Web Service Smartcard Reader Access via SOAP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumer devices and peripherals often lack the necessary computing power and memory to implement smartcard infrastructure, and existing USB-based solutions are restricted and insecure, making it difficult to provide smartcard support and access remote smartcard readers effectively.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with a communication channel and processing unit configured to establish a web service interface with a smartcard reader, allowing secure network access and providing a publicly available web service interface to remote devices, using SOAP over HTTP and WS-Security protocols, to manage smartcard reader availability and interface states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If consumer devices use local smartcard infrastructure, then smartcard support is provided, but device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmartcard support capabilityVSAvoidcomputing infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a web service interface as an intermediary layer between consumer devices and smartcard readers. Instead of requiring complex local smartcard infrastructure, the system uses a simplified web-based interface that communicates with remote smartcard readers through a server, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining smartcard support capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the smartcard access functionality into separate components: the smartcard reader remains remote while providing only essential communication protocols, and the complex infrastructure is separated into a server-side system. This segmentation allows consumer devices to access smartcard services without embedding complex infrastructure locally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If USB-type readers are used, then reader access is enabled, but security is compromised due to spoofing vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereader accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity vulnerabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the USB mechanical connection system with a network-based web service interface. Instead of relying on physical USB connections that are vulnerable to spoofing, the system uses secure network communication protocols to establish connections, thereby maintaining ease of operation while eliminating the security vulnerabilities associated with USB-type readers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If USB servers route all USB data, then data routing is automated, but data security is reduced due to lack of authentication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata routing automationVSAvoiddata security

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through web service protocols that provide authentication and authorization information. The server receives requests, validates credentials, and returns secure responses, thereby maintaining automated data routing while ensuring data security through continuous verification of user identity and permissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8972584B2Remote card reader access

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 SHARP KK

AI summary

Computing devices for providing a web service interface to a communication layer of the smartcard reader.