Infrared optical card having an opaque case for hiding internal components
First Claim
1. A secure portable data storage device for use with an external data reading apparatus, comprisinga sealed case;
- memory means, within the sealed case, for storing data, the memory means including an internal serial communications processor providing a bidirectional data transfer protocol for facilitating the output of data from the memory means in response to a clock signal and read command received from an external data reading apparatus;
infrared optoelectronic means for exchanging infrared optical signals between the data storage device and the data reading apparatus consisting offirst light receiving means for receiving light pulses representing clock pulses and providing the clock signals therefrom;
second light receiving means for receiving light pulses representing read commands and providing the read commands therefrom;
light providing means for receiving the output data from the memory means and producing light pulses representing the output data;
the infrared optoelectronic means predeterminately disposed within the sealed case for precise alignment with complementary infrared optoelectronic means in the external data reading apparatus; and
the sealed case being transmissive to infrared light but opaque to visible light so that the predetermined disposition of the optoelectronic means within the sealed case is obscured from visual inspection, to provide enhanced security.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A portable data storage card is provided for storing and carrying digital data to be accessed or modified at fixed locations. The pocket-sized card has a durable sealed case, devoid of electrical connectors. Data is stored in an internal Electrically Erasable PROM, which includes memory control circuitry. The card is inserted into a reader/programmer at a fixed location and receives power from an inductive source in the reader/programmer by means of an internal coil. Data transfer between the card and the external reader/programmer unit is effected by infrared optoelectronic devices, through the case of the card, which is transmissive to infrared light. The reader/programmer controls a user'"'"'s access to the data stored on the card, requiring a user to supply a secure identification code to access the stored data. The case is opaque to visible light in order to hide the components from view.
116 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A secure portable data storage device for use with an external data reading apparatus, comprising
a sealed case; -
memory means, within the sealed case, for storing data, the memory means including an internal serial communications processor providing a bidirectional data transfer protocol for facilitating the output of data from the memory means in response to a clock signal and read command received from an external data reading apparatus; infrared optoelectronic means for exchanging infrared optical signals between the data storage device and the data reading apparatus consisting of first light receiving means for receiving light pulses representing clock pulses and providing the clock signals therefrom; second light receiving means for receiving light pulses representing read commands and providing the read commands therefrom; light providing means for receiving the output data from the memory means and producing light pulses representing the output data; the infrared optoelectronic means predeterminately disposed within the sealed case for precise alignment with complementary infrared optoelectronic means in the external data reading apparatus; and the sealed case being transmissive to infrared light but opaque to visible light so that the predetermined disposition of the optoelectronic means within the sealed case is obscured from visual inspection, to provide enhanced security. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. Data reading apparatus for reading data stored in a portable data storage device which includes
a sealed case; - memory means for the storage of data, said memory means including an internal serial communications processor providing a bidirectional data transfer protocol for facilitating the output of data from the memory means in response to a clock signal and read command received from an external data reading apparatus;
infrared optoelectronic means for exchanging infrared optical signal between the data storage device and the data reading apparatus consisting of first light receiving means for receiving light pulses representing clock pulses and providing the clock signals therefrom;
second light receiving means for receiving light pulses representing read commands and providing the read commands therfrom;
light providing means for receiving the output data from the memory means and producing light pulses representing the output data;
the infrared optoelectronic means predeterminately disposed within the sealed case for precise alignment with complementary infrared optoelectronic means in the external data reading apparatus; and
the sealed case being transmissive to infrared light but opaque to visible light so that the predetermined disposition of the optoelectronic means within the sealed case is obscured from visual inspection, to provide enhanced security;the data reading apparatus comprising; alignment means for aligning the portable data storage device and the optoelectronic means contained therein in a predetermined disposition relative to complementary optoelectronic means contained in said reading apparatus; clock providing means for providing light pulses representing clock signal to the first light receiving means when the portable data storage device is aligned in the predetermined disposition; second light providing means for providing the light pulses representing the read commands to the second light receiving means when the portable data storage device is aligned in the predetermined disposition; third light receiving means for receiving the light pulses representing the output data when the portable data storage device is aligned in the predetermined disposition, and for converting the received light pulses into digital data; and controlling means for providing the clock signal and read commands, and for interpreting the digital output data produced by the portable data storage device. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6)
- memory means for the storage of data, said memory means including an internal serial communications processor providing a bidirectional data transfer protocol for facilitating the output of data from the memory means in response to a clock signal and read command received from an external data reading apparatus;
Specification