Stackable Integrated Circuit Cards for Split Payment Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment systems require manual calculations and processing for splitting payments across multiple cards, and existing payment applications often necessitate all parties to use the same application and have linked accounts, which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Integrated circuit cards with exposed input and output ports that allow for removably coupling and wireless communication, enabling a first card to retrieve data from additional cards and transmit a combined data record to an access device as a single entity, facilitating split transactions without the need for individual processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment cards are used for split payments, then payment flexibility is improved, but processing complexity increases due to manual calculations and individual card processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple payment cards into a single stackable assembly where cards physically interlock through complementary features (protrusions and recesses). This merging allows the access device to treat multiple cards as a single unit, automatically processing split payments without manual intervention. The first card in the stack serves as the primary interface, while subsequent cards are automatically recognized and processed based on their stacked configuration.
2Ease of operation
If payment applications are used to collect partial payments, then transaction processing is simplified, but user accessibility deteriorates as all parties must use the same application with linked accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal payment solution that works across different payment applications and systems. The stackable card assembly can be used with any access device that supports contactless or contact-based payment processing, regardless of which specific payment application the users have. This eliminates the requirement for all parties to use the same application, as the physical card stack itself carries the necessary payment credentials and routing information.
3Extent of automation
If cards are stacked to present as a single unit, then split payment processing is automated, but card coupling reliability must be ensured for proper data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the card coupling mechanism into distinct functional components: alignment features (guiding protrusions and guiding recesses) that ensure proper positioning, and connection features (interlocking protrusions and recesses) that secure the stack. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably, ensuring that cards are properly aligned and securely coupled for automated data transmission and processing.
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 seamless split transactions by presenting a stack of integrated circuit cards as a single unit to access devices, eliminating the need for manual calculations and ensuring all parties can participate without requiring the same payment application or linked accounts.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a current to a second integrated circuit card physically coupled to the first integrated circuit card such that an output port of the first integrated circuit card is coupled to an input port of the second integrated circuit card
Implementation Method 2
establishing a wireless communication channel with an access device, and transmitting a current to a second integrated circuit card
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods allow for the integrated circuit cards (ICCs) to removably couple to each other and transmit information to an access device as a single device. One among the two or more ICCs coupled together may read data from the remaining ICCs and provide the data to an access device via contactless communication. The ICC may include a substrate; an integrated circuit embedded in the substrate; input ports exposed on a first surface of the substrate, and output ports exposed on a second surface of the substrate. The input ports and the output ports are electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. The output ports are configured to be removably coupled to the input ports of a second ICC.