Method for supporting NFC settlement and authentication and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal and an apparatus therefor, and more particularly, to a method for providing an environment in which NFC settlement can be performed by positively using an NFC write function of a user terminal, and an apparatus therefor, so that a user terminal not supporting a card mode at the time of NFC settlement can perform NFC settlement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for supporting NFC settlement and authentication of a user terminal and a device used in the method, and more particularly to a method for providing an environment in which NFC settlement can be performed by actively utilizing the NFC writing function of a user terminal and a device used in the method, so that a user terminal that does not support a card mode during NFC settlement can perform NFC settlement and authentication. In addition, the present invention relates to an NFC settlement supporting method and a device used in the method, in which, when attempting to perform NFC settlement using a user terminal or an NFC card, both a settlement device that functions in a read / write mode and a settlement device that functions in a card mode can perform NFC settlement. Background Art

[0002] Thanks to the rapid development of user terminal (smartphone) related technologies and the network infrastructure that enables ultra-high-speed communication, settlement using user terminals has become popular. In particular, the MST-based settlement function supported by S Company's user terminals based on the Android operating system has been well received by many users for its convenient usability, and the number of Android operating system users has also increased significantly due to the simplicity and convenience of this settlement function.

[0003] On the other hand, although the physical hardware for the NFC payment function is built into the user terminal of Company A based on iOS, many countries including Korea have imposed software restrictions in the form of card-disabling mode, so payment cannot actually be made through the user terminal. Although the user terminal has the highest market share in the entire user terminal market with its excellent product design and user-friendly interface as its strengths, the fact that it cannot be used for simple payment through the user terminal has become a reason for many buyers to hesitate to purchase the terminal of Company A.

[0004] The present invention is proposed with a view to these problems, and relates to a method and device for performing NFC settlement even in a user environment where the use of a card mode is restricted, such as a user terminal of Company A based on iOS. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to enable NFC settlement even when a user terminal is used which cannot be settled simply due to the restriction of card mode being disabled.

[0006] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to utilize NFC technology when transmitting information required for settlement (for example, identification information of the card medium required for settlement, etc.), so that settlement with higher security can be performed compared with the settlement method of scanning barcodes or QR codes or the settlement method based on MST technology.

[0007] In addition, from the perspective of the settlement franchise store, the purpose of the present invention is to enable NFC settlement of the user terminal of Company A by simply adding a small device (NFC settlement support device) without replacing the existing settlement terminal.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to improve the convenience of both users and franchised store owners by supporting multiple modes of NFC settlement.

[0009] In addition, the present invention aims to activate a settlement mode of a type that matches an NFC settlement device after sensing it, so that the user can automatically activate a suitable settlement mode even if the franchise store owner does not perform a separate operation.

[0010] On the other hand, the technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and a person skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the method for NFC settlement supporting a user terminal according to the present invention includes the following steps: media identification information from the user terminal is written into an NFC tag module in an NFC settlement supporting device; the NFC settlement supporting device reads the value written into the NFC tag module; and the NFC settlement supporting device transmits the value read in the previous step to the settlement terminal side.

[0012] In addition, it is characterized in that in the NFC settlement support method, the media identification information written into the NFC settlement support device can be encrypted by the user terminal.

[0013] In addition, at this time, after the step of writing the encrypted media identification information into the NFC settlement support device, the following steps may also be included: the NFC settlement support device decrypts the encrypted media identification information; and the NFC settlement support device determines whether the decrypted media identification information is the media identification information for NFC settlement.

[0014] On the other hand, an NFC settlement supporting device supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: an NFC tag module, which writes media identification information from the user terminal with the help of the NFC writing function of the user terminal; a control unit, which reads the value written into the NFC tag module and transmits the read value to the settlement terminal side through a port; a communication unit, which supports data transmission and reception between the NFC settlement supporting device and the settlement terminal connected via a network; and a power supply unit, which supplies the power required to drive the NFC settlement supporting device.

[0015] In addition, it is characterized in that the NFC settlement support device also includes: a microphone, which senses the sound wave signal output from the user terminal, and the control unit can convert the sound wave signal sensed by the microphone into a signal that can be transmitted to the settlement terminal side.

[0016] On the other hand, a method for supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps: media identification information from the user terminal is written into an NFC tag module in the NFC settlement terminal; the NFC settlement terminal reads the value written into the NFC tag module; and the NFC settlement terminal generates settlement information, which is settlement information about the goods or services that the user of the user terminal wants to purchase; and the NFC settlement terminal transmits the read value, media identification information and settlement information to a financial company server, wherein the read value is the same as the media identification information.

[0017] In addition, according to another embodiment of the present invention, an NFC settlement terminal that supports NFC settlement of a user terminal may include: an NFC tag module, which writes media identification information from the user terminal with the help of the NFC writing function of the user terminal; a control unit, which reads the value written into the NFC tag module and generates settlement information, the above settlement information is the settlement information about the goods or services that the user of the user terminal wants to purchase, and transmits the read value and the settlement information to a financial company server, the above read value is the same as the media identification information; a communication unit, which supports data transmission and reception between the NFC settlement terminal and the financial company server connected via a network; and a power supply unit, which supplies the power required to drive the NFC settlement terminal.

[0018] According to the present invention, the effect is that even if a user terminal that has not been able to perform simple settlement is used, simple settlement can be performed, and in particular, the convenience of users using iOS-based user terminals can be greatly improved.

[0019] In addition, according to the present invention, even if the infrastructure in the existing settlement franchise stores is used as usual, the utilization rate of simple settlement based on NFC can be increased, thereby improving the settlement efficiency without the burden of costs.

[0020] In addition, according to the present invention, the effect is that since it is relatively safe from security threats such as information theft in other settlement methods, users and settlement affiliate stores can also use the settlement service with confidence.

[0021] On the other hand, the effects according to the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and a person skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A settlement flow in the case of using the NFC settlement supporting method according to the present invention is shown in sequence.

[0023] Figure 2 The NFC settlement supporting method according to the first embodiment of the present invention is sequentially illustrated.

[0024] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The configuration of the NFC settlement support device according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 An NFC settlement supporting method according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 An NFC settlement supporting method according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 The process of realizing application functions by using NFC-enabled devices is not limited to the settlement field.

[0028] Figure 8 An NFC settlement supporting method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Fig. 9 The multi-mode NFC settlement supporting method according to the fifth embodiment is sequentially illustrated.

[0030] Fig.10 The structure of a multi-mode NFC settlement supporting device is shown.

[0031] Fig.11 A multi-mode NFC settlement support method according to Embodiment 5-1 is shown.

[0032] Fig.12 and Fig.13 A multi-mode NFC settlement support method according to Embodiment 5-2 is shown.

[0033] Fig.14 The multi-mode NFC settlement supporting method according to the 5-2nd embodiment is shown in sequence.

[0034] Description of symbols

[0035] 100: User terminal

[0036] 200: NFC settlement support device

[0037] 250: NFC supported devices

[0038] 300: Settlement terminal

[0039] 320: NFC payment terminal

[0040] 400: Financial company server DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The detailed description of the following drawings attached to the specification of the present invention will provide a clearer understanding of the purpose, technical structure and the effects of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0042] The embodiments disclosed in this specification should not be interpreted or used to limit the scope of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, it is a matter of course that the description including the embodiments of this specification has multiple applications. Therefore, any embodiment recorded in the detailed description of the present invention is to better illustrate the examples of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

[0043] The functional blocks shown in the accompanying drawings and described below are examples of possible implementations. In other implementations, other functional blocks may be used without departing from the thought and scope of the detailed description. In addition, although more than one functional block of the present invention is shown as a single block, more than one of the functional blocks of the present invention may be a combination of various hardware and software components that operate the same function.

[0044] In addition, the expression "including a certain constituent element" is an "open" expression, which simply refers to the existence of the relevant constituent element and cannot be understood as excluding additional constituent elements.

[0045] Furthermore, when it is mentioned that a certain component is “connected” or “accessed” to other components, it should be understood that although it can be directly connected or accessed to the other components, there may be other components in between.

[0046] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be observed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] first, Figure 1 It is a diagram for briefly observing how the overall settlement process is performed when the user terminal 100 uses the NFC settlement support method and device proposed in the present invention.

[0048] When reference Figure 1When the user terminal 100 approaches the NFC settlement support device 200, the information required for settlement, especially the information that can identify the settlement medium (card number or a one-time code that can replace it, hereinafter referred to as media identification information) is transmitted. After that, the NFC settlement support device 200 transmits the previously transmitted information to the settlement terminal 300 installed in the franchise store. The settlement terminal 300 adds the above media identification information to the actual user's commodity or service settlement information and requests approval from the financial company server 400.

[0049] It is worth mentioning that the NFC settlement support device 200 between the user terminal 100 and the settlement terminal 300 records the media identification information through the NFC writing function of the user terminal 100. In addition, the NFC settlement support device 200 transmits the media identification information written in this way as is to the settlement terminal 300 side, thereby ultimately allowing the most important information required for simple settlement to reach the settlement terminal 300.

[0050] It is assumed that the user terminal 100 mentioned in the present invention is a terminal of Company A based on iOS. The user terminal 100 has a hardware module that can realize NFC writing and reading functions, but due to the software restriction on the activation of the card mode, the simple settlement provided by Company A itself cannot be used. The NFC settlement support method and NFC settlement support device according to the present invention are characterized in that even a user terminal 100 with the above-mentioned constraints can perform simple settlement based on NFC in any franchise store.

[0051] For reference, understand from the hardware Figure 1 The subjects shown are as follows.

[0052] First, the user terminal 100 refers to a device owned or carried by any user, and here, it can include portable terminals such as smart phones, PDAs, and tablet computers. These user terminals 100 are all based on the premise of having a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. For reference, in this detailed description, in order to help understand the invention, it is assumed that the user terminal 300 is a smart phone, especially a smart phone of company A based on iOS. In this case, the user terminal 100 may include a display and a touch-sensitive surface, and according to the situation, it may also be connected to one or more other physical user input devices such as a physical keyboard, a mouse and / or a joystick. In addition, the user terminal 100 may also include a device for sensing and recording sound or voice. On the other hand, various applications running on the user terminal 100 can selectively use at least one universal physical user input device 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 terminal can be selectively adjusted or changed from one application to the next and / or within individual applications. In this way, the common physical architecture of the device (touch-sensitive surface, etc.) can be selectively used to provide users with a variety of application support using an intuitive and clear user interface.

[0053] Secondly, preferably, the settlement terminal 300 is a device capable of performing calculations, provided that it has a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory. The central processing unit may also be referred to as a controller, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, etc. In addition, the central processing unit may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented by hardware, it may be implemented by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a digital signal processing device (DSPD), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). When implemented by firmware or software, the firmware or software may be constituted in the form of a module, a program, or a function that performs the functions or operations described above. In addition, the memory is implemented by a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, a static random access memory (SRAM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The types of such a settlement terminal 300 may include all devices such as POS terminals and CAT terminals that receive media identification information (card information or a one-time code, etc.) from a purchaser and then request approval of settlement from the financial company server 400 or a financial institution at an equivalent position.

[0054] As the name implies, the financial company server 400 may refer to a server computer of a company in charge of the financial industry, and may be implemented as a computing device having the aforementioned central processing unit and memory.

[0055] Below, we will refer to Figure 2, understand the NFC settlement supporting method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] When reference Figure 2 When the NFC settlement support method is used, the NFC settlement support method may first include a step S101 in which the user terminal 100 writes media identification information to the NFC settlement support device 200. This step is based on the premise that the NFC function of the user terminal 100 can be used, and the NFC mode of the user terminal 100 is a mode that can perform NFC writing, such as a P2P mode or a read / write mode. In addition, the media identification information may include specific media required for settlement, such as card information (card number) or a one-time value (code) or an inherent value (code) other than this. To give a simpler example, in order to facilitate settlement, when a settlement application is run on the user terminal 100, a one-time code (barcode, QR code, etc.) with a time limit may be displayed on the screen, and the one-time code generated in this way may be a type of media identification information. However, in the present invention, the media identification information does not appear in the form of a barcode or QR code, i.e., the form displayed on the screen, as mentioned above, but only exists when the NFC settlement support device 200 side is used for NFC writing. Only the content of preparing NFC writing mode or the content information requiring NFC settlement can be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 100, and the barcode, QR code or physical card information that can be stolen or shared externally by shooting (shooting at this time includes scanning) will not be displayed. In addition, in step S101, the user must make the user terminal 100 close to the NFC settlement supporting device 200 to proceed, so it is safer than other settlement methods that can settle remotely.

[0057] After step S101, the NFC settlement support device 200 reads the media identification information written on itself, and transmits the value read in this way to the settlement terminal 300 S103, S105. Although the steps are divided into two steps as described above, the above steps S103 and S105 can be performed simultaneously in actual implementation. For example, in step S101, when the user brings his own user terminal 100 close, the media identification information is written to the NFC settlement support device 200 and read at the same time, and displayed on the screen of the settlement terminal 300.

[0058] On the other hand, when executing step S105, the settlement terminal 300 side does not need to perform a preliminary preparation step such as sending another ready state to the NFC settlement support device 200 side, and preferably, the control unit 203 can be programmed so that the value is immediately transmitted to the settlement terminal 300 side after the NFC settlement support device 200 reads the value.

[0059] On the other hand, contrary to the previous paragraph, step S105 can be implemented only when the ready state is confirmed from the settlement terminal 300. In other words, the settlement terminal 300 can be a terminal capable of performing multiple settlement methods, and when a specific procedure or mode conversion is required to accept NFC settlement, the NFC settlement support device 200 can be notified after the procedure or mode conversion is completed, thereby transmitting the read value.

[0060] After step S105, the settlement terminal 300 may simultaneously transmit the previously received media identification information and the settlement information generated by the settlement terminal 300 to the financial company server 400 side S107. Settlement information refers to information about the purchase item when the user wants to purchase goods or services in a specific franchise store, for example, it may include the price, quantity, name, transaction date, transaction location, name of the person in charge of the transaction or the name of the franchise store representative, etc.

[0061] After step S107, in the financial company server 400, step S109 of approving the media identification information received from the settlement terminal 300 and step S111 of approving the settlement can be executed, and the approval result can be transmitted to at least one of the settlement terminal 300 side and the user terminal 100 side (steps S113, S117).

[0062] Step S109 of approving media identification information refers to the step of confirming whether the media identification information (card or one-time code, etc.) issued by the financial company server 400 is correct. Step S111 of approving settlement can be understood as the process of confirming whether there is any abnormality in the previously received settlement information or whether it contains erroneous information.

[0063] On the other hand, after receiving the approval result S113, the settlement terminal 300 can print an invoice as needed S115.

[0064] Above, reference Figure 2 , an NFC settlement supporting method according to a first embodiment of the present invention is observed.

[0065] Figure 3 The structure of the NFC settlement support device 200 mentioned in the present invention is shown.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 The NFC settlement support device 200 may generally include an NFC tag module 201 , a control unit 203 , a communication unit 205 , a port 206 and a power supply unit 207 .

[0067] The NFC tag module 201 is a structure for writing media identification information from the user terminal 100 by means of the NFC writing function. The NFC tag module 201 may also include a loop for supplying power as needed. According to the existing NFC technology, any arbitrary information can be written in a tagging behavior, so there is no limitation on the implementation of the NFC tag module 201.

[0068] Secondly, the control unit 203 plays the role of comprehensively controlling the structure of the NFC settlement support device 200, and can especially be linked with the NFC tag module 201, so as to execute the function of reading and writing the value of the NFC tag module 201, and transmitting the read value to the external settlement terminal 300 side through the port 206.

[0069] The communication unit 205 is a configuration that supports data transmission and reception via a network between the NFC settlement support device 200 and the settlement terminal 300, and can also be understood as a configuration that actually transmits the read value to the settlement terminal 300 side according to the control command of the control unit 203. The communication unit 205 can support wired / wireless communication. For example, when the settlement terminal 300 is connected via a wire (serial cable, USB cable, etc.), or when the settlement terminal 300 is connected via Bluetooth (BLE) communication, infrared (IR) communication, WiFi, etc., the communication unit 205 supports data transmission and reception according to the corresponding communication method.

[0070] The power supply unit 207 is used to supply all the power required to drive the NFC settlement support device. The NFC settlement support device can be connected to a settlement terminal 300 such as a POS terminal to obtain the required power supply, or it can be designed to obtain power supply from a socket, or it can obtain power supply from an internal detachable dry battery, or it can obtain power supply from a charger.

[0071] on the other hand, Figure 4 The NFC settlement support device 200 required for another settlement support method of the present invention is shown, which is characterized in that, in addition to the above Figure 3 In addition to the configuration described in , the control unit 203 further includes a microphone 209. The microphone 209 has a function of sensing a sound wave signal in an inaudible frequency band output from the user terminal 100, and when the sound wave signal is sensed by the microphone, the control unit 203 converts it and transmits it to the settlement terminal 300 side. If the converted signal is in a form that can be transmitted to the outside, any format may be adopted, but preferably, it may be text data of numbers, characters, or a combination thereof.

[0072] Figure 5The NFC settlement support method according to the second embodiment is shown to help understand the invention. For reference, although the perception of the acoustic wave signal and the transmission process of the converted value according to the second embodiment can be implemented independently, this detailed description is based on the "NFC settlement" situation, so it is also understood here as such.

[0073] When reference Figure 5 The NFC settlement support method according to the second embodiment may first start with step S201 of generating and outputting a sound wave signal by the user terminal 100. The sound wave signal is usually composed of a frequency band sound that is inaudible to humans. For example, a card number or a one-time code may be generated in the form of a sound wave signal and then output through the output unit of the user terminal 100. At this time, the output unit of the user terminal 100 may be a speaker provided in a smartphone. In addition, any type of internal structure that can emit sound may function as the output unit.

[0074] After step S201, the NFC settlement support device 200 can sense the sound wave signal S203 through the microphone 209, and immediately convert the sensed sound wave signal S205. As described above, the NFC settlement support device 200 is equivalent to a computing device with a CPU and a memory, so it has the ability to perform basic signal processing, and the data transmitted through the sound wave signal S203 is usually not complex data, so only a small number of resources are needed to perform signal conversion.

[0075] After step S205 , the NFC settlement support device 200 transmits the converted value to the settlement terminal 300 side S207 .

[0076] From the perspective of the NFC settlement support device 200, the second embodiment can be used as a device for assisting or supplementing the NFC settlement support method according to the first embodiment. For example, when an attempt is made to perform NFC settlement on the user terminal 100, but it fails due to a structural failure or environmental influence, the user terminal 100 can directly generate and output an acoustic wave signal to perform settlement.

[0077] In addition, when the user terminal 100 attempts to perform NFC settlement, other information, such as information that can double-authenticate the user, or information that can authenticate whether the media identification information is suitable for settlement, can be sent through the sound wave signal, so that signal processing in the NFC settlement support device 200 can be simultaneously realized. For example, the card number is written through the NFC writing function, and the PIN information (password, pattern, etc.) set by the user in advance is transmitted through the sound wave signal, so that the NFC settlement support device 200 or the settlement terminal 300 or the financial company server 400 can authenticate the user who attempts double settlement.

[0078] As described above, the NFC settlement support device 200 according to the present invention has a data transmission function using an acoustic signal in addition to data transmission using the NFC function, thereby improving the stability and security of settlement.

[0079] Figure 6 The NFC settlement support method according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown. When compared with the first embodiment, the third embodiment is different in that the encrypted media identification information is written.

[0080] refer to Figure 6 The third embodiment first includes a step S301 of encrypting media identification information on the user terminal 100. The media identification information, as mentioned above, refers to the identification information of the media (device) required for settlement, which may include card information, one-time code, etc. The user terminal 100 can encrypt the information to improve data security again.

[0081] After step S301, the user terminal 100 writes the encrypted media identification information S303 in the NFC settlement support device 200, more specifically, in the NFC tag module 201, and the NFC settlement support device 200 may attempt to decrypt the written media identification information S305. At this time, the NFC settlement support device 200 may store a pre-acquired shared or pre-installed decryption key.

[0082] After step S305, the NFC settlement support device 200 can determine whether the written media identification information is writable media identification information, in other words, whether it is media identification information in an appropriate format that can be written when performing the present NFC settlement S307. For example, it can be determined whether the media identification information is suitable for writing into NFC settlement based on an autonomous judgment algorithm such as whether the specification of the decrypted media identification information conforms to the standard format or whether the decrypted media identification information is recorded on the blacklist.

[0083] If it is determined to be inappropriate in step S307, the procedure will end directly, but if it is determined to be appropriate, the decrypted value can be read in the control unit 203 of the NFC settlement support device 200 and transmitted to the settlement terminal 300 side S311.

[0084] References Figures 1 to 6 The NFC settlement supporting method according to the present invention and the NFC settlement supporting device required therefor are observed.

[0085] Figure 7 An example of an NFC supporting method which is not limited to the settlement field is shown, and a process of implementing an application function using the NFC supporting device 250 is generally shown.

[0086] The previous embodiments are based on the "payment environment", and the NFC support technology proposed in the present invention can be used in various environments other than payment. For example, the NFC support technology can be used in many fields such as the process of identifying users when entering and leaving a door, the process of opening an apartment door lock, and the identity confirmation process of a bank.

[0087] When reference Figure 7 The NFC support method may include step S401 in which the user terminal writes an identification code in the NFC support device 250, steps S403 and S405 in which the NFC support device 250 reads the written value and transmits the read value to the application device 350, and step S407 in which the application device 350 drives the application function. These steps can be understood with reference to the steps in the settlement environment previously observed, and thus detailed description is omitted.

[0088] Figure 7 As an example that can be easily applied, in the process of unlocking an apartment door, any user can bring his or her smartphone (user terminal) close to the NFC support device 250 in the writing mode, and the NFC support device 250 can write the identification code (the password or text for unlocking the door lock) pre-stored in the smartphone. After that, the NFC support device 250 can unlock the door lock by passing it to the application device 350 side.

[0089] As described above, the NFC support technology proposed by the present invention can easily realize various functions for the user terminal 100 that does not support the card mode.

[0090] at last, Figure 8 An NFC settlement supporting method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0091] If the first to third embodiments described above are based on the environment in which the NFC settlement support device 200 and the settlement terminal 300 are separated, the fourth embodiment is based on the environment in which they are combined. In other words, the NFC settlement terminal 320 mentioned in the fourth embodiment refers to a device that has a settlement terminal function and is internally provided with an NFC tag module so that NFC writing can be performed.

[0092] refer to Figure 8 The fourth embodiment first starts with step S501 in which the user terminal 100 writes media identification information into the NFC settlement terminal 320 .

[0093] After step S501, the NFC settlement terminal 320 reads the value previously written by the user terminal 100, and transmits it together with the settlement information to the financial company server 400 S503, S505.

[0094] After step S505, the financial company server 400 transmits the approval result to at least one of the user terminal 100 and the NFC settlement terminal 320 S511, S513 after the process of approving the media identification information and the process of approving the settlement S507, S509 in the same manner as the previous embodiment.

[0095] Next, it is decided to observe another embodiment of the present invention, that is, a multi-mode NFC settlement supporting method and a NFC settlement supporting device required therefor.

[0096] Fig. 9 The fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fifth embodiment shows a system structure in which ordinary consumers can perform settlement based on NFC technology regardless of which NFC mode their user terminal 100 supports or is set to.

[0097] When reference Fig. 9 When the consumer brings the user terminal 100 or the NFC card 150 close to the multi-mode NFC settlement support device 200, the information required for settlement, in particular, information that can identify the settlement medium (card number or a one-time code that can replace it; hereinafter referred to as media identification information) is transmitted. "Transmitted information" means that the media identification information required for NFC settlement is read or recorded by the NFC settlement support device 200 according to any means or method, and may mean that the NFC settlement support device 200 is in a state that can be subsequently transmitted to the settlement terminal 300. On the other hand, the media identification information transmitted in this way can be added with additional information required for settlement by the settlement terminal 300 and transmitted to the financial company server 400, and in the financial company server 400, it can be determined whether to approve the settlement based on the information received from the settlement terminal 300.

[0098] For reference, the user terminal 100 mentioned in this detailed description may attempt to settle in a state where the NFC mode is set to the reader / writer mode, or in a state where the NFC mode is set to the card emulation mode, and the NFC settlement support device 200, as will be described in detail later, may change or activate the settlement mode according to the NFC mode of the user terminal 100, thereby realizing NFC mode customized settlement. For reference, the settlement terminal 300 is not necessarily limited to a terminal that performs settlement, and a device that receives the transmission of media identification information from the NFC settlement support device 200 and plays a role of intermediary with other external devices, that is, in a broader sense, may also be called a host device.

[0099] When referring again Fig. 9When the settlement support method is used, the settlement support method may first include a step S601 in which the settlement support device 200 activates a specific settlement mode, and the settlement support device 200 may receive media identification information, namely card information S602, from a user terminal or an NFC card according to the activated settlement mode.

[0100] The settlement mode may mean that the settlement support device 200 sets an NFC module mode inside the device in order to settle based on the NFC technology, so that the settlement environment can be changed. The settlement support device 200 according to the present invention can support at least two or more settlement modes. The multiple settlement modes may include, for example, a first settlement mode in which media identification information can be received from the user terminal 100 or the NFC card 150 set to the card mode (card emulation mode) and a second settlement mode in which media identification information can be received from the user terminal 100 set to the read / write mode, and may also include a third settlement mode in which media identification information can be received from the user terminal 100 set to the peer-to-peer mode. In order to help understand the invention, the case where a consumer carries a smartphone (user terminal) for settlement is used as an example for additional explanation. The first settlement mode is a state in which the settlement support device 200 is activated in the read / write mode. At this time, the user terminal 100 can read the media identification information (card information) through the settlement support device 200 when it is set to the card mode. The second settlement mode is a state where the settlement support device 200 is activated in a tag-emulation mode, and the user terminal 100 can write the media identification information (card information) in the settlement support device 200 in a state set to a read / write mode. In the third settlement mode, when both the settlement support device 200 and the user terminal 100 are set to a peer-to-peer mode, the user terminal 100 can share the media identification information (card information) with the settlement support device 200.

[0101] The media identification information may include specific media required for settlement, such as card information (card number) or a one-time value (code) or an inherent value (code) other than this. For example, when a settlement application is executed in the user terminal 100 to settle the account, a one-time code (barcode, QR code, etc.) with a time limit may be displayed on the screen, and the one-time code generated in this way may be a type of media identification information. On the other hand, the media identification information of the present invention may not appear in the form of a barcode or QR code as mentioned above, that is, in the form displayed on the screen, and only the content of preparing for NFC settlement or the content information requiring NFC settlement may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 100.

[0102] On the other hand, after step S602, the settlement support device 200 may transmit the media identification information to the settlement terminal 300 S603. For reference, step S603 may be performed after step S602, and the settlement terminal 300 may directly receive the media identification information without the need for a separate preparatory step such as sending a ready state to the settlement support device 200.

[0103] After step S603, the settlement terminal 300 may simultaneously transmit the previously received media identification information and the settlement information S604 generated by the settlement terminal 300 to the financial company server 400. Settlement information refers to information about corresponding purchase items when a user wants to purchase goods or services in a specific franchise store, for example, it may include the price, quantity, name, transaction date, transaction location, name of the person in charge of the transaction or the name of the franchise store representative, etc. In addition, although not shown in the figure, after step S604, the financial company server 400 may perform a step of approving the media identification information received from the settlement terminal 300 and a step of approving the settlement, and the approval result may be transmitted to at least one of the settlement terminal 300 and the user terminal 100.

[0104] Above, reference Fig. 9 , the general sequence of the settlement support method according to the present invention is observed.

[0105] Fig.10 The structure of the settlement support device 200 is shown. Fig.10 The settlement support device 200 may include an NFC module 202, a control unit 203, a communication unit 205, and a power supply unit 207. These components are generally the same as those described above. Figure 3 Similar to that described in .

[0106] However, in Fig.10 In the figure, the NFC module 202 is shown separately to facilitate Figure 3 The NFC module 202 can be distinguished from the NFC tag module 201 in the NFC tag module 201. The NFC module 202 can be converted into at least two settlement modes and activated. According to the activated settlement mode, the media identification information is read from the user terminal or the NFC card or the media identification information is written. The NFC module 202 can also include a loop for supplying power as needed. Fig.10It is shown in whether the NFC module 202 and the user terminal, NFC card reader or NFC card support the NFC settlement method in a certain environment. For example, in order to operate in the first settlement mode through the user terminal 100 or NFC card set to the card mode (card emulation mode), the NFC module 202 can be activated in the read / write mode, and in order to operate in the second settlement mode through the user terminal 100 or NFC card reader set to the read / write mode, the NFC module 202 can be activated in the tag emulation mode, and in order to operate in the third settlement mode through the user terminal 100 or NFC card reader set to the P2P mode, the NFC module 202 can be activated in the P2P mode.

[0107] In order to avoid repetition, it is decided to omit the description of the control unit 203, the communication unit 205 and the power supply unit 207 here.

[0108] Above, reference Fig.10 , the structure of the settlement support device 200 used in the fifth embodiment is observed.

[0109] Fig.11 This is for the purpose of explaining the settlement support method according to the 5-1 embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 In the embodiment 5-1, the step S601 in which the settlement support device 200 activates one of the multiple settlement modes is described. In the embodiment 5-1, it is characterized in that the settlement support device 200 repeatedly or cyclically activates the multiple settlement modes one by one according to a preset time or a preset period. When referring to the accompanying drawings, it can be confirmed that the settlement support device 200 repeatedly activates the settlement mode according to the first settlement mode (read / write mode)-the second settlement mode (tag simulation mode)-the third settlement mode (P2P mode)-the first settlement mode (read / write mode)-... At this time, each settlement mode can be controlled by the control unit 203 so as to be activated as the next settlement mode at a predetermined time, for example, every 300ms.

[0110] When the 5-1st embodiment is actually implemented, the settlement support device 200 activates a plurality of settlement modes in a very short cycle, so that when the user terminal 100 or the NFC card of the consumer is close, NFC settlement can be performed in an appropriate settlement mode. For example, when the user terminal 100 is in the card mode, the settlement support device 200 can receive the media identification information in a state close to the user terminal 100 within a short time (300ms) when the first settlement mode is activated. In the same way, when the user terminal 100 is in the read / write mode or when the user terminal 100 is in the P2P mode, the settlement support device 200 can also receive the media identification information within the time when the second settlement mode or the third settlement mode is activated, so that the result is that the settlement support device 200 can perform NFC settlement regardless of the type of NFC settlement method the consumer has.

[0111] On the other hand, in the above example, in order to help understand the invention, the time or cycle in which the settlement mode is activated is described as 300ms, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and it is understood that the above time or cycle can be determined according to the intention of the designer or operator. However, assuming the settlement situation between the franchise store owner and the consumer, it may be inconvenient for the consumer to keep the smartphone close to the settlement support device 200 for a long time, so it is preferred that one cycle of all settlement modes is realized in less than one second as much as possible.

[0112] In the 5-1 embodiment, the settlement support device 200 may be designed to activate the settlement mode according to a predetermined time or cycle cycle when there is no NFC settlement device from a consumer approaching at an early stage, and then when the NFC settlement device is sensed approaching at a certain moment, the activation state of the specific settlement mode continues for a certain period of time. For example, it may be designed that when the user terminal 100 in the read / write mode approaches, if the activation state is changed to the second settlement mode after the first settlement mode, the settlement support device 200 may receive media identification information from the user terminal 100 (more precisely, the process of writing (writing) the media identification information to the NFC module 210 by the user terminal 100 and the settlement support device 200 reading (reading) it), and if the reception of the media identification information is sensed, the settlement support device 200 may maintain the same settlement mode for a longer time, for example, 5 seconds.

[0113] On the contrary, the settlement support device 200 can also be designed so that even if there is an NFC settlement device from a consumer approaching and sensing the reception of specific media identification information, the repetition cycle of the settlement mode will not stop but continue. In particular, since the NFC module 202 reads the media identification information from the user terminal 100 in the card mode (the first settlement mode) or the settlement mode in which the NFC module 202 reads the media identification information after writing the media identification information (the second settlement mode) in a very short time, the NFC settlement can be carried out normally even if the repetition cycle of the settlement mode is not stopped for a certain period of time.

[0114] On the other hand, when the settlement support method according to the first embodiment is applied, when multiple NFC settlement devices are close to each other, multiple NFC settlement processes can be performed at almost the same time. For example, if two consumers settle their bills on a AA basis after dining together, if a first smartphone in card mode and a second smartphone in read / write mode are brought close to the settlement support device 200 at the same time, NFC settlement of the first smartphone and the second smartphone can be achieved in sequence according to the repeated cycles of the settlement modes in the settlement support device 200. Since the media identification information is read or written from each smartphone in a very short time of less than one second, from the perspective of the consumer, two settlements can be experienced almost simultaneously.

[0115] Above, reference Fig.11 , a settlement support method according to Example 5-1 was observed.

[0116] Fig.12 and Fig.13 5-2 is a diagram for explaining a settlement support method according to the 5-2nd embodiment. The 5-2nd embodiment is characterized in that the settlement support device 200 generates electromagnetic waves, and when the approach of an NFC settlement device is sensed in this state, a settlement mode matching the corresponding NFC settlement device is activated.

[0117] When reference Fig.12 When the settlement support device 200 is initially set to the read / write mode, it can control the generation and emission of electromagnetic waves to the outside. The card identification signal (REQA) can be continuously broadcasted through electromagnetic waves. At this time, when the user terminal 100 or the NFC card set to the card mode approaches, the settlement support device 200 can receive a response signal (ATQA) in response to the card identification signal (REQA), and when receiving the response signal (ATQA), it can receive the media identification information of the user terminal 100 or the NFC card in the read / write mode to perform NFC settlement.

[0118] When reference Fig.13, the settlement support device 200 may also generate and transmit electromagnetic waves to the outside in a state where the user terminal 100 or the NFC card reader set in the read / write mode is initially set. At this time, when the user terminal 100 or the NFC card reader set in the read / write mode approaches, the settlement support device 200 may sense other electromagnetic waves generated from the user terminal 100 or the NFC card reader (determine to distinguish the electromagnetic waves generated from the settlement support device 200 as the first electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic waves generated from the user terminal or the NFC card reader as the second electromagnetic waves), and when the second electromagnetic waves are sensed, the settlement support device 200 immediately converts the NFC module 202 into the tag simulation mode. In other words, the settlement support device 200 may activate the second settlement mode, so that the media identification information is written by the user terminal 100 or the NFC card reader and then read. For reference, the second electromagnetic wave generated by the user terminal or the NFC card reader may be an electromagnetic wave of a specific frequency (13.56Mhz) generated and emitted to prevent conflicts with other equipment.

[0119] When the second settlement mode is activated, the settlement support device 200 may receive a card identification signal (REQA) from the user terminal 100 or the NFC card reader, and send a response signal (ATQA) thereto, and then perform NFC settlement according to a subsequent protocol.

[0120] Fig.14 The 5-2 embodiment previously observed is shown according to the sequence diagram. When referring to the drawings, the 5-2 embodiment may first include a step of setting the settlement support apparatus 200 to a read / write mode, in other words, a step of activating the first settlement mode S701.

[0121] After step S701, the settlement support device 200 may generate an electromagnetic wave (first electromagnetic wave), and may broadcast a card identification signal (REQA) to the outside through the electromagnetic wave S702. The card identification signal (REQA) may be a signal for sensing when any external NFC settlement device approaches, and in particular, may induce the transmission of a response signal (ATQA) when a user terminal or NFC card in card mode responds through electromagnetic waves.

[0122] After step S702, the settlement support device 200 confirms whether a response signal (ATQA) is received S703, and when a response signal (ATQA) is received, runs an anti-collision loop (Anti-collision Loop) S704, then reads the media identification information (e.g., UID, SAK, etc.) of the user terminal or NFC card S705, and then performs NFC settlement according to the determined protocol S706.

[0123] On the other hand, when no response signal (ATQA) is received in step S703, the settlement support device 200 may confirm whether a second electromagnetic wave is sensed from another user terminal or an NFC card reader S707, and if the second electromagnetic wave is not sensed, it may return to step S702 to perform generation of a first electromagnetic wave and broadcasting of a card identification signal (REQA).

[0124] On the contrary, if the second electromagnetic wave is sensed in step S707, the settlement support device 200 may switch the NFC module 202 to the tag simulation mode or activate the second settlement mode S708, and then receive a card recognition signal (REQA) from the user terminal or NFC card reader emitting the second electromagnetic wave, and send a response signal (ATQA) S709.

[0125] After step S709, step S710 of sending media identification information (UID, SAK, etc.) to a user terminal or NFC card reader emitting the second electromagnetic wave and step S711 of NFC settlement may be performed.

[0126] In the above, a method for supporting NFC settlement and a NFC settlement supporting device required therefor are observed. On the other hand, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments and application examples, and various modifications can be made by a person with general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be distinguished and understood from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An NFC settlement support method, as a method for supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: The media identification information from the user terminal is written into the NFC tag module in the NFC settlement supporting device; The NFC settlement support device reads the value written into the NFC tag module; as well as The NFC settlement support device transmits the value read in the previous step to the settlement terminal side.

2. The NFC settlement support method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The media identification information written into the NFC settlement supporting device is encrypted by the user terminal.

3. The NFC settlement support method according to claim 2, characterized in that: After the step of writing the encrypted media identification information into the NFC settlement supporting device, the following steps are also included: The NFC settlement supporting device decrypts the encrypted media identification information; and The NFC settlement supporting device determines whether the decrypted media identification information is media identification information for NFC settlement.

4. An NFC settlement support device, as an NFC settlement support device supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal, characterized in that: include: An NFC tag module, which uses the NFC writing function of the user terminal to write the media identification information from the user terminal; A control unit, which reads the value written into the NFC tag module and transmits the read value to the settlement terminal side through the port; A communication unit that supports data transmission and reception between the NFC settlement supporting device and a settlement terminal connected via a network; as well as The power supply unit supplies the power required to drive the NFC settlement supporting device.

5. The NFC settlement support device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A microphone that senses the sound wave signal output from the user terminal, The control unit converts the sound wave signal sensed by the microphone into a signal that can be transmitted to the settlement terminal side.

6. A NFC settlement support method, as a method for supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: The media identification information from the user terminal is written into the NFC tag module in the NFC settlement terminal; The NFC settlement terminal reads the value written into the NFC tag module; The NFC settlement terminal generates settlement information, wherein the settlement information is settlement information about the goods or services that the user of the user terminal wants to purchase; as well as The NFC settlement terminal transmits the read value, media identification information and settlement information to the financial company server, and the read value is the same as the media identification information.

7. An NFC settlement terminal, as an NFC settlement terminal supporting NFC settlement of a user terminal, characterized in that: include: An NFC tag module, which uses the NFC writing function of the user terminal to write the media identification information from the user terminal; a control unit that reads the value written into the NFC tag module and generates settlement information, the settlement information being settlement information about the commodity or service that the user of the user terminal wants to purchase, and transmits the read value and the settlement information to a server of a financial company, the read value being the same as the media identification information; The communication unit supports data transmission and reception between the NFC settlement terminal and the server of the financial company connected via the network; as well as The power supply unit supplies the power required to drive the NFC payment terminal.

8. A multi-mode NFC settlement support method, as a method for a multi-mode NFC settlement support device to perform multi-mode NFC settlement support, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: (a) activating one of at least two settlement modes; (b) receiving media identification information from a user terminal or an NFC card according to the activated settlement mode; (c) Transmitting media identification information to the host device.

9. The multi-mode NFC settlement support method according to claim 8, characterized in that: Settlement modes include: The first settlement mode can receive media identification information from a user terminal set to card mode or an NFC card; and the second settlement mode can receive media identification information from a user terminal set to read / write mode.

10. A multi-mode NFC settlement support device, characterized in that: include: An NFC module that can be switched into at least two settlement modes and activated, and reads media identification information from a user terminal or an NFC card or writes media identification information according to the activated settlement mode; a control unit that transmits the media identification information to a host device; a communication unit that supports data transmission and reception between the multi-mode NFC settlement supporting device and a host device connected via a network; as well as The power supply unit supplies the power required to drive the multi-mode NFC settlement supporting device.

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