Secondary NFC Relay for Secure Data Transfer From Non-NFC Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices lacking certain wireless protocol capabilities, such as Near-Field Communication (NFC), face challenges in securely transmitting user information due to the need for proximity-based security, which is not supported by all devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system enabling secure data transmission using a secondary device with NFC capabilities, where the electronic device interacts with a computing device to facilitate secure data exchange through NFC, Bluetooth, or other protocols, allowing user information to be transmitted via a paired computing device with advanced processing and display capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If an electronic device lacks NFC capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but secure data transmission capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless protocol capabilitiesVSAvoidsecure data transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secondary computing device as an intermediary that bridges the gap between electronic devices lacking NFC capabilities and the secure data transmission requirement. The secondary device receives user information from the first device via wireless connection, processes it through its secure data exchange module with NFC capability, and transmits it to the service provider. This mediator approach allows devices with limited capabilities to access secure transmission functions without requiring all devices to possess the full capability set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If secure data exchange module is added to electronic device, then secure data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure data transmissionVSAvoidwireless protocol capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary computing device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it acts as a secure data exchange module for NFC transactions, provides a user interface for conducting secure transmissions, and communicates with both the first electronic device and service providers via wireless connections. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single secondary device, the system avoids the need for each electronic device to incorporate separate secure transmission hardware, thereby managing complexity while maintaining capability.

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

3Reliability

If user information is transmitted via secondary device, then security is improved through proximity-based protocols, but transmission distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission process is segmented into distinct phases: (1) The first electronic device transmits user information to the secondary device via wireless connection (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), (2) The secondary device's secure data exchange module processes the information using NFC proximity protocol, and (3) The secondary device transmits the processed information to the service provider. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the security benefits of proximity-based NFC for the critical data exchange step while using longer-range wireless protocols for the initial and final transmissions, effectively resolving the contradiction between security and transmission distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables secure, efficient, and user-friendly data transmission by leveraging the computing device's capabilities, enhancing security and usability for transactions like financial transactions and access management.

Implementation Method 1

the secure data exchange module uses near field communication protocol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4385233B1Techniques for secure data transmission using a secondary device
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 APPLE INC
  • EP4385233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385233B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385233B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computing device may receive, from an electronic device and via a wireless connection, a request to securely transmit user information using a secure data exchange module of the computing device. The computing device may configure the secure data exchange module for conducting a secure transmission of the user information and transmit a notification to the electronic device. The computing device may provide a user interface on the computing device for conducting the secure transmission of the user information. The computing device may receive and/or send, via the secure data exchange module, the user information. The computing device may transmit, via the wireless connection, the user information to the electronic device. The computing device may receive, from the electronic device, confirmation of a successful processing of the user information. The computing device may provide an indication of the confirmation of the successful processing of the user information.