Passive UWB Smart Card Pairing With Light Pattern Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless smart cards using RFID or NFC protocols are limited to close proximity communication and lack security features, while smart wearables cannot function as passive devices and offer variable security based on manufacturer settings.
Innovation Solution
A passive smart card and reader system utilizing ultra-wide band (UWB) communication, including a contact pad, UWB transceiver, control circuit, and solar cell, enabling secure communication over longer distances and enhanced security through light pattern verification to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID or NFC communication protocols are used for contactless smart cards, then close proximity communication is enabled, but communication range is limited and security features are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from RFID/NFC frequency bands to UWB (Ultra-Wideband) frequency band, enabling both extended communication range (tens to hundreds of meters) and enhanced security features including precise distance measurement and secure authentication protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart wearables are used as replacement for contactless smart cards, then functionality is improved, but passive device operation is lost and security becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential smart card functionality (secure authentication and identification) from the wearable device context, creating a standalone passive smart card that operates independently without relying on wearable device settings or manufacturer configurations
3Reliability
If UWB communication is implemented in passive smart card, then long-range communication and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary component that captures visual information (light patterns) to verify UWB communication pairing, providing a user-friendly verification mechanism that simplifies the interaction with the complex UWB security protocol
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, long-range communication and reduces the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks by ensuring correct pairing through light pattern verification, maintaining communication beyond visible range and providing secure transactions.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit may be to activate the UWB transceiver when the contact pad is activated by a user
Implementation Method 2
UWB devices send out short pulses of radio waves. By measuring the time it takes for the pulses to travel to and from another device, UWB can calculate the distance between the two devices with high accuracy
Implementation Method 3
The control circuit may also be to activate the pairing light to display a light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a passive ultra-wide band (UWB) communication-enabled contactless smart card is disclosed. A method may include capturing a card ID advertisement from a smart card. The method may also include verifying a card ID from the card ID advertisement. The method may additionally include pairing with the smart card and activating a pairing light. The method may further include establishing a UWB communication channel with the smart card.