WO2010143162A1

WO2010143162A1 - An electronic portable apparatus for use with a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, as well as a system and method for using services by means of said card

Info

Publication number: WO2010143162A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/052615
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franklin Wahl
Original assignee: West Calder Ltd.
Priority date: 2009-06-11
Filing date: 2010-06-11
Publication date: 2010-12-16
Also published as: ITTO20090446A1

Abstract

It is described an electronic portable apparatus (P), such as a communication, information or entertainment apparatus, usable in a system or a method for using services delivered by a plurality of providers to a user showing an electronic card having stored therein a set of data and/or applications functional to the service desired. The apparatus comprises integrated memory means (M), adapted to store a plurality of complete sets of data and/or applications (DI-DN), each being adapted to identify a programming configuration for an electronic card (C), adapted to have said card operate according to a respective service destination. The apparatus (P) is arranged to transfer a selected complete set of data and/or applications (Di;...; DN) to the non-volatile storage medium (50) of a multi-purpose programmable universal electronic card (C), associable thereto, so as to program said card (C) for a predetermined service destination. The card (C) is unique and intended for using a plurality of services, according to the temporary programming configuration taken.

Description

An electronic portable apparatus for use with a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, as well as a system and method for using services by means of said card

The present invention relates to the use of services delivered to a user showing an electronic card having stored therein a set of data or applications functional to a desired service. In particular, the invention relates to an electronic portable apparatus, such as for example a communication, information or entertainment apparatus, and a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, adapted to be associated to an electronic portable apparatus for using services.

The unstoppable development of electronic data processing technology has made available the use of several services by a user that shows an electronic card having stored therein a set of data or applications functional to the required service. Electronic payment cards (credit or debit cards), electronic authorisation cards (driving licenses or for carrying out predetermined activities, for accessing places subject to restriction), electronic personal identification cards (identity card for the citizen, for students or specific categories), electronic association cards (for organizations, associations, chains of shops, transport companies), electronic cards for using commercial services in general, are increasingly widespread. Each of them carries stored information (data or applications), often confidential, aimed at allowing the supply of a predetermined service associated with that card.

Many people therefore carry with them a considerable number of electronic cards, which implies a certain labour in searching and showing the right one for the service required, as well as considerable overall dimensions as there is the need of always carrying a cumbersome holder for keeping all the cards.

At the same time, a large number of electronic devices for communication, information and entertainment have become available, such as phone apparatus, positioning and navigation systems, audio or video players and recorders, with increasingly more compact dimensions, for being carried along by the owners in any mobility condition. The importance of being able to communicate anywhere and anytime has actually led to the spreading of portable phone apparatus, which nowadays are essential to almost anybody.

US 2009/0065571 describes a system and a process for executing financial transactions through a wireless connection, wherein an intelligent card is paired with a host mobile device whereby a user can authorise the transactions and display the relevant information. The pairing between card and host device can provide for the transfer of some data between the two components, for example the update of the host device signature or of the transaction data on a local memory of the card, or the installation or execution of an application on the host device for customising such device in the use of the card, but without ever providing for the complete transfer of data and operating applications from the card to the host device and the programming of a different card, temporarily without configuration, for a similar financial transaction service.

US 2002/0177407 describes a portable phone provided with a microprocessor card for using various types of electronic commerce services. The card, configured for using electronic commerce services, is arranged for receiving partial data identifying goods or services object of an electronic commerce operation (for example, the identification data of an electronic ticket that may be purchased online, or the data indicating free points to access free goods or discounts in commercial services) through the portable phone, which constitutes a means for connecting the card to a remote service supplier through a radio communication network.

EP 0 872 816 describes a portable device for processing the information stored on a microprocessor card used as portable electronic money support. The device is arranged for reading and writing a part of the information on the card, for example the change of passwords or personal information on the card user. However, it is not possible to change the card use purpose.

The present invention aims at providing a solution that could meet the need of an easier use of a plurality of services through an electronic card, preventing the drawbacks of the prior art. According to the present invention, such object is achieved thanks to an electronic portable apparatus having the features described in claim 1.

Particular embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, whose content is to be understood as an integral and integrating part of the present description.

Further subjects of the invention are a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, as well as a system and a method for using services delivered to a user showing a programmable multi-purpose electronic card, as claimed.

In brief, the present invention is based on the principle of having a single universal, programmable, multi-purpose electronic card intended for using a plurality of services, in other words having a plurality of functional destinations, and assigning to memory means integrated in a single electronic portable apparatus, such as a communication, information or entertainment apparatus, the task of storing the information relating to the different functional (service) destinations, which would instead be stored into respective electronic cards, and of transferring such information, unchanged, upon a temporary programming of the card to make such card operational according to a predetermined corresponding service destination, for the occasional use thereof only.

Advantageously, it is thus possible to do without a large number of different electronic cards which would otherwise be subject to being forgotten into separate cases. Preferably, the electronic portable apparatus adapted to program the universal electronic card is a portable telephone apparatus, a device that for its functionality and versatility, everybody tends not to forget and always have along.

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, made by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figures Ia, Ib and Ic are views of a portable telephone apparatus and associated electronic programmable card according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a block diagram of a system for using services according to the invention.

An electronic portable apparatus, in the example a portable telephone apparatus P, configured according to the invention, is shown in Figures Ia-Ic, in association with an electronic programmable card C.

The apparatus has a case 10 of traditional parallelepiped shape, provided on at least one main face with interface means with a user, for example an authorised user of the apparatus, or a subject authorised by a supplier of a predetermined service, for example a service for the use whereof the supplier has issued an original electronic card in favour of such subject. The interface means include a plurality of control buttons 20 or touch screen areas 30, for the input of data or controls, as well as graphical display means 40 for displaying available application tools or data, conveniently identified by a corresponding icon, to the user.

The electronic programmable card C is provided with at least one non-volatile and rewritable storage medium 50 for the temporary electromagnetic storage of information. Such information comprise a complete set of data and/or applications adapted to identify a temporary programming configuration of the card, adapted to have said card operate according to a respective predetermined service destination. The above sets of data and/or applications are for example adapted to identify a programming configuration having a functional destination selected from the group comprising the functional destinations of an electronic payment card, an electronic authorisation card, an electronic personal identification card, an electronic association card, an electronic card for using commercial services.

The storage medium 50 for example, but not exclusively, is an electronic chip embedded on the card, a magnetic band incorporated in the card, an optical track engraved onto the card, or a combination thereof, and is accessible in reading and writing by contact or via radio in proximity.

Apparatus P is further provided with means for the temporary housing of an electronic programmable card C, adapted to move the card in contact with read/write means of the storage medium 50. In a currently preferred embodiment shown in the Figure, they include a seat for housing the card at least partly defined within case 10 of the telephone apparatus and accessible through a slit 60 obtained on a face of the case. The seat is associated to means for automatically or manually ejecting card 70, adapted to allow the card withdrawal by a user, for example for a use thereof.

Of course, other embodiments may be provided for the temporary housing of card C, for example a simple seat for resting the card on a face of case 10, wherefrom the read/write means physically emerge or are facing through an optical or electromagnetic window.

The images show a use sequence of the apparatus. In Figure Ia, the apparatus houses the programmable multi-purpose electronic card C, for example for the configuration thereof or simply for the storage thereof when not in use. Figure Ib shows condition of partial removal of the card which may be obtained by actuating the ejection means, after which a user can take the card by the exposed edge and withdraw it fully, for its use in view of accessing to a specific service for which it has been programmed (arranged). Figure Ic shows the card in extracted condition, for example after the use and in view of a reintroduction into the apparatus for reprogramming according to a different functional destination.

Figure 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a system for using services according to the invention.

The portable telephone apparatus P (or other equivalent electronic portable apparatus) comprises a processing and control unit CPU whereto one or more integrated memory modules M are associated, adapted to store, without possibility of changes by a user, a plurality of complete sets of data and/or applications D_J-D_N, each set being adapted for identifying a distinct programming configuration of a rewritable electronic card, adapted to have said card operate according to a predetermined functional or service destination.

The interface means of apparatus P as a whole constitute means SEL for selecting a complete set of data or applications identifying a desired programming configuration of an electronic card C temporarily associated with the apparatus, which are also coupled in communication with the processing unit CPU.

In particular, they are adapted to represent a selection menu comprising the set of functional destinations assignable to the card and receive the selection of a specific functional destination of the card from a user of the apparatus, whereto a respective set of data and/or applications corresponds.

The processing and control unit CPU is operatively connected to read/write means R/W which may be coupled to a storage medium of card C which can be associated with the apparatus for transferring a complete selected set of data and/or applications, stored into a memory module M, to card C, blank or temporarily devoid of data and/or programming procedures, so as to program said card for a predetermined service destination identified by said set of data or procedures, or for acquiring a complete current set of data and/or applications resident (stored) on said card C and the consequent storage of a complete updated set of data or applications in a corresponding memory module M, relating to the current service destination of the card, in view of a subsequent service programming of the same or another card.

Encryption algorithms adapted to encrypt or decrypt a set of data or applications according to one of a plurality of predetermined protocols depending upon the programmed service destination of the card may advantageously be executed by the processing and control unit CPU.

The read/write means RAV include, for example but not exclusively, contact terminals with a micro-circuit embedded on the card, a magnetic head adapted to interact with a magnetic band incorporated in the card, optical devices adapted to interact with at least one optical track engraved onto the card, or means for transmitting and receiving radio signals adapted to remotely exchange data with the storage medium of a proximity card.

Advantageously, apparatus P is arranged for automatically recognizing the coupling of a card C therewith, thus the control and processing unit CPU is adapted to acquire from the storage medium 50 of card C associated with apparatus P the complete current set of data and/or applications resident on the card C, and store said set in a memory area of the integrated memory modules M, corresponding to the programming related to the current service destination of the card.

In an initialisation procedure, the control and processing unit CPU is adapted to assign a new memory area in the integrated memory modules M, for storing a complete set of data and/or applications for identifying a new programming configuration of electronic card C, for example previously acquired from the storage medium of a different, original card having a unique and unchangeable functional destination, or transmitted by wire or radio by the supplier of the original card or by the provider of the respective service in favour of an authorised subject.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control and processing unit CPU is conveniently adapted for automatically deleting the complete set of data and procedures stored on the storage medium of the card subsequent to the transfer thereof to the integrated memory M of apparatus P.

Since the memory means M of apparatus P would store an amount of confidential information relating to the user, it may be conveniently provided for the processing and control unit CPU to be arranged for deleting the sets of data stored in the memory means M of apparatus P subsequent to a remote command, such as a command for disabling the use of the telephone apparatus, or automatically, subsequent to the occurrence of predetermined use conditions, for example the repeated input of an incorrect apparatus unlock code. This is to prevent the stealing of the telephone apparatus from allowing ill- intentioned people to come to know personal information for carrying out frauds to the detriment of the owner of the multi-purpose electronic card.

Of course, the integrated memory means M of apparatus P are accessible in reading from the outside, for transferring the sets of data and/or applications to another electronic device, for example in case of replacement of the telephone apparatus, or saving a backup copy of such sets on a mass storage medium.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control and processing unit is arranged for keeping track of the operations performed with card C in at least one predetermined service configuration, for example for performing accounting (billing) operations related to the services accessed by means of the card.

With reference to the schematic view of Figure 2, below is a summary of the method for using a service delivered by a provider to a user showing an electronic card having stored therein a set of data and/or applications functional to said service.

First, the user selects, from the integrated memory modules M of the telephone apparatus P (or similar electronic portable device), a complete set of data and/or applications identifying a desired programming configuration of the electronic card C, that is, for assigning a predetermined functional destination to card C adapted for making said card operational for the selected service.

Then, the electronic programmable card C is temporarily associated to apparatus P, for allowing the transfer, from the memory means M of the apparatus to the storage medium 50 of the card, of the selected set of data and/or applications, so as to program the above card for the predetermined service destination identified by said collection of data or applications. The selection and transfer of the selected complete set of data and/or applications takes place preserving the contents inaccessibility, that is, the user has no possibility of changing even partially such data and/or applications, but he may only require the transfer of the complete set to the card.

Subsequent to the extraction or impairing of the apparatus, the programmed card C is subject to reading/writing by a card access device CA associated with the desired service provider, adapted for verifying the credentials of the card owner and authorising or denying access to the service. This step is shown by way of graphics in Figure 2 by scenes A and B, where card C thus programmed is used to access a place subject to restrictions (scene A) through a surveilled passage 100 or for executing a financial transaction at an automatic teller machine (ATM) 200 (scene B).

Within the scope of use of the card programmed to access a service and make use of it, the user has the faculty of modifying at least partially the data and/or applications resident on the card, for example modifying a password, in accordance with the possibilities offered by the service provider, which are not the subject of the present description.

Once the service has been used, for those particular cases wherein updated data are stored on the storage medium of the card by the service provider, the current complete set of data and/or applications stored on the card is transferred to the integrated memory means M of apparatus P, again without the possibility of changing by a user, so as to store an updated set of data and/or applications thereon, for a correct use of the card with the same service destination at a later time.

It should be noted that the embodiment proposed for the present invention in the above description is by way of example only and non-limiting of the present invention. A man skilled in the art may easily embody the present invention in different embodiments than those described and illustrated above without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the annexed claims.

Claims

1. An electronic portable apparatus (P), comprising in combination: read/write means (RAV) for exchanging data with a programmable multi-purpose electronic card (C), suitable to be associated with said apparatus (P) and equipped with a non-volatile storage medium (50) for electromagnetically recording information, integrated memory means (M), adapted to store a plurality of complete sets of data and/or applications (D₁-D_N), each set (Di, ..., D_N) being adapted to identify a programming configuration for an electronic card, adapted to have said card operate according to a respective predetermined service destination; means (20, 30, 40) for selecting a set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N) identifying a desired programming configuration for a rewritable multi-purpose electronic card (C) temporarily associated with the apparatus (P); and control and processing means (CPU) operatively paired with said read/write means (RAV), adapted to transfer in an unmodified way to the storage medium (50) of the card (C) associated with the apparatus (P), which is temporarily devoid of any programming data and/or applications, a set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N) selected from said integrated memory means, so as to program said card (C) for a predetermined service destination identified by said set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N), or to acquire in an unmodified way from the storage medium (50) of the card (C) associated with the apparatus (P) the current complete set of data and/or applications resident on said card (C), so as to store in the integrated memory means (M) of the apparatus (P) an updated complete set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N), relating to the current service destination of the card (C), in view of subsequent service programming of said card.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said selecting means include interface means (40) with an authorised user, adapted to show a selection menu comprising the plurality of service destinations assignable to a programmable electronic card (C), intended to be associated with the apparatus (P).

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, comprising means for temporarily housing said card (C).

4. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further including means for automatically recognize the coupling of a card (C) with the apparatus (P), the control and processing means (CPU) being adapted to acquire from the storage medium (50) of the card (C) associated with the apparatus (P) the current set of data and/or applications resident on said card (C), and store said set in the integrated memory means (M) of the apparatus (P) in a memory area corresponding to the programming related to the current service destination of the card (C).

5. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control and processing means (CPU) are arranged for automatically erase the set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N) resident in the storage medium (50) of the card (C) after transfer thereof into the integrated memory means (M) of the apparatus (P).

6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further including encryption means adapted to encrypt and decrypt a set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N) according to one of a plurality of predetermined protocols depending upon the programmed service destination of the card (C).

7. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control and processing means (CPU) are arranged for erasing the sets of data and/or applications (Di- DN) stored in the memory means (M) of the apparatus (P) further to a remote control or automatically as a consequence of the occurrence of predetermined use conditions.

8. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control and processing means (CPU) are arranged for keeping track of any service operation performer with the card (C) in at least a predetermined programming configuration, or for performing accounting (billing) operations related to the services accessed by means of the card (C).

9. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control and processing means (CPU) are adapted to assign a new memory area in the integrated memory means (M), for storing a set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N) for identifying a new programming configuration of said electronic card (C), the control and processing means (CPU) being adapted to acquire said set of data and/or applications (Dj; ...; D_N) from the storage medium (50) of an original card having a unique and unchangeable functional destination, or from the supplier of the respective service.

10. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is a portable telephone apparatus (P).

11. A programmable multi-purpose electronic card (C), equipped with a non-volatile storage medium (50) for temporarily electromagnetically recording a set of data and/or applications (D₁; ...; D_N), adapted to identify a temporary programming configuration of the card (C) adapted to have said card operate according to a predetermined service destination, characterised in that it is adapted to be associated with an electronic portable apparatus (P) according to any of claims 1 to 10.

12. A system for using services delivered by a plurality of providers to a user showing an electronic card having stored therein a set of data and/or applications functional to a desired service, comprising an electronic portable apparatus (P) according to any of claims 1 to 10, and an electronic programmable card (C) according to claim 11.

13. A method for using a service delivered by a provider to a user showing an electronic card having stored therein a set of data and/or applications functional to said service, comprising the steps of: arranging an electronic portable apparatus (P) according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising integrated memory means (M) adapted to store a plurality of sets of data and/or applications (DI-D_N), each set being adapted to identify a different programming configuration of an electronic card adapted to have said card operate according to a predetermined service destination, selecting, from said memory means (M) of the apparatus (P), a set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; DN) identifying a desired programming configuration of an electronic card having a predetermined functional destination; temporarily associate with the apparatus (P) an electronic programmable card (C) according to claim 11, transfer, in an unmodified way, from the integrated memory means (M) of the apparatus (P) to the storage medium (50) of the card (C) associated with the apparatus (P), which is temporarily devoid of any programming data and/or applications, the selected complete set of data and/or applications (Di; ...; D_N), SO as to program said card (C) for the predetermined service destination identified by said set of data and/or applications; submit the programmed electronic card (C) to reading/writing from means (CA) for accessing to an electronic card, associated with the service provider (100, 200) possibly modifying at least partially the set of data and/or applications resident on the card; and transfer, in an unmodified way, from the storage medium (50) of the card (C) to the integrated memory means (M) of the apparatus (P) the current complete set of data and/or applications resident on said card (C), so as to store in the memory means (M) of the apparatus (P) an updated complete set of data and/or applications, related to the current service destination of the card (C), in view of subsequent service programming of said card.