Booster antenna structure for coupling portable wireless communication devices and method of a biometric registration process

Abstract

Booster antenna structure (100) comprising a carrier (101) and a booster antenna (110) mounted on the carrier (101). The booster antenna (110) has three coupling areas. The first coupling area (111) is configured for inductive coupling of the booster antenna (110) with a reader. The second coupling area (112) is configured for inductive coupling of the booster antenna (110) with an antenna that is electrically connected to a chip module (102) of a biometric chip card (400). The third coupling area (113) is configured and arranged for inductive coupling of the booster antenna (110) with a radio communication terminal (410), by means of which a biometric registration process for biometric registration of the biometric chip card (400) can be carried out.

Description

[0001] Several aspects of this description concern a biometric chip card and booster antenna structure, which, through the antenna structure arrangement, enables a biometric registration process with a radio communication terminal.

[0002] A biometric smart card is needed to increase the security and authenticity of transactions and identities. By using biometric features, such as fingerprints, biometric smart cards can enable the unambiguous identification of a person. This is particularly important in areas such as payment transactions, access control, and identity verification.

[0003] Biometric smart cards work by containing a chip module that stores a person's biometric information. When a person wants to conduct a transaction or access a system, their biometric information is retrieved and compared with the stored information. If the information matches, the transaction or access is authorized.

[0004] The process of biometric authentication on a card can work as follows, for example: 1. A person's biometric information is captured through a biometric registration process and stored in the card's chip module. This biometric information can include, for example, fingerprints. 2. If the person wishes to carry out a transaction or access a system, their biometric information, such as fingerprints, will be retrieved. 3. The retrieved biometric information is compared with the information stored in the chip module. 4. If the retrieved biometric information matches the stored information, the transaction or access is approved.

[0005] Methods using biometric chip cards offer greater security than traditional authentication methods because they are not easily manipulated. Furthermore, they offer greater user-friendliness as they do not require complex passwords or PINs.

[0006] The biometric registration process, which involves registering a user with their biometric information on a biometric smart card, is a crucial step in storing a person's biometric information on the card. This process enables the verification of a person's unique identity and ensures the authenticity of the biometric information stored on the smart card.

[0007] To carry out the biometric registration process, the biometric chip card and its components, such as a fingerprint sensor and a chip card chip (e.g., integrated into a chip module), must be supplied with sufficient power. This power supply can be provided contactlessly, for example, via NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0008] NFC is a wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of energy and data between two devices when they are within a few centimeters of each other. The geometry of the antennas used plays a significant role in the connection quality of the devices. NFC is commonly used in smartphones, tablets, and other wireless communication devices.

[0009] In an NFC system, the coupling factor between two NFC devices is an important parameter that affects the system's performance. A higher coupling factor means better energy transfer between the NFC device antennas, which also enables reliable operation at greater distances between the antennas.

[0010] The coupling factor is usually denoted by the symbol "k" and is defined as the ratio of the mutual inductance between the two antennas of the NFC devices to the geometric mean of the self-inductances of the two antennas. Mathematically, the coupling factor can be expressed as follows: k = M / sqrt(L1 * L2). The coupling factor is a geometric factor and is therefore influenced by several antenna properties, such as the distance between the antennas, their orientation relative to each other, and their size and shape.

[0011] Wireless communication devices, such as smartphones, are equipped with NFC antennas of varying sizes and shapes. Generally, however, these are relatively small compared to the size of a chip card designed and optimized for card readers or payment terminals. For example, the NFC antennas of widely available smartphones are located at the top of the device (e.g., Apple iPhones™, iPhone 14, 15, 16), near the camera, or are arranged in a rectangular shape (e.g., 40 mm x 40 mm) in the middle of the smartphone.

[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for an antenna structure for a biometric chip card that ensures good inductive coupling of an NFC antenna of a radio communication terminal, for example a smartphone, regardless of knowledge of the exact position of the NFC antenna in the radio communication terminal.

[0013] A booster antenna structure for a biometric chip card according to claim 1 and a method for a biometric registration process according to claim 12 are provided. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0015] They show: Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a booster antenna structure comprising a support and a booster antenna; Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a booster antenna structure, wherein a coupling area is arranged in a region along the underside of the biometric chip card; Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a booster antenna structure, wherein parallel end sections of the booster antenna are arranged in a coil shape; Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a system for performing a biometric registration process of a biometric chip card; Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment of a system for carrying out a biometric registration process for a biometric chip card; and a different positioning of the biometric chip card. Fig. Figure 6 shows an example of a flowchart of a biometric registration process in a biometric chip card using a radio communication terminal.

[0016] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. In this context, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "anterior," "rear," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology serves only for illustration and is in no way limiting. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention.It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be interpreted in a limiting sense, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0017] Within the scope of this description, the terms "connected," "attached," and "coupled" are used to describe both direct and indirect connections, direct or indirect links, and direct or indirect couplings. In the figures, identical or similar elements are labeled with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0018] A booster antenna structure 100 is shown in different embodiments which, through an optimized antenna structure arrangement, enables a biometric registration process with high connection quality with various types of radio communication terminals.

[0019] The booster antenna structure 100 comprises a carrier 101 and a booster antenna 110 mounted on the carrier 101. The booster antenna 110 has a first coupling area 111, a second coupling area 112, and a third coupling area 113.

[0020] A chip module 102 can be provided on carrier 101. In this example, the booster antenna structure 100 forms a biometric chip card, e.g., biometric chip card 400 (see Fig. 4).

[0021] The first coupling area 111 is set up and arranged for inductive coupling of the booster antenna 110 with a reader (not shown in Fig. 1), for example, a payment terminal.

[0022] The second coupling area 112 is set up and arranged for inductive coupling of the booster antenna 110 with an antenna that can be electrically connected to the chip module 102.

[0023] The third coupling area 113 is configured and arranged for the inductive coupling of the booster antenna 110 with a radio communication terminal 410, by means of which a biometric registration process for the biometric registration of the biometric chip card 400 can be carried out. The third coupling area 113 has the geometry of an NFC antenna of a radio communication terminal 410 (see Fig. 4) Leaning. By correctly positioning the radio communication terminal 410, a sufficiently high coupling factor, for example greater than k = 0.1, can be achieved.

[0024] By connecting the three coupling areas 111, 112 and 113 in series, each of which is designed as a coil, and the end sections, which are designed as a capacitor structure 114, a booster antenna 110 with a resonant frequency, for example between 10 and 20 MHz, is formed.

[0025] The booster antenna structure 100 can be formed either by means of metal layers or by means of a continuously embedded wire. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a capacitor structure 114 is created when the end sections are parallel to each other and are formed by a meandering, parallel, embedded wire. Furthermore, Figure 1 shows Fig. 1 an embodiment which shows, in addition to the capacitor structure 114, an arrangement of the three described coupling areas 111, 112 and 113.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows another embodiment with an alternative arrangement of the third coupling area 213 on a carrier 101 along the underside of the biometric chip card.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which a coil-shaped capacitor structure 314 is formed by the end sections running parallel to each other.

[0028] The third coupling area 113 of a booster antenna structure 100, which is intended for coupling to a radio communication terminal 410, is located outside the second coupling area 112.

[0029] In another embodiment, the biometric chip card 400 can be divided into a first area 300A with a chip module 102 and a second area 300B opposite the first area, wherein the first area 300A and the second area 300B are arranged in a mirror image and the third coupling area 113 is arranged in the second area 300B.

[0030] The second coupling area 112 is the geometrically smallest of all three coupling areas and is arranged at least partially around the chip module 102. This results in a high coupling factor between the antenna of the chip module 102 and the second coupling area 112, for example, greater than k = 0.1. To further improve or increase the coupling factor, the second coupling area 112 can at least partially overlap the chip module 102.

[0031] Long read ranges are not typically required for the biometric registration process. For example, if the radio communication terminal 410 is positioned directly on the biometric chip card 400, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the reading range requirements are less than one centimeter. In the Fig. In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the NFC antenna of the radio communication terminal 410 overlaps at least partially with the third coupling area 113 of the booster antenna 110. The connection quality indicator 430 of the radio communication terminal 410 shows good connection quality and coupling in the depicted configuration, indicated by the word "Great". Thus, the biometric chip card is supplied with sufficient energy to carry out the biometric registration process. The process can be started. In another embodiment, the connection quality can be displayed using a measurement indicator, for example, in the form of a bar graph, another graphical representation, an acoustic signal, or a haptic signal. For example, high connection quality corresponds to 100% of the bar, and low connection quality to 10%.From a certain connection quality, for example 25%, the energy supply of the biometric chip card 400 is sufficient to start a biometric registration process.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 shows a system for performing a biometric registration process for a biometric chip card 400. In this example, the biometric chip card 400 is positioned on the display side of the radio communication terminal 410. In this configuration as well, the antenna of the radio communication terminal 410 overlaps at least partially with the third coupling area 113 of the booster antenna structure 100. Again, the display of the radio communication terminal 410 indicates optimal connection quality.

[0033] Standard readers, such as payment terminals, use large NFC antennas that enable read ranges of at least 4 cm. When the biometric chip card 400, equipped with the booster antenna structure 100, is used in combination with a reader, the first coupling area 111 plays a crucial role. The first coupling area 111 utilizes the entire surface area of ​​the carrier 101 of the biometric chip card 400 to create a large coil, which subsequently establishes a high coupling factor k with the reader.

[0034] Fig.Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a flowchart for a biometric registration process. A biometric registration process for a biometric chip card 400 and the booster antenna 110 is initiated by providing a radio communication terminal 410 equipped with NFC and biometric registration process software. The software installed on the radio communication terminal 410 can access the specifications of the radio communication terminal hardware used and, accordingly, also information on the geometry and position of the NFC antenna. Thus, it is possible to display an optical positioning structure based on information from the radio communication terminal hardware. The displayed position corresponds to a starting position in which the NFC antenna of the radio communication terminal 410 at least partially overlaps the third coupling area 113 of the booster antenna structure 100.In other words, the display of the wireless communication device 410 shows how to position the wireless communication device 410 on the biometric chip card 400 to start the biometric registration process. The connection quality between the wireless communication device 410 and the biometric chip card 400 is also continuously displayed on the wireless communication device 410. In various embodiments, the connection quality can be indicated visually, audibly, or haptically. Furthermore, a visual representation of the biometric chip card 400 can be displayed to illustrate the desired positioning of the wireless communication device 410.

[0035] The position of the radio communication terminal 410 must be changed by moving it until a connection quality sufficient for the biometric registration process is achieved and displayed. Once the connection quality, and thus the power supply to the biometric chip card 400, is sufficient, the actual biometric registration process, in which, for example, fingerprint information is stored on the biometric chip card 400, can be started.

[0036] In this process, biometric information of a person to be registered, such as a fingerprint, is provided and then captured using a fingerprint reader on a 400-series biometric chip card. The captured biometric information is processed to extract unique characteristics, such as minutiae in a fingerprint. This process and processing step can be repeated multiple times to extract the characteristics. Subsequently, biometric information, which is a digital representation of the user's biometric information, is created and securely stored.

[0037] During subsequent authentication attempts, the user's biometric information is captured again and compared with the stored biometric information. If the information matches, the user is authenticated and granted access to the requested resource or service, such as a payment transaction.

Claims

[1] Booster antenna structure (100), comprising: • a carrier (101); • a booster antenna (110) mounted on the carrier (101); • wherein the booster antenna (110) has a first coupling area (111), a second coupling area (112) and a third coupling area (113, 213); • wherein the first coupling area (111) is set up and arranged for inductive coupling of the booster antenna (110) with a reader; • wherein the second coupling area (112) is set up and arranged for inductive coupling of the booster antenna (110) with an antenna that is electrically conductively connected to a chip module (102) of a biometric chip card (400); and • wherein the third coupling area (113, 213) is set up and arranged for inductive coupling of the booster antenna (110) with a radio communication terminal (410), by means of which a biometric registration process for biometric registration of the biometric chip card (400) can be carried out. [2] Booster antenna structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first coupling area (111) is connected in series to the second coupling area (112) and the third coupling area (113). [3] Booster antenna structure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the booster antenna structure (100) is formed from one or more metal layers. [4] Booster antenna structure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the booster antenna structure (100) is formed by a continuously embedded wire. [5] Booster antenna structure (100) according to claim 4, wherein the wire is arranged in a meandering or coiled shape. [6] Booster antenna structure (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the end sections of the wire run parallel and thereby form a capacitor structure (114, 314). [7] Booster antenna structure (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the carrier (101) is a biometric chip card (400) with a chip module (102). [8] Booster antenna structure (100) according to claim 7, wherein the third coupling area (113, 213) is arranged outside the second coupling area (112). [9] Booster antenna structure (100) according to claim 8, wherein the biometric chip card (400) has a first area (300A) with chip module (102) and a second area (300B) opposite the first area (300A), wherein the first area (300A) and the second area (300B) are arranged in a mirror image and the third coupling area (113) is arranged in the second area (300B). [10] Booster antenna structure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second coupling area (112) is arranged at least partially around the chip module (102). [11] Booster antenna structure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second coupling area (112) is arranged at least partially superimposed on the chip module (102). [12] Method for carrying out a biometric registration process of a biometric chip card (400) comprising: • Providing a radio communication terminal (410) comprising a display of an optical positioning structure with which a positioning of the radio communication terminal (410) is displayed on a biometric chip card (400). • Positioning the radio communication terminal (410) according to the displayed optical positioning structure on a biometric chip card (400) • Displaying the connection quality between the radio communication terminal (410) and the biometric chip card (400) on the radio communication terminal (410) • Move the radio communication terminal (410) within the area of ​​a displayed optical positioning structure until the connection quality required for the biometric registration process is achieved. • Conducting a biometric registration process. [13] System for carrying out a biometric registration process of a biometric chip card (400) comprising: • A biometric chip card (400) comprising a booster antenna structure (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a chip module (102) for storing at least one biometric piece of information • A radio communication terminal (410) wherein the radio communication terminal (410) is inductively coupled to the biometric chip card (400) via the booster antenna structure (100), comprising a display for indicating the connection quality between the biometric chip card (400) and the radio communication terminal (410).

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