Patent ID: 7900830
Filing Date: 2011-03-08
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A smart card device reader for detecting biometric and non-biometric smart card devices, comprising: a connector that is adapted to connect to a host and communicate therewith; a smart card device reader that receives one of either a biometric or non-biometric smart card device wherein a biometric smart card device includes a biometric circuit and a non-biometric smart card device does not include a biometric circuit; and a reader circuit that generates power to preselected contacts of a smart card device received therein and communicates therewith, and operable for receiving an Answer to Reset signal and analyzing the Answer to Reset signal to determine if a data code is present indicative that a received smart card device is a biometric smart card device and determine whether the received smart card device comprises a biometric smart card device or non-biometric smart card device, wherein if the reader circuit determines that the smart card device is a biometric smart card device, said reader circuit is operable for applying power used for smart card device operation to a first contact of the biometric smart card device and applying power used by the biometric circuit of the biometric smart card device to a second contact, and if the smart card device is determined to be a non-biometric smart card device, applying power only to the first contact.