GB1329482A - Data reading and transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

1329482 Transmitting coded (e.g. credit) card data AMP CORP 19 April 1971 [27 April 1970] 26185/71 Heading G4T A data reading and transmission system, intended for reading coded cards such as credit cards, includes a central data storage station and a plurality of satellite reading stations each connected to the central station by a transmission line 0 and each comprising data readers 2, 6, a scanner 15, a transmitter 21 and a signal receiver 19, this latter being energized by a multiplexer (51), Fig. 2 (not shown), of the central data storage station which scans transmission lines 0 to actuate transmission of data to the central station if a "start of message" signal is being applied to line 0 by transmitter 21. In a typical operation, a card is inserted in reader 2 while scanner 15 is in its home position H. Correct insertion illuminates a lamp 4 and an inlet of AND gate 1 is energized. A second card and invoice are inserted in reader 6, which includes imprinting mechanism, to energize one inlet of AND gate 7 and a button 40 is pressed to energize the other inlet of gate 7 via gate 1. Gate 7 now activates reader 6, which also imprints the invoice if the second card is found to be in order, via a control device 8 and a non- inhibit inlet of INHIBIT gate 9 is energized. Since the other non-inhibit inlet of gate 9 is energized by the scanner in its home position H, a signal is received by scanner control device 11 from gate 9 via OR gate 10 to move the scanner to its wait position W. In this position transmitter 21 is energized to apply a "start of message" signal to line 0. When line 0 is scanned by multiplexer (51) it is momentarily shortcircuited, receiver 19 is energized, bi-stable device 20 is set to its "1" condition and a signal passes via AND gate 12 and OR gate 10 to control 11 to cause scanner 15 to scan data from readers, 2, 6 and registers 22-25, which registers include a debit or credit register 24 and an "end of message" register 25. Signals corresponding to the data pass to line 0 via a decoder 18, oscillator 17 and buffer amplifier, 16. When scanner 15 reaches its reset position R the system is recyled to its starting condition with partial ejection of the first card from reader 2 and resetting of bi-stable device 20. In alternative modes of operation, data may be set up on a switch 36 instead of using a card in reader 6 or a card may be used in reader 6, but not in reader 2. Credit may be entered directly into register 24 by depressing button 41.