O'Neil microFlash Series - Manual (Page 92)

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CardReader Commands User Manual and Technical Guide The O'Neil microFlash Series of Printers
Smart Card Reader
Smart cards vary widely (some are microprocessor based, some are
memory only; all may have security). In addition, memory cards have
data organization and microprocessor-based cards have a file structure
that is defined by the application. Most smart card operating systems
(inside the smart card) do not provide a method of “reading the directory
(file structure)”. The file structure and security features are unique to the
application. So although the reader gives access to “standard card types”
(as defined in ISO-7816), it is not possible to “automatically” read and
buffer the smart card data. Each application should have a predefined
card type as well as use of that card; the handheld should then have that
knowledge. The application, then, might choose to handle a
microprocessor-based smart card as follows:
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Handheld prompts the user to insert their card
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User inserts the smart card into the card reader slot waking up the
reader
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Handheld polls the reader looking for the card to be inserted
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Handheld commands reader to power up the card; reader returns the
card’s answer to reset (unique to each card type)
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Handheld commands reader to pass commands and data to the card,
selecting files and providing passwords and cryptographic keys as
required.
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Reader returns smart card’s response to each command and data sent
from the handheld, allowing the handheld to determine if proper
access has been attained.
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Handheld requests data from the card, and reader returns that data
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Handheld provides command with data to be written to the card, and
the reader passes that command and data to the card and returns the
card’s response
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When the transaction is complete, the handheld prompts the reader
to power down the card, then prompts the user to remove the card.