User interface for accessing files in a smartcard file

• US 20030212896A1
• Filed: 12/18/2002
• Published: 11/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Canon Information Technology Services Incorporated (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Information Technology Services Incorporated (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Kisliakov, Andrew
• Application Number:
  US10/321,507
• Publication Number:
  US 20030212896A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/193
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 12/1416 by checking the object accessibility, e.g. type of access defined by the memory independently of subject rights G06F12/1458 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/78 to assure secure storage of data address-based protection against unauthorised use of memory G06F12/14; record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3552 Downloading or loading of personalisation data
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3576 Multiple memory zones on card
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/0886 the card reader being portable for interacting with a POS or ECR in realizing a payment transaction
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system

Abstract

A program, method and apparatus for allowing access to data associated with at least one file stored within an electronic card (100) having one or more associated user interface elements (154), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) comprises a card portion (270) having an electronic apparatus (259) attached thereto. The electronic apparatus (259) comprises a processor means (275) coupled to a memory means (276). The processor means (275) is adapted for coupling to a reading device (300) to facilitate reading of the electronic card (100). The memory means (276) is configured to retain the files and the program for execution by the processor means (275). The program relates reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of the associated user interface elements (154) with a first file stored within the memory (276). The first file is classified by the program as protected. The program allows access to data of a second file associated with the first file. The second file is classified by the program as unprotected.

Claims

1. A program for allowing access to data associated with at least one file stored within an electronic card having one or more associated user interface elements, said electronic card comprising a card portion having an electronic apparatus attached thereto, said electronic apparatus comprising a processor means coupled to a memory means, said processor means being adapted for coupling to a reading device to facilitate reading of said electronic card, said memory means being configured to retain said files and said program for execution by said processor means, said program comprising:

code for relating reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of said associated user interface elements with a first file stored within said memory, said first file being classified by said program as protected; and

code for allowing access to data of a second file associated with said first file, said second file being classified by said program as unprotected.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein data associated with said protected files is inaccessible.

3. The program according to claim 1, wherein said files are assigned one of a plurality of levels of protection.

4. The program according claim 1, wherein said association is a file identifier.

5. The program according to claim 1, wherein said reading signals are provided by a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane of said reading device arranged to overlay said electronic card, said reading signals being received from the reading device upon a press on said touch sensitive membrane when said electronic card is inserted into said reading device.

6. The program according to claim 5, wherein said relating said reading signals comprises comparing said reading signals to data of said first file.

7. The program according to claim 1, further comprising code for buffering said reading signals associated with said selected user interface element in an input buffer configured within said memory.

8. The program according to claim 1, wherein said associated user interface elements are formed on a surface of said card portion.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein said associated user interface elements are formed remotely to said card portion.

10. The program according to claim 1, wherein at least one further file associated with said first file is classified by said program as protected.

11. A method of allowing access to data associated with at least one file stored within an electronic card having one or more associated user interface elements, said electronic card comprising a card portion having an electronic apparatus attached thereto, said electronic apparatus comprising a processor means coupled to a memory means, said processor means being adapted for coupling to a reading device to facilitate reading of said electronic card, said memory means being configured to retain at least said files, said method comprising the steps of:

relating reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of said associated user interface elements with a first file stored within said memory, said first file being classified as protected; and

allowing access to data of a second file associated with said first file, said second file being classified as unprotected.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein data associated with said protected files is inaccessible.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said files are assigned one of a plurality of levels of protection.

14. The method according claim 11, wherein said association is a file identifier.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein said reading signals are provided by a substantially transparent touch sensitive membrane of said reading device arranged to overlay said electronic card, said reading signals being received from the reading device upon a press on said touch sensitive membrane when said electronic card is inserted into said reading device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said relating said reading signals comprises comparing said reading signals to data of said first file.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of buffering said reading signals associated with said selected user interface element in an input buffer configured within said memory.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein said associated user interface elements are formed on a surface of said card portion.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein said associated user interface elements are formed remotely to said card portion.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one further file associated with said first file is classified by said program as protected.

21. An apparatus for allowing access to data associated with at least one file stored within an electronic card having one or more associated user interface elements, said electronic card comprising a card portion having an electronic apparatus attached thereto, said electronic apparatus comprising a processor means coupled to a memory means, said processor means being adapted for coupling to a reading device to facilitate reading of said electronic card, said memory means being configured to retain at least said files, said apparatus comprising:

relating means for relating reading signals generated from a user selection of at least one of said associated user interface elements with a first file stored within said memory, said first file being classified as protected; and

access allowing means for allowing access to data of a second file associated with said first file, said second file being classified as unprotected.