USB Smart Card Reader Browser Plugin Driver Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile smart card readers require the installation of driver software on computers for secure user authentication and transaction legitimation, which is inconvenient and limits compatibility with different operating systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile smart card reader design that uses a browser plugin to establish a connection with an Internet server via an existing USB driver, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific driver installation and allowing automatic recognition by commercial operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile smart card reader uses manufacturer-specific driver software, then secure user authentication and transaction legitimation are achieved, but compatibility with different operating systems is limited and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card reader is designed to work across multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS) without requiring manufacturer-specific drivers. The device uses standard USB communication protocols and leverages the operating system's built-in USB driver capabilities, making it universally compatible across different platforms while maintaining secure authentication functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system automatically recognizes the smart card reader through its USB interface and configures it using built-in USB drivers, eliminating the need for manual driver installation. The system self-configures the device upon connection, enabling immediate use for secure authentication without user intervention for driver setup.
2Reliability
If a mobile smart card reader requires driver installation, then secure communication is established, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card reader automatically interfaces with the operating system using standard USB protocols. Upon plugging in the device, the operating system's built-in USB driver suite automatically configures the device, eliminating the need for separate driver installation steps while ensuring secure communication channels are established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a browser plugin as an intermediary layer between the smart card reader and the application software. This plugin handles the communication protocols and authentication processes, allowing the reader to work seamlessly without requiring direct driver installation for each application, thereby simplifying the user experience.
3Ease of operation
If a mobile smart card reader uses standard USB connection, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card reader is designed with universal USB connectivity that leverages the operating system's existing USB driver infrastructure. By using standard USB communication protocols and interfaces, the device integrates seamlessly across multiple platforms without requiring platform-specific modifications or complex integration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser plugin serves as an intermediary that simplifies the integration complexity. It handles the communication between the smart card reader and application software, abstracting away the underlying integration requirements and presenting a simple plug-and-play experience to the user.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves connecting a chip card reader (3) to a personal computer (PC) through a universal serial bus (USB) port (8), to perform data communication on the basis of protocol provided in an operating system. A browser plug-in is provided on an internet server so as to control the functions of chip card reader. The chip card reader is controlled by running the browser plug-in on the computer. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) chip card reader; and (2) control program for controlling functions of chip card reader.