Method and apparatus for supporting NFC payment and authentication.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting NFC payment of a user terminal, and provides a method and apparatus for providing an environment in which NFC payment can be performed by actively utilizing the NFC writing function of the user terminal in order to enable NFC payment of a user terminal that cannot support the card mode during NFC payment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assisting NFC (Near Field Communication) settlement of a user terminal and an apparatus therefor. Specifically, in order to enable NFC settlement of a user terminal that cannot support the card mode during NFC settlement, the present invention relates to a method for providing an environment in which NFC settlement can be performed by actively utilizing the NFC writing function of the user terminal and an apparatus therefor. Further, the present invention relates to an NFC settlement support method and an apparatus therefor that enable NFC settlement using both a settlement means that functions in a read / write mode and a settlement means that functions in a card mode when attempting NFC settlement using a user terminal or an NFC card.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the leap-forward development of technologies related to user terminals (smartphones) and the network infrastructure that enables ultra-high-speed communication, settlement using user terminals has now become widespread. In particular, the settlement function based on MST supported in user terminals of Company S in Korea based on the Android OS (Operating System) has received favorable reviews from many users for its ease of use, and the simplicity and ease of use of this settlement function have led to a significant increase in Android OS users.

[0003] In contrast, although Company A's iOS-based user terminals have built-in physical hardware capable of executing NFC-based payment functions, in many countries, including South Korea, software restrictions are in place to disable card mode, making it practically impossible to perform payments using the user terminals. Despite boasting the highest market share in the overall user terminal market, thanks to its outstanding product design and user-friendly interface, the inability to perform easy payments using the user terminals is a major reason why many buyers hesitate to purchase Company A's terminals.

[0004] The present invention was devised in view of such problems, and relates to a method and apparatus that enables NFC payment even in user environments where the use of card mode is limited, such as user terminals of Company A based on iOS. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention aims to enable NFC payments even when using user terminals that cannot perform easy payments due to restrictions on disabling card mode.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention aims to enable payment with even higher security compared to payment methods that scan barcodes or QR codes or payment methods based on multi-stream transport (MST) technology, by utilizing NFC technology when transferring information necessary for payment (for example, identification information of the card medium necessary for payment).

[0007] Furthermore, for merchants accepting payments, the present invention aims to enable them to perform NFC payments using Company A's user terminals simply by adding a small device (NFC payment support device) without having to replace their existing payment terminals.

[0008] Furthermore, since the present invention is compatible with a wide variety of NFC payment methods, it aims to simultaneously improve ease of use for both users and merchants.

[0009] In addition to these, the present invention aims to enable the activation of a suitable payment mode automatically after sensing an NFC payment method, without requiring any further action from the user or merchant.

[0010] On the other hand, the technical problems of the present invention are not limited in any way to those described above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by an ordinary person from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the method for supporting NFC payment of a user terminal according to the present invention includes the steps of: writing media identification information from the user terminal to an NFC tag module in an NFC payment support device; the NFC payment support device reading the value written to the NFC tag module; and the NFC payment support device delivering the value read in the previous step to the payment terminal.

[0012] Furthermore, the NFC payment support method may be characterized in that the media identification information written to the NFC payment support device is encrypted by the user terminal.

[0013] Furthermore, the process may be characterized in that, after the step of writing the encrypted media identification information to the NFC payment support device, the NFC payment support device further includes the steps of decrypting the encrypted media identification information and determining whether the decrypted media identification information is media identification information for NFC payment.

[0014] On the other hand, an NFC payment support device that supports NFC payment of a user terminal according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may include: an NFC tag module on which media identification information from the user terminal is written by the NFC writing function of the user terminal; a control unit that reads the value written to the NFC tag module and passes the read value to the payment terminal via a port; a communication unit that supports the transmission and reception of data between the NFC payment support device and the payment terminal connected via a network; and a power supply unit that supplies the power necessary to drive the NFC payment support device.

[0015] Furthermore, the NFC payment support device may further include a microphone that senses sound wave signals output from the user terminal, and the control unit may be characterized by converting the sound wave signals sensed by the microphone into signals that can be passed to the payment terminal.

[0016] On the other hand, a method for supporting NFC payment of a user terminal according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: writing media identification information from the user terminal to an NFC tag module in an NFC payment terminal; the NFC payment terminal reading the value written to the NFC tag module; the NFC payment terminal generating payment information - the payment information being payment information relating to a product or service that the user of the user terminal intends to purchase; and the NFC payment terminal transmitting the read value - the read value being the same as the media identification information - and the media identification information and payment information to a financial company server.

[0017] Furthermore, an NFC payment terminal supporting NFC payment of a user terminal according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may include: an NFC tag module on which media identification information from the user terminal is written by the NFC writing function of the user terminal; a control unit that reads the value written to the NFC tag module, generates payment information—the payment information being payment information relating to the goods or services that the user of the user terminal intends to purchase—and transmits the read value—which is the same as the media identification information—and the payment information to a financial company server; a communication unit that supports the transmission and reception of data between the NFC payment terminal and a financial company server connected via a network; and a power supply unit that supplies the power necessary to drive the NFC payment terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform easy payments even with user terminals that were previously not capable of performing easy payments, and in particular, it has the effect of greatly improving the ease of use for users using iOS-based user terminals.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the usage rate of NFC-based easy payments while utilizing the infrastructure already installed in existing payment merchants, thereby improving payment efficiency without incurring additional costs.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since information is relatively securely protected from security threats such as the theft of information in other payment methods, both users and merchants can use the payment service with peace of mind.

[0021] On the other hand, the effects of the present invention are not limited in any way to those described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by an ordinary person from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This shows the sequence of the payment process when using the NFC payment support method according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This shows the sequence of the NFC payment support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This shows the components of the NFC payment support device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This shows the components of the NFC payment support device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This shows the NFC payment support method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This shows the NFC payment support method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This shows the process of realizing an application function by utilizing the NFC support device without being limited to the payment field. [Figure 8] This shows the NFC payment support method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This shows the sequence of the multi-mode NFC payment support method according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] This shows the components of the multi-mode NFC payment support device. [Figure 11] This shows the multi-mode NFC payment support method according to the 5-1st embodiment. [Figure 12] This shows the multi-mode NFC payment support method according to the 5-2nd embodiment. [Figure 13] This shows the multi-mode NFC payment support method according to the 5-2nd embodiment. [Figure 14] This shows the multi-mode NFC payment support method according to the 5-2nd embodiment as a flowchart.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The objectives, technical configuration, and associated effects of the present invention will be more clearly understood by the following detailed description based on the drawings attached to the specification of the present invention. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the attached drawings.

[0024] The embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It goes without saying that the descriptions herein, including the embodiments, have various applications for a person ordinary in the art. Therefore, any embodiments described in the detailed description section are merely illustrative examples for the purpose of further illustrating the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these embodiments.

[0025] The functional blocks shown in the drawings and described below are merely examples of what is possible. In other embodiments, other functional blocks may be used, without departing from the ideas and scope of the detailed description. Although one or more functional blocks of the present invention are shown as individual blocks, one or more of the functional blocks of the present invention may be a combination of various hardware and software components that perform the same function.

[0026] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the phrases "to have," "to possess," "to include," and "to encompass" are interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "to include but not limit"), merely indicating the existence of the constituent element and not excluding any further constituent elements.

[0027] Furthermore, whereever it is stated in this disclosure that one component is “linked” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the first component is directly linked or connected to the other component, or that there may be other components between them.

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0029] First, Figure 1 is a diagram that briefly illustrates the payment flow, showing how the entire payment is carried out when a user terminal 100 uses the NFC payment support method and device proposed in the present invention.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, the user terminal 100 approaches the NFC payment support device 200 and can transfer the information necessary for payment, in particular information that can identify the payment medium (card number or a one-time code that can substitute for it; hereinafter referred to as medium identification information). After this, the NFC payment support device 200 transfers the previously received information to the payment terminal 300 installed at the merchant, and the payment terminal 300 actually adds the above medium identification information to the user's product or service payment information and requests approval from the financial company server 400.

[0031] A point worth noting is that the NFC payment support device 200, located between the user terminal 100 and the payment terminal 300, receives media identification information via the NFC writing function of the user terminal 100. Furthermore, the NFC payment support device 200 then passes this written media identification information directly to the payment terminal 300, thereby delivering the most important information necessary for easy payment to the payment terminal 300.

[0032] The user terminal 100 referred to in this invention is assumed to be a terminal of Company A based on iOS. This user terminal 100 is equipped with a module capable of performing NFC writing and reading functions in terms of hardware, but the activation of card mode is restricted by software, making it impossible to use the easy payment service provided by Company A. However, the NFC payment support method and NFC payment support device according to the present invention are characterized in that even if the user terminal 100 has the above-mentioned limitations, it is possible to perform easy payment based on NFC at any merchant.

[0033] For reference, the hardware-based understanding of each component shown in Figure 1 is as follows:

[0034] First, the user terminal 100 refers to a device owned or carried by any user, and this may include portable terminals such as smartphones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), and tablet PCs. It is assumed that all such user terminals 100 are equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and memory. For reference, in this detailed explanation section, in order to deepen the understanding of the invention, the user terminal 300 will be described assuming that it is a smartphone, and in particular an iOS-based smartphone of Company A. In this case, the user terminal 100 may be equipped with a display and a touch-sensitive surface, and may optionally be further connected to one or more other means of physical user input, such as a physical keyboard, mouse, and / or joystick. The user terminal 100 may also be further equipped with means for sensing and recording sound and voice. On the other hand, the various applications launched on the user terminal 100 may optionally use at least one universal means of physical user input, such as a touch-sensitive surface. Not only one or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface, but also the corresponding information displayed on the device may be optionally adjusted or modified from any one application to the next, and / or within individual applications. In this manner, the universal physical architecture of the device (such as a touch-sensitive surface) can optionally support a wide variety of applications with an intuitive and clear user interface.

[0035] Next, it is assumed that the payment terminal 300 is preferably a computing device and is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and memory. The central processing unit may also be called a controller, microcontroller, microprocessor, microcomputer, etc. The central processing unit can be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented using hardware, it may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), digital signal processing device (DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. When implemented using firmware or software, the firmware or software may be configured to include modules, procedures, or functions that perform the above-mentioned functions or operations.Furthermore, the memory may be implemented using read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), hard disk drive (HDD), solid state disk (SSD), etc. Such types of payment terminals 300 may include any device that, after receiving media identification information (such as card information or a one-time code) from the purchaser, can request payment approval from a financial server 400 or a financial institution of equal standing, such as a POS terminal or a CAT terminal.

[0036] The financial company server 400, as the term suggests, may refer to a server computer for a financial institution, and may be implemented by a computing device equipped with the aforementioned central processing unit and memory.

[0037] The following describes an NFC payment support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, based on Figure 2.

[0038] Referring to Figure 2, the NFC payment support method may first include the step (S101) in which the user terminal 100 writes media identification information to the NFC payment support device 200. This step assumes that the NFC function of the user terminal 100 is available, and further assumes that the NFC mode of the user terminal 100 is a mode in which NFC writing is possible, such as P2P mode or read / write mode. The media identification information may include a specific medium necessary for payment, such as card information (card number), a one-time value (code), or other unique value (code). To give an even simpler example, when a payment application is launched on the user terminal 100 for easy payment, a one-time code (barcode, QR code, etc.) with a time limit may be displayed on the screen, and a one-time code generated in this manner may be a type of media identification information. However, as mentioned earlier, the media identification information in this invention is not displayed in the form of a barcode or QR code, that is, in a form displayed on a screen, and can only exist for the purpose of NFC writing to the NFC payment support device 200. The screen of the user terminal 100 may simply display a message such as "NFC writing mode is ready" or "Perform NFC payment," and will not be displayed in a form that can be taken or shared externally by photography (in this case, photography includes scanning), such as a barcode, QR code, or actual card information. Furthermore, since step S101 can only be performed when the user brings the user terminal 100 close to the NFC payment support device 200, it can be said to be even more secure than other types of payment methods that can be used for payment from a distance.

[0039] After step S101, the NFC payment support device 200 reads the media identification information written to it and transmits the value thus read to the payment terminal 300 (S103, S105). Although this step is described in two stages as above, steps S103 and S105 may actually be performed simultaneously. For example, in step S101, when the user brings their user terminal 100 close, the media identification information may be written to the NFC payment support device 200 and read at the same time and displayed on the screen of the payment terminal 300.

[0040] On the other hand, when executing step S105, the payment terminal 300 may not need to perform any prior preparation steps, such as sending a separate ready state to the NFC payment support device 200. Preferably, the control unit 203 may be programmed to hand over the value to the payment terminal 300 as soon as the NFC payment support device 200 reads it.

[0041] On the other hand, contrary to the previous paragraph, step S105 may be implemented so as to be performed only when a ready state is confirmed from the payment terminal 300. That is, the payment terminal 300 may be a terminal that can employ a wide variety of payment methods, but if a specific procedure or mode switching is required to accept NFC payment, the terminal may transmit the read value by notifying the NFC payment support device 200 after completing that procedure or mode switching.

[0042] After step S105, the payment terminal 300 can transmit the media identification information previously received and the payment information generated by the payment terminal 300 together to the financial company server 400 (S107). Payment information refers to information about a purchase when a user intends to purchase goods or services at a particular merchant store, and may include, for example, the price, quantity, name, date and time of the transaction, location of the transaction, names of the persons involved in the transaction, or the name of the merchant's representative.

[0043] After step S107, the financial company server 400 can perform the steps of approving the media identification information received from the settlement terminal 300 (S109) and approving the settlement (S111), and can transmit the approval result to at least one of the settlement terminal 300 and the user terminal 100 (S113, S117).

[0044] The step of approving the media identification information (S109) is a step to verify whether the media identification information (such as a card or a one-time code) issued by the financial company server 400 is correct, and the payment approval step (S111) is a process to verify whether there are any abnormalities or errors in the payment information received earlier.

[0045] On the other hand, the payment terminal 300 may print a receipt (S115) after receiving the approval result (S113), if necessary.

[0046] The NFC payment support method according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above based on Figure 2.

[0047] Figure 3 shows the components of the NFC payment support device 200 as referred to in the present invention.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, the NFC payment support device 200 may broadly comprise an NFC tag module 201, a control unit 203, a communication unit 205, a port 206, and a power supply unit 207.

[0049] The NFC tag module 201 is a component on which media identification information from the user terminal 100 is written via the NFC writing function. The NFC tag module 201 may also be further equipped with a loop line for power supply, if necessary. Since any information can be used for tagging using existing NFC technology, it can be said that there should be no restrictions on the realization of the NFC tag module 201.

[0050] Next, the control unit 203 plays a role in generally controlling the components of the NFC payment support device 200, and in particular, it can perform functions such as reading values ​​written to the NFC tag module 201 in conjunction with the NFC tag module 201, and transferring the read values ​​to the external payment terminal 300 via port 206.

[0051] The communication unit 205 is a component that supports the transmission and reception of data via the network between the NFC payment support device 200 and the payment terminal 300, and should also be understood as a component that substantially transfers the read value to the payment terminal 300 in accordance with the control commands of the control unit 203. The communication unit 205 is capable of wired / wireless communication, and for example, when the payment terminal 300 is connected by a wire (serial cable, USB cable, etc.), or when the payment terminal 300 is connected by Bluetooth (BLE) communication, infrared (IR) communication, WiFi, etc., the communication unit 205 supports the transmission and reception of data according to the communication method.

[0052] The power supply unit 207 is for supplying the general power required to operate the NFC payment support device. The NFC payment support device can be connected to a payment terminal 300 such as a POS (Point of Sales) terminal to receive the necessary power supply, but is not limited to this, and may be designed to receive power from a power outlet, or via a removable battery inside, or via a charger.

[0053] On the other hand, Figure 4 shows an NFC payment support device 200 necessary for yet another payment support method of the present invention, characterized in that, in addition to the components introduced earlier in Figure 3, it is further equipped with a microphone 209. The microphone 209 has the function of sensing sound wave signals in the inaudible frequency band output from the user terminal 100, and when a sound wave signal is sensed by the microphone, the control unit 203 converts it and transmits it to the payment terminal 300. The converted signal may take any format as long as it is in a form that can be transferred externally, however, it may preferably be text data consisting of numbers, letters or combinations thereof.

[0054] Figure 5 shows an NFC payment support method according to a second embodiment to further understand the invention. For reference, the process of sensing the sound wave signal and transmitting the converted value according to the second embodiment can also be implemented independently, but in this detailed explanation section, it is assumed to be in the context of "NFC payment," so please understand it as such here as well.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, the NFC payment support method according to the second embodiment can begin with the step (S201) in which the user terminal 100 first generates and outputs a sound wave signal. The sound wave signal generally consists of sounds in a frequency band that is inaudible to humans, and for example, a card number or a one-time code may be generated in the form of a sound wave signal and then output via the output unit of the user terminal 100. In this case, the output unit of the user terminal 100 may be a speaker built into a smartphone, or any other type of built-in (or internal) component capable of emitting sound can also serve as the output unit.

[0056] After step S201, the NFC payment support device 200 can sense the sound wave signal via the microphone 209 (S203) and immediately convert the sensed sound wave signal (S205). As explained earlier, the NFC payment support device 200 is equivalent to a type of computing device equipped with a CPU and memory, and therefore has the ability to perform basic signal processing. Since the data transmitted on the sound wave signal is generally not complex data, the signal conversion can be performed with relatively few resources.

[0057] After step S205, the NFC payment support device 200 transmits the converted value to the payment terminal 300 (S207).

[0058] For the NFC payment support device 200, the second embodiment can be used as a means to assist or complement the NFC payment support method according to the first embodiment. For example, if an attempt is made to perform an NFC payment on the user terminal 100, but this is not performed properly due to some reason such as a failure of a component or the influence of the environment, the user terminal 100 can proceed with the payment by immediately generating and outputting an acoustic wave signal.

[0059] Alternatively, when the user terminal 100 attempts NFC payment, the NFC payment support device 200 may perform signal processing in parallel by using sound waves to send additional information, such as information that can secondarily authenticate the user or information that can authenticate whether the media identification information is suitable for payment. For example, the NFC writing function may be used to write the card number, and the sound wave signal may be used to transmit PIN (Personal Identification Number) information (password, pattern, etc.) that the user has set in advance, so that the NFC payment support device 200, payment terminal 300, or financial company server 400 authenticates the user attempting payment in a dual manner.

[0060] Thus, the NFC payment support device 200 according to the present invention can enhance the stability and security of payments by providing not only a data transfer function using NFC functionality but also a data transfer function using sound wave signals.

[0061] Figure 6 shows an NFC payment support method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the first embodiment, the third embodiment differs in that encrypted media identification information is written to it.

[0062] Referring to Figure 6, the third embodiment includes the step (S301) in which media identification information is first encrypted on the user terminal 100. As mentioned earlier, media identification information refers to the identification information of the medium (means) necessary for payment, and may include card information, a one-time code, etc., but the user terminal 100 can further enhance the security of the data by encrypting this information.

[0063] After step S301, the user terminal 100 writes the encrypted media identification information to the NFC payment support device 200, more precisely to the NFC tag module 201 (S303), and the NFC payment support device 200 can attempt to decrypt (S305) the written media identification information. At this time, the NFC payment support device 200 may store a previously shared decryption key or a previously installed decryption key.

[0064] After step S305, the NFC payment support device 200 can determine (S307) whether the written media identification information is writable media identification information, in other words, whether it is media identification information in a suitable format that can be used to perform this NFC payment. For example, it can determine whether it is media identification information suitable for use in NFC payment according to its own determination algorithm, such as whether the specifications of the decoded media identification information conform to a standard format, or whether the decoded media identification information is recorded in a blacklist.

[0065] If it is determined in step S307 that the result is unsuitable, the procedure should terminate. However, if it is determined that the result is suitable, the control unit 203 of the NFC payment support device 200 can read the decoded value and transmit it to the payment terminal 300 (S311).

[0066] Based on Figures 1 to 6, the NFC payment support method according to the present invention and the NFC payment support device necessary therefor have been described above.

[0067] Figure 7 shows an example of an NFC support method not limited to the payment field, and generally illustrates the process of realizing applied functions using the NFC support device 250.

[0068] While the embodiments described above all presuppose a "payment environment," the NFC support technology proposed in this invention can be used in a wide variety of environments other than payments. For example, NFC support technology can be used in a wide range of fields, such as the process of identifying a user when passing through an entrance or exit door, the process of unlocking doors in apartment buildings and other multi-unit dwellings, and the process of verifying identity at banks.

[0069] Referring to Figure 7, the NFC support method may include the steps of the user terminal writing an identification code to the NFC support device 250 (S401), the NFC support device 250 reading the written value and transmitting the read value to the application device 350 (S403, S405), and the application device 350 driving the application function (S407). However, this can be understood by referring to the steps in the payment environment already described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0070] As a simple example of the applicable scenario shown in Figure 7, in the process of unlocking the door of an apartment building or other multi-unit dwelling, any user can bring their smartphone (user terminal) close to the NFC support device 250 while it is in write mode, and the NFC support device 250 may have an identification code (a password or characters to unlock the door) that has been previously stored on the smartphone written to it. After this, the NFC support device 250 can transfer this code to the application device 350, thereby unlocking the door.

[0071] Thus, the NFC support technology proposed by the present invention enables a wide variety of functions to be easily performed on a user terminal 100 that is not compatible with card mode.

[0072] Finally, Figure 8 shows an NFC payment support method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] While the first to third embodiments described above were based on the premise that the NFC payment support device 200 and the payment terminal 300 are separate entities, the fourth embodiment is based on the premise that they are combined. In other words, the NFC payment terminal 320 referred to in the fourth embodiment is a device that has the functionality of a payment terminal, but at the same time has an NFC tag module inside, and is therefore capable of NFC writing.

[0074] Referring to Figure 8, the fourth embodiment begins with the user terminal 1000 writing media identification information to the NFC payment terminal 320 (S501).

[0075] After step S501, the NFC payment terminal 320 reads the value previously written by the user terminal 100 and transmits it to the financial company server 400 along with the payment information (S503, S505).

[0076] After step S505, the financial company server 400 goes through the process of approving media identification information and the process of approving payment (S507, S509) in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, and then transmits the approval result to at least one of the user terminal 100 and the NFC payment terminal 320 (S511, S513).

[0077] The following describes yet another embodiment of the present invention: a multimode NFC payment support method and the NFC payment support device necessary for this.

[0078] Figure 9 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which illustrates a system configuration that enables ordinary consumers to make payments based on NFC technology, regardless of what NFC modes their user terminal 100 supports or what NFC mode it is set to.

[0079] Referring to Figure 9, a consumer can bring a user terminal 100 or an NFC card 150 close to the multimode NFC payment support device 200 and transfer the information necessary for payment, in particular information that can identify the payment medium (card number or a one-time code that can substitute for it; hereinafter referred to as medium identification information). The phrase "transferring information" means that the medium identification information necessary for NFC payment is read or written by the NFC payment support device 200 by any means or method, and that the NFC payment support device 200 is subsequently placed in a state where it can be transferred to the payment terminal 300. On the other hand, the medium identification information thus transferred may be transferred to the financial company server 400 by the payment terminal 300 with additional information necessary for payment added to it, and the financial company server 400 can decide whether or not to approve the payment based on the information received from the payment terminal 300.

[0080] For reference, the user terminal 100 mentioned in this detailed description may attempt to make a payment with the NFC mode set to read / write mode, or with the NFC mode set to card emulation mode. The NFC payment support device 200 can change or activate the payment mode according to the NFC mode of the user terminal 100, as will be explained in detail later, so that NFC mode customized payment is performed. For reference, the payment terminal 300 is not necessarily limited to a terminal that makes a payment, but can also be a device that receives media identification information from the NFC payment support device 200 and acts as an intermediary to other external devices, i.e., it can be called a host device in a broader sense.

[0081] Returning to Figure 9, the payment support method may first include a step (S601) in which the payment support device 200 activates a particular payment mode, and the payment support device 200 can receive media identification information, i.e., card information (S602) from the user terminal or NFC card, depending on the activated payment mode.

[0082] The term "payment mode" may refer to a payment environment that can be changed by setting the mode of the NFC module inside the payment support device 200 in order to proceed with payment based on NFC technology. The payment support device 200 according to the present invention is capable of supporting at least two or more payment modes. The multiple payment modes may include, for example, a first payment mode in which media identification information can be received from a user terminal 100 or NFC card 150 set to card mode (card emulation mode), and a second payment mode in which media identification information can be received from a user terminal 100 in read / write mode. Furthermore, it may also include a third payment mode in which media identification information can be received from a user terminal 100 set to peer-to-peer mode. To further understand the invention, if we consider the case where a consumer makes a payment while holding a smartphone (user terminal), the first payment mode is when the payment support device 200 is enabled in read / write mode. At this time, the user terminal 100 is set to card mode, and media identification information (card information) can be read by the payment support device 200. In the second payment mode, the payment support device 200 is enabled in tag-emulation mode, and in this state, the user terminal 100 can write media identification information (card information) to the payment support device 200 while set to read / write mode. In the third payment mode, both the payment support device 200 and the user terminal 100 are set to peer-to-peer mode, and the user terminal 100 can share media identification information (card information) with the payment support device 200.

[0083] The media identification information may include specific media necessary for payment, such as card information (card number), a one-time value (code), or other unique values ​​(codes). For example, when a payment application is launched on the user terminal 100 for payment, a one-time code (barcode, QR code, etc.) with a time limit may be displayed on the screen, and such a one-time code generated in this manner may be a type of media identification information. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the media identification information in the present invention may not be displayed in the form of a barcode or QR code, that is, in the form displayed on the screen, and only a message such as "NFC payment is ready" or "Perform NFC payment" may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 100.

[0084] On the other hand, after step S602, the payment support device 200 can transfer the media identification information to the payment terminal 300 (S603). For reference, step S603 can be executed immediately after step S602, and the payment terminal 300 can immediately receive the media identification information without any prior preparation steps such as sending a separate ready state to the payment support device 200.

[0085] After step S603, the payment terminal 300 can transmit the media identification information previously received and the payment information generated by the payment terminal 300 together to the financial company server 400 (S604). Payment information refers to information about a purchase when a user intends to purchase goods or services at a specific merchant store, and may include, for example, the price, quantity, name, date and time of the transaction, location of the transaction, the name of the person in charge of the transaction or the name of the merchant's representative. Although not shown in the diagram, after step S604, the financial company server 400 can perform steps to approve the media identification information received from the payment terminal 300 and approve the payment, and can transmit the approval result to at least one of the payment terminal 300 and the user terminal 100.

[0086] The general sequence of steps for the payment support method according to the present invention has been described above based on Figure 9.

[0087] Figure 10 shows the components of the payment support device 200. Referring to Figure 10, the payment support device 200 may broadly consist of an NFC module 202, a control unit 203, a communication unit 205, and a power supply unit 207, and these components are generally similar to those described in Figure 3 above.

[0088] However, in Figure 10, the NFC module 202 is shown separately to distinguish it from the NFC tag module 201 in Figure 3. The NFC module 202 is capable of switching to and activating at least two payment modes, and is a component that reads media identification information from a user terminal or NFC card, or writes media identification information, depending on the activated payment mode. The NFC module 202 may also be further provided with a loop line for power supply, if necessary. Figure 10 shows the environment in which the NFC module 202 supports the NFC payment method with a user terminal, NFC reader, or NFC card. For example, in order to operate in a first payment mode using a user terminal 100 or NFC card set to card mode (card emulation mode), the NFC module 202 may be enabled in read / write mode; in order to operate in a second payment mode using a user terminal 100 or NFC reader set to read / write mode, the NFC module 202 may be enabled in tag emulation mode; and in order to operate in a third payment mode using a user terminal 100 or NFC reader set to P2P mode, the NFC module 202 may be enabled in P2P mode.

[0089] The explanations of the control unit 203, the communication unit 205, and the power supply unit 207 are omitted here to avoid repetition.

[0090] The components of the payment support device 200 used in the fifth embodiment have been described above based on Figure 10.

[0091] Figure 11 illustrates a payment support method according to an embodiment of the 5-1 of the present invention. In Figure 9, the step (S601) in which the payment support device 200 activates one of a plurality of payment modes was described. However, in the 5-1 embodiment, the payment support device 200 activates the plurality of payment modes one by one repeatedly or cyclically according to a set time or a set cycle. Referring to the figure, it can be seen that the payment support device 200 activates the payment modes repeatedly, such as first payment mode (read / write mode) - second payment mode (tag emulation mode) - third payment mode (P2P mode) - first payment mode (read / write mode) - ... At this time, each payment mode may be controlled by the control unit 203 to be activated to the next payment mode at a predetermined time, for example, every 300 ms.

[0092] When the embodiment of 5-1 is actually implemented, the payment support device 200 will be able to activate multiple payment modes in very short intervals, enabling NFC payment in the appropriate payment mode when a consumer's user terminal 100 or NFC card is brought close. For example, if the user terminal 100 is in card mode, the payment support device 200 can receive media identification information while it is close to the user terminal 100 during the short moment (300ms) when the first payment mode is activated. In a similar manner, even when the user terminal 100 is in read / write mode or P2P mode, the payment support device 200 can receive media identification information during the time it is activated in the second or third payment mode. As a result, the payment support device 200 will be able to proceed with NFC payment regardless of what type of NFC payment method the consumer has.

[0093] On the other hand, in the above examples, in order to deepen the understanding of the invention, the case in which the time or cycle for activating the payment mode is set to 300ms was used as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and it should be understood that the above time or cycle can be determined according to the will of the designer or operator. However, assuming a payment situation between a merchant and a consumer, it is preferable that, as much as possible, one cycle of all payment modes be completed in less than one second, because it may be inconvenient for the consumer to bring their smartphone close to the payment support device 200 for too long a time.

[0094] In the 5-1 embodiment, the payment support device 200 may be designed to cyclically activate payment modes according to a predetermined time or period when there is no approach of an NFC payment device from a consumer initially, and when it senses that an NFC payment device has approached at a certain moment, the activated state of a particular payment mode may remain for a certain period of time. For example, when a user terminal 100 in read / write mode is approached, if the activated state switches from the first payment mode to the second payment mode, the payment support device 200 becomes able to receive media identification information from the user terminal 100 (more precisely, the user terminal 100 writes the media identification information to the NFC module 210, and the payment support device 200 reads it), and once the reception of media identification information is sensed, the payment support device 200 may be designed to maintain the same payment mode for an even longer period of time, for example, up to 5 seconds.

[0095] Conversely, the payment support device 200 may be designed to continue the cycle of payment modes without interruption, even if it detects the approach of an NFC payment device from a consumer and the reception of specific media identification information. In particular, in the payment modes in which the NFC module 202 reads media identification information from the user terminal 100 in card mode (first payment mode), or reads media identification information after it has been written to the NFC module 202 (second payment mode), the process of receiving media identification information takes place in a very short time, so NFC payment can be performed normally without deliberately interrupting the cycle of payment modes for a certain period of time.

[0096] On the other hand, by applying the payment support method according to the first embodiment, it becomes possible to perform multiple NFC payment processes within approximately the same time when multiple NFC payment devices are brought close together. For example, assuming that two consumers have a meal together and then split the bill, if a first smartphone in card mode and a second smartphone in read / write mode are brought close to the payment support device 200 at the same time, the NFC payments of the first and second smartphones can be performed sequentially as the payment mode cycles of the payment support device 200 repeat. Because media identification information is read from or written to each smartphone in a very short time of less than one second, consumers may experience it as if two payments were being made approximately simultaneously.

[0097] The payment support method according to the embodiment of 5-1 has been described above based on Figure 11.

[0098] Figures 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating a payment support method according to the 5-2 embodiment. The 5-2 embodiment is characterized in that the payment support device 200 generates electromagnetic waves, and when the proximity of an NFC payment means is detected in this state, a payment mode matched to the NFC payment means is activated.

[0099] Referring to Figure 12, the payment support device 200 may be controlled to generate and emit electromagnetic waves externally when initially set to read / write mode. The card recognition signal REQA may be continuously broadcast using electromagnetic waves. In this case, when a user terminal 100 or NFC card set to card mode is brought close, the payment support device 200 can receive a response signal ATQA as a response to the card recognition signal REQA. Upon receiving the response signal ATQA, the device can receive the media identification information of the user terminal 100 or NFC card while in read / write mode and proceed with NFC payment.

[0100] Referring to Figure 13, the payment support device 200 can similarly generate and emit electromagnetic waves externally when initially set to read / write mode. At this time, when a user terminal 100 or NFC reader set to read / write mode is brought close, the payment support device 200 can sense other electromagnetic waves emitted from the user terminal 100 or NFC reader (distinguishing between electromagnetic waves emitted from the payment support device 200 as the first electromagnetic wave and electromagnetic waves emitted from the user terminal or NFC reader as the second electromagnetic wave). If the second electromagnetic wave is detected in this way, the payment support device 200 immediately switches the NFC module 202 to tag emulation mode, in other words, the payment support device 200 enables the second payment mode so that the media identification information can be read after it has been written by the user terminal 100 or NFC reader. For reference, the second electromagnetic wave generated by the user terminal or NFC reader may be an electromagnetic wave of a specific frequency (13.56 MHz) that is generated and emitted in order to prevent collision with other equipment.

[0101] After the second payment mode is activated, the payment support device 200 can receive a card recognition signal REQA from the user terminal 100 or NFC reader, and in response can send a response signal ATQA, after which NFC payment can proceed according to the subsequent protocol.

[0102] Figure 14 shows the 5-2 embodiment described above in accordance with the procedure diagram. Referring to the figure, the 5-2 embodiment may include a step in which the payment support device 200 is first set to read / write mode, in other words, a step (S701) in which it is activated to the first payment mode.

[0103] After step S701, the payment support device 200 can generate an electromagnetic wave (first electromagnetic wave) and broadcast a card recognition signal REQA to the outside (S702). The card recognition signal REQA is a type of signal for sensing when any external NFC payment means is brought close, and in particular, it may be a signal that induces a user terminal or NFC card in card mode to send a response signal ATQA when it reacts to the electromagnetic wave.

[0104] After step S702, the payment support device 200 checks whether the response signal ATQA has been received (S703). If the response signal ATQA has been received, it executes an anti-collision loop (S704). After this, it reads the media identification information of the user terminal or NFC card (e.g., unique identifier (UID), select acknowledgment signal (SAK), etc.) (S705), and then proceeds with NFC payment according to the defined protocol (S706).

[0105] On the other hand, if the response signal ATQA is not received in step S703, the payment support device 200 can check whether a second electromagnetic wave from another user terminal or NFC reader is detected (S707). If no second electromagnetic wave is detected, the device can return to step S702 to generate the first electromagnetic wave and broadcast the card recognition signal REQ.

[0106] Conversely, if a second electromagnetic wave is detected in step S707, the payment support device 200 can switch the NFC module 202 to tag emulation mode or activate a second payment mode (S708). After this, it can receive a card recognition signal REQA from the user terminal or NFC reader emitting the second electromagnetic wave and transmit a response signal ATQA (S709).

[0107] Following step S709, the following steps may be performed: S710, which involves transmitting media identification information (UID, SAK, etc.) to a user terminal or NFC reader that emits the second electromagnetic wave; and S711, which involves NFC payment.

[0108] The above describes a method for supporting NFC payments and the NFC payment support device necessary therefor. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited in any way to the specific embodiments and applications described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical idea and prospects of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 100: User terminal 200: NFC Payment Support Device 250:NFC support device 300: Payment terminal 320: NFC payment terminal 400: Financial company server

Claims

1. In a method of supporting payment using only the NFC writing function of the user terminal, The user terminal has restrictions on enabling card mode and is unable to support payment functions based on card mode, and the media identification information is not displayed on the screen of the user terminal, and is encrypted by the user terminal. The steps include: writing the media identification information from the user terminal to the NFC tag module in the NFC payment support device; The NFC payment support device decrypts the encrypted media identification information using a pre-shared decryption key. The NFC payment support device performs the step of determining whether the decoded media identification information is suitable for use in NFC payment and whether the standard conforms to the standard format of the media identification information, If the decoded media identification information is determined to be suitable for use in NFC payment, the NFC payment support device takes the step of reading the value written to the NFC tag module. The NFC payment support device includes the step of transferring the value read in the previous step to the payment terminal side, In the step where the NFC payment support device transfers the value read in the previous step to the payment terminal, the payment terminal is capable of multiple payment methods, and the NFC payment support device transmits the read value to the payment terminal after being notified by the payment terminal that the payment terminal has finished switching modes to accept NFC payment and is in a ready state. Furthermore, a method of supporting payment using only the NFC writing function is: The steps include: a sound wave signal in the inaudible frequency band generated and output from the user terminal is detected via a microphone in the NFC payment support device; The steps include converting the sensed sound wave signal and transmitting the converted value to the payment terminal, The aforementioned sound wave signal is generated using sound wave signals based on PIN information that has been pre-set by the user. The value written to the NFC tag module transmitted to the payment terminal and the value converted from the sound wave signal are used to double-authenticate the user attempting to make a payment. An NFC payment support method characterized by the following features.

2. In an NFC payment support device that supports NFC payments by utilizing only the NFC writing function of the user terminal, The user terminal has restrictions on enabling card mode and is unable to support payment functions based on card mode, and the media identification information is not displayed on the screen of the user terminal, and is encrypted by the user terminal. An NFC tag module on which the media identification information from the user terminal is written by the NFC writing function of the user terminal, A microphone that senses sound wave signals in the inaudible frequency band generated and output from the user terminal, The encrypted media identification information is decrypted using a pre-shared decryption key. Determine whether the decrypted media identification information is media identification information for NFC payment. If the decoded media identification information is deemed suitable for use in NFC payment and the standard conforms to the standard format, the control unit reads the value written to the NFC tag module, transmits the read value to the payment terminal via the port, and converts the sound wave signal detected by the microphone into a value that can be transmitted to the payment terminal, and transmits the converted value to the payment terminal. A communication unit that assists in the transmission and reception of data between the NFC payment support device and a payment terminal connected via a network, It comprises a power supply unit that supplies the power necessary to drive the NFC payment support device, The aforementioned sound wave signal is generated using sound wave signals based on PIN information that has been pre-set by the user. The payment terminal is capable of multiple payment methods, and the NFC payment support device transmits the read value to the payment terminal after the payment terminal has finished switching modes to accept NFC payment and is notified that it is in a ready state. Furthermore, the value written to the NFC tag module transmitted to the payment terminal and the value converted from the sound wave signal are used to double-authenticate the user attempting to make a payment. An NFC payment support device characterized by the following features.

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