Cloud-Based Virtual Card Reader for Mobile Smart Card Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile communication devices with smart card modules are limited to interactions with dedicated external reader devices due to stringent security and access restrictions, restricting their application scope.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device with a processor and transceiver configured to implement a card reader agent for authentication and access control protocols with a virtual card reader in a cloud-based system, enabling secure data exchange via a telecommunications network, allowing smart card modules to be accessed and controlled remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart card modules are implemented in mobile communication devices with dedicated external reader devices, then security and access control are improved, but application scope and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual card reader as an intermediary component that runs on the mobile communication device itself, mediating between the smart card module and external systems. This virtual card reader enables the smart card module to be accessed by general-purpose readers through the mobile device's communication interfaces, while maintaining the security architecture. The virtual card reader acts as a secure gateway that can be remotely provisioned and controlled, thus expanding application scope without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile communication device universal by enabling it to function both as a traditional mobile device and as a smart card reader. The virtual card reader implementation allows the device to interact with various types of readers (contactless, Bluetooth, USB) and support multiple smart card applications (payment, access control, identification) through a single device, thus achieving multi-functionality and expanding versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote access to smart card modules is enabled via cloud-based system, then flexibility and usability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual card reader as an intermediary component that runs on the mobile communication device itself, mediating between the smart card module and external systems. This virtual card reader enables the smart card module to be accessed by general-purpose readers through the mobile device's communication interfaces, while maintaining the security architecture. The virtual card reader acts as a secure gateway that can be remotely provisioned and controlled, thus expanding application scope without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication device provides self-service capabilities by running the virtual card reader locally, enabling it to autonomously manage smart card access requests without requiring constant connection to external dedicated readers. The device can independently authenticate and authorize access to the smart card module through the virtual card reader interface, reducing dependency on external infrastructure and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile communication device (1) comprises a transceiver (13) for wireless data exchange and a processor (12) connected to the transceiver (13). The processor (12) is programmed to implement a card reader agent (121) which is configured to enable authentication and access control protocols between a smart card module (122) and a virtual card reader (421, 421') which is arranged in a remote cloud-based computer center (1) by exchanging authentication and access control protocol data units between the smart card module (122) and the virtual card reader (421, 421') via a telecommunications network (3).