Contactless Card Reader Integrating Microprocessor Smart Card for Security

The patent introduces a contact card interface and host computer interface as intermediary components. The contact card interface enables the contactless card to communicate securely with the host computer through a mediating interface that implements security protocols, while the host computer interface provides an additional layer of security validation. This intermediary mechanism allows low-cost memory cards to achieve security comparable to microprocessor cards without increasing card manufacturing cost.

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading security protocols, authentication mechanisms, and processing algorithms into the card reader's firmware and the host computer's software before the contactless card session begins. This allows the system to perform complex processing tasks during the brief contactless session without requiring the card itself to have high processing power, thus maintaining both convenience and processing capability.

The patent merges the security advantages of contact type microprocessor cards with the operational convenience of contactless cards. By integrating contact card interface capabilities into the card reader system and implementing secure communication protocols, the system achieves microprocessor-level security while maintaining contactless operation. The contact card interface and host computer interface work together to provide security encapsulation without requiring physical card insertion.