Howard J Malan

US Patent:

42950511, Oct 13, 1981

Filed:

May 21, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/040571

Inventors:

Fredy E. Graf - San Diego CA
William M. Mahler - San Diego CA
Howard J. Malan - San Diego CA

Assignee:

General Atomic Company - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G06K 710

US Classification:

250569

Abstract:

An improved optical card reader is disclosed which is adapted for use with processing means for providing on-the-fly decoding of multibit data words from a card that is inserted therein. The card reader has two sets of light emitting means and two sets of light detecting means and the light detecting means are interconnected to provide a single set of outputs to comparators which measure the signal levels and provide distinct digital outputs. Selective energization of the light emitting means provides effective multiplexing of two multibit data words from a single set of outputs.