Method and device for identifying data supports

摘要

The method of identifying data supports such as credit cards, check cards, identity cards, etc. includes detecting inherent individual features of the cards to derive a random information therefrom. The random information is stored for later comparison with detected information to determine authenticity of the data support. In order to derive the random information in perfectly reproducible manner irrespective of changes of the dimensions of the data support, the individual characterizing features of the data supports are detected within a linear detection zone lying centrally between two opposed lateral edges of the data support. The invention provides an apparatus for perfectly aligning the data supports so that their central lines will always be coincident with the reading path of a detection system in which the data supports are processed.