Smart Card Applications Implementing CGI Agents and Directory Services

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for listing a user in a directory server and/or locating a subscriber in an internet-type network (RI), by consulting a directory server (SA i ), in such a way as to determine an IP address associated with this subscriber. To do so, a smart card ( 2 a ) is used, which stores applications (A 1 ) that are each associated with a listing and/or locating (“PL”) protocol. Subscriber profiles can be stored in the smart card ( 2 a ). A plurality of different protocols can be stored, converting the smart card ( 2 a ) into a multi-directory database. The card ( 2 a ) is provided with client/webserver and CGI functions, in such a way as to be capable of initiating transmissions, by internet protocols, between directory servers (SA i ) and the smart card ( 2 a ) and activating the applications (A 1 ) stored in the card, for the execution of listing and/or locating (“PL”) protocols. The invention also relates to the associated card.

1 . A smart card adapted to cooperate with a terminal provided with a smart card reader and internet-type network access, said smart card comprising: 
 means for storing data enabling selection and activation of one of a listing software and locating software;    means for storing selection data and optional parameters including a reference to a selected and activated one of a listing software and locating software;    at least one of two application programs associated with predetermined listing and locating protocols;    a software program for forming a specific communication protocol layer, said software program including at least a first autonomous software entity of a client type, and a second autonomous software entity of a server type, said first and second entities cooperating in such a manner that said smart card offers functions of a client/webserver and so as to enable putting a first user in relation with at least one directory server via an internet-type network; and    a software module cooperating with said software program, so that said smart card offers a gateway interface function or CGI function enabling the execution of said at least one of two application programs.    
     
     
         2 . The smart card of  claim 1 , wherein said functions comprise listing at least one subscriber, said listing done with the aid of data known as subscriber profile data, said subscriber profile data describing characteristics associated with said subscribers, at least one set of subscriber profile data being stored in said smart card.  
     
     
         3 . A method for communicating information between a network server and a smart card, comprising the steps of: 
 a) storing at least one application program in said smart card, said application program performing a function of either listing user information stored in said smart card on said network server or obtaining user information from said network server;    b) opening a first sequence of data exchanges between said smart card and a terminal, said first sequence of data exchanges including a request for said terminal to retrieve data enabling selection and activation of said application program stored on said smart card;    c) opening a second sequence of data exchanges between said smart card and said terminal, said second sequence of data exchanges including information corresponding to said data requested from said smart card; and    d) executing said application program to perform said function.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 loading information from said smart card to said terminal which makes a combination of said smart card and terminal function as a webserver/client.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 storing software in said smart card corresponding to a CGI function; and    communicating information between said smart card and said network server based on said CGI function, said CGI function allowing said smart card to communicate with said network server using an internet-type protocol.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein a web navigator within said terminal retrieves said data requested from said smart card.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said application program is stored in a GCA format.  
     
     
         8 . A smart card adapted to cooperate with a terminal provided with a smart card reader and internet-type network access, said smart card comprising: 
 first information for identifying a user; and    second information for configuring a terminal and said smart card to operate as a webserver/client.    
     
     
         9 . The smart card of  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 an application program which performs a function of either listing said user in a remote network server or locating user information from said remote network server.    
     
     
         10 . The smart card of  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 software which makes said smart card operate as a CGI interface on a network.