CA2061273A1 - Magnetic stripe reader arrangement - Google Patents
Magnetic stripe reader arrangementInfo
- Publication number
- CA2061273A1 CA2061273A1 CA 2061273 CA2061273A CA2061273A1 CA 2061273 A1 CA2061273 A1 CA 2061273A1 CA 2061273 CA2061273 CA 2061273 CA 2061273 A CA2061273 A CA 2061273A CA 2061273 A1 CA2061273 A1 CA 2061273A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- card
- magnetic stripe
- slot
- arrangement
- base
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000282339 Mustela Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000011111 cardboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A reading head mounting arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card. Preferably, the base has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot. Accuracy in positioning the strip fox movement past the magnetic head is predetermined during the manufacture of the mounting arrangement. The arrangement is used for mounting of a magnetic read head which may then be utilized in a terminal for providing authorization by a card issuer of the use of the card.
A reading head mounting arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card. Preferably, the base has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot. Accuracy in positioning the strip fox movement past the magnetic head is predetermined during the manufacture of the mounting arrangement. The arrangement is used for mounting of a magnetic read head which may then be utilized in a terminal for providing authorization by a card issuer of the use of the card.
Description
206~7~
MAGNETIC STRIPE READER ARRANGEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTIQN
The present invention relates to an arrangement for mounting of a read head for reading and/or writing of information on a stripe attached to a card. In particular, the invention relates to an arrangement for accurately supporting a magnetic stripe read head for reading information on a magnetic stripe attachecl to a card as the card is slid past the head in a terminal for such cards.
BACKGROUN~ OF T~E INV~EION
In recent years, the use of cards having information encoded in a magnetic stripe attached to the card has increased quite dramatically. Such cards include credit cards, debit cards, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, proprietary gas company and retail outlet cards, health cards, discount cards, fre~uent shopper cards, transit passes, etc and may be made of many common materials such as paperboard, cardboard or plastic. One of the most common uses of magnetic stripe encoded information is with respect to credit cards for purchases of goods and services. The term "card" as used in this specification refers to any suitable substrate for rec~iving a magnetic stripe or other readable strip.
In order to provide for security of the use of the credit card, most credit card issuers reqwire that a merchant obtain authorization of the purchase from the credit card issuer if the purchase exceeds a certain value.
This was traditionally accomplished by the merchant telephoning the credit card issuer and an operator at the office of the issuer inputting information regarding the credit card account, merchant account and value of the purchase into the credit card issuer's computer to generate an authorization number which was then verbally transmitted to the merchant With the dramatic increase in credit card usage, the manual approval process had become extremely .
` ' -' . . . :
MAGNETIC STRIPE READER ARRANGEMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTIQN
The present invention relates to an arrangement for mounting of a read head for reading and/or writing of information on a stripe attached to a card. In particular, the invention relates to an arrangement for accurately supporting a magnetic stripe read head for reading information on a magnetic stripe attachecl to a card as the card is slid past the head in a terminal for such cards.
BACKGROUN~ OF T~E INV~EION
In recent years, the use of cards having information encoded in a magnetic stripe attached to the card has increased quite dramatically. Such cards include credit cards, debit cards, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, proprietary gas company and retail outlet cards, health cards, discount cards, fre~uent shopper cards, transit passes, etc and may be made of many common materials such as paperboard, cardboard or plastic. One of the most common uses of magnetic stripe encoded information is with respect to credit cards for purchases of goods and services. The term "card" as used in this specification refers to any suitable substrate for rec~iving a magnetic stripe or other readable strip.
In order to provide for security of the use of the credit card, most credit card issuers reqwire that a merchant obtain authorization of the purchase from the credit card issuer if the purchase exceeds a certain value.
This was traditionally accomplished by the merchant telephoning the credit card issuer and an operator at the office of the issuer inputting information regarding the credit card account, merchant account and value of the purchase into the credit card issuer's computer to generate an authorization number which was then verbally transmitted to the merchant With the dramatic increase in credit card usage, the manual approval process had become extremely .
` ' -' . . . :
2~2~3 costly in terms of employee time to the merchant and more particularly, the credit card issuer.
For a number of years now a number of cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, proprietary gas company and retail outlet cards, etc. have been issued with information regarding the card holder and the accounts accessible with the card recorded on a magnetic stripe attached to the card in accordance with Xnternational Standard ISO 7811. By utilizing the information recorded on the magnetic stripe, the approval process has been automated through the use of terminals such as point-of-sale terminals. Such point-of-sale terminals are generally pre-programmed with the merchant information, provide means for entry of the purchase amount, and have means for reading the card account information from the magnetic stripe on the card. The point-of-sale terminals are connected directly to the card issuers' computers over the telephone lines and provide a more rapid authorization of the purchase, thereby providing time saving for both the merchant and the card issuer.
In accordance with ISO Standard 7~11, the relevant information is recorded in 2 or 3 tracks on the magnetic stripe, each of the tracks being 0.11 inches wide with a separation between tracks of 0.02 inches. Thus, in order to have proper entry of the information recorded on the magnetic stripe into a terminal, it is critical that proper registration of the magnetic stripe with the reading head of the terminal be accomplished. At the present time, with the current designs of the terminals and the magnetic stripe reader, this proper registration is not always accomplished, errors in entry may be made and the process of reading the card and inputting the information must be repeated thereby defeating in part the time saving offered by the automatic approval process.
The placement of the magnetic stripe relative to the base of the card is controlled accurately during the manufacture of the cards. Existing card readers often have :' ' ', , . , -~
.
.
.. ' ~el2~3 a molded plastic guide track and it is difficult to maintain tight tolerances and the mounting of the magnetic read head can vary.
There remains a need for a more effective card reading arrangement.
SUMMARY O~ THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a reading head mounting arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for a magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a slde thereof an upright mounting metnber for mounting of a magnetic stripe reading head in proper spaced relatlonship from the top surface of the base for reading oE a magnetic stripe attached to a card~
According to an aspect of the invention, the base further has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot and that the base is above the plastic guide of the terminal whereby the positioning of the stripe is ensured.
In an aspect of the invention there is provided a magnetic stripe reader arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof upright mounting members having mounted thereon a magnetic . ' ' ~ .
. . . .
,. ' ' . ' ~ . ~ , , ~0~273 W~/JJ-8420A-91 - ~ -stripe reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a magnetic stripe attached to a card. The base fur~her has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide card on and off ramps. When the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a card past the magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the -terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot and ensures the arrangement is the structure determining the relative position of the stripe and the magnetic read head.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a card authorization terminal for providing authorization by the issuer of the use of the card. The terminal comprises a case having mounted therein the circuitry for communicating with a card issuer's computer, entry keys for manual entry of information, a disp:Lay area for display of alphanumeric instructions and information, and a slot for passage of a card. The slot contains a magnetic stripe reading head for reading of information recorded on a magnetic stripe attached to the card, the magnetic stripe reading head being mounted on a mounting arrangement. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface which forms at least a portion of the bottom of the slot, the top surface of the base being at a higher elevation than the remainder of the bottom of the slot.
The base preferably has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps when a card is slid through the slot and over the base. The magnetic stripe reading head is mounted in proper spaced relationship from khe top surface of the base on an upright mounting member or members extending from a side of the base.
. ~ ,.. , : .
.
., , , , :
' ' ': . ' . ' ' '- ' . ' . ' ~ . . . . .. . .. . . . . . .
: ~ , , . ' ' ' ,' ' , ' ' " : ' .
.
, :~
2~ 273 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING~
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a point-of-sale terminal incorporating a magnetic stripe readerarrangement of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the terminal of Figure 1 illustrating its use during reading of a credit card;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the case of the terminal of Figure 1 showing the magnetic stripe reader arrangement about to be secured in the terminal;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view in cross section of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 4 at~ached to the case;
Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure ~;
Figure 7 is a top planar view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 4; and Figure 8 is a top planar view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 4 during the passage of a credit card over the magnetic read head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 illustrates a point-of-sale terminal for use in approval of credit card transactions or debit card generally indicated by the numeral 10. The terminal 10 is generally contained in a plastic case having a case top 12 and a case bottom 14. The terminal 10 is provided with a slot 16 through which a credit card is slid for : reading of credit card information contained on a magnetic stripe as will be described herein below. The terminal 10 also includes a number of keys which include numeric entry keys 18 and various function ke~s 20 for entry of .. . .
2~6~73 WH/JJ-8420~-91 - 6 -information such as the value of the purchase, transaction type, or to respond to an inquiry given by the credit card issuer's computer. The case top 12 also has a display window 22 through which alphanumeric information is displayed utilizing liquid crystal diodes or light emitting diodes~
The operation of the terminal 10 is illustrated in Figure 2 where, as the customer makes a purchase, the customer's credit card 24 is inse~ted into slot 16 and slid therealong. The movement of the card through the length of the slot moves the magnetic stripe of the credit card directly past a magnetic read head of the termlnal whereby information of any track of the stripe is read. The arrangement allows the card to be slid in either direction -in the length of the slot. The information on the magnetic stripe is stored in accordance with International Standard ISO 7811. In response to the various prompts provided by the credit card issuer's computer and displayed in display window 22, the user of the terminal 10 enters the information requested by the numeric keys 18 and/or the function keys 20.
Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the point-of-sale terminal case and in particular, the magnetic stripe reader arrangement 26. The terminal is contained in the case ha~ing a top 12 and a bottom 14.
Shown in the top 12 is the display window 22 for the display area and the underside of the key pad circuit board 28. The circuit ~oard for the logic circuits and the telecommunications circuit necessary for communicating with the credit card issuer's computer are not shown in the figure but would be mounted in the case below the key pad circuit board 28. The magnetic stripe reader arra~gement 26 is one piece and includes a base 30 which the guide sur~ace which locates a credit card relative to me read head as the card is passed through slot 16. The base 30 has two upright mounting members 50 extending upwardly from the base and provided with mounting plns 42 in proper :
.
' ' , ~ . ' , ..... . .
. .
' - ~ , . . .
2~2~3 spaced relationship from the top surface of the base 30 to provide for accurate registration of the magnetic head 34 relative to base 30. For proper positioning of the base 30 relative to the slot 16, the base 30 is provided with upright members 46 which overlay the portions of the case forming the walls of the slot 16. The slot 16 is open at the bottom thereof to ~llow the magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement 26 to be inserted from below, project above the portions of the slot 16 either side thereof, and be secured by screws 32.
As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic read head 34 has attached thereto a flexible mounting bracket 38 which will provide a resilient mount arrangement for the magnetic head 34. The flexible mounting bracket is permanently secured to the head 34 and comes as an assembled unit.
Mounting members 50 project above the base 30, with each of the mounting members 50 having a mounting pin 42. The position of the mounting pins 42 above the base 30 forming the track of the credit card is accurately determined. The flexible mounting bracket 3~ has holes 40 for cooperating with pins 42. One of the holes 40 may be elongated in shape to compensate for slight differences in spacing of the pins and to allow flexing of the mounting bracket 38 caused as a card is moved through the arrangement. The top 2S casing 12 includes a slot 62 in one side of the passageway 16 to allow mounting of the head once it has been secured within the mounting arrangement 26. The ports 40, provided in the Plexible b.racket 38, in combination with the pins 42 form a gimbal type mount and accurately position the multiple tracks 36 of the head 34 from the base 30. Data read by the magnetic head 34 is transferred via wires 44 to the circuitry of the point-of-sale terminal.
The mounting arrangement 26 is of a single piece of metal which can be accurately manufactured to predetermined precise positioning of the magnetic head 34 relative to the base 30. The top casing 12 can be molded to generally define the passage slot 16 which is open on :.
~1273 the bottom surface to allow the base immediately below and either side of the magnetic head 34 to project into the slot and, thus, accurately define the portion of the slot that is used to position the credit card relative to the magnetic head 34. The on/off ramps 56 and 58 also partially project above what is the base of the slot 16, illustrated as 61 in Figure 6. The arrangement 26 also ..
includes a tab 46 which on one side thereof, which in combination with opposed members 47 on the other side of the base 30, engage the outer walls of the passage 16 in the molded case. This, again, simplifies arrangement by having these members engage either side of the passage 16.
From the above, it can be appreciated that the accuracy on the upper cover 12, particularly with respect to passage 16, is not critical, as this member is adapted to receive a precision component which can be separately manufactured and when inserted i.n the case, predet:ermines the accurate relationship of the magnetic head 3~ and the base 30 along which a credit card is moved. The construction of the top casing 12 is also simplified, as wear within the guide slot is no longer a problem and it has been found that with the a~rangement as disclosed, advantages with respect to precision of the product, ease of assembly of the product and longevity of the product are realized.
Figure 5 illustrates the magnetic stripe arrangement mounted in the case of the terminal. The wall 52 of the case top 12 forming the slot 16 is provided with a cut out 54 for passage of the magnetic head 3~ during installation of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement 26 into the case top 12. When the magnetic stripe reader arrangement 26 is mounted in the case 12, the base 30 has downwardly projecting portions 56 and 58 at either end which provide for an on and off ramp respectively when the card .is slid through the slot 16. The on and off ramps 56 and 58 force a change in ele~ation of the card during the passage of the card through the slot 16 and thereby .
.. , : .
20~1273 provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback of the proper registra-tion of the card relative to the slot to provide for proper alignment of the magnetic stripe on the card with the magnetic heads mounted in the slot. The on/off ramps provide a smooth transition from the passage 16, defined by the top cover 12, to the base 30, defined by arrangement 26. Note that a portion of the ramps remain below the slot in the bottom of the casing.
As shown in Figure 7 and 8, the flexible mounting bracket 38 spring biases the head 34 past the center line of the slot 16. When the credit card 24 is slid through the slot 16, the head 34 is moved against the bias by the card to allow the card to pass by the head. In this way, the contact between the head 34 and the magnetic stripe of the card 24 is increased, reducing the incidence of false reading of the information contained on the magnetic stripe.
While the above description relates to a pre~erred embodiment of the invention for use with credit cards having the information stored in a magnetic stripe attached to the card in accordance with International Standard ISO 7811, it will be readily appreciated that the invention i9 useful with other types of cards. For example the invention is easily adaptable for use with other types of cards such as dabit cards, AT~ cards, proprietary gas company and retail outlet cards, health cards, discount cards, frequent shopper cards, transit passes, etc. In addition the invention is easily adaptable for use with any other existing or yet to be implemented standard which may be prescribed for such cards. Also the invention is easily adaptable to technologies for reading of stored information other than through the use of magnetic stripes, for example, optical based technologies utilizing lasers etc.
Although various preferred e~bodiments of tha present invention have been described harein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the 2 7 ~
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
";
'.' ' ' '' ~ . ' ~. . :
'. ' . ' : ' . . ' . . : . . '. , , .
For a number of years now a number of cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, proprietary gas company and retail outlet cards, etc. have been issued with information regarding the card holder and the accounts accessible with the card recorded on a magnetic stripe attached to the card in accordance with Xnternational Standard ISO 7811. By utilizing the information recorded on the magnetic stripe, the approval process has been automated through the use of terminals such as point-of-sale terminals. Such point-of-sale terminals are generally pre-programmed with the merchant information, provide means for entry of the purchase amount, and have means for reading the card account information from the magnetic stripe on the card. The point-of-sale terminals are connected directly to the card issuers' computers over the telephone lines and provide a more rapid authorization of the purchase, thereby providing time saving for both the merchant and the card issuer.
In accordance with ISO Standard 7~11, the relevant information is recorded in 2 or 3 tracks on the magnetic stripe, each of the tracks being 0.11 inches wide with a separation between tracks of 0.02 inches. Thus, in order to have proper entry of the information recorded on the magnetic stripe into a terminal, it is critical that proper registration of the magnetic stripe with the reading head of the terminal be accomplished. At the present time, with the current designs of the terminals and the magnetic stripe reader, this proper registration is not always accomplished, errors in entry may be made and the process of reading the card and inputting the information must be repeated thereby defeating in part the time saving offered by the automatic approval process.
The placement of the magnetic stripe relative to the base of the card is controlled accurately during the manufacture of the cards. Existing card readers often have :' ' ', , . , -~
.
.
.. ' ~el2~3 a molded plastic guide track and it is difficult to maintain tight tolerances and the mounting of the magnetic read head can vary.
There remains a need for a more effective card reading arrangement.
SUMMARY O~ THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a reading head mounting arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for a magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a slde thereof an upright mounting metnber for mounting of a magnetic stripe reading head in proper spaced relatlonship from the top surface of the base for reading oE a magnetic stripe attached to a card~
According to an aspect of the invention, the base further has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot and that the base is above the plastic guide of the terminal whereby the positioning of the stripe is ensured.
In an aspect of the invention there is provided a magnetic stripe reader arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof upright mounting members having mounted thereon a magnetic . ' ' ~ .
. . . .
,. ' ' . ' ~ . ~ , , ~0~273 W~/JJ-8420A-91 - ~ -stripe reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a magnetic stripe attached to a card. The base fur~her has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide card on and off ramps. When the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a card past the magnetic stripe reading head, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the -terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot and ensures the arrangement is the structure determining the relative position of the stripe and the magnetic read head.
In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a card authorization terminal for providing authorization by the issuer of the use of the card. The terminal comprises a case having mounted therein the circuitry for communicating with a card issuer's computer, entry keys for manual entry of information, a disp:Lay area for display of alphanumeric instructions and information, and a slot for passage of a card. The slot contains a magnetic stripe reading head for reading of information recorded on a magnetic stripe attached to the card, the magnetic stripe reading head being mounted on a mounting arrangement. The arrangement comprises a base having a top surface which forms at least a portion of the bottom of the slot, the top surface of the base being at a higher elevation than the remainder of the bottom of the slot.
The base preferably has downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps when a card is slid through the slot and over the base. The magnetic stripe reading head is mounted in proper spaced relationship from khe top surface of the base on an upright mounting member or members extending from a side of the base.
. ~ ,.. , : .
.
., , , , :
' ' ': . ' . ' ' '- ' . ' . ' ~ . . . . .. . .. . . . . . .
: ~ , , . ' ' ' ,' ' , ' ' " : ' .
.
, :~
2~ 273 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING~
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a point-of-sale terminal incorporating a magnetic stripe readerarrangement of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the terminal of Figure 1 illustrating its use during reading of a credit card;
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the case of the terminal of Figure 1 showing the magnetic stripe reader arrangement about to be secured in the terminal;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a perspective view in cross section of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 4 at~ached to the case;
Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure ~;
Figure 7 is a top planar view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 4; and Figure 8 is a top planar view of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement of Figure 4 during the passage of a credit card over the magnetic read head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 illustrates a point-of-sale terminal for use in approval of credit card transactions or debit card generally indicated by the numeral 10. The terminal 10 is generally contained in a plastic case having a case top 12 and a case bottom 14. The terminal 10 is provided with a slot 16 through which a credit card is slid for : reading of credit card information contained on a magnetic stripe as will be described herein below. The terminal 10 also includes a number of keys which include numeric entry keys 18 and various function ke~s 20 for entry of .. . .
2~6~73 WH/JJ-8420~-91 - 6 -information such as the value of the purchase, transaction type, or to respond to an inquiry given by the credit card issuer's computer. The case top 12 also has a display window 22 through which alphanumeric information is displayed utilizing liquid crystal diodes or light emitting diodes~
The operation of the terminal 10 is illustrated in Figure 2 where, as the customer makes a purchase, the customer's credit card 24 is inse~ted into slot 16 and slid therealong. The movement of the card through the length of the slot moves the magnetic stripe of the credit card directly past a magnetic read head of the termlnal whereby information of any track of the stripe is read. The arrangement allows the card to be slid in either direction -in the length of the slot. The information on the magnetic stripe is stored in accordance with International Standard ISO 7811. In response to the various prompts provided by the credit card issuer's computer and displayed in display window 22, the user of the terminal 10 enters the information requested by the numeric keys 18 and/or the function keys 20.
Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the point-of-sale terminal case and in particular, the magnetic stripe reader arrangement 26. The terminal is contained in the case ha~ing a top 12 and a bottom 14.
Shown in the top 12 is the display window 22 for the display area and the underside of the key pad circuit board 28. The circuit ~oard for the logic circuits and the telecommunications circuit necessary for communicating with the credit card issuer's computer are not shown in the figure but would be mounted in the case below the key pad circuit board 28. The magnetic stripe reader arra~gement 26 is one piece and includes a base 30 which the guide sur~ace which locates a credit card relative to me read head as the card is passed through slot 16. The base 30 has two upright mounting members 50 extending upwardly from the base and provided with mounting plns 42 in proper :
.
' ' , ~ . ' , ..... . .
. .
' - ~ , . . .
2~2~3 spaced relationship from the top surface of the base 30 to provide for accurate registration of the magnetic head 34 relative to base 30. For proper positioning of the base 30 relative to the slot 16, the base 30 is provided with upright members 46 which overlay the portions of the case forming the walls of the slot 16. The slot 16 is open at the bottom thereof to ~llow the magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement 26 to be inserted from below, project above the portions of the slot 16 either side thereof, and be secured by screws 32.
As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic read head 34 has attached thereto a flexible mounting bracket 38 which will provide a resilient mount arrangement for the magnetic head 34. The flexible mounting bracket is permanently secured to the head 34 and comes as an assembled unit.
Mounting members 50 project above the base 30, with each of the mounting members 50 having a mounting pin 42. The position of the mounting pins 42 above the base 30 forming the track of the credit card is accurately determined. The flexible mounting bracket 3~ has holes 40 for cooperating with pins 42. One of the holes 40 may be elongated in shape to compensate for slight differences in spacing of the pins and to allow flexing of the mounting bracket 38 caused as a card is moved through the arrangement. The top 2S casing 12 includes a slot 62 in one side of the passageway 16 to allow mounting of the head once it has been secured within the mounting arrangement 26. The ports 40, provided in the Plexible b.racket 38, in combination with the pins 42 form a gimbal type mount and accurately position the multiple tracks 36 of the head 34 from the base 30. Data read by the magnetic head 34 is transferred via wires 44 to the circuitry of the point-of-sale terminal.
The mounting arrangement 26 is of a single piece of metal which can be accurately manufactured to predetermined precise positioning of the magnetic head 34 relative to the base 30. The top casing 12 can be molded to generally define the passage slot 16 which is open on :.
~1273 the bottom surface to allow the base immediately below and either side of the magnetic head 34 to project into the slot and, thus, accurately define the portion of the slot that is used to position the credit card relative to the magnetic head 34. The on/off ramps 56 and 58 also partially project above what is the base of the slot 16, illustrated as 61 in Figure 6. The arrangement 26 also ..
includes a tab 46 which on one side thereof, which in combination with opposed members 47 on the other side of the base 30, engage the outer walls of the passage 16 in the molded case. This, again, simplifies arrangement by having these members engage either side of the passage 16.
From the above, it can be appreciated that the accuracy on the upper cover 12, particularly with respect to passage 16, is not critical, as this member is adapted to receive a precision component which can be separately manufactured and when inserted i.n the case, predet:ermines the accurate relationship of the magnetic head 3~ and the base 30 along which a credit card is moved. The construction of the top casing 12 is also simplified, as wear within the guide slot is no longer a problem and it has been found that with the a~rangement as disclosed, advantages with respect to precision of the product, ease of assembly of the product and longevity of the product are realized.
Figure 5 illustrates the magnetic stripe arrangement mounted in the case of the terminal. The wall 52 of the case top 12 forming the slot 16 is provided with a cut out 54 for passage of the magnetic head 3~ during installation of the magnetic stripe reader arrangement 26 into the case top 12. When the magnetic stripe reader arrangement 26 is mounted in the case 12, the base 30 has downwardly projecting portions 56 and 58 at either end which provide for an on and off ramp respectively when the card .is slid through the slot 16. The on and off ramps 56 and 58 force a change in ele~ation of the card during the passage of the card through the slot 16 and thereby .
.. , : .
20~1273 provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback of the proper registra-tion of the card relative to the slot to provide for proper alignment of the magnetic stripe on the card with the magnetic heads mounted in the slot. The on/off ramps provide a smooth transition from the passage 16, defined by the top cover 12, to the base 30, defined by arrangement 26. Note that a portion of the ramps remain below the slot in the bottom of the casing.
As shown in Figure 7 and 8, the flexible mounting bracket 38 spring biases the head 34 past the center line of the slot 16. When the credit card 24 is slid through the slot 16, the head 34 is moved against the bias by the card to allow the card to pass by the head. In this way, the contact between the head 34 and the magnetic stripe of the card 24 is increased, reducing the incidence of false reading of the information contained on the magnetic stripe.
While the above description relates to a pre~erred embodiment of the invention for use with credit cards having the information stored in a magnetic stripe attached to the card in accordance with International Standard ISO 7811, it will be readily appreciated that the invention i9 useful with other types of cards. For example the invention is easily adaptable for use with other types of cards such as dabit cards, AT~ cards, proprietary gas company and retail outlet cards, health cards, discount cards, frequent shopper cards, transit passes, etc. In addition the invention is easily adaptable for use with any other existing or yet to be implemented standard which may be prescribed for such cards. Also the invention is easily adaptable to technologies for reading of stored information other than through the use of magnetic stripes, for example, optical based technologies utilizing lasers etc.
Although various preferred e~bodiments of tha present invention have been described harein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the 2 7 ~
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
";
'.' ' ' '' ~ . ' ~. . :
'. ' . ' : ' . . ' . . : . . '. , , .
Claims (24)
1. A reading head mounting arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof an upright mounting member for mounting of a reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a information containing stripe attached to a card, the mounting member including means for accurately supporting the reading head either side thereof.
2. A reading head mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein said reading head is a magnetic reading head and said information containing stripe is a magnetic stripe.
3. A reading head mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mounting member comprises two members spaced by the reading head.
4. A reading head mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2 including downwardly projecting portions at either end of said base to provide on and off ramps for a credit card being slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a slot for passage of a credit card past a magnetic stripe reading head, the positive change in elevation resulting from the base being above the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in -the slot.
5. A reading head mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the mounting arrangement is for mounting of a magnetic stripe read head in proper space relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a magnetic stripe attached to the card in accordance with International Standard ISO 7811.
6. A reading head mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arrangement is constructed of metal and is a single piece.
7. A reading head mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein the arrangement further includes upright members either side of the base for proper positioning of the arrangement in a slot of a terminal.
8. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement comprising a base having a top surface and extending from a side thereof upright mounting members having mounted thereon a magnetic stripe reading head in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base for reading of a magnetic stripe attached to a card, the base further having downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps when a card is slid over the base, whereby when the arrangement is installed in a magnetic stripe reading terminal having a longitudinally extending slot for passage of a card past the magnetic stripe reading head which slot is open at the bottom to allow said base to extend therethrough, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot.
9. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement as claimed in claim 8 wherein the arrangement is of metal and of fixed shape.
10. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement as claimed in claim 9 wherein the arrangement further includes upright locating members at either side of said base for positioning of the arrangement in the longitudinally extending slot of the terminal.
11. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement as claimed in claim 10 wherein the magnetic stripe read head is mounted to be spring biased on the upright mounting members.
12. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement as claimed in claim 11 wherein the upright mounting members are provided with gimbal type mounting pins for mounting of magnetic stripe read head.
13. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement as claimed in claim 12 wherein the magnetic stripe read head is provided with a flexible mounting bracket having holes therein for positioning over the pins on the upright mounting members.
14. A magnetic stripe reader arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein the magnetic stripe has been attached to the card in accordance with International Standard ISO
7811.
7811.
15. A card authorization terminal for providing authorization by the issuer of the card of the use of the card, the terminal comprising a case having mounted therein the circuitry for communicating with a card issuer's computer, entry keys for manual entry of information, a display area for display of alphanumeric instructions and information, and a slot for passage of a card, the slot containing a magnetic stripe reading head for reading of information recorded on a magnetic stripe attached to the card, the magnetic stripe reading head being mounted on a magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement comprising a base having a top surface which forms at least a portion of the bottom of the slot, the top surface of the base being at a higher elevation than the remainder of the bottom of the slot, the base further having downwardly projecting portions at either end thereof to provide on and off ramps when a card is slid through the slot and over the base, and the magnetic stripe reading head mounted in proper spaced relationship from the top surface of the base on upright mounting members extending from a side of the base, whereby when the card is slid through the slot, the change in elevation of the base relative to the remainder of the bottom of the slot provides a user of the terminal with positive feedback that the card is properly positioned in the slot for reading of the information recorded on the magnetic stripe.
16. A card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 15 wherein the magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement is constructed of metal.
17. A card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 16 wherein the magnetic stripe reading head mounting arrangement further includes upright members at either side thereof for proper positioning of the arrangement in the slot of the terminal.
18. A card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 17 wherein the magnetic stripe read head is biasly mounted on the upright mounting members.
19. A card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 18 wherein the upright mounting members are provided with mounting pins for mounting of the magnetic stripe read head.
20. A card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 19 wherein the magnetic stripe read head is provided with a flexible mounting bracket having holes therein for positioning over the pins on the upright mounting members.
21. A card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 20 wherein the magnetic stripe has been attached to the card in accordance with International Standard ISO
7811.
7811.
22. In a card authorization terminal having a plastic casing with a slot guide therein through which a card is slid for reading of information coded on a stripe attached to the card, the improvement comprising the slot being open on the bottom and along one side for receiving a preformed read head mounting arrangement and a reading head from below said slot, said reading head mounting arrangement having a base positioned above what would otherwise be the bottom of the slot and acting as a bottom support and stabilizing member for a card slid through the slot, said mounting arrangement accurately supporting said reading head a predetermined distance above said base whereby errors caused by inaccurate positioning of the head relative to a stripe mounted on a card in a predetermined manner are avoided.
23. In a card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 22 wherein the plastic casing forms the sidewalls to contact opposed faces of a card and said mounting arrangement forms the bottom support surface of the slot over the portion of the slot required to accurately read the card.
24. In a card authorization terminal as claimed in claim 23 wherein said mounting arrangement includes downwardly extending on and off ramps providing a transition from the slot defined by the plastic casing and the bottom of the slot defined by said base.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2061273 CA2061273A1 (en) | 1992-02-14 | 1992-02-14 | Magnetic stripe reader arrangement |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2061273 CA2061273A1 (en) | 1992-02-14 | 1992-02-14 | Magnetic stripe reader arrangement |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2061273A1 true CA2061273A1 (en) | 1993-08-15 |
Family
ID=4149263
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2061273 Abandoned CA2061273A1 (en) | 1992-02-14 | 1992-02-14 | Magnetic stripe reader arrangement |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2061273A1 (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-02-14 CA CA 2061273 patent/CA2061273A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5321243A (en) | Card reader apparatus with read head mounting structure and card guide | |
| US5266789A (en) | Card reader apparatus with replacable card guide | |
| US6648225B2 (en) | Optical reader with combined housing and light pipe | |
| CA1162645A (en) | Ocr/variable head slot reader | |
| US5128524A (en) | Data carrier reader apparatus for selective data track reading | |
| US4838383A (en) | Apparatus for checking out purchases | |
| US5164576A (en) | Card reader apparatus with replacable card guide | |
| US5180905A (en) | Card reader apparatus with replaceable card guide | |
| US20060006225A1 (en) | Secure card package for transaction cards and method of activating the same | |
| EP0256086B1 (en) | Data terminal and method for identifying authorized operation thereof | |
| US5284253A (en) | Stacker for electronic payment system key pads | |
| US5256867A (en) | Card reader apparatus | |
| US5289923A (en) | Stacker for electronic payment system key pad and printer | |
| US4840344A (en) | Terminal provided with a printer | |
| US4757448A (en) | Electronic cash register | |
| US5105073A (en) | Credit card reader extender | |
| CA2061273A1 (en) | Magnetic stripe reader arrangement | |
| US5426285A (en) | Modular card read/write apparatus | |
| US6254004B1 (en) | Terminal unit in which waterproof effect is improved | |
| US6271985B1 (en) | Flanged cover for a low profile magnetic disk apparatus | |
| WO1993013498A1 (en) | Card reader apparatus | |
| US7021544B1 (en) | Checkout device including scan pattern-shifting element | |
| JP2687158B2 (en) | Card display method | |
| GB2369500A (en) | Terminal unit with waterproof mounting | |
| JP2713824B2 (en) | Magnetic card scanning device |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |