US5466920A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Real time decoding for card transaction terminal
Assignee: MICROBILT Corp A GA CORPORATION
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Filing: 1991-11-08
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Granted: 1995-11-14
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Expires: 2011-11-08
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Parameswaran B. Nair
- 👤 Kumar S. Choudhuri
- 👤 James T. Stills
- 👤 John C. Evans
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:48
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06K; G06K7/00; G06K7/08; G06K7/082; G06K7/083; G06K7/084
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim
327 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe on a card in a card transaction terminal, decoding encoded information stored on the card, and forming corresponding data characters in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through a card stripe read station in the transaction terminal, the transaction terminal including read station electronic circuitry for providing self clocking signals generated during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, and a programmed microcomputer, and memory means internal to the microcomputer for storing data characters decoded from said card stripe, comprising the steps of: (1) determining a first data cell timing interval between transistions in said self clocking signals; (2) determining a predetermined percentage of said first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (3) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signals, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing a decoded value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (5) establishing said decoded value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occuring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (6) storing said decoded value into a register associated with the microcomputer; (7) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signals corresponding to said decoded value; (8) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; (9) repeating steps 2 through 8 or subsequent decoded values to accumulate a predetermined numbers of bits of said decoded values in the register; (10) forming a decoded character based on said predetermined number of bits of said decoded values; and (11) providing said decoded character as an output, wherein characters are decoded without interim storage of said self clocking signals.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
327 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe on a card in a card transaction terminal, decoding encoded information stored on the card, and forming corresponding data characters in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through a card stripe read station in the transaction terminal, the transaction terminal including read station electronic circuitry for providing self clocking signals generated during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, and a programmed microcomputer, and memory means internal to the microcomputer for storing data characters decoded from said card stripe, comprising the steps of: (1) determining a first data cell timing interval between transistions in said self clocking signals; (2) determining a predetermined percentage of said first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (3) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signals, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing a decoded value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (5) establishing said decoded value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occuring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (6) storing said decoded value into a register associated with the microcomputer; (7) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signals corresponding to said decoded value; (8) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; (9) repeating steps 2 through 8 or subsequent decoded values to accumulate a predetermined numbers of bits of said decoded values in the register; (10) forming a decoded character based on said predetermined number of bits of said decoded values; and (11) providing said decoded character as an output, wherein characters are decoded without interim storage of said self clocking signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises, establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of another subsequent next transition associated with said first value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said first value is a "1" of two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of said next transition associated with said second value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said second value is a "0" of a two-frequency coherent data format.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two frequency coherent phase data format and exhibits three transitions of said self clocking signal, and wherein said second value "0" and exhibits two transitions of said self clocking signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of detecting whether said decoded character is a predetermined sentinel character, and utilizing decoded characters subsequent to said sentinel character as data characters.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said sentinel character is a start sentinel, and wherein the step of forming a decoded character in the register comprises forming the character by arranging the bits in the register in a predetermined direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said sentinel character is an end sentinel, and wherein the step of forming a decoded character in the register comprises forming the character by arranging the bits in the register in a direction opposite to a predetermined direction of a start sentinel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the method is repeated for all occurrences of said self clocking signal generated during a single swipe of the card to form at least an account number associated with the card, and further comprising the step of using the account number to initiate a communication to a card transaction host.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
296 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe on a card in a card transaction terminal, decoding encoded information stored on the card, and forming corresponding data characters in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through a card stripe read station in the transaction terminal, the transaction terminal including read station electronic circuitry for providing self clocking signals generated during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, a programmed microcomputer, a fast clock, a slow clock, means for selecting said fast clock or said slow clock, data cell timing interval measuring means, and memory means internal to the microcomputer for storing data characters decoded from said card stripe, comprising the steps of: (1) determining an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signals with said data cell timing interval measuring means; (2) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (3) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said fast clock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements of said data cell timing interval; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said slow clock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements or said data cell timing interval; (5) establishing decoded values from said self clocking signals utilizing said data cell timing interval measuring means; (6) forming decoded characters based on a predetermined number of bits of said decoded values; and (7) providing said decoded character as an output, wherein characters are decoded in real time without interim storage of said self clocking signals for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
296 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe on a card in a card transaction terminal, decoding encoded information stored on the card, and forming corresponding data characters in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through a card stripe read station in the transaction terminal, the transaction terminal including read station electronic circuitry for providing self clocking signals generated during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, a programmed microcomputer, a fast clock, a slow clock, means for selecting said fast clock or said slow clock, data cell timing interval measuring means, and memory means internal to the microcomputer for storing data characters decoded from said card stripe, comprising the steps of: (1) determining an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signals with said data cell timing interval measuring means; (2) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (3) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said fast clock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements of said data cell timing interval; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said slow clock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements or said data cell timing interval; (5) establishing decoded values from said self clocking signals utilizing said data cell timing interval measuring means; (6) forming decoded characters based on a predetermined number of bits of said decoded values; and (7) providing said decoded character as an output, wherein characters are decoded in real time without interim storage of said self clocking signals for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
196 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the step of establishing decoded values comprises the steps of: (1) determining a predetermined percentage of a first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (2) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signals, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (3) establishing a decoded value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval: (4) establishing said decoded value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occurring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (5) storing said decoded value into a register associated with the microcomputer; (6) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signals corresponding to said decoded value; (7) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; and (8) repeating steps 1 through 7 for subsequent decoded values to accumulate a predetermined number of bits of said decoded values in the register.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of another subsequent next transition associated with said first value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 13, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of a second transition associated with said second value.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 15, wherein said second value is a "0" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 12, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two frequency coherent phase data format and exhibits three transitions of said self clocking signal, and wherein said second value is a "0" and exhibits two transitions of said self clocking signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
290 words
Apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card, decoding encoded information stored on the data card, and forming corresponding data characters in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through the apparatus, comprising: a card swipe read station; read station electronic circuitry for providing self clocking signals generated during the swipe of the card through said read station; a fast clock; a slow clock; means for selecting said fast clock or said slow clock; data cell timing interval measuring means; a programmed microcomputer; memory means internal to the microcomputer for storing data characters decoded from said card stripe; said microcomputer being operative for: (1) determining an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signals with said data cell timing interval measuring means for (2) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (3) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said fast flock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements of said data cell timing interval; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said slow clock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements of said data cell timing interval; (5) establishing decoded values from said self clocking signals utilizing said data cell interval measuring means; (6) forming decoded characters in said memory means based on a predetermined number of bits of said decoded values; and (7) providing said decoded characters as an output, wherein characters are decoded in real time without interim storage of said clocking signals for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
290 words
Apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card, decoding encoded information stored on the data card, and forming corresponding data characters in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through the apparatus, comprising: a card swipe read station; read station electronic circuitry for providing self clocking signals generated during the swipe of the card through said read station; a fast clock; a slow clock; means for selecting said fast clock or said slow clock; data cell timing interval measuring means; a programmed microcomputer; memory means internal to the microcomputer for storing data characters decoded from said card stripe; said microcomputer being operative for: (1) determining an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signals with said data cell timing interval measuring means for (2) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (3) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said fast flock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements of said data cell timing interval; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said slow clock to be operative with said data cell timing interval measuring means for subsequent measurements of said data cell timing interval; (5) establishing decoded values from said self clocking signals utilizing said data cell interval measuring means; (6) forming decoded characters in said memory means based on a predetermined number of bits of said decoded values; and (7) providing said decoded characters as an output, wherein characters are decoded in real time without interim storage of said clocking signals for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
193 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the step of establishing decoded values comprises: (1) determining a predetermined percentage of a first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (2) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signal, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (3) establishing a decoded value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing said decoded value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occurring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (5) storing said decoded value into a register associated with the microcomputer; (6) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signals corresponding to said decoded value; (7) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; and (8) repeating steps 1 through 7 for subsequent decoded values to accumulate a predetermined number of bits of said decoded value in the register.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of another subsequent next transition associated with said first value.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of said next transition associated with said second value.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said second value is a "0" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two frequency coherent phase data format and exhibits three transitions of said self clocking signal, and wherein said second value is a "0" and exhibits two transitions of said self clocking signal.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for reading data characters encoded on a magnetic stripe on a card and forming decoded data characters in real time in response to a swipe of said card through a card stripe read station in a transaction terminal, said transaction terminal including a programmed microcomputer, a memory, and read station electronic circuitry for generating a self clocking signal corresponding to said encoded data characters during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, comprising the steps of: (1) decoding said self clocking signal to provide data bits corresponding to said encoded data characters; (2) detecting a first sentinel character in said data bits; (3) storing in said memory a decoded data character including a predetermined number of said data bits provided subsequent to said first sentinel character, said decoded data character corresponding to one of said encoded data characters; and (4) repeating step (3) until a second sentinel character is detected, thereby storing all decoded data characters located between said first sentinel character and said second sentinel character without interim storage of said self clocking signal.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
179 words
A method for reading data characters encoded on a magnetic stripe on a card and forming decoded data characters in real time in response to a swipe of said card through a card stripe read station in a transaction terminal, said transaction terminal including a programmed microcomputer, a memory, and read station electronic circuitry for generating a self clocking signal corresponding to said encoded data characters during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, comprising the steps of: (1) decoding said self clocking signal to provide data bits corresponding to said encoded data characters; (2) detecting a first sentinel character in said data bits; (3) storing in said memory a decoded data character including a predetermined number of said data bits provided subsequent to said first sentinel character, said decoded data character corresponding to one of said encoded data characters; and (4) repeating step (3) until a second sentinel character is detected, thereby storing all decoded data characters located between said first sentinel character and said second sentinel character without interim storage of said self clocking signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 25, further comprising the steps of: storing said first sentinel character in said memory; and storing said second sentinel character in said memory.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 25, wherein said first sentinel character comprises a first predetermined number of said data bits, arranged in a first predetermined pattern, and second sentinel character comprises a second predetermined number of said data bits arranged in a second predetermined pattern.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 25, wherein, for a forward swipe of said card, said encoded data characters are arranged in a format comprising a start sentinel, a plurality of data characters, an end sentinel, and a check character.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 28, wherein said first sentinel character is said start sentinel.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 29, wherein said second sentinel character is said end sentinel and said check character comprises a predetermined number of said data bits provided subsequent to said end sentinel, and further comprising the steps of: decoding said check character; and verifying said decoded stored data characters by validating said check character.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 25, wherein, for a backward swipe of said card, said encoded data characters are arranged in a format comprising a check character, an end sentinel, a plurality of data characters, and a start sentinel.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 31, wherein said first sentinel character is said end sentinel.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
61 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 32, wherein said second sentinel character is said start sentinel, and said check character comprises a predetermined number of said data bits provided prior to said end sentinel, and further comprising the steps of: decoding said check character; and verifying said stored decoded data characters by validating said check character.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 25, further comprising the step of forming said decoded data character by accumulating said predetermined number of said data bits in a register.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 34, wherein said register is associated with said microcomputer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 34, wherein said first sentinel is a start sentinel, and said bits are accumulated beginning with said least significant bit.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 34, wherein said first sentinel is an end sentinel, and said bits are accumulated beginning with said most significant bit.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 25, wherein said data character comprises a parity bit, and further comprising the step of validating the parity of said data character.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 38, wherein said parity is validated prior to storing said decoded data character.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
225 words
A method for reading data characters encoded on a magnetic stripe on a card and forming decoded data characters in real time in response to a backward swipe of said card through a card stripe read station in a transaction terminal, said encoded data characters arranged in a format comprising a check character, an end sentinel, a plurality of data characters, and a start sentinel, said transaction terminal including a programmed microcomputer, a memory, and read station electronic circuitry for generating a self clocking signal corresponding to said encoded data characters during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, comprising the steps of: (1) decoding said self clocking signal to provide data bits corresponding to said encoded data; (2) detecting said end sentinel character in said data bits; (3) storing in said memory said check character, said check character corresponding to a predetermined number of data bits prior to said end sentinel; (4) storing in said memory a decoded data character including a predetermined number of data bits subsequent to said end sentinel character, said decoded data character corresponding to one of said encoded data characters; and (5) repeating step (4) until said start sentinel character is detected, thereby storing all decoded data characters located between said end sentinel character and said start sentinel character without interim storage of said self clocking signal.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
225 words
A method for reading data characters encoded on a magnetic stripe on a card and forming decoded data characters in real time in response to a backward swipe of said card through a card stripe read station in a transaction terminal, said encoded data characters arranged in a format comprising a check character, an end sentinel, a plurality of data characters, and a start sentinel, said transaction terminal including a programmed microcomputer, a memory, and read station electronic circuitry for generating a self clocking signal corresponding to said encoded data characters during the swipe of the card through the swipe station, comprising the steps of: (1) decoding said self clocking signal to provide data bits corresponding to said encoded data; (2) detecting said end sentinel character in said data bits; (3) storing in said memory said check character, said check character corresponding to a predetermined number of data bits prior to said end sentinel; (4) storing in said memory a decoded data character including a predetermined number of data bits subsequent to said end sentinel character, said decoded data character corresponding to one of said encoded data characters; and (5) repeating step (4) until said start sentinel character is detected, thereby storing all decoded data characters located between said end sentinel character and said start sentinel character without interim storage of said self clocking signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 40, further comprising the steps of: storing said end sentinel character in said memory; and storing said start sentinel character in said memory.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 40, further comprising the step of verifying said stored decoded data characters by validating said check character.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 40, further comprising the step of forming said decoded data character by accumulating said predetermined number of said data bits in a register.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 43, wherein said register is associated with said microcomputer.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 43, wherein said bits are accumulated beginning with said most significant bit.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 45, further comprising the step of reversing the order of said accumulated data bits.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 40, wherein said decoded data character comprises a parity bit, and further comprising the step of validating the parity of said data character.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 47, wherein said parity is validated prior to storing said decoded data character.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a data terminal for reading a magnetic strip on a card, said terminal including a card strip read station operative for generating a self clocking signal corresponding to data characters encoded on said magnetic strip, a method for reading said magnetic strip and forming corresponding decoded data characters in real time during the swipe of the card through the card stripe read station, comprising the steps of: (1) decoding said self clocking signal to provide data bits corresponding to said encoded data; (2) accumulating a plurality of said data bit; (3) detecting a first sentinel character in said plurality of data bits (4) accumulating a predetermined number of said data bits subsequent to said first sentinel character; (5) storing in a memory a decoded data character corresponding to said accumulated data bits, said decoded data character corresponding to one of said encoded data characters; and (6) repeating steps (4) and (5) for the remainder of said data bits.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a data terminal for reading a magnetic strip on a card, said terminal including a card strip read station operative for generating a self clocking signal corresponding to data characters encoded on said magnetic strip, a method for reading said magnetic strip and forming corresponding decoded data characters in real time during the swipe of the card through the card stripe read station, comprising the steps of: (1) decoding said self clocking signal to provide data bits corresponding to said encoded data; (2) accumulating a plurality of said data bit; (3) detecting a first sentinel character in said plurality of data bits (4) accumulating a predetermined number of said data bits subsequent to said first sentinel character; (5) storing in a memory a decoded data character corresponding to said accumulated data bits, said decoded data character corresponding to one of said encoded data characters; and (6) repeating steps (4) and (5) for the remainder of said data bits.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 49, wherein said sentinel character corresponds to a predetermined number of said data bits arranged in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 49, wherein said sentinel character is a start sentinel.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 51, wherein said bits are accumulated beginning with said least significant bit.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 49, wherein said first sentinel character is an end sentinel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 53, wherein said bits are accumulated beginning with said most significant bit.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 49, wherein said data character comprises a parity bit, and further comprising the step of validating the parity of said data character.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 55, wherein said parity is validated prior to storing said decoded data character.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 49, further comprising the step of providing a programmed microcomputer including a register.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 57, wherein said plurality of data bits is accumulated in said register.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe as recited in claim 57, wherein said predetermined number of data bits is accumulated in said register.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
281 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe on a card, decoding encoded information stored on the card, and providing data bit values in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through a card stripe read station including electronic circuitry for providing a self clocking signal generated during the swipe of the card through the read station, comprising the steps of: (1) determining a first data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signal; (2) determining a predetermined percentage of said first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (3) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signal, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing a decoded data bit value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (5) establishing said decoded data bit value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occurring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (6) providing said decoded data bit value as an output; (7) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signal corresponding to said decoded data bit value; (8) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; (9) repeating steps (2) through (8) to provide a plurality of said decoded data bit values during at least some of the time said self clocking signal is provided; wherein said data bit values are decoded without interim storage of said self clocking signal.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
281 words
A method for reading a magnetic stripe on a card, decoding encoded information stored on the card, and providing data bit values in real time, in response to a swipe of the card through a card stripe read station including electronic circuitry for providing a self clocking signal generated during the swipe of the card through the read station, comprising the steps of: (1) determining a first data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signal; (2) determining a predetermined percentage of said first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (3) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signal, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing a decoded data bit value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (5) establishing said decoded data bit value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occurring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (6) providing said decoded data bit value as an output; (7) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signal corresponding to said decoded data bit value; (8) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; (9) repeating steps (2) through (8) to provide a plurality of said decoded data bit values during at least some of the time said self clocking signal is provided; wherein said data bit values are decoded without interim storage of said self clocking signal.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 60, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of a subsequent next transition associated with said first value.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 61, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 60, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of said next transition associated with said second value.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 63, wherein said second value is a "0" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 60, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two frequency coherent phase data format and exhibits three transitions of said self clocking signal, and wherein said second value is a "0" and exhibits two transitions of said self clocking signal.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for providing data bit values in real time, said data bit values corresponding to data encoded on a magnetic stripe on a card, comprising the steps of: (1) reading said magnetic stripe and providing a self clocking signal corresponding to said encoded data; (2) measuring an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said serf clocking signal; (3) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting a fast clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (5) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting a slow clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (6) establishing decoded data bit values corresponding to said subsequent data cell timing intervals; and (7) providing said decoded data bit values as an output, wherein said decoded data bit values are provided in real time without interim storage of said self clocking signal for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
184 words
A method for providing data bit values in real time, said data bit values corresponding to data encoded on a magnetic stripe on a card, comprising the steps of: (1) reading said magnetic stripe and providing a self clocking signal corresponding to said encoded data; (2) measuring an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said serf clocking signal; (3) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting a fast clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (5) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting a slow clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (6) establishing decoded data bit values corresponding to said subsequent data cell timing intervals; and (7) providing said decoded data bit values as an output, wherein said decoded data bit values are provided in real time without interim storage of said self clocking signal for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
197 words
A method for providing data bit values as recited in claim 66, wherein the step of establishing decoded data bit values comprises the steps of: (1) determining a predetermined percentage of a first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (2) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signal, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (3) establishing a decoded data bit value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing said decoded data bit value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occurring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (5) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signal corresponding to said decoded data bit value; (6) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; and (7) repeating steps (1) through (6) for subsequent decoded data bit values to establish a plurality of said decoded data bit values.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method for providing data bit values as recited in claim 67, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of a subsequent next transition associated with said first value.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for providing data bit values as recited in claim 68, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method for providing data bit values as recited in claim 67, wherein the step of determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of a second transition associated with said second value.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for providing data bit values as recited in claim 70, wherein said second value is a "0" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method for providing data bit values as recited in claim 67, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two frequency coherent phase data format and exhibits three transitions of said self clocking signal, and wherein said second value is a "0" and exhibits two transitions of said self clocking signal.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
219 words
Apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card, and for providing data bit values corresponding to data encoded on said magnetic stripe in real time, comprising: a card stripe read station; read station electronic circuitry for generating a self clocking signal during the swipe of said card through said read station; a fast clock; a slow clock; means for selecting said fast clock or said slow clock; data cell timing interval measuring means; a programmed microcomputer; said microcomputer being operative for: (1) measuring an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signal; (2) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (3) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said fast clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said slow clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (5) establishing said decoded data bit values from said self clocking signal; (6) providing said decoded data bit values as an output, wherein said decoded data bit values are provided in real time without interim storage of said self clocking signal for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
219 words
Apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card, and for providing data bit values corresponding to data encoded on said magnetic stripe in real time, comprising: a card stripe read station; read station electronic circuitry for generating a self clocking signal during the swipe of said card through said read station; a fast clock; a slow clock; means for selecting said fast clock or said slow clock; data cell timing interval measuring means; a programmed microcomputer; said microcomputer being operative for: (1) measuring an initial data cell timing interval between transitions in said self clocking signal; (2) comparing said initial data cell timing interval to a predetermined nominal value; (3) if said initial data cell timing interval is less than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said fast clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (4) if said initial data cell timing interval is greater than said predetermined nominal value, selecting said slow clock to be operative for measuring subsequent data cell timing intervals; (5) establishing said decoded data bit values from said self clocking signal; (6) providing said decoded data bit values as an output, wherein said decoded data bit values are provided in real time without interim storage of said self clocking signal for a range of swipe speeds of the card.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
193 words
An apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card as recited in claim 73, wherein establishing said decoded values comprises: (1) determining a predetermined percentage of a first data cell timing interval as an expected first value timing interval; (2) in response to the next transition of said self clocking signal, determining whether said next transition occurred within said expected first value timing interval or whether said next transition occurred subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (3) establishing a decoded data bit value corresponding to a first value in response to said next transition occurring within said expected first value timing interval; (4) establishing said decoded data bit value corresponding to a second value in response to said next transition occurring subsequent to said expected first value timing interval; (5) determining a second data cell timing interval corresponding to transitions in said self clocking signal corresponding to said decoded data bit value; (6) replacing said first data cell timing interval with said second data cell timing interval; and (7) repeating steps (1) through (6) for subsequent decoded data bit values to establish a plurality of decoded data bit values.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card as recited in claim 74, wherein determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of a subsequent next transition associated with said first value.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card as recited in claim 75, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card as recited in claim 74, wherein determining said second data cell timing interval comprises establishing the end of said second data cell timing interval upon the occurrence of said next transition associated with said second value.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card as recited in claim 77, wherein said second value is a "0" of a two-frequency coherent phase data format.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
57 words
An apparatus for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card as recited in claim 74, wherein said first value is a "1" of a two frequency coherent phase data format and exhibits three transitions of said self clocking signal, and wherein said second value is a "0" and exhibits two transitions of said self clocking signal.
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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) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-05-15 | 1999-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-13 | 2003-05-15 | 2003-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-13 | 2007-05-15 | 2007-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |