Contactless Card Confirmation Unit for Secure RF Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless cards face issues with information security and usability due to the lack of user control over command execution and data output, leading to potential theft and mis-operation, and existing solutions like switch circuits disrupt the antenna resonant loop's continuity, reducing usability.
Innovation Solution
A contactless card with a confirmation unit connected to the card chip's I/O interface, allowing cardholders to confirm operation commands via sensors like mechanical switches or sensors, ensuring secure execution of commands and maintaining antenna resonant circuit stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch circuit is set on the lead connected the card chip to the antenna coil to control information output and command execution, then information security is improved, but the continuity of the antenna resonant loop deteriorates due to impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control function from the antenna circuit by introducing a separate confirmation unit with confirmation key. This separates the security control function (confirmation unit) from the antenna resonant circuit, eliminating the need to insert switch circuits into the antenna lead. The confirmation unit communicates with the card chip through the I/O interface rather than disrupting the antenna circuit, thus maintaining antenna loop continuity while achieving information security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The confirmation unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the card chip. Instead of directly controlling the antenna circuit, the confirmation unit receives user input through the confirmation key and sends control signals to the card chip through the I/O interface. This intermediary mechanism enables security control without disrupting the antenna resonant loop, resolving the contradiction between security and operational continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a switch circuit is used to control card operations, then user control over information output is improved, but usability deteriorates due to disrupted antenna resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two independent parts: the confirmation unit for user control and the antenna resonant circuit for wireless communication. The confirmation unit is connected to the card chip's I/O interface rather than being integrated into the antenna circuit. This segmentation allows users to control information output and command execution through the confirmation key without affecting antenna resonance, thereby maintaining operational convenience while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The confirmation unit serves as an intermediary control mechanism that does not interfere with the antenna circuit. Users interact with the confirmation key, and the confirmation unit translates this input into control signals for the card chip through the I/O interface. This intermediary approach provides user control capability while keeping the antenna resonant circuit uninterrupted, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the contactless card allows direct access to stored information by placing it near the reader, then operation convenience is improved, but security against malicious utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring user confirmation before the card executes any command or outputs information. The confirmation unit checks whether the user has pressed the confirmation key before allowing the card chip to respond to reader commands. This preliminary verification step prevents malicious access while maintaining operation convenience, as legitimate users can still perform operations quickly by simply pressing the confirmation key when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The confirmation unit provides feedback control by monitoring user input through the confirmation key and adjusting card operation accordingly. The card chip receives control signals from the confirmation unit based on user confirmation status. This feedback mechanism ensures that information output and command execution only occur when the user intends them to, preventing malicious utilization while preserving ease of operation for legitimate uses.
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
This solution enhances user control over card operations, prevents information theft, and stabilizes the antenna resonant loop, improving card usability and security by allowing customizable confirmation of commands.
Implementation Method 1
The contactless card or non-contact card, as RF (Radio Frequency) card, which integrates the RF (Radio Frequency) identification technology successfully
Implementation Method 2
the communication between the contactless card and its reader is wireless, so the user does not need to insert or pull the card
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a contactless card in smart card field and a control method thereof. The contactless card comprises a card chip, an antenna resonant circuit, and a confirmation unit. The confirmation unit, being separated from the antenna resonant circuit and connected to the I/O interface of the card chip, is used for confirming a card operation command by a cardholder so as to send a confirmation message to the card chip. The control method can be realized according to the following steps: putting a contactless card into a valid range for its reader; determining by the contactless card whether a command transmitted from the reader needs to be confirmed by the cardholder, if not, responding to the command by the contactless card, otherwise waiting for confirmation message by the contactless card; and receiving the confirmation message from the cardholder and responding to the command by the contactless card. The present method provides the cardholder with the light on the control of command execution and prevents the information stored in the card from being stolen or mis-operation to the card, which improves the usability of the contactless card and eliminates the impedance and enhances the continuity of the antenna resonant circuit and brings the convenience to the cardholder.