read the data recorded on the card.

Abstract: In order that either a disk cartridge 3 housing a disk memory medium 2, such as a flexible magnetic sheet, which is mechanically accessible or a semiconductor cartridge 15A (or 15B) housing a semiconductor memory medium which is statically accessible without any mechanical movement is made usable in a memory device, the memory device is provided with a switching circuit 18 for switching between the disk and semiconductor memory medium control circuits 14 and 16; a discrimination circuit 17 for identifying the type of a memory medium of an inserted disk cartridge; and a device for feeding an output of the discrimination circuit 17 to the switching circuit 18 for effecting automatic switching or a selecting device 29 for controlling the switching circuit 18 according to the memory medium to be used.

Abstract: A composite magnetic and optical head comprises a magnetic sensor including a magnetic core which is adapted to detect a magnetic pattern recorded on a record medium; an optical sensor including a nonmagnetic light transmitting member located along a distal gap of the magnetic sensor and an optical fiber bundle having one end connected to the light transmitting member, and adapted to detect an optical pattern recorded on the record medium; and a holder containing the magnetic and optical sensors in the internal space thereof, the holder having two opposite side walls extending at right angles to the distal gap of the magnetic core and one end face from which the distal gap projects outward.

Abstract: An identification card contains retrievable identification data in at least two formats. One format comprises a magnetic material that stores magnetically encoded data. Another format comprises electronic circuitry that stores electronically encoded data. The magnetically encoded data on the card may be retrieved by inserting the identification card into a reader having magnetic sensors. The electronically encoded data on the card may be transmitted from the card as a radio frequency signal that incorporates the data, to a remote sensor that receives and processes the radio frequency, data encoded signal. A structure for the identification card comprising these two data storage formats as well as a method of producing such an identification card is described.

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: Apparatus and methods of verifying objects utilize an inherent randomly varying and detectable characteristic of a recordable magnetic region affixed to the object. Detectability of the randomly varying magnetic characteristic can be enhanced by recording a selected electrical signal thereon. Digital and analog signals may be used. Both saturation and nonsaturation forms of recording can be used. A verification apparatus senses the enhanced randomly varying magnetic characteristic and compares it to a prestored representative profile previously created. Correspondence between the prestored profile and the currently read characteristic indicates an authentic object. Other objects can be rejected.

Abstract: A device having a motor and rollers for conveying a card inserted in the slot forward so as to read a magnetic stripe of the card. A system is used for feeding a carriage between the waiting position and the reading/writing position. The carriage embraces a contact pin head, which is longitudinally movable together with the carriage and vertically movable relative thereto, so that when the card is conveyed to reach the carriage in the waiting position the feeding system is automatically driven to feed the carriage and the contact pin head to the reading/writing position where the card is brought by the conveying motor components with holding engagement with the carriage to be electrically contacted at the contact points thereof with the contact pins of the head vertically moved up. Reliable reading/writing of the magnetic card as well as the IC card can be assured.

Abstract: A remotely powered portable member having circuitry for storing and transmitting coded information. A first coupling device is provided for receiving a signal transmitted via one of a magnetic field and an electric field. A power circuit is connected to the first coupling device for deriving operating power from the received signal for use by the circuitry. A second coupling device is connected to the circuitry for transmitting coded information stored by the circuitry via the other one of the magnetic field and electric field.

Abstract: A sheet information input apparatus for an electronic file system comprises an sheet input device for inputting an image sheet into the apparatus, a sheet recognition device responsive to the input device for judging a type of specific code on the inputted sheet, and an information reading device responsive to the judging device for reading information from the sheet.

Abstract: A secured point-of-sale mechanism is disclosed in which there is a closable two compartment housing having an unsecured door portion covering a monetary negotiable instrument section disposed within a secured portion for which a transaction price index is set to the correct sales amount purchased by a customer, wherein a plurality of switching mechanisms are actuated by the negotiable instruments in the negotiable instruments section for which a locking mechanism connected to said plurality of switching mechanisms and disposed between the secured and unsecured portions of the housing is actuated against invasion as long as the plurality of switching mechanisms are actuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking deviations in dimensions and contrast of patterns 1 which are presented for checking purposes at a practically constant speed v of a continuously variably adjustable magnitude, in particular of identical patterns 1 printed on a repetitive fixed area 3 on a strip 2 of flat carrier material 30, each pattern 1 consisting of parallel lines of bar codes printed at predetermined mutual distances, by optically forming an image of each pattern to be checked upon a fixed format and by taking several traverse images therefrom at an angle .beta. with respect to the direction 6 of the bars by means of the row(s) of closely arranged electrical sensing elements, said traverse images being read out serially and subsequently entered into an electronic arithmetic apparatus for comparison with a reference pattern.

Abstract: A credit card security system includes a system to generate a security code number determined by the spatial positions of corresponding data in two different forms of encoded data on the card. The system generates the security code number each time a card is used and compares it to a stored security number generated in the same way when the card was first encoded or previously used. The system is described in terms of a card having a familiar magnetic stripe and embossed character encoding, and apparatus for sensing the embossed characters is disclosed.

Abstract: In an optical reader for reading alphanumeric and bar code characters, an area array for scanning alphanumeric data and a single photo sensor for scanning bar code data is formed on the same semiconductor chip. Separate processors are connected to the array and to the single photosensor wherein the single photosensor is reading bar codes and the area array is used for reading alphanumeric data.