EMV Discretionary Fields for Blockchain Transaction Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transaction protocols like the EMV standard are incompatible with distributed ledger technologies, such as blockchain, due to size constraints and lack of dedicated data fields, leading to errors and unrecognized transactions when attempting to facilitate blockchain transactions through point-of-sale terminals.

Innovation Solution

The method involves encapsulating portions of blockchain transactions or symmetric encryption keys within the discretionary data fields of existing technical protocols, such as the EMV standard, to enable transmission of blockchain transactions without modifying the underlying infrastructure, using techniques like elliptic curve digital signature algorithms and tokenization schemes to ensure compatibility and security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If blockchain transaction data is transmitted through EMV protocol, then distributed ledger transactions can be facilitated through POS terminals, but the transaction size exceeds the 32-byte limit of EMV discretionary data fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with distributed ledgerVSAvoidtransaction data size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blockchain transaction data is divided into multiple segments and distributed across multiple EMV data fields. The transaction hash is split into 32-byte segments that fit within the EMV tag structure, allowing transmission of blockchain transaction information through the constrained EMV protocol without exceeding data field limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention embeds blockchain transaction data within the existing EMV transaction structure by nesting the transaction hash segments inside discretionary data fields. The blockchain transaction information is encapsulated within the EMV protocol framework, allowing it to be transmitted through POS terminals that expect standard EMV formats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If EMV protocol is used for blockchain transactions, then existing POS terminal infrastructure can be utilized, but the protocol lacks dedicated data fields for DLT information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure utilizationVSAvoiddedicated data fields for DLT

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the EMV protocol multi-functional by enabling it to carry both traditional payment information and blockchain transaction data through the same discretionary data fields. The existing EMV infrastructure is utilized for dual purposes: conventional card transactions and distributed ledger transactions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fields or new protocol infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The discretionary data fields in the EMV protocol serve as an intermediary layer that translates and carries blockchain transaction information. These fields act as a mediator between the blockchain data structure and the EMV protocol requirements, allowing incompatible data formats to communicate through a standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If blockchain transaction data is transmitted through EMV protocol, then distributed ledger transactions can be enabled, but error messages appear on POS terminals due to protocol incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockchain transaction supportVSAvoidtransaction recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a simplified copy of the blockchain transaction data that conforms to EMV protocol requirements. Instead of transmitting the complete blockchain transaction structure, a condensed representation (transaction hash segments) is created and transmitted through the EMV protocol, ensuring compatibility with POS terminal expectations while preserving the essential transaction information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4177776B1Systems and methods for authorizing a transaction conventionally incompatible with a technical protocol

Publication Date: 2024.06.26 TANGEM AG

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AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and method for transaction authorization. In one example, a method comprises receiving, at an authenticating device from a terminal device, a request to generate a dataset, the request comprising a plurality of data object values indicative of transaction information. The method comprises generating, based on the plurality of data object values, a transaction comprising a source identifier, a destination identifier, a transaction value, and authorization data in a form of a digital signature. The method comprises encapsulating and embedding either the at least one portion of the transaction or the symmetric encryption key in the discretionary data fields and transmitting the dataset to the terminal device for processing the transaction in a target ledger.