Hybrid Passive Smart Ring for Battery-Free Secure Payments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless payment systems in smart mobile devices require a battery-powered secure element, which is undesirable for those who prefer traditional watches, and there is a need for a battery-less solution that can also support secure data transactions beyond payments.
Innovation Solution
A battery-less active and passive hybrid device with a secure element that can be switched between active and passive states, using an active operation unit for provisioning personalization and biometric data and a passive unit for data verification and transactions, integrated into traditional wearables like rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery-powered secure element is used in smart mobile devices for contactless payment, then secure payment functionality is achieved, but device weight increases and requires battery replacement/maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active operation unit from the traditional battery-powered secure element design. The active operation unit is separated as a distinct component that can be temporarily activated, allowing the secure element to function without requiring a permanent battery in the wearable device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-provisioning the secure element with payment data and credentials before use. The active operation unit is activated in advance to provision the secure element, so that during actual payment transactions, the secure element operates passively without requiring real-time power from a battery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a battery-powered secure element is used for contactless payment, then payment capability is enabled, but device complexity increases due to battery integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the secure element system into distinct functional components: the passive secure element that stores payment data, the active operation unit that provisions and activates the secure element, and the passive operation unit that enables contactless transactions. This segmentation eliminates the need for battery integration in the wearable device while maintaining full payment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal secure element system that can be integrated into various wearable devices regardless of their power source. The hybrid active-passive design allows the same secure element architecture to work in battery-powered smartwatches, battery-less traditional watches, and even jewelry, making the payment capability universally applicable across different device types.
3Ease of operation
If traditional wearables without batteries are used, then comfort and aesthetics are maintained, but secure contactless payment functionality cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the secure element system switchable between active and passive states. The active operation unit is activated only when needed for provisioning or initial setup, while the passive operation unit handles routine transactions. This dynamic state change allows traditional wearables to gain contactless payment functionality without requiring a battery, as the system transitions between powered and unpowered states based on operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A token smart ring, preferably adapted for wireless payment and/or health monitoring, including a main portion adapted for engaging with an external associated object and including an inner space preferably formed by a structure of a plurality of layers for receiving or mounting at least one functional unit including a wireless payment or data transaction unit having a secure element adapted for enabling or conducting a secure wireless payment or data transaction with an external matched or associated apparatus; and/or a health monitoring unit including at least one sensor and/or status monitor/controller for sensing, storing, and/or analysing a biometric data adapted and configured for health monitoring; and preferably the token smart ring is configured to be switchable between a health monitoring state and a secure data transaction state.