Multi-Transceiver Credential Transfer via BLE and NFC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transferring credentials between devices face limitations in efficiency and security, particularly in access control and payment systems, where reliable and secure data transmission over varying distances is needed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a mobile device with multiple transceivers for communication over different carrier frequencies, such as Bluetooth low energy for long-range authentication and NFC for short-range data transfer, along with sensors for triangulating the device's position, to securely transmit credentials and facilitate access or payment transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single communication protocol is used for credential transfer, then the system is simpler to implement, but it cannot provide both long-range authentication and secure short-range data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the credential transfer process into two distinct phases using different communication protocols: long-range authentication via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and short-range secure data transfer via Near Field Communication (NFC). This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve both range and security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple transceivers that can operate with different communication protocols, enabling the same hardware platform to perform both long-range authentication and short-range secure data transfer functions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If long-range communication is used for credential transfer, then the user experience is improved, but security is compromised due to increased vulnerability to interception
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs long-range authentication and establishes a secure session key exchange via Bluetooth Low Energy before the actual credential data transfer. This preliminary action creates a secure foundation that protects the subsequent short-range NFC data transfer, allowing convenient long-range initiation while maintaining security through protocol-specific security measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a session key established during long-range authentication as an intermediary to protect the subsequent short-range data transfer. The session key acts as a mediator that enables secure communication without exposing the actual credential data during the vulnerable long-range transmission phase.
3Reliability
If short-range communication is used for all transactions, then security is improved, but the system loses the ability to perform remote authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functionality into two distinct transceivers: one optimized for long-range authentication (BLE) and another for short-range secure data transfer (NFC). This segmentation enables the system to maintain high security through NFC while simultaneously providing remote authentication capabilities through BLE, thus resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers with different protocols are used, then both long-range and short-range communication are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal controller that can manage multiple transceivers with different communication protocols. This universal control architecture allows the same processing unit to handle both BLE and NFC operations, reducing the need for separate dedicated hardware for each protocol and thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless connection may be established between a mobile device and a reader device and/or a sensor. The reader device and/or sensor may authenticate the mobile device. The reader device and/or sensor may receive a credential or token from the mobile device. An action may be performed based on certain criteria such as if the credential or token is valid.