Radio-Linked Smart Card Bypassing Electrical Interface Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional telecommunications devices face limitations in accessing the full functionality of smart cards due to the command-and-response nature of communication specifications, restricting the ability of software applications to interact with the processing system independently.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a radio link between the processing system and the smart card allows direct communication, enabling software applications to access cryptographic functions and interrupt the processing system, thereby bypassing the limitations of conventional electrical interfaces and cellular-network radio transceivers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional electrical interface is used to communicate with the smart card, then the smart card can be securely integrated into the device, but software applications cannot access the full functionality of the smart card due to command-and-response limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to smart card functionalityVSAvoidcommunication interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A radio communication interface is introduced as an intermediary between the processing system and the smart card, enabling bidirectional communication that bypasses the limitations of conventional electrical interfaces. The radio interface allows software applications to directly access smart card cryptographic functions without being constrained by command-and-response protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical electrical contact interface is replaced with a wireless radio communication system. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints and protocol limitations of electrical connectors, allowing for more flexible and versatile access to smart card functionality while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate built-in secure element is implemented, then cryptographic functions are available to software applications, but the cost and size of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecryptographic functionality accessVSAvoiddevice size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The smart card is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains its traditional role as a secure element for cellular network authentication while simultaneously providing cryptographic services to software applications through the radio interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate built-in secure element, reducing device size and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of a separate built-in secure element is merged with the existing smart card by adding a radio communication module to the smart card. This consolidation allows the smart card to directly communicate with the processing system, providing cryptographic functions without requiring additional secure element hardware in the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the smart card operates independently through conventional interfaces, then network operator control and security are maintained, but the smart card cannot trigger actions or send data to the terminal at arbitrary times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmart card initiative capabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is made dynamic by allowing the smart card to initiate communications at any time through the radio interface. Unlike conventional electrical interfaces that require polling, the radio interface enables the smart card to actively send data and trigger actions on the terminal without waiting for host initiation, while still maintaining secure communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3652968B1Telecommunications apparatus with a radio-linked smart card

Publication Date: 2023.04.26 ABLEPAY TECHNOLOGIES AS

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AI summary

A telecommunications apparatus (10) is provided which comprises a processing system (12), a cellular-network radio transceiver (14), a first radio module (20a) and a smart card (18). The smart card (16) comprises a microcontroller (17), an electrical interface (24) and a second radio module (20b). The cellular-network radio transceiver (14) and the first radio module (20a) are connected to the processing system (12) by one or more electrical connections (22). The smart card (18) is coupled to the cellular-network radio transceiver (14) through the electrical interface (24) and the processing system (12) is arranged to use a radio communication link (26) between the first radio module (20a) and the second radio module (20b) to communicate data with the microcontroller (17) of the smart card (18). The smart card (16) is configured to interrupt the processing system (12) by sending data over the radio communication link (26).