TECHNICAL FIELD

The present relates to card readers accepting cards of different form factors. BACKGROUND

Bicycles that are part of sharing programs are typically locked at various bicycle docking stands (also sometimes referred as 'bicycle stands', 'bicycle racks', 'dock points' or 'docking stations') throughout a city having such program. At any given of these bicycle stands, the user can rent a bicycle. The user may rent for a day, or the user may be a member of the program and have monthly subscriptions. When the user is a member of the program, he/she is given a key that contains information about the membership he/she subscribed to. Information includes the type of membership, the name of the user, and the membership expiration date. The information could also be just a member identification number. The key can have various shapes. It can be flat like a credit card, or thicker and narrower. To rent a bicycle, the user inserts the key in a slot of a card reader located on the docking stand of the bicycle he/she desires to rent. The key communicates with an antenna of the reader. The reader in turn communicates with a locking system of the docking stand to unlock the bicycle from the stand. The docking stands are slender and provide little space for cases where different key/cards need to be read. Different cards could be needed when different members have different shaped keys depending if the key is for the bicycle sharing program or for an associated bicycle sharing-subway program. Currently, however, only one type of key /card reader can be installed on the docking stands.

Furthermore, when different card readers are used, they require each the manufacturing of specific molds which can be work intensive. BRIEF SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a multi-format card reader comprises at least one slot defining a first card slot and a second card slot. The first card slot has a first shape. The second card slot has a second shape. The first shape is different from the second shape. The first card slot is adapted to receive a first card. The second card slot is adapted to receive a second card. The multi-format card reader comprises a card reader adapted to read the first card and the second card. A trigger operatively connects to the at least one slot. When the trigger is actuated and one of the first card and the second card is inserted in the at least one slot, the one of the first card and the second card is in communication with the card reader.

In a further aspect, when the trigger is actuated and the one of the first card and the second card is inserted in the at least one slot, the one of the first card and the second card transmits information to the card reader.

In an additional aspect, the trigger is actuated by inserting the one of the first card and the second card in the at least one slot.

In a further aspect, the trigger is actuated before the one of the first card and the second card is inserted in the at least one slot.

In an additional aspect, when the one of the first card and the second card is removed from the at least one slot, communication between the one of the first card and the second card and the card reader is interrupted.

In a further aspect, the trigger is piezoelectric.

In an additional aspect, the at least one slot is a single slot. The first card slot is at least in part defined with the second card slot.

In a further aspect, the first card slot is disposed at least in part vertically adjacent to the second card slot. The trigger is disposed inside the single slot in part within the first card slot and in part within the second card slot.

In an additional aspect, the first card slot is disposed at least in part vertically above the second card slot.

In a further aspect, the antenna is used for near filed communications between the one of the first card and the second card inserted in the at least one slot and the card reader.

In an additional aspect, the trigger is disposed outside the at least one slot.

In a further aspect, the trigger is one of a button and a touch screen display. In an additional aspect, an antenna operatively connects to the reader. When the trigger is actuated and the one of the first card and the second card is inserted in the at least one slot, the antenna is able to transmit information between the one of the first card and the second card and the card reader. In a further aspect, the at least one slot is disposed onto at least one of a bicycle stand and a bicycle kiosk.

For the purposes of this specification, the term 'multi-format card reader' is not limited to solely card readers but also includes cards read/writers. The term 'card' includes any type of card that contains information transmittable electronically. Embodiments of the present can have at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present, as well as other aspects, and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bicycle sharing assembly; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a kiosk of the bicycle sharing assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a multi-format card reader of the kiosk of FIG. 2 shown with a first card;

FIG. 3B is the perspective view of the card reader of FIG. 3 A shown with a second card;

FIG. 4 A is a front view of the card reader of FIG. 3 A; FIG. 4B is a cross-section of the card reader of FIG. 3A taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A; FIG. 5 is a right side elevation view of the card reader of FIG. 3A partially cut away to reveal internal components;

FIG. 6A is a front view of a receiving slot of the card reader of FIG. 3A according to a first embodiment with a card slot area for the first card shown in shading; FIG. 6B is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 6A with a card slot area for the second card shown in shading;

FIG. 7A is a front view of a receiving slot according to a second embodiment with a card slot area for a third card shown in shading;

FIG. 7B is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 7A with a card slot area for a fourth card shown in shading;

FIG. 7C is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 7A with a card slot area for a fifth card shown in shading;

FIG. 8A is a front view of a receiving slot according to a third embodiment with a card slot area for a sixth card shown in shading; FIG. 8B is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 8A with a card slot area for a seventh card shown in shading;

FIG. 9A is a front view of a receiving slot according to a fourth embodiment with a card slot area for a eight card shown in shading;

FIG. 9B is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 9A with a card slot area for a ninth card shown in shading;

FIG. 1 OA is a front view of a receiving slot according to a fifth embodiment with a card slot area for a tenth card shown in shading;

FIG. 10B is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 10A with a card slot area for a eleventh card shown in shading; FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the multi-format card reader on a docking stand of the bicycle sharing program of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the card reader of FIG. 1 1 partially cut away to reveal internal components;

FIG. 13A is a front view of a receiving slot of the card reader of FIG. 12 with a card slot area for the first card shown in shading; and FIG. 13B is the front view of the receiving slot of FIG. 13A with a card slot area for the second card shown in shading.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Different embodiments of a multi-format card reader will be described in association with a bicycle sharing program. It is contemplated that the multi-format card readers could be used in environments other than environments including bicycles and sharing programs. For example, the multi-format card readers could be used in the context of public transportation, banks, or entry gateways to name a few. It is also contemplated that the different embodiments of the multi-format card readers described herein could be used simultaneously in a same sharing program. Referring to FIG. 1, a bicycle sharing assembly 1 will be described.

The bicycle sharing assembly 1 includes a bicycle kiosk 2 managing the renting of one or more bicycles 4. Each bicycle 4 cooperates with any one of a plurality of bicycle docking stands 3 associated with the bicycle kiosk 2. Several associations of the bicycle kiosk 2 and the plurality of docking stands 3 are disposed at different locations throughout a city having such bicycle sharing program. The different locations enable a user 1 1 to rent the bicycle 4 at one location and drop it at another location.

The bicycle 4 is a regular bicycle having front and rear wheels 9, a seat 4a and a handlebar 4b and as such will not be described in detail herein. The bicycle 4 features an electronic lock which is used to lock the bicycle 4 to the bicycle docking stand 3. The electronic lock includes a male portion 5a disposed on the front of the bicycle 4 and a female portion 5b disposed on the docking stand 3. When the user 1 1 engages the bicycle 4 into any one of the bicycle racks 3, the male portion 5a engages with the female portion 5b and the electronic lock is locked. To unlock the electronic lock, the user 1 1 uses one of first and second cards 12, 14 (shown in FIGs. 3 A and 3B), as will be described below. An embodiment of the locking system is described in the United States Patent Publication Serial No. 2009/0266673 by Dallaire et al., the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is also contemplated that the user 1 1 could unlock the bicycle 4 by ways other than using the key. For example, the user 1 1 could use a code. The docking stand 3 includes an upright post 7 having a vertical indentation 8. The vertical indentation 8 receives a front portion of the front wheel 9 of the bicycle 4 when the bicycle 4 is inserted into the upright post 7 to lock the bicycle 4 to the docking stand 3. It is contemplated that the docking stand 3 could have a shape other than the one shown in the Figures. The shape of the docking stand 3 could for example depend on where the male portion 5a is mounted to the bicycle 4. Also, the docking stand 3 may have various shapes depending on the type of bicycle it receives. The docking stand 3 also includes a cassette 30 which encloses a multi-format card reader 100. As will be described below, the multi-format card reader 100 reads one of the first and second cards 12, 14 inserted therein and unlocks the bicycle 4 from the docking stand 3. The cassette 30 has a plurality of buttons 31 (shown in FIG. 1 1) which can also be used to unlock the bicycle 4.

The bicycle kiosk 2 is a station that manages the reservations for the plurality of bicycles 4.

The bicycle kiosk 2 has a credit card module 6 is in communication with a touch screen display 16. Using the touch screen display 16 and the credit card module 6, a user 1 1 non member of the program can debit his/her credit card of an amount corresponding to a number of minutes the user wishes to rent the bicycle 4. The kiosk 2 then provides the user 1 1 with a number he/she can input via the buttons 31 on the docking stand 3 of the bicycle 4 he/she wishes to rent. It is contemplated that the card module 6 could accept (in addition or instead) debit cards. It is also contemplated that the card module 6 could accept other types of cards such as proximity cards carrying a pre-purchased renting passes. It is contemplated that the touch screen display 16 could provide more or less than the above recited functions. For example, the user 1 1 could also modify his/her membership via the touch screen display 16. It is also contemplated that the touch screen display 16 could not be touch screen, and that a keyboard or a scroll wheel could be used. It is contemplated that the user 1 1 could rent the bicycles 4 of on an hourly or on a daily basis. The bicycle kiosk 2 also has a multi-format card reader 10 which can receive the cards 12, 14. Any one of the two cards 12, 14 is a key that is provided only to any of the users 11 that are members of the program. The cards 12, 14 allow the members to rent the bicycles 4 so that the users 1 1 do not need to use their credit card every time they rent one of the bicycles 4. The multi-format card reader 10 via the touch screen display 16 provides the user 1 1 with information regarding his/her membership. Information includes a name of the user 1 1, a type of membership and an expiration date for the membership. It is contemplated that the multi-format card reader 10 could contain more or less information than described above. It is also contemplated that the multi-format card reader 10 could interact with the bicycle kiosk 2 in another way than described above. For example, the multi-format card reader 10 could be a multi-format card read/writer and the user 11 could use the multi-format card reader 10 along with the credit card module 6 to renew his/her membership. It is contemplated that some of the plurality of docking stands could not be connected to the bicycle kiosk 2. Turning now to FIGs. 2 to IOC, the multi-format card reader 10 of the bicycle kiosk 2 will be described.

The multi-format card reader 10 includes a receiving slot 20 adapted to receive one of any of the two cards 12, 14 at any time. Each of the two cards 12, 14 include a chip (not shown) which is used in near field communication to transmit information stored on the card. It is contemplated that types of communication other than near field communication could be used. For example, the card could have a magnetic stripe and the magnetic stripe could be used to communicate with the multi-format card reader 10. The two cards 12, 14 have different form factors. The first card 12 is slender and board. The second card 14 is thick and narrow relative to the first card 12. Although the bicycle sharing program could be using only one of the cards 12, 14, the multi-format card reader 10 allows the users 1 1 having the different types of cards 12, 14 to use the bicycle sharing program independently of which one of the card 12, 14 they use. This can be the case for example, when the bicycle sharing program is used by two different cities or areas (whether adjacent to each other or not), each city area having its own card 12, 14. This can also be the case, when a bicycle sharing program is undergoing a key shape change. In an other example, the card 14 is typically a card kept on a key ring, while the card 12 is a card that the user 1 1 may prefer to keep in his/her wallet. It is contemplated that the multi-format card reader 10 could receive cards of types other than keys. For example, at least one of the cards 12, 14 could not be a key of the bicycle sharing program, but rather a proximity card carrying a pre-purchased renting passes.

The receiving slot 20 includes a first card slot area 22 for receiving the first card 12, a second card slot area 24 for receiving the second card 14 and a recess 26.

The recess 26 is disposed vertically below the second card slot area 24. The recess 26 is narrower than the second card slot area 24 creating the abutting flanges 27 for the second card 14. The recess 26 allows access to the first and second card slot areas 22, 24 for maintenance purposes. It could happen that someone by mistake inserted a coin into the first or second card slot areas 22, 24 instead of the first or second cards 12, 14. It could also happen that someone would put a chewing gum into the first or second card slot areas 22, 24. In both cases, the multi-format card reader 10 would become inoperative. It is contemplated that the recess 26 could be disposed vertically above the first card slot are 22. It is also contemplated that the recess 26 could be smaller or bigger than shown in the Figures. It is contemplated that the recess 26 could be omitted.

The first and second card slot areas 22, 24 are shaped to receive their corresponding type of cards 12, 14 snuggly. The first and second card slot areas 22, 24 are disposed parallel to a horizontal 13 (shown in FIG. 4A) and adjacent to each other. The first card slot area 22 is disposed vertically above the second card slot area 24. The first and second card slot areas 22, 24 communicate with each other and are in part defined with each other so that they form a single receiving slot 20. The single receiving slot 20 provides a common area for inserting the first and second cards 12, 14. As best shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B, when the first card 12 is introduced in the receiving slot 20, the first card 12 occupies the first slot area 22 (shaded in FIG. 6A). The first card 12 rests on edges of walls 25a (shown in FIG. 4A). The walls 25a are slanted with respect to the horizontal 13 to facilitate insertion of the first card 12. The walls 25a have also a slanted front position 25b (shown in FIG. 4B) to facilitate insertion of the first card 12. When the second card 14 is introduced in the receiving slot 20, the second card 14 occupies the second card slot area 24 (shaded in FIG. 6B). When inserted, the second card 14 rests on the flanges 27. The flanges 27 are horizontal and not slanted. It is contemplated that the first and second card slot areas 22,

24 could not be disposed parallel to the horizontal 13 and adjacent to each other. For example, only one or the two of the first and second card slot areas 22, 24 could not be disposed parallel to a vertical 15 (shown in FIG, 4A). In another example, the first and second card slot areas 22, 24 are not adjacent to each other. It is also contemplated that the walls 25a could not be slanted. It is also contemplated that the flanges 27 could be slanted. It is contemplated that the receiving slot 20 could have a shape and size different from the one described above and shown in the Figures.

FIGs. 7A to 10B show non limitative embodiments of receiving slots 20a,b,c,d. For clarity, the receiving slots 20a,b,c,d are shown with only first and second card slots 22, 24a,b,c,d. It is contemplated that the receiving slots 20a,b,c,d could have slots additional to those shown in the Figures. Such additional slots could receive yet another type of card or could just be recesses.

FIGs. 7A to 7C show the receiving slot 20a having two side walls 25a. When a third type of card (not shown) is inserted into the receiving slot 20a, that card rests onto the two side walls 25a and occupies a card slot area 22a (shaded in FIG. 7A). When a fourth type of card (not shown) is inserted into the receiving slot 20a, that card occupies a card slot area 24a (shaded in FIG. 7B). A fifth type of card (not shown) thinner than the fourth type of card could also be accepted by the receiving slot 20a, and it would occupy an area 24a' (shaded in FIG. 7C).

FIGs. 8A and 8B show the receiving slot 20b having a card slot area 22b (shaded in FIG. 8A) for receiving a sixth type of card (not shown) and a card slot area 24b (shaded in FIG. 8B) for receiving a seventh type of card (not shown) separated by a wall 25b. It is contemplated that the wall 25b could be only a partial wall. For example, the wall 25b could have perforations or extend only throughout a portion of a depth of the receiving slot 20b.

FIGs. 9A and 9B show the receiving slot 20c having a card slot area 24c (shaded in FIG. 9B) for receiving an eighth type of card (not shown) positioned half-way of a card slot area 22c (shaded in FIG. 9A) for receiving a ninth type of card (not shown).

FIGs. 10A and 10B show the receiving slot 20d having a card slot area 24d (shaded in FIG. 10B) for receiving a tenth type of card (not shown) positioned at an extremity of a card slot area 22d (shaded in FIG. 10A) for receiving an eleventh type of card (not shown). Referring back to FIGs. 4A to 5, the multi-format card reader 10 reads information from both the first card 12 and the second card 14 when any one of the first and second cards 12, 14 is inserted in the receiving slot 20 via a circuit board 32 onto which a plurality of electronic components 34 are connected. The circuit board 32 and the plurality of electronic components 34 are typical for near field communication cards, and as such will not be described in great details.

An antenna 37 (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) is disposed on a bottom surface 36 of the circuit board 32. The antenna 37 allows near field communication between the first and second cards 12, 14 and the circuit board 32 when any one of the first and second card 12, 14 is inserted inside its corresponding first and second card slot area 22, 24. It is contemplated that the antenna 37 could be disposed elsewhere on the multi-format card reader 10.

When none of the first and second cards 12, 14 is inserted in the receiving slot 20, the multi-format card reader 10 is in stand-by mode. In stand-by mode, no communication takes place between the antenna 37 and the cards 12, 14.

To initiate communication, the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 is inserted inside the receiving slot 20. Upon insertion, the antenna 37 is turned on and communication is initiated between the circuit board 32 and the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 inserted in the receiving slot 20. It is contemplated that the user 1 1 could touch the touch screen display 16 of the bicycle kiosk 2 before or after he/she has introduced any one of the first and second cards 12 in order to initiate communication between the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 and the circuit board 32. It is also contemplated that the user 1 1 could instead press a button disposed outside the receiving slot 20 to initiate communication, either before or after inserting the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 into the receiving slot 20. It is also contemplated that no external switch could be used to initiate communication. For example, the switch could be disposed inside the receiving slot 20.

When the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 is removed from the receiving slot 20, the multi-format card reader 10 goes back to stand-by mode.

Turning now to FIGs. 1 1 to 13B, the multi-format card reader 100 of the cassette 30 of the bicycle rack 3 will be described. Although in the embodiments described herein, the multi-format card readers 10 and 100 both receive the same cards 12, 14. It is contemplated that the cards received by the multi-format card reader 10 could be different from the cards received by the multi-format card reader 100.

The multi-format card reader 100 includes a receiving slot 120 adapted to receive the first card 12, and the second card 14.

The receiving slot 120 includes a first card slot area 122 adapted to receive the first card 12, and a second card slot area 124 adapted to receive the second card 14. A recess 126 disposed below the card reader 100 allows to access the first card slot area 122 and the second card slot area 124 for maintenance purposes. It is contemplated that the recess 126 could be located elsewhere on the card reader 100. For example, the recess 126 could be part of the receiving slot 120.

The first and second card slot areas 122, 124 are disposed generally vertically and adjacent to each other. The first and second card slot areas 122, 124 share a common area so that the first and second card slot areas 122, 124 communicate with each other and form the single receiving slot 120. It is contemplated that the first and second card slot areas 122, 124 could not be generally vertically to the vertical 15 and adjacent to each other. For example, only one or the two of the first and second card slot areas 122, 124 could be disposed generally horizontally. In another example, first and second card slot areas 122, 124 are not adjacent to each other and form two distinct slots. As best shown in FIGs. 13A and 13B, when the first card 12 is introduced in the receiving slot 120, the first card 12 occupies the first card slot area 122 (shaded in FIG. 13 A). When the second card 14 is introduced in the receiving slot 120, the second card 14 occupies the second card slot area 124 (shaded in FIG. 13B).

It is contemplated that the receiving slot 120 could have a shape and size different from the one described above. Some examples of such alternative embodiments are similar to the ones shown in FIGS. 7A to 10B for the multi-format card reader 10. It is also contemplated that the receiving slot 120 could have one or more additional slots to receive a third or more card or that could just be recesses.

The multi-format card reader 100 includes a circuit board 132 onto which a plurality of electronic components 134 are connected. The circuit board 132 and the plurality of electronic components 134 allow to read information from both the first card 12 and the second card 14 via an antenna 137. The antenna 137 (shown in phantom in FIG. 12) is disposed onto the circuit board 132. The antenna 137 transmits information between the first and second cards 12, 14 and the card reader 100 using near field communication. The antenna 137 is similar to the antenna 37 of the multi-format card reader 10 and as such will not be described again.

To initiate communication between the one of the first and second card 12, 14 inserted inside the receiving slot 120 and the circuit board 132, a piezoelectric switch (or trigger) 150 (shown in FIG. 12) is disposed inside the receiving slot 120. The switch 150 is disposed vertically in part within the first card slot area 122 and in part within the second card slot area 124, so that it is actuated when any one of the first and second cards 12, 14 inserted inside the receiving slot 120. It is contemplated that the switch 150 could not be piezoelectric. For example, the switch 150 could be mechanical. It is also contemplated that the switch 150 could be disposed elsewhere on the multi-format card reader 100. For example, the switch 150 could be disposed outside the receiving slot 120.

The multi-format card reader 100 functions as follows. When none of the first and second cards 12, 14 is inserted in the receiving slot 120, the switch 150 is open (or de-actuated) and the multi-format card reader 100 is in the stand-by mode. When one of the first and second cards 12, 14 is inserted in the receiving slot 120, the switch 150 is closed (or actuated). The switch 150, in turn, actuates communication between the antenna 137 and the circuit board 132. As long as the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 is inserted inside its corresponding first and second card slot areas 122, 124, the switch 150 is closed and communication between the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 and the circuit board 132 occur. When the one of the first and second cards 12, 14 is removed from the receiving slot 120, the switch 150 is open and the multi-format card reader 100 goes back to stand-by mode.

Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.