24. An interface device for use with a smart card having first and second data input/output contacts, comprising:
a plurality of contacts for transferring data to and from the smart card, said plurality of contacts comprising a predefined set of contacts associated with an operating protocol and including a first data input/output contact that provides a connection between a data input/output terminal of a first peripheral device and the first data input/output contact of the smart card, and at least one other data input/output contact that provides a connection between a data input/output terminal of a second peripheral device and the second data input/output contact of the smart card, wherein neither of said first and second peripheral devices includes a microprocessor for processing data that is transferred to and from the smart card via said plurality of contacts, and the operation of at least one of said peripheral devices is controlled by said microprocessor.
United States Patent 6,199,128 Inventors: Sarat; Jean-Marc (Belmont, CA)