Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/ – Intrasystem connection – Bus access regulation
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-26
2001-03-06
Shin, Christopher B. (Department: 2782)
Electrical computers and digital data processing systems: input/
Intrasystem connection
Bus access regulation
C710S120000, C710S002000, C710S072000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199128
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to microprocessor-based user cards, commonly known as “smart cards”, and more particularly to a smart card that is capable of communicating with a variety of external devices using different protocols that are respectively associated with the various devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of secure smart cards that provide information specific to an individual is becoming more prevalent in a number of different types of situations. Examples of such include electronic commerce, security access control and health care record maintenance. Each system which employs smart cards contains two fundamental components, namely the smart cards themselves and an interface device, commonly known as a reader. The smart cards are carried by the users of the system, and include a memory which stores information that is pertinent to the user's interaction with the system. In an electronic commerce system, for example, each smart card may contain the balance in an account maintained by the user, as well as details of account transactions. More recently, the smart cards also include microprocessors, which provide for an increased level of security over the information stored in the cards. The incorporation of microprocessors into the cards also enhances their flexibility, for instance by facilitating the storage of executable programs in the cards that can be used to provide expanded functionality.
The readers communicate with the cards in a secure manner to access the information stored therein. In one type of system, the card is inserted into a slot in the reader, which brings electrical contacts in the reader into engagement with mating contacts on the exterior of the card. The engaged contacts enable a microcontroller in the reader to communicate with the memory and/or microprocessor in the card. Typically, the reader is connected to a peripheral device that is associated with the particular type of system into which the reader is incorporated. In a security system, for example, the reader might be connected to an electronic lock that permits a door to be opened. In a banking system, the reader could be incorporated into an automatic teller machine.
To permit the cards and readers of different manufacturers to be compatible with one another, a set of standard specifications has been developed. One of the common standards that applies to smart cards and readers is ISO 7816, promulgated by the International Standards Organization. This standard provides specifications for the location of the electrical contacts on the exterior of the cards, as well as the functions of the electrical signals that are present at the respective contacts. In this regard, the standard provides for up to eight electrical contacts, although specific signals are defined for only five of these contacts. The standard also contains specifications for the power-up, or initialization, procedure that is carried out when a card is first inserted into the reader, and the protocol for communicating between the card and the reader.
Due to the need to comply with the published standards, a conventional card reader can turn out to be a relatively expensive item of equipment. For instance, the ISO standard requires that different respective signals be applied to the five designated contacts on the card in a specific sequence at predetermined times during the power-up procedure. As a result, the reader must include a controller which supervises the application and timing of these signals, thereby adding to its cost.
In many systems which currently employ smart cards, the number of users can be quite large. For example, in an electronic banking system, a considerable number of customers might be expected to access an automated teller machine each day. Consequently, the cost of the reader is amortized over a sufficient number of transactions that it can be readily justified by the provider of the services.
More recently, there has been a trend toward personalized types of smart card applications. For instance, the ability to execute software programs from a microprocessor-based smart card makes it desirable to be able to connect the card to a personal computer. One approach for doing this is to add a smart card reader to the computer, either as an integral device or as a peripheral add-on. However, due to the appreciable cost of a reader, personal computer users may not be inclined to adopt this approach. In contrast to large institutions such as banks and the like, individual computer users may not be able to amortize the cost of the reader over a sufficient number of transactions to justify its cost.
It is desirable, therefore, to provide a smart card system which does not require a relatively expensive reader to access the information and/or functionality present in a card. With such a capability, the smart card is able to directly communicate with a variety of different types of peripheral devices that do not require a protocol associated with ISO standards and the like. Consistent with this objective, however, it is further desirable to provide such a system which remains compatible with currently existing smart card systems that comply with established standards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, these objectives are achieved by providing a smart card that is compatible with multiple different protocols. In one embodiment, such a card is fully compatible with the protocols of the ISO standard and another, non-ISO, standard. One of the contacts of the card which is not designated by the standard is used to indicate whether the card is to operate in the ISO-standard mode, or in another mode. When no signal is present at this terminal, the card operates in the conventional ISO-standard mode. However, the presence of a predetermined signal provides an indication that the card is to operate in the non-ISO mode. In this case, a different start-up procedure can be employed which does not require the strict timing constraints associated with the ISO mode of operation. Consequently, a less expensive reader can be employed which may not require the type of controller that is associated with an ISO-compliant reader.
In a specific embodiment, the non-ISO mode can be one that is associated with standard communication protocols that are used in personal computers, such as PS/2, USB and the like. An interface device which communicates with a multi-protocol smart card can be connected to any bus of the computer which operates in accordance with the desired non-ISO protocol. In the case of PS/2, for example, the interface device can be connected between the keyboard and the CPU of the computer system. Whenever a smart card is inserted into such an interface device, it communicates with both the CPU and the keyboard in accordance with the PS/2 protocol.
The applications of the multi-protocol card are not limited to communications with personal computers. Due to the flexibility and functionality offered by smart cards that have microprocessors incorporated therein, the multi-protocol smart card can be used to drive, or otherwise communicate with, any of a variety of peripheral devices, whether or not a personal computer is present in the system.
Further features of the invention, and the advantages offered thereby, are explained in detail hereinafter, with reference to specific embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4985920 (1991-01-01), Seki
patent: 5093862 (1992-03-01), Scwartz
patent: 5434395 (1995-07-01), Storck et al.
patent: 5521362 (1996-05-01), Powers
patent: 5721781 (1998-02-01), Deo et al.
patent: 5729004 (1998-03-01), Kim et al.
patent: 5834756 (1998-11-01), Gutman et al.
patent: 5841868 (1998-11-01), Helbig, Sr.
patent: 5852290 (1998-12-01), Chaney
patent: 6012634 (2000-01-01), Brogan et al.
Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis L.L.P.
Gemplus S.C.A.
Shin Christopher B.
LandOfFree
Smart card system for use with peripheral devices does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Smart card system for use with peripheral devices, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Smart card system for use with peripheral devices will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2484593