System and Method of Multiple Smart Card Driver Support

Abstract

By thoroughly investigating compatibility of a plurality of smart card drivers to applications available on a given smart card, a smart card framework module may be afforded additional flexibility in communications with the smart card. The additional flexibility is allowed by additional checking with a plurality of smart card drivers before communicating with the smart card, rather than simply using the first compatible smart card driver found. Furthermore, when employing an application available on the given smart card, a correct smart card driver is to be selected from among the plurality of smart card drivers.

1 . A method of signing a data object with a private key stored on a smart card, said method comprising:
 selecting a driver corresponding to the private key;   calling the driver;   receiving a signature from the driver;   signing the data object with the signature.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the data object comprises one of an e-mail message, an appointment request, a calendar entry or an address book entry. 
     
     
         3 . A method of providing a signature, said method comprising:
 in response to receiving a call, prompting for authentication data;   receiving authentication data;   transmitting a signing command to a smart card;   receiving the signature from the smart card;   providing the signature.   
     
     
         4 . A short-range communications subsystem for providing a signature and signing a data object with a private key stored on a smart card, the subsystem operable to:
 receive a request to use the private key to sign a data object;   respond to the request by selecting a driver corresponding to the private key;   call the driver;   at the driver, receive the call;   authenticate access to the private key;   transmit a signing command to the smart card;   responsive to receiving the signing command, transmit a signature for the data object; and   sign the data object with the signature.   
     
     
         5 . The subsystem of  claim 4  where the call to the driver includes a data object upon which the private key is to act. 
     
     
         6 . The subsystem of  claim 4  where the signing command includes one of a pointer to the private key, the data object upon which the private key is to act and authentication data.