UWB Chip Contactless Payment Transaction Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current near field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies are limited to contactless transactions over short distances of up to 4 cm, restricting the range and convenience of frictionless payments.
Innovation Solution
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology enables devices to perform contactless, frictionless transactions over longer distances by using UWB chips for spatial awareness and secure communication, allowing devices to determine distances and initiate transactions through secure channels, supporting applications like 'flick-to-pay' and hands-free payments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If NFC or RFID technology is used for contactless transactions, then transaction security is maintained, but the transaction distance is limited to 4 cm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental communication parameter from NFC/RFID electromagnetic fields to UWB radio waves, enabling transmission over longer distances (beyond 4 cm) while maintaining security through physical layer authentication and precise distance measurement capabilities inherent to UWB technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UWB technology as an intermediary layer between the user and the payment system, providing both extended range communication and enhanced security through its ability to perform precise distance measurement and cryptographic authentication protocols
2Length of stationary object
If UWB technology is used for transactions, then transaction distance is extended beyond 4 cm, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the multi-functionality of UWB chips, which can simultaneously perform distance measurement, secure authentication, and data transmission, thereby extending transaction range without proportionally increasing device complexity as the same hardware component handles multiple security and communication functions
3Measurement precision
If UWB chips are used for spatial awareness and secure communication, then transaction precision is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes UWB's periodic pulse transmission mechanism, where energy is consumed only during brief measurement and authentication intervals rather than continuous operation, thereby achieving high spatial precision while maintaining low overall energy consumption suitable for mobile devices
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
UWB technology facilitates secure, accurate, and convenient contactless transactions over longer distances, enhancing payment precision and user experience in various environments, such as retail, transit, and vehicle-to-everything scenarios, beyond the limitations of NFC and RFID.
Implementation Method 1
The UWB chip is configured to transmit pulses and, upon receiving an indication of another UWB chip within a vicinity, perform ranging operations
Data Source
AI summary
An ultra-wideband (UWB)-enabled payment acceptance system can include a UWB anchor and a terminal device. The UWB anchor identifies UWB-enabled devices within a vicinity; and in response to receiving an indication of an intent to perform a payment transaction from a particular UWB-enabled device, the UWB anchor establishes a secure communication channel with the particular UWB-enabled device. The terminal device, via the UWB anchor, communicates transaction related information over the secure communication channel to the particular UWB-enabled device and receives a transaction payload from the particular UWB-enabled device over the secure communication channel. A UWB-enabled device includes a processor, storage, a battery, and a UWB chip. Instructions can be stored in the storage of the UWB-enabled device that when executed by the processor direct the UWB-enabled device to perform various processes supporting frictionless transactions, such as with respect to the UWB-enabled payment acceptance system.