Identification card printer data encoder module

#The present invention relates to identification card printers and, more particularly, to a magnetic encoding module for use with an identification card printer.

#Identification card printers along with the aid of a computer are typically used to form identification cards by printing an image on a card substrate. The image generally includes a photograph and other information relating to the card holder, such as the card holder's name, employee number, and other information. Such identification cards are used for many purposes, such as driver's licenses, identification badges, etc. The image that is to be printed on the card by the identification card printer is generally formed by combining textual and graphical portions received from host applications running on the computer or from other input devices such as keyboards, scanners, and digital cameras. Data relating to the formatted image is then provided to the printer in the form of a print job. The printer processes the print job by printing the image onto a surface of the card.

#Typical identification card printers include a print mechanism, a transport mechanism, and a card holder. For thermal-based identification card printers, the print mechanism can include a thermal print ribbon having primary colored dye panels and a thermal print head. The thermal print head heats the ribbon and causes dye on the color panels to be released and sublimate into a surface of the card. Alternatively, the identification card printer can be an ink jet printer that includes an ink jet print head having a supply of ink. The transport mechanism is generally configured to transport cards from the card holder to the print mechanism for printing.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of examples of an identification card printer respectively with and without a cover, with which embodiments of the present invention can be used.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an identification card printer with an installed magnetic encoder module in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

#FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively show front and rear perspective views of a magnetic encoder module in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an example of an identification card printer 20 respectively with and without a cover 22, with which embodiments of the present invention can be used. Printer 20 generally includes a print mechanism 24, a transport mechanism 26, a base 28 and a printer controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the components of printer 20. Printer 20 can receive cards for processing from a card cartridge 30 and deliver the cards to print mechanism 24 for printing using transport mechanism 26.

#Print mechanism 24 is depicted as an ink jet printhead having color and black ink jet cartridges 32 and 34, as shown in FIG. 2. Print mechanism 24 can also be a thermal printhead in combination with a thermal print ribbon, or other suitable print mechanism. Print mechanism 24 is generally moved back and forth along rail 36 in a direction that is transverse to the card path along which transport mechanism 26 feeds the cards. Print mechanism 24 prints image lines on cards that are presented in a print position by transport mechanism 26 to form the desired image.

#Once the printing is complete, the printed card can be discharged into a card hopper or other card processing device by an out-feed component 38. One embodiment of out-feed component 38 is a dual pinch feed roller assembly that includes a bottom feed roller 40 and two top guide rollers 42.