WO2005017810A2

WO2005017810A2 - Improved combination of a decoder and a portable object with a chip

Info

Publication number: WO2005017810A2
Application number: PCT/EP2004/051642
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexandre Lamontagne; Lionel Guidez
Original assignee: Canal + Technologies
Priority date: 2003-08-08
Filing date: 2004-07-28
Publication date: 2005-02-24
Also published as: WO2005017810A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination of a decoder and a portable object with a chip, essentially comprising a functional block (5), provided with a key reader housing (50) and a mechanical housing (55, 55'), containing the functional block and auxiliary means (52, 52') arranged next to the housing (50) and contact pads (54) for the decoder. An original decoder key is replaced by a new key (30'), obtained with a chipcard in the form of a bank card. Said replacement key (30') is placed in the decoder in an intermediate reading position between the contact pads (54) and the upper edges (56, 56') of the housing (50). An ISO electrical connector patch on the replacement key is off-centre with relation to a central axis of the key in order to optimise the relative position of the contact pads (54) and the contact tracks of the patch. Furthermore, one or more spacings between contact tracks on the patch can be maximized in order to maximize the risks of short circuit.

Description

Description Advanced combination of a decoder and a portable smart object Technical field

The present invention relates to the combination of a decoder and a portable object with a chip in a non-standardized format. A “chip” designates a portion of semiconductor material of small dimensions in which one or more integrated circuits are implanted. The prior art

[002] A smart card can have, according to the prior art, one of two standardized formats: The ISO / IEC7816-2 format (“credit card” size), called ID-1, and designated ISO / ID- 1 in this application; and - The “Plug-in” format barely larger than the surface of the contact tracks (1.5 cm x 2.5 cm).

The smart card comprises a microprocessor and a memory in the form of a chip which is implanted on a plastic type support having one of the two formats indicated above.

The cards in ISO ID-1 format have been adopted by regional and international standards to support in particular the deployment of credit cards, or bank cards, and SIM cards for mobile phones.

As shown in FigJ, a plug-in format smart card 30 comprising the chip and the contact tracks 22 is typically obtained by detaching a precut 26. The precut 26 may be a thinning of the thickness of the card around the entire periphery of the card in a reduced plug-in format. It can also be a cut over the entire thickness, leaving place in place of small uncut regions which form bridges between the reduced format card 30 and the rest of the card in “credit card” format 20. These bridges maintain the reduced format card 30 in the larger format card 20 until final detachment.

This detachment is typically carried out by the user by pressing a finger on all or part of the area delimiting the card in a reduced plug-in format.

Patent application EP-A-0521778 describes embodiments of such cards in reduced format plug-in 30 from cards in wider format 20.

Although these two standardized formats give complete satisfaction in the banking and mobile telephony fields, many applications, for example pay-TV, still use portable smart objects having non-standardized formats, for example in the form of a key. One such key is shown in FIG. 2 and is used in combination with so-called analog decoders of the SYSTER (Trademark) type, deployed for example in France. These decoders are used to descramble reception of scrambled television programs.

For such portable smart objects which do not have standardized formats and which are produced on a relatively small scale, the cost price can be very high.

Indeed, in this case, specific "inserting" machines must be used for reduced productions, and the manufacturing and maintenance operations of these machines intended to produce subscriber modules in relatively reduced volume substantially increases the final cost of the subscriber module. These “inserting” operations typically consist in fixing the chip and the contact tracks on a plastic support. When a change or replacement of a key is necessary, the cost price of such an operation is high.

[011] In French patent application No. 0 303 502 filed on March 14, 2003, the priority of which is claimed here, a solution has been found to the drawback indicated above.

In fact, in the above-mentioned application, a combination of a decoder and a portable smart object is proposed in which the portable smart object is a replacement key obtained by detaching a precut formed in an ISO / ID-1 format smart card. Conventional inserting machines, designed for the ISO / LDI format, can thus be used and require only precut adjustments.

This replacement key is directly usable in the corresponding decoder, without any modification thereof, and therefore advantageously replaces the original key of non-standardized format.

The small thickness of the replacement key, resulting from its production from a smart card in ISO / LD-1 format, and the presence in the decoder of auxiliary means capable of fulfilling a guiding function are put to take advantage of to determine an intermediate reading position for the replacement key. This intermediate reading position is different from the reading position of the original key and is located between the contact pads of the decoder and the upper edges of a key reading housing intended to receive the original key.

In the intermediate reading position, the replacement key is guided, on the one hand, by the auxiliary means present in the decoder and, on the other hand, by the upper edges of the key reading housing.

The combination according to French patent application No. 0 303 502 provides a significant improvement over the previous situation by allowing the replacement placement of the original decoder key at a lower cost, without any modification to the decoder.

Tests carried out in the meantime on several combinations of decoders and replacement keys, however, revealed the existence of risks of bad contacts and short circuits between the contact pads of the decoder and contact tracks of the key. of substitution.

[018] It is therefore desirable to make improvements to the combination according to French patent application No. 0 303 502.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of a decoder and a portable smart object in which the risks of short circuits are very significantly reduced, or even completely eliminated. Revelation of the invention

[020] A combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to the invention, the decoder comprising a functional block equipped with a key reading housing which is adapted to receive an original key in a position reading keys in which the original key is in electrical contact with the contact pads of the decoder and a mechanical box containing the functional block and comprising auxiliary means located near the key reading housing and the contact pads, l portable smart object being a replacement key obtained by detaching a precut formed in a smart card in ISO / 1EC7816-2 format, and being placed in said decoder in an intermediate reading position different from the predetermined reading position and located between the contact pads and the upper edges of the key reading housing, the replacement key comprising an electrical connection sticker ISO, the contact tracks of which are in electrical contact with the contact pads and being guided by the upper edges and the auxiliary means, is characterized in that the ISO electrical connection sticker is decentered by a predetermined amount relative to an axis central of the replacement key in order to optimize a positional relationship between the contact pads and the contact tracks.

The decentralization of the ISO electrical connection sticker allows compensation for a defect in symmetry of the position of the auxiliary means, relative to the contact pads of the decoder.

[022] It is thus possible to have an optimal positioning of the contact tracks which must be perfectly facing the contact pads corresponding to the decoder.

According to another characteristic, the ISO electrical connection sticker includes one or more spacings between the contact tracks which are maximized by a reduction in the surface of the contact tracks included in the dimensional limits authorized by ISO / TEC7816-2 format.

According to yet another characteristic, the auxiliary means comprise at least one element which, in an original combination of the decoder and the original key, has a function other than a guiding function.

The maximization of the spacings between the contact tracks reduces the risks of short circuit between the contact tracks due to a lateral movement of the replacement key. Such lateral movement is possible because the guidance provided by the auxiliary means can only be partial, in fact, the auxiliary means present were not necessarily designed initially in the decoder to provide a guidance function.

[026] A combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to the invention finds a preferred application in a SYSTER type decoder. The auxiliary means then typically comprise two elements having a protective or aesthetic function in the original combination.

[027] In a combination according to the invention suitable for a SYSTER type decoder, the predetermined quantity for off-centering the ISO electrical connection sticker is approximately 0.3 mm.

According to another advantageous characteristic for a SYSTER type decoder, a spacing of the ISO electrical connection sticker between two neighboring contact tracks in a row of four contact tracks is approximately 0.8 mm. Short description of the drawings

[029] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, with reference to the corresponding appended drawings, in which: - FIG. 1, already commented on in the above description of the state of the art, shows a card in “credit card” format on which a card in “plug-in” format is formed by precut; - Fig. 2 represents a portable object in non-standardized format in the form of an original key used in a SYSTER type decoder; Fig. 3 shows a top view of a replacement key according to the invention obtained by detaching a precut formed in a smart card in ISO / ID-1 format; and - Fig. 4 shows in a simplified manner a combination according to the invention of a SYSTER type decoder and a replacement key, in the form of an exploded view, partially in section. Mode for the invention [030] The combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to the invention is described below essentially in the context of a preferred embodiment suitable for a SYSTER decoder.

[031] Referring now to FIG. 3, the portable smart object intended to be used in the context of the invention is in the form of a replacement key 30 'which is used to replace an original key 4 as shown in the Fig. 2. The replacement key 30 'is obtained by detaching a precut 26' formed in a chip card 20 'in ISO BD-1 format and includes an ISO 21' electrical connection sticker. The replacement key 30 'is wider and thinner than the original key 4 of the decoder.

As shown in FIG. 4, a conventional SYSTER decoder, known and available on the market, essentially comprises a functional block 5 and a mechanical box 55, 55 ′.

The functional block 5, shown in cross section, comprises a printed circuit 50 on which are fixed on a first face of the electronic circuits 51 such as for example integrated circuits. On a second face of the printed circuit 50, opposite the first face, there is mounted a mechanical element 53 in which is fitted a key reading housing 51 forming a guide cavity. Contact pads 54 are also mounted on the second face of the circuit 50 and protrude relative thereto.

[034] The mechanical element 53 typically has a symmetrical shape in double opposite staircase steps. The housing 51 is delimited laterally by two lower risers of the mechanical element 53 which are located opposite one another.

[035] The contact pads 54 are typically aligned in two parallel rows, located symmetrically on either side of an axis of symmetry 41 shown in FIG. 4.

[036] As also appears in FIG. 4, the axis of symmetry 41 is here common to the contact pads 54 and to the mechanical element 53.

In an original combination of the SYSTER decoder and its original key 4, the original key 4 is introduced into the housing 51 and is guided by walls of the latter. The key 4, once completely inserted into the housing 51, occupies in the latter an original reading position, shown by double cross hatching in FIG. 4. In this original reading position, contact tracks of the key 4 are in electrical contact with the contact pads 54.

[038] The mechanical housing is typically formed by two half-shells 55, 55 'made of a plastic material. One 55 ′ of the two half-shells comprises auxiliary means in the form of two auxiliary elements 52, 52 ′. In the SYSTER decoder, the auxiliary elements 52, 52 ′ have a spacing E between them and fulfill the functions of protection against dust and aesthetics.

Once assembled, the two half-shells 55, 55 'enclose the functional block 5, and the two auxiliary elements 52, 52' are located near the housing 51 and contact pads 54. The auxiliary elements 52, 52 'then respectively occupy positions 57, 57', shown in dotted lines in FIG. 4, which are located on either side of the axis of symmetry 41.

The combination according to the invention of the SYSTER decoder and a replacement key 30 'is shown in FIG. 4.

[041] As is clear from FIG. 4, the replacement key 30 'is not inserted into the housing 51, but occupies an intermediate reading position which is different from the reading position of the original key 4. The intermediate reading position is located between the contact pads 54 and upper edges 56, 56 'of the housing 51. This intermediate reading position is made possible, on the one hand, by the small thickness of the replacement key 30 "and, on the other hand, by the elastic flexibility of the contact pads 54.

[042] The width of the replacement key 30 'being greater than that of the original key 4, two lateral parts of the replacement key 30' rest respectively on the upper edges 56, 56 'of the housing 51. The key replacement 30 'has a width slightly less than the spacing E and can therefore be inserted between the auxiliary elements 52, 52' while being guided by the latter.

[043] In the intermediate reading position, the contact tracks 22 'of the replacement key 30' are in electrical contact with the contact pads 54 of the functional block 5, and the replacement key 30 'is guided, on the one hand, by the two auxiliary elements 52, 52 'in their respective positions 57, 57' and, on the other hand, by the upper edges 56, 56 'of the housing 51.

[044] The auxiliary elements 52, 52 ′ were not originally designed in the SYSTER decoder to perform a guidance function and they in fact only provide partial guidance over a limited part of the lateral fields of the replacement key 30 '.

[045] Measurements and tests carried out by the inventor on several SYSTER decoders have highlighted a possible defect in symmetry D, shown in FIG. 4, positions 57 and 57 'with respect to the axis of symmetry 41, as well as a tight dimensional tolerance for the spacing E of the auxiliary elements 52, 52'. The high dimensional tolerance of the spacing E introduces a play which leaves the possibility of lateral movement of the replacement key 30 'in its intermediate reading position.

[046] As shown in FIG. 3, the replacement key 30 'has a central axis 31' which is parallel to an axis of symmetry 23 'of the ISO electrical connection sticker 21'.

[047] In the ISO sticker 21 ', the contact tracks 22' are aligned in two parallel rows comprising four contact tracks 22 'each and spaced by a value Y.

[048] In the same row of four tracks, two adjacent contact tracks 22 'are deviated by a Z value.

[049] According to the invention, the axis of symmetry 23 'is offset by a value X relative to the central axis 31'. Decentering X makes it possible to overcome the lack of symmetry of the positions 57, 57 ', mentioned above with reference to FIG. 4, and to obtain an optimal position relation of the contact tracks 22' relative to the contact pads 54. The contact tracks 22 ′ are thus placed perfectly opposite the contact pads 54, which significantly reduces the appearance of bad contacts.

[050] In the case of a SYSTER decoder, the X offset typically has a value of 0.3 mm.

[051] According to the invention, the spacing Z is preferably maximized by reducing the surface of the contact tracks 22 ', while remaining within the dimensional limits authorized by the ISO ID-1 format.

[052] This maximization of the spacing Z makes it more difficult for short-circuits to appear during lateral movement of the replacement key 30 '. In fact, by increasing the distance between the conductive edges opposite two neighboring contact tracks 22 'to the maximum allowed, the probability of having a short circuit between them by the interposition of a contact pad 54 is significantly reduced. .

[053] In the case of a SYSTER decoder, the spacing Z typically has a value of 0.8 mm.

[054] Although the invention has been described here primarily in the context of its application to a SYSTER type decoder, the general principles and characteristics of these are clearly explained to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art instructed by the present disclosure are therefore able, while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, to design embodiments suitable for decoders other than those of the SYSTER type.

Claims

claims

Combination of a decoder and a portable smart object, said decoder comprising a functional block (5) equipped with a key reading housing (50) which is adapted to receive an original key (4 ) in a predetermined reading position in which said original key (4) is in electrical contact with contact pads (54) of said conductor and a mechanical housing (55, 55 ') containing said functional block and comprising auxiliary means (52, 52 ') located near said key reading housing (50) and said contact pads (54), said portable smart object being a replacement key (30') obtained by detaching a precut formed in a smart card in ISO / IEC7816-2 format, and being placed in said decoder in an intermediate reading position different from said predetermined reading position and located between said contact pads (54) and upper edges (56, 56 ' ) of said reader housing ure key (50), said replacement key (30 ') comprising an ISO electrical connection sticker (21') whose contact tracks (22 ') are in electrical contact with said contact pads (54) and being guided by said upper edges (56, 56 ') and said auxiliary means, characterized in that said ISO electrical connection sticker (21') is offset by a predetermined amount (X) relative to a central axis (31 ') of said replacement key (30 ') so as to optimize a positional relationship between said contact pads (54) and said contact tracks (22').

[002] Combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to claim 1, characterized in that said ISO electrical connection sticker (21 ') comprises one or more spacings (Z) between said contact tracks (22 ') which are maximized by a reduction in the surface of said contact tracks (22') included within the dimensional limits authorized by said ISO / IEC7816-2 format.

[003] Combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said auxiliary means comprise at least one element (52, 52 ') which in an original combination of said decoder and said original key (4) has a function other than a guiding function.

[004] Combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to claim 3, characterized in that said decoder is a SYSTER type decoder and said auxiliary means comprise two elements (52, 52 ') having a function of protection or aesthetics in said original combination.

[005] Combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to claim 4, characterized in that said predetermined quantity (X) is 0.3 mm about. Combination of a decoder and a portable smart object according to claim

2 and any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that a second spacing (Z) of said ISO electrical connection sticker (21 ') between two adjacent contact tracks (22') in a row of four tracks contact is about 0.8 mm.