Abstract: A memory card and apparatus used therewith. The memory card comprises a rectangular card body having terminals in the vicinity of one end and a storage device disposed in the card body for storing data. A switch on the card is operable to a state to prevent stored data from being erased; and a status signal representing the state of the switch is supplied to one or more of the terminals. The apparatus with which the card is used has mating terminals to receive the status signal. Depending upon the state of that status signal, the apparatus is selectively inhibited from writing data to the memory card or erasing data stored in the memory card.

Abstract: A non-rectangular or asymmetrically shaped credit card or phone card with an associated case or holder. The card has a configuration that complements the configuration of the case so that the card is easily removed from the holder for access, yet is maintained inside the case in a covered position and is protected from abuse. The case is designed to be light-weight and easily carried and to serve as a device to carry the card in a safe and convenient manner outside of a wallet or purse. Alternatively, the card may be in an I-shape or square shape configuration.

Abstract: Transaction cards having one or more folds therein to provide compact and easily stored transaction cards are provided. Moreover, foldable transaction cards are provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding key chains, or other devices for attaching the transaction cards to other items, such as sets of keys, wallets, or other items. Other embodiments include spring-loaded clips on the foldable transaction cards and protective sleeves, housings or cases for full-sized and smaller-sized cards. Still further, transaction card systems are provided comprising a case or housing for holding and/or storing foldable transaction cards therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic printing media that is used in a laser or inkjet printer. The magnetic printing media is comprised of at least three layers, including a base layer, at least one magnetic layer, and at least one ink receptive layer. Magnetically encoded information is recorded onto the magnetic layer(s), while text and graphics are printed onto the ink receptive layer(s). In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic printing media is used to verify the authenticity of a document. In an alternate embodiment, the magnetic printing media is used to record additional information that is protected from view and from photocopying.

Abstract: This invention discloses a data access system for access data stored on a flat medium. The data access system includes a pickup head rotating over the flat medium. The data access system further includes at least one stepping motor for discretely moving the flat medium substantially along at least one lateral direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the pickup head. The data access system further includes a closed loop control mechanism for controlling the stepping motor for allowing the pickup head to read data from a servo segment on the flat medium. The controller further includes an open loop control mechanism for rotating the pickup head for reading data from and writing data to a data segment disposed right next to the servo segment on the flat medium.

Abstract: A deactivating element for a magnetic surveillance marker has the form of a wire with substantially-circular cross-section in which alternating body segments are of a magnetizable material having a magnetic remanence of at least 0.2 Tesla and a non-magnetizable material respectively; the non-magnetizable material has a magnetic saturation of not more than 0.05 Tesla.

Abstract: In a check processing system, a multi-pass merging process is used to compare the originally scanned check data with subsequently scanned check data in a repetitive manner according to multiple match profiles. This process allows a user to begin with a very strict match profile in a first pass and use a less strict match profile on each subsequent pass. All previous matches are remembered so that they will not be matched with unlike items in any subsequent pass. This multiple pass merging process increases the matching rate and reduces mismatch errors.

Abstract: A method of determining differing characteristics of magnetic dipole elements such as orientation, coercivity, bias and response amplitude and a tag reader for reading magnetic tags containing such elements. The elements are scanned by a rotating magnetic field and two sets of transition data are determined. The transition data sets are associated with respective elements and analyzed to determine mean field values resolved along the element vectors. These field values are used to determine properties of the elements, such as coercivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses: a forgery-preventive identification medium before recording comprising: a substrate containing identification elements, and a magnetic layer for magnetic signal recording, formed at the predetermined portion of the substrate, wherein the magnetic layer contains at least a MnBi magnetic powder; and a method for ascertaining the genuineness thereof.

Abstract: A transaction card is provided having at least one dimension that is different from a standard-sized transaction card. In addition, a transaction card is provided having a magnetic stripe having a length measurement different from standard-sized transaction cards. Moreover, a transaction card is provided having one or more holes or apertures therein for holding a keychain, or other device for attaching the transaction card to another item, such as a set of keys, a wallet, or other item.

Abstract: A system for a machine, in particular an automated production machine, has a large number of proximity sensors. Each proximity sensor has at least one secondary winding that is suitable for drawing power from a medium-frequency magnetic field. At least one primary winding, which is fed from a medium-frequency oscillator, is provided for supplying the proximity sensors with electrical power without using wires. Each proximity sensor is equipped with a transmitting device that emits radio signals, which contain sensor information of interest, to a central receiving device that is connected to a process computer for the machine. A proximity sensor and a primary winding for this purpose are also proposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card recording apparatus capable of printing in high speed as well as reducing overall dimensions of the apparatus. After a card is transported to an information recording section 200 in a lateral (short length) direction of the card, an information signal is recorded on the card thereby. Then, the card is transported to a second heating section 300. An ink image formed on an intermediate recording medium 7 by a first heating section 500 is re-transferred to the card by the second heating section 300. A warp developed on the card by the second heating section 300 is corrected by a card warp correcting section 400.

Abstract: A magnetic symbology reader has a housing containing a polarized light source which directs light through a magneto-optic sensor onto a reflector which reflects light back through the magneto-optic sensor and then through at least one analyzer and into at least one camera. A view finder allows the user to monitor the image on the magneto-optic sensor as seen by a viewfinder camera while a processor is coupled to possibly a second camera so that when an image is detected, the image from the camera may be processed by the processor to output information associated with the symbol to an external source. The analyzer and polarized light source provide contrast in the images detected by the sensor. A bias/erase coil located about the magneto-optic sensor can enhance or erase images on the sensor.

Abstract: A device for reading and/or writing a disc-shaped information carrier which comprises a support element of a magnetizable material along its circumference. An electromagnetic unit cooperates with the support element and a scanning unit for reading and/or writing the information carrier, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and positioned with respect to the scanning unit in five degrees of freedom except for the rotational degree around the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetic recording medium comprised by sequentially layering a magnetic recording layer, intermediate layer and concealment layer on a non-magnetic substrate made from a thermoplastic resin, wherein the surface of the intermediate layer forms a single smooth surface with the surface of the non-magnetic substrate as a result of embedding the magnetic recording layer and the intermediate layer within a portion of the non-magnetic substrate, and the concealment layer conceals the surface of the intermediate layer and the surface of the non-magnetic substrate. This magnetic recording medium has superior concealment and adhesion of the concealment layer for the magnetic recording layer as well as a high level of design properties regardless of the type of magnetic particles used in the magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: A method of forming a debit card and a debit card formed by the method are disclosed. A planar card member has opposing surfaces. A PIN is printed on one of the surfaces. The planar card member is advanced along a predetermined path of travel such as on a conveyor. A radiation cured, opaque scratch-off coating is applied onto the surface having the PIN such that the PIN is covered by the applied scratch-off coating. The scratch-off coating is radiation cured, preferably by ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: This invention discloses a magnetic servo writer. The magnetic servo writer includes a magnetic pickup head for rotationally moving over and writing servo data in a magnetic flat data-storage medium. The magnetic servo writer further includes a clock head for providing clock signals to the pickup head and to write clock signals in the clock disk. The magnetic servo writer further includes a control circuit for controlling the magnetic pickup head for writing the servo data on the magnetic flat data-storage medium. The magnetic servo writer further includes a servo pattern layout circuit for controlling the magnetic pickup head for writing the servo data on the magnetic flat data-storage medium with predefined servo patterns. The magnetic servo writer further includes a derived index control circuit for deriving indices from a fixed index provided on the magnetic flat data-storage medium.

Abstract: An insertable device, for use with electronic data processing equipment storage units, e.g., disk drives or cassette units. The device includes a housing for insertion at least partially into the storage unit of a size and shape designed to fit the storage unit, an interface disposed in the housing for facilitating the transfer of data between the device and the electronic data processing equipment, and a processor disposed in the housing and operatively connected to the interface, for performing processing of data.

Abstract: A secrecy management information recording device has an information input section which inputs image information printed by a printer and secrecy management information corresponding to the image information, a transport mechanism which receives a printing sheet on which the image information has been printed by the printer, and discharges the sheet after passage over a heat generating resistor, and a magnetic tag forming section which controls generation of heat by the heat generating resistor according to content of the secrecy management information corresponding to the image information printed on the transported printing sheet to thermally transfer at least one magnetic member contained in a thermal transfer sheet onto the printing sheet. A magnetic tag representing the content of the secrecy management information is thereby formed on the printing sheet.

Abstract: A credit card sized universal card that a user may transform at will into a credit card, ATM card, employee access card, and/or any other conventional magnetic-stripe type card. To prevent the card from being used by anyone other than its owner, a security test may be presented each time the user tries to transform the universal card. The security test may involve, for example, electronically comparing the user's fingerprint with the owner's fingerprint. A database may be generated containing the fingerprints of the owners of universal cards.

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: The invention discloses in one embodiment a parallel probe array (N×M) incorporating thermal near-field heaters (or writers) as well as magnetic sensors (or readers), which can be moved en bloc as well as independently of each other. To this end, the present invention uses a suitable controlling electronics for coordinating a parallel or quasi-parallel reading/writing, as well as controlling the positioning of an individual probe in an array. The control electronics enables the addressing of an individual or preselected set of probes, for controlling reading and/or writing, thereby securing the considerable advantage of versatility and efficiency of reading/writing in a parallel operation mode.

Abstract: The combination of a specially configured transaction card (10) and a magnetic pattern reader device (18) minimizes the power consumed by the operation of the smartcard format transaction (10). The transaction card (10) has a plurality of logically and electrically interconnected members, including at least one electromagnetic member with low magnetic permeability core element. The electromagnetic element generates a magnetic pattern. A logic processor member (16) controls the generation of the magnetic pattern. A self-contained energy source (14) powers the system. The magnetic pattern reader device includes a magnetically permeable element that has a higher magnetic permeability than that of the magnetic pattern generator. The magnetic pattern reader device is readably associated with the magnetic pattern generator so as to directly read the magnetic pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to the programming of integrated circuit cards. More particularly, the invention concerns systems and methods for integrated circuit card programming, as well as modules used for integrated circuit card programming. Each module includes a movable cassette mechanism having a plurality of card programming stations thereon. The use of multiple card programming stations permits simultaneous programming of a plurality of cards. Further, the use of a single cassette in the module permits the size of the module to be reduced significantly. A modular concept is more readily adaptable to customer needs and requirements. For instance, if a customer requires more card production than that provided by a single module, a second module that is identical to the first module can be connected to the first module so that the two modules working together provide two cassettes. Additional modules can be added to further increase card production capacity.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device (2) designed to be incorporated in a portable object with memory, in particular of card format. The integrated circuit device (2) comprises at least a capacitor (8) for attenuating-the amplitude of current peaks (Idd) consumed by the integrated circuit device (2). The attenuation of such current peaks is particularly useful for attenuating electric signatures in smart cards.

Abstract: A harmonic responsive electronic article surveillance marker is associated with a central, non-recorded region and/or a peripheral non-recorded region of an optically recorded or recordable media. The marker comprising at least one elongated strip, optionally having an arcuate configuration, and composed of soft magnetic material adapted to generate a harmonic signal voltage in the presence of an applied magnetic field which provides the marker with signal identity. Advantageously, the marker is inexpensive to construct. It is readily attached to or embedded in the non-recorded region and/or the peripheral non-recorded region, and generates a high amplitude, harmonic signal voltage having significantly increased detection sensitivity. With these attributes, the marker is especially suited for electronic surveillance of recorded media such as compact disks, digital video disks, laser disks and the like.

Abstract: A distinctive recorded sound is generated when a credit card or other financial transaction card is used at a point of sale (POS) terminal. As is common, the POS terminal includes a card reader through which the card is swiped to read data that is encoded on a magnetic stripe affixed to the card. A recorded sound may be stored in the card or in the card reader. In either case, the sound is played back through the card reader when the card is swiped.

Abstract: The configuration of this passport printer reduces the burden of reentering adjusting and setting values of passbook printers. When a control card 3 is replaced by another card, the adjusting and setting values of a passbook printer 1 stored in a nonvolatile memory attached in the control card 3 are written in a separately prepared magnetic stripe by using a magnetic head 41. Then, after the replacement of the control card 3, the adjusting and setting values written in the magnetic stripe are read by using the magnetic head 41, and stored in the nonvolatile memory of a control card 3 as a new replacement.

Abstract: An improved card having data embedded therein, such card comprising a first member having a predetermined size and a generally rectangular shape, and a predetermined plurality of magnetic strips having data embedded therein located in predetermined areas of the aforementioned first member, and the data in each of such predetermined plurality of magnetic strips being identical.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader to read magnetic cards having either a first or a second format for the magnetic data on a stripe. The reader includes a first and second format processor for first and second patterns, a format selector to select one of the two format processor in accordance with a selection or indication command from a host computer. A format determinator determines if the format read out from the card is consistent with the indicated format.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing the density of data storage on a magnetic medium by using variations in positioning of magnetic transitions to encode bits. Conventionally encoded bits are written to the medium as sequences of magnetic transitions according to an encoding standard. Additional bits are encoded on the medium as deviations from a nominal position of magnetic transitions separating conventionally encoded bits. The deviation from the nominal position is within an allowable range of tolerance for the standard followed in encoding the conventionally encoded bits. In order to prevent accumulation of error, additional bits are only encoded in transitions separating a pair of conventionally encoded bits. The first and last transitions of the pair do not have additional bits encoded as deviations of transition locations. This technique allows the encoding of one additional bit for every two conventionally encoded bits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing data carrier cards. Said device comprises a transport device (10) for retracting and dispensing a data carrier card (12), a read/write device (18) for exchanging data with the data carrier card (12), and a control device (42) for controlling the transport device (10) and the read/write device (18). The transport device is (10) is provided with a retractor/dispenser portion (16) and an adjoining intermediate storage (22) for cards.

Abstract: A data card is reduced in size from the conventional standard size credit card. Accessibility of the card is enhanced because the card may be stored in a separate location from conventionally sized cards, such as on a key-chain or similar device. The card of the present invention has a means for storing information, such as a magnetic stripe or computer chip.

Abstract: A method for judging coercive force of a magnetic card to judge coercive force of a magnetic card to be used. According to the method for judging coercive force of a magnetic card for reproducing or recording magnetic information formed on a low coercive force card or a high coercive force card inserted from a card slot by a magnetic head, after erasing data of an inserted card by an electric current capable of erasing data of only a low coercive force card (step S32), the data of the card is reproduced (step S33), the inserted card is judged as the low coercive force card (step S36) if the data has been destroyed (No at the step S34). Destruction of the data is judged based on the number of times of flux reversal of the reproduced data or by a fact that specific data (STX code) which should be recorded on a predetermined card is not recognized.

Abstract: There is provided a recording and reproducing apparatus, a recording medium adapter apparatus, and a recording and reproducing method which allows exit from the power saving mode without conducting the reset using ejection and re-insertion of a recording medium. An FD drive device 20 includes a switch for detecting that an FD type card adapter 1 which conducts data processing to record data onto a memory card or reproduce data from the memory card has been inserted, and a luminous element 30 which conducts communication of predetermined control data to a light receiving element 8 of the FD type card adapter 1 in order to effect control related to data recording or reproducing operation. As a result, it is possible to restore the FD type card adapter from the power saving mode and shift the FD type card adapter to an arbitrary control state, without conducting the reset using ejection and re-insertion of a recording medium.

Abstract: A data processing system including first and second data processing devices communicating in a non-contact manner. The first data processing device divides the data into a plurality of data groups and sequentially transmits the data groups to the second data processing device. The second data processing device receives the input data and power from the first data processing unit and processes the input data. A detection control device of the second data processor detects whether the processing of the present data group is successful. If the processing of the present data group is successful, the second data processing device stores the processing result for the present data group in a memory device and transmits a signal to the first data processing device indicating that the processing is successful. The first data processing device then transmits the next data group and the second data processing device continues to process the next data group.

Abstract: A micro-electronic component for a portable object is of the type which incorporates digital processing means, and an interface for contact-free electromagnetic coupling with a remote station. The digital processing means can operate according to an operating mode of the request/acknowledgement type, which is substantially insensitive to the propagation time, without a global, regular clock. The component additionally comprises adapter means, which can adapt the signals of the contact-free interface to the signals of the digital processing means and vice versa, in order to permit two-way dialogue with the remote station.

Abstract: A reading head is presented for use in a security system for reading an intermittent code pattern, when the code pattern is displaced in a reading direction with respect to the reading head. The code pattern is formed of a plurality of spaced-apart magnetic elements made. The reading head comprises a magnetic material producing a high-gradient static magnetic field, and a sensing element of a kind responsive to signals produced by the magnetic elements. The magnetic material is designed such that it defines an extended narrow region where the static magnetic field vector is substantially equal to zero. The sensing element is located substantially within the zero-field region, and is thereby responsive to signals generated by each of the magnetic elements, when the magnetic element is located in the zero-field region.

Abstract: A digital business card has a rectangular substrate and a magnetic stripe. The substrate has a printing surface disposed on a surface of the substrate for printing visual data, and a photo-recording region disposed on the rear of the substrate for storing digital data. The magnetic stripe is disposed on the surface of the substrate adjacent to a short side of the substrate for recording magnetic recording data and storing a specific encoded password. The digital business card effectively controls reading data in the digital business card through the combination of the magnetic stripe and the photo-recording region so as to prevent the data from being stolen. Besides, the digital business card has the same size as a conventional printed business card, so that the digital business card is carried handily and has high capacity of storing data.

Abstract: A separator card substrate material for use in high speed document processing machines is imprinted with an array of periodically laterally spaced magnetic strips across an area of the face of the substrate and furthermore a machine readable code array of light and dark blocks representing selected data is imprinted in at least a portion of the same space of the substrate as is occupied by the magnetic strips with the light and dark blocks spanning widthwise dimensions between the strips as well as lengthwise dimensions between the strips. The interleaving of the magnetic strips and the light and dark blocks enables the separator card to be encoded with relatively large fields of optical data enabling the use of low resolution sensors for detecting the optical data used to uniquely identify each separator card without interfering with the function of the magnetic strips.

Abstract: The inventive marking device (1) for applying to objects has a magnetic coding with areas of different magnetisation. According to the invention, the coding has at least one magnetic base layer (3) and at least one magnetic coding layer (5) and these are configured in such a way as to produce areas with non-parallel or antiparallel magnetic coupling over the length of the base layer (3) or coding layer (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a marked paper document and a marked paper document detection device. The device comprises excitation means (A1, A2, A3) for varying the magnetization of glass-covered amorphous ferromagnetic filaments contained in the marked paper document with time, and means for detecting a variation in the magnetization of the ferromagnetic filaments.

Abstract: A supplemental computer readable medium is applied to an existing credit card of a customer by a merchant at the point of sale or place of business with a lightweight, simple applicator. The use of supplemental computer readable media on existing cards reduces the bulk that must be carried by the customer, and provides the customer with a computer readable medium in a convenient format.

Abstract: A process control method allowing an operator to readily confirm an order of operation processes includes steps of: reading magnetic data of a control card when the control card is inserted; transmitting completion data based on a lot number identified from read magnetic data to a host computer; receiving update data by the host computer; writing next process data in the received data as a visually recognizable image on the control card; and writing the next process data as a visually recognizable image based on process data identified by the read magnetic data when a predetermined time period passes without receiving update data.

Abstract: A detector for reading information stored in a magnetic tag is disclosed, the reader comprising two assemblies of permanent magnets (each containing three magnets) arranged with their magnetic poles in opposition such that the magnetic poles of one triplet are physically opposite the like poles of the other triplet. The magnets are preferably elongate with their long axes being mutually parallel. The two magnet assemblies define between them a gap through which, in use, a tag having magnetic material is passed. Receiver coils are positioned within the gap. The magnet assemblies are preferably rigidly secured within an aluminum housing. Electrostatic screening foils may be placed over the receiver coils.

Abstract: An electronic card that can function as an anonymous credit card or banking card for use on or off the Internet utilizes a magnetic storage medium affixed to the card that can be read by a standard magnetic stripe reader. An encoder generates a data packet that is stored in a designated portion of the magnetic storage medium, which can be a magnetic stripe. The data packet can contain a personal coupon and an alias. A computer or microprocessor generates the personal coupon after a Personal Identification Number is input into the card.

Abstract: A method for decorating and personalizing a card by printing a decorative element and personalizing data on one surface of the card body. The surface is then coated with a protective layer, and an integrated circuit is implanted in the card body. The personalizing data of the card body is identified and written into the integrated circuit storage zone data corresponding to the personalizing data of the card body.

Abstract: A tamper proof closure (1) has a plurality of magnetic strips (7) attached thereto which are arranged to be broken if the closure is opened. The broken magnetic strips have a different magnetic characteristic as compared to when they are intact and this can be sensed with a Hall effect or other sensor. The tamper proof closure enables the condition of article closures such as the screw caps of liquor bottles to be remotely monitored.

Abstract: A system and method for processing transaction items in a serial fashion allows sequences of transaction items to be produced in a specified and complete order. In one aspect, transaction items are produced one-at-a-time and creation of a next transaction item is not begun until a current transaction item is completed. High item throughput rates can also be provided along with multi-stage, multi-speed processing schemes.

Abstract: A universal financial data card for compiling and storing financial transaction records pertaining to a plurality of financial accounts. The financial transaction records are compiled from financial transaction data communicated between the universal financial data card and a card reader. The universal financial data card includes a memory circuit for storing holder data pertaining to a holder of the universal financial data card. The memory circuit further stores account data pertaining to the plurality of financial accounts and the financial transaction records pertaining to the plurality of financial accounts. Further, the universal financial data card includes a processor coupled to the memory circuit. There is also provided a data exchange circuit coupled to the processor.