Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of processing a substitute check which has been made from an original check. The computer-implemented method comprises (a) reading from the substitute check a printed magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline, (b) reading from the substitute check an imaged MICR codeline, and (c) comparing the printed MICR codeline of step (a) and the imaged MICR codeline of step (b) to determine if the printed MICR codeline and the imaged MICR codeline match.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for verifying the validity of ID cards. A card reading device reads an ID card and transmits a request to a database server. A database is queried and a reply is sent back to the card reading device indicating whether the ID is valid. If desired, the reply can include additional information, such as a description of the ID holder. The ID verification system can be used to help verify whether an ID belongs to the ID holder. The system can also log and timestamp events for future access.

Abstract: An encoder includes an encoder scale having an optical pattern of a prescribed cycle, and an encoder head configured to be displaced relative to the encoder scale. The encoder head includes a reference voltage generating circuit and a changing unit. The reference voltage generating circuit is configured to generate a reference voltage set to the center amplitude of an encoder signal when the output of the encoder is an encoder signal having periodicity of at least one phase. The changing unit is configured to change the reference voltage generated in the reference voltage generating circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encrypting the output of a card reader in a card authentication system are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reading a data card having an intrinsic magnetic characteristic and recorded data on the data card using a read head including a magnetic sensor having a housing, an analog to digital converter located within the housing and a processor located within the housing, the method including generating an analog signal indicative of the intrinsic magnetic characteristic and the recorded data of the data card, converting the analog signal into a digital signal, generating a magnetic fingerprint based on the intrinsic magnetic characteristic from the digital signal, extracting the recorded data from the digital signal, encrypting at least a portion of the recorded data, storing the magnetic fingerprint and the recorded data, and outputting the encrypted at least the portion of the recorded data.

Abstract: A magnetic head of a credit card identification terminal for reading card data which can prevent card data from being illegally acquired. The magnetic head includes a generally box-shaped sealed case having an open side; a bobbin with an electric wire wound thereon provided in the sealed case; a core member extending from the bobbin and having an end protruding to the outside of the sealed case through a through-hole formed through a side of the sealed case opposite the opening; a terminal pin connected to the wire wound on the bobbin; and resin filled in the hollow space in the sealed case, the terminal pin is embedded in the resin filled in the sealed case, one end of a flexible wiring substrate is connected to the terminal pin, and the other end of the flexible wiring substrate extends to the outside of the sealed case from the opening.

Abstract: A non-contact reader/writer for an IC card includes an antenna substrate provided with a loop antenna and a capacitor on its upper surface, a control substrate provided with a transmitting/receiving circuit and a chip coil on its upper surface, and a magnetic sheet disposed between the antenna substrate and the control substrate. A magnetic flux generated by the chip coil on the control substrate passes through the loop antenna to cause magnetic coupling, so that the loop antenna and the transmitting/receiving circuit need not be connected to each other through a communication cable.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods backward compatible with existing card processing infrastructure are provided to furnish dynamically configurable data to a card reader to facilitate transactions such as credit card transactions. The inventive apparatuses and methods are operable even with card readers configured to read statically implemented data, such as statically implement magnetic stripe data and/or statically printed bar codes. Techniques are also provided to take advantage of features of the inventive apparatus and method to substantially reduce or to eliminate transaction fraud and to improve efficiency for cardholders, card issuers, and intermediary institutions.

Abstract: A peripheral including a biometric reader and a card reader which require less mounting space than separate devices. An example peripheral includes a magnetic stripe reader including a housing, and a fingerprint reader in the housing.

Abstract: An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records has sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot. The sensing devices enable detection of a fraudulent card reading device.

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a first array of elements associated with a first data format and a second array of elements associated with a second data format, the elements being selected from a group consisting of readers, writers, and combinations thereof. The first and second arrays of elements are adjacent each other in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of a magnetic medium over the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for protecting documents of value, which has magnetic material. A portion of a magnetic coding is arranged on the security element, which coding consists of several magnetic areas and several gap areas. The portion of the magnetic coding is arranged in a predetermined direction along the security element, for example perpendicularly to a transport direction of the security element or document of value through a magnet sensor. Concerning the length of the magnetic areas and of the gap areas of the magnetic coding, certain length conditions are predetermined, which are chosen in dependence on the magnet sensor employed.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a fill 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 card reader for use in web based transactions is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for establishing a secure connection between a card reader and a server, the method including receiving a first challenge request, generating a response to the first challenge request using a first encryption key, sending the response to the first challenge request, sending a second challenge request, receiving an encrypted response to the second challenge request, verifying the encrypted response to the second challenge request; and, if the encrypted response is verified, reading data card information from a data card, the data card information including an intrinsic magnetic characteristic and recorded data on the data card, generating a magnetic fingerprint based on the intrinsic magnetic characteristic, and sending the magnetic fingerprint to authenticate the data card.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying depth of positional data with tubing analysis data obtained by instruments analyzing tubing sections being withdrawn from a well includes an apparatus for communicably linking an encoder or other positional or depth sensors to the tubing analysis data processor. In addition, sensors capable of detected collars holding pieces of tubing section together can transmit signals to the analysis data processor that a collar has been detected and insert collar location information into the analysis data. Furthermore, information based on the length of the individual pieces of tubing or the data from the encoder or other positional sensor can be analyzed or associated with the analysis data and displayed with the analysis data by overlaying a depth component on a display of the analysis data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing incentive-based auto financing is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a member database comprising a financial data relating to a plurality of members having at least a first loan, comparing the member financial data against a predetermined set of eligibility criteria to prescreen at least a portion of the plurality of members for inclusion in a second loan, and periodically evaluating the member financial data relating to the first loan. Points are assigned to the member financial data according to the evaluation that correlate to an interest rate reduction for the second loan based on the assigned points cumulating above a threshold level. The cumulated points, interest rate reduction, and a pre-approved limit may be encoded on a machine-readable card for use at a dealership.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a RF security apparatus and method. The method includes steps of: preparing an electronic card having a circuit loop and a signal storage unit, which at least has one code signal; providing a reader for cooperating with the electronic card, wherein the reader has a sensing unit and a logic circuit, and through a wireless transmission between the circuit loop and the sensing unit, the logic circuit performs a comparison of the preset code signal; and connecting to a flash drive through the reader, wherein electronic data contained in the flash drive is accessible only after the comparison between the reader and the electronic card is performed.

Abstract: A card reading device for a transaction system is configured with a first reading unit and a second reading unit respectively reading a contact card and a contactless card, converting read analog signals to digital signals with the same preset format, and then transmitting them to a transaction terminal to carry out a transaction, thereby not only allowing a user to select the use of the contact card or contactless card freely but also increasing purchasing convenience effectively.

Abstract: A work station comprises a surface (11) for supporting a sample (12); a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the surface; and apparatus (16) for communicating with a memory tag via a wireless electromagnetic link. The apparatus is located beneath the surface in order to communicate with a memory tag on or over the surface. A soft magnetic member is provided. The temperature controller comprises a chamber containing a liquid; a pump for pumping the liquid into the chamber; an inlet channel between the pump and the chamber; and an inlet weir extending across the inlet channel so as to impede the flow of liquid through the inlet channel into the main chamber. The work station is of particular use in the monitoring of samples being used in in-vitro fertilisation procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device (1) comprising a cartridge compartment adapted to receive and hold a medicament containing cartridge (4), the cartridge compartment comprising an electromagnetic device (5) formed as an induction coil and adapted to generate a magnetic field having a spatial overlap with at least part of a medicament in a cartridge positioned in the cartridge compartment, the electromagnetic device forming part of an electronic circuit adapted to oscillate at a predetermined resonance frequency. The present invention further relates to a cartridge and a label comprising an electromagnetic device adapted to generate a magnetic field having a spatial overlap with at least part of a medicament in a cartridge.

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 thereon is transported, a magnetic head arranged in the transport passage for detecting magnetism of the MICR characters, an image reading means arranged in the transport passage for reading the image of the information medium, 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 magnetical

Abstract: A wireless tamper detection sensor is defined by a perforated electrical conductor. The conductor is shaped to form a geometric pattern between first and second ends thereof such that the conductor defines an open-circuit that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy. The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response. The harmonic response changes when the conductor experiences a change in its geometric pattern due to severing of the conductor along at least a portion of the perforations. A magnetic field response recorder is used to wirelessly transmit the time-varying magnetic field and wirelessly detecting the conductor's harmonic response.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a substrate and a thermochromic feature. The substrate defines a first surface and includes an account identifier linking the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record. The account identifier is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal. The thermochromic feature portrays a character on a portion of the first surface. The thermochromic feature is configured to change between a first state and a second state when an actual temperature of the thermochromic feature reaches an activation temperature of the thermochromic feature. In the first state, the thermochromic feature appears as a first color. In the second state, the thermochromic feature presents at least one of a second color and a graphic not otherwise visible when the thermochromic feature is in the first state. Stored-value cards, combinations, methods of providing a transaction card, and other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system for authenticating a document includes a first magnetic scanhead adapted to create a first magnetic field for saturating the magnetization of an area on each of the bills. The magnetic detection system further includes a second magnetic scanhead with an electromagnet. The electromagnet is capable of creating a second magnetic field of adjustable intensity. The second magnetic field is the opposite polarity of the first magnetic field. The intensity of the second magnetic field is adjusted by changing the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet is based upon a characteristic of the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: A monetary card reading machine capable of printing an advertisement information on a receipt is disclosed. The monetary card reading machine comprises a memory comprising a software program and at least one advertisement information; a processor electrically connected to the memory, the processor being able to execute the software program; and a print module electrically connected to the processor. The print module prints at least one advertisement information on the receipt by executing the program.

Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (DISP) for treating at least one surface of an object, having a first input (E1) for receiving objects (OBJ1) coming from a loader (CHRG) intended to contain a plurality of such objects, and including at least one operating chain having an input intended to receive objects from the first input (E1) of the device (DISP). The device according to the invention has a second input (E2) for receiving objects (OBJ2) supplied individually by a user of the device (DISP), each operating chain being capable of receiving objects (OBJ2) inserted through said second input (E2). The invention makes it possible to perform in series or one at a time several different types of surface treatment, by means of a device which can furthermore be implemented in a more compact form than the known devices.

Abstract: Automated banking machine (ATM) in which the chest or secure enclosure is adapted for use in either a front-load ATM or a rear-load ATM. The chest housing includes both front and rear openings which are closed by first and second chest doors. The operable chest door may be securely engaged with the chest housing a locking bolt mechanism. The inoperable door may be secured with the chest housing by an alternate securing mechanism such as a bolt.

Abstract: A card reader may include a first card operation part having a first reproducing and recording part, a first feeding passage, and a first card pressing mechanism structured to press the card toward a first card feeding reference face, and a second card operation part having a second reproducing and recording part, a second feeding passage, and a second card pressing mechanism structured to press the card toward a second card feeding reference face which is formed on the opposite side to the first card feeding reference face. The first card operation part and the second card operation part may be adjacently disposed in a feeding direction of the card and the first reproducing and recording part and the second reproducing and recording part may be disposed in a substantially point-symmetrical manner with respect to a virtual reference point on a virtual center line which passes a substantially center position between the first card feeding reference face and the second card feeding reference face.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card held by a card holder and having a security code spanning the transaction card and the card holder such that upon removal of the transaction card from the card holder, the security code is broken and a portion of the security code remains on the transaction card and a portion of the security code remains on the card holder.

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: In a method for controlling an image forming apparatus capable of reading predetermined information, the image forming apparatus can operate in a first mode in which processing conditions set by a user through a user interface unit of the image forming apparatus can be used or a second mode in which processing conditions based on the predetermined information can be used. Accordingly, operability of the image forming apparatus capable of forming an image by using a document with an information tag can be enhanced.

Abstract: A portable device includes an active device (communication station) configuration for contactless communication with at least one external data carrier and a passive device (data carrier) configuration for contactless communication with at least one external communication station. A detection circuit is provided to detect the presence of an external data carrier and/or the presence of an external communication station in a communication zone of the internal active device configuration and/or the internal passive device configuration. An activation circuit is coupled to the detection circuit to enable one of the two configurations based on the detection result.

Abstract: A first portion of data is selected. The first portion of data is capable of being converted from a human-readable format to an electronically readable format. The first portion of data is capable of being stored in an optical bar code. A printed publication includes the first portion of data in the human-readable format. The first portion of data is encrypted. The first portion of data is stored on the optical bar code. The optical bar code is incorporated into the printed publication. The first portion of data is read from the optical bar code using a bar code scanner without removing the optical bar code from the printed publication.

Abstract: A customer interface device for interfacing with a customer at a store may include a touch screen for displaying information and receiving customer instructions, a keypad, a wireless sensor for scanning tags attached to merchandise of the store, and at least one user input component to accept customer payment for items to be purchased, wherein the touch screen, the keypad, the wireless sensor and the at least one user input component are detachable modular components.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reading device including a magnetic head assembly including a mounting element, at least one information reading sensor having output contacts, the sensor being mounted in the mounting element and a flat cable coupled to the output contacts of the at least one information reading sensor, a portion of the flat cable being arranged in a doubled-over configuration over the output contacts, thereby to provide anti-tampering protection to the output contacts.

Abstract: The invention describes a device (10) and a method for protecting a self-service terminal against fraudulent installation of spying-out apparatuses for spying-out information, which device and method are based on the detection of metallic components of the spying-out apparatus. The device (10) comprises a control unit (12) and a peripheral (24) which is connected to the control unit (12) via an interface (26, 28, 30). The sound card (24) has an output for an analog output signal, to which output a coil (52, 56) for generating a primary electromagnetic field can be connected, and an input for an analog detection signal, to which input a second coil (60, 64) for detecting a secondary electromagnetic field, which is influenced by the interaction of the primary electromagnetic field with the metallic components of the spying-out apparatus, can be connected.

Abstract: The present invention enables reading from and writing onto a magnetic stripe medium with a static read/write head that does not require relative linear motion between the magnetic stripe medium and the head while reading or writing takes place. The reading and writing is accomplished using a stationary uni-dimensional, bi-dimensional, or multi-dimensional conductor array addressing and driving current through an individual conductor element. Reading from magnetic stripe is accomplished by using magnetic flux sensing method such as a fluxgate.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system for authenticating a document includes a first magnetic scanhead adapted to create a first magnetic field for saturating the magnetization of an area on each of the bills. The magnetic detection system further includes a second magnetic scanhead with an electromagnet. The electromagnet is capable of creating a second magnetic field of adjustable intensity. The second magnetic field is the opposite polarity of the first magnetic field. The intensity of the second magnetic field is adjusted by changing the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet is based upon a characteristic of the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: A method of writing data on magnetic stripe of a smart card by imposing a magnetic field of a given polarity on each selected segment of the magnetic stripe, such that data on the magnetic stripe can be read by a magnetic card reader and interpreted as digital bits. The method includes providing a multi-dimensional conductor array placed proximate to the magnetic stripe, the number of conductors in the array is considerably smaller than the number of segments, and each segment is associated with two or more conductors. The method further includes providing current drivers for sending currents in a controlled direction through the conductor array. The system further includes sending currents, using said current drivers, through conductors of the array, such that for each one of the selected segment composite currents flowing through its associated two conductors overcome the coersivity of the segment on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A paper sheets feature detector 20, through which a banknote 21 is carried and passed is provided with a carrying-in sensor part 22, a transmissive and reflective line light sensor 23, a magnetic sensor 24, a thickness sensor 27, and a carrying-out sensor part 28. When a watermark part of the banknote 21 is measured by the line light sensor 23, a watermark pattern is detected by a light transmissive sensor, and that pattern is not detected by a light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote. Watermark braille is similarly processed. When the thread is detected by the light transmissive sensor and the thread is not detected by the light reflective sensor, the banknote 21 is determined to be a true banknote.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and user-interfaces consistent with embodiments of the present invention provide for contactless document scanning using portable scanners. A magnetic field sensor may use variations in a known magnetic field and may provide information related to the orientation of a portable scanner relative to an image on a medium being scanned. The orientation information provided by magnetic field sensor may be used to determine the orientation of a scanner when the sensory threshold of motion sensors on the portable scanner has been exceeded.

Abstract: A housing mechanism includes a housing, a defending element, and a magnetic unit. The housing has a cavity, and an opening defined in a sidewall of the housing. The opening communicates with the cavity. The defending element is rotatably attached to an inner side of the sidewall adjacent the opening. The magnetic unit is fixed adjacent to the opening and configured for causing the defending element to return to cover the opening by a magnetic force produced by the magnetic unit.

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: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method for registering biometric information for use in a transponder-reader system is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting, verifying and storing a proffered biometric sample. During detecting, a sensor detects a proffered biometric to obtain a biometric sample. During the verifying step, the biometric sample is compared with other stored samples and/or other information. During the storing step, the biometric sample is stored on a database, for use by the transponder-reader system in authorizing transactions.

Abstract: An index card for mounting on a casing for accommodating a recording medium includes a contact type or non-contact type IC for storing information or for processing signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring a radiofrequency magnetic field, characterised in that it comprises on a common support: a coil forming a primary reception antenna; a voltage-controlled oscillator, monitored so that its output frequency depends on the amplitude of the magnetic field received on the coil forming primary antenna; an absorption modulation load connected to the oscillator output; a secondary antenna sensitive to the magnetic field influenced by the absorption modulation resulting from the power supply load by the voltage-controlled oscillator, and means for operating the available signal on the secondary antenna.

Abstract: An instrument, such as a wall-thickness, rod-wear, or pitting sensor, can monitor tubing as a field service crew extracts the tubing from an oil well or inserts the tubing into the well. A computer-based system can process data from the instrument to evaluate the validity of the data. Validating the data can comprise determining whether any features, structures, or patterns present in the data correlate with actual tubing defects or were caused by a condition unrelated to tubing quality, such as signal noise. The computer-based system can also analyze the data to deduce information about the performance of the well or to determine the well's operating state or status. For example, the data analysis can determine whether the well's fluids have a chemical condition that should be treated or whether a detrimental harmonic oscillation has been occurring in the well's mechanical pumping system.

Abstract: A secure magnetic stripe card stripe reader (MSR) module and software system capable of encrypting the magnetic stripe data to CPI, SDP and CISP standards for use in point of sale (POS) and other applications requiring data security using non secure networks and computing devices. Additionally, when incorporated within an attachment for conventional personal digital assistant (PDA) or cell phone or stationary terminal, provides encrypted data from the magnetic head assembly providing compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards Publication Series FIPS 140 covering security and tampering standards. Moreover, this module and software system includes the capability of providing secure POS transactions to legacy transaction processing systems and POS terminals transparently to the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, this module and software system includes the capability of transparently providing detection of fraudulently copied magnetic stripe cards.

Abstract: Systems and methods for encrypting the output of a card reader in a card authentication system are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for reading a data card having an intrinsic magnetic characteristic and recorded data on the data card using a read head including a magnetic sensor having a housing, an analog to digital converter located within the housing and a processor located within the housing, the method including generating an analog signal indicative of the intrinsic magnetic characteristic and the recorded data of the data card, converting the analog signal into a digital signal, generating a magnetic fingerprint based on the intrinsic magnetic characteristic from the digital signal, extracting the recorded data from the digital signal, encrypting at least a portion of the recorded data, storing the magnetic fingerprint and the recorded data, and outputting the encrypted at least the portion of the recorded data.