Mobile Payment Activation via RFID and PIN
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading account information onto cell phones with RFID functionality are inconvenient and prone to privacy and security issues, lacking flexibility for consumers to add or change accounts without replacing the device or visiting a secure location.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves reading account information from an external wireless device and using an authentication code, such as a PIN or biometric vector, to activate a payment instrument on a mobile device, allowing users to load account information using their phone's keypad or a self-service terminal, and associating a personal identifier with the account identifier for secure activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If account information is preloaded into a phone shell or requires visit to secure location, then security and control over account data is improved, but convenience and flexibility for consumers is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables consumers to independently activate their phones as payment instruments by following simple instructions at home. The phone automatically communicates with the card issuer's system to load account information and set up security features, eliminating the need for visits to secure locations or specialized stores while maintaining security through automated verification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated intermediary communication channel between the consumer's phone and the card issuer's system. This intermediary enables secure data exchange over the telephone network, allowing account information to be loaded remotely without requiring physical presence at a secure location, thus improving convenience while maintaining security through controlled data transmission
2Reliability
If phone must be replaced or taken to secure location to add accounts, then account management control is improved, but flexibility and adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static account loading process into a dynamic, on-demand process. Consumers can add or change accounts at any time by simply following activation instructions, and the system dynamically loads the appropriate account information onto the phone without requiring physical replacement or location changes, thereby improving flexibility while maintaining control through automated verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup by providing consumers with activation instructions and a unique identifier before they need to add an account. When the consumer follows the instructions and enters their phone number, the system has already prepared the account information and security parameters, allowing rapid loading without requiring visits to secure locations or replacement of the phone
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 provides a secure, flexible, and convenient method for activating payment instruments on mobile devices, enhancing user privacy and security by allowing account management without the need for device replacement or secure location visits.
Implementation Method 1
employ RFID (radio frequency identification) technology... RFID devices employing NFC technology operate at a radio frequency range of 13.56 MHz
Implementation Method 2
One form of RFID technology that has been recently used in smart cards is Near Field Communications (NFC), which permits exchange of data between an RFID device or 'tag' and an RFID reader, when the tag and reader are touched or brought within several inches of each other
Data Source
AI summary
A payment instrument in the form of a cell phone is loaded with account information and activated as a payment instrument by reading account information from a nearby RFID device, and entering a user PIN or password. In one embodiment, the account information is read from an RFID tag provided to the user, and the password is entered on the phone keypad. In a second embodiment, the account information is read from an RFID device at an ATM or kiosk after the user inserts a card into a card reader at the ATM or kiosk and enters the password at the ATM or kiosk keypad.