Smart Card Memory Sector Segmentation for Dual Payment and NFC Tag Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional contactless smart cards, such as those using MIFARE® Classic technology, cannot function simultaneously as both a payment card and an NFC tag due to the occupation of the first memory sector by payment service ID information, limiting their dual functionality.
Innovation Solution
A smart card design that stores NFC tag ID information at the first memory sector in a MAD format and payment service ID information at other predetermined sectors, allowing the card to be recognized as both a payment card and an NFC tag through a NFC tag applet implemented based on international smart card standards like Global Platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first memory sector is used to store payment service ID information, then the smart card can function as a payment card, but it cannot be recognized as an NFC tag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the memory sectors into two distinct groups: the first memory sector is dedicated to storing NFC tag ID information for NFC tag recognition, while other predetermined memory sectors store payment service ID information for payment card functionality. This segmentation resolves the conflict by assigning specific memory regions to specific functions, allowing the smart card to maintain both payment card and NFC tag capabilities simultaneously without interference between the two services.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first memory sector stores NFC tag ID information, then the smart card can be recognized as an NFC tag, but it cannot function as a payment card
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory structure so that NFC tag ID information is stored in the first memory sector while payment service ID information is stored in other predetermined sectors. This segmentation ensures that NFC tag recognition and payment card functionality operate from separate memory locations, eliminating conflicts and ensuring both functions can be reliably executed.
Solution Approach 2:
The smart card is designed with multi-functionality by implementing both NFC tag applet and payment card applet. The card can be recognized as an NFC tag when NFC tag ID information is present in the first memory sector, and simultaneously maintain payment card functionality through payment service ID information stored in other sectors. This universal design allows a single card to serve multiple purposes without compromising the reliability of either function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single smart card provides both payment and NFC tag services, then versatility is enhanced, but memory sector allocation becomes conflicting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the memory allocation conflict by segmenting the memory structure into distinct regions: the first memory sector is allocated for NFC tag ID information, while other predetermined sectors are allocated for payment service ID information. This clear segmentation eliminates overlap and conflict between the two services, allowing the single smart card to provide both payment and NFC tag functionalities simultaneously with a well-organized memory structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the memory structure are assigned different functions based on local quality principles. The first memory sector has the specific quality of storing NFC tag identification data, while other sectors have the quality of storing payment service data. This localized functional assignment optimizes the memory structure for dual-service operation, enhancing versatility while maintaining clear organizational boundaries that prevent conflicts.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is related to providing a payment processing service and a near field communication (NFC) tag processing service through the single smart card. The smart card may store identification (ID) information of one of a payment card and a NFC tag at a first memory sector and store associated information for providing a related service as the payment card and the NFC tag at predetermined memory sectors. The smart card may be also implemented with a NFC tag applet providing the ID information and the associated information as the NFC tag to the user terminal. The smart card may be recognized as the NFC tag while storing the ID information for the payment card at the first memory sector in the memory or as the payment card while storing the ID information for the NFC tag at the first memory sector in the memory.