Abstract: Encryption circuits and methods, in particular for smart cards, are disclosed. Smart cards without microprocessors may be authenticated very simply by using encryption with a secret card data table on which recursive cycles are executed. During each cycle, a word is read out of the table, said word being at an address that is at least partially defined by the word read out in the previous cycle. The new address preferably consists of several bits from the previous word and a bit from internal card data, external data supplied by a card reader, or a register containing a partial encryption result.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system of communication between a fixed post and moving bodies that may arrive simultaneously in the radius of action of this post. This system uses an exchange protocol that begins with an initializing signal (INIT) common to the different moving bodies that arrive and continues with the transmission of an identification signal by each moving body, this transmission being done at the end of a duration (T+Nt) related to the value (N) of a part of an intrinsic specific code associated with the moving body, this duration being measured from the initialization signal. Preferably, the moving body transmits the beginning of its specific code, for example the first character of this code, followed by a random word having stipulated characteristics such that the terminal can detect whether several moving bodies have transmitted the same first character simultaneously. The post then asks them to transmit a second character in order to distinguish them from one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to memory cards that can be plugged into personal computers.Personal computers often have a connector designed to receive a memory extension in the form of a plug-in integrated circuit card. The invention proposes a card structure designed for communications between the computer and the exterior (fax, model, etc.), this card being capable of being plugged into the memory extension connector without any need to change the operation protocol of this connector. The card has a connector (CNC) for connection to the computer, a connector (CNX) for connection with the exterior, an internal microprocessor (MP), a non-volatile memory (MNV) containing programs that can be performed by the microcomputer and containing organizational data relating to all the memories of the card, and a volatile memory containing at least one file used for the transfer of the data elements to be exchanged.

Abstract: A method of conducting a transaction between a chip card and an information system protects against fraud and malfunction during the transaction. The method involves a multi-step recording procedure wherein the transaction is first temporarily recorded in the chip card and the information system, and then later is definitively recorded after it has been verified that both sides have performed the temporarily recording step. In order to perform the temporary recording, information which describes the transaction is sent to both the chip card and the information system from a transaction management device. In order to verify that both sides have performed the temporary recording, a first set of messages is sent from the chip card and the information system to the transaction management device which indicate that the temporary recording has been performed. The transaction management device receives these messages and responds by sending a second set of messages to the chip card and the information system.

Abstract: Methods that enable the simple management of the unilateral exchanges of messages between a highly simplified set of transmitters and a single receiver, this transmission being done on a single channel.It consists in providing for the transmission, by the receiver (100), of the simplest possible binary signal indicating that the channel is busy as soon as a message from one of the transmitters is detected. Reception of said signal by the other transmitters (102-104) prevents them from transmitting. Risks of collision between messages from different transmitters are handled by a set of test (Tt) and standby (Tv, Ta, Tl) periods. The busy signal may be a simple modulated carrier in the case, for example, of microwave transmission.It provides for the efficient management of badge-based systems such as access control systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the manufacture of a contact-free card comprising an antenna embedded in a card body and connected, by its connection terminals, to the contact zones of an electronic module of the card body as well as a card obtained by such a method. The method comprises depositing a plastic sheet in a cavity of a mold; dispensing liquid plastic material into the cavity; and distributing the material on the surface of the sheet so that it is guided by the antenna in order to form a layer of the card body. The disclosed method can be applied to cards that are exclusively contact-free cards and to combined cards designed for operations such as remote cash operations.

Abstract: In a checking system, notably for checking the identity of persons, the person to be checked is the bearer of a chip card containing a limited series of information elements constituting a codified representation of significant morphological characteristics of the card bearer's face. The checking station comprises a card reader for the preparing and presenting, on a screen, of a schematic image of the face on the basis of the codified information elements read in the card. It is then possible to make a comparison between the displayed face and the bearer's face, as well as between the displayed face and the bearer'photograph which may be attached to the card.

Abstract: In a machine for the color printing of cards, the different primary colors borne by the ribbon are deposited on the card by successive operations in which this card passes beneath the same thermal printer head by a series of back-and-forth motions. To this end, the primary colors of a sequence are separated by separators which are different from the indicators between each sequence, and these separators and indicators are detected by a detection device.

Abstract: A process to protect against tampering with integrated circuits. During manufacture, a secret code is written in a secret address (102) of a memory (101) of the integrated circuit and an internal logic (103-108) blocks writing into this portion of memory, the testing of the integrated circuit and the read-out of data. In order to unlock the integrated circuit, the secret address is read while applying a secret code to an input of the integrated circuit. A comparison (207) of the secret code as read and the secret code applied to the integrated circuit then either locks or unlocks the integrated circuit. This unlocking is done in irreversible manner. Thus, it is possible to transport integrated circuits between a manufacturer and a remote users, without fear of the circuits being stolen, because if stolen, they would be inoperable without the secret codes.

Abstract: A method of transaction replenishes a microprocessor-based card. The card computes a certificate of authenticity on the basis of data elements that it contains and that include the contents of its counter of the number of replenishment operations and its identification number. These data elements enable the card to verify its entitlement to be replenished. The card increments its counter of the number of replenishments. A replenishment terminal reads the identification number of the card and transmits to the card the data elements that pertain to it and that comprise the certificate of authenticity corresponding to it for the cycle in progress. The received certificate is compared with a certificate computed by the card. When the certificates are equal, the card accepts a replenishment of units.

Abstract: In a memory cell of an EEPROM or flash-EEPROM memory, the source and the drain of a floating-gate transistor forming the non-volatile memorizing device are connected together. It is shown that the capacitive behavior of the cell is then differentiated at the time of the reading depending on whether it is in a programmed state or in an erased state. This difference in behavior is used to differentiate the logic states.

Abstract: A secured token comprises a token body and an antenna coupled to an integrated circuit. The outer surface of the token body has a non-recessed metallic region, such as an outer metal ring, which is disposed such that a metallic sound is generated when the secured token strikingly engages a metal object. The antenna and the integrated circuit are substantially disposed within the token body. The secured token advantageously makes a jingling sound similar to that of coins when a payout is made to a player, and has mechanical strength for protecting an electronic circuit placed in the secured token.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to games machines provided with electronic payment mechanisms. The conventional payment mechanism is replaced by a payment mechanism operating by means of tokens that are secured by contract-free detection and the machine is furthermore provided with a second payment mechanism operating by means of a chip card. Switching means make it possible to change over from the token-operated payment mechanism to the chip-card operated payment mechanism when a card such as this is inserted into the corresponding payment mechanism. This device makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the games machines.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a contact-free card comprising a card body and an electronic module having an integrated circuit chip connected to an antenna, a frame is deposited on a lower thermoplastic sheet demarcating the edges of a cavity; the electronic module is positioned at the bottom of the cavity; this cavity is filled with a polymerizable resin; and the frame and the resin-filled cavity are covered with an upper thermoplastic sheet to which slight pressure is applied. The resin polymerizes, and the card is cut out within the frame.

Abstract: Methods enabling the use of an office printer connected to a microcomputer in order to print legitimate postal marks. It uses a cartridge of special fonts in which there are stored the franking marks according to the standards laid down for the printer. A known security component is provided, on the one hand to protect access to the memory contained in the cartridge and, on the other hand, to perform the computation, for each printing of a franking mark, of a security mark that contains encrypted information elements that are readable by the postal authority, enabling the franking mark to be authenticated. It provides for the elimination of specific franking machines and limits the handling operations to the handling of a small-sized cartridge.

Abstract: An interface is made for a device for the exploitation of electrical signals between a receiver of this device and a device for the exploitation of these signals. The interface is capable of sending, alternatively, signals received by the receiver to an external circuit and signals delivered by the external circuit to the exploitation circuit. It is shown that this approach can be used to resolve problems of the scrambling and unscrambling of audio-visual signals.

Abstract: To simplify the manufacture of terminals for the use of chip cards, the system is designed so as to place a minimum set of instructions in these terminals and to transfer the storage of complementary instructions pertaining to uses of greater complexity and/or pertaining to the chip card into the chip card. To bring about the performance of these complementary instructions, an address designating an instruction of a complementary set is stored in a reserved memory of the chip card. The microprocessor of the chip card is furthermore provided with a microprogram enforcing the performance of an instruction thus designated as soon as it is detected that the reserved memory has been designated by an instruction of an elementary set of instructions of this microprocessor. It is shown that it is possible, in this way, to simplify and rationalize the manufacture of very powerful terminals.

Abstract: A chip card comprises a chip card body, a chip, and a connector. The connector has a metal contact which is electrically connected to the chip for communicating electrical signals. The metal contact includes a main layer which is free of etched information elements, and a coating layer which has information elements etched therein. In one improvement, the information elements are laser-etched. In another improvement, the information elements are also marked on the chip card body and are stored in the chip. The present invention advantageously helps protect against the fraudulent interchanging of the chip card micromodule, including the chip and the connector.