Wireless Translator for Bluetooth and Contactless Payment Protocol Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bluetooth communications are incompatible with contactless payment systems due to differences in frequency and protocol, limiting the ability to use Bluetooth-enabled devices for transactions with contactless payment readers.
Innovation Solution
A wireless translator device with dual antennas and circuitry that enables communication between a contactless reader and a Bluetooth-enabled device, allowing for the translation of signals and data exchange, including payment information, using ISO protocols and potentially powered by a battery or contactless reader signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Bluetooth communication is used for wireless data exchange, then communication between mobile devices is enabled, but compatibility with contactless payment readers is lost due to frequency and protocol differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-antenna system where one antenna communicates with Bluetooth devices and another communicates with contactless readers. A controller acts as an intermediary, receiving data from one interface and transmitting it through the other, enabling compatibility between otherwise incompatible communication protocols and frequency bands
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both Bluetooth and contactless communication capabilities in a single device, allowing it to serve as both a Bluetooth communicator and a contactless payment instrument
2Ease of operation
If separate payment instruments are required for contactless payments, then payment security is maintained, but the number of items to carry increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (Bluetooth communication, contactless payment capability, and data storage) into a single wireless communication device, eliminating the need to carry separate payment instruments while maintaining security through encrypted data storage and authentication protocols
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual-antenna system is implemented for protocol translation, then communication compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flexible printed circuit board design that integrates both antennas and the controller in a compact, thin form factor. This flexible substrate allows the dual-antenna system to be folded or bent to fit within small form factors, reducing the physical complexity despite the increased functional complexity
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 communication between Bluetooth-enabled devices and contactless payment systems, allowing users to make payments or provide identification information without the need for separate payment instruments, enhancing convenience and reducing the number of items to carry.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna configured to carry signals between the wireless translator and a contactless reader
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna configured to carry signals between the wireless translator and a Bluetooth-enabled device
Implementation Method 3
the circuitry is powered by energy derived from the signal from the contactless reader
Data Source
AI summary
A translator for translating wireless communications. The translator includes a first antenna configured to carry signals between the wireless translator and a contactless payment reader, and a second antenna configured to carry signals between the wireless translator and a Bluetooth-enabled device. Circuitry operably coupled to both antennas establishes wireless communication with the contactless payment reader via the first antenna and receives from the contactless payment reader a signal comprising a request for information. The circuitry establishes wireless communication with the Bluetooth-enabled device via the second antenna, and requests the information from the Bluetooth-enabled device. The circuitry receives the information from the Bluetooth-enabled device, and relays the information to the contactless payment reader.