System for accessing virtual smart cards for smart card application and data carrier
US6516357B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/4181
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention describes an improved communication architecture for smart card systems and an improved procedure for communication of the smart card applications using protected data carriers, particularly in the case where smart cards or smart card readers cannot be used. The improved communication architecture has a common virtual smart card interface between the respective smart card applications and the modules which facilitate access to the protected data carriers (smart cards). The modules allow access to either physical smart cards, virtual software smart cards or hardware smart cards. The common virtual smart card interface means that the application is completely independent of the respective module or the respective data carrier. Alternatively, the improved communication architecture additionally contains a virtual smart card adapter which communicates over the common virtual smart card interface with the respective smart card application. The different modules are attached to the smart card adapters and selected statically or dynamically by the smart card application. Virtual software smart cards which functionally imitate true physical smart cards can be linked o…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.