Secure Element NFC Combo IC for Mobile Transaction Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device authentication methods are vulnerable to data interception by malicious software, particularly when using near field communication (NFC) for secure transactions, as they often require the operating system's involvement and lack secure data transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system with a secure element connected to an NFC unit via an S2C or SWP interface, utilizing a combo IC that includes both NFC and Bluetooth communication units to securely request and transmit user input data from an external wearable input device, such as a smart watch, directly to the secure element, reducing the risk of interception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFC is used for secure transactions with OS involvement, then transaction capability is enabled, but data interception vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication data transfer path from the OS-involved NFC communication and creates a direct dedicated interface (S2C or SWP) between the secure element and NFC unit, eliminating the vulnerable intermediate software layers where interception could occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trusted intermediary interface (S2C/SWP) that mediates communication between the secure element and NFC unit, ensuring that authentication data passes through a secure, controlled channel rather than vulnerable OS software layers
2Reliability
If secure element is isolated from peripheral processing system, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NFC unit and Bluetooth communication unit into a single combo IC, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the isolated secure element architecture and its security benefits
3Use of energy by moving object
If Bluetooth Low Energy is used for communication, then energy consumption is reduced, but communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different communication technologies to different functional requirements: Bluetooth Low Energy for local wearable device communication (energy efficiency priority) and NFC for point-of-sale transactions (short-range secure communication), optimizing each for its specific use case
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
Enhances the security of user authentication and transaction confirmation by minimizing the risk of data interception and reducing energy consumption through Bluetooth Low Energy technology, allowing secure and convenient user input without involving the mobile device's operating system.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication (NFC) unit (106)... The NFC unit (106) is arranged to request, via a Bluetooth communication unit (108), user input data for an application executed by the secure element (102) from an external input device
Implementation Method 2
a Bluetooth communication unit (108)... The Bluetooth communication unit (108) is arranged to request, via the NFC unit (106), user input data for an application executed by the secure element (102) from an external input device
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a mobile device comprising: a near field communication unit, a further communication unit being connected to the near field communication unit and being arranged to communicate with an external input device, a secure element being connected to the near field communication unit and being arranged to execute at least one application, the near field communication unit further being arranged to request, via the further communication unit, user input data for said application from the external input device, to receive said user input data from the external input device via the further communication unit, and to forward said user input data to the secure element. Furthermore, a corresponding method for facilitating a transaction, a corresponding computer program, and a corresponding article of manufacture are disclosed.