Passive Device UWB Proximity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Short-range radio communication technologies are vulnerable to relay attacks, where fraudsters intercept and relay communications between devices, leading to unauthorized access and transactions, necessitating secure and relay-attack-resistant methods for data transfers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) communication protocols to determine the distance between passive devices and access devices, using IEEE standards 802.15.4 and 802.15.4z, to verify the proximity of the passive device during data transfers and prevent fraudulent activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If short-range radio communication is used for data transfer, then convenience and ease of operation are improved, but security and resistance to relay attacks deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of data transferVSAvoidsecurity against relay attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces UWB communication as an intermediary mechanism to verify physical proximity between devices. The UWB subsystem acts as a mediator that provides distance measurement capabilities, allowing the system to confirm that devices are genuinely close to each other before allowing data transfer, thus preventing relay attacks while maintaining the convenience of contactless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs distance verification using UWB technology before allowing the main data transfer to proceed. By conducting the proximity check in advance, the system ensures that only devices physically close to each other can establish communication, preventing fraudulent relay attacks from occurring in the first place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If UWB ranging protocol is implemented to determine distance, then security against relay attacks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against relay attacksVSAvoidcomplexity of communication protocol

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates UWB functionality into existing passive devices, allowing them to perform both traditional data transfer operations and distance verification functions. By making the device multi-functional, the system can implement security measures without requiring entirely separate hardware systems, thus managing complexity while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The UWB ranging protocol is implemented in a way that devices autonomously perform distance verification without requiring complex external validation systems. The devices self-verify their proximity through the UWB communication, reducing the need for additional complexity in the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If passive device structure is modified to support UWB, then security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of passive device manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the UWB chip and antenna within the existing passive device structure, nesting the new security components inside the familiar card form factor. This nesting approach allows manufacturers to incorporate UWB technology into existing production lines with minimal structural changes, maintaining ease of manufacture while adding security capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The UWB technology effectively prevents relay attacks by accurately determining device proximity, ensuring secure and legitimate data transfers, as the high pulse repetition frequency and good time domain resolution make it difficult for hackers to intercept and modify communications.

Implementation Method 1

the first antenna is adapted to receive a first signal from the access device, which powers at least the second electronic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

use features of ultra-wideband (UWB) communication protocols (defined by IEEE standards 802.15.4 and 802.15.4z) in order to accurately determine the distance between a passive device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20240414538A1System and methods for enabling ultra-wide band in passive devices

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 VISA INTERNATIONAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION

AI summary

Techniques for enabling usage of an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip on a passive device are disclosed. The passive device comprises a substrate including a first electronic component, and a second electronic component. The first electronic component is programmed to communicate with an access device using a first communication protocol, and the second electronic component is programmed to communicate with the access device using a second wireless communication protocol. The passive device includes a first antenna electrically coupled to at least the first electronic component or the second electronic component, and a second antenna electrically coupled to at least the second electronic component. The first antenna is adapted to receive a first signal from the access device, which powers at least the second electronic component, thereby causing the second electronic component to cause the second antenna to emit a second signal that is received by the access device.