NFC Digital Tag State Control for Unwanted Reads and Counter Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC-enabled devices face issues with unintentional reading of NFC tags, leading to unwanted application launches and security risks, such as counter desynchronization between the device and the issuer.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a digital tag configured to associate with an application on a device, launching it in specific states, and a background service monitoring device states to prevent inadvertent launches, while allowing synchronization of counters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the NFC field is continuously active to enable convenient reading of NFC smartcards, then the ease of operation is improved, but unintentional reads and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a whitelist of authorized applications before NFC interactions occur. When an NFC smartcard is detected, the system checks whether the reading application is in the whitelist before allowing the read operation to proceed. This preliminary verification prevents unintentional reads while maintaining convenient NFC operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the user can provide input to authorize or deny NFC readings. The system monitors user actions and adjusts the whitelist accordingly, creating a feedback loop that allows users to control which applications can read NFC cards, thereby preventing unauthorized reads while maintaining ease of use.
2Extent of automation
If the NFC field is continuously active to enable automatic application launches, then the extent of automation is improved, but unwanted application launches increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring a whitelist of authorized applications that are allowed to launch automatically. When an NFC smartcard is read, the system checks whether the target application is in the whitelist before launching it. This prevents unwanted application launches while maintaining automated NFC functionality for authorized apps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (the whitelist verification system) between the NFC reading action and the application launch. This intermediary checks whether the reading application is authorized before allowing the launch to proceed, thereby preventing unwanted launches while maintaining automation for authorized applications.
3Measurement precision
If the counter on the smartcard is incremented on each read to track usage, then the measurement precision is improved, but counter desynchronization between device and issuer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the counter information is communicated back to the issuer. The system uses this feedback to synchronize the counter between the device and the issuer, ensuring that both parties maintain the same counter value. This feedback loop resolves the desynchronization issue while maintaining precise counter tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical counter incrementing mechanism with a more sophisticated synchronization system that uses communication protocols to ensure counter consistency. Instead of relying solely on local counter increments, the system uses feedback communication to synchronize counters between the device and issuer, preventing desynchronization.
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
Prevents unwanted application launches and maintains counter synchronization, enhancing user control and security in NFC interactions.
Implementation Method 1
Data contained on an NFC-enabled smartcard can be read when an NFC field is brought sufficiently close to the NFC smartcard. This energizes the NFC components on the smartcard and allows for information to be read from the smartcard.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system, method, and computer-accessible medium can include, for example, storing on a first device a digital tag, the tag configured to be associated with at least one application on a second device, such that receipt of the tag on the second device launches the application on the second device; and emitting from the first device to a second device the digital tag; wherein the application on the second device is configured to launch in a special state when the second device is in at least one state from a pre-determined list of states.