Secondary Device Secure Data Exchange for NFC-Limited Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices lacking certain wireless protocol capabilities, such as NFC, face challenges in securely transmitting user information due to the absence of desired communication features, necessitating the use of secondary devices with compatible protocols for enhanced security and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A method and system enabling secure data transmission using a secondary device with compatible wireless protocols, such as NFC, by configuring a secure data exchange module for user information transfer, verifying applet loading, and conducting attestation, while ensuring secure communication through encryption and digital signatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electronic devices lack wireless protocol capabilities (e.g., NFC), then device complexity is reduced, but secure data transmission capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsecure data transmission capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secondary device as an intermediary that bridges the gap between devices with and without NFC capabilities. The secondary device receives data from the primary device via wireless connection and handles the secure transmission using NFC, enabling capable devices to provide security without requiring all devices to have the full capability set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a universal solution where devices can function with or without NFC by leveraging the secondary device. The secondary device performs multiple functions including receiving data, verifying credentials, and conducting secure exchanges, making the system adaptable to different device configurations.

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

2Reliability

If all devices incorporate all wireless protocols and capabilities, then secure data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure data transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the device functionality into two types: primary devices that may lack NFC but have other capabilities, and secondary devices that provide the NFC and security functions. This segmentation allows each device type to be optimized for its specific role rather than requiring all devices to have all capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary device acts as an intermediary that concentrates the complex security and NFC functions, allowing primary devices to remain simpler while still achieving secure data transmission when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If devices without NFC capabilities attempt secure transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but transmission security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidtransmission security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary device serves as a mediator that enables devices without NFC to perform secure transmissions by handling the complex security protocols and NFC communications, providing both ease of operation and transmission security simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical NFC hardware requirement with a software-based solution where the secondary device handles the security functions, allowing devices without physical NFC capabilities to achieve secure transmission through alternative communication methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4425410B1Techniques for secure data transmission using a secondary device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 APPLE INC
  • EP4425410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4425410B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4425410B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, comprising: identifying, by an electronic device, one or more computing devices in a vicinity of the electronic device; selecting, by the electronic device, one of the one or more computing devices to conduct a secure reception of user information; receiving, by the selected computing device, from the electronic device and via a wireless connection, a request to securely transmit user information using a secure data exchange module of the selected computing device; configuring, by the selected computing device, the secure data exchange module for conducting a secure transmission of the user information; transmitting, by the selected computing device, a notification to the electronic device, the notification indicating that the secure data exchange module is ready to collect the user information; providing, by the selected computing device, a user interface for conducting the secure transmission of the user information; receiving, by the selected computing device, via the secure data exchange module, the user information; transmitting, by the selected computing device, via a wireless connection, the user information to the electronic device; receiving, by the electronic device, the user information; sending, by the electronic device, information for processing the user information; receiving, at the electronic device, confirmation that the user information has been processed; and sending, by the electronic device and via wireless connection, confirmation that the user information has been processed.