Abstract: A method of protecting a magnetic card inserted into a card reader in a self-service terminal is described. The method comprises detecting presentation of a card at a card reader; energizing an electromagnetic signal transmitter in response to detecting presentation of the card; detecting a change of state of a width switch; de-energizing the electromagnetic signal transmitter in response to detecting the change of state of the width switch; detecting a magnetic signal from a pre-read magnetic reader; and re-energizing an electromagnetic signal transmitter in response to detecting the magnetic signal from the pre-read magnetic reader.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing fuel theft includes one or more tamper detection sensors mounted on a fuel dispenser, the tamper detection sensors being operable to detect dislocation of one or more portions of the fuel dispenser's shell. A dispenser security controller is communicatively coupled to the one or more tamper detection sensors and is operable to generate a trigger signal in response to receiving a tamper detection signal from the one or more tamper detection sensors. A dispenser transaction-termination switch is electrically coupled to the fuel dispensing circuit and in signal communication with the dispenser security controller and is operable to simulate a fuel pump handle hang up and/or a transaction not-authorized condition in response to a trigger signal from the dispenser security controller.

Abstract: A method for improving position beacon tracking using spatial probabilities is provided. A beacon identity recognition device receives a central probability file from a remote data processing system to form a local probability file. The device receives a current position beacon identity. The device compares current position beacon identity to a previous beacon identity stored in the local probability file to form a comparison. The device determines if the current position beacon identity is valid based on the comparison. The device transmits a valid position beacon identity to the remote data processing system. The device updates the local probability file and then combines a weighted version of the local probability file with a new copy of the probability file from the remote data processing system to form a combined probability file. The combined probability file is then sent to the remote data processing system and replaces the existing probability file.

Abstract: A vehicle burglar alarm circuit includes a transformer including an input unit having taps and a center tap, and an output unit magnetically coupled to the input unit; a first and a second power source each having one electrode connected to the center tap to respectively output a higher voltage and a lower voltage; a driving unit including switching elements respectively having one ends connected to the taps and another ends respectively connected to the other electrodes of the power sources; a PWM controller outputting signals by which the switching elements are alternately turned on and off; and a power selecting unit for selecting one of the power sources. The PWM controller generates a first on-duty ratio when the first power source is selected and a second on-duty ratio when the second power source is selected such that the first on-duty ratio is smaller than the second on-duty ratio.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets.

Abstract: A payment item having a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)-line on its front is handled by generating, using visible light, a front image of the front of the payment item, generating, using infrared light, an infrared image of the front of the payment item or of a portion of the front of the payment item containing its MICR-line, and performing optical character recognition on the infrared image to identify data encoded in the MICR-line.

Abstract: A blocking device for a magnetic-stripe or EMV® card reader, such as readers on an Automated Teller Machine (ATM), point of sale (POS) machine, or gas station pump. The blocking device securely attaches to the transaction machine such that unauthorized removal of the blocking device is difficult and likely will attract attention. The blocking device surrounds exposed portions of a magnetic-stripe card reader housing such that a skimming mold that fits over both the housing and the blocking device will stand out and be obvious to a user of the transaction machine. Also, a skimming mold fitting over the blocking device may prevent a card holder from properly inserting a magnetic-stripe card into the card reader. The difficulty of placing a skimming mold under or over the blocking device likely will deter a potential criminal skimmer from attempting to attach a skimming device in the first place.

Abstract: A magnetomechanical resonance element or marker strip with facilitated performance based on an amorphous magnetostrictive alloy ribbon having a line-like surface pattern is utilized in an electronic article surveillance marker or sensor element. A direction of magnetic anisotropy at angle between 80 and 90 degree away from ribbon's length direction and in ribbon's plane is introduced during ribbon fabrication, which increases the resonance performance with minimal loss in the magneto-mechanical circuit, and more particularly, in a marker or sensor element utilizing a plurality of resonating elements or marker strips. A marker or sensor element is fabricated utilizing the resonance element or elements and is utilized in an electronic article surveillance and identification systems.

Abstract: A security element, particularly for banknotes, security cards and the like, comprising a first substrate which is at least partially opaque when viewed in transmitted light, magnetic areas being deposited on the substrate, the magnetic areas comprising at least two types of magnetic areas which have different coercivity values and whose residual magnetism is identical or different, said different values being adapted to generate at least three mutually different codes.

Abstract: A method for demodulation where a plurality of preliminary data rows for creating the demodulated data are created according to intervals, each of which is a interval between peaks in a read signal coming from a magnetic head. Each preliminary data row includes first individual data identified according to the intervals, wherein a plurality of bits constitute the first individual data. At the time of creating the preliminary data row, standard intervals are identified for judging a first individual datum to be either “0” or “1”, and the standard intervals are assigned in a template saved beforehand. Then, intervals for judgment are compared with the standard intervals assigned in the template, with respect to each bit of each bit patterns. A bit pattern in relation to the preliminary data row is identified according to the comparison result, in order to set the preliminary data row with the identified bit pattern.

Abstract: A combination magnetic-stripe card reader with integrated contact-less chip card read/write functions, a direct replacement for a standard player tracking magnetic-stripe card reader installed in slot machines. It is a form, fit and function for existing player tracking readers, having the same front panel appearance, the same physical envelope, using the same mounting method, using the same cable connections and operating in the identical manner. The combined functions requires two command sets and a method to distinguish between them, the legacy command set of the existing reader to be replaced which is typically strings of American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) eight bit characters with a line terminator character and the contact-less chip card requiring the ability to send and receive all possible eight bit values with varying length commands and not having a dedicated character value to indicate the end of a command.

Abstract: An electronic card that, once activated, can drive a set of user data from a first secure microprocessor through a signal line to a second processor, process the set of user data in the second processor to generate a series of digital transaction signals, drive the series of digital transaction signals into a RC specialty circuit, convert the series of digital transaction signals into two distinct analog waveform signals, and drive the two distinct analog waveform signals along at least two tracks such that the first analog signal and the second analog signal cancel each other magnetically so that the resulting magnetic flux at a target broadcast area replicates the magnetic field created in a magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A cash dispensing banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. The machine dispenses cash from a cash dispenser for a financial account without causing the card reader device to read data from a card corresponding to the financial account, when a determination indicates that a voice of the user corresponds to a particular recognized user stored in a data store in correlated relation with the financial account.

Abstract: A media processing device enables reading second media that do not bend easily from the device front with the same ease of use as processing first media that bend easily. The media processing device has a media conveyance path that guides first media inserted from a media insertion opening toward the back and then again toward the front on the front-back axis to the media exit. A straight conveyance path that angles to the inside on the device width axis is formed at a part connected to the media exit, and a second media insertion path that extends straight to the front from the straight conveyance path is connected to the media exit.

Abstract: The invention comprises arrangement and methods for contact- and contactless-services, e.g. payments, money transfer, electronic tickets or identity cards. A card comprises a point of service interface for communication with a point of service, a card database, a mobile terminal interface for connect the card to a mobile terminal connectable to a telecommunication network. The card database can be controlled by the mobile terminal. The card database is configured for storing data and the card data can be accessed via the point of service interface. The date stored in the card database relates to e.g. bank cards, credit cards, identification, tickets, electronic money, identification 15 cards. The invention also comprises a mobile terminal (MT) suitable for communication with the card described.

Abstract: A card exhibiting enhanced detection is provided. A plurality of detector shapes that may be associated with a detection system increases detection effectiveness, while reducing adverse effects of detection systems that may be operating within a electromagnetic field environment.

Abstract: A magnetic-guiding laminate is used to improve wireless communication between a transmitter and a receptor disposed on a substrate, regardless of the substrate materials. The laminate can comprise one or more layers of magnetic or non-magnetic material with different magnetic property. For example, the laminate can comprise a paramagnetic layer disposed on a diamagnetic layer, where the paramagnetic layer attracts the magnetic field toward the RFID antenna, and the diamagnetic layer prevents the magnetic field from dispersing in the substrate. Alternatively, the laminate can comprise multiple paramagnetic layers, wherein at least two layers have different magnetic properties, such as different permeability values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method offering a specialized modular sled systems for combination, both in a physically proximate sense, and electronically peripheral devices such as a compact bar code scanner, magnetic strip reader, IC card reader, RF tag reader, charging base etc., without the need for cables, and with structural capabilities that offer the ability for a user to employ the same in substantially simultaneous fashion through a consolidated physical integration that eliminates awkward manual manipulation of the same.

Abstract: A Standard Size Convertible Transaction Card Assembly includes a conventional transaction card of standard size and a keychain size transaction card of reduced “key-tag” size which is formed from a delineated portion of the standard size transaction card and separable there-from, wherein the keychain size transaction card contains all readable transaction information required to consummate the intended transaction. The delineation may be a printed line, demarcation, a line-of-weakness or perforation, such that the keychain size transaction card can be separated from the standard size transaction card manually, or with the assist of tools. The consumer can use the Standard Size Convertible Transaction Card Assembly as a conventional, standard size transaction card or separate the keychain size transaction card at the delineation for use as an independent keychain size transaction card.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a card reader device includes: a read head configured to generate a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe of a card, an output plug, adapted to be inserted into a headset jack of a mobile host device, configured to communicate an output signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to a microphone input of the headset jack of the mobile host device; and circuitry configured to set the amplitude, which includes attenuation by at least a resistor, of a signal communicating said data included in the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe generated by the read head resulting in the output signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes decoding circuitry configured to decode the signal indicative of the data stored on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for executing security-sensitive applications with a general-purpose computing device. In particular, the general-purpose computing device includes an unsecure computing environment and a secure computing environment. The secure computing environment is established with a secure access module that includes data and functions for executing the security-sensitive application on behalf of the unsecure computing environment.

Abstract: Method for broadcasting a magnetic stripe data packet from an electronic card by measuring a swipe speed of the electronic card past a magnetic reader head during a swipe of the electronic card past the magnetic reader head and then adjusting a broadcast signal containing the magnetic stripe data packet according to the measured swipe speed so that the magnetic stripe data packet in the broadcast signal is read by the magnetic reader head during said swipe. The swipe speed is measured by either an active speed sensor or a passive pressure/force speed sensor such as a quantum tunneling composite.

Abstract: A system to read magnetic stripe card(s) into a database, to select a specific card from the database, and to output the data related to that specific card to existing merchant card reader equipment with no modification. A simulated magnetic stripe card can be tethered to a cell phone via the headset jacks. A more complex design uses an un-tethered, simulated magnetic stripe card by including BLUETOOTH (or other wireless) communications on the card. This dual purpose invention is intended to eliminate the need to carry multiple magnetic stripe cards in a wallet or purse by consolidating all of the individual card information into a form to be reproduced onto the simulation card when needed by the user. It can also be used at a merchant POS card reader to allow an existing MSD reader to be converted to use in wireless cell phone transactions e.g. BLUETOOTH or NFC.

Abstract: An integrated circuit, a non-contact IC card, a reader/writer, a wireless communications method, and a computer program are provided to improve communication. The integrated circuit configured to execute wireless communication by means of magnetic field. The integrated circuit has a resonance circuit having resonance frequencies of a plurality of levels, a confirmation block configured to confirm whether a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a switching block configured to change the resonance frequencies if the predetermined condition is found satisfied as a result of the confirmation.

Abstract: A multi media payment device includes a banknote acceptor and a RF card reader, and also may include a magnetic card reader. A bezel assembly for connection to the bill acceptor preferably includes a reader unit to read magnetic swipe cards and contactless chip cards.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or arrangement that can limit access to sensitive information by means of encryption. In particular, data obtained from a payment instrument at, e.g., a Point-Of-Sale (POS) location can be encrypted at an early stage such that a POS (or another) application does not have access to the data in an unencrypted form and/or does not have access to a means for decrypting the data. For example, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) arrangement can be employed such that a back-end payment processor can define encryption algorithms, associate itself with a public key, and maintain a private key for decryption. The public key can be delivered to the POS location and employed for data encryption, and, moreover, the PKI can be regulated by the more trusted parties.

Abstract: A read head system has a housing and a read positioned in the housing with a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card with the slot utilized to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack configured to be coupled to at least one of a audio jack or microphone port of a mobile device. The read head provides the signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe-based transaction enabled mobile communication device embodiments are presented which generally involve a mobile communication device which has been configured to perform transactions that heretofore were completed using a magnetic stripe found on magnetic-stripe cards. In one general embodiment, a mobile communication device generates magnetic stripe data which is used to perform a magnetic stripe-based transaction. To this end, the mobile communication device includes a magnetic stripe device and a computing device. The computing device stores the magnetic stripe data, and the magnetic stripe device is employed to transfer the stored magnetic stripe information so that it can be used to conduct transactions as if a traditional magnetic stripe card were being used.

Abstract: A read head is positioned in a housing and configured to be coupled to a mobile device. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card. The slot is utilized to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head device includes an output jack adapted to be inserted at least one of the audio jack or microphone input port of a mobile appliance for providing a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. The slot is configured to maintain contact between the read head and the magnetic stripe of the financial transaction card during a swipe and decoding of the signal is performed in the mobile device. The decoding includes determining pulses in the signal and converting at least some of the pulses to characters.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a magnetic stripe reader in which an electronic apparatus is activated from an off state to a reduced power mode, a magnetic stripe reader is detected, then the apparatus is activated from the reduced power mode to a full power mode and it broadcasts a signal that contains a transaction specific data packet that is read by the magnetic read head. The signal is a time varying and spatial varying magnetic field that is interpreted by the magnetic read head as originating from a standard magnetic stripe and it is generated by a magnetic stripe broadcaster comprised of a track 1 flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 1 read head of the magnetic read head and a track 2 magnetic flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 2 read head of the magnetic read head.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a full image of a bank note being processed. An array of magnetoresistive detectors is employed to obtain multiple line-scan sensings of a bank note as the note passes. A central processing unit obtains the plurality of sensings as magnetic pattern data which is subsequently stored in a database for later processing.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reader assembly for a point of sale terminal is provided. The magnetic stripe reader reads the account data from a card and may encrypt it within the magnetic head. An encrypted representation of the account data may be provided to a host processor in the terminal for carrying out a financial transaction, such as a payment for goods or services. The account data is typically recorded on the magnetic stripe on the card in a magnetic flux pattern that is sensed and then converted to an analog signal. Such sensing and conversion and other processing of the account data to produce the encrypted representation of the account data typically involves one or more parameters, and may include at least one parameter that is adjustable.

Abstract: A card processing device for use with a card may include a first card processing section and a second card processing section. The first card processing section may include a card insertion slot at one end of the card processing section for inserting the card, and a magnetic head for reading magnetic information recorded in the card. The second card processing section may include a card transfer mechanism for transferring the card, and a recorder for recording information into the card. The second card processing section is connected to the other end of the first card processing station.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to enable an individual to complete a financial transaction by swiping a magnetic stripe card through a card reader connected to a mobile device. The size of the card reader is miniaturized to be portable for connection with the mobile device. The card reader is configured to reliably read data encoded in a magnetic strip of the card with minimum error in a single swipe and provide a signal that corresponds to the data read to the mobile device, which then decodes the incoming signal from the card reader and acts as a point-of-sale device to complete the financial transaction. Such an approach enables a person to become either a micro-merchant (payee) or a buyer/customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card reader devices or software.

Abstract: An apparatus for commercial transactions using a transaction card via a communication device in audio communication with a remote processor assembly is provided. The apparatus comprises an input device for capturing information from the transaction card, a controller for converting the captured card information into an audio signal. The controller is linked to the communication device. The apparatus may also be part of an assembly wherein this controller is part of the communication device. The remote processor assembly includes a transaction server linked to a remote processor/issuer for validating the transaction card data. A system including this apparatus, the communication device and the transaction server is also provided. Methods therefore are also disclosed.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to act as a magnetic stripe read-head detector and a data transmitter. A multiple layer flexible PCB may be fabricated to include multiple magnetic emulators. Layers of the flexible PCB may include magnetic shielding in order to reduce interference from the magnetic emulators to particular read-heads on a magnetic stripe reader.

Abstract: An electronic card has a card body with a power source electrically coupled to a general processor which is electrically coupled to a secure processor and a broadcaster. At least one sensor sends a signal to the general broadcaster when a physical act of swiping the card body through a legacy magnetic stripe reader having a magnetic read head commences. The card is usable as a legacy mode Smart card, the broadcaster is operable to broadcast a transaction specific data packet so that it is read by the magnetic stripe reader, and the secure processor is an ISO 7816 compliant processor.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting commercial transactions with a server using a transaction card via a communication device is provided. The apparatus includes a transaction device coupled with the communication device for capturing information from the transaction card and a controller for converting the captured card information into an encrypted audio signal and for transmitting the audio signal to the communication device. The communication device delivers the audio signal to the server for processing the commercial transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and verifying serial numbers using a smart label in an image production device is disclosed. The method for storing may include receiving a signal to query a smart label for serial number information, querying the smart label for serial number information, receiving the serial number information from the smart label, and storing the serial number information in a memory. The method for verifying may include receiving a signal to query a smart label for serial number information, querying the smart label for serial number information, receiving the serial number information from the smart label, determining if the serial number matches a serial number stored in the image production device, wherein if it is determined that the serial number matches the stored serial number performing requested image production device operations, otherwise sending an error signal.

Abstract: A reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified is disclosed. The reading device includes a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified, wherein the first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; and a second reading element for reading a second set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified; wherein the reading device is configured such that a first signal generated from reading the first set of identification features and a second signal generated from reading the second set of identification features are independently used to derive a first signature and a second signature for identifying the tag or object.

Abstract: A magnetic ink character reading method includes conveying paper by a stepping motor, detecting magnetic ink characters on the paper and generating magnetic detection signals by a magnetic detection unit, generating magnetic noise data by accumulating magnetic detection signals before the paper passes the magnetic detection unit, and removing the magnetic noise by subtracting the magnetic noise data from the magnetic detection signals. The generated magnetic noise can be a function of a control period of the transportation mechanism and a control period of a photodetector.

Abstract: An information media processing device may include a transport passage in which an information medium having MICR characters printed in a predetermined print position is transported, a magnetic head arranged in the transport passage, an image reading means arranged in the transport passage, a transporting means arranged in the transport passage, which has a shifting mechanism for shifting the information medium into an area in which the magnetic head can make magnetic detection, and a controller which detects the reference edge of the information medium based on the image read by the image reading means to judge if the print position is distanced by a predetermined amount or more from the magnetically-detectable area of the magnetic head based on the reference edge; when the print position is distanced by a predetermined amount or more, the transporting means shifts the information medium into the magnetically-detectable area while transporting the information medium.

Abstract: An improved system and method for data card emulation is provided that enables a single data card to emulate any one of multiple data cards. The data card includes an improved system and method for conveying data involving pulsed light that can read a barcode and can emulate a barcode. The improved system and method for conveying data may also include at least one of a magnetic stripe reader or a magnetic stripe emulator. The data card uses the improved system and method for conveying data to interface with conventional barcode and/or magnetic stripe readers, to interface with other such data cards or other devices having similar circuitry, and to interface with a data management system used to manage barcode and/or magnetic stripe information stored in a memory on the data card.

Abstract: A secure device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe incorporated into a card. The card reader device reads and then encrypts the data, then outputs an analog signal that is indicative of the encrypted data. By way of an electrical plug-and-jack connection to a cell phone, the output signal is passed to circuitry in the cell phone where it is processed to extract the encrypted data. For security purposes, the cell phone is not enabled to decrypt the data, and therefor transmits the encrypted data to a remote server that is so enabled. When the card is used for financial transactions, the remote server cooperates with appropriate financial systems to process the transaction using data from the card plus transaction details that were entered by the cell phone user.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a magnetic stripe reader in which an electronic apparatus is activated from an off state to a reduced power mode, a magnetic stripe reader is detected, then the apparatus is activated from the reduced power mode to a full power mode and it broadcasts a signal that contains a transaction specific data packet that is read by the magnetic read head. The signal is a time varying and spatial varying magnetic field that is interpreted by the magnetic read head as originating from a standard magnetic stripe and it is generated by a magnetic stripe broadcaster comprised of a track 1 flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 1 read head of the magnetic read head and a track 2 magnetic flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 2 read head of the magnetic read head.

Abstract: The inventive concept relates to a product authentication and identification device using a liquid barcode formed by liquid bars stored in liquid chambers. For example, according to the inventive concept liquid barcodes and a liquid barcode reader for reading liquid barcodes used for product authentication and identification of thin-film chemical analyzers such as a lab-on-a-disc and a bio disc in which bio chips such as a lab-on-a-chip, a protein chip, and a DNA chip for diagnosing and detecting a small amount of material in a fluid are integrated, a credit card, or other products can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information reader wherein the degree of freedom of design can be increased, and magnetic information recorded on an information recording medium can be properly read. Specifically, the information reader comprises a medium passage through which the information recording medium having the magnetic information recorded passes, a magnetic head which is brought into contact with the information recording medium passing through the medium passage and reads the magnetic information recorded on the information recording medium, guide sections for guiding the information recording medium so that a force acts on the information recording medium and the magnetic head to push each other when the information recording medium and the magnetic head are brought into contact with each other, and a biasing mechanism which biases the magnetic head in the direction in which the information recording medium and the magnetic head are brought into contact with each other.

Abstract: A universal credit card with a cellular telephone that has inside of an outer housing and adjacent to a side thereof a magnetic reader/writer capable of reading data from a magnetic strip of a credit card. Along a side of the outer housing adjacent the magnetic reader/writer is a wide and deep enough slit to swipe the credit card. When a template credit card is swiped through the slit, a magnetic strip of the template credit card reads or writes data from at least one credit card that the user selected on the telephone's keypad from a plurality of credit cards whose data had been entered into memory. A controller and software operate the magnetic reader/writer the user's keypad selection. Alternatively, there is a slot in the outer housing rather than a slit, and insertion and/or removal of a credit card in the slot constitutes swiping the credit card.