# US 6,296,182 B1 · Banknote-processing device with card reader/writer function > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 6,296,182 B1 - Document ID: US6296182B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 09/264,100 - Filed: 1999-03-08 - Granted: 2001-10-02 - Earliest claimed: 1998-03-09 - Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux - Inventors: Michihiro Ota; Hiroaki Yoshida - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6296182B1 ## CPC - G07F 7/02: by keys or other credit registering devices - G07F 7/04: by paper currency - G07F: COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS (coin sorting G07D3/00; coin testing G07D5/00; {handling coins or paper currencies apart from payment activated apparatus G07D; payment architectures, schemes or protocols G06Q20/00}) ## Abstract To provide a banknote-processing device with an IC card reader/writer function, a card reader/writer which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card is fitted within the front mask where the banknote insertion slot is formed, or within a front mask cover which serves to cover this front mask. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, wherein an antenna for communicating with an IC card is provided in a front mask of the banknote-processing device; the front mask is covered with a front mask cover; and a card holder for housing the IC card is provided in the front mask cover. ### Claim 2 A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, having a front mask cover within an aperture formed in a door of a body of an automatic vending machine in which the banknote-processing device is provided, wherein there is provided within the front mask cover a card holder for housing an IC card during communication via an antenna which is located in a prescribed position within the banknote-processing device. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 2, wherein the card holder has a window for confirming presence or absence of an IC card within the card holder. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 2, wherein the card holder has an aperture in at least part of a bottom portion thereof. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 2, wherein the card holder has a cover at an insertion slot through which the IC card is inserted and removed, the cover being capable of opening and closing freely. ### Claim 6 A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, comprising: a front mask provided at a front of a body of the banknote-processing device, the front mask having an aperture for inserting banknotes; a front mask cover for covering the front mask, the front mask cover being detachably fitted to the body of the device; and a card reader/writer is provided within the front mask for the purpose of recording and reproducing information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 6, wherein the card reader/writer comprises: an antenna located in a prescribed position in the front mask cover and communicating with the IC card; and a card holder located in a position opposing to the antenna, for housing the IC card. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder comprises card supporting/ejecting means for supporting the IC card and for ejecting the IC card once the communication with the IC card is terminated. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder comprises card detecting means for detecting presence or absence of the IC card, the communication being initiated when the presence of the card is detected by the card detecting means. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder has a window for confirming presence or absence of the IC card within the card holder. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder is formed with a hole for preventing accumulation of dust. ### Claim 12 (depends on 7) The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder has a card insertion slot through which the IC card is inserted, the card insertion slot being equipped with a cover for opening and closing the card insertion slot. ### Claim 13 A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, having an antenna comprising an antenna coil for communicating with an IC card so as to record and reproduce information to and from an IC recording area of the IC card, wherein the antenna coil is formed by molding with a non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic.