Mobile Subscriber Unit for Financial Transaction Tokens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart financial transaction cards face limitations due to the need for external power sources, limited operational range, security risks from cryptographic algorithm cracking, and inability to function outside of POS terminals, as well as lack of flexibility in account information management and remote operation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile subscriber unit with an onboard rechargeable power source, such as a thin-film capacitor, integrated processor, and user interface that allows the financial token to operate independently of POS terminals, reprogram account information, and provide secure cryptographic protection, enabling remote transactions and charge management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If contact-type smart cards use a physical connector interface to obtain power from a POS terminal, then the card can operate with external power, but the card cannot function outside of physical contact with a terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (portable electronic device with wireless communication capability) that mediates between the smart card and the external environment. This intermediary provides wireless power and data communication, allowing the card to operate without direct physical contact with a terminal while maintaining power supply and data exchange capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact interface with a wireless communication system. Instead of requiring physical connector contact for power and data transfer, the system uses electromagnetic fields for wireless power transfer and data communication, eliminating the mechanical constraint of physical contact.
2Ease of operation
If contactless cards obtain power from a terminal-generated RF electromagnetic field, then the card can operate without physical contact, but the card must be in close proximity to the terminal (10 cm range)
Solution Approach 1:
The portable electronic device serves as an intermediary that extends the operational range. It maintains a wireless connection with the smart card and communicates with remote terminals, allowing the card to operate beyond the limited 10 cm RF range of direct contactless terminals by relaying power and data through the intermediary device.
3Use of energy by moving object
If RF-powered cards use short range electromagnetic fields, then power consumption is limited, but the cards cannot support power-consuming circuitry such as displays
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary portable device provides additional power delivery capability through wireless charging technology. It can transfer sufficient power to support power-consuming components like displays, processors, and memory in the smart card system, overcoming the power limitations of direct RF-powered cards while maintaining wireless operation.
4Reliability
If smart cards use cryptographic security algorithms, then security is enhanced, but the algorithms can be cracked if time and electrical current for encryption operations are measured
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary portable device acts as a secure element that handles cryptographic operations. It provides a protected environment for key storage and encryption/decryption processes, isolating the smart card from potential side-channel attacks. The intermediary's secure architecture prevents measurement of time and current parameters that could be used to crack cryptographic algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service security measures including secure element isolation, encrypted communication channels, and authentication protocols. The portable device and smart card work together to provide mutual authentication and secure key management, ensuring that cryptographic operations remain protected from external measurement and analysis.
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
Enables financial transactions to be conducted remotely and securely, with flexible account management and power management, reducing the need for external power sources and enhancing security by utilizing an onboard power source and integrated processor.
Implementation Method 1
the token includes a thin-film capacitor that stores sufficient energy to power the mobile subscriber unit's onboard electronics and/or the electronics of a financial token in communication with the mobile subscriber unit
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a mobile subscriber unit for a financial transaction token. The subscriber unit interfaces with a financial token or card that is in communication with the subscriber unit. The financial token or card has an onboard energy source so that the card token may operate away from proximity to a merchant terminal (e.g.; a POS terminal). In one implementation, the onboard power storage device includes a rechargeable battery or capacitor such as a thin-film capacitor that stores sufficient energy to power the subscriber unit's onboard electronics and/or the electronics of a financial token in communication with the subscriber unit. The subscriber unit may be a component of another consumer device such as a computing device, communications device, an item of clothing, an item of jewelry, a cell phone, a PDA, an identification card, a money holder, a wallet, a purse, a briefcase, or a personal organizer.