Smart Card System - summary-1st para #0059

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1st paragraph
In accordance with the present invention, these objectives are achieved by providing a smart card that is compatible with multiple different protocols. In one embodiment, such a card is fully compatible with the protocols of the ISO standard and another, non-ISO, standard. One of the contacts of the card which is not designated by the standard is used to indicate whether the card is to operate in the ISO-standard mode, or in another mode. When no signal is present at this terminal, the card operates in the conventional ISO-standard mode. However, the presence of a predetermined signal provides an indication that the card is to operate in the non-ISO mode. In this case, a different start-up procedure can be employed which does not require the strict timing constraints associated with the ISO mode of operation. Consequently, a less expensive reader can be employed which may not require the type of controller that is associated with an ISO-compliant reader.

United States Patent 6,199,128 Inventors: Sarat; Jean-Marc (Belmont, CA)