Read head array stitching

摘要

Read head array stitching techniques are described. A card reader includes an array of magnetic sensors (a read head array) for retrieving account information from a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card. The magnetic sensors can be arranged in rows and columns. During a card swipe, each magnetic sensor receives a series of readings. A processor determines relative bit rates for each series of readings. The processor determines which sensor corresponds to which track of the magnetic stripe based on a comparison of the relative bit rates. The processor generates a data stream for at least one track based on portions of readings from each sensor during periods of time the sensor is determined to correspond to the track.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
during a card swipe through a read head, receiving card swipe data from a plurality of magnetic sensors in a sensor matrix in the read head, the magnetic sensors spaced apart along a first axis, wherein the sensor matrix is configured to read a magnetic stripe of a magnetic stripe card, the magnetic stripe having a plurality of tracks spaced apart, wherein during the card swipe, the tracks are spaced apart along the first axis; determining, based on the card swipe data received from the magnetic sensors, which of the magnetic sensors corresponds to at least one of the plurality of tracks during the card swipe, wherein the card swipe data comprises one or more streams of readings from the magnetic sensors, each stream having a corresponding bit rate; and in response, submitting data read from the at least one of the plurality of tracks for further processing of the card swipe.