Portable Data Carrier Motion Sensing for Contactless Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chip cards, such as transaction cards, face issues with mechanical instability and limited functionality due to damage from everyday use, requiring user interaction with external devices for setup changes and lacking advanced switching operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system enabling operational mode control through sensing predefined movement patterns, using an inertia measurement unit to switch modes without mechanical switches, allowing users to directly control chip card functions via movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical switches are used for switching operations, then switching functionality is achieved, but mechanical instability and damage from everyday use occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching functionalityVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with a contactless switching mechanism using magnetic fields and reed switches integrated into the chip module. The magnetic element generates magnetic fields that actuate the reed switch without mechanical contact, eliminating wear and mechanical instability while maintaining switching functionality for enabling/disabling operational modes.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the user's manual actuation and the electronic switching mechanism. The magnetic element converts mechanical motion into magnetic field changes, which then trigger the reed switch, providing a reliable contactless switching path that avoids direct mechanical contact with electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external devices are required for setup changes, then functionality control is achieved, but user friendliness and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality controlVSAvoiduser friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the chip card to perform switching operations autonomously through integrated sensors and processing units that detect movement patterns and automatically change operational modes. Users can directly control functions by moving the card, eliminating the need for external devices or complex setup procedures, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining functionality control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If simple switching operations are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching operation complexityVSAvoidoperational mode control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional control mechanism where a single integrated chip module handles multiple operational modes (contactless communication, contact-based communication, display control) through sensor-based detection. The processing unit interprets various sensor inputs (movement, orientation, acceleration) to control different functions, providing versatile operational mode control without increasing apparent device complexity for the user.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities where the chip card automatically adjusts its operational state based on real-time sensor data. The system transitions between different operational modes (enabled/disabled states, communication modes) based on detected movement patterns, providing adaptive functionality that responds to user actions without requiring complex manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual switching mechanisms are used, then operational mode control is achieved, but the card's lifespan is reduced due to mechanical wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode controlVSAvoidcard lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching mechanisms with an automated sensor-based system integrated into the chip module. Acceleration sensors and movement detectors automatically trigger operational mode changes without requiring physical switching components that subject to wear, thereby extending the card's operational lifespan while maintaining full operational mode control capability.

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

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

Enhances user friendliness and mechanical stability, enabling secure and versatile operation without external device interaction, extending the card's lifespan and improving security against NFC skimming.

Implementation Method 1

sensing a current movement of the data carrier; comparing the current movement to a predefined movement pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentEP4597359A1Method, computer program, chip module for enabling and/or disabling an operational mode of a portable data carrier and portable data carrier comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 GIESECKE & DEVRIENT EPAYMENTS GMBH
  • EP4597359A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4597359A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4597359A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for enabling and/or disabling an operational mode (M) of a portable data carrier (1), a computer program (20) for operating a portable data carrier (1), a chip module (3) for a portable data carrier (1), and a portable data carrier (1), in particular a transaction card, configured to carry out a respective method, are provided, the method comprising the steps of sensing (N2) a current movement (C) of the data carrier (1); comparing (N3) the current movement (C) to a predefined movement pattern (P); determining (N4) whether there is a sufficient match between the current movement (C) and the predefined movement pattern (P); and enabling (N5) and/or disabling the operational mode (M) in the event of that the sufficient match is being determined.