Smartcard reader with key-activated electronic simulation of card removal and reinsertion

Abstract

Smartcard reader, which includes the following: a case (10); an input mechanism (11) configured to be operated by a user; a smartcard connector (16) configured to receive a smartcard; a microcontroller (12); a power gating circuit (13) configured to interrupt and restore power to a smartcard received from the smartcard connector (16); a card presence detection circuit (14) configured to provide a presence signal indicating the presence and / or absence of a smartcard at the smartcard connector (16), wherein the smartcard reader is configured to electronically simulate the removal and reinsertion of a smartcard received by the smartcard connector (16) without physically removing the smartcard from the smartcard connector (16), and wherein the smartcard reader is configured to simulate removal and reinsertion depending on the receipt of user input via the input mechanism (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to smart card readers and authentication hardware. In particular, it relates to a contact smart card reader suitable for FIDO2 security keys implemented according to ISO 7816.

[0002] FIDO2 comprises the W3C Web Authentication Specification (WebAuthn) and the FIDO Alliance Client-to-Authenticator Protocol (CTAP). WebAuthn defines a standard browser and platform API that enables the creation and use of credentials with limited public keys, while CTAP allows clients to communicate with external or platform authenticators via transport channels such as USB, NFC, and BLE. Together, FIDO2 supports passwordless, two-factor, and multi-factor authentication using embedded (platform) or external (roaming) authenticators. Authenticators ensure the user's presence or verify their identity through user gestures (e.g., touch sensors, biometric verification, PIN) before operations such as credential creation or validation are performed.

[0003] In other words, cryptographic authentication using smart cards and FIDO2-compliant authentication tokens typically requires reliable user presence verification. Near Field Communication (NFC)-based implementations can use physical touch to confirm user presence. Specifically, a smart card containing the authentication token can be tapped against a compatible reader to indicate user presence.

[0004] With contact smartcard implementations according to ISO 7816, it is not possible to tap the card. Instead, the user presence gesture associated with contact smartcards is typically implemented by physically removing and reinserting the smartcard, as recognized by the host operating system. In other words, with contact smartcard implementations according to ISO 7816, operating systems generally interpret the removal and reinsertion of the card as a presence event, requiring users to physically remove and reinsert the card for each authentication attempt. However, repeated mechanical manipulation is inconvenient for users, causes mechanical wear on both the smartcard and the reader, and can lead to intermittent contact problems and failed authentications.

[0005] EP 0 862 130 A2 discloses a smart card reader comprising a limit switch that engages with the edge of an inserted card to signal that it is in the correct position. While this generally enables the detection of the correct positioning of the smart card, it does not provide a mechanism for electronically simulating reinsertion without physical movement of the smart card.

[0006] EP 3 584 738 B1 discloses a reader that is only powered when a card is inserted into the reader, thereby reducing the time the device is powered. However, no switching off and on again for user presence verification is specified.

[0007] US 8,001,311 B2, for example, discloses a purely software-based simulation of card removal and reinsertion in the context of a smart card that is not fully installed or recognized. However, while some systems attempt to perform such software resets, many host platforms only treat a complete removal and reinsertion sequence as a new presence event, particularly in the context of user presence verification. Therefore, there is a need for improved techniques to generate a host-recognized removal / reinsertion event without physically moving the card.

[0008] In light of this, one objective is to overcome or at least mitigate the shortcomings and disadvantages of the prior art. That is to say, one objective of the present invention is to provide a smart card reader that enables a host-detected removal / reinsertion event without physically moving the card.

[0009] These objectives are achieved by the present invention.

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a smart card reader comprising a housing, an input mechanism configured to be operated by a user, a smart card connector configured to receive a smart card, a microcontroller, a power gating circuit configured to interrupt and restore power to a smart card received by the smart card connector, and a card presence detection circuit configured to provide a presence signal indicating the presence and / or absence of a smart card at the smart card connector.

[0011] The interruption and restoration of the power supply to the smartcard can refer either to the power supply that is provided directly to the smartcard via an electrical contact (in the case of a contact smartcard), or to the power supply that is transmitted via the corresponding NFC field, in the case of a contactless smartcard.

[0012] The smart card reader can be configured to electronically simulate the removal and reinsertion of a smart card received by the smart card connector without physically removing the smart card from the connector. This electronic simulation of removal specifically involves manipulating physical signals (e.g., power supply to the received smart card and / or presence signal) and is therefore not simply a software-based simulation. Such manipulation of physical signals can more reliably lead the host to acknowledge a successful removal and reinsertion. In other words, the smart card reader can simulate the removal and reinsertion of the smart card without actually physically moving the card.This can advantageously enable FIDO2-compliant user presence checks that support passwordless authentication processes without requiring the user to actually remove the smartcard. Simply actuating the entry mechanism, instead of physically removing and reinserting the smartcard, can increase user convenience and furthermore reduce mechanical wear and contact degradation caused by repeated physical removal.

[0013] The smartcard reader can be configured to simulate card removal and reinsertion depending on the receipt of user input via the input mechanism. This can advantageously ensure that the user is present and thus continue to allow for meaningful verification of user presence.

[0014] The smartcard reader can be configured to perform a controlled interruption of the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit.

[0015] The smart card reader can be configured to perform a controlled restoration of power to a received smart card via the power gating circuit. In other words, the smart card reader can be configured to restore power to the received smart card in a controlled manner via the power gating circuit.

[0016] The smart card reader can be configured to manipulate the presence signal. Specifically, the smart card reader can be configured to manipulate the presence signal to simulate the removal of a received smart card. Likewise, the smart card reader can be configured to manipulate the presence signal to simulate the reinsertion of a received smart card.

[0017] Such a simulation at the hardware level, through manipulation of the presence signal (e.g., the presence line) and the power supply of the card (e.g., the VCC), can have the advantage of being more reliable and less prone to errors than purely software-based approaches, and significantly increases (or even ensures) the chance that host systems will interpret the event as a genuine reinstatement.

[0018] The microcontroller can be configured to perform the following steps, preferably sequentially and depending on the reception of a signal from the input mechanism indicating user input: interrupting the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit; manipulating the card presence detection circuit and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the absence of the smartcard, thereby simulating the removal of the physically still present smartcard; manipulating the card presence detection circuit and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the presence of the smartcard; and restoring the power supply to the received smartcard via the power gating circuit, thereby simulating the reinsertion of the physically still present smartcard.

[0019] Preferably, the microcontroller can be configured to restore power after a predefined delay. This delay can be in the range of 10 ms to 500 ms, preferably in the range of 20 ms to 200 ms. The preset delay can be programmable. That is, it can be possible to change the preset delay before executing the other process steps. This can have the advantage that the delay can be adapted to the specific requirements of the host system to improve compatibility with different host operating systems. In particular, the preset delay can be changed at the firmware level.

[0020] The step of electronically simulating the removal and reinsertion of a smartcard received via the smartcard connector can be completed within a time interval of 10 ms to 1000 ms, preferably 20 ms to 500 ms.

[0021] The smart card reader can be configured so that electronically simulating the removal and reinsertion of the smart card received in the smart card connector triggers the generation of an Answer to Reset (ATR) response from the smart card. The smart card reader can then be configured to transmit the ATR response to a host system. This can indicate the successful reinsertion of the smart card into the host system.

[0022] The input mechanism can include at least one of the following: a button, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, a microphone-based trigger (enabling voice activation), or gesture recognition, e.g., camera-based.

[0023] The input mechanism can be positioned within the housing in such a way that it is accessible and, in particular, activated by a user. For example, the input mechanism can be attached to the housing. Overall, the input mechanism can be mounted so that it is easily accessible to a user during normal operation of the smart card reader.

[0024] The smartcard connector can be configured to receive a contact-based smartcard. Specifically, the smartcard connector can include a card slot for inserting the contact-based smartcard. Additionally or alternatively, the smartcard connector can include electrical contacts to establish an electrical connection with a received smartcard.

[0025] The smartcard connector can be configured to receive a contactless smartcard. Specifically, the smartcard connector includes an NFC interface for contactless receiving and communication with a smartcard.

[0026] The microcontroller can be configured to control the smartcard reader.

[0027] The microcontroller can be configured to control the card presence detection circuit. In particular, the microcontroller can be configured to manipulate (e.g., toggle) the presence signal provided by the card presence detection circuit.

[0028] The microcontroller can be configured to control the power gating circuit.

[0029] The microcontroller can be configured to receive a signal from the input mechanism. This can allow the microcontroller to register and / or recognize user input provided by the actuation of the input mechanism, e.g., a button.

[0030] The power gating circuit can be configured to disable the smartcard supply voltage (VCC) connection. Specifically, the power gating circuit can be configured to control the VCC in accordance with the reset timing specified in ISO 7816-3.

[0031] The presence signal can be a digital presence signal. Preferably, a logic high can indicate the presence of a smartcard and a logic low the absence of a smartcard. Thus, a transition from logic high to logic low can indicate the removal of a smartcard, while a transition from logic low to logic high can indicate the insertion of a smartcard.

[0032] The card presence circuit can include at least one mechanical switch, a Hall effect sensor, an NFC sensor and an optical sensor to provide the respective presence signal.

[0033] The smart card reader may also include an interface configured to enable communication with an external host. This interface may be configured for wired and / or wireless communication with the external host. The interface may also be configured to allow power supply to the smart card reader from the external host. Furthermore, the interface may be configured to enable communication via USB and / or UART.

[0034] The smartcard reader can be configured to transmit a reset response provided by the smartcard to a host via the interface.

[0035] The smartcard reader can be configured to read smartcards received from the smartcard connector, especially smartcards that include a FIDO2 authentication token.

[0036] The smartcard reader may include a redundant fallback circuit configured to ensure manipulation of the presence signal independently of the microcontroller.

[0037] The microcontroller can be configured to provide a clock for the received smartcard.

[0038] The microcontroller can be configured to output a reset signal to the received smartcard.

[0039] The smartcard reader can be configured to transmit the presence signal to a host.

[0040] The microcontroller of the smartcard reader can be configured to perform the method according to the present invention as described below.

[0041] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for simulating the physical removal and reinsertion of a smartcard that is physically received by a smartcard reader, wherein the method comprises: receiving a signal indicating the actuation of a user-operated input mechanism; disabling the power supply to the smartcard; manipulating a presence signal into a state representing the absence or removal of the smartcard; manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the presence or insertion of the smartcard; and restoring the power supply to the smartcard; while the smartcard remains physically received by the smartcard reader.

[0042] This can advantageously enable the requirements of user presence verification, such as when using a FIDO2 authentication token, to be met without the need to physically remove and reinsert the smartcard. This has the advantage that the user does not have to handle the smartcard and / or the smartcard reader, which they might otherwise have to pick up to remove and reinsert the smartcard. Furthermore, the mechanical stress and wear on the smartcard reader and the smartcard can be significantly reduced. Overall, this method can thus provide a user-friendly and reliable procedure for user presence verification that simulates the removal and reinsertion of the smartcard as required by known protocols.

[0043] The procedure can include causing the smartcard to generate an Automatic Reset Response (ATR). This can indicate an insertion event to a host connected to the smartcard reader and advantageously serve as proof of that insertion event. Thus, causing the smartcard to generate an ATR can advantageously help the host recognize the simulated reinsertion as authentic.

[0044] The smartcard reader can preferably be a smartcard reader according to the present invention, and in particular as described herein (e.g. above). The smartcard can be physically received by the smartcard connector of the smartcard reader.

[0045] The steps of the process can be controlled by the microcontroller of the smartcard reader.

[0046] The step of disabling the smartcard's power supply can be performed by appropriately controlling the power gating circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the step of restoring the smartcard's power supply can also be performed by appropriately controlling the power gating circuit. Specifically, the microcontroller can control the power gating circuit to disable and / or restore the power supply to the smartcard received by the smartcard reader.

[0047] In general, the step of restoring power to the smartcard can be delayed by a predefined interval compared to the step of disabling power to the smartcard. This has the advantage of ensuring compliance with the specifications of known standards and / or protocols. The predefined delay can range from 10 ms to 500 ms, preferably from 20 ms to 200 ms. The predefined delay can be programmable. This has the advantage of allowing the delay to be adapted to the host's requirements. In particular, the procedure can include setting the programmable, predefined delay to a value compatible with a target host operating system before the other steps of the procedure are performed.

[0048] The step of manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the absence or removal of the smartcard can involve setting the presence signal (and thus the presence line) to low during the simulated removal. Additionally or alternatively, the step of manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the presence or insertion of the smartcard can involve setting the presence signal (and thus the presence line) to high during the simulated reinsertion.

[0049] The procedure can further include detecting a microcontroller error state and activating a redundant hardware fallback circuit to manipulate the presence signal.

[0050] Disabling and / or restoring the power supply to the smartcard may involve controlling the VCC according to the reset timing specified in ISO 7816-3.

[0051] In general, the procedure may also include communication with a host device. This communication with the host device may include communication via a USB interface. Additionally or alternatively, communication with the host device may include the transmission of removal and / or insertion notifications to the host device. Communication with the host device may also include the transmission of the ATR (Automatic Transfer Rate) to the host device. Communication with the host device may also include the transmission of the presence signal to the host device.

[0052] The procedure may include providing a clock signal for the received smartcard.

[0053] The procedure may include sending a reset signal to the received smartcard.

[0054] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a non-transitory, computer-readable medium that stores instructions which, when executed by a microprocessor of a smart card reader, cause the microprocessor to perform the process steps according to the present invention, as described above, for example. The smart card reader can be a smart card reader according to the present invention (as described above, for example).

[0055] The present invention is also defined by the following numbered embodiments.

[0056] The following refers to embodiments of smart card readers. These embodiments are abbreviated with the letter "R" followed by a number. When "reader embodiments" are mentioned here, these embodiments are meant.

[0057] R1. A smart card reader comprising the following: a case (10); an input mechanism (11) configured to be operated by a user; a smartcard connector (16) configured to receive a smartcard; a microcontroller (12); a power gating circuit (13) configured to interrupt and restore power to a smartcard received from the smartcard connector (16); a card presence detection circuit (14) configured to provide a presence signal indicating the presence and / or absence of a smartcard at the smartcard connector (16).

[0058] That is, either the power supply that is provided directly to the smartcard via an electrical contact (in the case of a contact smartcard), or the power supply that is transmitted via the corresponding NFC field, in the case of a contactless smartcard.

[0059] R2. The smart card reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the smart card reader is configured to electronically simulate the removal and reinsertion of a smart card received from the smart card connector (16) without physically removing the smart card from the smart card connector (16).

[0060] R3. The smart card reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the smart card reader is configured to simulate removal and reinsertion depending on the receipt of a user input via the input mechanism (11).

[0061] R4. The smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to perform a controlled interruption of the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13).

[0062] R5. The smartcard reader according to one of the 3 preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to perform a controlled restoration of the power supply of a received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13).

[0063] R6. The smartcard reader according to one of the 4 preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to manipulate the presence signal.

[0064] R7. The smartcard reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to manipulate the presence signal to simulate the removal of a received smartcard.

[0065] R8. The smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to manipulate the presence signal to simulate the reinsertion of a received smartcard.

[0066] R9. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader and having the features of R2, wherein the microcontroller (13) is configured to perform the following steps depending on the reception of a signal from the input mechanism (11) indicating user input: Interrupting the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13); Manipulating the card presence detection circuit (14) and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the absence of the smartcard, thereby simulating the removal of the still physically present smartcard; Manipulating the card presence detection circuit (14) and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the presence of the smartcard; and Restoring the power supply to the received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13); thereby simulating the reintroduction of the still physically present smartcard.

[0067] R10. The smart card reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the microcontroller (13) is configured to perform the steps sequentially.

[0068] R11. The smart card reader according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller is configured to restore power after a predefined delay.

[0069] R12. The smartcard reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the delay is in the range of 10 ms to 500 ms, preferably in the range of 20 ms to 200 ms.

[0070] R13. The smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the preset delay is programmable.

[0071] R14. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader and with the features of R2, wherein the electronic simulation of the removal and reinsertion of a smartcard received by the smartcard connector (16) is completed within a time interval of 10 ms to 1000 ms, preferably 20 ms to 500 ms.

[0072] R15. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader and having the features of R2, wherein the smartcard reader is configured such that the electronic simulation of the removal and reinsertion of the smartcard received by the smartcard connector (16) triggers the generation of an ATR response by the smartcard.

[0073] R16. The smart card reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the smart card reader is configured to transmit the reset response to a host.

[0074] R17. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the input mechanism (11) comprises at least one of a button, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, a microphone-based trigger (enabling voice activation) or gesture recognition, e.g. camera-based.

[0075] R18. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the input mechanism (11) is located in the housing (10) in such a way that it can be accessed and, in particular, activated by a user.

[0076] R19. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the input mechanism (11) is attached to the housing (10).

[0077] R20. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard connector (16) is configured to receive a contact-based smartcard.

[0078] R21. The smartcard reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the smartcard connector (16) comprises a card slot for inserting the contact-based smartcard.

[0079] R22. The smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard connector (16) comprises electrical contacts for establishing an electrical connection with a received smartcard.

[0080] R23. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard connector (16) is configured to receive a contactless smartcard.

[0081] R24. The smartcard reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the smartcard connector (16) comprises an NFC interface for contactless receiving and communication with a smartcard.

[0082] R25. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to control the smart card reader.

[0083] R26. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to control the card presence detection circuit (14).

[0084] R27. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to manipulate the presence signal provided by the card presence detection circuit (14).

[0085] R28. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to control the power gating circuit (13).

[0086] R29. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to receive a signal from the input mechanism (11).

[0087] R30. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the power gating circuit (13) is configured to disable the connection for the supply voltage (VCC) of the smartcard.

[0088] R31. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the power gating circuit (13) is configured to control the VCC in accordance with the reset timing according to ISO 7816-3.

[0089] R32. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the presence signal is a digital presence signal.

[0090] R33. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the card presence circuit (14) comprises at least one mechanical switch, a Hall effect sensor, an NFC sensor and an optical sensor to provide the respective presence signal.

[0091] R34. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader further comprises an interface (18) configured to enable communication with an external host.

[0092] R35. The smart card reader according to the preceding embodiment of the reader, wherein the interface (18) is configured for a wired and / or wireless configuration with the external host.

[0093] R36. The smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the interface (18) is configured to also allow the power supply of the smartcard reader by the external host.

[0094] R37. The smartcard reader according to one of the 3 preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the interface (18) is configured to enable communication via USB and / or UART.

[0095] R38. The smartcard reader according to one of the 4 preceding embodiments of the reader and having the features of R15, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to transmit the reset response to a host via interface (18).

[0096] R39. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to read smartcards received from the smartcard connector (16), and in particular smartcards comprising a FIDO2 authentication token.

[0097] R40. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader includes a redundant fallback circuit configured to ensure manipulation of the presence signal independently of the microcontroller.

[0098] R41. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader and having the features of R9 and / or R15, wherein the microcontroller is configured to provide a clock for the received smart card.

[0099] R42. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader and having the features of R9 and / or R15, wherein the microcontroller is configured to output a reset signal to the received smartcard.

[0100] R43. The smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to transmit the presence signal to a host.

[0101] The following refers to process implementations. These implementations are abbreviated with the letter "M" followed by a number. When "implementations of the process" are mentioned here, these implementations are meant.

[0102] M1. A method for simulating the physical removal and reinsertion of a smartcard physically received by a smartcard reader, the method comprising: Receiving a signal indicating the activation of a user-operated input mechanism; Disabling the power supply to the smartcard; Manipulating a presence signal into a state that represents the absence or removal of the smartcard; Manipulating the presence signal into a state that represents presence or insertion of the smartcard; and Restoring power to the smartcard while the smartcard remains physically received by the smartcard reader.

[0103] M2. The method according to the preceding embodiment of the method, further comprising causing the smartcard to generate an Automatic Reset Response (ATR).

[0104] M3. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the smartcard reader is a smartcard reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader.

[0105] M4. The method according to the preceding embodiment of the method, wherein the smartcard is physically received by the smartcard connector.

[0106] M5. The method according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the steps of the method are controlled by the microcontroller.

[0107] M6. The method according to one of the 3 preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the step of disabling the power supply to the smartcard is carried out by appropriately controlling the power gating circuit.

[0108] M7. The method according to one of the 4 preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the step of restoring the power supply to the smartcard is performed by appropriately controlling the power gating circuit.

[0109] M8. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the step of restoring the power supply to the smartcard is delayed by a predefined delay compared to the step of disabling the power supply to the smartcard.

[0110] M9. The method according to the preceding embodiment of the method, wherein the predefined delay is in the range of 10 ms to 500 ms, preferably 20 ms to 200 ms.

[0111] M10. The method according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the predefined delay is programmable.

[0112] M11. The method according to the preceding embodiment of the method, wherein the method comprises setting the programmable, predefined delay to a value compatible with a target host operating system before performing the other steps of the method.

[0113] M12. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the step of manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the absence or removal of the smartcard comprises driving a presence signal to low during the simulated removal.

[0114] M13. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the step of manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the presence or insertion of the smartcard comprises driving a presence signal to high during the simulated reinsertion.

[0115] M14. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the method further comprises detecting a fault condition of the microcontroller and activating a redundant hardware fallback circuit to manipulate the presence signal.

[0116] M15. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein disabling and / or restoring the power supply to the smartcard includes controlling the VCC in accordance with the reset timing according to ISO 7816-3.

[0117] M16. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the method further comprises communicating with a host device.

[0118] M17. The method according to the preceding embodiment of the method, wherein communicating with the host device includes communicating via a USB interface.

[0119] M18. The method according to one of the two preceding embodiments of the method, wherein communicating with the host device includes transmitting removal and / or insertion notifications to the host device.

[0120] M19. The method according to one of the 3 preceding embodiments of the method and with the features of M2, wherein communicating with the host device includes transmitting the ATR to the host device.

[0121] M20. The method according to one of the 4 preceding embodiments of the method, wherein communicating with the host device includes transmitting the presence signal to the host device.

[0122] M21. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the method comprises providing a clock signal for the received smartcard.

[0123] M22. The method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method, wherein the method comprises outputting a reset signal to the received smartcard.

[0124] R44. The smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader, wherein the microcontroller is configured to perform the method according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method.

[0125] The following refers to embodiments of a non-transitory, computer-readable medium. These embodiments are abbreviated with the letter "C" followed by a number. When "embodiments of the computer-readable medium" are mentioned here, these embodiments are meant.

[0126] C1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions which, when executed by a microprocessor of a smart card reader, cause the microprocessor to perform the process steps according to one of the preceding embodiments of the method.

[0127] C2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the smart card reader is a smart card reader according to one of the preceding embodiments of the reader.

[0128] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are intended merely to illustrate, but not to limit, the present invention. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 represents an embodiment of a smart card reader; Fig. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of an exemplary smartcard reader for contact-based smartcards; Fig. Figure 2B shows a perspective view of an exemplary smartcard reader for contactless smartcards; Fig. Figure 3 presents an exemplary sequence diagram of a card removal and reinsertion simulation; and Fig. Figure 4 represents an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. Detailed description of embodiments

[0129] The drawings illustrate the embodiments. The same reference numerals may be used in the drawings to refer to identical or similar parts. However, it should be noted that not all drawings contain all reference numerals. Instead, some reference numerals have been omitted in some drawings for the sake of brevity and simplicity.

[0130] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the present invention relates to a smart card reader 1 comprising a housing 10, an input mechanism 11, a smart card connector 16, a microcontroller 12, a power gating circuit 13, and a card presence detection circuit 14. Furthermore, the smart card reader 1 (also referred to as a "card reader" or simply "reader") may include an interface 18 configured for communication with a host. In general, the smart card reader may be configured to read smart cards received by the smart card connector 16, and in particular smart cards containing FIDO2 authentication tokens.

[0131] The input mechanism 11 is generally configured to be actuated by a user. That is, the input mechanism 11 can be configured to confirm the presence of a user through activation by the user. In particular, the input mechanism 11 can comprise at least one of the following: a button, a capacitive touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, a microphone-based trigger (enabling voice activation), or gesture recognition (e.g., with a camera). The input mechanism 11 can generally be enclosed by and / or mounted on the housing 10. In particular, it can be located within the housing 10 in such a way that it can be reached and, in particular, activated by a user. For example, the input mechanism 11 can be attached to the housing 10.

[0132] The smartcard connector 16 can generally be configured to receive or accept a smartcard. Specifically, it can be configured to receive a contact-based smartcard. In particular, it can include a card slot for inserting the contact-based smartcard. It can include electrical contacts configured to establish an electrical connection with a received smartcard, for example, according to a known standard. Additionally or alternatively, the smartcard connector 16 can be configured to receive a contactless smartcard. In particular, the smartcard connector 16 can provide an NFC interface for contactless receiving and communication with a smartcard.

[0133] The microcontroller 12 can generally be configured to control the smart card reader, and in particular the card presence detection circuit 14 and the power gating circuit 13. Furthermore, it can be configured to receive a signal from the input mechanism 11.

[0134] The power gating circuit 13 can generally be configured to interrupt and restore the power supply to a smart card received by the smart card connector 12. This means either the power supplied directly to the smart card via an electrical contact (in the case of a contact smart card) or the power transferred inductively via the corresponding NFC field in the case of a contactless smart card. Specifically for contact-based smart cards (especially ISO 781-compliant ones), the power gating circuit 13 can be configured to disable the smart card's supply voltage (VCC) connection. In ISO / IEC 7816 smart card systems, VCC refers to the supply voltage provided by the reader to power the smart card's integrated circuitry.It is one of the mandatory electrical contacts defined in the standard, alongside I / O, RST (Reset), and GND. The VCC line provides the operating voltage required for the microcontroller and the card's security element to function. When a card is inserted, the reader can apply VCC and then issue a reset signal, causing the card to transmit its ATR (Answer to Reset). Conversely, removing VCC effectively powers off the card, which most host systems may interpret as a removal event. Therefore, controlled interruption and restoration of VCC is crucial for electronically simulating removal and reinsertion.

[0135] In general, the timing for power interruption and restoration can be tailored to the specific requirements of the underlying standards and / or protocols. It can be set by a preset delay, e.g., in the range of 20 ms to 200 ms, which can be programmed as needed. Specifically, it can be programmable at the microcontroller firmware level and / or redundant hardware (e.g., a redundant fallback circuit). In particular, the timing of the VCC transitions may be required to comply with ISO 7816-3 specifications to ensure proper reset behavior and ATR generation. An incorrect sequence can lead to communication errors or board malfunction.

[0136] The card presence circuit 14 can generally be configured to detect and signal the presence or absence of a smartcard at the smartcard connector. That is, the card presence circuit 14 can be configured to detect when a smartcard is received by or from the smartcard connector e, e.g., inserted into a card slot of the smartcard connector, and to provide a corresponding presence signal. Similarly, the card presence circuit 14 can detect when a smartcard is removed from the smartcard connector, e.g., pulled out of the card slot of the smartcard connector. In particular, the card presence circuit 14 can provide a digital presence signal indicating the presence / absence of a smartcard at the smartcard reader and, in particular, at the smartcard connector 16.In particular, the presence signal can correspond to a logical high when a smartcard is present (i.e., received) at the smartcard connector, and a logical low when no smartcard is present at the smartcard connector. The card presence circuit 14 can, for example, include at least one mechanical switch, a Hall effect sensor, an NFC sensor, or an optical sensor to provide the respective presence signal.

[0137] In ISO / IEC 7816-compliant smart card readers, the card presence signal (sometimes referred to as the card detection signal and card presence line) is generally an electrical signal used to inform a host system whether a smart card is physically inserted into the smart card connector. This signal is typically implemented as a dedicated pin or sensor circuit that changes its state depending on whether the card is touching the reader's contacts. When a smart card is inserted, the presence signal can be set to a logical level (e.g., high) indicating "card present." When the smart card is removed, the line changes to the opposite state (e.g., low), signaling "card not present." Host operating systems and middleware can rely on these transitions to trigger events such as card initialization, ATR parsing, or session termination.

[0138] The interface can generally enable communication with a host. Generally speaking, the communication can be wired or wireless. Preferably, communication can be wired, as this advantageously offers a higher level of security and / or allows the host to power the smart card reader. The interface can specifically enable communication via USB and / or UART. In other words, the smart card reader can generally be connected to a host via USB, UART, or another suitable communication interface.

[0139] The microcontroller 12 can generally be configured to perform the following steps as soon as a signal from the input mechanism 11 indicates that user input has been received and / or registered: interrupting the power supply to a received (or picked up) smartcard via the power gating circuit 13, manipulating the card presence detection circuit 14 and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the absence of the smartcard, thereby simulating the removal of the physically still present smartcard, manipulating the card presence detection circuit 14 and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the presence of the smartcard, and restoring the power supply to the received smartcard via the power gating circuit 13, thereby simulating the reinsertion of the physically still present smartcard.These steps can preferably be carried out in the sequence / order mentioned above.

[0140] In general, the smart card reader 1 is configured to simulate the removal and reinsertion of a smart card upon receiving user input via the input mechanism 11. Specifically, the smart card reader can be configured to electronically simulate the entire sequence of smart card removal and reinsertion. This can include a controlled interruption of the smart card's power supply, manipulation of the card presence signal (also known as card presence detection signals or card presence line), regeneration of an automatic response to a reset (ATR) signal, and notification of a host computer of a card removal event followed by a card insertion event.

[0141] In general, hosts and operating systems can interpret a change in the presence signal as a physical removal or reinsertion event. Therefore, electronically manipulating (e.g., toggling) this line without moving the card can advantageously allow the reader to simulate removal and reinsertion. This can be important for FIDO2 user presence checks, which rely on such events to validate user interaction. The disclosed smart card reader can manipulate the presence signal in coordination with the VCC cycle and ATR regeneration to ensure the host perceives a genuine reinsertion sequence. In this context, care must be taken to ensure correct timing and debouncing characteristics, as improper manipulation can lead to host misinterpretations or driver errors.In some embodiments, the presence signal can be controlled directly by the microcontroller or via a redundant hardware circuit for fail-safe operation.

[0142] In ISO / IEC 7816 smart card systems, the Automatic Reset Response (ATR) is generally a data string transmitted by the smart card to the host immediately after a reset sequence. The ATR can serve as the smart card's initial handshake, conveying essential parameters such as protocol type, supported features, and timing constraints. It allows the host to configure communication settings and establish a secure session.

[0143] The ATR (Automatic Readout) can be generated whenever the smartcard undergoes a cold or warm reset, which typically occurs after insertion into a reader or after power cycling. Preferably, a smartcard can automatically generate the ATR when it is supplied with power, a clock signal, and a corresponding reset signal. Operating systems and middleware often interpret the presence of a new ATR as evidence of a new insertion event. Consequently, for user presence verification in FIDO2 processes, ATR regeneration is crucial to ensure that the host recognizes the simulated reinsertion as authentic. The disclosed invention utilizes controlled power interruption and restoration to trigger ATR regeneration without physically removing the card, while adhering to the timing requirements of ISO 7816-3.

[0144] Fig. Figure 2A represents a smart card reader 1 according to the present invention. The smart card reader comprises a housing 10 and an input mechanism 11, e.g., a button or a touch-sensitive sensor. The input mechanism is arranged and mounted in the housing 10 such that it can be easily operated by a user, e.g., without having to lift the smart card reader. The smart card reader includes a smart card connector 16, which is configured to receive or accept a smart card 161. In the illustrated embodiment, the smart card reader, and in particular the smart card connector 16, is configured to receive or accept a contact-based smart card 161. That is, a smart card to which a connection is established by physical contact, e.g., by electrical contact pins.For communication with a host system, the smart card reader generally includes an interface 18, which can be configured, for example, for a wired connection via a cable 181, such as a USB cable. A wired connection offers the advantage that the host system can supply power to the smart card reader. In this way, the smart card reader itself does not require a power source or its own power supply.

[0145] Fig. Figure 2B shows another embodiment of a smart card reader, which corresponds to the one described in Fig. The configuration shown in Figure 2A is similar. In this case, however, the smartcard connector 16 is configured to receive a contactless smartcard 161. In particular, the smartcard connector 16 may include an NFC interface.

[0146] Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary sequence diagram of a smart card removal and reinsertion simulation with a smart card reader 1 according to the present invention when connected to a suitable host. To simulate the removal and reinsertion of the smart card received or inserted by the smart card reader 1, and in particular by the smart card connector 16, a user can first actuate the input mechanism 11, e.g., a button 11. In other words, the user can, for example, press a button 11 of the smart card reader. The actuation of button 11 by the user can be indicated to the microcontroller 12. For example, a button control unit can transmit a corresponding interrupt signal to the microcontroller 12. In general, the actuation of the input mechanism 11 by the user can be indicated to the microcontroller, e.g., by a button press.This can be signaled, for example, by providing a corresponding signal to the microcontroller 12. The microcontroller 12 can control the power gating circuit 13, e.g., an integrated power gating circuit, to disable the power supply to the received smartcard. In particular, the microcontroller 12 can control the power gating circuit 13 such that the power supply to the received smartcard is disabled via the card connector 16. Preferably, the power gating circuit 13 can disable VCC.

[0147] The microcontroller 12 can then set the presence line (i.e., the card presence signal) to low to simulate smartcard removal. In general, the card presence detection circuit 14 can provide a presence signal indicating the presence and / or absence of a smartcard at the smartcard reader, and specifically at the smartcard connector 16. That is, the presence signal indicates whether a smartcard has been received or picked up by the smartcard connector 16. The presence signal can also be referred to as the presence line. The microcontroller 12 can manipulate (e.g., toggle) the presence signal (i.e., the presence line) and transmit either the manipulated presence signal or a corresponding card removal signal to the host. The microcontroller 12 can then wait for a predefined delay, preferably in the range of 20 ms to 200 ms.The microcontroller 12 can then manipulate the presence signal (i.e., the presence line) to a high state, indicating the presence of the smartcard. Again, the manipulated / restored presence signal and / or a corresponding signal for the inserted card can be provided to the host.

[0148] Furthermore, the microcontroller 12 can control the power gating circuit 13 to restore the power supply to the smartcard via the card connector 16. That is, VCC can be restored. This can occur before, after, or in parallel with the transmission of the signal for an inserted card / manipulated presence signal to the host.

[0149] Once the smartcard's power supply is restored, the smartcard can generate an ATR that can be transmitted to the microcontroller 12, which in turn can forward the ATR to the host.

[0150] By manipulating the presence signal and the power supply of the smartcard, the host receives the signals expected when the card is removed and reinserted, so that a user presence check can be successfully performed by removing and reinserting the card, with the user actuating the input mechanism 11, instead of physically removing and reinserting the smartcard from the smartcard reader.

[0151] With reference to Fig. 4. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method for simulating the physical removal and reinsertion of a smartcard that has been physically received by a smartcard reader. When the smartcard is physically received by the smartcard reader, removal and reinsertion of the card may be necessary, for example, for user presence verification. Instead of physically removing and reinserting the smartcard, the method according to the present invention can be used to simulate the removal and reinsertion.

[0152] In particular, a signal can be received indicating the activation of a user-activated input mechanism (step 200). That is, a corresponding input mechanism can be activated by a user to trigger a desired simulation of the removal and reinsertion of the smartcard. Subsequently, the smartcard's power supply can be deactivated (step 210), and the presence signal, which indicates that the smartcard has been received by the smartcard reader and, in particular, by the smartcard connector (i.e., the smartcard's presence at the smartcard reader), can be manipulated to a state indicating the absence or removal of the smartcard (step 220).

[0153] Subsequently, the presence signal can be manipulated into a state indicating the presence or insertion of the smartcard (step 230), and the power supply to the smartcard can be restored (step 240).

[0154] The smartcard can remain untouched during the simulated removal and reinsertion process. This means the smartcard does not need to be physically moved during this procedure.

[0155] Furthermore, the smartcard can be caused to respond to an Automatic Reset (ATR) request, in particular by disabling and restoring the smartcard's power supply.

[0156] In general, the smart card reader can be a smart card reader according to the present invention, e.g. as above with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B described.

[0157] By manipulating physical signals (VCC and presence signal / presence line), the present invention advantageously improves the reliability of a host system that interprets the event as a true reinsertion, particularly compared to purely software-based approaches. Reliability can also be increased by eliminating the mechanical wear and deterioration of the contacts caused by repeated removal and reinsertion of the smartcard, thus improving the longevity of the smartcard reader and the smartcard itself. Furthermore, controlled timing for disabling and restoring power to the received and inserted smartcard can advantageously maintain compatibility with the reset requirements of ISO 7816-3, thereby reducing the risk of communication errors. By providing a simple, user-operated input mechanism (e.g.,By using a button to confirm a user's presence without physically handling the smartcard, the overall user experience is significantly improved. Specifically, the user no longer needs to handle the smartcard and card reader to remove and reinsert it, but simply activates a simple input mechanism designed for easy and convenient operation.

[0158] In other words, the present invention relates to a smart card reader with a user-activated input mechanism, such as a button. When pressed, a timed sequence can be executed that interrupts and then restores the power supply to the smart card and manipulates the card presence detection, for example, by firmware running on a microcontroller. This can also regenerate the ATR (Answer to Reset), particularly if the smart card is additionally provided with a corresponding reset signal and clock. The host can interpret these signals as a genuine removal and reinsertion of the smart card, while the smart card remains physically in the smart card connector. The advantages include reduced mechanical wear, increased reliability, and simplified user presence confirmation for FIDO2 smart cards.

[0159] Furthermore, the present invention may relate to a method for simulating the removal and reinsertion of cards by coordinated control of power gating hardware and presence detection circuits according to timing parameters that are compatible with ISO 7816-3 and typical host operating systems.

[0160] Furthermore, the present invention may relate to a non-transitory computer-readable medium that can store instructions which, when executed by one or more processors (e.g. a microcontroller) of a smart card reader, cause the processors to execute a simulation sequence and to communicate withdrawal and insertion events to the host.

[0161] When a relative term such as "approximately," "essentially," or "about" is used in this specification, such a term should also include the exact term. That is to say, for example, that "essentially just" should also include "(exactly) just."

[0162] It should be noted that the order in which steps are listed above or in the attached claims may be arbitrary. That is to say, unless otherwise specified or clear to a person skilled in the art, the order in which the steps are listed may be random. Thus, if this document states, for example, that a method comprises steps (A) and (B), this does not necessarily mean that step (A) precedes step (B), but it is also possible that step (A) is performed (at least partially) simultaneously with step (B) or that step (B) precedes step (A). Furthermore, if it is stated that one step (X) precedes another step (Z), this does not mean that there is no step between steps (X) and (Z).This means that the step (X) preceding the step (Z) includes the situation where step (X) is performed directly before step (Z), but also the situation where (X) is performed before one or more steps (Y1), ..., followed by step (Z). Similar considerations apply when terms like "after" or "before" are used.

[0163] Although a preferred embodiment has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that this embodiment serves only for illustration and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 862 130 A2

[0005] EP 3 584 738 B1

[0006] US 8,001,311 B2

[0007] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] ISO 7816-3

[0116]

Claims

[1] Smartcard reader comprising the following: a case (10); an input mechanism (11) configured to be operated by a user; a smartcard connector (16) configured to receive a smartcard; a microcontroller (12); a power gating circuit (13) configured to interrupt and restore power to a smartcard received from the smartcard connector (16); a card presence detection circuit (14) configured to provide a presence signal indicating the presence and / or absence of a smartcard at the smartcard connector (16), wherein the smartcard reader is configured to electronically simulate the removal and reinsertion of a smartcard received by the smartcard connector (16) without physically removing the smartcard from the smartcard connector (16), and wherein the smartcard reader is configured to simulate removal and reinsertion depending on the receipt of user input via the input mechanism (11). [2] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to perform a controlled interruption of the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13) and a controlled restoration of the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13). [3] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to manipulate the presence signal. [4] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to manipulate the presence signal to simulate the removal of a received smartcard and to manipulate the presence signal to simulate the reinsertion of a received smartcard. [5] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to perform the following steps depending on the reception of a signal from the input mechanism (11) indicating user input: Interrupting the power supply to a received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13); Manipulating the card presence detection circuit (14) and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the absence of the smartcard, thereby simulating the removal of the still physically present smartcard; Manipulating the card presence detection circuit (14) and / or the presence signal so that the presence signal indicates the presence of the smartcard; and Restoring the power supply to the received smartcard via the power gating circuit (13); thereby simulating the reintroduction of the still physically present smartcard. [6] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to perform the steps sequentially. [7] Smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller is configured to restore power after a predefined delay. [8] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the delay is in the range of 10 ms to 500 ms, preferably in the range of 20 ms to 200 ms. [9] Smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the preset delay is programmable. [10] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic simulation of the removal and reinsertion of a smartcard received by the smartcard connector (16) is completed within a time interval of 10 ms to 1000 ms, preferably 20 ms to 500 ms. [11] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard reader is configured such that the electronic simulation of the removal and reinsertion of the smartcard received by the smartcard connector (16) triggers the generation of an ATR response by the smartcard. [12] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to transmit the reset response to a host. [13] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input mechanism (11) comprises at least one of a button, a touch sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, a microphone-based trigger (enabling voice activation) or gesture recognition, e.g. camera-based. [14] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input mechanism (11) is located in the housing (10) in such a way that it can be accessed and, in particular, activated by a user. [15] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input mechanism (11) is attached to the housing (10). [16] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard connector (16) is configured to receive a contact-based smartcard. [17] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard connector (16) comprises electrical contacts for establishing an electrical connection with a received smartcard. [18] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard connector (16) is configured to receive a contactless smartcard. [19] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the smartcard connector (16) comprises an NFC interface for contactless receiving and communication with a smartcard. [20] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to control the smartcard reader. [21] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured as follows: Control of the card presence detection circuit (14), Manipulating the presence signal provided by the card presence detection circuit (14) and / or Control of the power gating circuit (13). [22] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller (12) is configured to receive a signal from the input mechanism (11). [23] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power gating circuit (13) is configured to disable the connection for the supply voltage (VCC) of the smartcard. [24] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power gating circuit (13) is configured to control the VCC in accordance with the reset timing according to ISO 7816-3. [25] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the presence signal is a digital presence signal. [26] Smartcard reader according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the card presence detection circuit (14) comprises at least one mechanical switch, a Hall effect sensor, an NFC sensor and an optical sensor to provide the respective presence signal. [27] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard reader further comprises an interface (18) configured to enable communication with an external host. [28] Smartcard reader according to the preceding claim, wherein the interface (18) is configured for a wired and / or wireless configuration with the external host. [29] Smartcard reader according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the interface (18) is configured to also allow the power supply of the smartcard reader by the external host. [30] Smartcard reader according to any one of the 3 preceding claims, wherein the interface (18) is configured to enable communication via USB and / or UART. [31] Smartcard reader according to any one of the 4 preceding claims and depending on claim 11, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to transmit the reset response to a host via interface (18). [32] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to read smartcards received from the smartcard connector (16), and in particular smartcards comprising a FIDO2 authentication token. [33] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard reader comprises a redundant fallback circuit configured to ensure the manipulation of the presence signal independently of the microcontroller. [34] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller is configured as follows: Providing a clock signal to the received smartcard, and / or outputting a reset signal to the received smartcard. [35] Smartcard reader according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the smartcard reader is configured to transmit the presence signal to a host. [36] Non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a microprocessor of a smart card reader, cause the microprocessor to perform the following steps to simulate the physical removal and reinsertion of a smart card physically received by the smart card reader: Receiving a signal indicating the activation of a user-operated input mechanism; Disabling the power supply to the smartcard; Manipulating a presence signal into a state that represents the absence or removal of the smartcard; Manipulating the presence signal into a state that represents presence or insertion of the smartcard; and Restore power to the smartcard; while the smartcard remains physically received by the smartcard reader. [37] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to the preceding claim, wherein the smart card reader is a smart card reader in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 35. [38] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the instructions, when executed by the microprocessor of the smart card reader, further cause the microprocessor to cause the smart card to generate an Attenuated Reset (ATR) response. [39] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the steps of disabling the power supply to the smartcard and restoring the power supply to the smartcard are performed by appropriately controlling the power gating circuit. [40] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the step of restoring the power supply to the smartcard is delayed by a predefined delay compared to the step of disabling the power supply to the smartcard. [41] Non-transient computer-readable medium according to claim 40, wherein the predefined delay is in the range of 10 ms to 500 ms, preferably 20 ms to 200 ms. [42] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 40 or claim 41, wherein the predefined delay is programmable. [43] Non-transient computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the step of manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the absence or removal of the smartcard comprises driving a presence signal to low during the simulated removal. [44] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein the step of manipulating the presence signal into a state representing the presence or insertion of the smartcard comprises driving a presence signal to high during the simulated reinsertion. [45] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 44, wherein disabling and / or restoring the power supply to the smartcard includes controlling the VCC in accordance with the reset timing according to ISO 7816-3. [46] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 45, wherein the instructions, when executed by the microprocessor of the smart card reader, further cause the microprocessor to communicate with a host device. [47] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 46, wherein communicating with the host device comprises transmitting removal and / or insertion notifications to the host device. [48] ​​Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 46 or 47 and further depending on claim 38, wherein communicating with the host device comprises transmitting the ATR to the host device. [49] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein communicating with the host device comprises transmitting the presence signal to the host device. [50] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 49, wherein the instructions, when executed by the microprocessor of the smart card reader, further cause the microprocessor to provide a clock signal for the received smart card. [51] Non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 36 to 50, wherein the instructions, when executed by the microprocessor of the smart card reader, further cause the microprocessor to output a reset signal to the received smart card.

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