Abstract: This IC card reader (1) is intended to release the software workload of a smart IC card (2) which itself supervises the running of its transaction. It is managed by a circuit (14) with microcontroller (140) and memory (141) and includes display means (11). It contains in memory (141) a library of programs which define visual, audio or other objects that are displayed on the display means and are executed by its circuit (14) with microcontroller (140) and memory (141) in response to a call from the connected IC card (2). By virtue of this library of programs, the IC card reader (1) provides a connected IC card (2) with a particularly sophisticated man-machine interface accessible using simplified commands. The object program calls are advantageously accompanied by parameters allowing the way in which the objects are defined and animated to be adjusted at leisure.

Abstract: A storage process that includes adding, to the elementary files of fixed length provided for by, e.g., ISO Standard 7816-4, elementary files of variable length whose capacity is always adapted to the size of the records they store, and managing this new type of file with micro-instructions complying with the formalism of ISO Standard 7816-4 and belonging to the proprietary class of instructions. By virtue of this new type of variable-length elementary file, it is possible to envisage new smartcards complying with ISO Standard 7816-4 and implementing data compression techniques at the data storage level, this capability being particularly beneficial considering the limited data storage capacities of a smartcard.

Abstract: A system for securely storing CD-ROM data including a CD-ROM having data encrypted at least in part with a cryptographic algorithm having a decryption key K, a CD-ROM drive for receiving the CD-ROM, an electronic decryption microcircuit embedded in the CD-ROM, means for exchanging information between the CD-ROM drive and the electronic decryption microcircuit embedded in the CD-ROM, and a chip card containing at least a part K1 of the decryption key K, any remaining part K2 of the decryption key K being in the electronic decryption microcircuit embedded in the CD-ROM. Also included is a secure means for securely exchanging information between the chip card and the electronic microcircuit embedded in the CD-ROM. Further, the electronic decryption microcircuit embedded in the CD-ROM includes an antenna which provides, without the presence of contact, both an electrical power supply to the decryption microcircuit from an external source and exchanges of information with the external source.

Abstract: This interactive television receiver console comprises a television receiver connected by a televised program reception channel to a televised program distributor implementing transactional applications. It further comprises an all-purpose interface pack with data transmission means connected to the televised program distributor by a data transmission channel, with data reception means connected to the televised program distributor by a data reception channel and with image overlay means connected to the television receiver and working on the image presented to the screen of this receiver, a chip card reader, a keyboard enabling action by an operator, and a chip card that gets plugged into the chip card reader and is customized for at least one transaction, the running of which it manages. Through its all-purpose character which is customized by means of the chip card, this card has a wide range of uses and is, at the same time, highly selective.