Abstract: A method is provided of operating a card reader having a substantially planar delivery path which lies in a first plane and which extends between a mouth region of the card reader and a data reader portion of the card reader. The method comprises projecting light across the planar delivery path and in a second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane, detecting light which has been projected across the planar delivery path and in the second plane which is substantially parallel to the first plane, and generating a signal which is indicative of a foreign object being disposed in the planar delivery path in response to the amount of detected light being attenuated.

Abstract: The invention provides for a card reader, and a self-service terminal employing the same. The reader comprises a card receiving means (14) for receiving a card having stored data to be read and card reading means (12) for reading the stored data. The reader is arranged to deliver a card received at the card receiving means (14) to the card reading means via a delivery path. The path (30) is arranged to maintain the card in a predetermined plane during transportation. A signal source (28) is arranged to produce an output signal (26) which is projected across the delivery path (30) in the plane which a card passes when in use. Detecting means (32) are also arranged to receive the output signal (26) and to detect the presence of an object in the path (30) in response to the object interfering with the signal.

Abstract: Automated Teller Machine comprises a fascia having a cash dispensing aperture, a sensor arranged to detect the presence of an object outside of the aperture and the distance to the object; and a processor. The processor is arranged to determine, from the output of the detector, whether the distance to the object is within a predetermined maximum and whether the object is moving or stationary and to output a signal dependent thereon.

Abstract: A card reader comprises a mouth region for receiving a card having stored data to be read and a data reader region for reading the stored data. The reader is arranged to deliver a card received at the mouth region to the data reader region via a delivery path. The delivery path is arranged to maintain the card in a predetermined plane during transportation. A signal source is arranged to produce an output signal which is projected across the delivery path in the plane which a card passes when in use. A detector is also arranged to receive the output signal and to detect the presence of an object in the delivery path in response to the object interfering with the output signal.

Abstract: The invention provides for a card reader, and a self-service terminal employing the same. The reader comprises a card receiving means (14) for receiving a card having stored data to be read and card reading means (12) for reading the stored data. The reader is arranged to deliver a card received at the card receiving means (14) to the card reading means via a delivery path. The path (30) is arranged to maintain the card in a predetermined plane during transportation. A signal source (28) is arranged to produce an output signal (26) which is projected across the delivery path (30) in the plane which a card passes when in use. Detecting means (32) are also arranged to receive the output signal (26) and to detect the presence of an object in the path (30) in response to the object interfering with the signal.