Wearable Payment Terminal Security via Wearing Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing payment systems in communication terminals lack sufficient security measures, particularly when devices are stolen, leading to potential loss of all available charge balance and misuse of electronic money services.

Innovation Solution

An electronic terminal, such as an electronic watch, equipped with a wearing detector, communicator, and processor that uses near field communication to securely enable or disable payment functions based on whether it is worn by the user and authenticated with a paired wireless communication apparatus through multiple security stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If payment function is enabled in communication terminal, then payment convenience is improved, but security vulnerability increases leading to potential loss of charge balance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment convenienceVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic security states that change based on authentication progress. The terminal transitions between different security states (first security state, second security state, third security state) depending on whether the user has completed authentication steps. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide convenient payment when authenticated while maintaining security when unauthenticated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the security mechanism into multiple independent components: wearing detection function, authentication function, and payment function. Each component operates independently and contributes to the overall security. The wearing detector separately monitors device status, the authentication function separately verifies user identity, and the payment function separately processes transactions, allowing granular control over security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If wearing detection and authentication functions are added, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing processor perform multiple functions: it controls the display, manages authentication logic, determines security states, and controls payment functionality. The existing display is used to show both time information and authentication prompts. This multi-functionality approach adds security capabilities without requiring proportionally more hardware components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearing detector automatically monitors whether the device is being worn without requiring user intervention. The authentication function automatically prompts the user and verifies credentials when needed. The system self-manages the security state transitions based on authentication outcomes, reducing the need for complex user interface controls and manual security management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 security by limiting payment functionality to specific stages based on user authentication and device proximity, preventing unauthorized transactions and protecting the user's balance.

Implementation Method 1

a wearing detector configured to detect whether the electronic terminal is worn by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysiological signal detection:

Implementation Method 2

a communicator configured to communicate with a wireless communication apparatus via near field communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3543931B1Electronic terminal, electronic watch, security setting method, and program

Publication Date: 2022.10.19 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic terminal (100) capable of using a function of payment includes a wearing detector (136), a communicator (131), and a processor (120). The wearing detector (136) is configured to detect whether the electronic terminal (100) is worn by a user. The communicator (131) is configured to communicate with a wireless communication apparatus via near field communication. The processor (120) is configured to change, based on information that is obtained by the wearing detector (136) and the communicator (131), whether to enable or disable use of the function of payment.