US 8,985,447 B2 · Secure payment card interface

Abstract

The invention relates to a smartcard reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of creating a card input/output interface that allows the smartcard reader to couple to a smartcard within a secure cavity. The secure cavity is mounted on an internal side of a system housing, i.e., a smartcard socket, included in the smartcard reader. An interface chip is further attached inside the secure cavity. When the smartcard is inserted to a designated position or depth inside the system housing, the secure cavity encloses the interface chip and its contact area with the smartcard. Mechanical contacts on the interface chip are thus aligned to and physically contact electrical connectors on the inserted smartcard, so as to electrically couple the interface chip and the smartcard. As a result, sensitive data within the smartcard may be protected from exposure to any tamper attempt and processed with an enhanced security level.

Drawings

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Drawings

Claims18

Dependent claims

A smartcard reader, comprising:

a system housing that comprises an open slot at one side for receiving a smartcard;
a secure cavity, mounted on one internal side of the system housing, the secure cavity enclosing an interface chip and its contact area with the smartcard when the smartcard is inserted to a designated position within the system housing;
the interface chip, attached inside the secure cavity, the interface chip facing towards the smartcard, processing a data extracted from the smartcard and generating a processed data;
a plurality of mechanical contacts, formed on a top side of the interface chip, the plurality of mechanical contacts being aligned to and physically contacting a plurality of electrical connectors on the inserted smartcard such that the interface chip is electrically coupled to the smartcard;
a data line, coupled to the interface chip, the data line coupling the processed data out of the system housing for further processing, and
a plurality of tamper detection leads, the plurality of tamper detection leads electrically connecting the interface chip to the system housing to create at least one tamper detection loop.

3 more elements

A card reader, comprising:

a system housing that comprises an open slot at one side for receiving a card, wherein the card comprises both a smartcard integrated circuit (IC) and a magnetic stripe;
a first secure cavity, mounted on an internal side of the system housing, the first secure cavity enclosing an interface chip and its contact area with the card when the card is inserted to a designated position within the system housing;
a second secure cavity, mounted on an opposite side to the internal side where the first secure cavity is mounted, the second secure cavity enclosing a magnetic stripe reader and its contact area with a magnetic stripe on the card when the card is swiped;
the interface chip, attached inside the first secure cavity, the interface chip facing towards the card, processing a data extracted from the smartcard IC and generating a processed data;
a plurality of mechanical contacts, formed on a top side of the interface chip, the plurality of mechanical contacts being aligned to and physically contacting a plurality of electrical connectors on the inserted card such that the interface chip is electrically coupled to the smartcard IC;
a data line, coupled to the interface chip, the data line coupling the processed data out of the system housing for further processing, and
a plurality of tamper detection leads, the plurality of tamper detection leads electrically connecting the interface chip to the system housing to create at least one tamper detection loop.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Description3,682 words

Summary1,005 words

#A. Technical Field

#The present invention relates generally to a smartcard reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of creating a card input/output interface that allows the smartcard reader to couple to a smartcard within a secure cavity. When the smartcard is inserted into the smartcard reader, sensitive data within the smartcard is protected from exposure to a tamper attempt and thus processed with an enhanced security level.

#B. Background of the Invention

Brief description of the drawings11 figures

#Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

#FIG. 1A illustrates a front side of a typical smartcard that is embedded with an integrated circuit.

#FIGS. 1B-1D illustrate an existing secure card interface solution, a side view of the card interface and a smartcard inserted into the card interface, respectively.

Detailed description2,354 words

#In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, described below, may be performed in a variety of ways and using a variety of means. Those skilled in the art will also recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments are within the scope thereof, as are additional fields in which the invention may provide utility. Accordingly, the embodiments described below are illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention and are meant to avoid obscuring the invention.

#Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or the like in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

#Furthermore, connections between components or between method steps in the figures are not restricted to connections that are effected directly. Instead, connections illustrated in the figures between components or method steps may be modified or otherwise changed through the addition thereto of intermediary components or method steps, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Facts

Application

13/666,458Filed 1 Nov 2012

Published

US 2014/0299664 A19 Oct 2014

Granted

24 Mar 2015

Term ends

31 May 2033

Estimated · how

20 years from earliest known nonprovisional domestic filing plus recorded patent term adjustment, including 211 days of adjustment. Maintenance-fee lapses, terminal disclaimers and statutory extensions have not been checked. The continuity chain may be incomplete; this is not an enforceability determination.

Classification8 codes

G06F 21/85
Protecting input, output or interconnection devices: interconnection devices, e.g. bus-connected or in-line devices
G06F 21/86
Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer: secure…
G06K 7/00
Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/0078
Housing of the card connector: reinforced housing for protection against damage, be it due malevolent action, such as drilling and other ways of…

Timeline

1 Nov 2012Application filedUS 13/666,458
1 Nov 2012Assigned to Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.assignment of assignor's interest
9 Oct 2014PublishedUS 2014/0299664 A1
24 Mar 2015GrantedUS 8,985,447 B2
12 Oct 2026TodayWithin its term
31 May 2033Term endsEstimated, includes 211 days of adjustment

Secure payment card interface

Life of this patent

Secure payment card interface

Life of this patent

Life of this patent

Abstract

Drawings

Drawings

Claims18

Description3,682 words

Drawings

Classification8 codes

Life of this patent

Description3,682 words