GB2245735A - Card reader - Google Patents

Card reader Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2245735A
GB2245735A GB9105062A GB9105062A GB2245735A GB 2245735 A GB2245735 A GB 2245735A GB 9105062 A GB9105062 A GB 9105062A GB 9105062 A GB9105062 A GB 9105062A GB 2245735 A GB2245735 A GB 2245735A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
card
data
card reader
reader
stripe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9105062A
Other versions
GB2245735B (en
GB9105062D0 (en
Inventor
Kenneth Payne
Trevor Walter Palmer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Landis and Gyr Ltd
Original Assignee
Ampy Automotion Digilog Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ampy Automotion Digilog Ltd filed Critical Ampy Automotion Digilog Ltd
Publication of GB9105062D0 publication Critical patent/GB9105062D0/en
Publication of GB2245735A publication Critical patent/GB2245735A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2245735B publication Critical patent/GB2245735B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/08—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
    • G06K19/10—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards
    • G06K19/12—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means at least one kind of marking being used for authentication, e.g. of credit or identity cards the marking being sensed by magnetic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/343—Cards including a counter
    • G06Q20/3437—Cards including a counter the counter having non-monetary units, e.g. trips
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A card reader reads a card bearing a magnetic data stripe (38) and metallic stripes (40), and has card validation devices (48, 49), a reading head (44) and an erase coil, one of the card validation devices (48) also being used for card marking. An inserted card is verified, and during withdrawal of the card the data on the magnetic stripe (38) is erased and a burn mark is applied to one of the metallic stripes (40) to show that the card has been used. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Card Reader Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to card readers and in particular to a reader for reading a card having a stripe of magnetic material in which data is stored. An example of a card to which the invention is applicable ia s prepayment card for a consumable utility such as electricity.
Background to the Invention Hitherto, readers for reading a card, verifying data carried thereby and erasing the date when verified have incorporated card handling devices. It is an object of this invention to provide a card reader which is manually operable.
The Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reading a card bearing a stripe of magnetically stored data, according to which the card is manually inserted into a card reader, the data is read during insertion of the card, the data is checked for validity and acceptance and, if no valid data is found, any response is inhibited to allow the card to be manually removed, whilst if valid data is found and accepted, then the data is erased and the card is visibly marked to show that it has been used.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a card reader for reading a card bearing a stripe of magnetically stored data, comprising a slot into which the card is manually insertable and from which it can be manually withdrawn, a read head for validating and accepting data on the card as the card is inserted through the slot, an erase head operable, if valid data is found and accepted, to erase the data, and means for visibly marking the card to indicate that the card has been used.
Preferably the data is erased during withdrawal of the card, although it could be erased, either as a whole or progressively, immediately after reading.
Similarly, visible marking of the card preferably takes place during card withdrawal, but could possibly be effected at any time after card acceptance.
On insertion the card is preferably sensed for validity.
The card validity sensors may be provided, one in the form of a probe which senses a stripe of electro-sensitive material adjacent one side edge of the card, and another in the form of an optical sensor which senses the card material adjacent the opposite side edge of the card. In this way it is verified that a full width card of the correct type is being inserted.
Validation and acceptance of data is preferably conditional on receipt of signals from the card validity sensors.
Preferably the reader has two circuits activated responsively to the validation and acceptance of data, namely a first response circuit for energising an erase coil (or possibly displacing a permanent magnet) to cause erasure of data due to relative motion of the card and the erasure means, preferably but not essentially, during card withdrawal, and a second response circuit for energising a marking device for semi-permanently coding the card, again preferably but not essentially, on withdrawal, to indicate that the card has been used. The said second response circuit preferably provides electrical power to one or more probes which make contact with a conductive film of electro-sensitive material on the card, for example an aluminium based stripe, so as to burn or otherwise mark the electro-sensitive material during withdrawal of the card.The probe and stripe in question may be the same as those used for sensing card validity.
A preferred card for use in combination with the card reader has a central stripe of magnetically stored data extending in the direction of insertion of the card and two stripes of aluminium or other suitable electrosensitive material respectively extending parallel to the central stripe on opposition sides thereof. Thus, given use of a single marking device to one side of the erase head, one of the aluminium stripes will be visibly marked, whichever way round the card is inserted (provided it is inserted the right way up).
Assuming the card reader forms part of a meter for a consumable utility, said reader, including the read and erase heads and the marking device, may form a readily detachable and replaceable unit. In the case of an electricity meter, electrical power for the reader may be taken from the supply passing through the meter.
Description of Embodiment In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows in front perspective the principal assembly of a pre-payment electricity meter; Figure 2 shows the assembly in rear perspective view; Figure 3 shows a card reader in plan; Figure 4 shows the reader from the side; Figure 5 shows the reader from the front; Figure 6 shows the manner of mounting of the card reader; and Figures 7 and 8 show details of the card reader in enlargement.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the principal assembly of a pre-payment electricity meter comprises a circuit board 10 carrying an LCD display 12, for example showing the number of pre-paid electricity units available, and various items of control circuitry for payment response, activation of the display, and switching via transformer 14 of the supply, which connect to the back of the board 10 at the terminal block 16. This invention is particularly concerned with a pre-payment card reader, generally referenced 18, which is mounted to the ront of the circuit board 10.
The card reader 18 (see also Figures 3 to 8) comprises a plastics base plate 20 having mounted thereto just above it a supplementary pcb 22 and carrying at its front end a slotted front piece 24 defining an opening 26 through which a card may be fed into a slot 28 in the base plate 20.
The base plate has at its rear end a pair of hooked projections 30 which slot into apertures 32 in the circuit board 10 to mount the card reader detachably and replaceably in position. A ribbon conductor 34 for the pcb 22 connects to a row of miniature terminals (not visible) on the front of the board 10.
The card 36 to be read by the card reader comprises a thin elongate substrate bearing a longitudinal central stripe 38 of magnetic material carrying information to be read and two coated aluminium stipes 40 on opposite sides of the central stripe.
For reading the card, the pcb 22 is cut within its area with a headed stem portion 42 having a reading head 44 on its underside which lines up with the magnetic stripe 38 on the card 36 when the latter is inserted into the slot 28. The card 36 is read as it is pushed manually into the slot, and enters the slot only far enough for all data to be read whilst leaving a trailing end projecting from the slot so as to enable subsequent manual withdrawal of the card.
The card reader also has an erase coil 46 on the underside of the base plate 20. Additionally, on one side, a pair of sprung conductive stripes or probes 48 are secured at their front ends to the pcb 22 and extend rearwardly and downwardly through elongate slits in the base plate into the slot 28, so as to press lightly against the undersurface of said slot. The probes 48 align with one of the aluminium stripes 40 on the card 36 when the latter is inserted into the slot 28 beneath said probes, which then press lightly against the upper surface of the card. It will be appreciated that the provision of two aluminium stripes 40 on the card means that it can be inserted either end first, provided that said card is the right way up. On the opposite side to the probes, the pcb 22 carries an optical sensor 49 for sensing the card material.
On insertion, the card is validated jointly by the probes 48 and the sensor 49, thus enabling data subsequently picked up by the reading head 44 to be processed by the first response circuit.
When data is detected and validated by the reading head 44, the first response circuit energises the erase coil 46, and a second response circuit causes power, derived from the adjacent mains supply, to be supplied to the probes 48. Erasure of information takes place during subsequent manual withdrawal of the card 36 from the slot 28. Also, during said card withdrawal, a burn mark is applied by the probes 48 to the aluminium stripe 40 so that, after withdrawal, it is visibly apparent by inspection of the card that it has been used.
If a used card is inserted into the reader, no valid data is detected (since it has been erased on a previous usage) and the response circuits are not activated.
The manner in which the accepted and validated data read from the card is used controls the electricity supply and the related LCD display forms no part of the present invention, and may be substantially conventional.

Claims (1)

  1. Claims
    1. A method of reading a card bearing a stripe of magnetically stored data, according to which the card is manually inserted into a card reader, the data is read during insertion of the card, the data is checked for validity and acceptance and, if no valid data is found, any response is inhibited to allow the card to be manually removed, whilst if valid data is found and accepted, then the data is erased and the card is visibly marked to show that it has been used.
    2. A method as characterised in claim 1 or claim 2, according to which the card is visibly marked during card withdrawal.
    3. A method as characterised in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3, according to which the card is validated on insertion prior to reading of data, and data acceptance is conditional on card verification.
    5. A method as characterised in claim 4, according to which a device used for card validation during card insertion is also used for card marking during card withdrawal.
    6. A card reader for reading a card bearing a stripe of magnetically stored data, comprising a slot into which the card is manually insertable and from which it can be manually withdrawn, a read head for validating and accepting data on the card as the card is inserted through the slot, an erase head operable, if valid data is found and accepted, to erase the data, and means for visibly marking the card to indicate that the card has been used.
    7. A card reader as characterised in claim 6, in which two card validity sensors are operative adjacent opposite side edges of the card during card insertion.
    8. A card reader as characterised in claim 7, in which one sensor is a probe engaging a metallic stripe on the card and the other sensor is an optical sensor sensing the card material.
    9. A card reader as characterised in claim 6 and claim 7 or claim 8, in which the card reader includes a printed circuit board cut within its area within an elongate strip carrying the reading head.
    10. A card reader as characterised in any of claims 6 to 9, having two response circuits activated responsively to acceptance of data, the first response circuit activating a data erasing means and the second responsive circuit acting as a card marking means.
    11. A card reader as characterised in claim 10, in which the data sensing means is an erase coil.
    12. A card reader as characterised in claim 10 or claim 11, in which the card marking means is a probe for marking a metallic stripe on the card.
    13. A card reader as characterised in claim 12 when dependent on claim 8, in which the card validation probe is also used on the card marking probe.
    14. A card for use in combination with the card reader of any of claims 1 to 13, having a central stripe of magnetically stored data extending in the direction of insertion of the card and two stripes of aluminium or other suitable electro-sensitive material respectively extending parallel to the central stripe on opposite sides thereof.
    15. A card reader as characterised in any of claims 6 to 13, forming part of a meter for a consumable utility.
    16. A method of reading a card bearing magnetically stored data, substantially as hereinbefore described.
    17. A card reader substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9105062A 1990-06-28 1991-03-11 Card reader Expired - Lifetime GB2245735B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB909014362A GB9014362D0 (en) 1990-06-28 1990-06-28 Card reader

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9105062D0 GB9105062D0 (en) 1991-04-24
GB2245735A true GB2245735A (en) 1992-01-08
GB2245735B GB2245735B (en) 1994-04-13

Family

ID=10678335

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB909014362A Pending GB9014362D0 (en) 1990-06-28 1990-06-28 Card reader
GB9105062A Expired - Lifetime GB2245735B (en) 1990-06-28 1991-03-11 Card reader

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB909014362A Pending GB9014362D0 (en) 1990-06-28 1990-06-28 Card reader

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB9014362D0 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2356724A (en) * 1999-11-25 2001-05-30 Siemens Metering Ltd Card reading arrangements

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0208289A2 (en) * 1985-07-11 1987-01-14 AGES ITALIA S.p.A. Readout and obliteration head particularly for magnetic cards
GB2220776A (en) * 1988-07-12 1990-01-17 Ampy Automation Digilog Erasure mechanism for card reader

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0208289A2 (en) * 1985-07-11 1987-01-14 AGES ITALIA S.p.A. Readout and obliteration head particularly for magnetic cards
GB2220776A (en) * 1988-07-12 1990-01-17 Ampy Automation Digilog Erasure mechanism for card reader

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2356724A (en) * 1999-11-25 2001-05-30 Siemens Metering Ltd Card reading arrangements
GB2356724B (en) * 1999-11-25 2003-11-19 Siemens Metering Ltd Improvements in or relating to card reading arrangements

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9014362D0 (en) 1990-08-22
GB2245735B (en) 1994-04-13
GB9105062D0 (en) 1991-04-24

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PE20 Patent expired after termination of 20 years

Expiry date: 20110310