Dual-Loop Ticket Reader Antenna for EMV Card Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ticket readers are unable to interact with bank cards while maintaining compatibility with current standards, due to issues with communication volume and antenna design.

Innovation Solution

A ticket reader with a dual-loop antenna system, where a powered loop and a passive loop are tuned to specific frequencies, allowing for efficient electromagnetic coupling and compatibility with EMV standard bank cards, eliminating the need for ferrite and optimizing communication volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the antenna dimensions are adapted according to the state of the art, then the communication volume is increased, but the compatibility with EMV standards is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication volumeVSAvoidcompatibility with EMV standards
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is divided into two separate loops: a powered loop and a passive loop. Each loop is tuned to a different frequency, allowing them to serve distinct functions. The powered loop generates the electromagnetic field, while the passive loop shapes the communication volume without consuming power, thus maintaining EMV standard compatibility while achieving the required communication volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive loop acts as an intermediary element that modifies the electromagnetic field generated by the powered loop. By being tuned to a different frequency, it shapes the communication volume without directly interfering with the powered communication between the ticket reader and bank cards, thus maintaining standard compatibility while expanding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ferrite is used in the antenna design, then magnetic field channeling is improved, but cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field channelingVSAvoidantenna structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ferrite material is completely removed from the antenna design. Instead of using ferrite for magnetic field channeling, the patent employs a passive loop tuned to a different frequency to achieve the desired field shaping and communication volume, thereby simplifying the device structure and reducing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive magnetic field channeling function previously achieved by ferrite is replaced by an electromagnetic approach using a passive loop. This loop, tuned to a different frequency, shapes the communication volume through electromagnetic coupling without requiring magnetic materials, thus eliminating the need for ferrite and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If a single powered loop is used, then the antenna structure is simple, but the communication volume cannot meet EMV standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna structureVSAvoidcommunication volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna system is segmented into two loops with distinct functions: the powered loop for generating electromagnetic fields and the passive loop for shaping the communication volume. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required communication volume while maintaining relative structural simplicity through clear functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passive loop serves multiple functions: it shapes the communication volume, eliminates the need for ferrite, and does not interfere with the powered communication. By being tuned to a different frequency, it performs its volume-shaping function without consuming power or complicating the powered communication system, thus achieving multi-functionality with minimal added complexity.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables interaction with bank cards within the required communication standards, improving cost, performance, and compactness, while being robust to external metallic influences and compatible with existing ticketing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

interactions between ticket readers and contactless cards are implemented by means of antennas according to the principle of magnetic coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

interactions between ticket readers and contactless cards are implemented by means of antennas according to the principle of magnetic coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The ferrite is suitable for channeling magnetic field lines, which is necessary given the effects of a metallic environment on the reader's performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field channeling: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3185169B1Computer-ticketing reader, associated computer-ticketing equipment and system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 REVENUE COLLECTION SYST FRANCE SAS
  • EP3185169B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3185169B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3185169B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a ticket reader adapted for remote interaction with a contactless medium, in particular a bank card. The reader comprises: - an antenna (46) adapted for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves at an operating frequency, and - a controller adapted for supplying current to a component. The antenna (46) comprises a first loop (48) tuned to a first frequency and a second loop (50) tuned to a second frequency, the first and second frequencies being distinct, the first frequency being the operating frequency of the antenna (46).