Card reader

A card reader is a data input device that reads data from a card-shaped storage medium. The first were punched card readers, which read the paper or cardboard punched cards that were used during the first several decades of the computer industry to store information and programs for computer systems. Modern card readers are electronic devices that can read plastic cards embedded with either a barcode, magnetic strip, computer chip or another storage medium.

A memory card reader is a device used for communication with a smart card or a memory card. A magnetic card reader is a device used to read magnetic stripe cards, such as credit cards. A business card reader is a device used to scan and electronically save printed business cards.

Smart card readers

A smart card reader is an electronic device that reads smart cards and can be found in the following form:

INEC card reader

The INEC card reader is a portable electronic voter authentication device, configured to only read the Permanent Voter Cards issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission. The card reader was designed specifically for the accreditation process, authentication of eligible voters before voting. The machine was configured to only read the PVCs of a particular polling unit and can only work on election day.

Operation

The device uses a cryptographic technology with an ultra-low power consumption and one core frequency of 1.2 GHz and an Android 4.2.2. The device is position by its operator (usually a trained INEC official) to reads the embedded chip on the PVC, this procedure display the information of the voter, followed by fingerprinting. It usually takes about 10 to 20 seconds to validate a voter. On completion of accreditation process, a close V key is used to close the accreditation process and the total number of voters accredited can be previewed using a query key beside the close V key and thereafter, the result may be forwarded to INEC using the Communication key. The card reader was first used for the Nigeria's presidential election that was held on March 28, 2015.