Chip card reader with a transparent housing
AssigneeGemplus
InventorsHerve Cunin, Carlos Romero-Liceras, Jean-Marc Viande
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reader for a chip card, whose main surface comprises a set of contact pads and visual indications, includes a housing that defines a slot for introducing the card into a functional position in relation to the housing. The reader also has at least one connector for connecting the card and at least one other electronic component. The electric connector and the electronic component are part of a block of components which is located substantially above the set of contacts. The parts of the housing which extend above the main surface of the card are made of a transparent material.
Claims25
A chip card reader for a card of rectangular shape having a main face that includes:
- a set of electrical contact pads, of which the dimensions and the position on the main face of the card are standardised;
- and
- over all of its surface, or any part that is not occupied by the contact set, visual information for customising of the card according to its use, identifying its issuing authority or for advertising purposes;
- said card reader including a housing, having a body which defines a horizontal slot for the introduction of the card into a functional position in relation to the housing;
- and at least one electrical connector for connection with the pads of the card when the latter is in its functional position, and at least one electronic component performing an interface function between the card and a terminal device to which the reader is connected,
- wherein the electrical connector and said electronic component form part of a set of electrical components and/or electronic components which, when the card is in its functional position, is located substantially above of the contact set,
- and wherein parts of the body of the housing which extend above the main face of the card, outside of the location area of the component set, are made of a transparent material.
A reader according to claim 24, wherein the top face of the support board carries at least one warning light which is visible from the outside through the housing.
A reader according to claim 25, wherein the transverse width of the support board is substantially equal to the transverse width of the contact set.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.