Proximity-Based Secure Transaction Authorization System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems lack a convenient and secure method for authorizing transactions between devices in proximity, particularly for financial and physical access operations, which often require manual input or separate identification.

Innovation Solution

A communications system that enables mobile wireless devices to determine proximity and generate secure transaction requests, allowing for secure transactions to be performed by a transaction terminal when devices are paired via NFC or Bluetooth, leveraging proximity-based authorization for enhanced security and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual input or separate identification methods are used for transaction authorization, then security can be maintained, but convenience and speed of transaction are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of transaction authorizationVSAvoidtime for transaction completion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary pairing and authorization between mobile devices before the actual transaction occurs. When devices are paired via NFC or Bluetooth, the authorization relationship is established in advance, so that during the transaction no additional manual input or identification steps are needed, thus improving convenience and speed while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If proximity-based pairing and authorization is implemented, then transaction speed and convenience are improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction processing speedVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal wireless communication standards (NFC and Bluetooth) that are already widely integrated into mobile devices. By leveraging these existing multi-functional communication capabilities, the system achieves proximity-based authorization without requiring specialized hardware or complex proprietary protocols, thus limiting the increase in system complexity

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

3Ease of operation

If proximity-based authorization is used, then convenience is improved, but security requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of transaction authorizationVSAvoidsecurity assurance level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a transaction terminal as an intermediary that verifies and validates the proximity-based authorization between mobile devices. The terminal acts as a trusted mediator that confirms the authorization relationship before completing the transaction, thereby enhancing security assurance while maintaining the convenience of proximity-based operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Facilitates quick, secure, and convenient transaction authorization by utilizing proximity-based pairing and authorization, reducing the need for manual input and enhancing security through trusted device validation.

Implementation Method 1

NFC technology is used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2493144B1Communications system for performing secure transactions based upon mobile wireless communications device proximity and related methods
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2493144B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2493144B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2493144B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communications system may include a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices configured to determine proximity between one another. At least one of the mobile wireless communications devices may also be configured to generate a secure transaction request based upon the determined proximity. The system may further include a transaction terminal configured to receive the secure transaction request and perform a secure transaction based thereon.