NFC Secure Element Mediator for Android PCD Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with Android operating systems are unable to detect and communicate with Proximity Coupling Devices (PCDs) using the ISO-14443 standard, as they only support a handful of ISO-14443 device types, necessitating the use of a secure element which may not be necessary for all transactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of software that allows mobile devices to initialize a discovery mode to detect and communicate with contactless payment terminals using near-field communication protocols, providing users with the option to perform transactions with or without a secure element, even if the operating system does not support the specific protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile devices use a limited set of supported ISO-14443 device types to simplify operating system configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because devices like PCDs cannot be detected or used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure element as an intermediary component that mediates between the Android operating system and PCDs. The secure element contains a proprietary NFC stack that can communicate with PCDs using ISO-14443-4 protocol, while the Android OS remains unchanged. This intermediary layer enables compatibility with PCDs without requiring modifications to the Android operating system configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile devices sacrifice secure element usage to support unsupported NFC devices, then adaptability is improved, but security deteriorates because transactions cannot be performed securely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NFC communication functionality into two distinct parts: the Android operating system handles general NFC operations, while the secure element handles secure transaction processing and PCD communication. This segmentation allows the secure element to independently manage security-critical functions without compromising the overall system's ability to support diverse NFC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element acts as a mediator that enables secure transactions with PCDs. It contains the proprietary NFC stack that can communicate with PCDs using ISO-14443-4 protocol while maintaining security through hardware-based cryptographic operations, thus resolving the conflict between adaptability and security.
3Reliability
If mobile devices require secure element for all PCD transactions to ensure security, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to mandatory secure element integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the secure element a universal component that handles multiple functions: it serves as the secure processing unit for transactions, the communication interface for PCDs via proprietary NFC stack, and the security anchor for Android Pay. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing Near Field Communications. In certain embodiments, an Android mobile operating system based mobile device is configured with software that, when executed by one or more processors, determines whether the mobile device is to perform an NFC communication with a contactless payment terminal (CPT) using a secure element associated with an NFC controller included in the mobile device. Based on the determination, the mobile device is configured to execute software that performs communications with the CPT using the NFC controller.