Synchronized Data File Updates in Chip Card Index Registers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic circuits in chip cards face challenges in protecting data files from accidental or intentional interruptions during updates, particularly due to limited calculation capacity and the need for speed, which complicates the use of synchronized update mechanisms across multiple files or memory zones.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronized updating of multiple files or memory areas using an additional cyclic index file with a single index register, where each record contains indexes of the data files, allowing for efficient data recovery and individual access conditions, compatible with both 'preserving the past' and 'preserving the future' modes, and suitable for memory cards without microcontrollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronized update mechanism is implemented for multiple files, then data integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file management system into two distinct components: a simple index register that stores only the current file index, and a separate index file that contains the mapping between indexes and actual file records. This segmentation allows the microcircuit to maintain data integrity through synchronized updates without requiring complex file management logic, as the index file handles the complexity of tracking multiple files while the index register remains simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary index file that acts as a mediator between the simple index register and the actual data files. This index file stores the mapping information and handles the complexity of file location management, allowing the index register to remain simple while still enabling synchronized updates across multiple files. The intermediary absorbs the complexity, preventing it from propagating to the core update mechanism.
2Reliability
If complex file management systems are used to ensure synchronized updates, then data integrity is improved, but calculation capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex file management functionality from the microcircuit's calculation resources and embeds it directly into the index file structure. Instead of requiring the microcontroller to perform complex file tracking and management calculations, the index file itself contains all the necessary mapping information, reducing the calculation burden on the microcircuit while maintaining data integrity through synchronized updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The index file serves itself by containing all the necessary mapping information between indexes and file records. The system does not require external complex file management assistance because the index file autonomously provides the mapping data needed for synchronized updates, reducing the calculation capacity requirements of the microcircuit while ensuring data integrity.
3Reliability
If multiple files are grouped together for simultaneous update, then synchronized update capability is improved, but loss of time increases due to communication constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-organizing all file mapping information in the index file before the update process begins. The index register is pre-loaded with the current file index, and the index file is prepared with all necessary mappings. This preliminary organization allows the synchronized update process to proceed efficiently without requiring complex real-time calculations or extended communication time with the reader.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic update mechanism where the index register can be quickly updated to point to different files based on the transaction being performed. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to handle multiple files individually or in groups as needed, optimizing the use of limited communication time with the reader while maintaining synchronized update capability across all files.
4Ease of operation
If individual file access is maintained for each data file, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases for managing multiple files
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal index file structure that serves multiple functions: it stores mapping information for individual file access, enables synchronized updates across multiple files, and provides a consistent interface for both individual and bulk operations. This multi-functional design maintains ease of individual file access while avoiding the need for separate management structures for different access modes, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The method involves storing, in cyclic index files (IF), respective indices (Ii1-Iim) of cyclic data files (F1-Fm), and storing, in index registers (MIR), the current index (IFi) of the index files. The content of a current index file record is copied in the following record of the same file before each synchronized update of the data files. The registers (MIR) are updated at the end of synchronized updating of the data files.