Abstract: This invention concerns a system to update encoded data stored in a memory of a data processing device such as a smartcard. In this system, the data is represented by a tree structure in directories and files according to an object representation. According to the invention, the update system comprises a specific referencing object able to reference all or some of the attributes of the encoded data in memory. A microcontroller is then programmed to extract from the referencing object the information required to locate the memory block occupied by this attribute, and update this block, replacing it by the new previously encoded data.

Abstract: A wrapped-card assembly comprising a data-encoded card enclosed in a wrapping. The data-encoded card comprises confidential and non-confidential information in a visible form. The wrapping comprises an opaque area and a transparent area. The opaque area covers at least partially the confidential information. The transparent area covers at least partially the non-confidential information.

Abstract: A card comprises electrical contacts (32, 34) for communicating data in the form of a differential accordance with a universal serial bus (USB) standard. The card can be inserted in a card reader having complementary electrical contacts (16). The card has an insertion edge (A) which traverses the complementary electrical contacts when the card is inserted in the card reader in a correct fashion. The card comprises an electrical contact for receiving a power supply voltage which (22) electrical contact (22) is closer to the insertion edge than either electrical contact of the pair of electrical contacts (32, 34) for communicating data in the form a differential signal in accordance the USB standard.

Abstract: A portable article of the smart card type and a method of transmitting data to such an article. The article comprises an article body and an integrated circuit chip. The integrated circuit chip comprises a central processor unit (CPU) connected via a data and address bus to memories (ROM, RAM, EEPROM), and at least four contact pads (VCC, GND, RST, VPP, CLK, I/O, D+, D?) connected to four contact areas (C1, C5, C4, C8) of a set of at least six contact areas flush with the surface of the card body. Two of the contacts pads (D+, D?) are connected to an interface of the card and are suitable for providing data transmission handled by the central processor unit (CPU) such as for transmitting data using the universal serial bus (USB) protocols and formats.