Patent ID: 7062584
Filing Date: 2006-06-13
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A computer controlled device operable using an integrated circuit (IC) card of a first type or of a second type, the device comprising: a card reader, coupled to a microcontroller, wherein the card reader receives the IC card, said card reader having an interface controller and operational contacts said interface controller applying a first signal to at least one of the operational contacts of the IC card that is placed in said card reader; wherein the IC card of the first type responds differently to the first signal than the IC card of the second type, at least one of the IC cards producing a distinct second signal in response to the first signal; said interface controller determining whether the IC card in the card reader has produced the second signal; and wherein buffers are provided between the interface controller and selected one of said operational contacts are provided for one of blocking and enabling respective signal paths associated with selected ones of said operational contacts to implement an interface for one of the first card and the second card types in response to said determining means.