Contactless IC Card Authentication for Multi-Terminal Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic money systems using contactless IC cards require high anti-tampering measures, leading to increased manufacturing costs and spatial limitations due to electromagnetic interference between multiple store terminals, making it difficult to install multiple terminals in confined spaces while maintaining security.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a NOT-IF-THEN operation register that alternates between adding and subtracting values exclusively, using near-field communication for secure transactions and mutual authentication, allowing for a single terminal to handle multiple electronic money systems without radiating electromagnetic waves, thus reducing costs and spatial requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mutual authentication process is carried out between IC card and reader/writer, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to high anti-tampering measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the secret key storage function from the reader/writer device and relocates it to the IC card only. This eliminates the need for anti-tampering measures in the reader/writer while maintaining security through the IC card's embedded secret key. The reader/writer becomes a simpler device that does not require expensive security features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach where both the IC card and reader/writer hold secret keys for mutual authentication, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the secret key exclusively in the IC card. The IC card becomes the active authentication party that verifies the reader/writer, rather than the reader/writer verifying the IC card.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple store terminals are installed to accommodate multiple electronic money systems, then system compatibility is improved, but spatial requirements increase due to electromagnetic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the IC card the universal authentication element that can work with multiple different reader/writer devices. A single IC card can be used across different electronic money systems by simply changing the reader/writer device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized terminals at each store location.
3Ease of operation
If reader/writer always radiates electromagnetic wave to be ready for communication, then communication readiness is improved, but interference between multiple terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the reader/writer's electromagnetic radiation only when needed for authentication. The reader/writer activates the electromagnetic field upon detecting an IC card approach, performs authentication, then deactivates the field. This on-demand periodic operation eliminates continuous radiation and prevents interference between multiple terminals.
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
The solution enables the construction of an electronic money system with high anti-tampering performance at a lower cost, allowing multiple terminals to be installed in close proximity without interference, while securely managing transactions and reducing the need for secret key storage across all terminals.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing contactless communication techniques
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: a register holding a value input thereto; a first communication path through which an addition command is input; a second communication path through which a subtraction command is input; addition means adding a predetermined value to a register value held in the register according to the addition command input through the first communication path and causing the register to hold a value resulting from the addition; and subtraction means subtracting a predetermined value from a register value held in the register according to the subtraction command input through the second communication path and causing the register to hold a value resulting from the subtraction, wherein the addition means and the subtraction means operate exclusively of each other.