Abstract: There is demand that discrimination of bills or securities by means of IC chip should be adopted. If the conveying speed of securities and banknotes is slowed down substantially by implementing discrimination by an IC chip, this gives rise to delays of the transaction process, which causes inconvenience to the user. For instance, security can be preferentially made high for high-value banknotes and securities based on the state of circulation of IC-mounted banknotes and securities. ID information in the IC chip may be read in advance, the ID information may be referred to the ID information center, while reference is being made to the center, a discrimination result other than by the IC chip may be obtained, and by comparing the other discrimination result with the result of reference, the discrimination accuracy may be improved by using discrimination by the IC chip without greatly slowing down the conveying speed.

Abstract: A combined bill acceptor and smart card reader (or other data unit reader) comprises a bill acceptor, a host interface, and a smart card reader interposed between the bill acceptor and the host interface. The smart card reader preferably permits unimpeded pass-through of cash transaction data from the bill acceptor to the host interface when currency is accepted by the bill acceptor, and transmits cashless transaction data to the host interface when a smart card is read by the card reader. The smart card reader may route the cash transaction data using a hardware connection, such as a relay, or a soft connection, such as by serial interface devices in communication with the bill acceptor and the host device. The smart card reader may provide secure storage of transaction history data, as well as advanced authentication and verification functions.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding data contained in indicia such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required and begins processing data as soon as one captured image is determined complete. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate processing for data and removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and a complete image formed from the second or combination of the two individual scans. The device can also be used to compare photographs scanned from a card with the digital photograph encoded in a two dimensional bar code and to display both photos for comparison.

Abstract: A docking station for reading and writing an electronically writable return reminder tag located on a surface of a rental item, the rental item or the return reminder tag having locating features and the return reminder tag including an electronically writable bistable display, a machine readable code identifying the rental item, and a plurality of conductive pads located on the front side of the tag for writing to the display, includes a body defining complementary locating features for locating the rental item bearing the return reminder tag with respect to the docking station; a scanner for scanning the machine readable code on the return reminder tag; and a plurality of contact pins for contacting the conductive pads of the return reminder tag.

Abstract: A desktop card printer having an external communication link, a multi-platform standardized PDL controller in communication with the link, and at least one data writer in communication with the controller. The controller controls the data output of data writers. The controller may be a PCL® controller. The data writers may include one or more print heads for visible printing, magnetic write heads for writing to magnetic media, and smart card contacts for writing to embedded smart card chips. The printer may include one or more couplers in communication with one or more of the data writers, for converting information into a form usable by the data writer. The data link may be a USB or Telnet link. The printer may include an internal USB hub. Image processing and decision making may be performed primarily or entirely within the printer, in particular within the processor. The printer may be commanded by a dedicated host, such as a personal computer, or it may be connected to a network.

Abstract: The present invention is a structure for socket of multi-card reader, which is a socket of card reader that supports the insertion of memory cards with distinct specifications. The said socket of card reader is composed of a socket body, an upper cover, one or more than one read-protection device, and multiple connecting terminals. To meet the need for adapting to multiple cards, a read-protection device is installed inside the socket body. The said read-protection device permits or forbids the action of free rotating and thereby differentiates the feasibility for reading according to the respective thicknesses of memory cards with distinct specifications.

Abstract: A memory tag has a non-volatile memory in which in use data is stored, an antenna coil and power supply circuit such that in use the memory tag is powered by inductive coupling. The memory tag also has a sensor for receipt of transmitted light carrying input signals and a processor for processing of the received input signals, and a modulation circuit for overlay of output signals onto the power supply circuit. A read/write device, for communication with the memory tag has a signal generator, an antenna coil and a power supply circuit for powering the memory tag in use by inductive coupling. The read/write device further includes a light emitter for emission of the light carrying the input signals to the memory tag, and a demodulation circuit for retrieval of the output signals from the inductive coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reading device for types of different-sized cards. The aim of the invention is to be able to use the types of cards in a selective manner. At least two identical trays (4,5) comprising readers (11,12) are provided for both types of cards. An adapter (20) having outer dimensions corresponding to the largest-size type of card is used to introduce a smaller-size card.

Abstract: A dual-sided smart card reader, and method for operating the same, is disclosed. The dual-sided smart card reader permits the simultaneous insertion of at least two different smart cards from opposing sides. The dual-sided smart card reader may additionally include a biometric verification device, such as a fingerprint scanner, for comparing biometric information from an operator of the reader to biometric information stored on a smart card.

Abstract: A handheld device with tract input function, which allows a user to move the whole handheld device for generating input data for the handheld device itself. The handheld device includes a sensor disposed on the handheld device for detecting the movement of the handheld device to output a displacement signal; a micro-controller coupled to the sensor to generate a tract signal in response to the displacement signal; an identifier coupled to the micro-controller to identify the tract signal for outputting at least a corresponding symbol for the user to select as the input data; a display device disposed on the handheld device; and a memory for storing the input data. The display device displays at least the corresponding symbol for the user to select as the input data corresponding to a desired symbol.

Abstract: The 7-in-1 card reader has an electric connecting circuit in its cartridge coincident with an insertion slot of a PCMCIA interface; the cartridge is provided on the front side thereof with a first connecter for connecting an electric device having the PCMCIA interface, and on the rear end thereof with a first connecter module and a second connecter module for insertion of memory cards taken among those of seven specifications or those of CE, MD, MMC, MS, SD, SM and XD memory cards, and for proceeding to data reading, exchanging and transferring with the memory card through the electric connecting circuit, so that the electric device with the PCMCIA interface can read and write on the memory cards of the seven specifications.

Abstract: A bioptics bar code reader has first and second windows disposed at an angle to each other, a first imager for the first window and a second imager for the second window and first and second optics for directing light from a bar code in a reading area between the windows to the first and second imagers. The two imagers each obtain an image of the bar code in the reading area.

Abstract: A lottery ticket validation system validates a probability lottery ticket that has predetermined play rules and that includes a plurality of player removable material covering play spots that in turn cover play indicia located in predetermined locations on the ticket. In addition, validation data is printed on the ticket in the form of a bar code. The validation system includes a housing, a controller located in the housing, a document channel configured in the housing, a sensor, a data reader, a transport mechanism, a scanning circuit, a memory, a processor, and a stigmatization circuit. The sensor includes an optical detector located in the housing and operatively connected to the controller. The data reader is operatively connected to the controller and is adapted to read the bar code. The transport mechanism is located in the housing and is operatively connected to the controller. The transport mechanism includes at least one roller, a plurality of ticket sensors, and a motor.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for reading from and writing to a multi-memory card, such as a bankcard, credit card, or smart card. The apparatus of the system includes reading devices, writing devices, and controllers for reading from and writing to the magnetic, optical, and electronic memory portions of a multi-memory card. The method of the present invention includes a method for controlling the reading from and writing to such cards via software applications that integrate control of a magnetic read/write component, an optical read/write component, an electronic read/write component and their respective transport mechanisms. The software applications integrate the multiple read/write components to allow such functions as for example bank and medical transactions to be performed utilizing a single multi-memory card.

Abstract: A system and method is described which utilizes a dual function reader device, which may be a hand-held inventory control device, which first performs an optical read of an optical bar code on a carrier unit, then based on the identification or other information obtained from the optical read a RF read is made of a RF tag attached to, or within, the carrier unit. An indicator light on the carrier unit illuminates when the optical read is completed, which allows an operator to visually verify that the optical read has transpired for the desired carrier unit. The RF tag provides data regarding the inventory of the goods stored within, or on, the carrier unit, the temperature of the goods, the shelf-life of the goods, the source and/or destination of the carrier unit and/or the goods, or other information. Data can also be written to the RF tag by the reader.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel card for multi-purpose using, and more particularly, a card suitable for utilizing in a magnetic stripe card reader, an IC card reader and an optical driver to read out the data. The thickness (0.8 mm) of the card corresponds with to the specification of the ISO 7816. The card comprises a reading area of an optical disc, a magnetic stripe and an IC chip, and can be placed on a casing plate with a thickness of 0.4 mm so that the card for multi-purpose using combines the functions of a conventional dual mode (magnetic stripe/IC chip) card and a conventional optical disc, so as to achieve advantages such as convenience for magnetic stripe and IC chip reading and larger memory capacity asscessing.

Abstract: An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica such as bar codes on a side surface of an inserted card. The device is electrically powered and features a double scanning method using an electronic imaging element and processor which turns off unnecessary power when not required. This is accomplished through the use of a processor and software to determine if a complete image of the bar code on the inserted card has been captured and allowing immediate extracting of data from the bar code and immediate removal of the card. Should the image of the bar code be incomplete, a second scan is conducted of the bar code as it is removed and if complete, data is extracted and if incomplete a complete image formed from the two individual scans. The device also employs a magnetic strip data reader to extract magnetically encoded data.

Abstract: A system for illustrating sound and text including a book with pages having illustrations and/or text, at least some of the pages including a magnetic signature; a book holder adapted to accept the book, the book holder having a reading surface with a magnetic signature sensor, cartridge slot, a reading controller, a speaker, and a power supply; and a cartridge adapted to be inserted in the cartridge slot, the cartridge including stored audio representations related to the illustrations and/or text of the pages; wherein the magnetic signature sensory is predisposed to detect and make direct contact with the magnetic signature on the pages as they are turned by a user viewing the book, and wherein the reading controller is adapted to interact with the magnetic signature sensory to determine a given page that the user is viewing responsive to the direct contact between the magnetic signature sensor and the magnetic signature on the given page, and to retrieve audio representations and/or text stored on the cart

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for reading data from either a magnetic stripe, a chip or both a magnetic stripe and a chip located on a data card using a single swiping motion. An advantage of the methods and apparatus described is that movement of a data card is detected, restrained and/or prevented during exchange of information between the reader and any integrated circuits located on the data card. One embodiment of the invention includes guiding walls leading to a receiver having an interior surface, a magnetic reading head mounted on one of the guiding walls and electrical contacts located on the interior surface of the receiver. In addition, the receiver is configured to resist the removal of the data card when the data card is located within the receiver.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader has a transfer section in which a magnetic head and an IC card reading section are arranged. A judging means for judging whether or not the card transferred in the transfer section is a cleaning card for cleaning the IC card contact point of the IC card reading section is arranged in the magnetic card reader.

Abstract: A system and method for interaction between an electronic writing device (102) and a wireless device (104) includes the electronic device (102) being capable of generating a keystroke signal (106). The system and method further includes the wireless device (102) receiving the keystroke signal (106) and executing an operation (168) in response thereto. The electronic writing device (102) includes a motion sensor (110) that generates a motion displacement signal (116), a toggle switch (112) that generates an engagement signal (118), a pressure sensor (114) that generates a depression signal (120) and an optical sensor (128). The wireless device (102) includes a receiver (162) that receives the keystroke signal (106) and a processor (164) that executes an operation in response thereto or may provide for operating in a bar code mode, such that a bar code may be scanned and the keystroke signal including a bar code signal.

Abstract: A carrier case for accommodating paper sheets, cards or the like having radio frequency data carriers attached thereto or watermarked therein. A device is provided for reading out information from the radio frequency data carriers while eliminating the need for externally removing the paper sheets, cards or the like having the radio frequency data carriers attached thereto or watermarked therein. The carrier case is provided therein with an opening for insertion of the data reading device, and is also provided with a movable divider plate. When it is desired to read out data from the radio frequency data carriers, the divider plate is tilted so that the data reading device can read out the data from the data carriers with a good sensitivity in a relationship contacted with the radio frequency data carriers or not contacted therewith.

Abstract: In an access system and method for buses, a master card and respective slave cards for respective students are provided. The cards are read by a card reader to control access to the bus. A microprocessor and memory are provided together with an annunciator which determine whether a slave card annunciator code corresponds to an annunciator code on the master card, thus determining whether a respective student is boarding a bus which corresponds with his respective route.

Abstract: A card package production system (30) for producing card packages each with at least one card (48) bearing card information at a plurality of different card information locations on the card (48) with a card multireader (54) having an elongate card track (52) with a succession of reading stations located along the track (52) with readers for respectively reading the card information at the different locations on the card (48) with means for simultaneously sliding a plurality of the cards (48) along the track (52) in seriatim relationship through the succession of reading stations of the multireader 54 for simultaneous reading of the card information at the different locations on the cards (48) by the multireader (54).

Abstract: A data media processing device holds a second data media, such as magnetic card, until a first data media, such as an IC card, is issued. A temporary card holding unit then returns the held second data media thereafter. The data media processing device has a media path switching mechanism to switch to either a first data media issuing path section for issuing the first data media card, or a temporary card holding unit for holding the second data media card, either of which follows the transportation path connecting to the card slot. The first data media issuing path section and the temporary card holding unit form an elevator unit in a single block.

Abstract: A multichannel magnetic head includes a plurality of sets of magnetic core half bodies, each of the sets having two of the half bodies facing each other, and a plurality of magnetic gap portions, each of the gap portions located where two magnetic core half bodies face each other. The plurality of magnetic gap portions, when a magnetic medium is inserted therein, transferring record data between the magnetic medium and the magnetic head, and the gap distances of the magnetic gap portions being differentially preset to accommodate a physically warped magnetic medium. A magnetic card reader including a multichannel magnetic head has a plurality of magnetic gap portions, and the multichannel magnetic head is capable of recording data onto a magnetic medium in contact therewith. The multichannel magnetic head has gap distances that can be modified based on a possibility of spacings between the multichannel magnetic head and the magnetic medium so that a warped card can be accommodated.

Abstract: A card reader for chip cards, which have contacts on a front face for reading and entering card information, with a card slot for receiving chip cards via an opening with a first contact arrangement mounted in the card slot for contacting the contacts of an inserted chip card and a first switching arrangement that responds to the presence or absence of chip cards in the card slot and a second contact arrangement opposite the first contact arrangement for contacting a second inserted chip card.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data between a read/write apparatus having a shuttle powered by a single motor supporting a hybrid data storage card and having optical and electrical data heads. The hybrid data storage card has an integrated circuit module and an optical memory unit both on a single side of the hybrid card. Electrical signal communication occurs when a gap between the shuttle and a support connected to the electrical head is closed such that the electrical head is able to align with the integrated circuit module. Optical signal communication occurs between the optical data head and optical memory unit when the gap is formed and maintained between the shuttle and the support connected to the electrical head such that the shuttle is able to move linearly without interference from the support.

Abstract: A method and a product produced by such method wherein improvement is made in the readability of a financial transaction card having poor edge contrast by an automated card processing system equipped with a card edge scanner. An edge of the card to be scanned by the edge scanner is first selected. A core section, a front overlay section, and a rear overlay section of the selected card edge are then identified. A contrast enhancer is provided on the core section between the front and rear overlay sections. The contrast enhancer is formed such that it contrasts well with the front and rear overlay sections to render the card processible by the processing system.

Abstract: Performing check processing operations from MICR processing to scanning the printed check as a continuous sequence of operations lightens the burden on the operator and shortens the required processing time. The compound processing system 10 has a transportation path 15 for conveying a check P, an MICR head 17 positioned along the transportation path 15 for reading MICR text prerecorded on the check P, front print head 23 positioned along the transportation path 15 for printing on the front of check P, back print head 21 positioned along the transportation path 15 for printing on the back of check P, and a scanner head 25 positioned along the transportation path 15 for scanning the printed side (either back or front) of the check P.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1) product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a product). The apparatus includes a “smart card”, or, more generally, “smart token”, in combination with one or more sensors which record the external influences on the product and/or the environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify this information, depending on the application, is restricted to those with access to the encrypting key.

Abstract: A multifunction device having a pressure feed roller opposite a scanner that advances a sheet while holding it against the scanning glass and avoids sheets being caught by the pressure feed roller and prevents jams and shifts in the feed pitch using a retraction mechanism. The multifunction device 10 has a transportation path 15 for guiding the check P. Located along the transportation path 15 are print heads 21, 23 for printing on the check P, a scanner head 25 for scanning the printed side of the check P, scanner feed rollers 26 for advancing while pressing the check P against the scanner head 25, and a roller retraction mechanism 32 for retracting the scanner feed rollers 26 from the scanner head 25 to open the transportation path 15.

Abstract: Determination of the authenticity and integrity of various types of documents such as lottery tickets is accomplished by using an electronic verification machine to compare data contained in electronic circuits printed on the document to document data printed on the document. The electronic circuits are printed on the document in conductive or semiconductive ink using, for example, the gravure printing process, and the presence and status of the circuits can be used to verify or authenticate the document. Data can be represented in the electronic circuits by the electrical signature of the circuit which is measured by the electronic verification machine. In the case of lottery tickets, a ticket can be validated by having the electronic verification machine determine which play spots have been removed from the ticket and comparing data on the ticket with the removed play spots to determine a play redemption value for the ticket.

Abstract: In an access system and method for buses, a master card and respective slave cards for respective students are provided. The cards are read by a card reader to control access to the bus. A microprocessor and memory are provided together with an annunciator which determine whether a slave card annunciator code corresponds to an annunciator code on the master card, thus determining whether a respective student is boarding a bus which corresponds with his respective route.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage units. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for the contactless scanning of labels, arranged on a support material which is moved relative to the sensor, the sensor including a transmitter arranged at a distance to the labels for emitting transmission light beams which penetrate at least partially the labels and the support material, and also comprising a receiving element, located opposite the transmitter and an evaluation unit for being coupled to at least the receiving element, wherein the receiving element comprises at least two receivers, wherein when the transmission light beams fully strike a label or the support material, the transmission light beams run between the receivers and when a portion of the transmission light beams is deflected at an edge of a label, and is conducted inside of said label, said portion strikes one of the receivers and is evaluated in the evaluation unit for detecting the edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warehousing information in a wallet consolidator, including personal identification data for facilitating a transaction. The wallet consolidator includes a controller for controlling operation of the wallet consolidator, a magnetic stripe reader/writer for reading and writing magnetic stripes, a bar code scanner for scanning bar codes, a keypad for inputting user selections and commands, a memory for storing information provided to the wallet consolidator, a smart card interface for effectuating communication between the wallet consolidator and a smart card and a display screen for displaying text and graphics, the display screen further for displaying a bar code pattern capable of being scanned by a bar code reader. To store information in the wallet consolidator, or alternatively in a smart card interfaced to the wallet consolidator, information is read from magnetic stripes on various types of cards such as, but not limited to, credit, debit and identification cards.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a suitable enclosure or case, housing a tray or holder to receive and hold a high-memory card which may be formed of a recordable medium, or alternatively has inserted therein or placed thereon a magnetic or optical recordable medium on which data is recorded in the form of linear magnetic or optical recorded tracks. The card is held in place by card positioning pins and positioning springs. A linear head array can be caused to scan the card by a head array scanning motor driving a head array transportation wire. To precisely position the card with reference to the track positions or to move the card from one track of a track group to the next, the card tray may be moved orthogonaly stepped at right angles to the direction of travel of the linear head array assembly by a drive motor operating a lead screw and card tray leadscrew interface.

Abstract: A hand held client system with an external storage medium comprises a storage body and a hand held client system. The storage body is installed with a docking station as an interface, and one end thereof is installed with a slot for being inserted by a floppy disk for storing data or files. The hand held client system is installed with a connecting port and is inserted into the docking station of the storage body for data-communicating with storage body. A control circuit is built in the storage body for controlling the bidirectional transmission of data or files between the storage body and the hand held client system so as to read, write or delete data or files.

Abstract: In a method of prolonging an electrical connection between a card that has a readable and a writeable memory and a reader/writer of the card, a writing cycle commenced on the card has time to be completed before the electrical connection is broken. The card is placed in the reader on a sliding carriage that moves with the card, during which time the card and the reader are in electrical contact. An inner contact breaker allows a signal permitting writing on the card when the card reaches its end position. An outer contact breaker allows a signal permitting reading of the card before the card reaches its end position.

Abstract: Information is recorded on or reproduced from a hybrid card having an optical recording region and a non-contact type IC memory region connected to a card-side antenna coil. The information recording and/or reproduction is effected by an apparatus including an optical head for scanning the optical recording region with a light beam, a control circuit for exerting tracking and focusing control on the light beam, an apparatus-side antenna coil to be disposed opposite to the card-side antenna coil, a reader/writer for storing information in or reading information from the IC memory region by way of electromagnetic induction coupling between the card-side antenna coil and the apparatus-side antenna coil, and a processing circuit for controlling the operation of the optical head, the control circuit and the reader/writer.

Abstract: Information is recorded on or reproduced from a hybrid card having an optical recording region and a non-contact type IC memory region connected to a card-side antenna coil. The information recording and/or reproduction is effected by means of an apparatus comprising an optical head for scanning the optical recording region with a light beam, a control circuit for exerting tracking and focusing control on the light beam, an apparatus-side antenna coil to be disposed opposite to the card-side antenna coil, a reader/writer for storing information in or reading information from the IC memory region by way of electromagnetic induction coupling between the card-side antenna coil and the apparatus-side antenna coil, and a processing circuit for controlling the operation of the optical head, the control circuit and the reader/writer.

Abstract: A reader arrangement 22 for an electronic identification system includes a plurality of reader heads 22.1 to 22.4 for energizing transponders 28.1 to 28.n to be read, and a controller 29 therefor. The controller 29 switches activation of the reader heads in a multi-phase sequential pattern including a first phase for activating a first set 22.1 and 22.3 of the reader heads and at least one further phase for activating a further set 22.2 and 22.4 of the reader heads. The switching is such that a complete cycle plus at least the first phase of a subsequent cycle is completed within a time period not longer than a reset period of the transponders. The reset period is the period between removal of an energizing signal from a transponder and the transponder re-entering a normal operational mode.

Abstract: A card processing method for a card reader into and from which a magnetic/IC card is manually inserted and pulled through a card insertion slit, and which includes a magnetic head and an IC contact block for reading and storing data from and into the card for data processing, including the steps of: inserting the card into the card reader and pulling out the card from the card reader; selecting a process for magnetic data by the magnetic head or a process for IC data by the IC contact block; and discharging the card from the card reader immediately after the card is inserted into the card reader irrespective of the kind of data process.

Abstract: A card reader card capture clamp having a base plate for slidably receiving a card. A switch detects movement of the card past a predetermined position and produces a “card insertion” signal representative thereof. A clamp plate pivots between a clamped position in which the card is clamped between the two plates, and an unclamped position in which the card is movable relative to the plates. The clamp plate is biased into the unclamped position in the absence of production of the card insertion signal. A solenoid coupled between the two plates is actuated upon production of the card insertion signal to overcome the biasing and move the clamp plate from the unclamped into the clamped position. The switch includes two switch arms respectively pivotally mounted on opposed rearward ends of the clamp plate. Magnets are provided on the switch arms, and magnetic field sensors are mounted adjacent to the switch arms.

Abstract: A portable terminal device for electronic money IC cards containing monetary data therein, comprises in a main body (10), a card slot opening (12, 13) into which a plurality of electronic money IC cards (100, 110, 120) are inserted, electric contact terminals (16, 17, 18) for reading and writing the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into card slot opening, a display (80) for displaying money amount for the monetary data which is read out from the inserted electronic money IC cards or which is to be written into the inserted electronic money IC cards; and a button (82) for manipulating the reading and writing operations the monetary data from and into the electronic money IC cards which are inserted into the card slot opening. The card slot opening (12, 13) is so configured that the plurality of the electronic into and positioned with being closely piled up with each other and shifted to each other in a direction parallel to main surface thereof.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for processing a lottery game ticket including an imaging subsystem, and a controller for capturing image data corresponding to substantially at least one entire surface of the game ticket. The apparatus determines if scratch-off material has been removed from the game ticket by analyzing the captured image data. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a brander for marking the game ticket with a mark indicating that the ticket has been received in the apparatus. The controller may determine whether the ticket has been previously played by analyzing image data captured prior to the ticket being branded. The controller may also authenticate a game ticket by analyzing image data captured subsequent to the ticket being branded.

Abstract: An optical or symbol reader including CMOS circuitry preferably integrated on a single chip. A CMOS optical reader chip comprises a CMOS imaging array having a plurality of pixels each with a dedicated pixel-site circuit. Charge is accumulated at each pixel location transferred upon demand to a common bus. In a preferred embodiment, exposure time of the imaging array is controlled using a feedback loop. One or more exposure control pixels are positioned adjacent to or within the imaging array and receive light along with the imaging array. The charge of the exposure control pixel or pixels is measured against a threshold level, and the amount of time taken to reach the threshold level determines the time exposure of the pixels of the imaging array. CMOS signal processing circuitry is employed which, in combination with the exposure control circuitry, minimizes time-to-read over a large range of light levels, while performing spatially optimal filtering.

Abstract: A sensor and a method for determining the state of conductive ink patterns applied to scratchable latex layers of instant-win tickets and other documents having scratchable latex layers affixed thereon. The device and method are based upon the generation of a radio frequency field across the conductive ink patterns on the document, using an array of miniature transmission RF antennas and reception antennas, and the detection of the induced radio frequency signal. The presence, absence or state of the conductive ink patterns subjected to the RF field affects and changes the signal received on the receiving antennas. The signal received on the receiving antennas is conditioned and processed, so as to extract therefrom information relative to the state of the conductive ink patterns. This non-contact method does not damage the latex layer when the ticket or document is advanced at high speed through the sensor and is suitable for integration into high-speed optical scanners.

Abstract: Bar code reader including two sources which are enabled to emit respective laser beams with a cyclic alternation; the laser beams are focused by optical elements on two different regions of a read area. Reflected rays from the read area are processed by a decoding unit operatively connected to the laser-beam sources so that when the presence of a code in the read area is detected, only the laser beam which is focused on the region in which the bar code is present remains enabled.