Wireless Service Purchasing via Integrated RFID and SIM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing service purchasing systems require customers to carry coins or payment cards and often necessitate waiting in line to access controlled zones, as they rely on manual payment methods or closed RFID systems that are not universally applicable.
Innovation Solution
A wireless service purchasing system utilizing a mobile device with an integrated RFID tag and SIM card, where the RFID tag communicates with a reader to verify user credit through a service provider server, allowing access to controlled areas without the need for physical payment or queuing, leveraging GSM network infrastructure for billing and account management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coins or payment cards are used for service purchasing, then payment can be made, but customers must carry coins or manipulate payment cards which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical payment methods (coins in slots, card insertion) with wireless electromagnetic communication. The RFID tag in the mobile device communicates wirelessly with the reader at the service access point, eliminating the need for physical coin insertion or card manipulation. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields directly resolves the contradiction by simplifying user operation while maintaining payment functionality.
2Reliability
If manual payment booths are used, then payment verification can be performed, but customers must wait in line which consumes time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service payment verification where the mobile device with RFID tag automatically communicates with the reader at the service access point. The verification process occurs autonomously without requiring manual intervention at a payment booth. The reader reads the RFID tag, sends verification to the service provider server, and receives authorization automatically, eliminating queuing while maintaining reliable verification through server-based credit checking.
Solution Approach 2:
Customers pre-load credit onto their mobile device accounts in advance. When accessing a service, the system performs preliminary verification by checking the pre-loaded credit balance through wireless communication between the reader, mobile device, and service provider server. This preliminary action of pre-loading credit eliminates the need for cash transactions at the moment of service access, reducing waiting time while ensuring reliable payment verification.
3Reliability
If closed RFID systems are used, then access control can be implemented, but only members with prior registration can access which limits universality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RFID system universal by integrating it with the widely adopted GSM mobile phone infrastructure. Instead of requiring proprietary closed RFID cards, any mobile phone with a SIM card can function as the RFID tag. The service provider server communicates with the mobile network operator's HLR database to verify subscriber credentials, allowing the system to work with any GSM mobile device. This multi-functionality approach maintains reliable access control through server-based verification while achieving universality by accepting any mobile phone regardless of manufacturer or model.
Solution Approach 2:
The service provider server acts as an intermediary between the reader and the mobile network operator's HLR database. When the reader scans the RFID tag, it sends the identification to the service provider server, which then verifies the subscriber's credit status by communicating with the HLR database through the GSM network. This intermediary role enables the closed access control mechanism to work universally with any GSM mobile device, as the server handles the verification process without requiring the mobile device to be part of a proprietary system.
4Ease of operation
If RFID tags are attached to mobile phones, then wireless access is enabled, but the RFID can be detached or changed which compromises security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID tag functionality with the SIM card that is already securely integrated into the mobile phone. The SIM card contains the subscriber's identification and is protected by the mobile network's authentication mechanisms. By combining RFID access control with the existing secure SIM card infrastructure, the system achieves both wireless ease of operation and reliable security. The SIM card cannot be easily detached or cloned, providing inherent security while maintaining wireless convenience.
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 seamless access to services without coins or cards, reduces waiting time, and allows universal access across GSM network coverage, with electronic billing and account management capabilities, ensuring controlled expenses and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a RFID tag being adapted to communicate with a RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a wireless service purchasing system used for getting a service provided by a service provider. In one embodiment, the system comprises a mobile device including a SIM card, wherein a RFID tag is integrated, the user being identified by the same identification number in both SIM card and RFID tag. The RFID tag is adapted to communicate with a service controller booth so that the user of the mobile device be authorized to get the service. The system comprises a service provider server adapted to receive a request when it has received the identification number from the RFID tag to verify whether an account associated with the user has enough credit to gain access to the requested service and to send back a reply to the service controller booth authorizing or denying the user access to the service according to whether there is enough credit in the account.