Smartcard Module Activation Control for Secure NFC Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile terminal devices with smartcard and NFC capabilities lack a full control interface, making it difficult to prevent fraudulent or undesired events, as users do not have adequate control over smartcard and NFC module activations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that provide a user with a full control interface for NFC data transactions, allowing activation of the smartcard module based on user input, location, or environmental conditions, with optional time-based deactivation to prevent accidental usage, ensuring privacy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smartcard module and NFC module are automatically activated based on location or environmental conditions, then convenience and speed of transaction is improved, but security risk increases due to potential fraudulent or accidental usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of location and environmental conditions before activating the smartcard module and NFC module. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for potential transactions while maintaining security by only activating modules when appropriate conditions are met, thus balancing convenience with security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors location and environmental conditions, providing feedback to the control logic that determines whether to activate or deactivate the smartcard and NFC modules. This feedback mechanism ensures that modules remain active only when needed, preventing both accidental and fraudulent usage while maintaining operational convenience.
2Speed
If smartcard module and NFC module remain continuously active, then transaction speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and security risks arise from unintended activation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the smartcard module and NFC module are activated periodically based on detection of specific location or environmental conditions. This periodic activation maintains transaction readiness when needed while significantly reducing energy consumption during inactive periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation state of the modules transitions dynamically between active and inactive based on real-time environmental conditions and location data. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize the balance between transaction speed and energy consumption by activating modules only when conditions warrant their use.
3Reliability
If user authentication is required for every NFC transaction, then security is improved, but operation complexity and time required for transaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial authentication measures by detecting location and environmental conditions to determine when full authentication is necessary. In trusted environments, the system can proceed with simplified authentication or pre-established credentials, while in untrusted environments, full authentication is enforced. This partial application of authentication maintains security while reducing operational complexity in appropriate contexts.
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 and controlled NFC data transactions by allowing users to manage smartcard and NFC module activations, reducing the risk of fraudulent activities and ensuring secure operations.
Implementation Method 1
near field communication technologies (NFC). In one possible embodiment of the NFC, electromagnetic and/or electrostatic coupling is implemented in the radio frequency (RF) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum
Implementation Method 2
Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders are activated by radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder readers generating an interrogation signal, for example a radio frequency (RF) signal at a certain frequency
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a method for controlling a mobile terminal device is provided, wherein said device comprises a smartcard module and a near field communication module. In a first operation a smartcard operation on said mobile terminal device is started which results in an activation or switching on of said smartcard module. The smartcard application may be started by a user or based on the location of said mobile terminal device. That is the case for instance if the mobile terminal device is located in the area of a point of sales terminal, the smartcard application will automatically starts. Further, time controlled starting of certain applications is conceivable. Then it may be determined if said started smartcard application is an application for performing data transactions with external entities and in case of an affirmative determination a connection between said smartcard module and said NFC-module will be activated.