Patent US6694399B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6694399B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for universal serial bus smart card traffic signaling
Assignee: STMicroelectronics lnc USA
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Filing: 2000-09-14
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Granted: 2004-02-17
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Expires: 2020-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A method and device are disclosed for detecting successful transfers between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and a USB smart card and generating a signal that provides an indication of the USB transaction activity. This USB transaction activity signal is modulated according to the USB transaction activity and drives a Light Emitting Diode (LED) in a preferred embodiment of the invention. A counter internal to the USB smart card scales the transaction activity signal such that it is perceptible to the user. Because the current through the LED depends upon the USB transaction activity, the brightness of the LED varies according to the USB transaction activity. The LED may be driven from a current mirror sink or source, or a current switch sink or source.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Antoine Leydier
- 👤 Taylor Jude Leaming, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 18:52
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F13/00; G06F13/38; G06K; G06K19/00; G06K19/06; G06K19/067; G06K19/07; G06K19/077; G06K19/0772; G06K19/07733; G06F13/382; G06F13/385
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port, wherein the smart card module has four smart card contacts used to connect the smart card module to the USB and at least one smart card contact not used to connect the smart card module to the USB, and wherein the smart card module is connected to the USB via an interface device having a connector with contacts corresponding to the contacts on the smart card, comprising: a) transmitting and receiving USB packets between the smart card module and the USB port; b) upon successful transmission and reception of a USB packet, generating on the smart card module on the at least one contact not used for USB traffic a correct transfer signal; and c) signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal, on a display located on the interface device and connected to the at least one smart card contact not used to connect the smart card module to the USB.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
172 words
A method for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port, wherein the smart card module has four smart card contacts used to connect the smart card module to the USB and at least one smart card contact not used to connect the smart card module to the USB, and wherein the smart card module is connected to the USB via an interface device having a connector with contacts corresponding to the contacts on the smart card, comprising: a) transmitting and receiving USB packets between the smart card module and the USB port; b) upon successful transmission and reception of a USB packet, generating on the smart card module on the at least one contact not used for USB traffic a correct transfer signal; and c) signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal, on a display located on the interface device and connected to the at least one smart card contact not used to connect the smart card module to the USB.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method according to claim 1 , wherein the signaling step comprises: a) connecting the correct transfer signal to an input of a counter, wherein both the correct transfer signal and the input of a counter are positioned within the smart card module; and b) signaling transaction activity based on an output of the counter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 2 , further comprising selecting an output of the counter so that the user is provided with a perceptible indication of signaling transaction activity wherein the perceptible indication is provided on the interface device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 2 , further comprising connecting the output of the counter to an output buffer positioned within the smart card module that drives a LED located on the interface device.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 4 , wherein the output buffer comprises a current source circuit connected to a GND reference voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 4 , wherein the output buffer comprises a current source circuit connected to a V BUS supply voltage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 4 , wherein the output buffer comprises a switch circuit connected to a V BUS supply voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 4 , wherein the output buffer comprise a switch circuit connected to a GND reference voltage.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port, comprising: a) transmitting and receiving USB packets comprising differential serial signals between the USB port and external terminals of transceivers positioned within the smart card module; b) connecting internal terminals of the transceivers to inputs of a serial engine positioned within the smart card module; c) interconnecting a correct transfer signal from an output of the serial engine to a micro-controller and a counter, both positioned within the smart card module; d) controlling the counter from the micro-controller; e) driving an input of an output buffer positioned within the smart card module from an output of the counter; and f) activating a device from an output of the output buffer for signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
139 words
A method for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port, comprising: a) transmitting and receiving USB packets comprising differential serial signals between the USB port and external terminals of transceivers positioned within the smart card module; b) connecting internal terminals of the transceivers to inputs of a serial engine positioned within the smart card module; c) interconnecting a correct transfer signal from an output of the serial engine to a micro-controller and a counter, both positioned within the smart card module; d) controlling the counter from the micro-controller; e) driving an input of an output buffer positioned within the smart card module from an output of the counter; and f) activating a device from an output of the output buffer for signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 9 , wherein device being activated is a LED, having an anode and a cathode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
139 words
A method according to claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting the anode of the LED to a V BUS supply voltage b) connecting the cathode of the LED to an I/O contact of the smart card module; c) connecting a first NMOS transistor of a current mirror circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and a GND reference voltage contact for providing a modulated current sink for illumination of the LED; d) connecting a second NMOS transistor of the current mirror circuit within the smart card module to the first NMOS transistor; and e) providing a modulated current to the second NMOS transistor from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 11 , wherein the cathode of the LED is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
139 words
A method according to claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting the anode of the LED to an I/O contact of the smart card module; b) connecting the cathode of the LED to a GND reference voltage c) connecting a first PMOS transistor of a current mirror circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and a V BUS supply voltage contact for providing a modulated current source for illumination of the LED; d) connecting a second PMOS transistor of the current mirror circuit within the smart card module to the first PMOS transistor; and e) providing a modulated current to the second PMOS transistor from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 13 , wherein the anode of the LED is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
137 words
A method according to claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting a resistor in series with the LED b) connecting a first terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to a GND reference voltage; c) connecting a second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to an I/O contact of the smart card module; d) connecting a PMOS transistor switch of a current switch circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and V BUS supply voltage contact; and e) providing a modulated voltage source from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity to a gate terminal of the PMOS transistor switch within the smart card module, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 15 , wherein the second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
137 words
A method according to claim 10 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting a resistor in series with the LED; b) connecting a first terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to a V BUS supply voltage; c) connecting a second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to an I/O contact of the smart card module; d) connecting an NMOS transistor switch of a current switch circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and a GND reference voltage; and e) providing a modulated voltage source from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity to a gate terminal of the NMOS transistor switch within the smart card module, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 17 , wherein the second terminal of the resistor is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 21
Independent Claim
141 words
A device for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port, comprising: a) transceivers positioned within the smart card module for transmitting and receiving USB packets comprising differential serial signals between the USB port and external terminals of transceivers; b) the transceivers having internal terminals connected to inputs of a serial engine positioned within the smart card module; c) a correct transfer signal from an output of the serial engine interconnected to a micro-controller and a counter, both positioned within the smart card module d) the counter being controlled from the micro-controller; e) an output of the counter driving an input of an output buffer positioned within the smart card module; and f) a device activated from an output of the output buffer for signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
141 words
A device for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port, comprising: a) transceivers positioned within the smart card module for transmitting and receiving USB packets comprising differential serial signals between the USB port and external terminals of transceivers; b) the transceivers having internal terminals connected to inputs of a serial engine positioned within the smart card module; c) a correct transfer signal from an output of the serial engine interconnected to a micro-controller and a counter, both positioned within the smart card module d) the counter being controlled from the micro-controller; e) an output of the counter driving an input of an output buffer positioned within the smart card module; and f) a device activated from an output of the output buffer for signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 19 wherein the device being activated is a LED, having an anode and a cathode.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
141 words
A device according to claim 20 , further comprising: a) the anode of the LED connected to a V BUS supply voltage of the smart card module; b) the cathode of the LED connected to an I/O contact of the smart card module; c) a first NMOS transistor of a current mirror circuit within the smart card module connected between the I/O contact and a GND reference voltage contact for providing a modulated current sink for illumination of the LED; d) a second NMOS transistor of the current mirror circuit within the smart card module connected to the first NMOS transistor; and b) a modulated current provided to the second NMOS transistor from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 21 , wherein the cathode of the LED is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
141 words
A device according to claim 20 , further comprising: a) the anode of the LED connected to an I/O contact of the smart card module; b) the cathode of the LED connected to a GND reference voltage of the smart card module; c) a first PMOS transistor of a current mirror circuit within the smart card module connected between the I/O contact and a V BUS supply voltage contact for providing a modulated current source for illumination of the LED; d) a second PMOS transistor of the current mirror circuit within the smart card module connected to the first PMOS transistor; and e) a modulated current provided to the second PMOS transistor from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
A device according to claim 23 , wherein the anode of the LED is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
134 words
A device according to claim 20 , further comprising: a) a resistor in series with the LED; b) a first terminal of the LED in series with the resistor connected to a GND reference voltage; c) a second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor connected to an I/O contact of the smart card module; d) a PMOS transistor switch of a current switch circuit within the smart card module connected between the I/O contact and a V BUS supply voltage contact; and c) a modulated voltage source provided from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity to a gate terminal of the PMOS transistor switch within the smart card module, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
A device according to claim 25 , wherein the second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
133 words
A device according to claim 20 , further comprising: a) a resistor in series with the LED; b) a first terminal of the LED in series with the resistor connected to a V BUS supply voltage; c) a second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor connected to an I/O contact of the smart card module; d) an NMOS transistor switch of a current switch circuit within the smart card module connected between the I/O contact and a GND reference voltage; and e) a modulated voltage source provided from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity to a gate terminal of the NMOS transistor switch within the smart card module, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
47 words
A device according to claim 27 , wherein the second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
178 words
A smart card-to-USB interface device, comprising: a) a connection to a USB; b) a pass-through connector with a plurality of contact connectors operable to make connections between the USB and a smart card module contacts on a smart card inserted into the smart card-to-USB interface device such that a first contact connector creates a connection between the smart card GND and USB GND, a second contact connector creates a connection between the smart card VCC and USB V BUS , a third contact connector for making connections between the smart card D+ and USB D+, and a fourth contact connector for making connections between the smart card D− and the USB D−; and c) a display having a first terminal connected to a fifth contact connector and a second terminal connected to a contact connector selected from the set including all contact connectors of the pass-through connector; d) wherein the display indicates a transaction activity between the USB and the smart card module in response to the smart card signaling a correct transfer on the fifth contact connector.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
178 words
A smart card-to-USB interface device, comprising: a) a connection to a USB; b) a pass-through connector with a plurality of contact connectors operable to make connections between the USB and a smart card module contacts on a smart card inserted into the smart card-to-USB interface device such that a first contact connector creates a connection between the smart card GND and USB GND, a second contact connector creates a connection between the smart card VCC and USB V BUS , a third contact connector for making connections between the smart card D+ and USB D+, and a fourth contact connector for making connections between the smart card D− and the USB D−; and c) a display having a first terminal connected to a fifth contact connector and a second terminal connected to a contact connector selected from the set including all contact connectors of the pass-through connector; d) wherein the display indicates a transaction activity between the USB and the smart card module in response to the smart card signaling a correct transfer on the fifth contact connector.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The smart card-to-USB interface device of claim 29 , wherein the second terminal is connected to the first contact connector.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The smart card-to-USB interface device of claim 29 , wherein the second terminal is connected to the second contact connector.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The smart card-to-USB interface device of claim 29 wherein the second terminal is connected to a sixth contact connector.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The smart card-to-USB interface device of claim 29 wherein the display is an LED.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port via an interface device, comprising: a) transmitting and receiving USB packets comprising differential serial signals between the USB port and external terminals of transceivers positioned within the smart card module; b) connecting internal terminals of the transceivers to inputs of a serial engine positioned within the smart card module; c) interconnecting a correct transfer signal from an output of the serial engine to a micro-controller and a counter, both positioned within the smart card module; d) controlling the counter from the micro-controller; e) driving an input of an output buffer positioned within the smart card module from an output of the counter; and c) activating a display device located on the interface device and connected to an output of the output buffer for signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for signaling transaction activity between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) smart card module and a USB port via an interface device, comprising: a) transmitting and receiving USB packets comprising differential serial signals between the USB port and external terminals of transceivers positioned within the smart card module; b) connecting internal terminals of the transceivers to inputs of a serial engine positioned within the smart card module; c) interconnecting a correct transfer signal from an output of the serial engine to a micro-controller and a counter, both positioned within the smart card module; d) controlling the counter from the micro-controller; e) driving an input of an output buffer positioned within the smart card module from an output of the counter; and c) activating a display device located on the interface device and connected to an output of the output buffer for signaling transaction activity based on the correct transfer signal.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 34 , wherein display device on the interface device being activated is an LED, having an anode and a cathode.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
139 words
A method according to claim 35 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting the anode of the LED to a V BUS supply voltage; b) connecting the cathode of the LED to an I/O contact of the smart card module; c) connecting a first NMOS transistor of a current mirror circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and a GND reference voltage contact for providing a modulated current sink for illumination of the LED; d) connecting a second NMOS transistor of the current mirror circuit within the smart card module to the first NMOS transistor; and e) providing a modulated current to the second NMOS transistor from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 36 , wherein the cathode of the LED is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
139 words
A method according to claim 35 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting the anode of the LED to an I/O contact of the smart card module; b) connecting the cathode of the LED to a GND reference voltage c) connecting a first PMOS transistor of a current mirror circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and a V BUS supply voltage contact for providing a modulated current source for illumination of the LED; d) connecting a second PMOS transistor of the current mirror circuit within the smart card module to the first PMOS transistor; and e) providing a modulated current to the second PMOS transistor from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 38 , wherein the anode of the LED is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
137 words
A method according to claim 35 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting a resistor in series with the LED; b) correcting a first terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to a GND reference voltage; c) connecting a second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to an I/O contact of the smart card module; d) connecting a PMOS transistor switch of a current switch circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and V BUS supply voltage contact; and d) providing a modulated voltage source from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity to a gate terminal of the PMOS transistor switch within the smart card module, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 40 , wherein the second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
137 words
A method according to claim 35 , further comprising the steps of: a) connecting a resistor in series with the LED; b) connecting a first terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to a V BUS supply voltage; c) connecting a second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor to an I/O contact of the smart card module; d) connecting an NMOS transistor switch of a current switch circuit within the smart card module between the I/O contact and a GND reference voltage; and e) providing a modulated voltage source from the output of the output buffer that reflects the USB transaction activity to a gate terminal of the NMOS transistor switch within the smart card module, causing the illumination intensity of the LED to be modulated according to the USB transaction activity.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 42 , wherein the second terminal of the LED in series with the resistor is connected to a contact of the smart card module selected from the group consisting of C 2 , C 3 , C 6 and C 7 .
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