NFC Device Sequence Storage for Multi-Device Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current near field communication (NFC) devices and readers have limited functionality and range, primarily supporting simple functions like transactions or access, and lack the ability to execute complex functions or sequences efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a near field communication device with a storage unit that stores sequence-specific data, including a sequence identifier and order attribute, allowing an external NFC reader to execute functions only when all devices in a sequence are read in a predefined order and within a specified time, enhancing security and functionality through authentication and timing attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If NFC devices support only simple functions (transactions, access), then device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but functionality range and complexity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments functionality across multiple NFC devices through sequences. Each individual NFC device maintains simple structure, but collectively they provide complex functionality through ordered combinations. The sequence-specific data structure divides the authentication/transaction logic into discrete device-specific segments that work together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC reader is designed with universal capability to handle both simple individual device interactions and complex multi-device sequence operations. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting various sequence lengths, different function types (authentication, transactions, discounts), and flexible time window configurations within a single platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If NFC reader executes complex functions requiring multiple devices, then functionality range increases, but operation complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality rangeVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining sequences and their associated functions before execution. Sequence-specific data including device identifiers, order attributes, and function specifications are prepared in advance and stored in the NFC devices. During execution, the reader simply needs to verify the sequence rather than process complex logic in real-time, significantly reducing operational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the time window for sequence completion based on the specific function and sequence requirements. The time attribute in sequence-specific data allows flexible configuration of acceptable time ranges, enabling the system to optimize between security requirements and user convenience for different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If NFC devices store sequence-specific data with authentication attributes, then security is enhanced, but device complexity and data storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication credentials are segmented across multiple NFC devices in a sequence rather than concentrated in a single device. Each device stores a portion of the authentication data and sequence-specific attributes, so that complete authentication requires reading and verifying the entire sequence in the correct order. This distribution enhances security while keeping individual device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If NFC system requires reading devices in predefined order within time window, then security and functionality are improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC devices themselves encode the sequence order and timing requirements within their sequence-specific data. The NFC reader automatically retrieves and verifies these attributes without requiring user intervention for ordering or timing management. The system performs self-verification of sequence integrity, maintaining security while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3151146B1Near field communication device
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 NXP BV
  • EP3151146B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3151146B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3151146B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a near field communication device is provided which comprises a storage unit, wherein said storage unit is configured and adapted to store sequence-specific data relating to at least one sequence of devices of which said near field communication device forms part. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method for configuring a near field communication device is conceived. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a near field communication reader is provided which comprises: a near field communication unit which is configured and adapted to read at least one sequence of devices; and a processing unit which is configured and adapted to execute a function associated with said sequence only if all devices of said sequence have been read. According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method for facilitating the execution of functions is conceived. According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer program product corresponding to said methods is provided.