Card Emulation Module for Multi-Application Contactless Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing contactless card applications on mobile devices are limited, as they typically support only one application at a time, lack flexibility in application implementation and modification, and require all applications to be implemented simultaneously during card personalization by a single provider, restricting user convenience and timing.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that manages application data for multiple contactless card applications on mobile devices by transferring a card emulation module and application data via a telecommunications network, allowing for centralized management, flexible installation, and updates of multiple applications from different providers, enabling multiple applications to be active simultaneously and offline transactions without battery power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If only one contactless card application is supported per device, then device complexity is reduced, but user convenience and application versatility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the card application system into separate virtual card modules, each representing an independent contactless card application. These virtual cards are segmented into individual application containers that can be independently managed, activated, and updated. Each virtual card module contains its own application data and logic, allowing multiple applications to coexist without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal card emulation module that can host multiple different types of contactless card applications simultaneously. This multi-functional module allows the device to emulate various card types (payment cards, access control cards, transit cards, etc.) through a single unified interface, providing application versatility without requiring separate hardware for each card type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If all applications are implemented during card personalization by a single provider, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability and timing flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprovider flexibilityVSAvoidimplementation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares the card emulation module in advance with the capability to host multiple applications, but the actual application implementation is deferred until needed. The module is pre-configured with the infrastructure to support multiple providers and application types, allowing precise implementation when applications are actually deployed through secure download and installation processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic application management system where the card emulation module can adaptively load, activate, and update applications from different providers at different times. The system dynamically adjusts which applications are active based on user needs, allowing flexible timing of implementation and modification without compromising the precision of each individual application's functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If multiple applications are active simultaneously, then user convenience is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of contactless card applications in the form of virtual card modules. Each virtual card is a software-based copy that emulates the behavior of a physical contactless card. These virtual copies allow users to have multiple applications active simultaneously without adding physical hardware complexity, as each virtual card is essentially a software representation that can be independently managed and activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3108673B1System and method for managing application data of contactless card applications
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 KABA AG GRP INNOVATION MANAGEMENT
  • EP3108673B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3108673B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For managing application data of different contactless card applications for a plurality of mobile communication devices (2), a card emulation module and application data for contactless card applications are transferred (S2, S3) by a computer system (1) to one of the mobile communication devices (2). The card emulation module is configured to control the mobile communication device (2) to emulate a contactless card module and to execute data transactions (S6, S7) via a close range wireless communication interface of the mobile communication device (2) using the application data. The computer system (1) maintains (S20, S30, S40, S50, S60) for the mobile communication devices (2) a card database with representations of the card emulation modules and their application data. The computer system (1) makes it possible to manage centrally and flexibly the application data of different contactless card applications and different application providers for a plurality of mobile communication devices (2).