Dynamic Range Wireless Access Point for Secure Retail Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range and slow adoption of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology hinder its widespread use in commercial settings, such as retail stores, due to the need for deliberate device pairing and high infrastructure costs, while other wireless standards like Bluetooth lack the selective and secure nature of NFC.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic range wireless access point system that transitions communication paths from short range to long range, using a combination of short and long range radio systems, antennas, and modulation techniques to enable selective and secure communications, allowing for seamless handoffs and reduced infrastructure costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC technology is used for short range communications, then selectivity and security are improved, but device ubiquity and adoption rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts communication range by transitioning between short range (NFC) and long range (Bluetooth) modes based on operational needs. The access point can switch between these ranges to maintain security when needed while enabling broader compatibility when security constraints are not required, thus resolving the contradiction between selectivity and ubiquity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into two distinct layers: NFC for secure, selective short-range communications and Bluetooth for broader, less secure long-range communications. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function optimally while the system as a whole achieves both security and ubiquity
2Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth is used for long range communications, then device ubiquity is improved, but selectivity and security deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC short-range communication acts as an intermediary layer that provides secure authentication and device identification before establishing Bluetooth connections. This intermediary step ensures that even though Bluetooth operates at long range with lower security, the overall system maintains selectivity and security through the NFC verification process
3Reliability
If NFC is used for transactions, then transaction security is improved, but infrastructure cost and device requirement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The access point is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both NFC and Bluetooth protocols. This allows the infrastructure to serve dual purposes: secure NFC transactions when needed and broader Bluetooth connectivity for device discovery and initial pairing, thereby reducing the need for dedicated NFC infrastructure while maintaining security options
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed subject matter provides for systems and/or methods for a dynamic range wireless access point to initiate deliberate and/or selective communications with one or more wireless devices over a short range radio path. One embodiment of an access point system comprises a processor that transfers one or more wireless devices to a long range radio path once a transition condition has been met. In another embodiment, an access point system may affect transactions between user/customer's smart devices and a commercial place of business where the access point system and the smart devices initiate communications when the smart devices are deliberately placed within the proximity of the access point antenna and/or the smart devices are brought within the vicinity of the access point antenna such as by passing through the entrance or exit to the place of business.