TWM448741U - Card reading device with optical guide - Google Patents

Description

Card reader with light guidance

The present invention relates to a card reading device, and more particularly to a card reading device with light guidance.

With the development of technology, non-contact cards have been widely used in life, such as supermarkets, vending machines, parking lots, ticketing systems, buses or personnel control...etc. However, not every reader device accepts the same type of contactless card. Thus, the surface of the housing or housing of the reader device typically displays an acceptable type of contactless card to alert the user to a larger area. Alternatively, the outer cover or housing surface of the reader device is flush with the surface of the peripheral device.

However, the sensing range of the reader is fixed. Therefore, if the surface of the outer casing or the casing of a large area is not marked with a precise sensing area, it may occur that the user does not easily locate the non-contact card in the sensing area, and the user continuously moves the non-contact card to find the sensing area. Happening. Here, it is time consuming, and even makes the user mistakenly think that the card or the machine is inconvenient, which brings inconvenience.

Moreover, if the peak time (such as dinner time) is used, and the crowd needs more queues, if the time for the user to find the sensing area can be reduced, the efficiency can be improved, and the public can save a lot of time and bring convenience.

At present, although the method of sensing the symbol is applied to the sensing area to improve the problem, it is still impossible for each user to pay attention to the indicated sensing symbol, which represents the sensing area. Moreover, when at night, the sensing symbol of the sensing area is not obvious, thus The above problems still exist.

Therefore, how to improve the design of the sensing area to guide the user to place the contactless card in the sensing area, and to improve the convenience of use, thereby improving the efficiency is the creator of the case and the technical field of the relevant industry The subject of improvement.

In view of this, the present invention proposes a card reading device with light guidance comprising a device body, a reader, a sensing area cover plate, a control unit and a light-emitting element. The device body includes an accommodation space. The reader is located in the accommodating space and has a sensing range. The sensing area cover covers the accommodating space and has a sensing area within the sensing range. The control unit is located in the accommodating space and is electrically connected to the reader. The light-emitting element is electrically connected to the control unit, wherein the light of the light-emitting element displays the sensing area, and the non-contact card or device is guided into the sensing range.

The light-guided card reading device proposed by the present invention guides the user to place the non-contact card or device in the sensing area by illuminating the sensing area, thereby improving the convenience in use and improving the efficiency. Moreover, the control unit can stop the operation of the light-emitting element in time to avoid power consumption, and the light-guided card reading device can improve the convenience of use and can also have the concept of energy saving and environmental protection.

The detailed features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail below in the embodiments, which are sufficient to enable anyone skilled in the art to understand the technical contents of the present invention and to implement the present invention, and to disclose the contents, patent claims, and drawings according to the present specification. ,any Those skilled in the art can easily understand the purpose and advantages associated with this creation.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a card reader 1 with light guidance includes a device body 10 , a sensing area cover 11 , a light-emitting element 12 , a reader 13 , and a control unit 14 . The device body 10 includes an accommodation space 101. The reader 13 is located in the accommodating space 101 and has a sensing range. The sensing area cover 11 covers the accommodating space 101 and has a sensing area 111 within the sensing range. The control unit 14 is located in the accommodating space 101 and is electrically connected to the reader 13. The light-emitting element 12 is electrically connected to the control unit 14, wherein the light of the light-emitting element 12 displays the sensing area 111, and the user is guided to enter the proximity range of the contactless card or device 15.

The light emitting element 12 can be located in the accommodating space 101. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 12 is fixed to the outer surface of the sensing area cover 11, that is, the light-emitting element 12 is exposed on the surface of the sensing area cover 11. Referring to FIG. 2, the sensing area cover 11 has a first surface 112 and a second surface 113, and the first surface 112 is opposite to the second surface 113. The edge of the sensing area cover 11 is engaged with the edge of the apparatus body 10 so that the accommodation space 101 is a closed space.

The first surface 112 of the sensing area cover 11 is the sensing area 111. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensing area 111 is within the sensing range of the reader 13. In addition, a pattern representing the sensing area 111 (not shown) may be labeled on the first surface 112.

The reader 13 may be a main board structure mainly composed of a circuit board 131 And the transceiver 132 (or antenna) is formed (see Figure 2). Alternatively, the reader 13 may be a module that integrates the read function and the transceiver (or antenna) (see Figures 1 and 4).

The foregoing description of the structure of the reader 13 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The reader 13 may also be a hardware device having a reading function, and a combination of a transceiver or an antenna.

Thereby, when the light of the light-emitting element 12 protrudes from the sensing area 111 and the user guides the non-contact card or device 15 to the first surface 112, the sensing area cover 11 is located at the reader 13 and the contactless card. Or between the devices 15, and the contactless card or device 15 enters the sensing range of the reader 13 (shown in phantom), so that the reader 13 can sense the contactless card or device 15 and complete The services the user needs.

The reader 13 can have a transceiver, a microprocessor, and a memory. The reader 13 reads or writes data to the contactless card or device 15 in the manner of access to radio waves. The transceiver transmits the radio wave signal from the reader 13 and receives a response signal from the contactless card or device 15. The microprocessor is used to decode and error check the response signal. The memory is used to store the configuration parameters of the reader 13 and the response data brought by the response signal. Thus, when the inductive contactless card or device 15 is within the sensing range of the reader 13, the reader 13 can obtain the replies of the contactless card or device 15.

The contactless card or device 15 receives the radio wave signal emitted by the transceiver of the reader 13, and replies with a response signal carrying the reply data for reading. 13.

The contactless card or device 15 can be an active or passive digital tag (Tag), or a mobile phone with communication function, such as an NFC mobile phone (not shown), or a contactless smart phone that can be used with a mobile phone. Card and so on. Thereby, the radio wave signal transmitted by the transceiver of the reader 13 is received, and the response signal carrying the reply data is returned to the reader 13.

In some embodiments, when the reader 13 senses the contactless card or device 15, the reader 13 receives a response signal from the contactless card or device 15 carrying the reply data. Here, the control unit 14 determines that the reader 13 has obtained the response signal, indicating that the transaction (or authentication) is completed, and stops the operation of the light-emitting element 12 to avoid power consumption, thereby enabling the card reading device 1 with light guidance to be improved. Convenience can also be a concept of energy saving and environmental protection.

The control unit 14 can be a hardware used in conjunction with a programming language written by the software, or can be a programmable controller.

In some embodiments, control unit 14 includes a timer (not shown) to count the estimated time. When the timer counts up to the expected time, the control unit stops the action of the light-emitting element 12. The estimated time is to provide the user with a buffer time for sensing the contactless card or device 15.

Moreover, the timer is used to count to the estimated time, and the control unit 14 interrupts the power of the light-emitting element 12 to prevent the control unit 14 from being able to determine that the reader 13 has obtained the response signal of the contactless card or device 15 for some reason. When the contactless card or device 15 cannot reply the response signal to the reader 13 for any reason, power consumption is caused.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the light-guided card reading device 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the top surface of the light-emitting element 12 is exposed on the first surface 112. Here, the light-emitting element 12 is embedded and fixed to the hole in the sensing area cover 11 .

Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the device body 10 can be combined with the external device 20, and thus the sensing area cover 11 and the surface 21 of the external device 20 are flush with each other.

The control unit 14 is connectable to the external device 20 and receives a trigger command from the external device 20. When the triggering command activates the light-emitting element 12, the light from the light-emitting element 12 shows the sensing area 111, and the user is guided to bring the contactless card or device 15 closer to the sensing area 111. The external device 20 is, for example, a parking toll system 30 (see Figure 4), or a checkout device 40 (see Figure 5).

The control unit 14 can immediately activate the light-emitting element 12 by receiving the trigger command from the control unit 14, and since the sensing area cover 11 is made of a light transmissive material, the light of the light-emitting element 12 can pass through the sensing area cover. The plate 11 highlights the sensing area 111, thereby guiding the user to bring the contactless card or device 15 closer to the sensing area 111.

In some embodiments, the change in illumination mode of the illumination element 12 can be set by the control unit 14. The control unit 14 controls the state in which the circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting element 12 is turned on, and causes the light-emitting element 12 to emit light in a corresponding light-emitting mode. The illumination mode of the light-emitting element 12 can be controlled by the control unit 14 to be continuous illumination, flicker or discoloration. Moreover, the control unit 14 can also set the light-emitting elements 12 to present different patterns, dots, or broken lines, etc., depending on the season or day and night, and add fun to life.

In some embodiments, the light emitting element 12 can be an LED light or a light panel. Luminous element The position at which the piece 12 is mounted corresponds to the inside, the periphery or the edge of the sensing area 111. Here, when the light-emitting element 12 is activated by the control unit 14 with a trigger command, the light-emitting element 12 highlights or prompts the position of the sensing area 111, and guides the user to bring the contactless card or device 15 close to the sensing area 111.

The light-emitting element 12 can be disposed at the edge of the sensing area 111 for guiding or displaying the sensing area 111, such as a corner point, an upper and lower edge, a left and right edge, an entire circumference (annular), or an indication area 111 by an arrow. In addition, the light-emitting elements 12 can be arranged in a pattern such as the sun, flowers, moon (see Figure 1), etc. to add to the fun of life. Furthermore, the light-emitting element 12 may be a light plate and attached to the sensing area cover 11 .

Accordingly, when the light of the light-emitting element 12 shows the sensing area 111, the user can be guided to bring the contactless card or device 15 into the sensing range.

In some embodiments, an inductive read pattern (not shown) can be designed, and the inductive read pattern is printed on the sensing area 111 of the sensing area cover 11 to indicate the position of the sensing area 111, thereby guiding the use. The contactless card or device 15 is brought close to the sensing area 111.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are schematic views of the card reading device 1 with light guidance applied to the present invention. Here, the trigger command is generated by the external device, and the trigger command is received by the control unit 14, thereby activating the light-emitting element 12. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the triggering instruction is not required, and the illuminating element 12 guides or displays the sensing area 111 in a continuous illuminating manner, thereby guiding the user to enter the non-contact card or device 15 into the sensing range.

Referring to FIG. 4, the card reader 1 with light guidance includes a sensor 16. Sensing The device 16 can also be located on the same side as the card reader 1 with light guidance. The trigger signal is generated by the sensor 16 to generate a trigger command and transmitted to the control unit 14. Here, the light-guided card reading device 1 can be connected to the parking charge (or authentication) system 30. Here, the parking toll system 30 is an external device.

When the vehicle is in the detection range of the sensor 16, the sensor 16 generates a sensing signal for detecting the object, and generates a trigger command and transmits it to the control unit 14. At this time, the control unit 14 activates the light-emitting element 12 by a trigger command and guides the user to bring the contactless card or device 15 close to the sensing area 111. Here, a pattern representing the sensing area 111 may be printed on the sensing area cover 11 .

Referring to FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the light-guided card reading device 1 can be coupled to the account device 40. Here, the checkout device 40 is an external device.

The light-guided card reading device 1 comprises a touch element 17 . And, by clicking on the touch element 17, a trigger command is generated and transmitted to the control unit 14. Furthermore, the light-guided card reading device 1 can also comprise a display screen 18. The display screen 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 14. Display 18 is used to display electronic messages. The touch component 17 can be a button on a keyboard, a button on a touch panel, or a touch switch.

For example, when a person clicks on a component of the checkout device 40 (such as a checkout button), the touch element 17 is equivalent to the click touch component 17 by the cooperation between the touch component 17 and the component of the clicked checkout device 40. In turn, a trigger command is generated and transmitted to the control unit 14.

In the process, the display screen 18 can be used to display electronic messages, such as the balance of the contactless card or device 15, information about the place of use, or advertisements.

The use of the figures as an example is intended to be illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the light-guided card reading device 1 includes a voice module (not shown) for providing voice operation services. Here, the position of the sensing area 111 is prompted by the voice module. The voice module is electrically connected to the control unit 14. After the control unit 14 receives the triggering command, the control unit 14 activates the voice module, and broadcasts the voice data pre-recorded in the voice module as a voice signal to guide the user.

The light-guided card reading device proposed by the present invention guides the user to place the non-contact card or device in the sensing area by illuminating the sensing area, thereby improving the convenience in use and improving the efficiency. Moreover, the control unit can stop the operation of the light-emitting element in time to avoid power consumption, and the light-guided card reading device can improve the convenience of use and can also have the concept of energy saving and environmental protection.

Although the technical content of the present invention has been disclosed in the above preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone who is familiar with the art, and some modifications and refinements that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention should be included in the creation. Therefore, the scope of protection of this creation is subject to the definition of the scope of the patent application.

1‧‧‧Light-guided card reader

10‧‧‧ device body

101‧‧‧ accommodating space

11‧‧‧Sensor panel

111‧‧‧ Sensing area

112‧‧‧ first surface

113‧‧‧ second surface

12‧‧‧Lighting elements

13‧‧‧Reader

131‧‧‧Circuit board

132‧‧‧ transceiver

14‧‧‧Control unit

15‧‧‧Contactless cards or devices

16‧‧‧Sensor

17‧‧‧Touch components

18‧‧‧ display screen

20‧‧‧External devices

21‧‧‧ surface

30‧‧‧Parking System

40‧‧‧Checkout device

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a light-guided card reading device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the light-guided card reading device of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a light-guided card reading device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a card reader with light guidance applied to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a light-guided card reading device using the present invention.

1‧‧‧Light-guided card reader

10‧‧‧ device body

101‧‧‧ accommodating space

11‧‧‧Sensor panel

111‧‧‧ Sensing area

12‧‧‧Lighting elements

13‧‧‧Reader

131‧‧‧Circuit board

14‧‧‧Control unit

15‧‧‧Contactless cards or devices

Claims (10)

A light-guided card reading device comprises: a device body comprising an accommodating space; a reader located in the accommodating space and having a sensing range; a sensing area cover plate covering the accommodating a space, and having a sensing area in the sensing range; a control unit located in the receiving space and electrically connected to the reader; and a light emitting element electrically connected to the control unit, wherein the light emitting element The light reveals the sensing area and directs a contactless card or device into the sensing range. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element is fixed to the outer surface of the sensing area cover. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element is located in the accommodating space. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting element is disposed in the sensing area. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting element to be one of continuous illumination, blinking, and color change. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, wherein the sensing area cover covers the accommodating space as a closed space. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor, wherein the sensor detects a signal of the object, and generates a trigger command and transmits the command to the control unit. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, further comprising: a touch component, by clicking on the touch component, generating a trigger command and transmitting the trigger command to the control unit. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, further comprising: a voice module electrically connected to the control unit, wherein the voice module is used to provide an operation service. The light-guided card reading device of claim 1, further comprising: a display screen electrically connected to the control unit for displaying the electronic message.