Abstract: A reconfigurable electronic payment device allows for the capture and transmission of customer transaction information captured from the “swipe” of an electronic payment tool, such as a credit or debit card or any such tool that includes a magnetic stripe upon which information can be stored and read from. The device provides a second housing with a reader head guide assembly, including a magnetic card reader adapter, which can be repositioned about a first housing of the electronic payment device. This repositioning capability can enhance the ease of use of the device and efficiency by which the swipe of a credit or debit card can be performed. The repositioning capability further promotes the mounting of the electronic payment device upon many different surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a data reader for reading data from a device associated with a user. In various embodiments, the data reader is or includes a magnetic strip reader, a chip card reader, a Near Field Communication device or other RFID device, an IR communication device or other communication device configured to read, extract or otherwise receive data or information associated with a user, such as financial data, personal data or otherwise. In some embodiments, the data reader reads financial data such as bank account data from a transaction device such as a bank card (credit and/or debit), a chip card or the like and communicates some or all the data to another device, such as a transaction apparatus and/or a mobile device of a user.

Abstract: A banking system is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system comprises an automated banking machine. The machine includes at least one type of data reader, which includes a card reader. The machine also includes an anti-fraud arrangement that can deter effective operation of unauthorized devices attached to the machine. Such unauthorized devices may include a fraudulent card reader placed adjacent to a card entry slot that leads to the card reader. The arrangement can sense a fraudulent card reader installed on the machine. The arrangement can additionally emit jamming signals that interfere with an ability of a sensed fraudulent card reader to accurately read card data.

Abstract: A card reading machine includes a card reader for reading data on a magnetic card and a device for preventing reading of the data on the magnetic card by illegal card reading devices operatively associated with the card reading machine. The device for preventing may include an oscillator, a driver circuit and a coil for generating electromagnetic signals similar to data on a card. A method for preventing reading of data on a magnetic card by in illegal card reader in operative association with an apparatus having a card reader intended to read the data on the magnetic card includes producing a signal ruining the data collected by the illegal card reader. The apparatus having a card reader may include an insertion slot in which case the method may further include producing the signal near the insertion slot.

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: 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 card reader, comprising: a frame having a slot for insertion of a chip card that has a plurality of card contacts, wherein the slot has open sides that allow the chip card to move laterally during the insertion; a plurality of reader contacts coupled to the frame and positioned in the slot in a position to be contacted by the card contacts when the chip card is inserted in the slot, and circuitry configured to communicate with the chip card through the plurality of card contact, wherein there are more reader contacts than card contacts and the circuitry is configured to determine which subset of the reader contacts engages the card contacts and to communicate with the chip card through the subset of reader contacts.

Abstract: A point-of-service device includes a point-of-service display, a first reading sensor, and a second reading sensor. The point-of-service display includes a modular slot. The first reading sensor includes a first modular plug matching the modular slot. The second reading sensor includes a second modular plug matching the modular slot. Moreover, either the first modular plug or the second modular plug is allowed to be inserted into the modular slot at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a fill image of a bank note being processed. At least one magnetoresistive detector is employed to obtain line-scan sensings of a bank note as the note passes. A central processing unit obtains the sensing as magnetic pattern data which is subsequently stored in a database for processing.

Abstract: A card reader device has a card entrance for receiving a card, such as an ATM card, a card enclosure in registration with the card entrance and defining an area in which the card is read, and a shutter for controlling access to the card enclosure from the card entrance. The card reader device also has a read head located in the card entrance for reading data from the card, and a controller for controlling the operation of the card reader device. The controller is operable to: (i) open the shutter in response to reading data from the card, and (ii) disable the read head when the shutter is opened.

Abstract: A magnetic read head includes a plurality of pins; circuitry for converting magnetic signals to electrical signals, where output of the circuitry is coupled to the plurality of pins; and a shield that encloses the circuitry, the shield having a front face through which magnetic signals pass to read the magnetic stripe, a base on a side of the shield opposite the front face, and one or more side surfaces between the base and the front face, and wherein the shield has an opening for each pin of the plurality of pins, wherein each pin is configured to pass through a respective opening, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the one or more side surfaces of the shield, where each pin extends from the shield along an axis that is parallel to a plane defined by the base of the shield.

Abstract: A test device for a magnetic stripe decoder chip includes a signal generator, a chip slot, a signal conversion circuit and a control unit. The signal generator sequentially outputs a plurality of test waveform signals. The signal conversion circuit includes at least one transformer, the transformer is used for converting the test waveform signals into a plurality of false track signals, and correspondingly outputting the false track signals to one of track signal receiving ends of the magnetic stripe decoder chip. The control unit receives at least one decoding string generated respectively by decoding the false track signals through the magnetic stripe decoder chip, and compares the at least one decoding string with a test string represented by the basic track signal, thereby determining a decoding function of the magnetic stripe decoder chip.

Abstract: An electronic card (e.g., an electronic payment card) or another device (e.g., a wireless telephonic device) is provided that may communicate dynamic magnetic stripe data to a magnetic stripe reader. Information may be embedded into a magnetic track of data representative of additional information such as, for example, a unique identification number or an additional track of magnetic stripe data.

Abstract: A card reader for use with a mobile device includes a card reader body having an information reading area configured to receive a card, an information reader configured to read information stored on the card and a connection device disposed on the card reader body and configured to be removably connected to the mobile device. The card reader also includes a first arm extending in the first direction away from the card reader body and spaced apart from the connection device and an opposing second arm extending in the first direction away from the card reader body and spaced apart from the connection device. The first arm and the second arm are configured to contact the mobile device and limit movement of the card reader body with respect to the mobile device when the card reader body is connected to the mobile device via the connection device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for personalizing data card are disclosed. One embodiment includes a card receiver configured to receive one or more data cards, a control system connected to the card receiver, the control system configured to receive personalization information, an encoder system connected to the control system, the encoder system configured to encode the one or more data cards with at least some portion of the personalization information, a card reader connected to the control system, the card reader configured to read magnetic fingerprint information from the one or more data cards, and the control system configured to store the magnetic fingerprint information.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that communicates with a host device via audio channels includes an interfacing circuit that receives and transmits analog signals on the audio channels. Such audio channels are designed for audio speakers and microphones and the interfacing circuit transmits digital data based on the received analog signals. The integrated circuit includes a processing device that is electrically coupled to the interfacing circuit. The processing device receives the digital data from the interfacing circuit and adjusts at least one parameter of the interfacing circuit based on the received digital data. The interfacing circuit receives the digital data from the processing device and transmits analog signals on at least one of the audio channels based on the at least one adjusted parameter.

Abstract: A method of preventing fraud, and a fraud prevention terminal, are described. The method comprises: detecting an unauthorized reader in the vicinity of a dip card reader, and closing a pin to prevent a card being inserted into the dip card reader.

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 decoding system has a decoding engine running on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives as its input decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine. At least a portion of a first party's financial card information or information relative to a first party's financial account is used to create a mobile device payment application on the mobile device.

Abstract: A decoding system, with a decoding engine, runs on a mobile device. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card until the signals reach a steady state, identifies peaks in the incoming signals and digitizes the identified peaks into bits. A transaction engine is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives, as its input, decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine, and serves as an intermediary between the first party and a second party. The first party does not have to share his/her financial transaction card information with the second party. The transaction engine is configured to be coupled to a payment system and a first party's financial transaction card institution or a first party's financial account.

Abstract: A method of preventing fraud, and a fraud prevention terminal, are described. The method comprises: detecting an unauthorized reader in the vicinity of a dip card reader, and closing a pin to prevent a card being inserted into the dip card reader.

Abstract: An accessory for a hand-held electronic device includes a protective case and a battery. The electronic device is insertable into the protective case. The battery may be utilized to provide auxiliary power to the electronic device. The battery may be replaceable without having to remove the electronic device from the protective case.

Abstract: An integrated read head system includes a mobile device with an audio jack and at least one microphone input port. A read head is physically coupled to the mobile device. The read head has a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card 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 has an output jack that physically connects the read head to at least one of the audio jack or microphone port of the mobile device. The read head provides the signal to the mobile device. Card reader circuitry includes an encryption system which provides that at least a portion of the signal is encrypted.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and a method for a baseband near-field magnetic stripe data transmitter (MST) device that transmits payment card data from a smart-phone, or other electronic device, into a Point of Sale (POS) transaction terminal. The MST device includes a driver and an inductor. The MST receives magnetic stripe data comprising payment card data, processes the received magnetic stripe data and emits high energy magnetic pulses comprising the processed magnetic stripe data that are then received remotely by the magnetic stripe reader of the POS.

Abstract: A card reader with magnetic heads, an anterior frame, a main body frame, a control board and a sealing member formed to be annular. The main body frame has a head arrangement in which the magnetic heads are positioned, a sac-like card cage in which the rear end of the inserted card is housed, and a seal arrangement which is formed between the head arrangement and the card cage and in which the sealing member is arranged. The anterior frame has a substantially cylindrical cylinder portion formed to connect to a front face portion. A rear end side portion of the cylinder portion (crushing portion) crushes the sealing member in the radial direction from the outer circumferential side of the sealing member. The control board is arranged outside the card cage, and the inner circumferential face of the seal crushing portion is formed in a tapered shape.

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.

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: A magnetic stripe reader apparatus comprises a first casing, a second casing, a magnetic stripe reader unit, and at least a connecting element. The first casing has an opening, a first positioning portion, and an adjustable fixing portion. The second casing has a second positioning portion disposed corresponding to the first positioning portion, and a through hole disposed corresponding to the adjustable fixing portion. The magnetic stripe reader unit is disposed between the first and second casings, and has a magnetic stripe reader head and a fixing element disposed on a side of the magnetic stripe reader head. In assembly, the connecting element passes through the through hole and connects to the adjustable fixing portion to fix the first and second casings. The second positioning portion and the first positioning portions hold the fixing element, and the magnetic stripe reader head is exposed from the opening.

Abstract: An electronic transaction device with a microprocessor generates digital signals that are converted into at least two tracks of analog signal wave form and two waveform signals are driven on two analog tracks such that the two waveform signals cancel each other out and a simulated magnetic field is generated along a target area located on the transaction device that can contain a transaction specific data packet readable by a magnetic stripe read head.

Abstract: A decoding system includes a decoding engine running on a mobile device that decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. The decoding engine accepts and initializes incoming signals from a read of the first party's financial transaction card until the signals reach a steady state, detects the read once the incoming signals are in a steady state, identifies peaks in the incoming signals and digitizes the identified peaks in the incoming signals into bits. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives as its input decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine, and serves as an intermediary between the first party and a second party, so that the first party does not have to share his/her financial transaction card information with the second party.

Abstract: A substrate containing a magnetic strip, a 2-D bar code, or a QR bar code secured to the substrate, the magnetic strip, 2-D bar code, or QR bar code containing electronically readable information about an amount of money. The magnetic strip, 2-D bar code, or QR bar code is passed through a reader and an amount of money is credited in a sale transaction. The 2-D bar code, QR bar code, or magnetic strip may be removably secured to the substrate so that it may be removed and saved for later use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a card reader device includes: a read head configured to produce a signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe of a card in response to the magnetic stripe being passed by the read head; means for passively attenuating configured to attenuate the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe resulting in an attenuated output signal indicative of said data stored on the magnetic stripe; and a tip, ring(s), sleeve output plug adapted to be inserted into a standard headset jack associated with means for communicating with a host system and configured to provide the attenuated output signal indicative of said data stored on the magnetic stripe to the communicating means via a microphone input of the standard headset jack. The means for communicating with a host system and/or host system perform processing based on the attenuated output signal.

Abstract: A wireless deadman system for controlling operation of equipment from a portable device includes a base station with an equipment control system, the base station wirelessly transmitting operational parameters for the equipment. A portable display unit has a housing, an electronic display, an electronic circuit, and a data receiver. A portable authorization device includes a liveness sensor and transmits an authorization signal when the sensor detects a liveness input. The display unit receives an authorization status for operation of the equipment from the portable authorization device and receives the operational parameters from the base station, the display displaying the authorization status and the operational parameters of the equipment on the electronic display. The equipment control system allows the equipment to operate when the authorization signal is provided and prevents the equipment from operating after the authorization signal is no longer provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic stripe reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of directly extracting binary information embedded in a magnetic stripe using simple analog and digital signal processing techniques. Once information stored in the magnetic stripe is extracted as a F-2F waveform by the magnetic stripe reader, peaks, valleys and mid-level transition points between every consecutive peak and valley are detected. A peak-to-peak period and an average time are directly derived to determine whether the corresponding peak-to-peak transition is associated with a binary bit of “1” or “0”. This magnetic stripe reader spares a need for a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a large memory, and thus, constitutes a simple and self-contained solution that may read out the binary information stored on the magnetic stripe with reduced power consumption and improved cost efficiency.

Abstract: A method of disseminating a message is disclosed. The message is encoding in a barcode. A selected region of the barcode is damaged so as to hinder decoding of the message at a scanning device. The damaged region of the barcode may be occluded from the scanning device in order to enable the scanning device to read the barcode and the message therein.

Abstract: An RFID tag comprising an antenna assembly, including a shielding layer comprising an electromagnetic shielding material, a radio frequency loop antenna, and a spacer comprising a spacer material having a permittivity less than about 2 interposed between the antenna and the shielding layer is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such an RFID tag. Also disclosed is the use of such an RFID tag for use in identifying a vehicle, for example in the context of fuel-purchase authorization.

Abstract: A card information protection device and a finance service equipment having the same are provided. The card information protection device is arranged between a transverse card inlet and a longitudinal magnetic card information reader, and comprises a magnetic card transverse admission port. A magnetic card conveying channel is arranged between the magnetic card transverse admission port and the longitudinal magnetic card information reader. A magnetic card rotating mechanism is arranged in the magnetic card channel. The magnetic card rotating mechanism is used for rotating a transversely-inserted magnetic card to longitudinal direction in order to convey the magnetic card into the longitudinal magnetic card information reader, and rotating the longitudinal magnetic card returned by the longitudinal magnetic card information reader to transverse direction in order to convey the transverse magnetic card out.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated circuit comprising a substrate having a first side and a second opposing side. An electronic circuit (EC) is provided at the first side (S1) of the substrate, wherein the electronic circuit (EC) comprises at least one magnetic field sensor (Snsr, Snsr1, Snsr2, Snsr3, Snsr4). The integrated circuit further comprises a magnetizable region (MR) provided on the second side (S1) of the substrate (SUB) by using a wafer-level type deposition processing step. The magnetic moment of the magnetizable region (MR) is configurable for generating a magnetic field (H1, H2) detectable at the location of the at least one magnetic field sensor (Snsr, Snsr1, Snsr2, Snsr3, Snsr4). The integrated circuit constitutes a very simple construction and enables a strongly miniaturized solution which is, because of its reduced dimensions well suitable for being used in bank cards. An attempt to remove the integrated circuit according to the invention from its environment (e.g.

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 anti-skimming assembly for a card reader device includes, for example, a displacement bar mountable on a front plate of a card reader device proximate a card entry opening formed in the front plate, which displacement bar has first and second legs. The displacement bar is mountable on the front plate with the first leg aligned with an internal read head inside the card entry opening of the card reader device. An infrangible fastener is connectible to the first leg through a first fastener opening formed in the front plate, and a non-conductive frangible or breakable fastener is connectible to the second leg through a second fastener opening formed in the front plate. In addition, first and second electrically conductive leads are carried by the non-conductive frangible fastener electrically connected to one another via an electrically conductive spring and connectible to an alarm circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic read head includes a plurality of pins; circuitry for converting magnetic signals to electrical signals, where output of the circuitry is coupled to the plurality of pins; and a shield that encloses the circuitry, the shield having a front face through which magnetic signals pass to read the magnetic stripe, a base on a side of the shield opposite the front face, and one or more side surfaces between the base and the front face, and wherein the shield has an opening for each pin of the plurality of pins, wherein each pin is configured to pass through a respective opening, wherein the plurality of openings are positioned on the one or more side surfaces of the shield, where each pin extends from the shield along an axis that is parallel to a plane defined by the base of the shield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to printed circuit board (PCB) tracking technology, specifically to a dipole antenna structure for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. More specifically, the present invention relates to an edge type dipole antenna structure is implemented on an extremely small area on the edge of a ground plane provided on the PCB for various kinds of electronic products, and a PCB including the same.

Abstract: A security element or film materials for data carriers, valuable documents, packing and the like. The security element includes a magnetic coding that is produced in situ. The invention also relates to a method and a device for producing the magnetic coding in situ.

Abstract: A card reader includes a read head in a housing. A jack is coupled to the housing and adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device.

Abstract: A decoding system runs on a mobile device and is coupled to a payment system. The decoding engine decodes signals produced from a read of a first party's financial transaction card. A transaction engine runs on the mobile device and is coupled to the decoding engine. The transaction engine receives as its input decoded first party's financial transaction card information from the decoding engine. A payment system, in communication with the transaction engine, includes at least one of, a user database, a product database, and transaction database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recognition of encoded information on documents are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a document reader configured to read encoded information from a document, and to output an electrical signal representative of the encoded information. The system also includes signal conditioning modules that are each configured to receive the electrical signal, and to condition the received electrical signal differently for outputting a plurality of conditioned electrical signals. Further, the system includes an information recognition module configured to analyze each of the conditioned electrical signals and to select one of the conditioned electrical signals for use in recognizing the encoded information.

Abstract: A magnetic reader head assembly includes a magnetic reader head compartment, a frame and an elastic component. The magnetic reader head compartment comprises electronic and mechanical components of the magnetic reader head. The frame has a front side and a back side and has a footprint matching the footprint of the magnetic reader head compartment. The front side is configured to attach to a back wall of the magnetic reader head compartment while allowing the magnetic reader head compartment to move out or retract from the frame. The elastic component is configured to be placed at the back side of the frame and to push the frame out in order to press the magnetic reader head compartment against a magnetic card stripe.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, includes an operation surface section, a card reader provided on one side of the operation surface section and configured to read card information, and an operation button provided near the card reader on the operation surface section and recessing a predetermined dimension from the operation surface section.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card connected to a first panel via a releasable interface, wherein the first panel is affixed to a second panel such that upon releasing the interface, the first panel remains affixed to the second panel and the transaction card is released from the package assembly.

Abstract: Provided herein is an integrated wireless patch comprising a contact layer, an electronics layer, and a battery layer. The contact layer is a substrate having gel cutouts. The electronics layer can be folded into contact with the contact layer. The battery layer can be folded into contact with the electronic layer. Further provided herein is a method of manufacturing a wireless integrated patch comprising folding a substrate comprising at least one cutout, at least one contact disk in communication with a surface of a patient through the cutout, and battery terminals, wherein the at least one cutout, the at least on contact, and the battery terminals are adaptable to be located in different layers after the substrate is folded.