Hybrid card reader
First Claim
1. A hybrid card reader for data in a magnetic stripe card and in a smart card selectively, including thereon electrodes for making electrical contact thereto, said reader including contacts for engaging said electrodes and means responsive to the presence of a card for providing a first signal for signalling the presence of a smart card to a host controller, said reader also including a latching mechanism responsive to a signal from said host controller for locking said card in position for the duration of a transaction, said host controller being responsive to said first signal for interogating said reader as to the presence of said electrodes and for activating said latch if electrodes are present.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A hybrid reader for smart cards and magnetic stripe cards includes a selective lock mechanism for only smart cards. The mechanism is responsive to the establishment of electrical contacts between the reader and the smart card for activating a latch mechanism. The mechanism is not responsive to the proper seating of a card in the reader or to the presence of only a magnetic stripe card and requires a greater amount of energy to capture a smart card than is required to release the card.
157 Citations
8 Claims
- 1. A hybrid card reader for data in a magnetic stripe card and in a smart card selectively, including thereon electrodes for making electrical contact thereto, said reader including contacts for engaging said electrodes and means responsive to the presence of a card for providing a first signal for signalling the presence of a smart card to a host controller, said reader also including a latching mechanism responsive to a signal from said host controller for locking said card in position for the duration of a transaction, said host controller being responsive to said first signal for interogating said reader as to the presence of said electrodes and for activating said latch if electrodes are present.
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5. A reader as set forth in 1 also including a magnetic read head for reading a magnetic stripe on a card.
Specification