US4916294A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for reliable digital recording on unreliable magnetic media
Assignee: Light Signatures Inc
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Filing: 1988-07-25
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Granted: 1990-04-10
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Expires: 2008-07-25
Abstract
Abstract A system for reliably recording digital data on marginal magnetic recording medium by utilizing a two-track format and testing to locate pairs of record-quality areas of the medium. A magnetic stripe on a document is defined into a pair of recording tracks each with a sequence of bit locations. Associated pairs of bit locations (one from each track) are jointly tested for recording quality. One bit location of poor quality eliminates the pair; however, if both bit locations meet a standard, they are employed cooperatively to record data. Specifically, each bit location initially is recorded with a pulse. Any pair of bit locations which cannot meet the standard is totally cleared (erased), while pairs of bit locations meeting the standard are selectively erased to represent digital data.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert N. Goldman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:31
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K1/00; G06K1/12; G06K1/125; G06K5/00; G06K5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A process for recording digital data on marginal magnetic medium comprising the steps of: defining a pair of record tracks on said magnetic medium with bit locations; recording a digit in each bit location of each record track of said magnetic medium; testing pairs of bit locations from said pair of record tracks to signal record quality for both locations in a pair with respect to said recorded digits, said pair of bit locations including a bit location from each track; and altering the record of said magnetic medium to record digital data selectively in pairs of bit locations signaled to be of record quality by said testing step.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A process for recording digital data on marginal magnetic medium comprising the steps of: defining a pair of record tracks on said magnetic medium with bit locations; recording a digit in each bit location of each record track of said magnetic medium; testing pairs of bit locations from said pair of record tracks to signal record quality for both locations in a pair with respect to said recorded digits, said pair of bit locations including a bit location from each track; and altering the record of said magnetic medium to record digital data selectively in pairs of bit locations signaled to be of record quality by said testing step.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process according to claim 1 further including a step of printing a magnetic stripe on a support strata to provide said magnetic medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 1 further including a step of accounting for locations signaled to be of record quality.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A process according to claim 3 further including a step of rejecting magnetic media which does not have a predetermined minimum number of locations of record quality.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said step of recording a digit comprises recording pulses in said bit locations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process according to claim 5 wherein said step of altering comprises erasing pulses from said bit locations.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said step of altering comprises combining pairs of said pairs of bit locations and altering in accordance with a four-bit code to record data.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
98 words
A digital data recording system for marginal magnetic medium, comprising: magnetic means for defining a pair of record tracks on said magnetic medium, said record tracks each including a series of bit locations; record means for magnetically recording a digit in each bit location of each of said record tracks; test means for testing identified pairs of bit locations to indicate pairs of record quality, each pair including one bit location from each of said tracks; alteration means to alter the recording in said pairs of record quality to indicate said digital data and for clearing other pairs.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
A digital data recording system for marginal magnetic medium, comprising: magnetic means for defining a pair of record tracks on said magnetic medium, said record tracks each including a series of bit locations; record means for magnetically recording a digit in each bit location of each of said record tracks; test means for testing identified pairs of bit locations to indicate pairs of record quality, each pair including one bit location from each of said tracks; alteration means to alter the recording in said pairs of record quality to indicate said digital data and for clearing other pairs.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
A digital data recording system according to claim 8 further including means for keeping a record of said pairs of record quality.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A digital data recording system according to claim 8 wherein said record means includes magnetic record head means and means for moving said magnetic medium relative to said head means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A digital data recording system according to claim 10 wherein said means for moving comprises a continuous feed means carrying documents bearing said magnetic medium.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A digital data recording system according to claim 11 further including printer means to print said magnetic medium.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
A digital data recording system according to claim 11 further including means for keeping a record of said pairs of record quality and means for voiding documents under control of said means for keeping a record.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
A digital data recording system according to claim 8 wherein said alteration means comprises magnetic erase means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-09 | 1993-10-09 | 1994-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-09 | 1997-10-09 | 1998-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-09 | 2001-10-09 | 2002-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |