Abstract: Provided is a card reader capable of increasing visibility over the prior art for a location into which a card is actually inserted. A card reader is provided with a main body frame constituting a card passage through which an inserted card passes, and a light source for illuminating the interior of the card passage. With this card reader, the light source is illuminating the interior of the card passage through which the card passes, and therefore, it is possible to brighten the interior of the card passage through which the card passes. Therefore, it is possible to brighten the location into which the card is actually inserted so that it is easier to visually confirm the location into which the card is actually inserted.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: A trigger signal generating device outputs a trigger signal activating an IC tag. The trigger signal generating device includes first and second trigger coils placed at a predetermined separation distance and each having predetermined magnetic field intensity distribution. Each of the first and second trigger coils includes attenuating means for attenuating intensity of a magnetic field generated by the first and second trigger coils to a predetermined level that allows the ID tag to detect trigger IDs of the first and second trigger coils on a side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided, and that does not allow the ID tag to detect the trigger ID of the first trigger coil on an opposite side to the side on which the first and second trigger coils are provided.

Abstract: A card reader for use with a card having magnetic data recorded thereon may include a magnetic head for carrying out at least one of reading the magnetic data recorded in the card and recording the magnetic data into the card; a card insertion part where an insertion slot for inserting the card is formed; a metal sensor structured to detect a foreign object, which contains a metallic material, having been installed around the card insertion part; and a control unit. The control unit may be structured to calculate the amount of change in an output value of the metal sensor, whenever a predetermined reference time period has passed, and judge that the foreign object has been installed around the card insertion part if the amount of change exceeds a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: An electro-optical code reading terminal for dynamically switching mode of operation from a printed code reading mode to an electronically displayed code reading mode is provided. The electro-optical code reading terminal measures and monitors, using one or more magnetic sensors, a magnetic field experienced at the electro-optical code reading terminal. When the electro-optical code reading terminal device determines that a change in the measured magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time period, the electro-optical code reading terminal device infers presence of an electronically displayed code. The electro-optical code reading terminal device then switches its mode of operation from the printed code reading mode of operation to the electronically displayed code reading mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting commercial transactions with a server using a transaction card via a communication device is provided. The apparatus includes a transaction device coupled with the communication device for capturing information from the transaction card and a controller for converting the captured card information into an encrypted audio signal and for transmitting the audio signal to the communication device. The communication device delivers the audio signal to the server for processing the commercial transaction.

Abstract: A card reader device is provided with a housing having a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a card to complete a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. A read head is in the housing reads data stored on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. An output jack is adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device for provides the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe to the mobile device. A sourcing power device couples to an audio jack of the mobile device and sources power from the mobile device through the audio jack.

Abstract: A credit card reader shields a credit card, stores data from one or more credit cards simultaneously and then selectively broadcasts data associated with one of the cards. A slim, electromagnetically shielding housing has a cavity and a card reader for reading data from a credit card received in the cavity. A processor connects the card reader to a memory component, and connects both to an RFID device, where the credit card data can be broadcast to an RFID reader. A control interface allows a user to initiate reading credit card data, to select a card data set to store in memory, or to broadcast a dataset. A display shows transaction information and stored card data. A retractable input/output plug can engage a socket on another device to transmit and receive data. A memory card device can selectively store credit card data and transaction data.

Abstract: An information reproduction device for use with a magnetic recording medium storing information may include an analog/digital (AD) converter structured to convert an analog signal, which is reproduced from the information recorded in the magnetic recording medium, into a digital signal; a peak detecting unit structured to detect a peak point of the reproduced signal, from the digital signal, according to a threshold as a judgment level in accordance with an output of the AD converter; and an information generating unit for generating structured to generate a rectangular waveform signal of the reproduced signal, waveform-shaped according to interval information of peak points detected by the peak detecting unit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that communicates with a host device via audio channels includes an interfacing circuit that receives and transmits analog signals on the audio channels. Such audio channels are designed for audio speakers and microphones and the interfacing circuit transmits digital data based on the received analog signals. The integrated circuit includes a processing device that is electrically coupled to the interfacing circuit. The processing device receives the digital data from the interfacing circuit and adjusts at least one parameter of the interfacing circuit based on the received digital data. The interfacing circuit receives the digital data from the processing device and transmits analog signals on at least one of the audio channels based on the at least one adjusted parameter.

Abstract: A flexible card may include a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device having multiple layers, such as an electromagnetic generator, a magnet, and a shield. A shield may form a non-flexible layer within the stack and may bend, but the shield may not be able to stretch or compress. Flexible layers may surround and adhere to the shield such that when the card is flexed, the flexible layers may stretch and compress with the movement of the shield. The dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may include one or more coils. Each coil may contain a stepped material, such that a length of a lower layer of the stepped material is longer than a length of a middle layer of the stepped material which is longer than a length of a top layer of the stepped material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self service terminal, such as an Automated Teller Machine, comprising a front panel provided with a card insertion slot for inserting a magnetic card therethrough, wherein, during insertion through the insertion slot, a magnetic stripe on the card induces a card data flux into a stripe data reading zone. The terminal also comprises an anti-skimming unit for generating a jamming field so as to jam a magnetic recording unit of an illegal card reader installed near or in the card insertion slot of the front panel. The anti-skimming unit includes a first magnetic field source and at least one further magnetic field source, each source inducing a electro-magnetic field in a slot region including the card insertion slot, such that the jamming field in the stripe date reading zone deviates from the jamming field outside the stripe data reading zone.

Abstract: In order to perform processing of analyzing card data in an appropriate amount of time depending on the number of tracks actually present on a magnetic stripe with use of a single demodulation circuit, the single demodulation circuit produces, based on magnetic data read by a magnetic head, a single common card running signal obtained by ORing card running signals of tracks present on the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card, a clock signal of each track present on the magnetic stripe, and a data signal of each track present on the magnetic stripe. A card running signal generation circuit generates, based on the common card running signal and the clock signal of each track, an individual card running signal of each track present on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic multilayer system (1) which is arranged on a substrate (6) which is made of a material from the group consisting of a plastic from the group of polymers, metal, metal alloy and paper and/or which is at least one element from the group consisting of a document and packaging. The invention further relates to packaging which comprises such a magnetic multilayer system (1). According to the invention, the multilayer system (1) is used for proving the authenticity of an object. Likewise according to the invention are a method for marking an object with a magnetic multilayer system for proving the authenticity of an object and a method for reading a magnetic multilayer system for proving the authenticity of an object.

Abstract: An integrated magnetic stripe reader (MSR) head apparatus for preventing the theft of data stored on a magnetic stripe of a magnetic stripe card in magnetic card reader system is provided. The apparatus comprises an MSR head and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The FPCB integrates all necessary components on its front side, including an MSR integrated circuit (IC), circuit lines, and a cable connector for enabling communication between the MSR IC and an external host processor. The apparatus connects the MSR head and the FPCB using pin-terminal connectors or socket connectors tightly. An attempt to tap a signal on a signal path between the MSR head and the MSR IC disconnects the MSR head from the FPCB, causing the apparatus to break operation so that the signal path for tapping cannot be created in the first place.

Abstract: A read head system has a housing and a read positioned in the housing with a slot for swiping a magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card with the slot utilized to enable a financial transaction between a buyer and seller. The read head reads data on the magnetic stripe and produces a signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. The read head includes an output jack configured to be coupled to at least one of a audio jack or microphone port of a mobile device. The read head provides the signal to the mobile device.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reading device including a magnetic head assembly including a mounting element defining a circumferential anti-tampering enclosure and at least one information reading sensor having output contacts, a protective layer including at least one protective grid and at least one anti-tampering contact array including at least two electrical contacts, at least one resiliently deformable conductive element arranged to selectably provide a galvanic interconnection between the electrical contacts, a closure element fixed to the assembly in a secure orientation to displace the deformable conductive element into galvanic interconnection contact with the electrical contacts, whereby tampering with the closure element causes the deformable conductive element to break the galvanic interconnection contact and a flat cable coupled to the output contacts, to the protective layer and to the electrical contacts and carrying electrical signals useful for providing a tampering alarm indication when the electrical

Abstract: A thin-client access card has a card body with partial or fully emissive magnetic data tracks. An emissive element is disposed in the card body under the location of the legacy magnetic data tracks. An electronic signal conditioner converts audio signals from a mobile device into magnetic data applied to the emissive element. A swipe sensor detects when the thin-client access card is being swiped by a legacy card reader, and triggers an output of magnetic data from the emissive element while proximal to the POS reader head. A cable attaches the thin-client access card as a peripheral to the mobile device with an audio output jack.

Abstract: Antennas suitable for use in RFID devices include an insulating substrate and a first conductive micropattern disposed on or in the substrate, the first conductive micropattern defining a contiguous mesh conductor. The first conductive micropattern forms an antenna responsive to at least a frequency of 915 MHz, and includes interconnected traces having a trace width in a range from 0.5 to 20 microns. Furthermore, the first conductive micropattern is characterized by an open area fraction of at least 80% or 90%. RFID devices include such an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to transmit and receive signals using the antenna. Cards, such as financial transaction cards or identification cards, include such an antenna carried by a card layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates devices and methods using swipe detection. A swipeable computer of the present invention comprises a capacitive detector having an output, a switchable magnetic field sensor having an output, a memory unit, and a logic unit. The memory unit stores a standard capacitance change and a standard magnetic field change. The logic unit is electrically connected to the capacitive detector output, the switchable magnetic field sensor, the switchable magnetic field sensor output, and the memory unit. The logic unit of the swipeable computer is adapted to determine if the capacitive detector output corresponds to the standard capacitance change, to enable the switchable magnetic field sensor if the change in capacitance corresponds to the standard capacitance change, and to determine if the switchable magnetic field sensor output corresponds to the standard magnetic field change.

Abstract: Provided is a card insertion unit for a card reader which, without weakening a magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generating device in order to prevent reading of magnetic data by a magnetic head for skimming, is capable of reducing the effect of the magnetic field upon the reading of the magnetic data by way of the magnetic head for data reading. This card insertion unit may be provided with a notch formed at a point at which a magnetic stripe passes at insertion time of the card a projecting portion which projects toward the upstream side of the insertion direction of the card and a magnetic field generating device disposed in the interior of the projecting portion.

Abstract: A system for managing bar or restaurant tabs includes a payment card storage apparatus, such as a carousel, to receive and store payment cards under computer control, and a payment card reader to read identifying information from the payment cards that are to be stored in the payment card storage apparatus. The system permits a server to conveniently receive and store a payment card to secure a patron's tab, and then return it to the patron at the time the tab is closed and paid out. An associated point-of-sale system displays tab information and a list of names of those patrons having open tabs. A particular patron's card can be returned from the payment card storage apparatus by selecting the patron's tab from the list. The system may further be applied in any situation in which a debt or obligation can be secured by the possession of a personally-identifiable token that has, holds or permits access to value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic stripe reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of directly extracting binary information embedded in a magnetic stripe using simple analog and digital signal processing techniques. Once information stored in the magnetic stripe is extracted as a F-2F waveform by the magnetic stripe reader, peaks, valleys and mid-level transition points between every consecutive peak and valley are detected. A peak-to-peak period and an average time are directly derived to determine whether the corresponding peak-to-peak transition is associated with a binary bit of “1” or “0”. This magnetic stripe reader spares a need for a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a large memory, and thus, constitutes a simple and self-contained solution that may read out the binary information stored on the magnetic stripe with reduced power consumption and improved cost efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring data from one device to a second device using a pulse generator which may be included on one device as a component or as a separate accessory. The component or accessory sends electromagnetic waves to a circuit on the second device that is sensitive to electromagnetic signals such as a magnometer or magnetic sensor. An example of a devices that is doing the communicating could be between two phones, or a phone and an electronic card as disclosed herein, or a tablet and a phone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for splitting a gift card. An exemplary apparatus is configured to: receive information associated with a gift card, the gift card being associated with a merchant; associate the gift card with an account; and enable selection of an option to split the gift card into a first portion (e.g., a first new gift card) and a second portion (e.g., a second new gift card).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system to ensure the safe use of magnetic strip cards in order to prevent the theft of information contained in the magnetic strip of a industry standard magnetic strip card. Security system enabling the safe use of magnetic strip cards that implements the method, composed of a half-cylinder, equipped with a special slot of a thickness almost similar to the magnetic strip card and wide of one card length, a mechanical card loading and rotating device, card presence and position sensors, electrical motors for the mechanical system, an overall electronic command and control module and the physical security box containing all parts of the system.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to act as a magnetic stripe read-head detector and a data transmitter. A multiple layer flexible PCB may be fabricated to include multiple magnetic emulators. An emulator may include a coil that includes magnetic, ferromagnetic, or ferromagnetic, material in the coil's interior. Coils may be associated with zones. As a read-head is detected to move from zone-to-zone, coils may be activated to transmit information in those zones.

Abstract: A card reader may include a card conveying mechanism structured to convey the card; a conveying passage; a magnetic head to abut a magnetic stripe formed on a card and read or record data on the card; a head moving mechanism to move the magnetic head; and an abutting part abutting with one end of the card. The card conveying mechanism may include a drive source, and a first conveying roller and a second conveying roller. The first conveying roller is disposed on one end side of the conveying passage. The second conveying roller is disposed on the other end of the conveying passage. The card conveying mechanism may include a first torque limiter disposed in a power transmission path from the drive source to the first conveying roller, and a second torque limiter disposed in a power transmission path from the drive source to the second conveying roller.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure provide a card reader for receiving payment card information at a mobile point-of-sale terminal. In some implementations, a reader of the subject technology can include a memory, a conditioning module and a 3.5 mm audio plug including an audio bus that is configured for insertion into a headphone port of a host device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Implementations of the subject technology also include a microprocessor configured to perform operations for tuning communication parameters. That is, upon connection of the reader device to the host computing device, the devices can engage in an exchange of carrier waves which the devices exchange can used to not only determine and negotiate operational parameters for the devices that support a highest possible connection speed with acceptable connection quality.

Abstract: A magnetic head device which suppresses output fluctuation even though the output changes in part of an output waveform from the magnetic head. The magnetic head device includes a magnetic head for reproducing information recorded in a magnetic information recording medium; an amplifier section for amplifying a reproduced signal that the magnetic head has reproduced, by using a gain; an A/D converter section for converting the reproduced signal that has been amplified, to a digital signal, by sampling the signal at predetermined intervals, in order to output the converted digital signal; a signal comparator section for comparing a digital signal output value with a predetermined output criterion value; and a gain control section for adjusting the gain in such a way as to make the output value closer to the output criterion value, in the case where the output value is either greater or smaller than the output criterion value.

Abstract: An antenna for use in an asset-identification system. The antenna includes a plurality of electrically conductive coils electrically connected in parallel. The coils are physically aligned along a common axis. The coils are offset along the common axis by a distance selected to reduce the mutual inductance between the electrically conductive coils, while allowing the signals from the electrically conductive coils to add together.

Abstract: An improved document scanner for imaging documents and decoding coded indicia such as bar codes and magnetic strips is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner incorporates a set of emergency exit instructions so that a user can always retrieve sensitive documents at a moment's notice. These instructions include receiving an emergency exit command from a jamming sensor or from the user, and then attempting mechanical translation toward a first exit and further subsequent translation toward a second exit. If the document is not successfully retrieved, the scanner prepares for manual document extraction as detailed herein.

Abstract: Programming fixtures are provided that program devices, such as payment cards, with data, such as personal data, using light transmitters and receivers for powered cards, or using magnetic write heads for non-powered cards. A processor within the powered card computes a magnetic stripe message and associated longitudinal redundancy check (LRC) value based upon the personal data. The processor compares the LRC value against a list of LRC exceptions and changes the magnetic stripe message to change the LRC value based upon a positive comparison. A programming fixture may compute the magnetic stripe message and may change the magnetic stripe message before writing the magnetic stripe message to a static magnetic stripe upon a detection that the associated LRC value matches an LRC exception.

Abstract: A reading sensor adapted to read a security element having magnetic areas with different coercivity, comprising at least one first reading head and at least one second reading head, which are arranged parallel to each other and are capable of detecting two distinct signal sequences, and a permanent magnet which is arranged between the reading heads.

Abstract: A media processing device enables reading second media that do not bend easily from the device front with the same ease of use as processing first media that bend easily. The media processing device has a media conveyance path that guides first media inserted from a media insertion opening toward the back and then again toward the front on the front-back axis to the media exit. A straight conveyance path that angles to the inside on the device width axis is formed at a part connected to the media exit, and a second media insertion path that extends straight to the front from the straight conveyance path is connected to the media exit.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe reader apparatus comprises a first casing, a second casing, a magnetic stripe reader unit, and at least a connecting element. The first casing has an opening, a first positioning portion, and an adjustable fixing portion. The second casing has a second positioning portion disposed corresponding to the first positioning portion, and a through hole disposed corresponding to the adjustable fixing portion. The magnetic stripe reader unit is disposed between the first and second casings, and has a magnetic stripe reader head and a fixing element disposed on a side of the magnetic stripe reader head. In assembly, the connecting element passes through the through hole and connects to the adjustable fixing portion to fix the first and second casings. The second positioning portion and the first positioning portions hold the fixing element, and the magnetic stripe reader head is exposed from the opening.

Abstract: A card reader that can prevent phishing and causes no damage on a card in the case where no phishing comes up. A card reader equipped with a card transfer mechanism for taking in and ejecting a card includes a gate mechanism, in which formed is an insertion & ejection slot for inserting and ejecting the card. A protrusion protruding toward an ejecting direction of the card is formed in the gate mechanism. Furthermore, the gate mechanism includes: a card detection mechanism for detecting the card having been ejected by the card transfer mechanism to a pullout-enabled position where a user of the card reader can pull out the card; and a card pullout prevention mechanism for protecting the card from being pulled out when the card is not ejected to the pullout-enabled position at the time of ejecting the card. The card detection mechanism is placed inside the protrusion.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure provide a card reader for receiving payment card information at a mobile point-of-sale terminal. In some implementations, a reader of the subject technology can include a memory, a conditioning module and a 3.5 mm audio plug including an audio bus that is configured for insertion into a headphone port of a host device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Implementations of the subject technology also include a microprocessor configured to perform operations for receiving a training sequence for use in determining communication parameters associated with a mobile device, and in response to the training sequence, transmitting an acknowledgement signal to the mobile device, via the audio bus, to indicate that a communicative coupling with the mobile device has been successfully established.

Abstract: An integrated circuit that communicates with a host device via audio channels includes an interfacing circuit that receives and transmits analog signals on the audio channels. Such audio channels are designed for audio speakers and microphones and the interfacing circuit transmits digital data based on the received analog signals. The integrated circuit includes a processing device that is electrically coupled to the interfacing circuit. The processing device receives the digital data from the interfacing circuit and adjusts at least one parameter of the interfacing circuit based on the received digital data. The interfacing circuit receives the digital data from the processing device and transmits analog signals on at least one of the audio channels based on the at least one adjusted parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reluctance resolver (100) with an at least partially soft magnetic stator (104) and an at least partially soft magnetic rotor (102) which oppose each other by forming an air gap. The magnetic resistance in the air gap changes periodically on account of a configuration of the rotor that varies over the circumference. The angle sensor has a magnetic flux transmitter which is arranged on the stator and generates a predefined magnetic flux distribution in the air gap via at least one pair of poles. Furthermore, a magnetic flux receiver, which measures the intensity of the magnetic field via at least two pairs of signal poles arranged offset from one another at an angle, is arranged on the stator, wherein an angle value for a position of the rotor in relation to the stator can be derived from the two receiver signals.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: An access system for controlling access of a user to one of several unique operative modes of an electronic device used to communicate with an implantable medical device. The access system includes a portable keycard, which is held by a user. The keycard has embedded magnets arranged in a unique predetermined pattern. The electronic device has a housing that provides a slot and a channel for receiving the keycard by the user. A sensing circuit and a processing circuit are both provided. The sensing circuit includes Hall-effect transducers positioned next to the channel so that upon inserted of the keycard, certain ones of these Hall-effect transducers will reside adjacent a magnet, depending on the particular unique pattern. A magnet positioned adjacent a Hall-effect transducer will cause the transducer to send an output signal to the processor indicating the presence of a magnet at the location of the Hall-effect transducer.

Abstract: A card reader guide for use in a fascia of a self-service terminal is described. The card reader guide defines a card reader aperture extending in a first direction through which a customer may insert a data card. The card reader guide also comprises: a first protrusion extending (i) along part of the card reader aperture through which a magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer, wherein the first protrusion defines a stripe path in registration with the magnetic stripe of the card as the card is inserted by the customer; a second protrusion, opposite to, and aligned with, the first protrusion, and extending (i) along the part of the card reader aperture through which the magnetic stripe of the card passes, and (ii) towards the customer; and a magnetic reader detector located in the first protrusion at the stripe path.

Abstract: An inductive identification card on which a card holder's identifying information is recorded in order to recognize the holder's identity via a visual inspection. The identification card is provided with a sensor film on the surface having sensor points which are distributed on its exterior, blocking points corresponding to the identifying information on the identification card, and locally changing electrical responses of sensor points in advance so that different response signals corresponding to detective signals which are applied to the sensor film are generated by the blocking points and peripheral regions, respectively. Authenticity of the identification card and the card holder's identity are recognized by determining locations of response signals.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure provide a card reader for receiving payment card information at a mobile point-of-sale terminal. In some implementations, a reader of the subject technology can include a memory, a conditioning module and a 3.5 mm audio plug including an audio bus that is configured for insertion into a headphone port of a host device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Implementations of the subject technology also include a microprocessor configured to perform operations for determining whether a newer firmware version is available for the card reader or whether a download of such a firmware needs to be completed, and in response to determining such a download is needed, performing a download of the firmware via the audio plug during periods of inactivity.

Abstract: A method of checking value documents having a security element with a plurality of magnetic areas, including a high-coercivity magnetic area, a low-coercivity magnetic area and a combined magnetic area, which contains both the high-coercivity and the low-coercivity magnetic material. When all magnetic areas have been magnetized in a first direction, second magnetization is performed, which involves only the low-coercivity magnetic material being remagnetized parallel to the first magnetization in the opposite direction, but the high-coercivity magnetic material remaining oriented in the first direction of magnetization. Next, first magnetic signals from the security element are detected using a first magnetic detector, and second magnetic signals are detected using a second magnetic detector. The magnetic signals are used to identify each magnetic area of the security element as a high-coercivity, a low-coercivity or a combined magnetic area.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided. The case can include a front shell attachable to a back shell, the front shell and the back shell at least partially surrounding an electronic device installed in the case. The case can include an attached payment device reader that is electrically connected to the electronic device, an attached product information input device electrically connected to the electronic device, and a battery electrically connected to the electronic device. The case can also include an electromechanical button and a trigger member that can actuate the electromechanical button. The case can also include a rotatable mount that is removably attachable to an outer surface of the case and a hand strap attached to the rotatable mount.

Abstract: A communication system including a reader application device having a reader application, and a reader configured to operate under control of the reader application to allow data to be transmitted between the reader application device and a user device via the reader.

Abstract: A card medium processing device is controlled by means of the control method including: a first judgment step for judging whether or not a card medium having been inserted is detected by a first detection means for detecting the card medium having been inserted; a second judgment step for judging whether or not the card medium having been inserted is detected by a second detection means for detecting the card medium having been inserted, the second detection means being placed at a position behind the first detection means further away toward a rear side in an inserting direction for the card medium; and a processing step for carrying out a predetermined process, supposing that the first detection means has an error, under a situation where the first judgment step does not detect the card medium having been inserted while the second judgment step detects the card medium having been inserted.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a card reader that can prevent the illegal acquisition of magnetic information recorded on a magnetic stripe, based on an output signal from a pre-head. More specifically described, in a card reader having a card insertion slot for guiding a magnetic card having a magnetic stripe to a transport passage and a pre-head arranged in the vicinity of the card insertion slot for detecting the presence of the magnetic stripe, the pre-head is equipped with a head portion having at least one pair of magnetic cores arranged to be opposite from each other having a magnetic gap between them and coils wound around a pair of the magnetic cores; and a signal different from that of the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stripe is output from the pre-head.