Active Smart Card Direct NFC Transaction via One-Time Password
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart cards rely on external devices for transactions, limiting their ability to communicate directly and securely with each other, and face design challenges due to their compact form factor, which hinders the inclusion of power supplies and advanced security features.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of active near-field communication (NFC) technology in smart cards, enabling direct contactless transactions between two smart cards using a generated one-time password (OTP) for secure communication, along with a multi-layered security system involving PIN verification and card ID authentication, while maintaining a compact size and power efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional smart cards use passive NFC technology without battery, then the card form factor remains compact and simple, but the card cannot initiate transactions or communicate actively with other cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static passive NFC to dynamic active NFC, where the smart card can now initiate transactions and actively communicate. The card dynamically switches between powered and powerless states, activating NFC only when needed for transaction initiation, thus achieving versatility without permanent complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC reader in the smart card operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates briefly to initiate transactions then powers down. This periodic action provides the needed transaction initiation capability while minimizing the impact on card structure and power requirements
2Ease of operation
If smart cards include active NFC readers and batteries for direct card-to-card communication, then direct transactions between cards become possible, but the card thickness and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC reader is designed to be dynamically activatable rather than permanently engaged. It can be triggered by user input (keypad or touchscreen) and operates only during transaction initiation, allowing direct card-to-card communication without requiring the reader to be constantly active or permanently thickening the card structure
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC reader and battery are integrated into the existing card structure in a nested manner, fitting within the standard card form factor. The components are embedded such that they add minimal thickness while enabling the desired functionality
3Reliability
If smart cards use generated OTP for secure transactions, then transaction security is enhanced, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card generates OTP autonomously using its embedded NFC reader and microprocessor, without requiring external security devices or complex external verification systems. The card serves itself by creating and managing the one-time passwords, enhancing security while keeping the system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The OTP acts as an intermediary security element that mediates between the cardholder and the transaction system. Instead of requiring complex mutual authentication protocols, the OTP serves as a simple but effective security mediator that enhances reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 secure, direct transactions between smart cards without the need for external devices, enhancing security and usability while adhering to the limited form factor, by utilizing active NFC readers, batteries, and microprocessors for OTP generation and verification.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first ASC and second ASC may include an active near-field communication ('NFC') reader. The first ASC and the second ASC may be associated with an originating entity.
Data Source
AI summary
An active smart card (“ASC”) including an active near-field communication (“NFC”) reader configured to enable an active wireless NFC communication directly with another active NFC-enabled smart card to perform a transaction is provided. The ASC may include a battery configured to power the active NFC reader. The ASC may include a thickness wherein at its thickest point, may not be thicker than. 8 millimeters (“mm”). The width and height of the ASC may not be smaller than 90% of a width of 86 mm and not smaller than 90% of a height of 54 mm. The ASC may include a keypad embedded on the ASC that may include a display and alpha-numerical keys. The keypad may not extend a thickness greater than 0.8 mm. The ASC may further include a microprocessor enabling processing and transmitting card ID data and to communicate with a payment network.