Patent ID: 7975912
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a hybrid card reader that is operable to read magnetic stripe cards and that, upon the receipt of a signal, becomes operable to read integrated circuit cards, which comprises: receiving a first integrated circuit card into the hybrid card reader while the hybrid card reader is receiving power and in a disabled state, wherein the hybrid card reader is operable to read a magnetic stripe card while the hybrid card reader is receiving power and in the disabled state, and wherein the hybrid card reader is inoperable to activate a latching mechanism and an integrated circuit card reading function while the hybrid card reader is receiving power and in the disabled state; receiving a first signal from a first remote device; switching the hybrid card reader from the disabled state to an enabled state in response to the receipt of the first signal by the hybrid card reader, wherein the hybrid card reader enables at least one of the latching mechanism and the integrated circuit card reading function while the hybrid card reader is receiving power and in the enabled state; and subsequent to switching to the enabled state and while the hybrid card reader is receiving power, detecting the insertion of a second integrated circuit card into the hybrid card reader.