Timed Identification Token for Secure Proximity Payments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity payment devices, such as those integrated into wristwatches or bracelets, face the challenge of securely transmitting account information without user knowledge, as they need to be manually activated, which can be inconvenient and vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switch and control/switch monitor circuit that requires user activation to enable the device for a timed period, allowing secure transmission of payment account numbers only when intentionally activated, and disabling the device after use to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch is added to require user activation for transmission, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding control circuitry only where needed - specifically a switch and control/switch monitor circuit integrated with the RFID IC. This localized addition provides security functionality without requiring system-wide complexity changes, allowing the rest of the proximity payment device to remain simple and card-like in structure.
2Reliability
If manual switch activation is required for payment devices, then unauthorized data retrieval is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates due to awkward two-handed maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by making the switch actuation integrated into the device itself - the user's natural hand movement while holding or wearing the device can trigger the switch. This eliminates the need for separate two-handed manipulation, as the device serves itself by converting ordinary user interaction into the activation signal needed for secure payment transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the device remains continuously enabled for payment transactions, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing timed enablement - the device is automatically disabled after a predetermined time period following switch actuation. This creates periodic cycles of enabled/disabled states, allowing legitimate payment transactions during the enabled window while automatically returning to a secure disabled state, thereby preventing continuous vulnerability to unauthorized access.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus includes: a support structure; a storage circuit mounted in or on the support structure, the storage circuit for storing data; an antenna mounted in or on the support structure and coupled to the storage circuit for selectively transmitting the data; a switch mounted in or on the support structure, the switch being for initiating a time period in which the apparatus is enabled; and a timing circuit mounted in or on the support structure, the timing circuit being responsive to the switch for setting an end point to the time period; wherein the apparatus is operative to perform data exchange with a reader via the antenna only during the time period. In accordance with some embodiments, a method of operating an identification token includes detecting actuation of a switch on the identification token; in response to the detected actuation of the switch: enabling the identification token; and initiating a time period; determining an end point of the time period; and disabling the identification token if the end point of the time period is reached.