NFC Transceiver Payment in Low Battery State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices become unusable for payment transactions when the battery drains below a certain threshold, leading to automatic shut-down and inability to complete transactions, especially inconvenient for users relying on mobile payments for transit or services.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device configuration that allows payment transactions to be completed even when the device is in a low battery shut-off state by using a secure element and near field communication (NFC) transceiver, which can draw power from an external source, and prompts the user to select a default payment card and optionally provide a PIN or authorization code, reducing security risks by allowing predefined key sequences to substitute manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the mobile device shuts off automatically when battery power drops below a threshold, then energy conservation is improved, but the ability to complete payment transactions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into different operational modes: normal mode (full functionality), low battery mode (limited functionality with payment capability), and shut-off mode (complete power down). The NFC transceiver and secure element maintain independence from the main processor, allowing payment transactions to occur in low battery mode without requiring full device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by prompting the user to select a default payment card before the device shuts off. The selected payment card is pre-configured in the secure element, so when the device is in low battery mode, the payment transaction can proceed immediately without requiring user intervention or card selection during the transaction.
2Reliability
If the device allows payment transactions in low battery shut-off state, then payment capability is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The payment card data is extracted from the main device storage and placed in a dedicated secure element with hardware-level security. The NFC transceiver can access this data independently without requiring decryption or processing by the main processor, minimizing the attack surface while maintaining secure payment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by allowing only the essential NFC payment functionality to operate in low battery mode, while excluding non-essential features. The processor executes in a limited execution mode with restricted capabilities, providing just enough processing power for payment transactions without enabling other potentially vulnerable operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device requires manual PIN or authorization code input during low battery mode, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The user is prompted to select a default payment card and optionally set a PIN or authorization code before the device shuts off. This preliminary configuration stores the security credentials in the secure element, eliminating the need for manual input during the actual payment transaction in low battery mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically using the pre-selected default payment card for transactions in low battery mode without requiring user intervention. The NFC transceiver can autonomously complete payment transactions using the configured card, reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining security through pre-established credentials.
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 users to complete payment transactions without needing to recharge their device, providing flexibility and convenience while minimizing security vulnerabilities by allowing alternative input methods and time-limited default payment card usage.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication (NFC) transceiver, wherein the near field communication transceiver is configured to complete a payment transaction with an external near field communication station
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile phone configured to complete payment transactions while the mobile phone is in a low battery shut-off state. The mobile phone comprises a secure element configured to store payment cards, a near field communication transceiver, wherein the near field communication transceiver is configured to complete a payment transaction based on a payment card stored in the secure element, a memory, a processor and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application detects whether a power reserve is below a predefined threshold. When the power reserve is detected below the predefined threshold, the application prompts selection of a payment card stored in the secure element for use in completing payment transactions while the mobile phone is in a low battery shut-off state and configures one of the secure element or the near field communication transceiver to complete payment transactions using the selected payment card.