Biometric-Gated Smart Card Display for Secure Contactless Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart cards lack enhanced security measures to ensure that sensitive information is only accessible to authenticated users, particularly in contactless transactions where power harvesting and authentication processes can be compromised.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a biometric module with a fingerprint sensor and display screen, controlled by a unit that captures biometric data for authentication and only displays authenticated information when the user is verified, using stored charge to maintain display functionality without external power, and employing a threshold detection circuit to manage power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless power harvesting is used to power the smart card, then communication convenience is improved, but security is worsened because the harvested power can be compromised and sensitive information may be accessed without proper authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs biometric authentication before displaying sensitive information. The control unit captures biometric data, authenticates the user, and only then causes the display screen to show authenticated information. This preliminary authentication action ensures that even though contactless power harvesting enables convenient operation, security is maintained by requiring verification before sensitive data becomes accessible.
2Reliability
If a display screen is added to show authenticated information, then security is improved by controlling information access, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the biometric sensor, display screen, and control unit into a single integrated biometric module that is embedded within the smart card. This combining of multiple security-related components into one unified module improves information access security while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the components work together as a cohesive unit rather than separate additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The biometric module serves multiple functions: it captures biometric data, performs authentication, stores authentication information, and displays authenticated information on the display screen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving security capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If biometric authentication is implemented, then security is improved, but power consumption is worsened because authentication processes require additional energy
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is activated periodically or on-demand based on authentication events rather than continuously. The control unit causes the display screen to display authenticated information only after successful biometric authentication, and can cause it to cease displaying when authentication is no longer active. This periodic activation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous operation, while still providing necessary security verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The biometric module is designed with localized power management where the display screen and biometric sensor operate independently based on authentication needs. Only the necessary components are activated during authentication events, rather than powering the entire card continuously. This localized power quality approach minimizes overall power consumption while maintaining authentication security.
4Ease of operation
If the display screen continuously shows information, then user convenience is improved, but security is worsened because information may be displayed to unauthorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors authentication status and uses this feedback to control display screen operation. When authentication is detected, the control unit causes the display screen to display authenticated information; when authentication is not detected or is lost, it causes the display screen to cease displaying. This feedback mechanism ensures that information is displayed conveniently to authorized users only, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Data Source
AI summary
Biometric module configured to perform processing as part of a device configured to perform contactless or contact communication with a terminal, the module comprising: a biometric sensor; a display screen; and a control unit configured to: cause the biometric sensor to capture biometric data of a user which can be used to biometrically authenticate the user; obtain biometric authentication information indicating whether the user was biometrically authenticated based on the captured biometric data; and in response to the biometric authentication information indicating the user was biometrically authenticated, cause the display screen to display authenticated information.