Self configuring data card terminal
US5396545A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/084
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A low cost, easily manufacturable, and easy to use card transaction terminal for reading a magnetic stripe on a data card. A two piece case snaps securely together without screws or other fasteners. The case includes printed circuit board supports for receiving and temporarily supporting a single, double sided circuit board. The circuit board includes minimized circuit components, including a microcomputer with integral program read-only memory. An improved data read head sub-assembly facilitates assembly and provides for precise positioning of data read head and substantially parallel biasing of the read head against the magnetic stripe of a data card. Keying features ensure that the read head subassembly is mounted in the proper orientation. An integral strain relief mechanism formed in the two piece case provides strain relief for power cord without additional hardware. An improved 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. An adaptive method is provided for initially configuring and thereafter operating the card transaction terminal, by aff…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.