Stackable integrated circuit card

Abstract

Systems and methods allow integrated circuit cards (ICCs) to be removably coupled to one another and transmit information to an access device as a single device. One of two or more ICCs coupled together can read data from the remaining ICCs and provide the data to an access device through contactless communication. The ICCs can include a substrate, an integrated circuit embedded in the substrate, an input port exposed on a first surface of the substrate, and an output port exposed on a second surface of the substrate. The input port and the output port are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The output port is configured to be removably coupled to the input port of a second ICC.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing related applications

[0002] none. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, a payment amount can be split across multiple payment cards by calculating the amount to be charged to each card and processing a portion of the payment using each card. This process requires manual calculation and processing of each payment card separately. Alternatively, a payment application can be used to allow one person to collect partial payments from other individuals and process the full amount of the transaction using a single card. In some cases, the person collecting partial payments can use a payment application (e.g., a payment app) and can request other individuals to transfer funds using said application. This option requires all individuals to use the same application and have a payment account linked to said application, which may not be a desirable option for some.

[0004] The embodiments address these and other problems individually and collectively. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Examples include integrated circuit cards (e.g., payment cards) and methods that allow integrated circuit cards to be coupled to each other and to send information to an access device as a single device.

[0006] Various embodiments provide a method performed by a first integrated circuit card. The method includes establishing a wireless communication channel with an access device, and transmitting current to a second integrated circuit card, the second integrated circuit card being physically coupled to the first integrated circuit card such that an output port of the first integrated circuit card is coupled to an input port of the second integrated circuit card. The method further includes retrieving data from the second integrated circuit card and merging the data received from the second integrated circuit card with data stored on the first integrated circuit card into a combined data record. The method further includes transmitting the combined data record to the access device via the wireless communication channel.

[0007] An embodiment also provides an integrated circuit card, comprising: a substrate; an integrated circuit embedded in the substrate; a plurality of input ports exposed on a first surface of the substrate; and a plurality of output ports exposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface. The plurality of input ports and the plurality of output ports are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. One or more of the plurality of output ports are configured to be removably coupled to one or more input ports of a second integrated circuit card.

[0008] Some embodiments provide a system including a first integrated circuit card and a second integrated circuit card. The first integrated circuit card includes a first integrated circuit, a first antenna, a first set of input ports, and a first set of output ports. The second integrated circuit card includes a second antenna, a second set of input ports, and a second set of output ports. The second integrated circuit card is removably coupled to the first integrated circuit card when the first set of output ports is physically coupled and electrically coupled to the second set of input ports.

[0009] These and other embodiments are described in further detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1A The internal structure of an exemplary integrated circuit card (ICC) according to various embodiments is shown;

[0011] Figure 1B Illustrations based on various embodiments Figure 1A The first surface of the ICC shown;

[0012] Figure 1C Illustrations based on various embodiments Figure 1B The second surface of the ICC shown is opposite to the first surface.

[0013] Figure 2 Exemplary integrated circuit cards with exposed input ports are shown according to various embodiments;

[0014] Figures 3A to 3B The first and second surfaces of an exemplary ICC with a magnetic connector according to various embodiments are shown respectively;

[0015] Figure 4 Methods and systems for removably coupling multiple ICCs using a connection between the output port of a first ICC and the input port of a second ICC, according to various embodiments, are illustrated.

[0016] Figure 5 Another method and system for removably coupling multiple ICCs using a connection between the output port of a first ICC and the input port of a second ICC, according to various embodiments, are illustrated.

[0017] Figure 6 The electrical connection between two coupled ICCs within the operating range of the access device is shown according to various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 7 Another block diagram and flowchart illustrating the steps performed by splitting a transaction using a combination of multiple stacked integrated circuit cards according to various embodiments;

[0019] Figure 8Another block diagram and flowchart illustrating the steps performed by splitting a transaction using a combination of multiple stacked integrated circuit cards according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 9 Flowcharts illustrating the steps performed in processing transactions using aggregated account data received from an ICC stack, according to various embodiments; and

[0021] Figure 10 A block diagram of an exemplary computer according to various embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Before discussing specific embodiments, some terms may be described in detail.

[0023] An "integrated circuit card" may include circuitry (e.g., a chip) embedded in a card such as a payment card, access card, or transportation card. The card may also include an antenna coupled to the circuitry. The circuitry may include a cryptographically secure on-chip computer or microprocessor. The circuitry may include a memory that securely stores data, thereby protecting data access. The circuitry may include a trusted execution environment on a secure region of the processor.

[0024] "Amount" can refer to the quantity of something. An amount can refer to the total number, size, value, or range of things or multiple things.

[0025] "Contactless" communication can be communication that exchanges data between two devices without the need for physical coupling between them. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, "contactless" communication can include data transmission via near field communication (NFC) transceivers, laser, radio frequency, infrared communication, or other radio frequency or wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, iBeacon, etc. "Contactless" communication may also be referred to herein as "wireless" communication.

[0026] An "access device" can be any suitable device for providing access to something. Access devices can take any suitable form. Some examples of access devices include point-of-sale (POS) devices, cellular phones, PDAs, personal computers (PCs), tablets, handheld dedicated readers, set-top boxes, electronic cash registers (ECRs), automated teller machines (ATMs), virtual cash registers (VCRs), kiosks, security systems, transportation or event gates, access systems, websites, etc. Access devices can use any suitable contact or contactless operating mode to send or receive data to or from a user device, or associate with a user device. In some embodiments where the access device may include a POS terminal, any suitable POS terminal can be used, and it may include a reader, a processor, and a computer-readable medium. The reader may include any suitable contact or contactless operating mode. For example, an exemplary card reader may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna, an optical scanner, a barcode reader, or a magnetic stripe reader to interact with a user device.

[0027] "User" can include an individual. In some embodiments, a user may be associated with one or more personal accounts and / or integrated circuit cards. A user may also be referred to as a cardholder, account holder, or consumer.

[0028] A "resource provider" can be an entity that can provide resources such as goods, services, information, and / or access. Examples of resource providers include merchants, access devices, secure data access points, etc. A "merchant" can typically be an entity that participates in transactions and can sell goods or services or provide access to goods or services.

[0029] An "authorization request message" can be an electronic message requesting authorization for an interaction. In some embodiments, the authorization request message is sent to the issuer of the processing network computer and / or payment card to request transaction authorization. According to some embodiments, the authorization request message may comply with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 8583, a standard for systems that exchange information related to electronic transactions made by a user using a payment device or payment account. The authorization request message may include an issuer account identifier that may be associated with the payment device or payment account. The authorization request message may also include additional data elements corresponding to "identification information," including (by way of example only): service code, card verification value (CVV), dynamic card verification value (dCVV), primary account number or "account number" (PAN), payment token, username, expiration date, etc. The authorization request message may also include "transaction information," such as any information associated with the current transaction, such as transaction value, merchant identifier, merchant location, acquiring bank identifier (BIN), card acceptor ID, information identifying the item being purchased, etc., and any other information that may be used to determine whether to identify and / or authorize the transaction. The "authorization request message" can also be used to request authorization to access a location, access security data, etc.

[0030] An "authorization response message" can be a message responding to an authorization request. In some cases, an authorization response message can be an electronic message response to an authorization request message generated by the issuing financial institution or a processing network computer. An authorization response message may include (by way of example only) one or more of the following status indicators: Approval - the transaction is approved; Rejection - the transaction is not approved; or Call Center - the response is to wait for more information, and the merchant must call the toll-free authorization number. An authorization response message may also include an authorization code, which can be a code indicating approval of the transaction returned by the credit card issuing bank to the merchant's access device (e.g., a POS device) in response to the authorization request message in the electronic message (directly or via a processing network computer). This code can serve as evidence of authorization.

[0031] "Authorizing entity" can be the entity requesting authorization. Examples of authorizing entities include issuers, transportation agencies, government agencies, document repositories, access administrators, etc. An authorizing entity can operate an authorizing entity computer. "Issuer" can refer to a commercial entity (e.g., a bank) that issues and optionally maintains user accounts. An issuer can also issue payment credentials stored on a user device, such as a cellular phone, smart card, tablet computer, or laptop computer, to consumers, or in some embodiments, to portable devices.

[0032] A "server computer" is typically a powerful computer or cluster of computers. For example, a server computer can be a mainframe, a small cluster of computers, or a group of servers acting as a unit. In one example, a server computer could be a database server coupled to a web server.

[0033] "Processor" can include any suitable one or more data computing devices. A processor can include one or more microprocessors that work together to achieve a desired function. A processor can include a CPU, which includes at least one high-speed data processor sufficient to execute program components for performing user and / or system-generated requests. A CPU can be a microprocessor, such as AMD's Athlon, Duron, and / or Opteron; IBM and / or Motorola's PowerPC; IBM and Sony's Cell processors; Intel's Celeron, Itanium, Pentium, Xeon, and / or XScale; and / or similar processors.

[0034] "Memory" can be any suitable one or more devices capable of storing electronic data. Suitable memory may include non-transient computer-readable media whose storage contains instructions executable by a processor to implement a desired method. Instances of memory may include one or more memory chips, disk drives, etc. Such memory can be operated using any suitable electrical, optical, and / or magnetic modes of operation.

[0035] Embodiments may involve removably coupling two or more integrated circuit cards (ICCs) together, and using one of the two or more ICCs to read data from the remaining ICCs and providing the data to an access device via, for example, contactless communication (e.g., by sending or by providing read access). In some embodiments, the access device may provide physical access to a building. For example, access may be granted to a group of people who have linked identification cards (e.g., ID cards with integrated circuits) together and presented to the access device. In other embodiments, the access device may include a transaction terminal (e.g., a POS). For example, the total transaction amount may be split among a group of accounts identified by ICCs linked together and presented to the access device. These and other features of the embodiments are explained in more detail below.

[0036] Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary integrated circuit card (ICC) 100 is shown. Figure 1A The internal structure of ICC 100 is shown. Figure 1B The first surface of ICC 100 is shown. Figure 1C The second surface of ICC 100 is shown (opposite to the first surface).

[0037] ICC 100 includes a substrate 105. Electronic circuitry 106 may be embedded in the substrate 105. Electronic circuitry 106 may be coupled to an antenna 110 (e.g., a near field communication (NFC) antenna, or as...). Figure 7 (The inductive antenna shown). Electronic circuitry 106 may include multiple pins 109 (e.g., power supply pin Vcc, first input / output pin I / O). a Ground pin GND, second input / output pin I / O b (Vout, input pins N1 and N2). A set of input ports 104 may be formed on a first surface 101 of substrate 105 and electrically coupled to a subset of multiple pins 109 of electronic circuit 106. A set of output ports 102 may be formed on a second surface 103 of substrate opposite to the first surface 101 and electrically coupled to a subset of multiple pins 109 of electronic circuit 106. Input ports 104 and output ports 102 are exposed on the respective surfaces of ICC 100.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the ground pin GND is connected to one input port of input port 104 and one output port of output port 102. That is, one input port of the plurality of input ports 104 and one output port of the plurality of output ports 102 are connected to the same pin (e.g., ground pin) of the integrated circuit. The Vcc and I / O of the electronic circuit 106 are also connected. a The pins are connected to two input ports in input port 104. The Vout and I / O pins of electronic circuit 106 are also connected. b The pins are connected to two output ports in output port 102. Input pins N1 and N2 can be connected to an NFC antenna (e.g., an inductive antenna). When ICC 100 is within the operating range of the access device, the NFC antenna is activated. The access device induces a current in the NFC antenna of antenna ICC 100, which in turn provides operating power to electronic circuitry 106. Therefore, ICC 100 does not require an integrated power supply (e.g., a battery) to perform the functions described herein.

[0039] like Figure 1B As shown, input port 104 and electronic circuitry 106 may be exposed on a first surface 101 of substrate 105. The first surface 101 may also include other information printed on substrate 105 (e.g., user and / or account identification information, such as username and account number). According to various embodiments, ICC 100 may be a contactless card capable of establishing contactless communication with an access device and transmitting information to the access device using an inductive antenna 110 via contactless technology such as Near Field Communication (NFC). A contactless icon 116 may be used to indicate contactless functionality on ICC 100.

[0040] like Figure 1C As shown, the second surface 103 may include a magnetic stripe 120 and additional information 124 (e.g., user signature, verification number (e.g., CVV number), card issuer's telephone number, etc.). An output port 102 may be exposed on the second surface 103. In some embodiments, an input port 104 is positioned symmetrically with respect to the substrate 105 to the output port 102. Thus, when the first ICC is removably coupled to the second ICC, the output port of the first ICC is aligned with the input port of the second ICC. According to various embodiments, one or more output ports 102 of ICC 100 are configured to be removably coupled to one or more input ports of another integrated circuit card, as explained in more detail below. When the output port of ICC 100 is electrically and physically coupled to the input port of another ICC, ICC 100 retrieves or reads data from the other ICC.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the ICC 100 also includes a transistor 108 connected in series between an input pin (e.g., N1) of the ICC 100 and an inductive antenna 110, wherein when current (e.g., through one of the input ports 104) is applied to the base junction of the transistor 108, the circuit between the antenna 110 and the electronic circuit 106 is broken, which disables the contactless communication capability of the ICC 100.

[0042] Figure 2 An exemplary integrated circuit card with exposed input ports is shown. ICC 200 includes a substrate 205. Electronic circuitry 206 can be embedded in the substrate 205. ICC 200 also includes a plurality of input ports 204 exposed on a first surface 201. Figure 2 As shown, on the first surface 201 of the substrate 205, a plurality of input ports 204 are combined with electronic circuitry 206. As long as the input ports 204 are combined... Figures 1A to 1C The explanation of coupling to electronic circuit 206 and output port, and the placement of input port 204 (e.g., as...) Figure 2 As shown, it is combined with electronic circuit 206, or as... Figure 1B (As shown, it is separated from integrated circuit 106) without changing the function of ICC 200.

[0043] As described above, ICC 100 can be configured to be removably coupled to another ICC. To facilitate alignment and connection between two or more ICCs, alignment components can be provided on each ICC. For example, the ICC may have a magnetic connector.

[0044] Figures 3A to 3B The first and second surfaces of an ICC with a magnetic connector are shown respectively. Figure 3AAs shown, the ICC 300 includes a chip 304 (e.g., electronic circuitry) and a plurality of input ports 306 exposed on a first surface 302 of a substrate 305. The ICC 300 also includes a first magnetic connector 310 having a first polarity provided on the first surface 302 of the substrate 305. In some embodiments, an additional magnetic connector 312 having the same first polarity may also be provided on the first surface 302.

[0045] Figure 3B The second surface of the ICC 300 is shown. (As shown) Figure 3B As shown, the ICC 300 includes a set of output pins 308 on a second surface 324 of a substrate opposite to the first surface 302. The ICC 300 also includes a second magnetic connector 328 with a second polarity provided on the second surface 324 of the substrate 305. In some embodiments, an additional magnetic connector 320 with the same second polarity may also be provided on the second surface 324. For example, the magnetic connector on the first surface 302 of the ICC 300 may have a "north" polarity, while the magnetic connector on the second surface 324 of the ICC may have a "south" polarity. When the ICC 300 is coupled to another ICC, the magnetic connector on the bottom surface of the ICC 300, for example, with a south polarity, will contact the magnetic connector on the top surface of the other ICC, for example, with a north polarity. The attraction between the opposite polarities of the magnetic connectors of the ICCs will allow the output port of the ICC 300 to be aligned and correctly positioned relative to the input port of the other ICC. Therefore, the magnetic connector improves the alignment, positioning, and connection between the two ICCs when coupled together.

[0046] In some embodiments, ICC 300 also includes additional surface features, such as raised edges 316 along one or more corners of ICC 300. The raised edges 316 further improve the alignment and positioning of ICC 300 relative to another ICC.

[0047] As described above, the integrated circuit card (ICC) described herein can be removably coupled to one or more additional integrated circuit cards. Once coupled, the first ICC can read data (e.g., account information) from the additional integrated circuit cards. The first ICC can combine the data from the additional ICC with data stored on the first ICC into aggregated data. The first ICC can then send the aggregated data to an access device via contactless communication. For example, to pay the total amount of a transaction, the first ICC can collect account information (e.g., account number, expiration date, verification number (e.g., CVV)) from the additional ICC and provide the aggregated account data to the access device processing the transaction.

[0048] Figure 4 and 5This diagram illustrates how multiple ICCs can be removably coupled together. The differences between these diagrams lie in the placement of the input and output ports on the ICCs. Figure 4 The input port 410 is shown to be placed on edge 422 of ICC 400, and the output port 404 is provided symmetrically on opposite surfaces of ICC 400. Figure 5 The diagram shows an input port 510 positioned at a distance from the edge of the ICC 500, and output ports provided symmetrically on opposite surfaces of the ICC 500.

[0049] Return to reference Figure 4 The first ICC 400 can be removably coupled to the second ICC 402. For example, the first ICC 400 can be positioned at a top edge 420 of the second ICC 402 and slide on the second ICC 402 toward the opposite edge 422. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many ways to align the first ICC with the second ICC, and the first ICC does not necessarily have to slide on the second ICC to ensure that the output port of the first ICC is aligned (and in contact) with the input port of the second ICC. Once aligned, the output port 404 of the first ICC 400 is in physical and electrical contact with the input port 412 of the second ICC 402. Although Figure 4 The example shows the coupling of two ICCs, but coupling multiple ICCs in the manner shown is also within the scope of this embodiment. The first ICC can retrieve data from all additional ICCs coupled together.

[0050] As provided above, Figure 5 The ICC shown is in conjunction with Figure 4 They are coupled together in a similar way. Now refer to... Figure 5 The first ICC 500 can be removably coupled to the second ICC 502 (etc.). For example, the first ICC 500 can be positioned at a top edge 520 of the second ICC 502 and slide on the second ICC 502 toward the opposite edge 522. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many ways to align the first ICC with the second ICC, and the first ICC does not necessarily have to slide on the second ICC to ensure that the output port of the first ICC is aligned (and in contact) with the input port of the second ICC. Once aligned, the output port of the first ICC 500 (positioned opposite to the input port 510 on the rear surface of the first ICC 500) is in physical and electrical contact with the input port 512 of the second ICC 502. Although Figure 5 The example shows the coupling of two ICCs, but coupling multiple ICCs in the manner shown is also within the scope of this embodiment. The first ICC can retrieve data from all additional ICCs coupled together.

[0051] Figure 6 The electrical connection between two coupled ICCs within the operating range of the access device is shown. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the first ICC 600 is coupled to the second ICC 602, as described above, for example... Figures 4 to 5 As explained. Once coupled, the output ports K1, K2, K3 610 of the first ICC 600 are physically and electrically connected to the input ports N1, N2, N3 618 of the second ICC 602.

[0052] Figure 6 Access device 604 is also shown. Access device 604 may include an antenna 612 connected to electronic circuitry 614. First ICC 600 includes an inductive antenna 606 and an integrated circuit 616 connected to an end of the antenna 606. The inductive antenna 606 (e.g., an NFC antenna) is activated when it is within the operating range of access device 604. The combination of first ICC 600 and access device 604 acts like a transformer. When current flows through the primary coil (e.g., access device antenna 612) and generates an electromagnetic field, it induces a current in the secondary coil (e.g., first ICC antenna 606). First ICC 600 uses this current to power its internal circuitry (e.g., integrated circuit 616). In the energized state, a voltage is applied from the output port K1 of first ICC 600 to the input port N1 of second ICC 602. Current also flows into the Vcc pin of the second ICC 602, thus powering the integrated circuit 628 of the second ICC 602 and enabling the data connection between the first ICC 600 and the second ICC 602.

[0053] The second ICC 602 also includes a transistor 624 (e.g., a positive-negative-positive (PNP) transistor) connected in series between the input port N1 of the second ICC 602 and the antenna 626. When current is applied to the base junction of the transistor 624 (e.g., when a voltage is applied from the output port K1 of the first ICC 600 to the input port N1 of the second ICC 602), the circuit between the antenna 626 and the integrated circuit 628 of the second ICC 602 is disconnected, and the contactless communication (e.g., NFC) capability of the second ICC 602 is disabled. In this way, only the first ICC 600 can communicate with the access device 604, while the second ICC 602 cannot communicate with the access device 604 when coupled to the first ICC 600. Data from the second ICC 602 can be read by the first ICC 600 using I / O pins (e.g., general purpose input / output (GPIO) pins) and sent by the first ICC 600 to the access device 604.

[0054] According to various embodiments, a system may include a first integrated circuit card and a second integrated circuit card, for example... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. The first integrated circuit card may include a first integrated circuit, a first antenna, a first set of input ports, and a first set of output ports. The second integrated circuit card may include a second antenna, a second set of input ports, and a second set of output ports. The second integrated circuit card may be removably coupled to the first integrated circuit card, such that the first set of output ports is physically coupled and electrically coupled to the second set of input ports. When the first set of output ports is physically coupled and electrically coupled to the second set of input ports, the second integrated circuit card receives current from the first integrated circuit card. When the second integrated circuit card receives current from the first integrated circuit card, the second antenna is deactivated. The first integrated circuit card is powered on when it is within the operating range of the access device. The second integrated circuit card also includes a transistor connected in series between one of the input ports in the second set of input ports and the second antenna. When current is applied to the base junction of the transistor, the wireless communication capability of the second integrated circuit card is disabled.

[0055] According to various embodiments, a first integrated circuit card (e.g., ICC 600) can establish a wireless communication channel with an access device (e.g., access device 604). The first ICC can transmit current to a second ICC (e.g., ICC 602) physically coupled to the first ICC, such that the output port of the first ICC is coupled to the input port of the second ICC. The first ICC can retrieve data from the second ICC via the output-to-input port connection. In some embodiments, the input port of the first ICC is provided on a first surface of the first ICC, and the output port of the second ICC is provided on a second surface of the second ICC opposite to the first surface. When current is transmitted from the first ICC to the second ICC, the wireless communication capability of the second ICC is disabled. Therefore, the second ICC may not communicate directly with the access device.

[0056] The first ICC can combine data received from the second ICC with data stored on the first ICC into a combined (e.g., aggregated) data record. According to various embodiments, one or more additional ICCs may be coupled to the first and second ICCs. The first ICC can retrieve additional data from the additional ICCs and combine the additional data into the combined data record. The first ICC can transmit the combined data record to an access device via a wireless communication channel. According to various embodiments, the first ICC can receive a first message from the access device and, in response to the first message, send a second message to the access device, wherein the second message indicates that the combined data record includes data from multiple integrated circuit cards (e.g., the second message includes a flag indicating that the data includes a combined data record from multiple ICCs).

[0057] In some embodiments, when a first ICC (e.g., via NFC) communicates with an access device to send aggregated data collected from an additional ICC, the first ICC also sends a specific flag along with the aggregated data. For example, the specific flag may be included in an authorization request message. The flag may indicate a request to split the total transaction amount among multiple accounts (whose information is included in the aggregated data).

[0058] In the case of a payment transaction, the access device (e.g., a point of sale (POS)) receives a specific flag indicating that the transaction is a split transaction and that the access device will receive 2 to N account data (e.g., PIN, token, account information, account credentials) coupled together for each card. Once the access device receives all data and the total transaction amount, it generates a specific request (via the acquiring computer) to the transaction processing server computer to indicate the use of the split transaction with N accounts in an authorization request message. The transaction processing server computer then generates multiple authorization request messages and routes each authorization request message to the corresponding authorization entity computer associated with the account (e.g., the issuing computer that generated the account).

[0059] Figure 7 A block diagram and flowchart illustrate the steps performed to split a transaction using multiple stacked integrated circuit cards. To split the total transaction amount, the following steps can be taken, for example, by combining... Figures 4 to 5 Two or more cards are coupled together as explained above. A stack 702 formed by two or more coupled integrated circuit cards can be placed within the operable range of an access device (e.g., a POS) 704. Only one ICC (e.g., a first ICC) can communicate contactlessly with the access device 704. The first ICC can retrieve account information from the remaining ICCs in the stack 702 and combine the retrieved account information with account information stored on the first ICC to generate aggregated account data. In step 1, the first ICC can send the aggregated account data to the access device 704. From the perspective of the access device 704, the stack 702 can appear as a single ICC. In step 2, the access device 704 can generate an authorization request message that includes data received from the stack 702 (e.g., aggregated account data). The access device 704 can then forward the authorization request message to the acquiring computer 706. In step 3, the acquiring computer 706 can forward the authorization request message to the transaction processing server computer 708.

[0060] Transaction processing server computer 708 can analyze the content of authorization request messages and identify aggregated account data. In some embodiments, the authorization request message may include an indicator, such as a flag indicating a request to split the transaction among accounts identified by account information included in the aggregated account data. Transaction processing server computer 708 may then split the transaction according to a predetermined allocation scheme (e.g., the total transaction amount may be equally divided among accounts, or the total transaction amount may be divided among accounts according to a predetermined percentage). Transaction processing server computer 708 may then identify the authorization entity (e.g., the issuer) associated with each account identified by account information included in the aggregated account data.

[0061] In step 4, the transaction processing server computer 708 can generate an authorization request message for each account in the aggregated account data. The transaction processing server computer 708 can forward each authorization request message to the appropriate issuer. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, stack 702 may include a first ICC and a second ICC. Transaction processing server computer 708 may identify that the first ICC is associated with a first issuer 710 and the second ICC is associated with a second issuer 712. Transaction processing server computer 708 may equally divide the total transaction amount in half and may generate a first authorization request message requesting authorization for the first half of the total transaction amount and send it to the first issuer 710. Similarly, transaction processing server computer 708 may generate a second authorization request message requesting authorization for the second half of the total transaction amount and send it to the second issuer 712.

[0062] In step 5, the transaction processing server computer 708 may receive authorization response messages from the respective issuers. After collecting responses from each issuer, the transaction processing server computer 708 may generate an authorization response message. According to various embodiments, the authorization response message may indicate whether a transaction is authorized or rejected. For example, if at least one issuer does not authorize a portion of a transaction approved by that issuer, the transaction may be rejected. That is, the transaction processing server computer 708 may only return an authorization response message authorizing the transaction if all issuers return authorized messages. The transaction processing server computer 708 may aggregate individual authorization response messages from issuers into a single authorization response message. In step 6, the transaction processing server computer 708 may send the authorization response message to the acquiring computer 706. In step 7, the acquiring computer 706 may return the authorization response message to the access device 704, or to the resource provider (e.g., merchant) computer associated with the access device 704.

[0063] Figure 8 Another block diagram and flowchart illustrate the steps performed when splitting a transaction using multiple stacked integrated circuit cards. (See diagram below.) Figure 8 As shown, according to various embodiments, the access device can identify a request to split a transaction among multiple accounts after receiving aggregated account data from the ICC stack.

[0064] In step 801, access device 800 may perform preprocessing before interacting with the ICC and enable a contactless interface to prepare for communication with the ICC via NFC. In step 804, access device 800 may activate the NFC protocol using the contactless wireless NFC interface to begin exchanging information. Access device 800 may then determine the presence of ICC 802 (which may include a stack of ICCs interacting with access device 800 as a single ICC). For example, a user may present ICC 802 to access device 800 to initiate payment for the total transaction amount.

[0065] During the combination selection process 806, access device 800 may send a first command (e.g., the command "Select Nearest Payment System Environment (PPSE)") to ICC 802. ICC 802 may respond with a Document Control Information template (FCI) including a list of supported payment applications 822 (e.g., Application Identifiers (AIDs)) combined with a priority indicator for each AID. Access device 800 may then send a second command (e.g., the command "Select AID") to ICC 802. If an application is successfully selected, ICC 802 responds. The response also contains a Document Control Information (FCI) template with application details, such as a list of Processing Options Data Objects (PDOLs) containing the fields required by access device 800 for all ICCs in the ICC stack (e.g., the first and second ICCs) in the next step (e.g., amount, access device country code, access device verification result, transaction date / type, and unpredictable number). As part of the combination selection process 806, the access device 800 may send a third command (e.g., the command "select split") to the ICC 802. The ICC 802 responds with a confirmation command to indicate that split mode processing has been activated (e.g., the total transaction amount will be split among multiple accounts, each represented by an ICC coupled to the ICC 802 which communicates with the access device 800).

[0066] After application selection, access device 800 requests processing options. In step 808, access device 800 initiates application processing and sends a command (e.g., the command "Get processing options") to ICC 802. Access device 800 responds using PDOL-related data based on the previous PDOL encoding received by ICC 802 in response to the second command. ICC 802 responds using the Application Interchange Profile (AIP) and Application File Locator (AFL). Access device 800 uses the AFL to read data records from ICC 802. Records may contain various information, such as primary account (PAN), expiration date, and other information. The AFL also indicates whether any data is provided for the authentication process. ICC 802 retains control over the files readable by access device 800.

[0067] In step 810, access device 800 reads application data by sending a command (e.g., the command "Read Record") to ICC 802. At step 826, access device 800 requests records according to the AFL (Application Failure File), and ICC 802 responds to these requests with appropriate responses. Once access device 800 has completed reading data from ICC 802 in step 812, access device 800 processes the transaction (e.g., by generating an authorization request message including the data retrieved from ICC 802 and sending the message to the transaction processing network via the acquiring computer). After receiving a response from the transaction processing server computer, access device 800 may display a message indicating whether the transaction was authorized or denied.

[0068] According to embodiments, a first ICC may be removably coupled to one or more additional ICCs and may retrieve data from the additional ICCs. Once the first ICC has collected data (e.g., account information) from the additional ICCs, it can then send the aggregated data to an access device via contactless communication. For example, to pay the total amount of a transaction, the first ICC may collect account information (e.g., account number, expiration date, verification code (e.g., CVV)) from the additional ICCs and provide the aggregated account data to the access device processing the transaction. In some embodiments, the access device may read the aggregated account data from the first ICC.

[0069] Figure 9A flowchart illustrates the steps performed to process a transaction using aggregated account data received from an ICC stack. In step 902, the access device completes reading data from the ICC (e.g., aggregated account data from a first ICC coupled to one or more additional ICCs). In step 904, the access device may generate an authorization request message including the aggregated account data and send the authorization request message to the acquiring computer. In step 906, the acquiring computer may identify the transaction as a split transaction based on the aggregated account data including account data for more than one account, and may generate a split transaction authorization request message including account data for all accounts. In step 908, the transaction processing server computer may receive the split transaction authorization request message from the acquiring computer. In some embodiments, the transaction processing server computer may receive the authorization request message and identify that the message is for a split transaction, while the acquiring computer need not identify the message in this way.

[0070] In step 908, the transaction processing server computer can identify the aggregated account data and total transaction amount in the authorization request message. The transaction processing server computer can identify multiple accounts in the aggregated account data and can divide the total transaction amount among the multiple accounts according to a predetermined splitting scheme. For example, the predetermined splitting scheme could be to equally split the total transaction amount among the multiple accounts. According to another embodiment, the predetermined splitting scheme can assign a preset percentage to each of the multiple accounts based on, for example, the order in which account information is provided in the authorization request message. The transaction processing server computer can determine the split amount to be charged to each account and generate a split authorization request message for each account. The transaction processing server computer can also identify issuers 916, 920, and 924 associated with each account identified in the aggregated account data. At steps 910, 912, and 914, the transaction processing server computer sends the split authorization request message to the associated issuers 916, 920, and 924, respectively.

[0071] In steps 918, 922, and 926, the respective issuer performs a single authorization process to determine whether the split amount is authorized or rejected by each of issuers 916, 920, and 924, respectively. In steps 928, 930, and 932, each issuer 916, 920, and 924 returns an authorization response message indicating the result of its respective authorization process to the transaction processing server computer. In step 934, the transaction processing server computer may generate a final authorization response message based on the single authorization response message received from issuers 916, 918, and 920. In some embodiments, the final authorization response message indicates that the transaction is authorized only if all issuers 916, 920, and 924 return authorization approval messages to the transaction processing server computer. In other embodiments, the transaction processing server computer may also be programmed to return an authorized message even if one or more issuers 916, 920, and 924 return authorization rejection messages or fail to return messages within a predetermined amount of time. In step 936, the transaction processing server computer may send the final authorization response message to the access device.

[0072] Figure 10 A block diagram of a computer (e.g., a transaction processing server computer) according to various embodiments is shown. Computer 1000 includes a processor 1002 and memory 1006. A network interface 1008 and a non-transient computer-readable medium 1004 are coupled to the processor 1002.

[0073] Processor 1002 may be implemented as one or more integrated circuits (e.g., one or more single-core or multi-core microprocessors and / or microcontrollers). Processor 1002 may execute multiple programs in response to program code or computer-readable code stored in computer-readable medium 1004. Processor 1002 may include the ability to maintain multiple concurrently executing programs or processes. Memory 1006 may store multiple application programs that can be executed by processor 1002.

[0074] Network interface 1008 can be configured to connect to one or more communication networks to allow computer 1000 to communicate with other entities (e.g., external computers). Some examples of network interface 1008 may include a modem, a physical network interface (e.g., an Ethernet card or other network interface card (NIC)), a virtual network interface, a communication port, a PCMCIA slot, and cards, etc. Wireless protocols enabled through network interface 1008 may include Wi-Fi. TMData transmitted through network interface 1008 may be in the form of signals, which may be electrical signals, electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any other signals that can be received by an external communication interface (collectively, "electronic signals" or "electronic messages"). These electronic messages, which may include data or instructions, may be provided between network interface 1008 and other devices via a communication path or channel. As described above, any suitable communication path or channel may be used, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular links, radio frequency (RF) links, WAN or LAN networks, the Internet, or any other suitable medium.

[0075] Computer-readable medium 1004 may include one or more non-transient media for storage and / or transmission. Suitable media include, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media such as hard disk drives, or optical media such as CDs (optical discs) or DVDs (digital versatile optical discs), flash memory, etc. Computer-readable medium 1004 may be any combination of such storage or transmission means. Computer-readable medium 1004 may be embodied by any number of non-volatile memories (e.g., flash memory) and volatile memories (e.g., DRAM, SRAM) or any other non-transient storage media or combinations of media.

[0076] According to various embodiments, computer-readable medium 1004 may store instructions that, when executed by processor 1002, cause processor 1002 to: receive from an acquiring computer an authorization request message regarding a transaction at a resource provider, wherein the authorization request message includes aggregated account data and an indicator indicating a request to split a transaction amount among a plurality of accounts identified by the aggregated data; determine a split transaction amount for each account according to a predetermined allocation scheme; determine an issuer associated with each of the plurality of accounts; generate a plurality of split transaction authorization request messages, each message containing a split transaction amount determined for the associated account; transmit the split transaction authorization request messages to the respective issuers; receive split transaction authorization response messages from the respective issuers; generate an authorization response message based on the split transaction authorization response message received from the issuers; and send the authorization response message to the acquiring computer (e.g., via the acquiring computer to the resource provider).

[0077] The embodiments offer several technical advantages. For example, the embodiments provide integrated circuit cards with exposed input and output ports that allow an ICC to be removably coupled to multiple ICCs. Once coupled, the first ICC in the ICC stack can read or retrieve data from the remaining ICCs and communicate with the access device to forward the retrieved data. When communicating with the access device, the ICC stack can act as a single ICC. In the case of a request for access to a physical location (e.g., access to a building, transportation station, or transport vehicle), the ICC stack can be processed simultaneously, thereby providing access to multiple people without each person presenting their ICC to the access device. In the case of executing a transaction, the total transaction amount can be split among the accounts associated with the ICC stack. A single ICC communicating with the access device can forward information of multiple accounts associated with the ICC, thereby triggering split transaction processing. The embodiments avoid cardholders having to determine the split amount to be charged for each card and avoid resource providers processing multiple cards individually for the split amount.

[0078] It should be understood that the embodiments described above can be implemented in a modular or integrated manner using computer software in the form of control logic. Based on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, those skilled in the art will know and understand other ways and / or methods of implementing the embodiments using hardware and combinations of hardware and software.

[0079] Any software component or function described in this application may be implemented as software code executable by a processor using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques and in any suitable computer language (e.g., Java, C++, or Perl). The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer-readable medium such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media such as a hard disk drive or floppy disk, or optical media such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable medium may reside on or within a single computing device, and may exist on different computing devices within a system or network, or on different computing devices.

[0080] Unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the use of “a / kind” or “the / described” is intended to mean “a / kind or a plurality of / kinds”.

[0081] The foregoing description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading it. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but rather by reference to the pending claims and their full scope or equivalents.

[0082] Without departing from the scope of this disclosure, one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. A method comprising: A wireless communication channel for accessing the device is established by a first integrated circuit card, wherein the first integrated circuit card includes a first integrated circuit, a first antenna, and a first set of output ports; The first integrated circuit card transmits current to the second integrated circuit card, the second integrated circuit card including a second set of input ports and a second antenna, wherein the second integrated circuit card is physically coupled to the first integrated circuit card such that the first set of output ports is physically coupled and electrically coupled to the second set of input ports, wherein the wireless communication capability of the second integrated circuit card is disabled when the current is transmitted from the first integrated circuit card to the second integrated circuit card; The first integrated circuit card retrieves data from the second integrated circuit card; The data received from the second integrated circuit card by the first integrated circuit card and the data stored on the first integrated circuit card are merged into a combined data record; and The first integrated circuit card sends the combined data record to the access device through the wireless communication channel, wherein only the first integrated circuit card sends the combined data record to the access device, and the second integrated circuit card does not send the combined data record to the access device because the wireless communication capability is disabled.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of output ports is provided on a first surface of the first integrated circuit card, and the second set of input ports is provided on a second surface of the second integrated circuit card opposite to the first surface.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Additional data is retrieved by the first integrated circuit card from one or more integrated circuit cards other than the second integrated circuit card; as well as The additional data is merged into the combined data record by the first integrated circuit card.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The first integrated circuit card receives the first message from the access device; as well as The first integrated circuit card sends a second message to the access device in response to the first message, wherein the second message indicates that the combined data record includes data from multiple integrated circuit cards.

5. An integrated circuit card, comprising: substrate; Integrated circuit, which is embedded in the substrate; Multiple input ports are exposed on a first surface of the substrate, wherein the multiple input ports are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit, and one or more of the multiple input ports are configured for physical coupling and electrical coupling to one or more output ports of another integrated circuit card; Multiple output ports are exposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, wherein the multiple output ports are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit; An inductive antenna, the inductive antenna being connected to one or more input pins of the integrated circuit; and A transistor, connected in series between the input pin of the integrated circuit and the sensing antenna, wherein when current is received from the other integrated circuit card and applied to the base junction of the transistor through one of the plurality of input ports, the contactless communication capability of the integrated circuit card is disabled, such that even if the other integrated circuit card is able to transmit to the access device, the integrated circuit card cannot transmit to the access device.

6. The integrated circuit card of claim 5, wherein the integrated circuit card establishes contactless communication with the access device via the inductive antenna.

7. The integrated circuit card according to claim 5, wherein the integrated circuit card is powered on when it is within the operating range of the access device.

8. The integrated circuit card of claim 5, wherein one of the plurality of input ports and one of the plurality of output ports are connected to the same pin of the integrated circuit.

9. The integrated circuit card of claim 5, wherein the plurality of input ports are combined with the integrated circuit on the first surface of the substrate.

10. The integrated circuit card of claim 5, wherein the plurality of input ports are symmetrically arranged relative to the substrate and the plurality of output ports.

11. The integrated circuit card according to claim 5, further comprising: A first magnetic connector having a first polarity is provided on the first surface of the substrate; as well as A second magnetic connector having a second polarity is provided on the second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface.

12. The integrated circuit card of claim 5, wherein the integrated circuit card retrieves data from the other integrated circuit card when one or more of the plurality of output ports are electrically coupled and physically coupled to one or more of the plurality of input ports of the other integrated circuit card.

13. A system comprising: The first integrated circuit card includes a first integrated circuit, a first antenna, a first set of input ports, and a first set of output ports. as well as The second integrated circuit card includes a second antenna, a second set of input ports, and a second set of output ports. When the first set of output ports is physically coupled and electrically coupled to the second set of input ports, the second integrated circuit card is removably coupled to the first integrated circuit card, and When the second integrated circuit card receives current from the first integrated circuit card, the wireless communication capability of the second integrated circuit card is disabled, so that even if the first integrated circuit card can transmit to the access device, the second integrated circuit card cannot transmit to the access device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein when the first set of output ports is physically coupled and electrically coupled to the second set of input ports, the second integrated circuit card receives the current from the first integrated circuit card.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the first integrated circuit card is powered on when the first integrated circuit card is within the operating range of the access device.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the second integrated circuit card further comprises a transistor connected in series between one of the input ports of the second set of input ports and the second antenna, wherein the wireless communication capability of the second integrated circuit card is disabled when current is applied to the base junction of the transistor through one of the input ports of the second set of input ports.

Images