Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
264 words
A ticket read/write system, comprising: a codable ticket having at least three data fields for codable information, data field one for magnetically encoded initial use information, and data fields two and three for magnetically encoded most recent and next most recent subsequent use information related to the sequence of the most recent and next most recent subsequent use of the ticket, data fields one, two and three being magnetically codable strips wherein data field one is not collinear with data fields two and three; first encoding means for encoding initial use information in said first data field of said ticket; second encoding means for controllably encoding subsequent use information in said second and third data fields of said ticket; decoding means for decoding said information encoded on said first, second and third data fields; first determining means for determining if said decoded information on said first, second and third data fields is valid; second determining means for determining if said decoded information on said second data field was recorded prior in time to said information on said third data field; and third encoding means for selectively encoding new use information on said second data field, if said information on said second data field is determined by said second determining means to be recorded prior in time to said information on said third field, or selectively encoding new use information on said third data field if said information on said second data field is determined by said second determining means not to be recorded prior in time to said information on said third data field.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
264 words
A ticket read/write system, comprising: a codable ticket having at least three data fields for codable information, data field one for magnetically encoded initial use information, and data fields two and three for magnetically encoded most recent and next most recent subsequent use information related to the sequence of the most recent and next most recent subsequent use of the ticket, data fields one, two and three being magnetically codable strips wherein data field one is not collinear with data fields two and three; first encoding means for encoding initial use information in said first data field of said ticket; second encoding means for controllably encoding subsequent use information in said second and third data fields of said ticket; decoding means for decoding said information encoded on said first, second and third data fields; first determining means for determining if said decoded information on said first, second and third data fields is valid; second determining means for determining if said decoded information on said second data field was recorded prior in time to said information on said third data field; and third encoding means for selectively encoding new use information on said second data field, if said information on said second data field is determined by said second determining means to be recorded prior in time to said information on said third field, or selectively encoding new use information on said third data field if said information on said second data field is determined by said second determining means not to be recorded prior in time to said information on said third data field.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The read/write system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said initial use information comprises an initial value on said ticket, and said first encoding means consists of a ticket purchase encoder that magnetically encodes first signals related to the initial value on said ticket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The read/write system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second encoding means consists of a subsequent use ticket encoder, that magnetically encodes second signals related to subsequent use of said ticket on either said second or said third data field.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The read/write system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said decoding means includes a magnetic reader.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The read/write system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first, second and third data fields are generally parallel strips of encodable material.