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WO2001054088A1 - Method and system for exchanging information with a memory structure in a portable object - Google Patents

Method and system for exchanging information with a memory structure in a portable object Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001054088A1
WO2001054088A1 PCT/NL2001/000045 NL0100045W WO0154088A1 WO 2001054088 A1 WO2001054088 A1 WO 2001054088A1 NL 0100045 W NL0100045 W NL 0100045W WO 0154088 A1 WO0154088 A1 WO 0154088A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
software agent
computer
memory structure
information
network
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2001/000045
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christine Karman
Original Assignee
Tryllian Holding B.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tryllian Holding B.V. filed Critical Tryllian Holding B.V.
Priority to AU2001234238A priority Critical patent/AU2001234238A1/en
Publication of WO2001054088A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001054088A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G07F7/1008Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/341Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/409Device specific authentication in transaction processing
    • G06Q20/4097Device specific authentication in transaction processing using mutual authentication between devices and transaction partners
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/0806Details of the card
    • G07F7/0833Card having specific functional components
    • G07F7/084Additional components relating to data transfer and storing, e.g. error detection, self-diagnosis

Definitions

  • the invention pertains to a method for exchanging information with a memory structure contained in a portable object, e.g. a smart card, using a computer, connected to a network, e.g. the internet, wherein the user establishes a connection between the memory structure and a data interchange unit connected to the network.
  • the invention also pertains to a system for exchanging information according to this method.
  • Portable objects containing memory structures for storing information are many and varied in shape and use.
  • the information stored in the memory can be equally varied in range and contents. Examples are credit history, personal details of the owner or profiles of the owner characterising his preferences or status.
  • the data exchange unit is capable of reading or altering the information on the card
  • the limited means provided to the user for entering or reading information can provide a bottleneck.
  • Banks for instance, do not provide their smart card-enabled automatic teller machines with elaborate means of display or keyboards.
  • many of these machines are connected to computers with just such means through networks. Again, however, there are obstacles to the effective use of such networks, since the computer on which the information has been stored needs to establish a connection with the particular data ex- change unit to which the user has, at some later time, connected the object containing the memory structure. This data exchange unit will in almost all cases have been chosen at random from one of many.
  • the method makes use of a software agent to direct the exchange of information.
  • the system comprises means for prompting the software agent to direct the exchange of information after the user has connected the memory structure to a data interchange unit.
  • the software agent can take care of the many tasks associated with an effective exchange of information.
  • the information can be entered on one computer in the network and loaded into the memory structure at any time in the future and through any data interchange unit connected to that network, at the user's -convenience.
  • the type and amount of information. exchanged can be restricted by providing the software agent with appropriate instructions.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows a simple diagram of an example of a system according to the present invention.
  • Figures 2a-2f schematically illustrates several consecutive steps, which are possible in an embodiment of the method according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a simple schematic diagram of a similar system according to the present invention, in order to illustrate certain aspects of alternative embodiments of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram, containing the essential characteristics of a system according to the present invention.
  • the system is used to exchange information with a memory structure, contained in a portable object 1.
  • This portable object 1 could, for instance, be a plastic card, of dimensions similar to a credit card.
  • Other possible examples are objects shaped like transponder keys, as used in automotive security systems to identify drivers, or shaped like pens, as used with cash registers to identify till attendants.
  • the system also comprises a number of data ex- change units 2,3, of which two are schematically shown in figure 1. Of course, there could be any number of data exchange units 2,3 in the system.
  • the system can be used to transfer information, initially entered by a user 4, to the memory structure on object 1.
  • a software agent 6 comprising the means to direct the transfer of this information into the memory structure contained in object 1.
  • Computer 5 could be the user's personal computer at home, equipped with a modem, or it could be a personal digital assistant, able to establish a wireless connection.
  • the software agent resides on the computer 5 with which the user 4 entered the information, but this is not a necessary aspect of the present invention.
  • the information need not be stored on computer 5. It could be stored on a different computer, somewhere in the remaining part 8 of network 7.
  • the software agent 6 could contain a pointer to the storage location.
  • the information can be encoded in the software agent 6, thus moving around with it.
  • the system contains means for alerting the software agent 6 to the presence of object 1 in data exchange unit 2. Such means can be provided to the data exchange unit 2 in the shape of a button or a system which automatically detects the presence of the memory structure.
  • data exchange unit 2 passes a signal to computer 5 by means of computer 9, thus prompting the software agent 6 to direct the transfer of information.
  • FIG. 1 With reference to figures 2a-f, eight steps in an embodiment of a method according to the present invention are schematically depicted. The numbering of the various components of the system used in this method is based in part on that of figure 1.
  • a computer or workstation 5 is connected to network 7, for example the internet.
  • a central computer 9 is also connected to network 7 and to a data exchange unit 2, optionally by means of a further computer.
  • the said data exchange unit 2 can be one of many similar units directly or indirectly connected to the central computer 9.
  • the central computer 9 is run, for instance, by an organisation, which issues portable objects comprising memory structures, e.g. smart cards.
  • the organisation can be a bank, a credit card company, a retailer, etc.
  • the computer 5 can be a personal computer, which belongs to user 4, but this need not be the case, as explained in the discussion of figure 1.
  • Loaded into the memory structure of the portable object 1 are data, for example characterising the user 4 or his interests.
  • the information could equally well represent a record of the user's past purchases in stores belonging to a certain retailing company. Such information allows the organisation to tailor their offers to the interests and profile of the user 4. In the sort of systems presently used by such organisations, the possibilities open to the user 4 for viewing or altering the information are limited or nonexistent .
  • a method and system according to the present invention open up a wealth of new possibilities to the user.
  • the smart agent can also be provided with rules, to direct the correct information to the intended recipient . These rules could instruct it to act on the user's behalf. For example, the agent could negotiate a discount from a retailing organisation in return for providing the organisation with the user's details. Alternatively, it could only provide the user's address to organisations, that wish to send samples of their product.
  • the user 4 can view or edit the information in the following way.
  • Each user is issued a software agent 6.
  • Each software agent 6 is provided with a unique code, in order to identify it. This enables the system discern the software agent 6 to prompt, when the user 4 has connected a particular memory structure to the system. This feature allows several software agents and/or memory structures to be used in the system at the same time.
  • the software agent 6 can initially reside in com- puter 5, as in figure 2a, but another computer within network 7 is also a possible location, as is the central computer 9.
  • the user 4 can pass instructions to the software agent, as shown schematically in figure 2b, using computer 5.
  • These instructions can be many and varied in nature, de- pending on the use of the system.
  • they can be instructions to restrict the information available to the retailer to address details or purchases of a particular kind.
  • they can comprise rules, programming the software agent 6 to disclose information only to certain types of organisations.
  • the means allowing the user to pass instructions to the software agent 6 will generally comprise a type of graphical user interface to facilitate step 2b. If the software agent 6 is on some other computer within network 7, a kind of web interface would be a likely means for the user 4 to pass instructions to the software agent 6. Alternatively, the organisation issuing software agent 6 could provide user 4 with special software, for use on computer 5.
  • FIG 2f the situation is shown, wherein the memory structure has been disconnected from the data inter- change unit 2, by removing the object 1 in which it is contained.
  • the software agent 6, here shown in computer 9, can now be recalled by the user, or it can have been instructed beforehand to move to a different computer, for example the user's computer 5.
  • FIG 3 several aspects are depicted of alternative embodiments, which more fully exploit the characteristics of software agents 6,10.
  • at least one other software agent 10 is used to be able to instruct the first software agent 6 where to find the memory structure and data exchange unit 2 in amongst a plurality of data exchange units 2,3 to which similar memory structures can be connected.
  • the second software agent 10 is carried in the memory structure and transferred into the network 7 through data interchange unit 2.
  • the second software agent 10 is initially stored in the data exchange unit 2 or a computer 9 connected to the data exchange unit 2.
  • the software agents 6, 10 are able to move from one computer 9 to the other 11, as depicted by step B in figure 3.
  • This capability to direct a software agent 6,10 from one computer to another is provided by so- called agent runtime environments or agent host platforms, which the computers 5,9,11 have been programmed to run.
  • the system further allows two software agents 6,10 to exchange information, step A in figure 2.
  • One software agent 10 can thus tell the other software agent 6 to move to another computer. This exchange of information A is again made possible by the agent runtime environment.
  • the software agent 6 for directing the exchange of information can then move tro a computer 9 from which it can direct the exchange of information with the memory structure contained in the object 1.
  • the software agent 6 directing the exchange of information can initially be contained in the memory structure of the portable object 1.
  • the user 4 can carry the software agent 6 around with him.
  • the software agent 6 can be used to transfer data from the memory structure to a computer in the network 7, or to retrieve information from this computer.
  • the software agent 6 is transferred to the network 7 after the user 4 has connected the memory structure to the data interchange unit 2. It can then proceed to search for the computer with which to ex- change the information, making use of the methods described above .
  • the process of data transfer from and to the memory structure contained in the portable object 1 involves running the software agent 6 on a suitable computer 9 connected in some way to the data interchange unit 2 or contained in it .
  • the portable object 1 need only be provided with a memory structure in which to store the information and, optionally, the software agent 6.
  • the ob- ject 1 can be provided with a limited amount of storage capacity.
  • the object 1 can be a card with a magnetic strip for a memory structure.
  • a software agent 6 would provide a relatively simple card 1 with a large amount of extra functionality, when connected to a computer 9 through a card reader 2.
  • the object 1, containing the memory structure could also be provided with a processor, capable of running all or part of the instructions contained in the software agent 6.
  • a processor capable of running all or part of the instructions contained in the software agent 6.
  • An example of such an object 1 is a smart card, where memory structure and processor form an integral whole .
  • Such a processor need not be very sophisticated. For example, its use could be restricted to supervising the process of transfer of the software agent to a more powerful computer within network 7. The part of the software agent 6, which requires more computing capacity would then be run on this computer. In this way, extra func- tionality would again be provided to an object of limited resources .

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)

Abstract

A method is disclosed for exchanging information contained in a portable object (1), e.g. a smart card. The method uses a computer (5), connected to a network (7), e.g. the internet. In one step of this method, a user (4) establishes a connection between the memory structure and a data interchange unit (2), connected to the network (7). The method subsequently uses a software agent (6) to direct the exchange. Furthermore, a system is disclosed with the same objective. The system comprises a portable object (1), e.g. a smart card, containing a memory structure for storing the information. The system also comprises a computer (5), connected to a network (7), e.g. the internet. It further comprises one or more data interchange units (2, 3), connected to the network (7). The data interchange units (2, 3) comprise means permitting a user (4) to establish a connection to the memory structure. The system further comprises a software agent (6) and means for prompting the software agent (6) to direct the exchange of information after establishment of the connection of the memory structure to a data interchange unit (2). A computer program is further disclosed, which is loadable into a computer (5, 9, 11). A computer (5, 9, 11) programmed in this way is capable of, or adapted to, use in the above-mentioned method and it can be comprised in the above-mentioned system.

Description

Method and system for exchanging information with a memory structure in a portable object.
The invention pertains to a method for exchanging information with a memory structure contained in a portable object, e.g. a smart card, using a computer, connected to a network, e.g. the internet, wherein the user establishes a connection between the memory structure and a data interchange unit connected to the network. The invention also pertains to a system for exchanging information according to this method.
Portable objects containing memory structures for storing information are many and varied in shape and use.
They can, for instance be issued to shop assistants, in the shape of pens for insertion into cash registers, or to users of a building, in the shape of electronic keys for unlocking certain doors. One of the more ubiquitous examples is the smart card. Such information carriers are issued by credit card companies, health insurers, universities and retailing organisations .
The information stored in the memory can be equally varied in range and contents. Examples are credit history, personal details of the owner or profiles of the owner characterising his preferences or status.
Problems occur for most owners, when they wish to read or alter the information stored in the memory structure. Most owners do not possess the means for reading or altering the contents of the memory structure. In addition, a user has little control over the types of information an organisation puts into the memory or retrieves from it. Thus, in the case of a customer loyalty card, he cannot restrict access to the information to certain retailers. Likewise, in the case of a health insurance card, he cannot provide the memory structure with a set of rules restricting access to certain data fields to his doctor. There may be a great many machines available to the user, which are physically capable of reading or altering the information in the memory structure. In current practice, many of these data exchange units are not avail - able to users, because they contain no means to read or write the data in the specific format required for the card. Thus, a user cannot use the retailer's system to alter the information on his health insurance card.
In cases where the data exchange unit is capable of reading or altering the information on the card, the limited means provided to the user for entering or reading information can provide a bottleneck. Banks, for instance, do not provide their smart card-enabled automatic teller machines with elaborate means of display or keyboards. On the other hand, many of these machines are connected to computers with just such means through networks. Again, however, there are obstacles to the effective use of such networks, since the computer on which the information has been stored needs to establish a connection with the particular data ex- change unit to which the user has, at some later time, connected the object containing the memory structure. This data exchange unit will in almost all cases have been chosen at random from one of many.
It is an object of the present invention to im- prove the above-described method and system.
To this end, the method makes use of a software agent to direct the exchange of information. The system comprises means for prompting the software agent to direct the exchange of information after the user has connected the memory structure to a data interchange unit.
Thus, the software agent can take care of the many tasks associated with an effective exchange of information. The information can be entered on one computer in the network and loaded into the memory structure at any time in the future and through any data interchange unit connected to that network, at the user's -convenience. The type and amount of information. exchanged can be restricted by providing the software agent with appropriate instructions.
The invention will now be explained in further detail, with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 schematically shows a simple diagram of an example of a system according to the present invention.
Figures 2a-2f schematically illustrates several consecutive steps, which are possible in an embodiment of the method according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a simple schematic diagram of a similar system according to the present invention, in order to illustrate certain aspects of alternative embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram, containing the essential characteristics of a system according to the present invention. In this example, the system is used to exchange information with a memory structure, contained in a portable object 1. This portable object 1 could, for instance, be a plastic card, of dimensions similar to a credit card. Other possible examples are objects shaped like transponder keys, as used in automotive security systems to identify drivers, or shaped like pens, as used with cash registers to identify till attendants.
The system also comprises a number of data ex- change units 2,3, of which two are schematically shown in figure 1. Of course, there could be any number of data exchange units 2,3 in the system.
The system can be used to transfer information, initially entered by a user 4, to the memory structure on object 1. Resident on computer 5 is a software agent 6, comprising the means to direct the transfer of this information into the memory structure contained in object 1. Computer 5 could be the user's personal computer at home, equipped with a modem, or it could be a personal digital assistant, able to establish a wireless connection.
In the embodiment -of figure 1, the software agent resides on the computer 5 with which the user 4 entered the information, but this is not a necessary aspect of the present invention. An alternative would be to have the software agent 6 wait on a central server 9, which is a permanent part of a network 7. Likewise, the information need not be stored on computer 5. It could be stored on a different computer, somewhere in the remaining part 8 of network 7. In this case, the software agent 6 could contain a pointer to the storage location. Alternatively, the information can be encoded in the software agent 6, thus moving around with it. The system contains means for alerting the software agent 6 to the presence of object 1 in data exchange unit 2. Such means can be provided to the data exchange unit 2 in the shape of a button or a system which automatically detects the presence of the memory structure. In the em- bodiment depicted in fig. 1, data exchange unit 2 passes a signal to computer 5 by means of computer 9, thus prompting the software agent 6 to direct the transfer of information. With reference to figures 2a-f, eight steps in an embodiment of a method according to the present invention are schematically depicted. The numbering of the various components of the system used in this method is based in part on that of figure 1.
A computer or workstation 5 is connected to network 7, for example the internet. A central computer 9 is also connected to network 7 and to a data exchange unit 2, optionally by means of a further computer. The said data exchange unit 2 can be one of many similar units directly or indirectly connected to the central computer 9. The central computer 9 is run, for instance, by an organisation, which issues portable objects comprising memory structures, e.g. smart cards. The organisation can be a bank, a credit card company, a retailer, etc. The computer 5 can be a personal computer, which belongs to user 4, but this need not be the case, as explained in the discussion of figure 1. Loaded into the memory structure of the portable object 1 are data, for example characterising the user 4 or his interests. The information could equally well represent a record of the user's past purchases in stores belonging to a certain retailing company. Such information allows the organisation to tailor their offers to the interests and profile of the user 4. In the sort of systems presently used by such organisations, the possibilities open to the user 4 for viewing or altering the information are limited or nonexistent .
A method and system according to the present invention open up a wealth of new possibilities to the user. Besides directing the technical processes involved in the transfer of information, the smart agent can also be provided with rules, to direct the correct information to the intended recipient . These rules could instruct it to act on the user's behalf. For example, the agent could negotiate a discount from a retailing organisation in return for providing the organisation with the user's details. Alternatively, it could only provide the user's address to organisations, that wish to send samples of their product. Using a method according to the present invention the user 4 can view or edit the information in the following way.
Each user is issued a software agent 6. Each software agent 6 is provided with a unique code, in order to identify it. This enables the system discern the software agent 6 to prompt, when the user 4 has connected a particular memory structure to the system. This feature allows several software agents and/or memory structures to be used in the system at the same time.
The software agent 6 can initially reside in com- puter 5, as in figure 2a, but another computer within network 7 is also a possible location, as is the central computer 9. The user 4 can pass instructions to the software agent, as shown schematically in figure 2b, using computer 5. These instructions can be many and varied in nature, de- pending on the use of the system. In the example of a customer loyalty card, they "can be instructions to restrict the information available to the retailer to address details or purchases of a particular kind. Alternatively, they can comprise rules, programming the software agent 6 to disclose information only to certain types of organisations.
The means allowing the user to pass instructions to the software agent 6 will generally comprise a type of graphical user interface to facilitate step 2b. If the software agent 6 is on some other computer within network 7, a kind of web interface would be a likely means for the user 4 to pass instructions to the software agent 6. Alternatively, the organisation issuing software agent 6 could provide user 4 with special software, for use on computer 5.
As soon as software agent 6 has been provided with the necessary instructions, it can move to the central computer 9, or some other computer within network 7 to which data interchange unit 2 is attached. Such a situation is depicted in figure 2c, where the software agent 6 lies waiting .
After the memory structure has been connected to data interchange unit 2, the software agent 6 is prompted to direct the exchange of information with the memory structure. This step is depicted in figure 2d, and the subsequent exchange of information is depicted in figure 2e.
In figure 2f, the situation is shown, wherein the memory structure has been disconnected from the data inter- change unit 2, by removing the object 1 in which it is contained. The software agent 6, here shown in computer 9, can now be recalled by the user, or it can have been instructed beforehand to move to a different computer, for example the user's computer 5. Referring to figure 3, several aspects are depicted of alternative embodiments, which more fully exploit the characteristics of software agents 6,10. In this embodiment, at least one other software agent 10 is used to be able to instruct the first software agent 6 where to find the memory structure and data exchange unit 2 in amongst a plurality of data exchange units 2,3 to which similar memory structures can be connected. In one embodiment, the second software agent 10 is carried in the memory structure and transferred into the network 7 through data interchange unit 2. In alternative embodiments, the second software agent 10 is initially stored in the data exchange unit 2 or a computer 9 connected to the data exchange unit 2.
In each case, the software agents 6, 10 are able to move from one computer 9 to the other 11, as depicted by step B in figure 3. This capability to direct a software agent 6,10 from one computer to another is provided by so- called agent runtime environments or agent host platforms, which the computers 5,9,11 have been programmed to run.
The system further allows two software agents 6,10 to exchange information, step A in figure 2. One software agent 10 can thus tell the other software agent 6 to move to another computer. This exchange of information A is again made possible by the agent runtime environment.
Further features of the software agent 6,10 and the agent runtime environment are disclosed in more detail in Dutch Patent Applications 1013249 and 1013250 from the same applicant. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art, that the communication between software agent 6 and the object 1 containing the memory structure and that amongst software agents 6,10 makes use of the standard protocols for ensuring secure communication. In addition, the runtime environment on a computer 5,9,11 can be programmed to restrict software agents 6,10 in them to certain types of actions. In such a way, the spread of viruses or illicit information through the network 7 can be prevented. Likewise, the soft- ware agent 6 can be instructed to direct the exchange of only certain types of information from and to the smart card.
Once the software agent 6 for directing the exchange of information has been made aware of the presence of object 1 in data exchange unit 2 by the second software agent 10, it can then move tro a computer 9 from which it can direct the exchange of information with the memory structure contained in the object 1.
It will be obvious that in cases where the information is to be moved from the memory structure to a computer within network 7, the same method is used. In particular, the steps whereby the software agent 6 is prompted to direct the transfer of information and where it is directed to a suitable computer are the same.
In an alternative embodiment, the software agent 6 directing the exchange of information can initially be contained in the memory structure of the portable object 1. Thus the user 4 can carry the software agent 6 around with him. Again, the software agent 6 can be used to transfer data from the memory structure to a computer in the network 7, or to retrieve information from this computer.
In such an embodiment, the software agent 6 is transferred to the network 7 after the user 4 has connected the memory structure to the data interchange unit 2. It can then proceed to search for the computer with which to ex- change the information, making use of the methods described above .
In the embodiments described above, the process of data transfer from and to the memory structure contained in the portable object 1 involves running the software agent 6 on a suitable computer 9 connected in some way to the data interchange unit 2 or contained in it . This means that the portable object 1 need only be provided with a memory structure in which to store the information and, optionally, the software agent 6. Such a use has the advantage, that the ob- ject 1 can be provided with a limited amount of storage capacity. For example, the object 1 can be a card with a magnetic strip for a memory structure. A software agent 6 would provide a relatively simple card 1 with a large amount of extra functionality, when connected to a computer 9 through a card reader 2.
As an alternative,- the object 1, containing the memory structure could also be provided with a processor, capable of running all or part of the instructions contained in the software agent 6. An example of such an object 1 is a smart card, where memory structure and processor form an integral whole . Such a processor need not be very sophisticated. For example, its use could be restricted to supervising the process of transfer of the software agent to a more powerful computer within network 7. The part of the software agent 6, which requires more computing capacity would then be run on this computer. In this way, extra func- tionality would again be provided to an object of limited resources .
The embodiments described in the above are to be considered as mere examples, in no way limiting the extent of the invention, which can be varied in a number of ways according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Method for exchanging information with a memory structure contained in a portable object (1), e.g. a smart card, using a computer (5), connected to a network (7), e.g. the internet, wherein a user (4) establishes a connection between the memory structure and a data interchange unit (2) connected to the network (7) characterised in that the method uses a software agent (6) to direct the exchange.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the establishment of a connection between the memory structure and a data interchange unit (2) prompts the software agent (6) to direct the exchange of information.
3. Method according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the software agent (6) moves through the network (7) between the computer (5) and a second computer (9) , also attached to the network (7) , wherein the second computer (9) enables the software agent (6) to direct the exchange of information.
4. Method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the agent (6) communicates with a second software agent (10) and wherein the second software agent (10) prompts the soft- ware agent (6) to direct the exchange.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the software agent (6) is loaded into the memory structure.
6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the soft- ware agent (6) moves from the memory structure to the computer (9) , from which it directs the exchange of information.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the software agent (6) is provided with rules regarding the contents of the information of which it is to direct the exchange.
8. System for exchanging information comprising a portable object (1), e.g. a smart card, containing a memory structure for storing the information, a computer (5), connected to a network (7), e.g. the internet , and one or more data interchange units (2), connected to the network (7) , with means for a user (4) of establishing a connection to the memory structure characterised in that the system comprises a software agent (6) and means for prompting the software agent (6) to direct the exchange of information after establishment of the connection of the memory structure to a data interchange unit (2) .
9. System according to claim 8, wherein a computer (11) is programmed to direct communication between the software agent (6) and a second software agent (10) , wherein the software agent (6) is uniquely labelled and the communica- tion serves to identify the software agent (6) , the user (4) and the data interchange unit (2) to which the memory structure is connected.
10. System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the computers (5,9,11) are programmed to run only specific types of instructions which the software agent (6,10) can comprise .
11. System according to any of claims 8-10, further comprising : a second computer (9) , connected to the computer (5) through a part (8) of the network (7) , comprising means to enable the software agent (6) to direct the exchange of information; and means for allowing the software agent (6) to move between the two computers .
12. System according to any of claims 8-11, further comprising means, e.g. a web interface, allowing the user (4) to communicate with the software agent (6) .
13. System according to any of claims 8-12, whereby the memory structure is capable of storing all or part of the software agent (£ ) .
14. System according to any of claims 8-13, wherein the portable object (1) further contains a processor and the software agent (6) comprises instructions executable by the processor.
15. System according to any of claims 8-14, wherein the memory structure consists of magnetic domains, representing the information.
16. A computer program, loadable into a computer (5,9,11) so that the computer (5,9,11) programmed in this way is capable of or adapted to carrying out a method according to any of claims 1-7 and capable of or adapted to use in a system according to any of claims 8-15.
PCT/NL2001/000045 2000-01-24 2001-01-23 Method and system for exchanging information with a memory structure in a portable object WO2001054088A1 (en)

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