Multi dimensional read head array
OwnerClay von Muellerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for reading data from a track of a magnetic stripe are provided. According to one implementation, the method provides detecting a magnetic transition on the track by each of a plurality of read mechanisms arranged in a column across the track; determining an epoch for each detection of the transition by the plurality of read mechanisms; and characterizing the magnetic stripe based on the epochs determined for the transition detections. The apparatus can include a plurality of read mechanisms arranged so as to be oriented in a columnar array across the track when the track is moved relative to the array; and detection circuitry coupled to the read mechanisms.
Claims30
A method of reading data from a track of a magnetic stripe, comprising the steps of:
- detecting a magnetic transition on the track by each of a plurality of read mechanisms arranged in a column across the track;
- determining an epoch for each detection of the transition by the plurality of read mechanisms;
- and
- characterizing the magnetic stripe based on the epochs determined for the transition detections.
A device for reading data from a magnetic track, the device comprising:
- a plurality of read mechanisms arranged so as to be oriented in a columnar array across the track when the track is moved relative to the array;
- and
- detection circuitry coupled to the read mechanisms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.