Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for encoding and detecting data from magnetically encoded access cards. The invention includes a control unit (1) having an access card slot (4) communicating with a microprocessor (11) and sensor (3). A barium ferrite access card (5) magnetically encoded in a particular grid pattern is interposed within the card slot, and the encoded grid pattern is then detected and "read" by the sensor. The encoded data in grid form is then transmitted to the microprocessor which, in turn, assigns to the magnetically encoded grid representation a numeric value. This numeric value is then compared with a list of values stored in the microprocessor and if the detected and translated numeric value corresponds to a stored value, the microprocessor, directly or indirectly, emits a signal to activate or deactivate a device to be controlled (10).

Abstract: In a method for recording a new coded message in place of an old coded message recorded on a magnetic stripe carried by a support document by manual displacement of said document, the message being divided into a first part and a second part separated by a gap, the clock signal used to write the first part of the new message is a clock signal obtained by reading the second part of the old message. The clock signal used to write the second part of the new message is a clock signal obtained by reading the first part of the new message, newly written. The system for implementing this method comprises a write head between two synchronization heads and an electronic circuit which produces from the signals from the two synchronization heads a clock signal slaved to the speed of displacement of the support document. This clock signal is sent to a write signal generator connected to the write head. The write signal generator also receives the data to be recorded.

Abstract: A magnetic reading and/or recording apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic reading and/or recording elements to read and/or record information from/on a flexible magnetic recording material and a flexible plate having several cut-outs arranged to define individual flexible sections of said plate between respective pairs of said cut-outs. The magnetic reading and/or recording elements and the flexible plate are arranged to position the flexible sections of the plate to support respective flexible sections of the flexible magnetic recording material substantially in contact with the magnetic reading and/or recording elements.

Abstract: In a process for evaluating binary data stored on the magnetic track of a magnetic storage card (10) in the form of flux changes in accordance with the two-frequency code, a relative movement (v) is produced between the magnetic storage card (10) and an electromagnetic transformer (30) which emits voltage pulses induced by the changes in magnetic flux. The time intervals between the voltage pulses are evaluated in order to obtain the data. To this end, standardization is carried out with uniform preliminary data at the beginning of a scanning operation. The output signal (U) of the electromagnetic transformer (30) is converted to digital values at predetermined times. The digital values are stored in the sequence in which they are stored and evaluated in order to obtain the data.

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: This optical recording medium includes a data part which is a region for recording data and a directory part which is a region for recording its management or direction information. The directory information relating to the above-mentioned data is recorded in the above-mentioned directory part having a hierarchical tree structure. In the recording and reproducing apparatus by using the above-mentioned recording medium, in retrieving data, by retrieving the directory information in the order of a large classification, medium classification and small classification, the data can be detected. Even a large volume of data can be retrieved at a high speed and the data is efficiently managed. It is effective particularly with recording medium with small numbers of sectors per track such as an optical card.

Abstract: A recording and reproducing device, which records and reproduces information on and from a rewritable recording medium having absolute addresses and including an information recording area wherein information entered from external devices is recorded and a Table of Contents area wherein additional address information with respect to the information recorded in the information recording area is recorded. The TOC area contains the absolute addresses of the recording positions of each information recorded in the information recording area. A display section graphically and independently displays the recorded and unrecorded ranges of the information recording area according to the absolute addresses recorded in the TOC area with respect to the recording positions of each piece of information.

Abstract: For mounting a magnetic stripe card reader's magnetic head, a plate spring made from a thin metal sheet having two opposite fixing wings bilaterally extending outwards from a square frame and longitudinally aligned with each other, wherein said square frame has two raised portions on a bottom edge thereof longitudinally aligned with the center line of said two opposite fixing wings and stopped against a magnetic head held therein. By means of a line contact, the magnetic head is automatically rotated to the best reading position against a magnetic stripe card to be read.

Abstract: An information recording/reproducing apparatus comprises a housing having a card conveying path, a guiding mechanism for guiding one surface and one side edge of an information recording card having bisected data areas along the conveying path to permit the card to be conveyed in the conveying path, two pressing members for pressing the card against the guiding mechanism by abutting the other side edge of the card, a drive shaft for conveying the card in the conveying path, rotatable around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the conveying path and disposed in almost middle of the two pressing members, and a distance between the two pressing members being set longer than a length of the card along the conveying path.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reading head with a tapered reading opening and/or a tapered reading stylus for reading bar-type, especially passive magnetic information on a data carrier. A high resolution in reading this information with a high output signal is obtained by tapering the reading opening in direction of the end face of the reading head. The reading head is located in a casing pot and has at least one field plate sensor, on which side remote from the face a permanent magnet is placed with a magnetic shunt to the casing pot.

Abstract: This card type recording medium has plural types of inks which normally exhibit the same color visually but exhibit different optical characteristics under a predetermined condition provided in blocks in a desired pattern and, by breaking the blocks block by block in accordance with the used amount or other factor, is capable of recording information corresponding to the breakage state of the blocks. First information can be recorded by a pattern of arrangement of these plural types of inks and second information can be recorded in accordance with the breakage state of the blocks. The first information is a collation pattern which indicates that the card type recording medium is a genuine one. Since the plural types of inks exhibit the same color visually, it cannot be visually discerned which type of ink is used on which block, which makes it difficult to counterfeit the card by imitating this collation pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively reading or writing data on a magnetic data stripe on a data card which is thin and flexible and for selectively returning or capturing the card. The apparatus includes a card guide arrangement comprising a cylindrical card guide path section, an entrance card path section with an entrance slit for admitting the data card, and an exit path section with an exit slit for discharging the data card for capture. A drive arrangement drives the data card through the entrance slit, throughout the cylindrical card guide path section, and through the exit slit. A transducer with a read head and write head is mounted relative to the cylindrical card guide path section. A position tracking arrangement determines the position of the data card within the cylindrical card guide and a card-in sensor senses the presence of a data card in the entrance path section. A microprocessor based control circuit is used to operate the system and control operational features.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided with a recording film having opto-magnetic characteristics formed on the substrate, with first information being recorded in advance in the form of pit strings of a phase structure. Second information is recorded over the first information through the application of a magnetic field with polarities corresponding to the second information in the presence of the irradiation of a high-power radiation beam, without damaging the record of the first information. The first and second information are produced independently and simultaneously with a single spot in the same area by use of different signal reproduction mechanisms for the first information and second information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording and reproducing data with respect to closely spaced magnetically recording areas or tracks of a magnetic recording member such as a card, tape or magnetic disc wherein scanning, tracking and reproduction functions are controlled by electro-optically scanning markers or indicia which are predeterminately recorded with respect to the magnetic recordings of the record member. Signals generated when such electro-optically scannable markers are detected are employed to control either or both the functions of selectively tracking and locating a magnetic transducer with respect to a select recording area or track of the magnetic record member and selectively controlling magnetic reproduction of information from the select recording area by either controlling the driving of the magnetic transducer mount and/or the operation of the transducer as it scans a select portion of the recording area or track along which it scans.

Abstract: An encoding apparatus (20) encodes or reads information on a magnetic stripe on a card (50). The encoding apparatus (20) advances the card (50) along a card transport path defined by a frame (24), side support members (42 and 44), and top guide member (46). The card (50) advances by reversible drive means (26) having a single drive roller (28). Encoding is accomplished by an encoding head (36) in communication with an encoder (22) coupled to an idler roller (34) for encoding by position.

Abstract: A digitally-sound-encoded filmstrip has digital data recorded along the length of a soundtrack, said data being representative of a particular data format. The data format has a plurality of data fields which are filled with data representing sound values and other digital information. Each data field has redundant data to enable the detection and correction of data in the data field upon decoding of the formatted data. The data format also features a plurality of data blocks wherein each data block is made up of a group of data fields wherein at least one data field contains data redundant to the entire data block to enable the detection of errors made in correction of errors in the individual data fields. Successive sound samples are recorded in mutually remote locations along the length of the soundtrack.

Abstract: A card reader for reading data recorded on a magnetic stripe on a card includes a guide for guiding the card along a path past a transducer head. A gimbal arrangement mounts the head on the end of a mounting shaft which is journaled in the end of an arm for free rotation about an axis parallel to the stripe as it moves along the path. The arm swivels about a transverse axis perpendicular to the stripe and is biased to bring the head into the guide path through a head opening. The head has a leading bevelled surface so that a card inserted in the path will lift the head which will then ride firmly on the stripe. By virtue of the free rotation of the head about an axis parallel to the stripe, the device adjusts for any lack of parallelism between the head and the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A card carrier in use with an optical data record/reproduction system for reading data from and writing data to a card, including a press contact slide member (26, 27) which prevents a table for carrying the card from being tilted and deviated from a predetermined traveling direction, and a table drive member which prevents the transfer of a vibration to the table. With this arrangement, data is exactly written into and read out from the card.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a memory device comprising a fixed disc on the surface of which data may be stored, and rotating transducers or heads which may be positioned to access any location on the disc. The rotating heads are mounted on transducer arms which are designed in such a manner that the transducer seeks outward as it is rotated. That is, similar to a flywheel governor in a steam engine, centrifugal force would impart a radial force on the arm which is movable in a low friction system along with the transducer, the radial force causing the transducer to move outward together with the radial arm with increasing rotational speed of the spindle motor.

Abstract: A speed governor roller (10) is provided so as to face a magnetic head (4) which is supported so as to face a manual conveying path (20) of a magnetic card (7). One end of a speed governor spring (15) is attached to the peripheral surface of the speed governor roller (10). A flywheel (17) is interlocked with the speed governor roller (10). When the magnetic card (7) is manually scanned, the speed governor roller (10) also rotates by the frictional force with the magnetic card (7). However, when an angle of rotation of the roller (10) increases, the force of the spring (15) to return the speed governor roller (10) in the opposite direction also increases. Thus, an increase in scanning speed of the magnetic card (7) is lightened. A fluctuation in scanning speed of the magnetic card (7) is absorbed by the flywheel (17). Therefore, the reading/writing operation of the magnetic card (7) can be stably executed.

Abstract: An information recording and reproducing apparatus according to the invention includes an emergency conveying device for conveying an information recording medium on a carriage member from an information recording and/or reproducing position to an ejecting port. The emergency conveying device includes a device for moving the carriage member to the ejecting port by coming into engagement with the carriage member. A gear (20) is manually actuated in case of a power failure so as to manually move the carriage (3) toward the discharge area.

Abstract: In a method of recording data into a desired sector of a desired track on an optical card which includes a plurality of parallel tracks extending a track direction, each track comprising an ID portion in which track address is recorded and a data portion which is divided into a plurality of sectors, after accessing to the desired track, the track is first scanned in a forward direction in the track direction to find whether the desired sector is actually blank or not, and as soon as the relevant sector is checked to be vacant, the movement of the optical card is stopped and the optical card is moved in a backward direction in the track direction. Then, the optical card is moved again in the forward direction and the light beam is changed into a recording high power and is modulated in accordance with the data to be recorded when the light beam comes at a start point of the desired sector. In this manner, the data can be recorded into the desired sector within a short time.

Abstract: A pressure pad for urging a document against a magnetic recording head has an elastameric belt with a low friction, wear resistant coating which urges the document against the head.

Abstract: An information-reading method employs an optical card including, a data section made by a linear information track, an address section for storing an address of the information track, and a guide section located adjacent to the address section and scanned before reading the address section. The address section and guide section are located at each end of said data section. The address and guide sections located at one end of the data section and the address and guide sections located at the other end of the data section are arranged in the same order in one scanning direction of the information track. The method comprises the steps of reading two addresses out of the address sections, by scanning the information track in the one scanning direction, and comparing the two addresses with each other, to thereby detect a tracking error.

Abstract: An optical card recording apparatus comprises a card holding member (17) on which an optical card is loaded at a predetermined position, a driving device (12,14,15,16, 17G,22,24,25) for moving the card holding member (17) in relation to a fixed member, and a movement control device (45, 51) operative to control the driving device (12,14,15,16, 17G,22,24,25) so as to place the card holding member (17) at a reference position in relation to the fixed member and then to move the card holding member (17) from the reference position or a position at which the card holding member (17) reaches after moving from the reference position by a selected distance in a predetermined manner, so that record tracks are formed on the optical card in a predetermined arrangement by a light beam caused to be incident upon the optical card loaded on the card holding member (17).

Abstract: An optical card including an optical storage medium and a single or a plurality of members made of a magnetic material which are incorporated with the optical card is set forth. A card holder for holding the optical card consists of a table for supporting the optical card and a single member or a plurality of members made of a magnetic material for attracting the optical card. An apparatus for recording and reproducing information on and from the optical card held by the card holder includes a light-irradiating unit for emitting light beams onto the optical storage medium of the optical card and a drive unit for relatively moving the card holder and the light-irradiating unit for tracking, with which the recording, reproducing, or erasing operation can be accurately carried out.

Abstract: Apparatus and method wherein a credit card sized memory card having a magnetic storage medium thereon can be inserted into an operative position adjacent to a read/write head, and the card and head can be moved relative to each other to permit the head to read data from or to write data on the magnetic medium of the memory card. In a first embodiment, a disk form is provided like a hard disk but with a cut out portion or opening therein into which the memory card is insertable. The disk form can then be rotated so that the magnetic medium on the card can be moved past the read/write head movable radially of the central axis of the disk form. In another embodiment the memory card is movable into a fixed operative position adjacent to a read/write head and the head is movable radially as well as circumferentially arc so that the head and memory card are movable relative to each other in two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Misaligned magnetic stripe cards are often improperly encoded during a write operation. The problem occurs most frequently in hand swipe encoders where the encoding operation may occur quickly without sufficient care to seat the card properly. A write - disable circuit responsive to the proper positioning of the card prevents such improper encoding, and destruction of valid encoding on adjacent tracks.

Abstract: A read head mounting structure for a magnetic card reader, comprising a read head secured to a read head mounting frame by a plane spring which is secured to the read head mounting frame by two pin rods at two opposite ends. Two rows of bolt holes are made on a base at two opposite sides so that the read head mounting frame can be adjustably attached to the base at different level position permitting the read head to partly protrude through a window into a magnetic card feed slot for reading the assigned magnetic track of the magnetic cards.

Abstract: A card reader system for reading a fare card containing data, the card being adapted for insertion into the reader; the operation is such that the card is held in a fixed position while it is being read and while other operations such as erase, write, and the like are being performed. The reader assembly is moved past the card to read the data and perform the other operations and the data representative of the amount of fare already paid is stored and a balance due or remaining is calculated and is written on the card. Preferably, the card has a magnetic stripe carrying the data, and the reader includes a magnetic head, as well as an optional thermal (marking) head. Solenoids are used to clamp in the fixed position and to eject the card after clamping is released.

Abstract: A reader/writer device for flexible data cards is disclosed. The device includes a pair of pivotal arms which are adapted to receive a data card in a flat position and then to bend the card into a substantially cylindrical shape. A rotatable transducer is located so that its axis of rotation coincides with the axis of the cylindrically bent data card. The recording medium on the data card faces the transducer such that the transducer scans in lines which are parallel to the data tracks set forth on recording medium. High speed data reading and writing may be accomplished in this manner.

Abstract: In a card reader for reading information from a card which may contain the information as optical, magnetic, electronic or physical data, inside a casing is provided a carriage which carries the card and is adapted to be conveyed from an outer position to an inner position by a linear drive mechanism. By not using a pair of drive and pinch rollers as opposed to conventional card readers, the card is free from contamination by the rollers, and the operation reliability of the card reader is improved. Further, the elimination of rollers also contributes to the reduction in the overall height of the card reader. The clamp mechanism for securing a card to the carriage may be provided with interlocking means which prevents the movement of the carriage until a card is securely gripped by the clamp mechanism.

Abstract: A card or badge reader is provided for reading badges or cards on which there are coded indicia such as a bar code symbol. The reader has a front wall plate that is removably affixed onto the front of the main housing, but separated a slight amount to define a badge reader slot. A wear plate is disposed horizontally between the front wall plate and the front wall of the main housing to define a floor for the badge reader slot. The wear plate comprises an elongated web with downturned end flanges, and is suspended in one of a plurality of parallel horizontal grooves in the front wall plate. The position of the wear plate can be changed from one of these grooves to another, as desired.

Abstract: A card reader having a card reading mechanism, a card perforating device and a card erasure mechanism, wherein the erasure mechanism comprises a permanent magnet movable by means of a pivoted arm towards and away from a card erasure position, and a drive means for the magnet arm which is coupled to a motor drive for the perforating device.

Abstract: A card conveying structure for card accessing devices, comprising: a casing defining a card inlet and a card guideway; a drive pulley and a driven pulley supported on one side of the card guideway by a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis, respectively, defining a zero or small angle relative to a vertical line perpendicular to a major surface of a card guided by the guideway; and an endless belt passed around the two pulleys, effective diameters of the first and second pulleys being selected in relation with spacings of the pivot axes relative to the card guideway so that a linear span ofthe belt may extend along the guideway and abut the major surface of the card. By urging the linear span of the belt against the card, the card may be conveyed by the movement of the belt. Alternatively, by slanting at least one of the pulleys towards the guideway until its periphery or the belt passed around it comes into contact with the card, the movement of the belt or the pulley can be transmitted to the card.

Abstract: A method for searching the magnetic stripe on a credit card to determine the indispensably read out track comprising the steps of reading a card number from any one of the several tracks, determining if the credit card has an indispensably read out track already decided by the issuer of the card, reading out a track number for indispensable data from memory if such read out track has been decided, reading out indispensable data from the read out track using the track number, reading out a track searching mode on a priority basis from memory if such read out track has not been decided, reading out a first priority track which is known by the mode for the credit card, determining the read out data as being indispensable if no reading error occurs, and sending the indispensable data to a host computer for business transactions. The method is accomplished by apparatus for reading data from the tracks, for identifying the indispensably read track, and for performing the business transactions.

Abstract: A system for reading a data record stripe on a credit card which includes an injection molded case including a card guide slot integrally molded into the case near one side thereof and a read head window integrally formed in one sidewall of the card guide slot. A data read head assembly having a read head on a front face thereof is mounted in the read head window and is spring biased toward the wall of the card slot opposite the read head window. A circuit arrangement is coupled to the read head assembly for detecting data signals on a card passing through the slot and converting the data signals to a substantially square wave signal pattern representing binary signal data in the form of positive and negative signal transitions of the square wave signal.

Abstract: A mail system includes a selector selectively composing character information, image information and/or audio information; a printer printing the composite information as optically readable bit information in a plurality of recording mediums; a first storage device storing specific information for specifying the receivers of said recording media; a second storage device storing the required items of said receivers; a third storage area storing the information related to the required items of said receivers; a selector selecting information corresponding to the required items of said receivers from the information related to the required items of said receivers; a recorder recording the selected information corresponding to the required items of said receivers as optically readable bit information in at least one of said recording media; and a recorder recording the specific information specifying said receivers in at least one of said recording media.

Abstract: A dual layered magnetic card with an apparatus for reading data therefrom and recording data thereon. The magnetic card includes (a) a card body, (b) a first magnetic layer disposed on the card body, the first magnetic layer including a first magnetic material, (c) a second magnetic layer disposed on the first magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer including a second magnetic material having Curie temperature lower than that of the first magnetic material and a coercive force at an ambient temperature higher than that of the first magnetic material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reading data on the magnetic card, having a reader, post processor and data eraser, and an apparatus for reading and recording data having a recorder, reader, post processor and a data eraser.

Abstract: There is provided a card reader which has a card conveying path to sandwich and convey a card between the surfaces of a pair of opposite conveying belts reeved around pulleys and which processes card data by a card processing section arranged on the card conveying path. When it is detected that a drive motor to drive the conveying belts is continuously stopped for a predetermined period of time, the drive motor is raced for a predetermined period of time to prevent that the belts are deformed.

Abstract: A ticket checking/issuing apparatus for checking and issuing a ticket on which data is recorded, includes a ticket holding unit for holding the ticket, and a head unit which is moved along the holding unit. The head unit has a magnetic head which is brought into sliding contact with the ticket held by the holding unit so as to record and/or reproduce data on and/or from the ticket. A friction member is arranged on a surface of the holding unit opposing the head unit. The friction member has a friction coefficient between itself and the ticket larger than that between the magnetic head of the head unit and the ticket. The friction member is brought into sliding contact with the magnetic head when the head unit is moved while the holding unit does not hold a ticket, and is brought into contact with the ticket held by the holding unit when the holding unit holds the ticket.

Abstract: An information reproducing apparatus has an information reading device for reading first information (for example, image information) from an information recording carrier, a converter for converting the first information into second information (for example, sound information), a first output element for outputting the first information as a particular mode of information (for example, an image), and a second output element for outputting the second information as information in a particular mode (for example, a sound).

Abstract: A system for use with a mag-stripe card for transducing signals and performing predetermined transaction processing to record fresh data on the card. A closed-end slot is defined for guiding the card in manual motion. Offset record (broad path) and read (narrow path) transducers are mounted in a relationship to afford increased tolerances. Optical sensors manifest card positions as data for a processor to control and sequence proper operation. The processor also receives confirmatory read signals to verify proper recording on a card.

Abstract: A magnetic read/write head is supported on the carriage that carries the platen of a passbook printer. The passbook is moved to the printing station and a sensor is provided for detecting the presence of the passbook. A height adjusting member operates to move the read/write head into position for writing data into and for reading data from a magnetic stripe on the passbook.

Abstract: An information recording-reproducing apparatus comprises a head, a first pair of rollers for guide-driving a recording medium relative to the head, a second pair of rollers for guide-driving the recording medium toward or from the first pair of rollers, and a controller for timingly controlling the first and second pairs of rollers. The first and second pairs of rollers are disposed at such an interval that the recording medium may not be caught by both of the first and second pairs of rollers at a constant velocity movement of the recording medium.

Abstract: A plastic package for a card having a built-in storage medium is provided which comprises two plastic half case bodies having the same structure. Each of the half case bodies is provided with a convex portion and a concave portion which can engage with the corresponding concave portion and convex portion of the other half case body. The convex portion and the concave portion of each half case body are disposed symmetrically with respect to a reference line on each half case body. Therefore, the two half case bodies can be simply and precisely located and can be efficiently bonded by engagement between the convex and concave portions. In addition, since it is not necessary to charge and permeate an adhesive into joint portions from the peripheries thereof, the workability for jointing is good and no adhesive will be squeezed out from the joint portions to adversely affect the appearance of the joint portions.

Abstract: An information recording-reproducing apparatus includes a holding bed for holding a card-like or sheet-like information recording medium, a head for recording information on the information recording medium or reproducing the information recorded on the information recording medium, a device for reciprocally rectilinearly moving the holding bed relative to the head, and a device operatively associated with the movement of the holding bed, reciprocally moving a body of a predetermined weight. The device prevents shock during the reversal of the holding bed.

Abstract: A hand held unit can operate as a mouse to move a cursor on a display, as a hand held optical scanner for entering into a computer characters or graphic information delineated on a work sheet across which the unit is moved, or as a digitizing puck for tracing and digitizing lines or curves on a work sheet laid over a digitizing pad. The unit is connected via an electrical cable to an interface board plugged into an expansion slot inside a personal computer.

Abstract: A card accessing apparatus is provided which includes a stage unit for supporting a data storage card with a data storage area of the card facing downwardly, a housing including a bottom plate, for housing the stage unit, and a stage feeding unit supported on the bottom plate for reciprocating the stage unit. A read/write head is disposed under the stage unit, to read and write data on the data storage area of the card. A head feeding unit is supported on the bottom plate to drive the head unit to a position under the stage unit to access the data storage area of the card.

Abstract: A plurality of recording tracks are formed on an optical card. A data record starting flag or data record and flag is formed on at least one of both sides of the recording tracks in the track extending direction.