UWB Transaction Security via Secure Element Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Near Field Communication (NFC) transactions face challenges such as user difficulty in aligning NFC antennas, vulnerability to relay attacks, and the need for explicit user operations like tapping or tagging, which limit convenience and security, especially in scenarios like passive keyless entry and payment.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) communication circuitry for secure and isolated data processing, enabling secure and convenient transactions by determining the proximity of external devices through UWB signals, eliminating the need for explicit user alignment and enhancing security against relay attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC transaction is used, then short-range wireless communication is enabled, but user has to perform specified operation like tapping or tagging which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device automatically initiates and completes transactions without requiring user actions like tapping or tagging. The device autonomously performs authentication, payment, and data exchange with external devices, making the system self-serving and eliminating manual operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device pre-establishes communication channels and prepares transaction data in advance. By proactively initiating connections and having payment information ready before user intent is expressed, the system eliminates the need for last-minute user actions like tapping.
2Ease of operation
If NFC antenna is hidden, then device aesthetics are improved, but user has difficulty in performing antenna matching which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment of NFC antennas with automated electronic positioning and signal detection systems. The electronic device automatically detects and establishes optimal communication channels without requiring users to physically align or locate antenna positions.
3Reliability
If NFC transaction is used, then payment can be performed, but transaction is weak to relay attacks which reduces security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary secure element and encrypted communication channel between the user's electronic device and the payment terminal. This intermediary layer authenticates devices and encrypts data transmission, preventing relay attacks by ensuring that communication occurs only through verified, secure pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and device verification before allowing transactions to proceed. By preemptively checking device legitimacy and establishing secure communication protocols in advance, the system prevents relay attacks before they can compromise transaction security.
4Loss of information
If electronic device is made close to POS terminal for payment, then NFC transaction is enabled, but user has to make device close in state that user does not recognize exact amount which reduces information availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide users with real-time information about transaction details, including the exact amount, before completion. The system displays payment information and seeks user confirmation, ensuring that users have full visibility and control over transactions rather than making close-contact payments in the dark.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes communication circuitry configured to perform short-range wireless communication, ultra-wideband (UWB) communication circuitry configured to perform UWB communication, a secure element comprising a secure data storage configured to provide an execution environment isolated from an operating system (OS) of the electronic device, and a processor. The UWB communication circuitry performs ranging with an external electronic device, receives a first UWB signal including a medium access control (MAC) header and a MAC payload from the external electronic device, and determines, based at least on MAC payload information included in the MAC payload, whether to forward information included in the MAC payload information element to the secure element.