IC Card TLV Data Retrieval via Segmented Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing IC card technology is inefficient in retrieving TLV data objects due to the lack of prescribed lengths for Tags and Values, leading to prolonged processing times when multiple TLV data objects are coupled, as the CPU must repeatedly compare and move data pointers to find the correct data.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic apparatus and method where the IC card stores Tags and addresses in separate storage areas with fixed lengths, allowing for efficient retrieval of TLV data objects by automatically determining the position of Tags without reading the Value's length, thereby reducing the time required for data retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the IC card stores TLV data objects with variable lengths in a continuous storage area, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the data retrieval time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoiddata retrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage area into two separate segments: a first storage area for storing Tags with fixed-length placeholders, and a second storage area for storing Values with variable lengths. This segmentation allows the CPU to efficiently locate Tags without being affected by variable Value lengths, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage efficiency and retrieval speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-allocates fixed-length placeholders for Tags in the first storage area before actual data is stored. This preliminary action creates a predictable storage structure that enables fast Tag location, eliminating the need for the CPU to repeatedly compare and move data pointers during retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the CPU repeatedly compares designation data with stored Tags to retrieve TLV data objects, then data retrieval accuracy is maintained, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retrieval accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating Tag storage from Value storage, the patent enables the CPU to directly access Tags in the first storage area without being hindered by variable Value lengths in the second storage area. This segmentation maintains retrieval accuracy while dramatically improving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of Tag length from variable to fixed by using placeholders. This parameter change transforms the retrieval process from a repeated comparison operation to a direct access operation, thereby improving processing speed while maintaining accuracy through the fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the IC card uses a continuous storage structure for TLV data objects, then storage space utilization is optimized, but the complexity of data access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoiddata access complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the storage structure into two independent areas with distinct access patterns. The first storage area uses fixed-length placeholders for efficient random access, while the second storage area uses variable-length Values for optimized space utilization. This segmentation reduces data access complexity despite maintaining good storage space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2367115B9Portable electronic apparatus and method of controlling a portable electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.11.06 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP2367115B9 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2367115B9 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2367115B9 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a portable electronic apparatus executing performing process based on command input from an external apparatus, and storing a plurality of TLV data objects, the apparatus includes, a storage unit (28) configured to store the data class and data character of each TLV data object, respectively in two storage areas spaced apart from each other, and to store addresses of a fixed length, representing the positions of the data characters, in association with the each data classes.