Abstract: A device for reading magnetically encoded data on a document, such as a strip of characters printed in magnetic ink along the lower edge of a check, executes a subroutine to determine whether each character, as it is read, is legitimate. This error detection may be done by comparing recognized code patterns with legitimate code patterns, or by comparing a signal representing the strength of the signal derived from the output of the magnetic read head reading the data with a predetermined level. If an error is detected, the magnetically encoded data is read and checked again, as often as need up to a predetermined number of attempts to read the data.

Abstract: There is provided a support structure for a magnetic head in which a magnetic head having a function of being capable of following a warp or the like of a magnetic card can be easily attached and detached without using a fastening member such as a screw. A support structure for a magnetic head for swingably supporting a magnetic head includes a fixed member fixed to a fixed portion, a movable member rotatably supported by the fixed member and urged toward a fixed position, and support shafts protrusively provided at the front and back of the magnetic head, in which groove portions for removably supporting the support shafts are formed at corresponding portions of the fixed member and the movable member in one of them in a vertical direction and in the other in a horizontal direction.

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: A magnetic media processing device including an encoder for producing an output for a predetermined distance in a conveyance distance of a magnetic media on conveyance, a road circuit device for reading magnetic data stored in the magnetic media in synchronizing the output from the encoder to be processed as to its waveforms to produce read data, and an arithmetic device for converting a data length to data of a distance based on a time component of a data length of the read data of the read circuit device by employing the output signal from the encoder to read data based on distance data, wherein the arithmetic device compensates the process delay time in a time component of read data produced from the read circuit device when the arithmetic device converts the data length into the data of distance.

Abstract: A fixture for assembling and testing a read/write head comprised of a head gimbal assembly (HGA) that allows gimbaling along pitch and roll axes and that utilizes an inexpensive spherical gimbal ball pressed into an etched hole in the load beam for providing a highly accurate and measurable pivot location of a slider. The head gimbal assembly includes a suspension of the type supporting a slider, and comprising the suspension. A gimbal opening is formed in the load beam, and extends therethrough so that it receives the spherical gimbal ball for attachment to the load beam. A resilient flexure is secured to the load beam and supports the slider. The backside of the gimbal ball remains visible for the option of optical bonding of the slider to the suspension and for measurement of the slider position relative to the gimbal ball subsequent to the assembly of the HGA. The fixture is comprised of a top plate for holding the suspension assembly and a bottom plate for holding the slider.

Abstract: The card reader includes a main body 40 having a card passage 40A, a magnetic head for reading the information recorded on a card 30, an opening 42 provided in a card passage 41 of the main body 40, and an elastic member 100 for biasing the magnetic head 70 from an outward position to an inward position of the card passage 41 through the opening 42. Invasion preventing member 50, provided in close contact with the circumference of the magnetic head 70, is brought into contact with the main body 40. As a result, invasion of foreign material into the card reader main body circuit unit 110 including the magnetic head 70 from the outside is prevented.

Abstract: A valuable ticket—on which ticketing data is magnetically recorded and which is printed for issuance-includes a base a heat-sensitive layer provided on one side of the base, a protective layer provided on the heat-sensitive layer and a magnetic recording layer provided on the other side of the base. A ticket printer for magnetically recording and printing ticketing data on ticket blanks for issuance includes ticket blank holder means for holding ticket blanks, each comprising a base, a heat-sensitive layer and a protective layer provided on one side of the base and a magnetic recording layer provided on the other side of the base, magnetic recording means for magnetically recording ticketing data the magnetic recording layers of the ticket blanks contained in the ticket blank holder means, and thermal printing means for thermally printing the ticketing data on the heat-sensitive layers of the magnetically recorded ticket blanks for issuance.

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: In a reproducing apparatus for reproducing audio data, a central control section includes detection means for detecting playlists of plural kinds of formats, and detection means for detecting audio data not associated with playlists. The central control section reads out audio data from an audio data storage section, and discriminating the format of the audio data to detect playlists. In addition, the central control section detects the presence/absence of audio data not associated with playlists, and if audio data not associated with playlists is stored, processes a list of such audio data as one playlist. The central control section causes the detected playlists to be displayed on a display section, successively processes the audio data from a first one of the playlists, and outputs the processed data through a sound output section.

Abstract: A magnetic strip interface reads data from a first track and a second track of a magnetic strip. The magnetic strip interface transmits the data read from the first track to a first data handler, which converts this data into a first data word, and the magnetic strip interface also transmits the data read from the second track to a second data handler, which converts this data into a second data word. The first and second data handlers transmit the first and second data words, respectively, to a multiplexer in response to command signals transmitted from a control mechanism. The multiplexer transmits the first and second data words received from the first and second data handlers, respectively, in response to control signals transmitted from the control mechanism. The control mechanism analyzes a priority scheme to determine the timing of transmissions from the data handlers.

Abstract: A CPU can execute, for example, 4-bit processes, a program for data processes has been written in an ROM, and an RAM has memory areas for a work area and a user area of the CPU. Data supplied from the outside through an input terminal and an I/F circuit is recorded in a user area in the RAM. The recorded data is read out and supplied to the outside through an input/output terminal. An LCD displays a size (data residual amount) of an unused area in the RAM by, for example, a bar graph type. The ROM, RAM, I/F circuit, and driver are connected to the CPU by a bus line.

Abstract: According to the presents invention, there are provided a magnetic card recording/reproducing apparatus comprising a coercive force identifier for identifying the coercive force of a magnetic card before magnetic information is recorded in the magnetic card, and an exciting current selector for selecting one of plural preset exciting current values as exciting current to be supplied to a recording magnetic head on the basis of the identification result of the coercive force identifier to record the magnetic information, and a magnetic card recording/reproducing method for recording/reproducing magnetic information in a magnetic card, which comprises the steps of: identifying the coercive force of the magnetic card before magnetic information is recorded in the magnetic card, and selecting one of plural predetermined exciting current values as exciting current to be supplied to a recording magnetic head for recording the magnetic information in the magnetic card on the basis of the identification result of the

Abstract: When an information signal recorded in a magnetic card is updated by an information recording and updating apparatus, a spectrum spread signal corresponding to the updated information signal is generated and it is then recorded superimposed on to the information recorded previously in the magnetic card without erasing the old information. Since the information is spectrum spread, alteration is difficult. Moreover, the magnetic card may be discriminated whether it may be used or not by considering the old information recorded in the magnetic card when it is used.

Abstract: A biaxially oriented sheet of a biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition containing a lactic acid polymer is used as a structural materials for a supporting substrate of a biodegradable card. The lactic acid polymer has a number average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 1,000,000. The thermoplastic resin composition may preferably be mixed with a modifying biodegradable resin. In another embodiment, the biaxially oriented sheet of the biodegradable thermoplastic resin composition may preferably be covered with the modifying biodegradable resin. The biodegradable lactic acid polymer or the modifying biodegradable resin is also used as a polymeric binder of an information recording layer provided on the surface of the supporting substrate.

Abstract: A magnetic card provided with a recording track in which a magnetic portion is disposed in an intermittent pattern corresponding to a digital signal is employed, and the magnetic portion of the recording track is magnetized immediately before information is read from the magnetic card. Then, a magnetism detecting device is made to relatively move with respect to the recording track to detect a magnetic flux arising from the magnetic portion, thereby reading the information represented by the digital signal.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium, and a method of making the same, including an irreversible recording layer which undergoes an irreversible change of saturation magnetization upon heating. The magnetic recording medium includes on at least a portion of a substrate an irreversible recording layer which contains an irreversible recording material undergoing an irreversible change of saturation magnetization upon heating. The irreversible recording layer includes at least in part a fixed information recording region for recording the fixed information of the medium. In the fixed information recording region, a plurality of heated bars whose saturation magnetization has been irreversibly changed are arrayed substantially parallel to each other. The array pattern of the heated bars or the array pattern of unheated bars disposed between adjacent ones of the heated bars contains the fixed information encoded in a frequency modulation process or phase modulation process.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus to facilitate the correlation and retrieval of notes of a meeting or transaction taken on paper by conventional handwriting or typing with the sound recording of the same transaction or meeting. The device comprises multiple pick-up and control units which transmit sound and a unique bar code identifier through a control device to a computer where the sound transmission is recorded and stored. A removable medium recorder is also provided to provide storage in the event that the storage capabilities of the computer are exceeded. The computer will not accept data for recording until the unique identifying bar code or other identification device is detected. After recording, the data is maintained in the memory of the computer or some other electronically accessible medium.

Abstract: A head assembly moving along a long side of a magnetic card, more than one magnetic head rotating in the head assembly for reading/writing data, a rotary transformer and a carriage with a card holding mechanism for keeping a card at a predefined position are provided in a card reader of the present invention. A rotating part of the rotary transformer in the head assembly receives and sends a signal to the magnetic head and a fixing part of the rotary transformer is connected to a reading/writing circuit. On the card of the present invention, which is usually rectangular, there are tracks defined by plural arcs. The arcs are on plural same-size circles whose centers are aligned on one line along the long side of the card. A magnetic card or an optical card can be used for the present invention.

Abstract: A personal computer data storage card includes a substrate layer, a magnetic medium layer, and a protective layer respectively affixed together. The data storage card is typically placed within an adapter and inserted into a personal computer floppy disk drive wherein the adapter includes dimensions compatible with the floppy disk drive to permit the data storage card to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the data storage card. During rotation of the data storage card within the floppy disk drive, the data storage card traverses floppy disk drive read/write heads for information storage and retrieval. Paper may be utilized as the protective layer of the data storage card and include text or graphics to have the data storage card simultaneously function as both a data storage device and a business card or other advertisement media.

Abstract: A self-contained device for recording data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on a medium, and for playback of data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on the medium, the device comprises a case for forming a self-contained housing for the device; a recording portion for recording either or both visible and invisible ink on the medium, or recording either or both visible and invisible dye; and a detecting portion for detecting either or both visible and invisible ink, or detecting either or both visible and invisible dye.

Abstract: The reading head having the capability of processing two different data cards of the inductive type and chip-cards provided with contact pads on their surface. The raising and lowering of connection pins which contacting the pads is achieved by linking the pin supporting plate to rocking C-shaped driving arms having bifurcated free upper ends slidingly coupled to pivots which are attached to the plate. The lower limbs of the arms extend parallel to the lower face of the upper part of the reading head, the limbs having bosses facing the lower face, the gap between the bosses and the face being roughly equal to the thickness of an inductive card. The greater thickness of a chip-card presses down the bosses bringing about a clockwise rotation of the C-shaped arms around a fixed shaft resulting in a lowering of the connection pins which touch the contact pads on the card surface.

Abstract: A head assembly moving along a long side of a magnetic card, more than one magnetic head rotating in the head assembly for reading/writing data, a rotary transformer and a carriage with a card holding mechanism for keeping a card at a predefined position are provided in a card reader of the present invention. A rotating part of the rotary transformer in the head assembly receives and sends a signal to the magnetic head and a fixing part of the rotary transformer is connected to a reading/writing circuit. On the card of the present invention, which is usually rectangular, there are tracks defined by plural arcs. The arcs are on plural same-size circles whose centers are aligned on one line along the long side of the card. A magnetic card or an optical card can be used for the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided including a housing and an audio transducer mounted on the housing for receiving and transmitting audio signals. A plurality of control buttons include a film button, a playback button, and record button mounted on the housing. A tape recording/applicator mechanism has a tape cartridge compartment for removably receiving a tape cartridge and is adapted to record an audio message from the audio transducer on a portion of the tape of the tape cartridge upon the depression of the record button. The recording/applicator mechanism is further adapted to adhere the portion of the tape to the photograph upon the depression of the film button. Further, a playback mechanism is positioned within the housing for playing back the audio message stored on the portion of the tape of the photograph upon the depression of the playback button.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the distance between transitions from a first logical state to a second logical state stored on a medium (i.e., 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 centerlines 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 (i.e., the "Reference Value"). The Reference Value is compared with the distance between the first transition and the next transition on the medium (i.e., the "Jitter Value").

Abstract: A reduced-power dynamic magnetic transducer system includes a magnetoresistive read head, a low duty cycle pulse generator to supply power to the head, a signal processor, and a controller. As a data-bearing card is moved adjacent to the magnetoresistive read head, the pulse generator actuates the read head, thereby providing an intermittent signal representative of data recorded on the card. The intermittent signal is processed by the signal processor to reconstruct the original recorded data. The reconstructed data is utilized by the controller in conducting transactions with a user of the system.

Abstract: A large number of magnetic polymer elements are distributed at random in a base material of a object to be checked. Each magnetic polymer element includes an element main body formed of a high-molecular material, such as an acrylic resin, and magnetic metal powder contained therein. The base material is formed mainly of paper, and the magnetic polymer elements are incorporated together with wood pulp fibers in the base material. The elements and the fibers are tangled with one another in three dimensions. Indication data including figures, symbols, etc., such as post position numbers and bet numbers on betting tickets for publicly-managed gambling, are printed on the object.

Abstract: A pickup apparatus of an optical card has an improved data transfer efficiency and miniaturization and thin shape of the apparatus can be realized. The length of a line segment connecting a center of an objective lens provided in a rotational optical unit and a center of a rotary drum is set to a length specified by a length in the major side direction on a recording surface of the optical card and (1+cos.theta./2). An optical pickup apparatus has: a fixed optical unit SOP; a rotary drum in reflecting mirrors for guiding a light beam B emitted from the fixed optical unit SOP to a recording surface of an optical card and an objective lens are mounted; and a rotational optical unit ROP having a rotary motor for rotating the rotary drum, wherein information is recorded and reproduced to and from the recording surface of the optical card.

Abstract: A magnetic recording layer is provided on a base, and a thermosensitive recording layer is provided on the magnetic recording layer through a thermoplastic layer. The thermosensitive recording layer is a coating layer which is mainly composed of low melting point non-magnetic metal powder having shape anisotropy and a binder. The thermoplastic layer is prepared from a material having a melting temperature which is lower than that of the non-magnetic metal powder forming the thermosensitive recording layer, in a thickness of 1 to 20 .mu.m. Information is printed on the thermosensitive recording layer with a thermal head.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader assembly includes a magnetic read head being biased into a guide slot. The guide slot is defined by a first side wall, a second bottom wall and a third side wall. The first side wall has an opening for receiving the magnetic read head. A U-shaped member has a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is integrally connected to the first side wall as one piece unitary member. A read head mounting frame is fixedly connected to the magnetic read head.

Abstract: A magnetic powder containing MnBi, in which an average particle size of the magnetic powder is from 0.1 .mu.m to 20 .mu.m; a coercive force is from 3000 to 15,000 Oe at 300 K. and 50 to 1000 Oe at 80 K. when measured with applying a magnetic field of 16 KOe; an amount of magnetization is from 20 emu/g to 60 emu/g when measured at 300 K. with applying a magnetic field of 16 KOe; a degree of decrease of an amount of magnetization is 40% or less after being maintained in an atmosphere of 60.degree. C. and 90% RH for 7 days; and a content of metal bismuth (Bi) satisfies the following equation: Metal Bi/(MnBi+metal Bi)<0.

Abstract: A large number of magnetic polymer elements are distributed at random in a base material of a object to be checked. Each magnetic polymer element includes an element main body formed of a high-molecular material, such as an acrylic resin, and magnetic metal powder contained therein. The base material is formed mainly of paper, and the magnetic polymer elements are incorporated together with wood pulp fibers in the base material. The elements and the fibers are tangled with one another in three dimensions. Indication data including figures, symbols, etc., such as post position numbers and bet numbers on betting tickets for publicly-managed gambling, are printed on the object.

Abstract: A card reader stores the energy imparted by a user inserting a card into a slot. When the card is fully inserted, a release mechanism is triggered and the stored energy moves a read head over a coded stripe. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion spring mounted on a carriage winds about an axle. The axle has a gear at one end which engages a rack fixed on the base of the reader. The gear and axle rotate as the carriage is moved relative to the reader, thereby winding the torsion spring and storing energy. A set of ratchet teeth mounted on the base prevents the return of the carriage before the card is fully inserted into the slot. The reader can also accommodate reading and writing to smart cards.

Abstract: A device for writing on a card-shaped data memory with at least one magnetic strip on the card-shaped data memory has a card slot through which the card-shaped data memory is guided. The card slot has an inlet and an outlet. One pair of write heads and at least one sensor are provided for each of the magnetic strips on the card-shaped data memory. The write heads are arranged on opposite sides of the Card slot for writing on the magnetic strip. The at least one sensor is positioned at the inlet of the card slot for detecting the presence or absence of the magnetic strip coordinated therewith. The at least one sensor, when detecting the presence of the magnetic strip coordinated therewith, switches to an inactive state one of the write heads of the pair that is positioned on a side of the card slot remote from the magnetic strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining the remanent noise in a magnetic medium by, for example, DC saturation of a region thereof and measurement of the remaining DC magnetization. A conventional magnetic recording transducer may be used to determine the remanent noise. Upon determination, the remanent noise may then be digitized and recorded on the same magnetic medium to thereby "fingerprint" the magnetic medium. This "fingerprint" may then be later used to verify and authenticate the magnetic medium as being an original. The magnetic medium may be of a type adapted to record information magnetically or, even more broadly, any magnetic surface or substance that can be sensed through its magnetic field. In such manner, any magnetic medium, or any object having an associated magnetic medium, may be "fingerprinted" including credit cards, computer program diskettes, magneto-optic discs, videotapes, cassette tapes, bank checks, stock certificates, etc.

Abstract: A data write apparatus includes a card conveyor path, a recording head, a sensor circuit, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a drive circuit, and an enable section. A magnetic card is conveyed in the card conveyor path. The recording head is arranged on the card conveyor path and performs a recording operation on the magnetic card by energizing a winding coil. The sensor circuit is arranged on the card conveyor path near the recording head and detects the magnetic card conveyed in the card convey or path to output a detection signal. The CPU outputs write data to be written on the magnetic card in response to the detection signal from the sensor circuit. The drive circuit energizes the winding coil of the recording head on the basis of the write data from the CPU to perform the recording operation.

Abstract: A transfer film having a magnetic layer consists essentially of a substrate film, a parting layer and a transfer layer which is detachable from the said parting layer and is formed by one or more magnetic layers, and, on that side of the magnetic layer which faces the substrate film, after detachment of the substrate film, the surface-forming layer consists of a top layer which contains inorganic pigments in a cross-linked polymer matrix and has a thickness of from 0.2 to 5.0 .mu.m and a surface resistance of from 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-8 ohm/cm.

Abstract: Real time decoding methods and apparatus for a card transaction terminal used for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. The method is implemented in a microcomputer employed in the terminal. The data decode method for the microcomputer decodes data in real time as it is read from the magnetic stripe on the card and obviates random access memory external to the microcomputer. A memory is provided in the terminal large enough to store data characters corresponding to at least one predetermined data field on the card generated during a swipe of the card but insufficient to store all of the self clocking signals generated during the swipe. A sentinel character in the self clocking signals is first decoded. Then, a data character associated with the at least one predetermined data field is decoded in response to a predetermined number of self clocking signals generated subsequent to the sentinel character. Finally, the decoded data character is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A circuit for reading a toll road ticket in which a mark for magnetic recording density discrimination formed on a ticket is detected and a magnetic record demodulating circuit is selected in accordance with the result of detection. The circuit is a digital recording circuit and reproducing circuit for a magnetic card utilizing modified frequency modulation. In a toll receiving system of a toll road, coexistence of tickets adopting different magnetic recording densities or recording systems is made possible.

Abstract: A magnetic data reader and method for reading magnetic data from a stripe of passenger tickets while avoiding erroneous encoding of clock data which causes a read error. A CPU controls the counter value adder to acquire a reference time by summing up values of an interval time calculated from two or more bits of clock data and averaging the added value. If the binary data change within the clock data window and the corresponding interval time exceeds the permissible range of the prescribed reference time, the CPU restarts a demodulation operation by resetting a demodulator circuit.

Abstract: There is discloses a magnetic recording sheet comprising a substrate, a magnetic recording layer formed on one side of the substrate, an image recording layer formed on the other side of the substrate, a first subbing layer formed between the substrate at the magnetic recording layer, and preferably, a second subbing layer formed between the substrate and the image recording layer, said magnetic recording layer comprising a magnetic powder and an aqueous binder, said image recording layer comprising a binder, and said first and second subbing layers comprising a styrene-butadiene latex having a gel content of 5 to 75%. This magnetic recording sheet can be obtained without any trouble in its production process and is excellent in dimensional stability, magnetic recording properties, image-recording properties, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides a magnetic recording medium wherein visible patterns can be written, in which a heat sensitive layer is formed on a magnetic recording layer and a metallic thin layer is formed on said heat sensitive layer. The metallic thin layer of said magnetic recording medium can by roughed by using a material containing minute particles to form a roughed heat sensitive layer on the magnetic recording layer and then depositing the metallic thin layer on said heat sensitive layer. In using said magnetic recording medium, information corresponding to at least a part of the information recorded in the magnetic recording layer can be written as visible patterns.

Abstract: A plug-in data carrier includes a processor, a program memory connected to the processor, and a dedicated memory connected to the processor. The dedicated memory is divided into a plurality of regions including a region for controlling and managing the operation of a transaction device, which is a device independent of the plug-in data carrier. The transaction device includes a first contact section which establishes electrical contact with the plug-in data carrier, a second contact section which establishes electrical contact with another data carrier, a first memory section inputting and outputting data to the plug-in data carrier via the first contact section, a second memory section inputting and outputting data to the another data carrier via the second contact section, and an interfacing circuit.

Abstract: A card assembly permits xerographic printing of information cards, such as identification or authorization cards. The card assembly comprises a carrier sheet having a cavity. An information card is detachably bonded within the cavity. The foregoing card assembly can be passed through any conventional xerographic printer so that the information card can be printed with high quality xerographic print. The card assembly may be forwarded to the designated cardholder as an attractive package. Furthermore, a xerographic printer or other apparatus is provided with a magnetic encoder which is adapted to encode a magnetic strip situated on the card assembly passing through the xerographic printer or apparatus. Finally, a bar code may be disposed on the card assembly for encoding information regarding the card assembly and/or information card. The magnetic strip may be encoded in accordance with information decoded from the bar code.

Abstract: A method of adjusting alignment of a magnetic head to be within an alignment specification in accordance with the invention includes recording on magnetic material of a test card a digital code having a greater number of bits per unit length than the set number of bits used for conventional magnetic recording of credit cards. The test card produces an electrical playback signal which varies in magnitude with head alignment at a second rate greater than a first rate produced during conventional recording. The test card is read repeatedly and alignment of the head is adjusted until a maximum electrical playback signal is produced indicating that the head is set within the alignment specification.

Abstract: A process of scanning and evaluating binary data stored on a magnetic track of a magnetic storage card includes a calibration at the beginning of the scanning operation with certain information stored on the card and a determination of a calibrated time interval. A time curve of the output signal in the calibrated time interval is registered and compared to predefined curve patterns in order to determine deviation of the registered time curve from the curve patterns. A curve pattern showing a least deviation from the registered time curve is identified. The curve pattern may be selected on the basis of information obtained from a previously determined output signal curve. Also, the extreme values are detected to obtain information stored on the card.

Abstract: A device for degaussing magnetic transducers used with magnetic stripe cards includes a degaussing unit that drives a magnetic transducer with an electrical pulse, or a gradually increasing drive frequency, to eliminate the residual magnetism of the transducer. Logic circuitry controls the device to degauss with little or no additional equipment and avoids damage to the recordings, as on low-coercivity magnetic stripe cards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high density high energy magnetic memory card. The card is provided throughout or part of at least one of its surfaces with a recording medium which contains magnetic particles having a coercitive field higher than 4000 Oe (320 kA/m), which has no overlying layer and which has a density of information higher than 5 kbits/cm.sup.2, an electric wear corresponding to an electric signal loss equal to or lower than 5% for 2000 passages, a mean arithmetic rugosity lower than 10 nm, an abrasivity lower than 600 .mu.m, and a streak resistance lower than 1.5 .mu.m. Application to portable files and access controls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic card which comprises a substrate of a thermoplastic resin and a magnetic recording layer provided on the whole surface of at least one side of the substrate, wherein necessary matters such as letters and figures can be formed in a given area by embossing treatment, and wherein the magnetic recording layer consists of a magnetic film which contains 70% by weight or more of magnetic powders having a coercive force of 300 Oe or higher and which has a tensile break elongation of 50% or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyester film having an antistatic highly adhesive layer and a process for producing the film, said layer comprising a copolymer (A) and a (co)polymer (B), said copolymer (A) being obtained by copolymerizing ##STR1## N-methylol acrylamide, and optionally an ethylenic compound having a carboxy group, and optionally a comonomer, and said (co)polymer (B) being obtained by copolymerizing ##STR2## and optionally a comonomer. The polyester film of the present invention is useful for magnetic cards and the like.

Abstract: In a sound playback apparatus, by attaching thereto a medium in which sound data are recorded in each area thereof and a print in each frame of which a code indicating a sound recording area is recorded, the sound playback apparatus can play back sound data corresponding to the photographed frames of the film respectively from the medium.