Abstract: A marking device for the identification of an object includes laterally offset regions formed directly on the object with different magnetic characteristics. The different regions can have histeresis loops shifted differently to one another.

Abstract: A payment card comprises a plastic card with a magnetic stripe for user account data. Internal to the plastic card, and behind the magnetic stripe, a number of fixed-position magnetic write heads allow the user account data to be automatically modified. For example, a data field that counts the number of times the card has been scanned is incremented. A payment processing center keeps track of this usage-counter data field, and will not authorize transaction requests that come out of sequence. For example, as can occur from a magnetic clone of a card that has been skimmed and tried later. A card-swipe detector embedded in the plastic card detects each use in a scanner, and it signals an internal microcomputer which changes data bits sent to the write heads. Once scanned, the payment card can also disable any reading of the user account data for a short fixed period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electronic article surveillance (EAS) label is described. In an embodiment, the EAS label may be a microwave label including a field modulated dielectric material. In an embodiment, the field modulated dielectric material may have a reflection coefficient that may be changed with a modulation signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a document of value such as a paper of value or ID card with a security element having an optically variable material. Said optically variable material conveys different color effects at different viewing angles. Additionally, the security element has at least one machine-readable feature substance that does not impair the visually visible optically variable effect of the optically variable material.

Abstract: A reading method for data in a card reader including: (a) inserting a card provided with a magnetic stripe into a card insertion part, (b) reading data in the magnetic stripe with a data read section at least at a time of insertion or extraction of the card, (c) comparing an output level from the data read section with a predetermined read decision reference value, and then (d) changing the read decision reference value when the data have not been read. The read decision reference value may be changed from a low sensitivity setting to a high sensitivity setting or maybe circularly changed. The reading method for data is effectively utilized for a manual card reader.

Abstract: A Universal Ticket Transport (UTT) 10, 150 may be configured to read from and write to many types of magnetically encoded tickets 20 currently used in fare collection systems. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical insertion interface and automated movement along a transport path 18 for tickets 20 of varying thicknesses that are presented at a range of different angles 40, 42 into and exiting from the UTT 10, 150. The UTT 10, 150 includes a mechanical assembly 156, 158 which may be rotated, and the belts 22, 24, 152, 154 and rollers 30, 32, 34, 36 reconfigured, to accommodate tickets 20 having top-face or bottom face magnetic stripes. The belt subassemblies A, C and the magnetic head subassembly B are configurable across a width W of the UTT 10, 150 to process tickets 20 having magnetic stripes which are offset from a center line 86.

Abstract: A system and method for producing transaction cards, such as gift cards and identification cards, ensures that duplicate and missing cards are eliminated from a group of cards. Cards may also be provided in an ordered sequence. Each transaction card may include one or more unique identifiers so that each card is uniquely identified from all other cards in the group. Cards in the group may be packaged according to a hierarchy, and the location of each card in the hierarchy may be retained and later used for identifying the location of cards and/or batch activation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of manufacturing a module intended to create a portable object with chip and antenna. The portable object comprises an antenna and a chip placed on an insulating substrate. The antenna comprises a plurality of turns. The method comprises a first step in which an insulating substrate with at least one side is provided. The method is characterised in that it further comprises a second step in which an individual housing opening in the said side is made for each of the said turns and a third step in which said antenna comprising a plurality of turns is made by placing a conducting material in each individual housing.

Abstract: A data distribution system (10) including an information card (12) and a reader (14). The information card (12) includes visible indicia (20) on its front and stripe zones (34) and a ring zone (36) on its back. The zones (34, 36) are suitable for magnetically recording data, and optional characteristics for such data. The reader (14) may be a linear reader (14a), a rotary reader (14b), or a card-stationary reader (14c, 14d) and may optionally act automatically in response to reading one or more of the optional data characteristics. If the reader (14) is a rotary reader (14b) the information card (12) may particularly be loaded into a cartridge (16) which is loaded into the rotary reader (14b).

Abstract: A customer making a credit card transaction inserts their smart card into a card reader attached to the merchant's system. The card reader activates the customer's card and passes certain merchant information. The merchant's system then requests a “billing digest” from the customer's card. The billing digest is returned to the merchant's card reader that forwards it (and the transaction information which includes customer information and merchant information) to the corresponding credit card issuer, which maintains the customer's credit card account. In one embodiment, the customer information and the merchant information are encrypted. Upon receiving the billing digest, transaction information is decrypted if necessary and the credit card issuer looks up the customer's master key using the customer's account number.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has a security coating with embedded magnetic particles and magnetoresistive sensors. This renders possible a measurement of the impedance of security elements defined by magnetoresistive sensors and security coating. If initial values of the impedance are stored, actual values can be compared therewith to see if the device has not been electrically probed or modified. Such a comparison can be used to check the authenticity of the device.

Abstract: The transaction method is for secure payment by credit cards or debit cards for goods or services with the use or mobile devices. The payment authorization center delivers a public portion of the authorization token to the service provider via the existing communication channels and the private portion of the authorization token is delivered to the mobile device via SMS or USSD or e-mail short message. The mobile device delivers the private authorization token to the service provider via a private local network based on bluetooth, infrared or other short radio frequency based technology. The credit card or debit card number is never revealed and a temporary card token replaces it.

Abstract: A substrate structure encoded with information bearing indicia includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. Formed on the first surface is a first information bearing indicia defined by a fluorescent material. A second information bearing indicia is defined by a fluorescent material positioned adjacent to the second surface, the second indicia and the first indicia in an overlapping relationship. The substrate structure includes apparatus for preventing interference between the first indicia and the second indicia during a detection process. The interference preventing apparatus can include reflective or absorptive coatings formed on the first and second surfaces of the substrate, the first and second information bearing indicia positioned on the respective reflective coatings, a thin metal foil layer positioned between the first indicia and the second indicia, or a black background disposed between the first and second indicia.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making a magnetically readable card. The process includes providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.

Abstract: The system and method store biometric information and a personal identification number (PIN) on a token having a magnetic storage medium. A biometric image is captured, biometric data is produced and a PIN is provided by an authorized user. The biometric data and PIN are stored on the magnetic storage medium of the token for subsequent use in verifying an authorized user of the token.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a quasi-cash transaction for a customer including receiving a desired transaction dollar amount. A State identification card issued to the customer is electronically processed to retrieve machine readable information. Customer identification information is electronically parsed from the retrieved machine readable information. Quasi-cash document information is electronically generated utilizing the desired dollar amount and at least a portion of the parsed customer identification information. A quasi-cash document is printed, with the quasi-cash document including and displaying the generated quasi-cash document information. In one preferred embodiment, customer identification information parsed from the retrieved machine readable information includes customer name, customer address and identification card number information.

Abstract: A system for granting permission of a user's personal information to a third party includes a terminal unit for entering a personal information of a user and a permission information indicating at least one permissible use of the personal information of the user by a third party, for storing the personal information and the permission information entered, for receiving from the third party an item in accordance with the permission information stored therein from the third party, and an information management unit electrically connected to the terminal unit for managing the personal information and the permission information stored in the terminal unit, for evaluating the personal information stored therein in accordance with the permission information stored therein if an access to the personal information is requested from the third party, and for providing to the third party the requested personal information if the access to the requested personal information is permissible in accordance with a result of t

Abstract: A security device, such as a security thread, uses multiple security detection features provided by combining metal and metal/magnetic security features on a carrier substrate. The security detection features basically comprise an optionally repeating pattern of discrete metal/magnetic indicia and discrete metal or metal-dot formed indicia. The security detection features may also include at least one metal strip extending along the length of the carrier substrate and/or a plurality of metal dots located on metal-free portions of at least one surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a counterfeit resistant ID card where a printed security feature is applied to the ID card at the issuance location at the time the card is issued. Specifically, the present invention provides for a process of producing an ID card having a unique imbedded security code that is generated and specifically matched to the particular ID card being printed and is applied at the time and place that the card is issued thereby providing a code by which the authenticity of the ID card can be cross verified. Verification is completed by comparing the code on the ID card to the date stamped log of all ID cards printed by the printer at the issuance location. Each entry in the log is encoded with a unique code number that corresponds to the specific print job and more importantly to the specific ID card printed.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a communication device, installation structure for the communication device, a method of manufacturing the communication device, and a method of communication with the communication device in which the communication device is able to exceedingly restain a conductive material from attenuating magnetic flux and to expand communication distance even when the communication device is attached to a conductive member e.g., metal, in a closely contacting manner. This invention has a sheet-like amorphous magnetic material being arranged in a manner extending from a magnetic flux generating portion of a concentric disk-shaped antenna coil of an RFID tag serving as the communication device to an outer area of the antenna coil.

Abstract: A system for filling in and delivering offence tickets which includes a portable input device (12) provided to a police officer (10), an offence ticket which is a tamper-resistant, contact-free smart card (14) adapted to be presented in front of the input device so as to record data concerning the vehicle, clipping means for the police officer to clip the ticket on the wind screen wiper arm so that the ticket remains undamaged by rain and cannot be easily removed after it has been clipped, a consultation device (18) enabling the owner to take cognizance and print out data concerning the offence, a processing center (22) containing data concerning all running vehicles, and microwave link access means (22) enabling the police officer to obtain data concerning the offending vehicle from the processing center.

Abstract: The gate system includes a center to perform the ticket reservation control, an automatic gate apparatus that is connected to the center and examines a magnetic recording medium or a wireless card inserted as a ticket, a ticket vending machine to issue a ticket, and an in-compartment ticket issuing terminal carried by a trainman in a train for performing a fare adjustment for a riding past ticket, etc. through the wireless communication.

Abstract: A dual mode smart card controller is provided. In one embodiment, a USB and ISO7816 smart card controller is provided that determines the type of card that is inserted into a slot. If the smart card is a USB smart card, the controller is adapted to pass control of the smart card to an external PC host USB hub circuit. If the smart card is an ISO7816 card, then control is handled by the dual mode controller. In another embodiment, the controller includes an embedded USB hub circuit to permit the controller to directly control both USB and ISO7816 smart cards. Exemplary control sequencing includes monitoring a C4 signal line for a preselected time period, or generating an enable signal if a USB smart card is detected.

Abstract: Financial transaction and similar cards are fabricated with a split core adapted to received embedded electronic circuitry. The card core has two or more laminated layers. The cavity is milled into one or more of the layers to receive the electronic circuitry. The core layers are then laminated together, along with protective overlays. Alternative fabrication methods include co-extrusion and injection molding.

Abstract: A wrapped-card assembly comprising a data-encoded card enclosed in a wrapping. The data-encoded card comprises confidential and non-confidential information in a visible form. The wrapping comprises an opaque area and a transparent area. The opaque area covers at least partially the confidential information. The transparent area covers at least partially the non-confidential information.

Abstract: Magnetically or optically detectable elements are arranged on a substrate so as to encode information to be stored. An information carrier comprises a plurality of individual detectable elements supported by, or incorporated in, a substrate wherein the spacing between the elements serves to encode the information and is such that it can be represented as A+MG, wherein A is a first fixed value, m is an integer (which may be zero) and G is a second fixed value, characterized in that the values of the integer m, are selected to be integers derived by a predetermined mathematical sequence or a random sequence generator.

Abstract: A data carrier that communicates confidential data is configured to mask process-dependent power consumption by using power stored in an internal capacitor. The capacitor is initially charged to the voltage of an external power source, and then decoupled from the external power source. The capacitor provides power to an internal processor, and consequently discharges gradually. At the end of a given time interval, the capacitor is discharged to a fixed voltage, then charged to the supply voltage. In this manner the power consumed by charging of the capacitor is decoupled from the power consumed by the processor. If the capacitor drops below a threshold voltage before processing is completed, the processor is halted. To optimize the available processing time, the time interval before discharging the capacitor to the fixed voltage is dynamically adjusted to reduce the time that the processor is halted.

Abstract: A credit-card reader having a built-in digital camera for capturing a template signature and an email address on a credit card. The email address is identified by an optical character recognition program and input to an email system. A test signature is entered on a touch-pad input device and both the test and the template signatures are normalized and displayed for verification. Action buttons are provided on the display screen for enforcing the signature verification actions. The system enables the transmission of an electronic receipt selectively controlled by the customer and eliminates the needs of physically handling a credit card for signature verification and manual input or pre-registration of an email address for an electronic receipt. The computer-assisted features enables a central system of signature verification for purchase transactions at self-service check-out counters.

Abstract: A card handling and recycling device, including a card receiving unit which can accept a card inserted into the device and optionally withdraw the card out of the device, a magnetic card reading and writing unit, a movable integrated circuit card reading and writing unit, and a card transporting unit for selectively moving the card within the card handling device along a card transporting passageway. The card receiving unit, magnetic card reading and writing unit, integrated circuit card reading and writing unit, and card transporting unit are aligned along the card transporting passageway. Recycling of cards is accomplished by pivoting the integrated circuit card handling unit so that a transported card will be deflected by a guide plate into a recycling storage area.

Abstract: A data storage card includes a glass substrate having first and second edges. A data storage surface region is located on the glass substrate between the first and second edges. The data surface region includes a magnetic storage medium having at least one layer of high density, high coercivity magnetic material for storing magnetic signals. The data storage card may include a relatively hard, abradeable protective coating formed on the magnetic material layer. The protective coating has a thickness between a maximum thickness which would materially attenuate magnetic signals passing between the magnetic material layer and a transducer of a read device, and a minimum thickness enabling said protective coating to be abraded by usage in an ambient natural atmosphere operating environment for removing therefrom a known quantity of the protective coating.

Abstract: A transponder unit which can be integrated in a transport unit or a card or the like. The transponder unit includes, in addition to an encapsulated transponder of an integrated circuit, an aerial winding having a resistance RA and a capacitor parallel thereto and having a capacitance CA. A closed coupling circuit of secondary winding is coupled with the aerial winding by a mutual inductance MSA and a substantially larger primary winding in series with the secondary winding and having fewer turns, for example only one turn. To achieve almost optimum energy transfer between a reading device and the transponder and to increase the permissible reading distance, the mutual inductance MSA is adjusted to comply with the relationship MSA=?{square root over ( )}[RA/?) (LP+LS+2MPS)], where ?2=1/(LACA) is true for the receiving frequency ? of the transponder and Lp and LS are the inductances of the primary winding and of the secondary winding and MPS is their mutual inductance.

Abstract: Labels for affixation to works of art, art objects, and other valuable items to uniquely identify the works for registration in a registration system and database is described. Each identification tag includes a secret identification code and a visually readable second identification code. The secret identification code is encoded in a magnetic medium readable only with a separate reader device.

Abstract: A system for providing cash to users in a self-service environment such as in dispensing motor fuel includes a self-service dispensing machine (12). A user is enabled to dispense merchandise from the self-service dispensing machine and is also enabled to selectively receive cash value by charging the amount of such value to a monetary source associated with a machine readable article (80, 82). A user may receive cash value by presenting a printed voucher or other item to a service provider located at a facility (14) at which the service provider exchanges the voucher or other item for cash. Alternatively, cash may be dispensed to the user directly from the self-service dispensing machine.

Abstract: An encoder-equipped seal mounted on a wheel bearing unit on an automotive vehicle includes an elastic element and a reinforcing ring for sealing said wheel bearing unit and for detecting the number of revolutions of the wheel. The encoder-equipped seal further includes a first ring element and a second ring element, wherein the first ring element includes a first reinforcing ring, a first flanged portion and a magnetic attached to the first flanged portion of the first reinforcing ring, and wherein the second ring element includes a second reinforcing ring having a second flanged portion, and a seal lip arranged radially on the circumferential edge of the second flanged portion of the second reinforcing ring. The first ring element and the second ring element are united into one unit by allowing one to engage the other in such a manner that the first ring element is located axially outwardly of the wheel bearing unit and the second ring element is located axially inwardly of the wheel bearing unit.

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

Abstract: A card reader includes a stopper or wall at the back of an insertion passage where a card is inserted. If a breakage of the wall at the back of the insertion passage is detected, the card processor drives the shutter to block the insertion port. This reliably prevents such an occurrence that the customer inserts the card through the insertion portion without knowing that the wall has been broken, pushes the card until even a portion of the card is not exposed at the recessed portion, finds himself unable to take out the card that is pushed in, and goes for a clerk in charge, and that the card stolen by the thief.

Abstract: Disclosed is a security token that contains a magnetic information in registration with thermally generated information. Also disclosed are numerous security and authentication methods made possible using such token.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing and later determining the distance between transitions from a first logical state to a second logical state stored on a medium, for example, a document. This determination is used to precisely characterize the information pattern in order to authenticate the information and the medium on which the information is stored. The invention uses a reader having a leading and trailing read apparatus, which allow information to be read simultaneously from two or more locations spaced a known distance apart. The distance between the center lines of each read apparatus is preferably an odd integer multiple of one half the distance between logical clock transitions. The distance between a first transition at the leading read apparatus and a next transition at the trailing read apparatus is used as a reference, hence given the term the “Reference Value”. The Reference Value is compared with the distance between the first transition and a second transition on the medium.

Abstract: A multi-page key card pamphlet is suitable for use with conventional electronic locks, and replaces the conventional one-piece key card having only two sides. The multi-page format provides additional space for printed material, while still being suitable for use in a conventional electronic lock. A programmable medium, such as for example a magnetic stripe or an integrated circuit device suitable for use on a Smart Card is located on one surface of the key card pamphlet. The multi-page key card pamphlet can be fabricated by folding a sheet having a thickness less than that of a conventional key card. A two panel key card thus contains twice as much space for printed matter as a conventional key card, and printed matter can be included on inside pages or surfaces as well as on the exterior of the key card.

Abstract: There is described a programmable tag susceptible to magnetic interrogation using an interrogating magnetic field, the tag comprising: (a) a plurality of saturable magnetic structures (310) for non-linearly coupling the interrogating magnetic field into a corresponding response magnetic field; (b) reversibly programmable magnetic regions (330) for applying offset magnetic fields to the magnetic structures for modifying their non-linear coupling characteristics. The tag is susceptible to being mass-produced from a continuous strand of tag material severed to produce individual tags. The tag is of advantage in that it can be reversibly programmed. There is also described a method of recording data on the tag, the method including the steps of: (c) bringing the tag in close proximity to a recording apparatus; and (d) applying a magnetising magnetic field to each of the magnetic regions (330) for modifying a magnetic field retained therein to which its associated saturable structure is subjected.

Abstract: A manual card reader comprises a slot frame with a recess provided in the slot frame in the card insertion direction to allow insertion or removal of a card. A card is inserted into the slot to a holding point through the recess and is taken out therefrom. The manual reader further comprises a shutter that prevents insertion of a foreign object beyond the recess into the card reader. A first locking device is detachably provided at one end of the shutter. A second locking device is detachably provided at the other end of the shutter.

Abstract: A method of verifying the identity of the user of a credit card comprising the steps of: having the user pass the credit card stripe through a card reader, measuring the timing of the card stripe passage, applying acceptance criteria to the measured timing, and verifying the identity if the acceptance criteria are met.

Abstract: In a method of interpreting coded information carriers, a plurality of magnetic elements supported by, or incorporated in, a substrate, are interrogated. The relative positions and/or physical dimensions of the magnetic elements represent the information encoded by the information carrier. The relative positions and/or physical dimensions are determined from the relative velocity between an interrogating signal and each of the magnetic elements.

Abstract: A universal credit card system utilizes a portable card access device which stores information associated with multiple bank card accounts, electronically authenticates a user of the bank card accounts, allows the user to select a particular one of the bank card accounts for usage, and then magnetically encodes the selected bank card account information on a separate card substrate (a “universal” credit card) and releasing the card for use. Bank card account information can be stored by inserting an existing bank card into the access device and reading the existing bank card, by manually entering the information using a keypad, or by downloading the information from a computer directly to the card access device. Authentication may be performed using an optical fingerprint scanner. After use, the universal credit card is re-inserted into the card access device and the previously selected bank card account information is erased.

Abstract: A data card, comprising a primary card body including a first magnetic recordable data strip, the primary card body having a cut-out portion, and a secondary card body including a second magnetic recordable data strip, the secondary card body operable to be removably engaged within the cut-out portion of the primary card body.

Abstract: An electronic media disc assembly having an electronic media disc for point of purchase activation of an account associated with the disc is disclosed. In one embodiment, the disc is programmed to allow a user access to a global computer network for either a selected or predetermined duration. The internet use, or other access allowed by the disc, is preferably activated at the point of purchase. In another embodiment, the disc is an on-line gift card which either has a catalog stored on the disc or the disc directs the user to the seller's website. An account associated with the website or catalog is preferably activated at the point of purchase and the user may select items for purchase using the activated account. The electronic media disc has two surfaces, a base surface and a top surface. Preferably, the bottom surface has a data storage region while the top surface contains an encoded region. The encoded region is a magnetic stripe, a bar code, or other encoding.

Abstract: A credit card which includes a generally planar member which is configured occupy approximately one half of a predetermined space for a conventional credit card which is 2.125 (H)×3.375 (L) inches. The card is further characterized to enable mating with a substantially identically geometrically formed card such that when so mated the two cards substantially occupy the predetermined space of a conventional credit card.

Abstract: A device for coding and making conveyor belts. A conveyor belt made of plastic, rubber or rubber-like material has a carrying side and a running side. A coding and marking system is completely embedded in an edge of the carrying or running side of the conveyor belt, such that the profile and function of the belt are not impaired. The coding and marking system includes a plurality of detectable material particles fixedly embedded in a matrix of plastic, rubber or a rubber-like material. The particles are completely enclosed in the matrix and disposed at predetermined locations relative to one another. A static scanner reads and detects the particles as the conveyor belt moves past the scanner.

Abstract: A data distribution system (10) including an information card (12) and a reader (14). The information card (12) includes visible indicia (20) on its front and stripe zones (34) and a ring zone (36) on its back. The zones (34, 36) are suitable for magnetically recording data, and optional data identifiers. The reader (14) may be a linear reader (14a) or a rotary reader (14b), and optionally may act automatically in response to reading a data identifier. If the reader (14) is a rotary reader (14b) the information card (12) may be loaded into a cartridge (16) which is loaded into the rotary reader (14b).

Abstract: The invention relates to Smart Documents to be used in various administrative, financial and other applications, in particular bank cheques and other paper value documents that require authentication, boarding passes for transport systems, documents for access functions and multipurpose uses, in particular Smart Documents that comprise a pliable thin portion (10) carrying on its front and/or rear face imprinted visible data, and a thick portion (5) wherein a magnetic strip (62) and/or storage chip (5a) of the contact and/or contactless type is/are merged. The document's thick portion (5), i.e. wherein the magnetic strip and/or storage chip is merged, is a planar card (58) attached to an edge (15) of the document's thin portion (10) in a manner allowing inclination of the card (58) relative to the thin portion.