WO2009027806A1

WO2009027806A1 - Terminal for reading information contained in the memory of a portable object and operation method of said terminal

Info

Publication number: WO2009027806A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/002239
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Henaff
Original assignee: Datacard Corporation
Priority date: 2007-08-29
Filing date: 2008-08-28
Publication date: 2009-03-05
Also published as: FR2920561A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal for reading information available in the electronic memory (11b) of an portable object (11a), and comprising an optical reading means (2a) (OCR) for reading MRZ information on the substrate of the portable object connected, on the one hand, to a processing unit (6) and, on the other hand, to a contact or contactless reading module (3) of the identification encrypted data stored in the memory of the portable object, characterised in that the optical reading means of the OCR type is associated with a calculation means (2b) integrating a program for generating a decryption key for the data in the memory of the portable object based on the information of the MRZ type of the substrate of the portable object, and in that the reading means includes a calculation means (3b) integrating a program for decrypting the data read in the memory of the portable object using the decryption key.

Description

Terminal for reading information contained in a memory of a portable object and method of operating this terminal.

The present invention relates to the field of devices for reading the information of a portable object and more particularly to the field of devices for reading information contained in a memory integrated with a portable object.

Under the pressure of national and international legislation, the development of portable documents allowing the identification of a carrier and integrating a memory to reduce or even prevent any documentary fraud, has increased. In parallel with the development of these portable objects, devices for reading the memories integrated in these portable objects have been put in place. These devices must allow the various holders of these portable elements to be able to check the authenticity of the information stored in the integrated memory of the portable object and to limit the fraud of these documents, but also, in the interests of transparency of the governments, of propose to the owner of the portable identification object to be able to verify by itself the information stored in the document memory.

The patent application WO2004 / 090800 already provides a device for reading "without contact" of the memory of a portable object after an optical data authentication. However, such a device does not make it possible to secure the reading of the information stored in the memory of the portable object.

The present invention aims to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide a reading device to allow, among other things, on the one hand to read all or part of the information contained in the electronic memory the portable object and secondly to restrict this reading to only carrier of the portable object while avoiding any theft of data contained in the electronic memory of the portable object and / or read by the device. This objective is achieved by means of an information reading terminal available on an electronic memory located on a portable identification object, the terminal comprising at least a first module for reading graphic identification information present on the support of the device. portable object, this first reading module being formed by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) type optical reading means for reading Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) information present on the support of the portable object, this means of OCR optical reading being connected on the one hand to a processing unit and on the other hand to at least a second "contactless" reading module and / or "by contact" of encrypted identification data stored in the memory electronic device of the portable object, at least one presentation surface to the first graphics information reading module and the second reading module "contactless" and / or "contact" of the portable object and at least one display device, characterized in that the OCR type optical reading means is associated with a calculator means which integrates a program making it possible to produce a key for decrypting the data stored in the memory electronic device of the portable object from the MRZ type information read on the support of the portable object by OCR optical reading means ₁ and in that the reading means "contactless" and / or "by contact Of the second reading module is associated with a computer, to receive a decryption key developed from the MRZ type information, the computer means incorporating a program for decryption from the decryption key, data read from the memory electronics of the portable object.

According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the second reading module comprises a "contactless" reading means using RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) to interact with the electronic memory of the portable object. According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal comprises a device for detecting the presence of a portable object at the presentation surface. According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the display device is managed by the processing unit.

According to another variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the processing unit includes a program for managing the operation of the reading terminal.

According to one variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the processing unit integrates a program for selecting iconographic images as a function of the operating situation revealed by the reading devices intended to displayed by the display device and corresponding to the operating situation of the reading terminal.

According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the intuitive menu is represented on the one hand by images showing the holder presenting the portable identification object to the terminal in an orientation. determined with respect to the terminal and defined by an orientation sensor and on the other hand by error signaling images.

According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that, the portable object being a passport, the signaling of a compatibility error between a foreign passport and the reading terminal, determined by a information contained in the area

MRZ is formed by an image representing a passport cover surmounted by a question mark and associated with the flag of the country whose nationality is authorized.

According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the signaling of a read error of the MRZ information of the portable object, determined by the MRZ data processing program, is formed by an image representing a page of the portable object whose reading zone MRZ is barred by a cross. According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that, the portable object being a passport, the signaling of an error reading the information contained in the electronic memory of the portable object determined by the processing circuit decrypting the memory information and the associated processing program, is formed by an image representing a passport cover carrying a memory compatible with the reading terminal and a cover crossed by a cross of another passport incompatible with the reading terminal. According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the signaling of a system error is formed by an image representing a crossed out portable object and associated with a telephone number to contact.

According to a variant of the invention, the information reading terminal is characterized in that the reading terminals comprise a program which, once the reading of the MRZ information of the portable object and the reading of the information contained in the memory successful completion of the portable object, displays the screen presenting the information contained in the electronic memory of the portable object and read by the second reading module "contactless" and / or "by contact", this information contained in the electronic memory being the code of the document, the organization, the expiry date, the identification number, the name of the holder of the portable object, his nationality, date of birth, sex and any other type of optional data. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system organizing the various terminals so as to allow in particular the monitoring of their operation.

This objective is achieved by means of a system using a plurality of information reading terminals available on a portable identification object electronic memory, the reading terminals comprising at least a first optical read information module MRZ (Machine Readable Zone). ) present on the support of the portable object and at least one second "Non-contact" and / or "contact" reading module of information contained in the electronic memory of the portable object, at least one presentation surface, a processing unit and a display means, characterized in that the different terminals are connected to a network which, on the one hand, makes it possible to collect different statistical information and, on the other hand, allows each of the reading terminals to communicate with a server, each of the terminals allowing to be used by a cardholder. a portable object, through an intuitive menu, to know the information accessible on an electronic memory of the portable identification object. According to a variant of the invention, the system is characterized in that the reading terminals comprise at least one memory means for recording at least one statistical data, at least one usage data and / or at least one data report. error, and means for sending the recorded data to a central server for the technical management of the various reading terminals of the system.

According to another variant of the invention, the system is characterized in that the processing unit is connected to at least one memory means and forms an integrated set to the reading terminal, this integrated set being connected to a server via a network from which the integrated set is protected by a firewall.

According to another variant of the invention, the system is characterized in that the processing unit of the terminal is associated with at least one memory means accessible via the network, the memory means recording statistical data recorded and calculated by calculating means of the processing unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating this terminal.

This objective is achieved by a method of reading information contained in an electronic memory readable by "contactless" and / or "contact" communication means integrated into a portable object by a system according to the invention, the method comprising: a step of reading information contained in the electronic memory of the portable object by a reading means of the reading module "without contact" and / or "by contact", characterized in that the method comprises upstream of the reading the contents of the electronic memory:

a step of permanently recognizing the presence of a portable object in a presentation surface of the portable object,

a step of transmission by a processing unit to at least one optical reading module, a read authorization signal, a reading step by an OCR reading means of at least one information formed by at least one optical line of the MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) type arranged on the support of the portable object,

a step of calculating by a calculating means a decryption key from the information read on at least one optical line of the MRZ type,

a step of transmitting the encryption key from the OCR type optical reading module to the "non-contact" and / or "contact" reading module, and in that the method comprises downstream of the step of reading the contents of the electronic memory of the portable object:

a step of decryption by a computer means of the reading module "without contact" and / or "by contact", information read on the electronic memory of the portable object from the encryption key calculated by the reading module; optical OCR type, - a step of transmitting information decrypted by the reading module "without contact" and / or "by contact" to at least one display device,

a step of display by the display device of the information read and decrypted on the electronic memory of the portable object. According to a variant of the invention, the information reading method is characterized in that, during the step of transmission of a read authorization signal by the processing unit, the authorization signal of Read only affects certain defined data groups stored in the electronic memory of the portable object.

According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that the step of recognizing the presence of a portable object in the presentation surface of the portable object triggers the activation of the program operating method of reading information contained in the integrated electronic memory of a portable object with the display by the display device of a video tutorial program. According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that the method comprises a step of detecting the presence of MRZ-type optical lines on the surface of the portable object by the reading means. of the OCR type reading module.

According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that the method comprises a step of detecting the presence of a circuit comprising at least one electronic memory with a transmission means integrated in the portable object by the reading means of the reading module "contactless" and / or "by contact". According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that the successes and failures of the steps of the method are counted by a calculating means of the processing unit and recorded in the form of statistical data. in a storage means. According to another variant of the invention, the information reading method is characterized in that a failure in the progress of a reading step, a calculation step or a transmission step leads to display of a system error message by the display device. According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that a failure in the progress of the detection step continues the presence of a portable object at the level of the presentation surface of the reading terminal, closes the flow of the process and / or suppresses the display of the information read and decrypted on the electronic memory of the portable object by the display device.

According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that a failure in the course of the step of detecting the presence of MRZ-type optical lines by the optical reading means leads to displaying an error message and / or invitation to correctly reposition the portable object in the presentation surface. According to another variant of the invention, the method of reading information is characterized in that a failure in the course of the step of detecting the presence of an electronic memory by the reading means "without contact" and / or "by contact" causes the display of an error message and / or invitation to correctly reposition the portable object in the presentation surface.

According to another variant of the invention, the information reading method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the portable object being an international identification document and at least the system processing unit being parameterized to recognize only the international identification documents issued by certain predetermined countries, the recognition of an identification document number issued by countries other than the predefined foreign ones results in the display of a message indicating the absence of recognition of the portable object by the reading terminal. According to another variant of the invention, the information reading method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises:

a step of triggering a timer by a system clock means simultaneously with the step of displaying the information read and decrypted on the electronic memory of the portable object,

a step of recognition by the clock means of the system of a first predefined elapsed time T1, a step of displaying a signal and / or a message encouraging not to forget the portable object presented at the terminal.

According to another variant of the invention, the information reading method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises:

a step of recognition by the clock means of the system of a second elapsed duration T2 predefined,

a step of renewing the entire information reading process.

The invention, with its features and advantages, will emerge more clearly on reading the description given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 represents a diagram of the terminal of the invention,

FIG. 2 represents an operating diagram of the main steps of the method of the invention,

FIG. 3 represents a screen presenting the use of the reading terminal,

FIG. 4 represents a screen presenting information contained in the electronic memory of the portable object,

FIG. 5 represents an error screen in the reading of the MRZ lines of the portable object, FIG. 6 represents an error screen in the reading of the information of the electronic memory of the portable object,

FIG. 7 represents a screen of national incompatibility in the case where the portable object is a passport,

- Figure 8 shows an error screen of the system. The reading terminal of the present invention thus forms a kiosk or a wall terminal whose shielded housing is protected against foreign intrusions. It is perfectly conceivable that this device is associated with other device such as a device for reading information of portable objects not involving the same technologies.

The reading terminal of the invention comprises a presentation surface (1) intended to receive a portable object (11) provided with an electronic memory (11b) that can be read. The presence of a portable object (11) positioned on the presentation surface (1) is recognized by a detection device (5) connected to a processing unit (6) which activates at least one reading module (2 and 3). ) information of the portable object (11). Near the surface (1) of presentation is a first reading module (2) of information located on the structure (11a) of the portable object (11). This reading module (2) comprises at least one reading means (2a) associated with a calculating means (2b). Similarly, a second reading module (3) for reading information stored in the electronic memory of the portable object is also located near the surface (1) of presentation and includes a reading means (3a) associated with a calculating means (3b).

The reading terminal of the invention also comprises a display device (4) to notably enable the holder to display the information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11). In the interest of confidentiality, the display device (4) is formed by a screen whose viewing angle is restricted so that only the person holding the portable object can take cognizance of the information contained in the electronic memory (11b ) of the portable object (11). This angle of vision is thus preferably equal to or less than 60 °.

The processing unit (6) comprises a preprogrammed processor for managing the various information read by the read terminal according to the invention or from the various modules of the device. This program allows in particular the coordinated smooth running of all the operations performed by the reading terminal of the invention. This processing unit (6) comprises at least one calculating means (6b) which allows the counting of the different types of operation performed by the processing unit. and establishing statistical data from the measured operations. The processing unit (6) is connected to a storage means (9) in which the statistical data made by the computer means of the processing unit are recorded. This recorded information is then likely to be transferable from a central server (12) via a network (7) to which other reading terminals of the invention are connected. This connection is made preferably through the telephone communication network. This access may only be authorized under certain conditions (password, IP address recognition ...). If access to the memory (9) from a network (7) is possible, however, access to the processing unit (6) remains controlled by a "firewall" material (8) to protect the data likely to transit there. Although "firewall" hardware may be replaced by software, hardware is more difficult to avoid, so it is preferred over software. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, only the information transmitted by the processing unit (6) to the storage means is searchable. However, data can be transmitted from the network to the processing unit (6), including program updates supported by the processing unit (6). According to an alternative embodiment, it could be envisaged that the processing unit (6) can recover data contained on the portable object (11) and record them in a storage means. On the other hand, the reading terminal of the invention is made so that it only allows the retrieval of information present on the portable object (11) by reading or even recording. Under no circumstances may this terminal permit the recording or rewriting of information or data on the portable object (11) either by the holder of the object (11) or by another person having access to the device from the server (12).

The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) type reading means (2a) of the first read module (2) forms a device for the optical reading of machine readable zone (MRZ) type graphic information located on the portable object. This reading module (2) is then connected on the one hand to the processing unit (6) and on the other hand to the computer means (3b) of the second reading module (3) via its computer means (2b). The calculating means (2b) is connected to the reading means (2a) so that the calculating means (2b) can calculate an encryption key from the information read by the reading means (2a) at the level of optical lines of type MRZ (11c) located on the surface (11a) of the portable object (11).

In the case where the portable object (11) is formed by a booklet of several pages, for example of the passport type, it is then necessary that the page comprising the MRZ type optical lines (11c) is correctly presented.

The second reading module (3) comprises a device for reading the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11). This reading module (3) is preferably a "non-contact" reading module of the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11). This reading module (3) thus comprises a reading means (3a) "without contact" and a computer means (3b). In order to be read by the "non-contact" reading means, the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) is formed by a chip that can be of the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) type integrated into the portable object ( 11) and involving ID3 standards. The reading means (3a) "without contact" comprises one or more antennas for covering the entire surface (1) of presentation and thus easily detect the presence of an RFID memory. The reading range of the RFID chips used is only a few centimeters in order to limit the risks of fraudulent recovery of the data contained in these memories. According to an alternative embodiment, the reading module (3) is a reading module by "contact" of the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11), for example a contact reader. The second reading module (3) is thus connected by its computer means (3b) on the one hand to the computer means (2b) of the first reading module (2) and on the other hand to a display device (4). , the connection to the display device (4) being performed via the processing unit (6). The calculating means (3b) of the second reading module (3) allows the decryption of the information read by the "non-contact" and / or "contact" reading means (3a) at the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) formed by an RFID chip and / or capable of being read by contact , thanks to the encryption key calculated by the computer means (2b) of the first reading module (2). Each of the reading modules (2 and 3) comprises a respective program, stored in a memory of the computer (2b and 3b), which thus enables them to process the information read, respectively the MRZ type data (11c) present on the surface. (11a) of the portable object (11) and the data contained in the chip (11b) of the portable object (11). This processing of the information read, by being performed directly at the level of the reading modules (2 and 3), makes it possible to dispense with the storage of this information and thus to prevent access or even retrieval of this information. by an unauthorized person. Once the information of the chip (11b) of the portable object (11) is read and decrypted by the second read module (3), they are displayed by the display device (4) via the treatment (6). The processing unit (6) does not record the information read and decrypted by each of the read modules (2 and 3), but manages the transmission of information to the display device.

The information contained in the memory (11b) of the portable object (11) can be subdivided into different numbered groups of data. Only the reading of certain predefined groups can be authorized by the processing unit (6) or by the reading means (3a) of the second reading module (3). Thus, in the case where the portable object is a passport, only the data, for example, which corresponds to the photo, to the identification elements of the owner of the document (date of birth, sex, nationality, fingerprint, etc.), or the identification elements of the document (issue number, date of issue, expiry date, etc.), will be read in order to be displayed by the device of the invention.

The processing unit comprises a program for comparing the groups of data read, with actions to be performed according to the group of data read and allowing the display of the groups of data. Data allowed to display or send these groups of data with the sending of unauthorized data groups to the display.

An exemplary operating method of the reading terminal of the invention may be proposed in a nonlimiting manner. To do this, the processing unit (6) integrates an image selection program into an intuitive iconographic menu. These different images are then intended to be displayed by the display device (4) according to the progress of the operating method and the operating mode of the reading terminal.

When the reading terminal is not used, the display device (4) has a screen saver. This screen saver may, for example, display tutorial messages prompting the holder of a portable object (11) to check the information of the electronic memory (11b) of his portable object (11), or to present advertisements. According to a preferred embodiment, these tutorial messages represent, for example, images that show the cardholder presenting the portable identification object (11a) to the terminal with a determined orientation of the portable object (11) by compared to the terminal. The orientation of the portable object (11) with respect to the terminal is then defined by an orientation sensor integrated in the terminal at the presentation surface (1) and connected to the processing unit (6). of the device.

The positioning of a portable object (11a) by its holder at the presentation surface (1) causes a step (S1) for detecting the object (11) by a detection device (5) located at the level of the presentation surface (1). This detection step (S1) triggers on the one hand a step (S1b) of activating the program of the method with a step, managed by the processing unit (6), of display (S12b) by the device of displaying (4) a tutorial video program and, secondly, a step of counting a success operation (S11a) by the calculator (6b) of the processing unit (6). The step (S1) for detecting the presence of a portable object (11) is a permanent step which is carried out continuously. The tearing of the portable object (11) from the presentation surface (1) during the process carried out by the reading terminal leads, on the one hand, to the cancellation of the continuation of the method and on the other hand the counting of an error operation by the computer (6b) of the processing unit (6) with the display of an error message on the display device (4) .

The step (S1) for detecting a portable object (11) on the one hand generates, at the level of the processing unit (6), the sending (S2) of an authorization for reading the information of the portable object (11) to each of the reading modules (2 and 3). A failure in the transmission (S2) of the read authorization causes the accounting (S14c) of a failure by the computer (6b) of the processing unit and the display (S15b) of an error message of the system. At the reading means (2b) of the first OCR type reading module (2), a step (S3) for detecting MRZ type optical lines (11b) present on the surface (11a) of the portable object ( 11) is performed. If this step (S3) is successful, the calculator (6b) of the processing unit (6) counts a successful operation (S11b) with the display (S12c) of a read signal. course by the display device (4), on the other hand, if it fails, the computer (6b) of the processing unit (6) counts an error operation (S14b) and displays (S15a) an error message on the display device (4) indicating that no optical line MRZ type is recognized and prompting the user to perform a better positioning of the portable object (11). This error message may be, for example, an invitation to position a correct page of the portable object (11) at the presentation surface (1). According to a preferred embodiment, the signaling of a reading error of the MRZ information (11c) of the portable object (11a) is formed by an image representing a page of the portable object (11a) whose read zone MRZ crossed by a cross.

Furthermore, it may happen that the portable object (11a) being a passport or an international identification document, the reading terminal of the invention is parameterized in particular at the level of the processing unit (6) so as to reduce its reading to passports issued by a limited number of pre-determined countries. Thus, passports issued by countries other than those predefined present information, at the level of the memory of the portable object, which are not recognized by the reading terminal of the invention. The lines MRZ of the portable object (11a) presenting as information the passport number, the date of birth of the holder and the date of issue of the passport, the presence of a foreign passport to the reading terminal is then detected when reading the MRZ lines by the reading module (2). The signaling of this absence of reading of a foreign passport by the reading terminal then results in the display of an image representing a passport cover surmounted by a question mark and associated with at least one flag of a country whose nationality is authorized.

Reading (S4) MRZ type optical lines (11b) is performed by the reading means (2a) of the first read module. The information read is then transmitted to the computer means (2b) which performs a step.

(55) for calculating a decryption key from the obtained MRZ type information. Once calculated, the encryption key is transmitted (S6) to the computer means (3b) of the second reading module (3). The appearance of a problem in the reading step (S4), the calculation step (S5) or the transmission step

(56) causes an error message (S14c) to be sent from the system to the processing unit (6) so that the computer (6b) counts a system error operation and displays (S15b) a system error message on the display device (4) terminates the process flow. This error message of the system may be accompanied by an indication to overcome this problem, such as the display of a telephone number to contact. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, the signaling of a system error is formed by an image representing a portable object (11a) crossed out and associated with a telephone number to contact.

Furthermore, in the case where the portable object (11) is a passport, the MRZ type information (11c) read by the first reading module (2) can include for example the passport number, the date of birth of the holder of the passport and the date of issue of the passport. From this information, the reading module (2) can recognize the country transmitting the document and initiating an error reporting step (S14e) if the portable object of the transmitting country is not compatible with the reading terminal, accompanied by a display (S15d) of the error by the device (4). The error is, again, accounted for by the calculator means (6b) of the processing unit (6).

At the level of the second reading module (3), a step (S7) of detecting the presence of a "non-contact" and / or "by touch" reading memory is performed by the reading means (3a) "without contact "and / or" by contact ". The success of this detection step (S7) results in the counting of a successful operation (S11c) by the calculator (6b) of the processing unit (6). In the event of failure, the absence of detection of a chip compatible with the reading module (3) is signaled and the computer (6b) counts the count of an error operation (S14d) while the unit processing circuit (6) activates the display (S15c) of an error signal by the display device (4). This error message may, for example, present an invitation to a better positioning of the portable object (11) at the presentation surface (1).

The reading (S8) of the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) is performed by the reading means (3a) "without contact" and / or "by contact" of the second reading module (3). According to the type of authorization transmitted (S2) by the processing unit (6), only certain data groups of the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) are authorized to be controlled and unveiled by the terminal reading of the invention. The information read by the reading means (3a) "without contact" and / or "by contact" on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) are encrypted. This read information is then transmitted to the computer means (3b) of the second reading module (3). This calculating means (3b), thanks to the calculated decryption key (S5) by the computer means (2b) of the first reading module, performs a decryption (S9) of the data of the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) to which the reading module (3) has access. The information decrypted by the computer means (3b) is then transmitted (S10) to the device display (4) so that the data read by the second reading module (3) is enabled, are presented by the display device (4) and can be controlled by the holder of the portable object (11). If in the read step (S4), the calculation step (S5) or the transmission step (S6), a problem occurs (S14c), it causes the sending of a system error message to the processing unit (6) so that the computer (6b) counts a system error operation and displays (S15b) a system error message on the display device (4) stopping the flow of the process. This error message of the system may indicate that assistance is contacted and / or be accompanied by indication to overcome this problem such as the display of a phone number to contact.

In the case where the portable object (11) is a passport, during the reading step (S8) "without contact" and / or "by contact" of the data of the electronic memory (11b), if the data or the electronic memory (11b) of the portable document (11) is not readable by the reading module (3) "contactless" and / or "by contact", the passport is then recognized as being incompatible with the reading terminal of the invention. An error message (S14e) is then transmitted to the computer means (6b) of the processing unit to be subsequently displayed (S15d) by the device (4). According to a preferred embodiment, the signaling of a problem in reading the information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11a) is achieved by an image representing a passport cover carrying an electronic memory (11b). ) compatible with the reading terminal and a cover barred by a cross of another passport incompatible with the reading terminal.

Once the data are transmitted (S10) to the display device (4), these are then displayed (S12a) so that the holder of the portable object can read it. The success of this operation is then, again, counted by the calculator (6b) of the processing unit (6). According to a preferred embodiment, the information in the identification document that is likely to be displayed is the document code, the organization, the expiry date, the identification number but also the name, the nationality, date of birth, gender and any other type of optional data.

The detection (S1) of the presence of the portable object (11) by the detection device (5) is made permanently and a withdrawal of the portable object (11) from the detection surface (1) during of the control method causes the occurrence of an error (S14a). On the other hand, once the process is completed and the data of the memory is displayed on the display device (S12a), the removal of the portable object does not trigger any error message but instead removes the displaying (S12a) the data read by the second reading module (3) on the memory chip (11b) of the portable object. In addition, when the method is completed and the data of the electronic memory (11b) is displayed on the display device (S12a), a clock means triggers a stopwatch to measure in particular the duration of the display of the data of the display. the electronic memory (11b) by the terminal. This clock means can then be connected to the processing unit (6). A first predefined T1 display duration having elapsed and being recognized by the clock means, a signal and / or a message encouraging not to forget the portable object presented at the terminal is displayed. The first display duration T1 must be sufficient to allow a person in possession of the portable object to view the information in the electronic memory (11b) displayed by the terminal. Similarly, a second predefined T2 display duration having elapsed and being recognized by the clock means, the method of recognizing and then reading the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) is renewed. Thus, when the detection device (5) of the portable object (11) at the terminal is defective and no longer recognizes that the portable object (11) is no longer positioned at the surface (1) of presentation, this renewal of the whole process makes it possible ensure that the information in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) does not remain displayed by the terminal.

The reading terminal of the invention can be intended for public use in self-service, it is necessary that the various error messages (S15) and especially the instructions that accompany them to remedy these errors are easily understandable. The use of written error messages has limitations in countries that include several official or regional languages such as the United Kingdom, South Africa, India or Canada. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment, to remedy this drawback, the error messages are then displayed in the form of pictograms.

It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered by way of illustration but may be modified in the field defined by the scope of the appended claims;

Claims

1. An information reading terminal available on an electronic memory (11b) located on a portable identification object (11), the terminal comprising at least a first module (2) for reading graphic information (11c) of identification present on the support (11a) of the portable object (11), this first reading module (2) being formed by optical reading (2a) type OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for reading information MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) present on the support of the portable object, this optical reading means (2a) OCR type being connected on the one hand to a processing unit (6) and on the other hand to at least one second module (3) for reading "without contact" and / or "by contact" encrypted identification data stored in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11), at least one surface (1) presentation the first module (2) for reading graphic information (11c) and the second module (3) for reading "Contactless" and / or "contact" of the portable object (11) and at least one display device (4), characterized in that the optical reading means (2a) OCR type is associated with a medium calculator (2b) which integrates a program for developing a decryption key of the data stored in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) from the information of the MRZ type read on the medium (11a ) of the portable object (11) by the optical reading means (2a) of the OCR type, and in that the reading means (3a) "without contact" and / or "by contact" of the second reading module ( 3) is associated with a computer (3b), to receive a decryption key developed from the MRZ type information, the computer means (3b) incorporating a program for decryption from the decryption key, data read in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11).

2. Reading terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the second reading module (3) comprises a reading means (3a) "without contact "using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to interact with the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11).

Reading terminal according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the information reading terminal comprises a device (5) for detecting the presence of a portable object (11) at the presentation surface ( 1).

Reading terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (4) is managed by the processing unit (6).

5. Reading terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit (6) includes a program for managing the operation of the reading terminal.

Reading terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit (6) integrates an iconographic image selection program according to the operating situation revealed by the reading elements (2 and 3). , intended to be displayed by the display device (4) and corresponding to the operating situation of the reading terminal.

7. Reading terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intuitive menu is represented on the one hand by images showing the holder presenting the portable object (11) identification to the terminal in an orientation determined by relative to the terminal determined by an orientation sensor on the other hand by error signaling images.

8. Reading terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, the portable object (11) being a passport, the signaling of a compatibility error between a foreign passport and the reading terminal, determined by information contained in the MRZ zone (11c) is formed by an image representing a passport cover surmounted by a dot question mark and associated with the flag of the country whose nationality is authorized.

9. Reading terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, the signaling of a reading error of the MRZ information (11c) of the portable object (11), determined by the MRZ data processing program (11c). , is formed by an image representing a page of the portable object (11) whose reading zone MRZ is crossed by a cross.

10. Reading terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that, the portable object (11) being a passport, the signaling of an error reading the information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object ( 11) determined by the processing circuit decrypting the memory information and the associated processing program, is formed by an image representing a passport cover carrying an electronic memory (11b) compatible with the reading terminal and a cover crossed by a cross. 'another passport incompatible with the reading terminal.

11. Reading terminal according to claim 7, characterized in that the signaling of a system error is formed by an image representing a portable object (11) crossed out and associated with a telephone number to contact.

Reading terminal according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reading terminals comprise a program which, after reading the MRZ information (11c) of the portable object (11) and reading the information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) carried out successfully, displays the screen presenting the information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) and read by the second module (3) of "contactless" and / or "contact" reading, this information contained in the electronic memory (11b) being the code of the document, the organization, the expiry date, the identification number, the name of the holder of the object mobile phone (11), nationality, date of birth, sex and any other type of optional data.

13. System using a plurality of information reading terminals available on an electronic memory (11b) of a portable identification object (11a), the reading terminals comprising at least a first module (2) for optical reading of information MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) (11c) present on the support (11a) of the portable object (11) and at least one second module (3) for reading "without contact" and / or "by contact" with information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11), at least one presentation surface (1), a processing unit (6) and a display means (4), characterized in that the first module (2) includes a program for developing a decryption key of the data stored in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11), the second module (3) includes a program for decrypting the recorded data in the electronic memory of the portable object from the key decryption and the various terminals are connected to a network (7) which on the one hand makes it possible to collect different statistical information and on the other hand allows each of the reading terminals to communicate with a server (12), each of the terminals for use by a holder of a portable object (11), through an intuitive menu, to know the information accessible on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) identification.

System according to Claim 13, characterized in that the reading terminals comprise at least one memory means (9) for recording at least one statistical data, at least one usage data and / or at least one data report. error, and means for sending the recorded data to a central server (12) for the technical management of the various reading terminals of the system.

15. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing unit (6) is connected to at least one memory means (9) and forms an assembly integrated in the terminal of the device, this integrated assembly being connected to a server (12) via a network (7) of which the integrated assembly is protected by a firewall (8).

System according to Claim 15, characterized in that the processing unit (6) of the terminal is associated with at least one memory means (9) accessible via the network (7), the memory means (9). recording statistical data recorded and calculated by a calculating means (6b) of the processing unit (6).

17. A method of reading information contained in an electronic memory (11b) readable by "contactless" and / or "contact" communication means integrated into a portable object (11) by a system according to one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising:

a reading step (S8) of information contained in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) by a reading means (2b) of the reading module (3) "without contact" and / or " by contact ", characterized in that the method comprises, upstream of the reading (S8) of the contents of the electronic memory (11b):

a step of recognizing (S1) permanently the presence of a portable object (11) in a presentation surface (1) of the portable object

(11), - a transmission step (S2) by a processing unit (6) to at least one optical readout module (2 and 3), a reading authorization signal,

a reading step (S4) by an OCR reading means (2a) of at least one piece of information formed by at least one MRZ-type optical line arranged on the support (11a) of the portable object (11) ,

a calculation step (S5) by a calculator means (2b) of a decryption key from the information read on at least one optical line of the MRZ type,

a step of transmission (S6) of the encryption key from the optical OCR reading module (2) to the reading module (3)

"Contactless" and / or "contact", and in that the method comprises, downstream of the reading step (S8) of the contents of the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11):

a step of decryption (S9) by a computer means (3b) of the reading module (3) "without contact" and / or "by contact", information read on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object ( 11) from the encryption key calculated by the optical reading module (2) of the OCR type,

a step of transmission (S10) of the information decrypted by the reading module (3) "without contact" and / or "by contact" with at least one display device (4),

- A display step (S12a) by the display device (4) information read and decrypted on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11).

18. An information reading method according to claim 17, characterized in that, during the transmission step (S2) of a read authorization signal by the processing unit (6), the signal of Read permission only applies to certain defined data groups stored in the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11).

19. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recognition step (S1) of the presence of a portable object (11) in the presentation surface (1) of the portable object. (11) triggers activation of the operating program of the method for reading information contained in the integrated electronic memory (11b) of a portable object (11) with the display (S12b) by the display device (4) ) a video tutorial program.

20. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises a step of detecting (S3) the presence of MRZ-type optical lines on the surface (11a) of the portable object (11). ) by the reading means (2a) of the reading module (2) OCR type.

21. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises a step of detecting (S7) the presence of a circuit comprising at least one electronic memory (11b) with an integrated transmission means the portable object (11) by the reading means (3a) of the reading module (3) "without contact" and / or "by contact".

22. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the successes (S11) and failures (S14) of the process steps are counted by a calculator means (6b) of the processing unit ( 6) and stored as statistical data in a storage means (9).

23. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a failure in the course of a reading step (S4 and S8), a calculation step (S5 and S9) or a transmission step (S2, S6 and S10) causes the display (S15b) to display an error message of the system by the display device (4).

24. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a failure in the course of the detection step (S1) continues the presence of a portable object (11) at the surface. presenting the reading terminal (1), closing the progress of the method and / or eliminating the display (S12a) of the information read and decrypted on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11) by the device display (4).

25. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a failure in the course of the step of detecting the presence (S3) of MRZ type optical lines by the reading means (2a). optical causes the display (S15a) of an error message and / or an invitation to properly reposition the portable object (11) in the surface (1) presentation.

26. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a failure in the course of the step of detecting the presence (S7) of a type of electronic memory (11b) by means of reading (3a) "non-contact" and / or "by contact" causes the display (S15c) of an error message and / or invitation to correctly reposition the portable object (11) in the surface (1 ) presentation.

27. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable object (11) being an international identification document and at least the processing unit (6) of the system being set to recognize that the international identification documents issued by some predetermined countries, the recognition of an identification document number issued by countries other than predefined foreign countries causes the display of a message indicating the lack of recognition of the portable object (11) by the reading terminal.

28. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises:

a step of triggering a timer by a system clock means simultaneously with the display step (S12a) of the information read and decrypted on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11),

a step of recognition by the clock means of the system of a first predefined elapsed time T1,

- A step of displaying a signal and / or a message encouraging not to forget the portable object (11) presented at the terminal.

29. A method of reading information according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises:

a step of triggering a timer by a system clock means simultaneously with the display step (S12a) of the information read and decrypted on the electronic memory (11b) of the portable object (11), a step of recognition by the clock means of the system of a second elapsed duration T2 predefined,

a step of renewing the entire information reading process.