Hybrid NFC-BLE Contactless Payment Translation Layer

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless payment technologies restrict third-party apps from using NFC transmission functionalities on mobile devices, limiting their ability to facilitate contactless payments.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that enable contactless payments by using a mobile device with an NFC chipset and a secondary wireless communications interface, such as Bluetooth or WiFi, to transmit a primary payment signal, which is processed to create a secondary signal for NFC transmission to a networked payment terminal, allowing third-party apps to perform transactions without direct NFC access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC transmission functions are locked down by manufacturers, then security and control are improved, but third-party app access to contactless payment is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidthird-party app access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts between Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals from third-party apps and NFC transmission protocols required by the payment terminal. This mediator component enables third-party applications to access contactless payment functionality without directly accessing restricted NFC transmission functions, thereby maintaining manufacturer security controls while enabling app versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the direct NFC transmission mechanism with an alternative communication path using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Instead of requiring third-party apps to use the locked-down NFC transmission interface, the system uses BLE for initial communication and data transfer, then translates this data into NFC-compatible format for the actual payment transmission, replacing the blocked mechanical access path with an alternative routing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If direct NFC transmission is used by third-party apps, then contactless payment functionality is achieved, but system security and stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontactless payment functionalityVSAvoidsystem security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts between Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals from third-party apps and NFC transmission protocols required by the payment terminal. This mediator component enables third-party applications to access contactless payment functionality without directly accessing restricted NFC transmission functions, thereby maintaining manufacturer security controls while enabling app versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If NFC chipset is restricted to factory-installed software only, then manufacturer control is maintained, but payment flexibility and compatibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturer controlVSAvoidpayment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the direct NFC transmission mechanism with an alternative communication path using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Instead of requiring third-party apps to use the locked-down NFC transmission interface, the system uses BLE for initial communication and data transfer, then translates this data into NFC-compatible format for the actual payment transmission, replacing the blocked mechanical access path with an alternative routing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20240161087A1Contactless payment via mobile devices using hybrid communications approach

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 A C N 602 586 952 PTY LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to contactless payment technology, whereby contactless payments are made via mobile devices using hybrid communications approach (for example using Near Field Communications and a secondary wireless communications technology). Embodiments of the invention are primarily directed to enabling contactless payments without needing to utilise NFC transmission functionalities via the mobile device.