Abstract: A card reader for processing an inserted magnetic card may be equipped with a front sensor arranged in the vicinity of an insertion opening for a magnetic card to detect the insertion of the magnetic card, a rear sensor for detecting the magnetic card when the magnetic card is fully inserted, a magnetic field generating unit for generating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the insertion opening for a magnetic card, and a control unit for controlling a magnetic field to be generated by said magnetic field generating unit at a first strength or at a second strength weaker than the first strength. The control unit may control the strength of the magnetic field to be generated by the magnetic field generating unit at the second strength while the first time period elapses after the rear sensor has detected the magnetic card and then has stopped sensing it.

Abstract: A card reader for processing an inserted magnetic card may be equipped with a front sensor arranged in the vicinity of an insertion opening for a magnetic card to detect the insertion of the magnetic card, a rear sensor for detecting the magnetic card when the magnetic card is fully inserted, a magnetic field generating unit for generating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the insertion opening for a magnetic card, and a control unit for controlling a magnetic field to be generated by said magnetic field generating unit at a first strength or at a second strength weaker than the first strength. The control unit may control the strength of the magnetic field to be generated by the magnetic field generating unit at the second strength while the first time period elapses after the rear sensor has detected the magnetic card and then has stopped sensing it.

Abstract: A magnetic data processing device may include an encryption magnetic head structured to read the magnetic data recorded on the medium. The encryption magnetic head may include a magnetic data reading part structured to read the magnetic data of the medium to output an analog output signal; a demodulation electronic component structured to demodulate the analog output signal outputted from the magnetic data reading part to generate a digital demodulated signal; and an encryption electronic component structured to generate an encrypted signal obtained by encrypting the demodulated signal demodulated by the demodulation electronic component. The encryption electronic component may include at least a first buffer, a second buffer and a third buffer structured to store data having been read at an insertion time and an ejection time of the medium.

Abstract: A card reader may include a card passage where a card passed; a contact block including IC contact springs; a card insertion detection mechanism; a lock member; a lock member drive mechanism that moves the lock member between a pulling-out prevention position and a pulling-out feasible position; a lock member detection mechanism; and a control unit structured to control the card reader. The lock member may include a pulling-out prevention part. A distance between the front end of the IC card and the pulling-out prevention part may be shorter than a length of the IC card in the moving direction of the IC card. The control unit detects that insertion of the IC card has been completed the IC card has been inserted to the contact position and the lock member is located at the pulling-out prevention position.

Abstract: A card reader may include a card passage where a card passed; a contact block including IC contact springs; a card insertion detection mechanism; a lock member; a lock member drive mechanism that moves the lock member between a pulling-out prevention position and a pulling-out feasible position; a lock member detection mechanism; and a control unit structured to control the card reader. The lock member may include a pulling-out prevention part. A distance between the front end of the IC card and the pulling-out prevention part may be shorter than a length of the IC card in the moving direction of the IC card. The control unit detects that insertion of the IC card has been completed the IC card has been inserted to the contact position and the lock member is located at the pulling-out prevention position.

Abstract: A magnetic data processing device may include an encryption magnetic head structured to read the magnetic data recorded on the medium. The encryption magnetic head may include a magnetic data reading part structured to read the magnetic data of the medium to output an analog output signal; a demodulation electronic component structured to demodulate the analog output signal outputted from the magnetic data reading part to generate a digital demodulated signal; and an encryption electronic component structured to generate an encrypted signal obtained by encrypting the demodulated signal demodulated by the demodulation electronic component. The encryption electronic component may include at least a first buffer, a second buffer and a third buffer structured to store data having been read at an insertion time and an ejection time of the medium.

Abstract: A card reader for use with a card incorporated with an IC chip may include an insertion port into which the card is inserted; a metal detection mechanism structured to detect an external connection terminal of the IC chip provided in the card; and a tip end detection mechanism structured to detect a tip end in an inserting direction of the card inserted into the insertion port. The metal detection mechanism and the tip end detection mechanism may be disposed so that, when the tip end detection mechanism detects the tip end in the inserting direction of the card inserted into the insertion port in a correct posture, the metal detection mechanism detects the external connection terminal.

Abstract: Provided is a card reader that accepts and processes the short side of a substantially rectangular IC card conforming to international and JIS standards, said card reader being capable of easily determining whether or not the orientation of the inserted IC card is correct. This card reader comprises: an insertion port wherein a card having a built-in IC chip is inserted; a metal detection mechanism for detecting an external connection terminal of the IC chip formed in the card; and a tip detection mechanism for detecting the tip, in the insertion direction, of the card inserted from the insertion port. In this card reader, the metal detection mechanism and the tip detection mechanism are provided such that, when the tip detection mechanism detects the tip, in the insertion direction, of the card inserted in the correct orientation from the insertion port, the metal detection mechanism is arranged at a position that detects the external connection terminal.