Bar code scanner and method with magnetic and optical readers

A method of scanning a bar code located on a card using a electrically powered card scanner having an electronic imaging component communicating with a processor having memory and software, comprising the steps of:

• taking a first image of a bar code on a card with an electronic imaging component as said card moves along a defined path in a scanner, from an entry point to a termination point;
• employing a magnetic strip detector to detect the presence of a magnetic data strip on said card as said card moves along said defined path;
• activating a means to read data from said magnetic strip if said magnetic strip detector detects the presence of said magnetic strip;
• communicating data read from said magnetic strip by said means to tread data from said magnetic strip to a remote computing device;
• communicating said first image to a processor capable of determining if said first image of said bar code is a complete image from which data may be extracted or an incomplete image;
• having said processor determine if said first image is a complete image or incomplete image;
• if said first image is determined to be said complete image, communicating said first image to a decoder for data extraction therefrom and retransmission to said remote computing device and initiating removal of said card;
• if said processor determines said first image is said incomplete image, initiating removal of said card along said defined path and taking a second image with said electronic imaging component as said card moves from said termination point toward said entry position during said removal;
• once said second image is captured, having said processor determine if said second image is a complete image or incomplete image;
• and
• if said second image is a complete image, communicating said second image to said decoder to extract data therefrom and transmit said data to said remote computing device.

An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica on a side surface of a card, comprising:

• a body;
• a cover dimensioned to cover said body and having a top surface with a slot therein, said slot sized to accommodate a card for insertion therethrough;
• means to read data encoded upon a magnetic strip located in a card engageable slot in said cover;
• a defined path into said body for said card in line with said slot, said defined path starting at said top surface and ending at a termination point;
• an electronic imaging component, said electronic imaging component mounted adjacent to said defined path;
• a first switching means for activating said electronic imaging component when said card is inserted into said slot and thereby capture a first image of indicia on said card;
• a processor communicating with said electronic imaging component, said processor capable of determining if said first image is a complete image or an incomplete image;
• a decoder communicating with said processor, said decoder capable of extracting data from any said complete image when communicated thereto;
• a second switching means to signal said processor said card has reached said termination point;
• and
• means for activating said electronic imaging component when said card is removed along said defined path to capture a second image only if said processor determines said first image is incomplete, whereby said complete image may be achieved and communicated for processing to said decoder from either of said first image, said second image, or combining said first and said second image should said first image or said second image be incomplete.

An improved card scanner for imaging and decoding indica on a side surface of a card, comprising:

• a body;
• a cover dimensioned to cover said body and having a top surface with a slot therein, said slot sized to accommodate a card for insertion therethrough;
• a defined path into said body for said card in line with said slot, said defined path starting at said top surface and ending at a termination point;
• an electronic imaging component, said electronic imaging component mounted adjacent to said defined path;
• a first switching means for activating said electronic imaging component when said card is inserted into said slot and thereby capture a first image of indicia on said card;
• a processor communicating with said electronic imaging component, said processor capable of determining if said first image is a complete image or an incomplete image;
• a decoder communicating with said processor, said decoder capable of extracting data from any said complete image when communicated thereto;
• means to detect the presence of a magnetic strip on said at least one side surface of said card as said card travels in said defined path;
• means to read data encoded upon said magnetic strip when the presence of said magnetic strip is detected;
• a second switching means to signal said processor said card has reached said termination point;
• a slot formed in said cover;
• a second means to read data encoded upon said magnetic strip communicating internally with said slot;
• means for activating said electronic imaging component when said card is removed along said defined path to capture a second image only if said processor determines said first image is incomplete, whereby said complete image may be achieved and communicated for processing to said decoder from either of said first image, said second image, or combining said first and said second image should said first image or said second image be incomplete.