18. 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 each of said first and second peripheral devices provides at least one of the functions of user input to said microprocessor and/or presentation of data output from said microprocessor to a user.
United States Patent 6,199,128 Inventors: Sarat; Jean-Marc (Belmont, CA)