Systems and methods for detection mechanisms for magnetic cards and devices

• US 8,573,503 B1
• Filed: 09/25/2012
• Issued: 11/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dynamics Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dynamics Inc.
• Inventors: Cloutier, Bruce, Mullen, Jeffrey D.
• Primary Examiner(s): LaBaze, Edwyn
• Application Number:
  US13/626,792
• Time in Patent Office: 406 Days
• Field of Search: 235/492, 235/449, 235/380, 235/451, 235/493, 235/487, 235/486
• US Class Current: 235/492
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06206 the magnetic marking being emulated

Abstract

A card exhibiting enhanced detection is provided. A plurality of detector shapes that may be associated with a detection system increases detection effectiveness, while reducing adverse effects of detection systems that may be operating within a electromagnetic field environment.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a first device operable to provide a first track of magnetic stripe data to a first read-head of a magnetic stripe reader;

a second device operable to provide a second track of magnetic stripe data to a second read-head of said magnetic stripe reader;

a detector operable to detect a read-head housing of said magnetic stripe reader, wherein said first and second read-heads are provided in said housing and wherein a first portion of said detector that extends over at least a portion of said first and second devices contains less material than a second portion of said detector that does not extend over said first and second devices.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a button, wherein a delay of less than a second is provided from when said button is pressed and electrical energy is provided to said detector.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said material is conductive.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second portions are conductively coupled via said material.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second portions are conductively coupled via a single conductive strip.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said first and second portions are conductively coupled via more than one conductive strip.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said first portion has a square shape.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first portion has a rectangular shape.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said first portion has a circular shape.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said first portion has an elliptical shape.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein said detector has a rectangular shape.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein said detector has an elliptical shape.

13. A device, comprising:

a first device operable to provide a first track of magnetic stripe data to a first read-head of a magnetic stripe reader;

a second device operable to provide a second track of magnetic stripe data to a second read-head of said magnetic stripe reader;

a detector operable to detect a read-head housing of said magnetic stripe reader, wherein said first and second read-heads are provided in said housing and wherein a first portion of said detector that extends over at least a portion of said first and second devices contains less material than a second portion of said detector that does not extend over said first and second devices; and

a processor having a sleep mode, wherein said processor is put to sleep in said sleep mode and awakes from said sleep mode at a particular frequency for a period of time, said frequency being at least several times per second for a plurality of seconds.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein said period of time ends when said detector detects said read-head housing.

15. The device of claim 13, further comprising a button, wherein said period of time begins when said button is activated on said device.

16. The device of claim 13, further comprising a button, wherein a delay of less than a second is provided from when said button is pressed and electrical energy is provided to said detector.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein said material is conductive.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein said first and second portions are conductively coupled via said material.

19. The device of claim 13, wherein said first and second portions are conductively coupled via a single conductive strip.

20. The device of claim 13, wherein said first and second portions are conductively coupled via more than one conductive strip.