PCI-PCMCIA smart card reader

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for implementing an integrated video card and smart card reader. A single processor is used to perform both video and smart card reader functions. The processor simulates a PCI-to-PCMCIA detection logic scheme. An operating system, such as Windows, detects both a video card and a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge. A smart card reader is attached to the integrated video card and smart card reader.

1 . A method, comprising: 
 providing an integrated expansion card occupying a single bus slot of a computer system, said expansion card comprising: a first embedded device and a second embedded device wherein said first and second embedded devices are operable to share said single bus slot; and    responding, by said first or second embedded device, to registers that are queried by an operating system for a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge so that said operating system detects the presence of a PCI-to-PCMCIA bridge.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said second embedded device comprising a bus host controller operable to input and output commands and data to said bus and to an expansion card device connected to said bus host controller    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first embedded device comprises a video controller.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first embedded device comprises a network controller.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first embedded device comprises a modem.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first embedded device comprises a memory device.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first embedded device comprises a core logic chipset associated with said computer system.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said bus comprises a PCI bus, and said bus slot comprises a PCI bus slot for physically connecting said expansion card with said computer system.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said second embedded device comprises a PCI-to-PCMCIA host controller.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said expansion card device comprises a smart card reader.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said expansion card comprising a first input/output path and a second input/output path for communication between said first and second embedded devices, respectively, with said computer system.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein: 
 said expansion card further comprising a function router comprising a multiplexer to route data and control signals between a processor and said first or second input/output path.