Wearable NFC Payment Card Selection With Temporary Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable payment devices with NFC modules lack flexibility and security for managing multiple payment cards, particularly in contactless transactions, and there is a need for an improved user experience and enhanced security.
Innovation Solution
A portable contactless payment device with multiple virtual payment cards stored as digital tokens, equipped with a near-field communication module, processing unit, and security features like a control device and temporary activation mechanism, allowing secure and easy selection and use of valid payment cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment cards are stored in a wearable device, then payment versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments payment functionality into multiple virtual payment cards stored in a secure element, allowing each card to be independently managed and selected. This segmentation enables versatile payment options while maintaining a single unified device structure, resolving the contradiction between payment versatility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device incorporates a universal near-field communication module that can handle multiple payment cards and communication protocols (NFC, magnetic stripe, contactless). This multi-functional approach allows the single device to replace multiple separate payment cards, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If contactless payment is enabled, then ease of operation is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security actions by requiring user authentication (biometric or passcode) before enabling contactless payment functionality. The secure element also performs preliminary validation of payment cards and establishes encrypted communication channels before transactions, ensuring security is established in advance rather than during the payment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element acts as an intermediary between the payment card data and the communication module. It isolates sensitive payment information from the rest of the device, performs security validation, and manages cryptographic operations. This intermediary layer enables contactless payment convenience while maintaining security through architectural separation and controlled access.
3Speed
If NFC module is always active, then payment speed is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the NFC module based on detected user intent or contextual cues. The module remains in a low-power state by default and is activated periodically or on-demand when payment conditions are detected (e.g., proximity to payment terminal, user gesture). This periodic action maintains payment readiness while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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
Enhances user convenience and security by enabling easy, contactless payment with multiple cards and preventing unauthorized access, while maintaining power efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
The reader's electromagnetic field generates an induced current in the antenna, which powers the chip and allows it to transmit a signal via the antenna.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
One aspect of the invention relates to a portable contactless payment object (1) capable of participating in the execution of an electronic payment, said portable object (1) comprising a processing unit (3) and a near field communication module (4) archiving a plurality of valid virtual payment cards (2) as well as a selection device (5) for one of said valid virtual payment cards (2) used as a virtual payment card usable for the execution of said electronic payment.