NFC Interface Deactivation for Secure Element Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current near field communication systems lack flexibility in implementing multiple applications without reliance on a specific secure element, leading to technical and economic obstacles due to lack of standardization and compatibility issues between secure elements and payment systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that control data flow in near field communication appliances with multiple secure elements by determining which secure element contains the intended application and deactivating the interface to other elements, ensuring communication occurs only with the correct secure element, maintaining transparency to external appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple secure elements are provided in an NFC terminal, then application flexibility and compatibility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of managing communication between elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication management by introducing a selection module that independently identifies the target secure element based on application information, separating the complexity of multi-element management from the transparent communication flow. This allows multiple secure elements to coexist without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection module acts as an intermediary between the transparent interface and multiple secure elements. It receives communication requests, identifies the appropriate secure element based on application information, and routes the communication accordingly, thereby managing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
2Speed
If transparent interface passes data stream through without alteration, then communication speed is improved, but ability to route communication to correct secure element among multiple elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The selection module performs preliminary identification of the target secure element based on application information before the data stream is passed through the transparent interface. This preliminary action enables correct routing while maintaining the speed benefits of transparent communication for the actual data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into two phases: (1) preliminary identification and selection of the target secure element by the selection module, and (2) fast transparent data transmission. This segmentation allows both routing capability and communication speed to coexist.
3Reliability
If standardization is implemented for secure elements, then compatibility between different players is improved, but device complexity and implementation flexibility worsen due to rigid standard constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The selection module provides a universal solution that works across different secure element implementations and standards. It identifies and routes to the appropriate secure element regardless of the specific standard or player, ensuring compatibility while maintaining implementation flexibility through its application-information-based identification approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the flow of data in a near field communication appliance having an interposed element and a plurality of secure elements is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a first communication, sent by an external appliance, which is intended for an application located in one of the secure elements; determining whether a first one of the secure elements contains the application; and deactivating an interface from the interposed element to the first secure element if the first secure element does not contain the application. Corresponding systems and appliances for near field communication are also disclosed.