A Method of Securely Preserving Volatile Data While Powering Down a Smart Card

摘要

A method and apparatus for restoring state information associated with a software application executing within an electronic card ( 100 ), is disclosed. The electronic card ( 100 ) comprises a card portion ( 270 ) having an electronic apparatus ( 259 ) attached thereto. The electronic apparatus ( 259 ) comprises a processor means ( 275 ) coupled to a memory means ( 276 ) and a communication means ( 278 ). The communication means ( 278 ) is configured to couple the processor means ( 275 ) to a reading device ( 300 ) for facilitating reading of the electronic card ( 100 ). The memory means ( 276 ) is configured to retain at least the software application for execution by the processor means ( 275 ). State information representing a present state of the software application is retained in the memory means ( 276 ) in response to an indication that the electronic apparatus ( 259 ) is to be powered down. A value for use as a state code is generated and the generated state code is transmitted between the reading device ( 300 ) and the electronic card ( 100 ). The state code is retained in the memory ( 276 ) of the electronic card ( 100 ) to allow subsequent restoration of the state information.