Abstract: A transactor for use in connection with transactions involving secure and non-secure information is configured to present notices on user interface screens associated with a non-secure operating mode so as to caution users not to enter secure information. When the transactor operates in a secure mode, no such notices are presented. In addition, when in the secure mode, the transactor may be configured to accept data inputs only from designated areas of a user interface, such as a touch screen.

Abstract: The card contains value information suitable for being debited by the machine in consideration for delivering goods or service. The machine causes a ratification flag stored in the non-volatile memory of the card to be modified between two states, namely: a ratified state corresponding to the case where the preceding transaction performed with the card, whether with the same machine or with another machine, took place correctly, and a non-ratified state for the case when said preceding transaction was interrupted in the course of being executed. The machine successively: conditionally debits the card if the flag is in the ratified state; causes the card to put the flag in the non-ratified state if a debit took place in the preceding step; then causes the goods or service to be delivered; and if delivery takes place effectively in the preceding step, causes the flag to be put by the card into the ratified state.

Abstract: A method handles collisions in a data interchange between portable objects and at least one data transceiver. The method includes the steps of the transceiver transmitting to said plurality of portable objects general call messages, each including a collision probability modulation parameter. Each portable object conditionally transmits to the transceiver a general call response with a probability of less than 100% as a function of the collision probability modulation parameter and having a specific identifier. The transceiver receives a general call response message, and in the absence of any collision between said message and a message transmitted by another portable object, a specific data communication link is established. Otherwise the method returns to the first step and repeats, optionally modifying the dynamic range of the probability modulation parameter.

Abstract: A terminal for contactless communication with portable objects comprises a wave pickup device responsive to the magnetic component of an electromagnetic field, and a receiver which cooperates with the wave pickup device to receive and amplify signals picked up thereby. The wave pickup device comprises at least two distinct and adjacently disposed wave pickup elements spaced apart by a predetermined gap, and a discriminator for deriving a discrimination signal from the signals picked up by each of the wave pickup elements during a given period. The discrimination signal indicates which one of the wave pickup elements has received a signal of greater amplitude.

Abstract: The portable object includes an electronic circuit powered by an internal battery and having a data memory; it enables data to be interchanged with the outside without making direct electrical contact. It comprises a pierceable zone forming a region of the housing of the object, and a plurality of contact areas inside the housing and in register with the pierceable zone, the contact areas being connected to power supply lines for the electronic circuit, the areas being suitable for being put into contact with electrically conductive spikes connected to an external power supply circuit and pushed through the pierceable zone, thereby enabling the electronic circuit of the object to be powered and thus making good any exhaustion or failure of its internal battery, in particular in order to provide access to the data memory.