Orientation-Controlled Contactless Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless communication technologies, such as those used in electronic entities like microcircuit cards, can inadvertently transmit confidential data without the user's knowledge, posing a security risk.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a position sensor, like an inclinometer or gyroscope, to control data transmission by prohibiting communication if the electronic entity is not in an authorized orientation, ensuring data exchange only occurs when the device is positioned correctly, thereby preventing unauthorized data access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If contactless communication is enabled for automatic data transmission, then communication convenience is improved, but security deteriorates due to involuntary data transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication convenienceVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the contactless communication system by introducing orientation-dependent data transmission. The system monitors the orientation parameter through a sensor and only transmits data when the orientation matches the predetermined authorized orientation, thereby maintaining communication convenience while preventing unauthorized data access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism (orientation verification system) between the reader and the electronic entity. This intermediary checks the orientation condition before allowing data transmission, acting as a security gatekeeper that prevents involuntary transmission while maintaining authorized communication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If position sensor is added to control data transmission, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universality principle by utilizing existing multi-functional components in modern electronic devices. The position sensor can be integrated with other device functions (such as screen orientation detection in smartphones), allowing security enhancement without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the security control function into a separate orientation verification module that operates independently from the main communication protocol. This segmentation allows the security feature to be added modularly, minimizing impact on the overall system complexity while maintaining clear functional separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution allows users to control data transmission, enhancing security by ensuring that data is only exchanged when the device is in a predetermined orientation, thus preventing involuntary data transmission and enhancing user control over sensitive information.

Implementation Method 1

The measured orientation is for example an angular value relative to the vertical, defined by the earth's gravity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2219140B1Electronic entity capable of communicating with a reader and method implemented within such an electronic entity
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 OBERTHUR TECH SA
  • EP2219140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2219140B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2219140B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electronic device includes a processing circuit (210) capable of receiving a request from a reader and a position sensor (230) capable of measuring the orientation of the electronic device and providing the processing circuit (210) with information indicating the measured orientation. The processing circuit (210) automatically transmits data in response to the request to the reader, provided that the information indicates that the electronic device is in an orientation within a predetermined set of orientations.