Registers – Systems controlled by data bearing records
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-20
2001-10-30
Evans, F. L. (Department: 2877)
Registers
Systems controlled by data bearing records
C235S380000, C235S381000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308886
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a system for issuing and processing data-bearing documents and specifically to a system embodied in a terminal for issuing and processing cards or badges bearing human-readable and machine-readable data.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Identification badges bearing human-readable data, such as photographs, text, graphic designs and logos are known. Such badges have been known to be modified in recent years to become identification badges with electronic key card capabilities for entry onto secured premises. Financial transaction cards bearing machine-readable data, such as magnetic-recording, integrated circuits, bar codes, or the like, are also known. Commonly referred to as credit cards, debit cards, and “smart” cards, these financial transaction cards are as popular as they are convenient. However, fraudulent misuse of the cards has risen tremendously in recent years.
Accordingly, it has become desirable to incorporate the advantages of identification badges and financial transaction cards for providing cards/badges bearing both human and machine-readable data, that may be used for identification, merchandising and/or marketing. To that end, credit cards bearing a magnetic stripe for storing magnetic recordings may also bear a photo-image pictorially identifying the owner of the cards. Or, an identification badge bearing visual identifying text may also bear a magnetic stripe or a chip to store machine-readable data, such as a premises entry and exit record.
Although such combination (“hybrid”) cards have their advantages, their production and issuance may be labor and time intensive. Multiple distinct stages or production and development are typically required, each stage employing distinct equipment and skills. While the issuance and processing of such hybrid cards can be accomplished with conventional means, convenience and ease are still wanting, particularly for, but not limited to, issuance and processing in lesser quantities or frequencies. Accordingly, a need exists for a system which issues and/or processes cards bearing both human-readable and machine-readable data without imposing substantial inconvenience and requiring considerable effort.
Moreover, cards or badges are often exposed to damaging elements such as ultra-violet rays, or dirt or debris that cause the cards or badges to deteriorate. In particular, visual indicia on the surface of the cards become so damaged that replacement of the card is necessary.
Accordingly, there exists a demand for a card issuing and processing system embodied in a terminal which incorporates the distinct processes and equipment to enable cards or badges bearing machine-readable and human-readable data to be issued and processed with substantial ease. It is desired that such a terminal be substantially compact and portable and accommodating of most machine-readable, data-bearing cards, such as magnetic-stripe cards or IC cards. It is farther desired that such a terminal adequately prepares the cards for processing, such as by cleaning the surface of the card, and provide a means by which durability of the card surface is increased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a system for processing and/or issuing a card containing machine-readable information. The system is preferably housed in a terminal which includes an insertion port to accept a card from a user. The system further includes a hopper which stores a plurality of blank cards, and includes an opening for dispensing a card from the hopper. The hopper opening and insertion port both lead to a card flipping device, which receives a card and may then rotate and/or advance the card to one of a printing module and card reading/writing module. The card flipping device may rotate through 180°, so that both sides of the card may be printed and/or processed in the card reading/writing module.
Thus, in one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for reprogramming a card containing machine-readable information, comprising the steps of: inserting the card into a terminal via an insertion port; prompting a user to input new data; receiving the data; and transferring the data to the card.
In another illustrative embodiment, the invention is directed to a system for programming a card containing machine-readable information, including: a data transferring module including a first transfer station configured to transfer data to a first type of card, and a second transfer station configured to transfer data to a second type of card; a reversible card advancing device operative to selectively advance a card through the module in opposite directions; and a processor that is programmed to control the card advancing device in a forward direction to pass a card through the first transfer station if a first type of card is inserted, and to control the advancing device to pass a card through the first and second transfer stations if a second type of card is inserted.
In yet another illustrative embodiment, the invention is directed to a system for processing cards, bearing machine-readable data, the system comprising: a housing; an insertion port formed in the housing, with the housing defining plural travel paths leading from the insertion path; a card-writing station disposed along one of the travel paths; a card printing module disposed along another one of the travel paths; a hopper disposed laterally of one of the travel paths, the hopper being designed to store a plurality of blank cards; a card transport mechanism operative to pass a card along the respective travel paths; and a card flipping device positioned within the housing to selectively receive a card from one of the hopper and the insertion port, the card flipping device being rotatable through an angle of at least 180 degrees to allow the card to pass along the respective travel paths.
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Benson Terrence
Fisher Richard
Niu Jiayi
Tayeban Kaveh
Voit William
Christie Parker & Hale LLP
Evans F. L.
Magtek, Inc.
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