smart card : Java Glossary

A card with a small computer chip embedded on it. It can be used for:

• Identification cards
• debit cards
• credit cards
• medical information
• encryption

You typically program them in a stripped down Java.

The advantages over conventional mag stripe cards include:

• More durable. The card need not even touch the reader.
• Harder to counterfeit.
• You can use them for PIN-less purchases of low cost items such as coffee or fast food to speed up purchase. You program the PIN-less limit.
• A single card can, in theory, handle dozens of unrelated functions.

The big problem with smart cards is you can inadvently purchase something just by walking near a scanner or by a thief waving a scanner over your pocket in a crowd.

Disadvantages

My ATM (Automated Teller Machine) card requires me to insert the chip card in a slot. The problems include:

• There are four possible orientations to insert the card. Only one of them works. It would not be that hard to design the reader so all of them work.
• Reading requires physical contact. This gradually wears off the gold plating. It also requires that I periodically clean the contact. Ideally the reader should work without physical contact.
• Even in large stores, sometimes the sale requires a dial-up connection which takes a long time. The connection should use encrypted Ethernet or WiFi (Wireless Fidelity).
• There should be a chute to direct your card into the proper slot. There 2 or 3 plausible slots to insert your card. Only one works.
• The dialog, and the various screen layouts, and the keyboards all differ for reader model. It would be good if these were more standardised. It wastes time figuring out a new scheme with other shoppers lined up behind me.