Virtual Card Reader for Mobile Smart Card Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electronic devices equipped with smart card modules are limited in interacting with smart card applications due to stringent security and access restrictions, requiring dedicated external reader devices despite having processors and data memory.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electronic device with a processor programmed to implement a virtual card reader that enables direct interaction with locally implemented smart card modules, allowing access and communication without external readers, using a virtual machine platform and cryptographic keys for authentication and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smart card modules are implemented in mobile electronic devices with stringent security and access restrictions, then security and access control are improved, but the ability to interact with smart card applications is limited to dedicated external reader devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual card reader as an intermediary software component that mediates between the smart card module and external applications. This virtual reader emulates the functionality of physical reader devices, allowing secure interactions without requiring dedicated external hardware. The virtual card reader acts as a bridge, enabling apps to communicate with smart card modules through standardized interfaces while maintaining security protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the card reader functionality within the mobile device. Instead of requiring physical reader hardware, the system implements a software-based virtual card reader that replicates the essential functions of external readers. This virtual copy can be instantiated multiple times and shared across different applications, providing versatile access to smart card modules while maintaining security through virtualization layers.
2Reliability
If dedicated external reader devices are required for smart card interactions, then security restrictions are maintained, but device complexity and the need for additional hardware increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the card reader functionality from physical hardware and relocates it to the software layer. By taking out the reader functions and implementing them as a virtual card reader within the mobile device, the system eliminates the need for external reader hardware. This extraction allows security restrictions to be maintained through software-based access control while significantly reducing hardware complexity and portability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical reader hardware system with a software-based virtual card reader. Instead of requiring physical contactless or contact-based reader devices, the system uses software emulation to provide identical functionality. This substitution maintains security through virtualized access control mechanisms while eliminating the need for additional external hardware components.
3Reliability
If smart card modules interact only with external reader devices, then access control is enforced, but convenience and usability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal virtual card reader that can serve multiple functions and interact with various applications simultaneously. The virtual reader is designed as a multi-functional component that can be accessed by different apps, providing a single point of interaction for all smart card operations. This universality maintains access control through centralized virtualization while greatly improving user convenience by eliminating the need for multiple external readers.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual card reader enables the mobile device to serve itself by providing internal access to smart card modules without requiring external assistance. The system allows applications to directly interact with smart card functions through the virtual reader interface, making the device self-sufficient. This self-service capability maintains security through internal virtualization while dramatically improving ease of operation by removing the need for external reader devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to access and interact with smart card modules internally, eliminating the need for external readers, and allows viewing of data such as prepaid account balances or tickets directly on the device, enhancing convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the NFC controller in a passive functioning mode forming with the NFC controller the equivalent of a contactless integrated circuit, which is seen by an external reader as a contactless card. Thus, in the emulation mode, the NFC interface does not emit a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
receives data by demodulating a magnetic field emitted by the external reader
Implementation Method 3
emits data by modulating the impedance of its antenna circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile electronic device (1) comprises a data store (11), a transceiver (13) for wireless data exchange with another electronic device (2), and a processor (12) connected to the transceiver (13) and the data store (11). The processor (12) is programmed to implement a virtual card reader (121) which is configured to communicate with a smart card module (122, 20) that is arranged in the mobile electronic device (1). The virtual card reader (121) is implemented as a program running on processor (12). At least one smart card module (122) is a virtual card implemented as a program running on the processor (12). The virtual card reader (121) makes it possible to access smart card modules which are implemented locally in the mobile electronic device as a virtual card, thereby enabling access to a smart card module, without requiring an external reader device.