Hybrid NFC RFID Card Controller Data Format Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFID-based loyalty card systems require multiple cards for different loyalty programs, which is inconvenient for users, as they need to carry and manage various cards for each program.
Innovation Solution
A dual or hybrid radio technology-enabled contactless card or token that integrates an RFID radio module for ISO 18000 standard and an NFC radio module for ISO 14443 or ISO 15693 standards, managed via NFC capabilities of a smartphone, allowing for the loading and management of loyalty program data, with a controller that converts and stores data between formats and updates security policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RFID-based loyalty cards are used for different loyalty programs, then each card can be optimized for its specific program, but users need to carry and manage multiple cards which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple RFID card functionalities into a single hybrid NFC-RFID card. The card integrates both NFC (for proximity communication with smartphones) and RFID (for long-range communication with readers), allowing one card to replace multiple program-specific cards while maintaining compatibility with different loyalty programs through data conversion between NFC and RFID formats
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid card is designed to perform multiple functions: it can communicate with both NFC-based smartphones and RFID-based readers, store and convert data between different formats (NFC and RFID), and serve as a universal replacement for multiple program-specific cards. This multi-functionality allows a single card to work across different loyalty programs without requiring users to manage separate cards
2Ease of operation
If RFID technology is used for long-range communication, then cards can be read at a distance without physical contact, but RFID cards lack the security and data management capabilities of NFC-enabled devices
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone acts as an intermediary between the hybrid card and the RFID reader system. The card uses its NFC module to communicate securely with the smartphone, where data is processed, converted to RFID format, and then transmitted to the reader. This intermediary approach allows the card to maintain NFC-level security while enabling long-range RFID communication
3Reliability
If NFC technology is used in smartphones for proximity communication, then secure data transmission is achieved, but smartphones lack long-range RFID communication capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functionality is segmented across two devices: the hybrid card contains both NFC and RFID modules, while the smartphone contains only NFC. This segmentation allows the smartphone to maintain its secure NFC capabilities without needing to integrate RFID hardware, while the card provides the extended RFID communication range when needed
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 a single token to replace multiple RFID-based loyalty cards, allowing users to manage various loyalty programs through a smartphone, enhancing convenience and security by using NFC communication for data management and security policy updates.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID radio module for handling data according to ISO 18000 standard
Implementation Method 2
an NFC radio module for handling data according to ISO 14443 or ISO 15693 standard
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Present system discloses a contactless card comprising at least a RFID radio module, a NFC radio module, a controller and a memory; the controller being operable to receive a message through a first one of the radio modules, the message comprising application data and an associated ID in the format of the first one of the radio modules, extract the application data and the associated ID from the received message, convert the application data and the associated ID into a format compatible with the other one of the radio modules and store the converted application data in the memory in association with the ID for subsequent presentation in response to a request from a reader compatible with the other one of the radio modules, the request comprising the associated ID.