Card reader and control method thereof

Abstract

In a card moving step performed when activation of an IC chip fails in a first activation attempt step, an IC contact block (7) is disposed at a contactable position (7A) at which an IC contact spring (6) can be brought into contact with an external connection terminal (3b) of a card (3). The card (3) is transferred and stopped within a range in which the IC contact spring (6) in contact with the external connection terminal (3b) is not separated from the external connection terminal (3b). Furthermore, in a second activation attempt step after the card moving step, the card reader attempts activation of the IC chip by stopping the card (3) within the range in which the card (3) moves in the card moving step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a card reader and a method for controlling the card reader. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an IC card connector device for handling IC cards is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The IC card connector device described in Patent Document 1 includes an IC contact spring (contact electrode) that contacts the external connection terminals (card contacts) of an IC chip formed on one surface of the IC card. The IC card connector device also includes a pair of rotating rollers for conveying the IC card and a brush-like cleaning member for cleaning the external connection terminals.

[0003] The IC card connector device described in Patent Document 1 reciprocates the IC card using a rotating roller, allowing a cleaning member to remove dirt and other contaminants from the IC card's external connection terminals. Therefore, even when handling an IC card with contaminants on its external connection terminals, the IC card connector device can still establish electrical connection between the external connection terminals and the IC contact springs, activating the IC chip. [Prior art literature] [Patent Document]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-202466 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0005] As described above, the IC card connector device described in Patent Document 1 can activate the IC chip even when handling an IC card whose external connection terminals are contaminated with dirt, etc. However, this IC card connector device requires a cleaning member to remove the contamination, etc., adhering to the external connection terminals. This increases the number of components in the IC card connector device and complicates its structure.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a card reader for performing data communication with a card having an internal IC chip and external connection terminals for the IC chip, which can improve the probability of the IC chip being activated with a simple structure even when handling a card with dirt or the like attached to the external connection terminals. Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a card reader control method, which can improve the probability of the IC chip being activated with a simple structure even when handling a card with dirt or the like attached to the external connection terminals in a card reader for performing data communication with a card having an internal IC chip and external connection terminals for the IC chip. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a card reader according to one embodiment of the present invention is used for performing data communication with a card having an internal IC chip and a plurality of external connection terminals formed thereon. The card reader is characterized in that it includes: a card conveying path for conveying the card; a card conveying mechanism for conveying the card on the card conveying path; a plurality of IC contact springs that respectively contact the plurality of external connection terminals for data communication; an IC contact block for holding the plurality of IC contact springs; a block moving mechanism for moving the IC contact block between a contactable position in which the IC contact springs can contact the external connection terminals and a retracted position in which the IC contact springs cannot contact the external connection terminals; and a mechanism for controlling the card reader. The control unit performs the following steps: a first activation attempt step, in which the card is conveyed to a prescribed reference position and stopped while the IC contact block is arranged in a retracted position, and then the IC contact block is moved to a contactable position to attempt activation of the IC chip; a card moving step, in which, when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the card is conveyed and stopped within a range in which the IC contact spring in contact with the external connection terminal does not separate from the external connection terminal while the IC contact block is arranged in a contactable position; and a second activation attempt step, in which, after the card moving step, the card is stopped within the range in which the card was moved in the card moving step to attempt activation of the IC chip.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a control method for a card reader according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a card conveying path for conveying a card having an IC chip built therein and having a plurality of external connection terminals formed thereon; a card conveying mechanism for conveying the card on the card conveying path; a plurality of IC contact springs respectively contacting the plurality of external connection terminals for data communication; an IC contact block for holding the plurality of IC contact springs; and a block moving mechanism for moving the IC contact block between a contactable position in which the IC contact springs can contact the external connection terminals and a retracted position in which the IC contact springs cannot contact the external connection terminals. The control method for the card reader is characterized in that The invention is to perform the following steps: a first activation attempt step, in which the card is conveyed to a prescribed reference position and stopped while the IC contact block is arranged in a retracted position, and then the IC contact block is moved to a contactable position to attempt activation of the IC chip; a card moving step, in which, when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the card is conveyed and stopped within a range where an IC contact spring in contact with an external connection terminal does not separate from the external connection terminal while the IC contact block is arranged in a contactable position; and a second activation attempt step, in which, after the card moving step, the card is stopped within the range moved by the card in the card moving step to attempt activation of the IC chip.

[0009] In this method, during the card transfer step, which is executed when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt, the IC contact block is positioned in a contactable position where the IC contact spring can contact the external connection terminals. The card is then transferred and stopped within a range where the IC contact spring, in contact with the external connection terminals, does not separate from the external connection terminals. Therefore, in this method, even without a cleaning member, as in the IC card connector device described in Patent Document 1, dirt and the like adhering to the external connection terminals can be removed by the IC contact springs. In other words, this method can remove dirt and the like adhering to the external connection terminals using a simple structure.

[0010] Furthermore, in this method, in the second activation attempt step following the card movement step, the card is stopped within the range moved in the card movement step to attempt activation of the IC chip. Specifically, in this method, in the second activation attempt step, activation of the IC chip is attempted by bringing the IC contact spring into contact with a portion of the external connection terminal from which dirt, etc., is presumed to have been removed. Therefore, in this method, even when a card with dirt, etc., is handled by a card reader, the probability of IC chip activation can be increased. In other words, in this method, even when a card with dirt, etc., is handled by a card reader, the probability of IC chip activation can be increased with a simple structure. Effects of the Invention

[0011] As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, in a card reader for performing data communication with a card having an IC chip built in and having external connection terminals for the IC chip, the probability that the IC chip can be activated can be increased by a simple structure even when handling a card with dirt or the like attached to the external connection terminals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view for explaining the structure of the card reader according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the card shown. Figure 3 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The block diagram of the structure of the card reader is shown. Figure 4 Is used to explain Figure 1 A side view showing the operation of the IC contact block. Figure 5 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The flowchart of one example of a method for controlling the card reader when activation of the IC chip of the card reader fails is shown. Figure 6 Is used to illustrate Figure 1The flowchart of one example of a method for controlling the card reader when activation of the IC chip of the card reader fails is shown. Figure 7 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The illustrated card reader is a side view of an example of a method for controlling the card reader when activation of the IC chip of the card reader fails. Figure 8 It is a side view for explaining a card reader control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 It is a side view for explaining a card reader control method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] (Structure of card reader) Figure 1 It is a schematic side view for explaining the structure of the card reader 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the card 3 is shown. Figure 3 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The block diagram of the structure of the card reader 2 is shown. Figure 4 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The side view of the IC contact block 7 shown in FIG. Figure 4 A is a diagram showing a state where the IC contact block 7 is arranged in the retracted position 7B. Figure 4 B is a diagram showing a state where IC contact block 7 is arranged at contactable position 7A.

[0015] This card reader 2 is a device for communicating data with a contactless IC card 3. It is installed in a host device such as an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). Card 3 is a rectangular vinyl chloride card approximately 0.7 to 0.8 mm thick. It complies with international and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) standards. Card 3 has a built-in IC chip, and its multiple external connection terminals 3b are formed on one surface of card 3 (specifically, the front surface).

[0016] In the card 3, a plurality of external connection terminals 3b, arranged adjacent to one another in the short-side direction (width direction) of the rectangular card 3, are arranged in two rows in the long-side direction (length direction) of the card 3. Specifically, four external connection terminals 3b, arranged adjacent to one another in the width direction of the card 3, are arranged in two rows in the length direction of the card 3. Alternatively, the card 3 may include a magnetic stripe or the like containing magnetic data. Furthermore, the card 3 may have a built-in communication antenna connected to an IC chip.

[0017] A card transport path 4 is formed within the card reader 2. A card 3 inserted from the card insertion port is transported along this card transport path 4. The card reader 2 includes a card transport mechanism 5 that transports the card 3 along the card transport path 4. In other words, the card reader 2 is a card transport type card reader. The card reader 2 also includes a plurality of IC contact springs 6 that communicate data by contacting each of the plurality of external connection terminals 3b of the card 3, an IC contact block 7 that holds the plurality of IC contact springs 6, and a block movement mechanism 8 that moves the IC contact block 7. Furthermore, the card reader 2 includes a control unit 9 for controlling the card reader 2.

[0018] In this mode, card 3 is Figure 1 The card 3 is conveyed along the card conveying path 4 in the X direction. Specifically, the X direction is the direction in which the card conveying mechanism 5 conveys the card 3. Furthermore, the Z direction, which is perpendicular to the X direction, is the thickness direction of the card 3 conveyed along the card conveying path 4, and the Y direction, which is perpendicular to both the X and Z directions, is the width direction (short-side width direction) of the card 3 conveyed along the card conveying path 4. For example, the card reader 2 is arranged so that the Z direction coincides with the vertical direction.

[0019] In the following description, the front-to-back direction is Figure 1 The X1 direction side is defined as the "front" side or the "front side", and the other side of the front and rear direction is defined as Figure 1 The X2 direction side is defined as the "back" side or the "inside" side. Figure 1 The Z1 direction side of the same is set as the "upper" side, and the opposite side is Figure 1 The Z2 direction side is defined as the "downward" side. In the card reader 2, the card 3 is inserted toward the rear side and ejected toward the front side. In the card conveying path 4, the card 3 is conveyed so that the longitudinal direction of the rectangular card 3 is aligned with the front-to-back direction.

[0020] The card conveying mechanism 5 includes a motor 12 as a driving source. In addition, the card conveying mechanism 5 includes a plurality of driving rollers 13 and a plurality of pad rollers 14 arranged opposite to the driving rollers 13. The driving rollers 13 are connected to the motor 12 via a predetermined power transmission mechanism. The pad rollers 14 are urged toward the driving rollers 13. The card 3 is conveyed while being clamped by the driving rollers 13 and the pad rollers 14. The motor 12 is a DC motor. The motor 12 includes an encoder 15 for detecting the amount of rotation or the rotation speed of the motor 12. The motor 12 and the encoder 15 are electrically connected to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the motor 12 based on the detection results of the encoder 15 and the like, and conveys the card 3.

[0021] The IC contact block 7 is positioned so as to face the card transport path 4 from above. Within the IC contact block 7, a plurality of IC contact springs 6 are arranged in two rows in the front-to-back direction, arranged in a horizontal direction. Specifically, four IC contact springs 6 are arranged in two rows in the front-to-back direction, arranged in the horizontal direction. The plurality of IC contact springs 6 held by the IC contact block 7 are electrically connected to the control unit 9.

[0022] IC contact spring 6 includes a retained portion 6b held by IC contact block 7, and a spring portion 6c connected to retained portion 6b and extending rearward from retained portion 6b. Retained portion 6b is formed in a circular ring shape. IC contact block 7 includes a retaining shaft 17 disposed on the inner circumference of retained portion 6b. Retaining shaft 17 is configured so that its axial direction and the left-right direction coincide with each other. When viewed from the left-right direction, spring portion 6c forms a V-shape. The top of V-shaped spring portion 6c contacts external connection terminal 3b of card 3.

[0023] The block moving mechanism 8 is composed of a solenoid 18 as a driving source and a power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the solenoid 18 to the IC contact block 7. The block moving mechanism 8 moves the IC contact block 7 to the contactable position 7A (see FIG. 1 ) where the IC contact spring 6 can contact the external connection terminal 3b of the card 3. Figure 4 B) and the retreat position 7B where the IC contact spring 6 cannot contact the external connection terminal 3b of the card 3 (i.e., the retreat position 7B where the IC contact spring 6 retreats upward from the card conveying path 4 so as not to contact the external connection terminal 3b, see Figure 4 The solenoid 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the solenoid 18 to move the IC contact block 7 between the contactable position 7A and the retracted position 7B.

[0024] In this embodiment, the block moving mechanism 8 rotates the IC contact block 7 between the contactable position 7A and the retracted position 7B, with the left-right direction serving as the rotation axis. Furthermore, the block moving mechanism 8 rotates the IC contact block 7 between the contactable position 7A and the retracted position 7B, with the front end of the IC contact block 7 serving as the rotation center. The power transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the solenoid 18 to the IC contact block 7 includes, for example, a connecting rod that can rotate in the left-right direction serving as the rotation axis. Furthermore, the block moving mechanism 8 includes, for example, a spring member that applies force to the connecting rod in the direction in which the IC contact block 7 moves toward the retracted position 7B. When the solenoid 18 is in the de-energized state, the IC contact block 7 is positioned in the retracted position 7B due to the force of the spring member. When the solenoid 18 is energized, the IC contact block 7 in the retracted position 7B moves to the contactable position 7A.

[0025] (Card reader control method) Figure 5 and Figure 6 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The flowchart of one example of a method for controlling the card reader 2 when activation of the IC chip of the card reader 2 fails is shown. Figure 7 Is used to illustrate Figure 1 The card reader 2 shown is a side view of an example of a control method of the card reader 2 when activation of the IC chip fails. Figure 7 A is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the reference position 3A. Figure 7 B is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the first moving position 3B. Figure 7 C is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the second moving position 3C. Figure 7 D is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is arranged at the first stop position 3D. Figure 7 E is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is arranged at the second stop position 3E.

[0026] With the IC contact block 7 in the contactable position 7A, the card reader 2 communicates data with the card 3. When data communication is established between the card reader 2 and the card 3, the control unit 9 first supplies power to the IC chip embedded in the card 3 via the IC contact spring 6 and the external connection terminal 3b, and then performs a predetermined initial response process with the IC chip. Specifically, when data communication is established between the card reader 2 and the card 3, the control unit 9 first supplies power to the IC chip embedded in the card 3 to attempt to activate the IC chip.

[0027] Specifically, the control unit 9 conveys the card 3 to the predetermined reference position 3A and stops it while the IC contact block 7 is in the retreat position 7B. Then, the control unit 9 moves the IC contact block 7 to the contactable position 7A and attempts to activate the IC chip (first activation attempt step). When the card 3 is in the reference position 3A, the top of the V-shaped spring portion 6c contacts, for example, the center of the external connection terminal 3b in the front-to-back direction (see FIG. Figure 7 A) The reference position 3A is stored in the control unit 9, and the control unit 9 controls the motor 12 to transport the card 3 to the reference position 3A and stop.

[0028] If activation of the IC chip succeeds in the first activation attempt, the control unit 9 continues data communication with the card 3. On the other hand, if dirt or the like adheres to the external connection terminal 3b, causing the conduction between the IC contact spring 6 and the external connection terminal 3b to become unstable, activation of the IC chip may fail in the first activation attempt. The following describes an example of a method for controlling the card reader 2 when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt. Hereinafter, the control of the card reader 2 performed when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt is referred to as "activation retry control."

[0029] If activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt, the control unit 9 first moves the IC contact block 7 to the retracted position 7B and then moves the card 3 to a predetermined third stop position and stops (step S1). The third stop position is stored in the control unit 9. In step S1, the control unit 9 controls the motor 12 to move the card 3 to the third stop position and stop. The third stop position is initially set to the reference position 3A. In step S1, the control unit 9 moves the card 3 to the reference position 3A and stops. If the card 3 is located at the third stop position at the end of the first activation attempt, moving the card 3 in step S1 is omitted.

[0030] Afterwards, the control unit 9 moves the IC contact block 7 to the contactable position 7A and then attempts to activate the IC chip again (step S2). That is, the control unit 9 retries the activation of the IC chip in step S2. Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether the activation of the IC chip in step S2 is successful (step S3). If the activation of the IC chip in step S2 is successful ("Yes" in step S3), the activation retry control ends and the control unit 9 resumes data communication with the card 3.

[0031] On the other hand, if the activation of the IC chip fails in step S2 ("No" in step S3), the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 back and forth while the IC contact block 7 is arranged in the contactable position 7A (that is, the IC contact spring 6 is in contact with the external connection terminal 3b) and then stops (step S4). In step S4, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 within a range where the IC contact spring 6 in contact with the external connection terminal 3b does not separate from the external connection terminal 3b and stops it. In this method, in step S4, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 to the first moving position 3B (refer to the reference position 3A) in front of the reference position 3A. Figure 7 B) and the second shift position 3C (refer to Figure 7 C) Transmit card 3 between.

[0032] In this embodiment, the offset L1 between the card 3 in the reference position 3A and the card 3 in the first shift position 3B is equal to the offset L2 between the card 3 in the reference position 3A and the card 3 in the second shift position 3C. However, the offset L1 and the offset L2 may be different. When the card 3 is in the first shift position 3B, the top of the spring portion 6c contacts a portion slightly forward of the rear end (rear end) of the external connection terminal 3b. When the card 3 is in the second shift position 3C, the top of the spring portion 6c contacts a portion slightly backward of the front end (front end) of the external connection terminal 3b.

[0033] The first and second moving positions 3B and 3C are stored in the control unit 9. The control unit 9 controls the motor 12 to move the card 3 between the first and second moving positions 3B and 3C and then stops. Furthermore, in step S4, the control unit 9 moves the card 3 back and forth multiple times. For example, in step S4, the control unit 9 moves the card 3 back and forth three times. However, in step S4, the control unit 9 may move the card 3 back and forth only once.

[0034] Afterwards, the control unit 9 maintains the IC contact block 7 in the contactable position 7A and transfers the card 3 to the reference position 3A and stops (step S5). Thereafter, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip again (step S6). That is, the control unit 9 retries the activation of the IC chip in step S6. Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether the activation of the IC chip in step S6 is successful (step S7). If the activation of the IC chip is successful in step S6, the activation retry control ends, and the control unit 9 continues data communication with the card 3. Note that if the card 3 is configured at the reference position 3A at the end of step S4, step S5 is omitted.

[0035] If the card 3 is positioned at the rear side of the first moving position 3B and the front side of the reference position 3A as the first stop position 3D (see Figure 7 D), and the card 3 is positioned in front of the second moving position 3C and behind the reference position 3A as the second stop position 3E (refer to Figure 7 E), when the activation of the IC chip fails in step S6, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 to the first stop position 3D and stops it (step S8) in a state where the IC contact block 7 is configured in the contactable position 7A (that is, the IC contact spring 6 is in contact with the external connection terminal 3b).

[0036] The first stop position 3D is stored in the control unit 9. In step S8, the control unit 9 controls the motor 12 to transport the card 3 to the first stop position 3D and stop it. In this method, the offset L3 in the front-to-back direction between the card 3 at the reference position 3A and the card 3 at the first stop position 3D is equal to the offset L4 in the front-to-back direction between the card 3 at the reference position 3A and the card 3 at the second stop position 3E. The offsets L3 and L4 are, for example, 0.6 to 0.7 mm. Alternatively, the offsets L3 and L4 may be different.

[0037] Afterwards, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip again (step S9). That is, the control unit 9 retries activation of the IC chip in step S9. Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether activation of the IC chip in step S9 is successful (step S10). If activation of the IC chip is successful in step S9, the control unit 9 updates the third stop position by setting the first stop position 3D to the third stop position (step S22). If the update of the third stop position is completed in step S22, the activation retry control ends, and the control unit 9 resumes data communication with the card 3.

[0038] On the other hand, if activation of the IC chip fails in step S9, the control unit 9, while the IC contact block 7 is positioned in the contactable position 7A, moves the card 3 to the reference position 3A and stops it (step S11). Thereafter, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip again (step S12). Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether activation of the IC chip in step S12 is successful (step S13). If activation of the IC chip is successful in step S12, the process proceeds to step S22. When the process proceeds from step S13 to step S22, the control unit 9 updates the third stop position in step S22, setting the reference position 3A to the third stop position.

[0039] On the other hand, if the activation of the IC chip fails in step S12, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 to the second stop position 3E and stops it (step S14) while the IC contact block 7 is configured in the contactable position 7A. The second stop position 3E is stored in the control unit 9, and in step S14, the control unit 9 controls the motor 12 to transfer the card 3 to the second stop position 3E and stop it. Thereafter, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip again (step S15). Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether the activation of the IC chip in step S15 is successful (step S16). If the activation of the IC chip in step S15 is successful, the processing proceeds to step S22. When entering step S22 from step S16, the control unit 9 updates the third stop position in step S22 and sets the second stop position 3E to the third stop position.

[0040] On the other hand, if activation of the IC chip fails in step S15, the control unit 9, while the IC contact block 7 is positioned in the contactable position 7A, moves the card 3 to the reference position 3A and stops it (step S17). Thereafter, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip again (step S18). Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether activation of the IC chip is successful in step S18 (step S19). If activation of the IC chip is successful in step S18, the process proceeds to step S22. When the process proceeds from step S19 to step S22, the control unit 9 updates the third stop position in step S22, setting the reference position 3A to the third stop position.

[0041] On the other hand, if activation of the IC chip fails in step S18, the control unit 9 increments the count value indicating the number of repetitions of steps S8 to S19 (step S20). Specifically, in step S20, the control unit 9 increments the count value stored in the control unit 9 by 1. In the first step S20 after activation retry control begins, the count value becomes "1." Thereafter, the control unit 9 determines whether the count value has reached a predetermined reference value (step S21).

[0042] If the count value does not reach the reference value in step S21, the process returns to step S8, and the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 to the first stop position 3D and stops it while the IC contact block 7 is arranged in the contactable position 7A. The reference value in step S21 is an integer greater than 2. The reference value in this method is "3". That is, in step S21, it is determined whether steps S8 to S19 have been repeated 3 times. On the other hand, if the count value reaches the reference value in step S21, the activation retry control ends. When the activation retry control is completed through steps S20 and S21, the control unit 9 performs the prescribed error reporting process without performing data communication with the card 3. In addition, the reference value in step S21 can be "2" or "4" or above.

[0043] Step S4 of this method is a card movement step in which, if activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the IC contact block 7 is positioned in the contactable position 7A, and the card 3 is moved and stopped within a range where the IC contact spring 6 in contact with the external connection terminal 3b does not disengage from the external connection terminal 3b. Furthermore, steps S8 through S21 of this method are a second activation attempt step in which, after the card movement step, the card 3 is stopped within the range moved in the card movement step and activation of the IC chip is attempted. In other words, in this method, the control unit 9 executes the first activation attempt step, the card movement step, and the second activation attempt step.

[0044] In the card movement step, step S4, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 between the first movement position 3B and the second movement position 3C. In the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 and stops it while the IC contact block 7 is in the contactable position 7A. Specifically, in steps S8, S11, S14, and S17, the control unit 9 transfers the card 3 and stops it while the IC contact block 7 is in the contactable position 7A.

[0045] Furthermore, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip a predetermined number of times while changing the stop position of the card 3 until the IC chip is successfully activated. Specifically, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 to the first stop position 3D, the second stop position 3E, and the reference position 3A, until the IC chip is successfully activated. More specifically, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 repeats a cycle of activation attempts multiple times (specifically, three times) until the IC chip is successfully activated. In this cycle of activation attempts, the control unit 9 attempts to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 in the order of the first stop position 3D, the reference position 3A, the second stop position 3E, and the reference position 3A.

[0046] Furthermore, steps S1 to S3 of this method are a third activation attempt step in which activation of the IC chip is attempted again while the card 3 is stopped at the third stop position. If activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the control unit 9 executes the third activation attempt step before executing the card movement step, i.e., step S4. Furthermore, step S22 of this method is a stop position update step in which the stop position of the card 3 upon successful activation of the IC chip is set to the third stop position. The control unit 9 executes the stop position update step when activation of the IC chip is successful in the second activation attempt step (specifically, when activation of the IC chip is successful in steps S9, S12, S15, and S18).

[0047] (The main function of this method) As described above, in this method, in step S4, which is executed when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt, the IC contact block 7 is positioned in the contactable position 7A where the IC contact spring 6 can contact the external connection terminal 3b. The card 3 is then conveyed and stopped within a range where the IC contact spring 6, in contact with the external connection terminal 3b, does not separate from the external connection terminal 3b. Therefore, in this method, even without the cleaning member described in Patent Document 1, dirt and the like adhering to the external connection terminal 3b can be removed by the IC contact spring 6. In other words, in this method, dirt and the like adhering to the external connection terminal 3b can be removed using a simple structure.

[0048] Furthermore, in this method, in steps S8 to S21, the card 3 is stopped within the range it moved in step S4, and activation of the IC chip is attempted. Specifically, in this method, activation of the IC chip is attempted by bringing the IC contact spring 6 into contact with the portion of the external connection terminal 3b where dirt, etc., is presumed to have been removed. Therefore, in this method, even if the card reader 2 handles a card 3 with dirt, etc., attached to the external connection terminal 3b, the probability of IC chip activation can be increased. In other words, in this method, even if the card reader 2 handles a card 3 with dirt, etc. attached to the external connection terminal 3b, the probability of IC chip activation can be increased with a simple structure.

[0049] In this method, in steps S8, S11, S14, and S17, the card 3 is conveyed and stopped while the IC contact block 7 is positioned at the contactable position 7A. Therefore, in this method, the processing time in steps S8 to S21 can be shortened compared to a method in which the IC contact block 7 is retracted to the retracted position 7B in steps S8, S11, S14, and S17, the card 3 is conveyed and stopped, and then the IC contact block 7 is moved to the contactable position 7A in steps S9, S12, S15, and S18 to attempt activation of the IC chip.

[0050] In this method, in steps S8 to S21, the action of attempting to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of card 3 is performed a predetermined number of times until the IC chip is successfully activated. Therefore, in this method, the probability of the IC chip being activated can be further increased. In addition, in this method, activation of the IC chip is also attempted even when card 3 is stopped in the first stop position 3D and the second stop position 3E. The activation of the IC chip is attempted by causing the IC contact spring 6 to contact a portion of the external connection terminal 3b that is further forward than the portion that contacts the IC contact spring 6 when the card 3 is in the reference position 3A. Furthermore, the activation of the IC chip is attempted by causing the IC contact spring 6 to contact a portion of the external connection terminal 3b that is further rearward than the portion that contacts the IC contact spring 6 when the card 3 is in the reference position 3A. Therefore, in this method, the probability of the IC chip being activated can be further increased.

[0051] In this method, in steps S8 through S21, the IC chip activation attempt is made while the card 3's stop position is changed in the order of first stop position 3D, reference position 3A, second stop position 3E, and reference position 3A until the IC chip is successfully activated. Therefore, in this method, the time required to move the card 3 can be shortened when changing the card's stop position. Consequently, this method can further increase the probability of IC chip activation and shorten the processing time of steps S8 through S21.

[0052] In this method, if the IC chip is successfully activated in steps S9, S12, S15, and S18, a third stop position update is performed in step S22, where the stop position of the card 3 at the time of successful IC chip activation is set to the third stop position. Therefore, in this method, the probability of successful IC chip activation in step S2 can be increased.

[0053] (Control method modification example 1) In the above method, if activation of the IC chip fails in step S18, activation retry control can be terminated directly. Specifically, a single activation attempt cycle can be performed only once. This cycle involves the control unit 9 attempting activation of the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 in the order of first stop position 3D, reference position 3A, second stop position 3E, and reference position 3A. If activation retry control is terminated directly due to IC chip activation failure in step S18, the control unit 9 executes the prescribed error reporting process without performing data communication with the card 3. In this case, steps S20 and S21 are unnecessary.

[0054] In the above method, the control unit 9 may also transfer the card 3 to the second stop position 3E and stop it in step S8, and transfer the card 3 to the first stop position 3D and stop it in step S14. Furthermore, in the above method, the control unit 9 may repeat a cycle of activation attempts multiple times in the second activation attempt step, wherein one cycle of activation attempts involves attempting to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 in the order of the first stop position 3D, the reference position 3A, and the second stop position 3E. That is, in the above method, steps S17 to S19 may be omitted. Furthermore, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may repeat a cycle of activation attempts multiple times, wherein one cycle of activation attempts involves attempting to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 in the order of the second stop position 3E, the reference position 3A, and the first stop position 3D.

[0055] In the above-described method, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip while alternating the stop position of the card 3 between the first stop position 3D and the reference position 3A in the second activation attempt step. Alternatively, in the above-described method, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip while alternating the stop position of the card 3 between the second stop position 3E and the reference position 3A in the second activation attempt step.

[0056] (Control method modification example 2) Figure 8 is a side view for explaining a control method of the card reader 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 A is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is arranged at the reference position 3A. Figure 8 B is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the fifth stop position 3F. Figure 8 C is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the sixth stop position 3G. Figure 8 D is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is arranged at the first stop position 3D. Figure 9 is a side view for explaining a control method of a card reader 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 A is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is arranged at the reference position 3A. Figure 9 B is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the seventh stop position 3H. Figure 9 C is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the eighth stop position 3J. Figure 9 D is a diagram showing a state where the card 3 is located at the second stop position 3E.

[0057] In the above method, the control unit 9 may also attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A to the first moving position 3B in the second activation attempt step, and then attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the second moving position 3B to the second moving position 3C, and then attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the second moving position 3C to the first moving position 3B, until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

[0058] In this case, for example, the position of the card 3 between the reference position 3A and the first stop position 3D is set as the fifth stop position 3F (refer to Figure 8 B), the position of the card 3 between the fifth stop position 3F and the first stop position 3D is set as the sixth stop position 3G (refer to Figure 8 C), the position of the card 3 between the reference position 3A and the second stop position 3E is set as the seventh stop position 3H (refer to Figure 9 B), the position of the card 3 between the seventh stop position 3H and the second stop position 3E is set to the eighth stop position 3J (refer to Figure 9 C), in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 repeatedly performs a cycle of activation attempts. This cycle of activation attempts involves attempting to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 in the order of the fifth stop position 3F, the sixth stop position 3G, the first stop position 3D, the sixth stop position 3G, the fifth stop position 3F, the reference position 3A, the seventh stop position 3H, the eighth stop position 3J, the second stop position 3E, the eighth stop position 3J, the seventh stop position 3H, and the reference position 3A. Alternatively, the control unit 9 may perform only one cycle of activation attempts in the second activation attempt step.

[0059] The front-to-back offset L5 between the card 3 positioned at the reference position 3A and the card 3 positioned at the fifth stop position 3F, the front-to-back offset L6 between the card 3 positioned at the fifth stop position 3F and the card 3 positioned at the sixth stop position 3G, and the front-to-back offset L7 between the card 3 positioned at the sixth stop position 3G and the card 3 positioned at the first stop position 3D are equal. Furthermore, the front-to-back offset L8 between the card 3 positioned at the reference position 3A and the card 3 positioned at the seventh stop position 3H, the front-to-back offset L9 between the card 3 positioned at the seventh stop position 3H and the card 3 positioned at the eighth stop position 3J, and the front-to-back offset L10 between the card 3 positioned at the eighth stop position 3J and the card 3 positioned at the second stop position 3E are equal. Furthermore, the offset L5 and the offset L8 are equal. However, the offset L5 and the offset L8 may be different. In addition, some of the offsets L5 , L6 , and L7 may be different from the other offsets, and some of the offsets L8 , L9 , and L10 may be different from the other offsets.

[0060] In this modified example, when changing the rest position of card 3, the time required to move card 3 can be shortened. Consequently, the probability of IC chip activation can be further increased, and the processing time in the second activation attempt step can be shortened. Furthermore, in this modified example, activation of the IC chip is attempted by causing IC contact spring 6 to contact a portion of external connection terminal 3b that is further forward than the portion where IC contact spring 6 contacts when card 3 is in reference position 3A, and by causing IC contact spring 6 to contact a portion of external connection terminal 3b that is further rearward than the portion where IC contact spring 6 contacts when card 3 is in reference position 3A. This further increases the probability of IC chip activation.

[0061] (Control method modification example 3) In the second modification, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A to the first movement position 3B during the second activation attempt step until the IC chip is successfully activated. That is, during the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip by simply moving the card 3 from the reference position 3A toward the first movement position 3B until the IC chip is successfully activated. Specifically, during the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may repeat a cycle of activation attempts multiple times, or it may only perform a single cycle, where the activation attempt attempts the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card 3 in the order of the fifth stop position 3F, the sixth stop position 3G, and the first stop position 3D. In this case, during the card movement step, the card 3 may be moved only between the reference position 3A and the first movement position 3B.

[0062] Similarly, in Modification 2, during the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stopping position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A toward the second moved position 3C until activation of the IC chip is successful. In this case, during the card movement step, the card 3 may be transferred only between the reference position 3A and the second moved position 3C.

[0063] In Modification 2, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may attempt activation of the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A to the first movement position 3B, and then attempt activation of the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the first movement position 3B to the reference position 3A, until the activation of the IC chip is successful. Similarly, in Modification 2, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may attempt activation of the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A to the second movement position 3C, and then attempt activation of the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the second movement position 3C to the reference position 3A, until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

[0064] In variation example 2, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A to the first moving position 3B, and then attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the first moving position 3B to the second stop position 3E, until the activation of the IC chip is successful, or may attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the reference position 3A to the second moving position 3C, and then attempt to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card 3 from the second moving position 3C to the first moving position 3B, until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

[0065] (Other embodiments) Although the above-described mode is one example of a preferred mode of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

[0066] In the above-described method, the control unit 9 can supply a greater current to the solenoid 18 when the IC contact block 7 moves from the retracted position 7B to the contactable position 7A in step S2 than the current supplied to the solenoid 18 when the IC contact block moves from the retracted position 7B to the contactable position 7A in the first activation attempt. For example, the control unit 9 can supply a maximum current to the solenoid 18 in step S2. In this case, the movement speed of the IC contact block 7 increases in step S2, and the impact when the IC contact spring 6 contacts the external connection terminal 3b increases. Consequently, the probability of removing dirt and the like adhering to the external connection terminal 3b in step S2 increases, thereby increasing the probability of successful IC chip activation.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 9 may move the IC contact block 7 disposed in the contactable position 7A to the retracted position 7B in steps S8, S11, S14, and S17, then convey the card 3 and stop it while the IC contact block 7 is disposed in the retracted position 7B. In steps S9, S12, S15, and S18, the IC contact block 7 disposed in the retracted position 7B may be moved to the contactable position 7A. Similarly, in the above-described modified example, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit 9 may move the IC contact block 7 disposed in the contactable position 7A to the retracted position 7B, then convey the card 3 and stop it while the IC contact block is disposed in the retracted position 7B.

[0068] In the above method, after step S7, the control unit 9 may attempt to activate the IC chip by stopping the card 3 in only one of the first stop position 3D and the second stop position 3E. Furthermore, in the above method, when the card 3 is positioned in the reference position 3A, the top of the spring portion 6c may contact a portion of the external connection terminal 3b that is offset from the center in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, in the above method, the motor 12 may be a stepping motor. In this case, the encoder 15 is not required. Furthermore, in the above method, the card reader 2 may be a manual card reader.

[0069] In the above method, step S22 may not be executed. Furthermore, in the above method, if activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt, the process may proceed directly to step S4. That is, steps S1 to S3 may not be executed during activation retry control. In this case, step S22 is unnecessary. Furthermore, in the above method, the process may proceed directly from step S4 to step S8. That is, steps S5 to S7 may not be executed during activation retry control.

[0070] (Structure of this technology) Note that the present technology can have the following structures. (1) A card reader for performing data communication with a card having an internal IC chip and a plurality of external connection terminals of the IC chip, wherein: The card reader includes: a card conveying path for conveying the card; a card conveying mechanism for conveying the card on the card conveying path; a plurality of IC contact springs respectively contacting the plurality of external connection terminals for data communication; an IC contact block for holding the plurality of IC contact springs; a block moving mechanism for moving the IC contact block between a contactable position where the IC contact springs can contact the external connection terminals and a retracted position where the IC contact springs cannot contact the external connection terminals; and a control unit for controlling the card reader. The control unit performs the following steps: a first activation attempt step of transferring the card to a predetermined reference position and stopping the card with the IC contact block disposed in the retracted position, and then moving the IC contact block to the contactable position to attempt activation of the IC chip; a card moving step of, when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, conveying the card and stopping it within a range where the IC contact spring in contact with the external connection terminal does not separate from the external connection terminal while the IC contact block is arranged in the contactable position; and A second activation attempt step is to attempt activation of the IC chip by stopping the card within the range in which the card was moved in the card moving step after the card moving step. (2) The card reader according to (1), wherein the control unit conveys the card and stops the card in a state where the IC contact block is arranged at the contactable position in the second activation attempt step. (3) The card reader as described in (1) or (2) is characterized in that, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit attempts to activate the IC chip a specified number of times while changing the stop position of the card until the activation of the IC chip is successful. (4) The card reader according to (3), wherein one side of the direction in which the card transport mechanism transports the card is set as the front side, and the other side of the direction in which the card transport mechanism transports the card is set as the rear side, In the card moving step, the control unit transfers the card between a first moving position on the front side of the reference position and a second moving position on the rear side of the reference position, and if the position of the card on the rear side of the first moving position and in front of the reference position is set as a first stop position, and the position of the card on the front side of the second moving position and in back of the reference position is set as a second stop position, then in the second activation attempt step, the stop position of the card is changed to the first stop position, the second stop position, and the reference position while attempting to activate the IC chip until the activation of the IC chip is successful. (5) The card reader as described in (4) is characterized in that the control unit repeats a cycle of activation attempts multiple times in the second activation attempt step until the activation of the IC chip is successful, and the activation attempt in one cycle is to change the stop position of the card in the order of the first stop position, the reference position, the second stop position, and the reference position while attempting to activate the IC chip. (6) The card reader as described in (3) is characterized in that the control unit transfers the card at least between the reference position and the specified first moving position in the card moving step, and in the second activation attempt step, gradually changes the stop position of the card from the reference position to the first moving position while attempting to activate the IC chip until the activation of the IC chip is successful. (7) The card reader as described in (6) is characterized in that the control unit transfers the card between the first moving position on the front side of the reference position and the second moving position on the rear side of the reference position in the card moving step, and in the second activation attempt step, attempts to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the reference position to the first moving position, and then attempts to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the first moving position to the second moving position, and then attempts to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the second moving position to the first moving position, until the activation of the IC chip is successful. (8) A card reader as described in any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that if the activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the control unit executes a third activation attempt step before executing the card moving step, and attempts to activate the IC chip again while stopping the card at a specified third stop position. (9) The card reader as described in (8) is characterized in that if the activation of the IC chip is successful in the second activation attempt step, the control unit executes a stop position update step to set the stop position of the card when the activation of the IC chip is successful to the third stop position. (10) A method for controlling a card reader, the card reader comprising: a card conveying path for conveying a card having an IC chip built therein and having a plurality of external connection terminals formed thereon, a card conveying mechanism for conveying the card on the card conveying path, a plurality of IC contact springs respectively contacting the plurality of external connection terminals for data communication, an IC contact block for holding the plurality of IC contact springs, and a block moving mechanism for moving the IC contact block between a contactable position in which the IC contact springs can contact the external connection terminals and a retracted position in which the IC contact springs cannot contact the external connection terminals, the method for controlling the card reader being characterized by executing the following steps: a first activation attempt step of transferring the card to a predetermined reference position and stopping the card with the IC contact block disposed in the retracted position, and then moving the IC contact block to the contactable position to attempt activation of the IC chip; a card moving step of, when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, conveying the card and stopping it within a range where the IC contact spring in contact with the external connection terminal does not separate from the external connection terminal while the IC contact block is arranged in the contactable position; and A second activation attempt step is to attempt activation of the IC chip by stopping the card within the range in which the card was moved in the card moving step after the card moving step.

[0071] In this embodiment, it is preferred that, in the second activation attempt step, the control unit transfers the card and stops it while the IC contact block is positioned in a contactable position. This configuration reduces the processing time in the second activation attempt step compared to a case where, in the second activation attempt step, the IC contact block is transferred and stopped while the IC contact block is positioned in a retracted position, and then the IC contact block is moved to a contactable position before attempting activation of the IC chip.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control unit preferably performs the operation of attempting to activate the IC chip a predetermined number of times while changing the card's stop position in the second activation attempt step until the IC chip is successfully activated. This configuration can further increase the probability of the IC chip being activated.

[0073] In this method, preferably, if one side of the direction in which the card conveying mechanism conveys the card is set to the front side, and the other side of the direction in which the card conveying mechanism conveys the card is set to the rear side, then in the card moving step, the control unit conveys the card between a first moving position on the front side of the reference position and a second moving position on the rear side of the reference position, and if the position of the card on the rear side of the first moving position and the front side of the reference position is set to the first stop position, and the position of the card on the front side of the second moving position and the rear side of the reference position is set to the second stop position, then in the second activation attempt step, the stop position of the card is changed to the first stop position, the second stop position and the reference position while attempting to activate the IC chip until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

[0074] With this structure, activation of the IC chip can be attempted by causing the IC contact spring to contact a portion of the external connection terminal that is further forward than the portion where the IC contact spring contacts the card when the card is in the reference position. Alternatively, activation of the IC chip can be attempted by causing the IC contact spring to contact a portion of the external connection terminal that is further rearward than the portion where the IC contact spring contacts the card when the card is in the reference position. Therefore, the probability of IC chip activation can be further increased.

[0075] In this method, the control unit preferably repeats a cycle of activation attempts in the second activation attempt step until the IC chip is successfully activated. This cycle of activation attempts involves attempting to activate the IC chip while changing the card's rest position in the order of the first rest position, the reference position, the second rest position, and the reference position. This configuration can shorten the card movement time when changing the rest position. This further increases the probability of successful IC chip activation and shortens the processing time in the second activation attempt step.

[0076] In this method, for example, the control unit may transfer the card between at least a reference position and a predetermined first movement position during the card movement step, and in the second activation attempt step, gradually change the card's resting position from the reference position to the first movement position while attempting to activate the IC chip until activation is successful. In this case, the time required to move the card when changing the resting position can be shortened. This further increases the probability of IC chip activation and reduces the processing time during the second activation attempt step.

[0077] In this method, preferably, in the card moving step, the control unit transfers the card between a first moving position on the front side of the reference position and a second moving position on the rear side of the reference position, and in the second activation attempt step, the activation of the IC chip is attempted while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the reference position to the first moving position, and then, the activation of the IC chip is attempted while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the first moving position to the second moving position, and thereafter, the activation of the IC chip is attempted while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the second moving position to the first moving position, until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

[0078] With this structure, activation of the IC chip can be attempted by causing the IC contact spring to contact a portion of the external connection terminal that is further forward than the portion where the IC contact spring contacts the external connection terminal when the card is in the reference position. Alternatively, activation of the IC chip can be attempted by causing the IC contact spring to contact a portion of the external connection terminal that is further rearward than the portion where the IC contact spring contacts the external connection terminal when the card is in the reference position. Therefore, the probability of IC chip activation can be further increased.

[0079] In this method, for example, if activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the control unit executes a third activation attempt step before executing the card moving step, and attempts activation of the IC chip again while stopping the card at a specified third stop position.

[0080] In this embodiment, if activation of the IC chip is successful in the second activation attempt, the control unit preferably executes a stop position updating step in which the card's stop position at the time of successful activation of the IC chip is set to the third stop position. This configuration can increase the probability of successful activation of the IC chip in the third activation attempt. Description of labels

[0081] 2 card readers 3 cards 3b External connection terminal 3A reference position 3B First moving position 3C Second mobile position 3D first stop position 3E Second stop position 4-Card Transport Path 5. Card transport mechanism 6 IC contact springs 7 IC contact blocks 7A accessible position 7B Retreat position 8 moving mechanisms 9 Control Unit S1-S3 Third activation attempt step S4 card removal steps S8-S21 Second activation attempt step S22 Stop location update step X Card transfer direction X1 front X2 rear

Claims

1. A card reader for performing data communication with a card having an internal IC chip and a plurality of external connection terminals of the IC chip, the card reader being characterized in that: include: a card conveying path for conveying the card, a card conveying mechanism for conveying the card on the card conveying path, a plurality of IC contact springs respectively contacting the plurality of external connection terminals for data communication, an IC contact block for holding the plurality of IC contact springs, a block moving mechanism for moving the IC contact block between a contactable position where the IC contact springs can contact the external connection terminals and a retracted position where the IC contact springs cannot contact the external connection terminals, and a control unit for controlling the card reader, The control unit performs the following steps: a first activation attempt step of transferring the card to a predetermined reference position and stopping the card with the IC contact block disposed in the retracted position, and then moving the IC contact block to the contactable position to attempt activation of the IC chip; a card moving step of, when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, conveying the card and stopping it within a range where the IC contact spring in contact with the external connection terminal does not separate from the external connection terminal while the IC contact block is arranged in the contactable position; as well as A second activation attempt step is to attempt activation of the IC chip by stopping the card within the range in which the card was moved in the card moving step after the card moving step.

2. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein: In the second activation trial step, the control unit conveys the card and stops the card in a state where the IC contact block is arranged at the contactable position.

3. The card reader according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the second activation attempt step, the control unit attempts to activate the IC chip a predetermined number of times while changing the stop position of the card until activation of the IC chip succeeds.

4. The card reader according to claim 3, wherein: If one side of the direction in which the card transport mechanism transports the card is defined as the front side, and the other side of the direction in which the card transport mechanism transports the card is defined as the rear side, Then, in the card moving step, the control unit transfers the card between a first moving position on the front side of the reference position and a second moving position on the rear side of the reference position, and if the position of the card on the rear side of the first moving position and in front of the reference position is set as a first stop position, and the position of the card on the front side of the second moving position and in back of the reference position is set as a second stop position, then in the second activation attempt step, the stop position of the card is changed to the first stop position, the second stop position, and the reference position while attempting to activate the IC chip until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

5. The card reader according to claim 4, wherein: In the second activation attempt step, the control unit repeats a cycle of activation attempts multiple times until the activation of the IC chip is successful. The activation attempt in one cycle is to try to activate the IC chip while changing the stop position of the card in the order of the first stop position, the reference position, the second stop position, and the reference position.

6. The card reader according to claim 3, wherein: In the card moving step, the control unit transfers the card at least between the reference position and the specified first moving position, and in the second activation attempt step, gradually changes the stop position of the card from the reference position to the first moving position while attempting to activate the IC chip until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

7. The card reader according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit transfers the card between the first moving position on the front side of the reference position and the second moving position on the rear side of the reference position in the card moving step, and attempts to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the reference position to the first moving position in the second activation attempt step, and then attempts to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the first moving position to the second moving position, and then attempts to activate the IC chip while gradually changing the stop position of the card from the second moving position to the first moving position, until the activation of the IC chip is successful.

8. The card reader according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: If activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, the control unit executes a third activation attempt step before executing the card moving step, and attempts activation of the IC chip again while stopping the card at a predetermined third stop position.

9. The card reader according to claim 8, wherein: If activation of the IC chip succeeds in the second activation attempt step, the control unit executes a stop position updating step to set the stop position of the card at the time when activation of the IC chip succeeds as the third stop position.

10. A method for controlling a card reader, the card reader comprising: a card conveying path for conveying a card having an IC chip built therein and having a plurality of external connection terminals formed thereon, a card conveying mechanism for conveying the card on the card conveying path, a plurality of IC contact springs respectively contacting the plurality of external connection terminals for data communication, an IC contact block for holding the plurality of IC contact springs, and a block moving mechanism for moving the IC contact block between a contactable position in which the IC contact springs can contact the external connection terminals and a retracted position in which the IC contact springs cannot contact the external connection terminals, The control method of the card reader is characterized by performing the following steps: a first activation attempt step of transferring the card to a predetermined reference position and stopping the card with the IC contact block disposed in the retracted position, and then moving the IC contact block to the contactable position to attempt activation of the IC chip; a card moving step of, when activation of the IC chip fails in the first activation attempt step, conveying the card and stopping it within a range where the IC contact spring in contact with the external connection terminal does not separate from the external connection terminal while the IC contact block is arranged in the contactable position; as well as A second activation attempt step is to attempt activation of the IC chip by stopping the card within the range in which the card was moved in the card moving step after the card moving step.

Images