POS Transceiver Active Jamming for Contactless Payment Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-sale terminals face challenges in protecting confidential information transmitted via contactless communication from interception by unauthorized receivers, as these signals can be intercepted and captured by electronic devices, leading to potential identity theft.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a point-of-sale transceiver and a signal generator that broadcasts jamming signals, such as additive white Gaussian noise or spoofing signals, to interfere with unauthorized receivers while allowing authorized communication to proceed unimpeded, using directional radiation patterns and shielding to minimize impact on the legitimate communication link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If contactless communication is used for payment information transmission, then transaction speed and convenience are improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized interception increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies active jamming technology that transmits noise signals to deliberately interfere with unauthorized receivers attempting to intercept payment information. By converting the harmful effect of signal interference into a protective mechanism, the system creates electromagnetic noise that degrades the quality of intercepted signals, making unauthorized reception impossible while allowing legitimate point-of-sale transactions to proceed normally through synchronized signal cancellation
2Reliability
If jamming signals are broadcast to prevent unauthorized reception, then security against interception is improved, but legitimate communication may be impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs directional antennas that focus the jamming signal transmission in specific directions toward potential unauthorized receivers, rather than broadcasting omnidirectionally. This localized application of jamming energy protects against interception in critical directions while maintaining communication quality in other directions, ensuring legitimate point-of-sale transactions are not disrupted
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the communication environment and dynamically adjusts jamming signal transmission based on detected interference patterns and signal quality metrics. This feedback mechanism ensures jamming is applied only when and where unauthorized reception is detected, automatically ceasing when legitimate communication requirements demand, thus balancing security with communication reliability
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
Effectively prevents unauthorized interception of confidential information by reducing the signal-to-noise ratio or confusing the interception attempt, thereby securing the transmission of sensitive data like credit card account numbers and authorization data.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a point-of-sale transceiver and a signal generator that broadcasts jamming signals, such as additive white Gaussian noise or spoofing signals
Implementation Method 2
A contactless card communicates with a point-of-sale terminal or other device at least in part without physically contacting the point-of-sale terminal, for example through radio frequency communication
Implementation Method 3
the point-of-sale transceiver transmitting a cancelling preamble sequence during the first time interval, wherein the cancelling preamble sequence is operable to substantially attenuate the preamble sequence
Data Source
AI summary
A system for impeding reception of confidential information is disclosed. The system comprises a point-of-sale transceiver configured to receive confidential information transmitted by a mobile device incorporating an electronic wallet and a signal generator in communication with the point-of-sale transceiver and configured to broadcast a jamming signal substantially concurrently with the point-of-sale transceiver receiving the confidential information.