Time-Controlled Electronic Wallet for Contactless Payment Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payment systems, such as credit cards and smart cards, are vulnerable to identity theft due to the ease with which they can be stolen and used for unauthorized purchases, as they often remain in a ready-to-pay mode for extended periods without user intervention.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device with a time-controlled electronic wallet that initiates a ready-to-pay mode and starts a timer, automatically closing the wallet after a set period to reduce vulnerability to identity theft, while also providing alerts and the option to extend or reset the timer for user convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic wallet remains in ready-to-pay mode for extended periods, then payment convenience is improved, but vulnerability to identity theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayment convenienceVSAvoidvulnerability to identity theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic wallet dynamically transitions between ready-to-pay mode and closed mode based on timer expiration. The system automatically adjusts its state from open (convenient but vulnerable) to closed (secure but less accessible), creating a dynamic security model that balances convenience and protection throughout the payment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ready-to-pay timer implements periodic action by automatically switching the electronic wallet between operational states. The timer creates regular intervals where the wallet is accessible for payment, then automatically closes after a predetermined period, establishing a rhythmic pattern of accessibility and security that prevents continuous exposure to theft risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the electronic wallet automatically closes after a set period, then security against identity theft is improved, but payment transaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against identity theftVSAvoidpayment transaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting the timer duration before the payment transaction begins. The predetermined time period is established in advance, allowing the wallet to remain open long enough to complete typical transactions while ensuring automatic closure if the transaction is not completed within the expected timeframe, thus preventing both security risks and unnecessary time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the electronic wallet requires user intervention to close, then control over payment information is maintained, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of closing walletVSAvoiduser intervention requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic wallet implements self-service by automatically closing itself based on timer expiration without requiring user intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and autonomously transitions to closed mode when the predetermined time period elapses, eliminating the need for users to manually close the wallet while maintaining both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9552584B1Electronic Wallet Ready to Pay Timer
Publication Date: 2017.01.24 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC
  • US9552584B1 patent drawing
  • US9552584B1 patent drawing
  • US9552584B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device having a time controlled electronic wallet is disclosed. The mobile device comprises a processor and an electronic wallet application that executes on the processor. The electronic wallet application enters a ready-to-pay mode, initiates a ready-to-pay timer when entering the ready-to-pay mode, transmits the confidential information when in the ready-to-pay mode based on receiving contactless communication, and leaves the ready-to-pay mode when the ready-to-pay timer expires.