NFC Authentication Card Wireless Access Without Smart Card Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of using smart card readers for secure access is cumbersome and expensive, as employees need to carry bulky equipment to authenticate securely across various devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing near-field communications (NFC) to authenticate using a contactless NFC card, allowing users to wirelessly exchange authentication information between an NFC card and a mobile device or computer, eliminating the need for a smart card reader and enabling secure access on multiple NFC-capable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smart card reader is used for secure authentication, then authentication security is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to the bulky equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication functionality from the bulky external smart card reader and integrates it directly into the mobile device. The mobile device now contains an embedded smart card reader that can read authentication cards, eliminating the need for a separate external reader while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a communication device and an authentication device with an integrated smart card reader. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace both the mobile phone and the external smart card reader, improving portability while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If a smart card reader is used for secure access, then authentication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the smart card reader functionality with the mobile device, combining two separate systems into one integrated unit. This reduces the overall number of components the user needs to manage and decreases system complexity while maintaining authentication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device provides its own authentication reading capability through the embedded smart card reader, eliminating the need for external assistance or separate equipment. The device serves itself by incorporating all necessary authentication functions directly into its structure.
3Reliability
If an external smart card reader is used, then secure authentication is achieved, but loss of time and productivity occur due to the need to carry and connect additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card reader is pre-integrated into the mobile device during manufacturing, so no additional setup or connection steps are required at the time of authentication. The functionality is already in place and ready to use, eliminating the time needed to connect external equipment.
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 secure access to resources without the need for bulky external smart card readers, leveraging embedded NFC readers in many devices for convenient and cost-effective authentication across various devices.
Implementation Method 1
wirelessly receiving an authentication code from an authentication card via NFC
Data Source
AI summary
A method is performed by a computing device. The method includes, (a) at the computing device, wirelessly receiving an authentication code from an authentication card via near-field communications (NFC), (b) providing the authentication code received wirelessly via NFC to an authentication service configured to authenticate the user of the computing device based on the authentication code, and (c) in response to the authentication service authenticating the user based on the authentication code received wirelessly via NFC, providing the user with access to a resource via the computing device. Analogous computer program products and apparatuses are also provided described.