Patent ID: 6814294
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An electronic card reader for reading an electronic card having a substrate and an electronic memory having data stored therein for controlling data controlled equipment, said electronic reader comprising:a touch sensitive substantially transparent membrane having an upper surface configured to be depressible by a user of said reader; a receptacle shaped to receive said electronic card through an opening formed by said receptacle, said receptacle being arranged beneath said transparent membrane and comprising an inner support surface, said inner support surface comprising a substantially curved contour adjacent to said opening, said curved contour being configured to guide said electronic card into a fully inserted position upon application of pressure to a portion of said electronic card adjacent to said opening and to secure said electronic card within said receptacle, such that said electronic card received therein can be viewed through said touch sensitive membrane and a free end of said electronic card remains exposed enabling said electronic card to be removed from said receptacle upon application of pressure substantially to another portion of said electronic card adjacent to said opening; and electronic circuitry means coupled to said membrane to read said data from said memory according to depression of said membrane, said data controlled equipment having a function controlled by receipt of said data and communicating with said electronic card reader to receive said data therefrom.