# card reader

> data input device that reads from a card-shaped storage medium

**Wikidata**: [Q912405](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q912405)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Card_reader)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/card-reader

## Summary
A card reader is a data input device that reads from a card-shaped storage medium. It serves as a peripheral input device that provides data and signals to information processing systems. Card readers can read various types of cards including magnetic storage cards, smart cards, memory cards, and other card-shaped media.

## Key Facts
- Card readers are classified as peripheral devices that attach to computers and provide input, output, storage, or communication facilities
- The IBM 1402, introduced on October 5, 1959, was a high-speed card reader/punch peripheral for the IBM 1401 computer
- Magnetic storage cards were used in programmable pocket calculators from the 1970s and 1980s, with inception around 1974
- The INEC card reader is a portable electronic voter authentication device issued by Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission
- Card readers have aliases including Smart card readers, memory card readers, electronic card reader, and various language-specific terms
- The device has a Google Product Taxonomy ID of 505801 under Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Computer Components > Input Devices > Electronic Card Readers

## FAQs
### Q: What types of cards can a card reader process?
A: Card readers can process various card types including magnetic storage cards, smart cards, memory cards (like microSD), and other card-shaped storage media. Different card readers are designed for specific card formats and technologies.

### Q: How does a card reader differ from other input devices?
A: A card reader specifically reads data from card-shaped storage media, whereas other input devices like keyboards and mice provide direct user input. Card readers serve as peripherals that transfer stored data from portable cards to computers or other systems.

### Q: What is the historical significance of card readers?
A: Card readers have evolved from early punched card systems like the IBM 1402 (1959) to modern smart card and memory card readers. They played a crucial role in data processing evolution, enabling portable data storage and transfer before widespread network connectivity.

## Why It Matters
Card readers represent a fundamental technology for data input and transfer that has evolved alongside computing systems. They solved the critical problem of portable data storage and transfer when network connectivity was limited or unavailable. From early punched card systems that enabled batch processing in mainframes to modern smart card readers used for secure authentication and memory card readers for digital photography, card readers have been essential in making data portable and accessible. The technology has enabled everything from early business data processing to modern voting systems, secure access control, and digital media transfer. As data storage formats have evolved, card readers have adapted to read new card technologies while maintaining backward compatibility, making them a persistent and adaptable technology in the computing landscape.

## Notable For
- Being a versatile peripheral that reads multiple card formats including magnetic, smart, and memory cards
- Historical significance through early implementations like the IBM 1402 card reader/punch from 1959
- Specialized applications including voter authentication in Nigeria through the INEC card reader system
- Wide language support with aliases in German, Japanese, and other languages
- Classification within Google's product taxonomy as an electronic input device

## Body
### Classification and Types
Card readers are classified as peripheral devices and specifically as input devices that provide data and signals to information processing systems. They fall under the broader category of punched card input/output devices and are distinct from similar technologies like memory card readers.

### Historical Development
The technology traces back to early computing with devices like the IBM 1402, introduced October 5, 1959, as a high-speed card reader/punch for the IBM 1401 computer. Magnetic storage cards emerged around 1974 for use in programmable pocket calculators, representing an early portable storage format.

### Modern Applications
Contemporary card readers include specialized devices like the INEC card reader for voter authentication in Nigeria, Presto card readers for fare management systems, and microSD readers that connect via USB. Smart card readers and memory card readers represent modern implementations of the technology.

### Technical Specifications
Card readers typically include a slot for card insertion, with the slot being a common component. They support various card technologies including near-field communication, though this is often used rather than universally implemented.

### Global Presence
The technology has international reach with names and implementations in multiple languages including German (Kartenlesegerät, Chipkartenlesegerät, Magnetkartenleser), Japanese (メモリーカードリーダー and variants), and others. The Wikipedia page exists in multiple languages including English, German, French, and several others.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "card reader",
  "description": "data input device that reads from a card-shaped storage medium",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Card_reader",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1075672",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Special:EntityData/Q1075672.json"
  ],
  "additionalType": "peripheral",
  "image": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/IC_Card_Reader_Writer_RW-5100W.jpg"
}

## References

1. Google Product Taxonomy
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
5. Wikibase TDKIV