UWB Mobile Device for Secure Transaction Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated fare collection (AFC) systems using near field communication (NFC) experience delays and passenger queues due to its limited communication range, which restricts transaction processing until the user is in close proximity to the reader.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with an ultra-wideband (UWB) radio unit and a secure element, allowing for secure and accurate tracking and data exchange up to 5 meters away, enabling preparatory transaction operations such as credential verification, and a UWB-enabled reader for tracking and processing transactions, facilitating automatic gate opening upon valid credential detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC technology is used for automated fare collection, then secure transaction processing is achieved, but communication range is limited causing passenger queues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs credential verification and transaction preparation in advance when the passenger is within 5 meters of the reader, using UWB tracking to detect approach. This preliminary action allows the actual transaction to complete faster when the passenger arrives at the gate, reducing waiting time while maintaining security through the secure element.
2Reliability
If NFC technology is used for automated fare collection, then secure check-in and check-out process is enabled, but passenger queues form at terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The reader detects the mobile device approach using UWB tracking within 5 meters and initiates credential verification before the passenger reaches the terminal. This preliminary action prepares the transaction in advance, allowing the terminal to process passengers faster and increase throughput without compromising check-in security.
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB radio unit acts as an intermediary between the passenger and the terminal, enabling early detection and transaction preparation at a distance. This intermediary function allows the system to decouple the security verification process from the physical presence at the terminal, improving overall system productivity.
3Productivity
If communication range is extended for distance tracking, then passenger flow efficiency is improved, but transaction security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different communication technologies for different functions: UWB is used for tracking and detection at longer distances (up to 5 meters) where security is not compromised, while NFC or other secure protocols are used for actual transaction processing when the passenger is in close proximity. This local quality approach optimizes passenger flow efficiency while maintaining transaction security.
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB radio unit serves as an intermediary for distance tracking and approach detection, enabling the system to prepare transactions at a distance without directly handling sensitive data. This separates the tracking function from the secure transaction function, allowing extended communication range for tracking while maintaining security for actual transactions.
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
This solution reduces transaction processing delays and passenger queues by enabling secure and accurate tracking and transaction processing at a greater distance, streamlining passenger movements and improving the efficiency of AFC systems.
Implementation Method 1
uses Ultra-wideband (UWB) radio signals to determine the position or displacement direction of a user
Data Source
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AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile device for facilitating a transaction is provided, comprising: a secure element configured to contain transaction-related data; an ultra-wideband radio unit operatively coupled to the secure element and configured to carry out ultra-wideband radio communication with an external reader; wherein the ultra-wideband radio unit is configured to operate as an interface between the secure element and said external reader. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a reader for facilitating a transaction is provided, comprising: an ultra-wideband communication and tracking unit configured to communicate with at least one external mobile device having an ultra-wideband radio unit and to track said mobile device; a processing unit operatively coupled to the ultra-wideband communication and tracking unit, said processing unit being configured to process at least one transaction. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding method for facilitating a transaction using a reader is conceived. According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding computer program is provided.