Wristwatch Electronic Payment Security and Signal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wristwatches face security concerns and signal transmission issues when implementing electronic payment technologies, such as RFID and NFC, due to ease of password recording and weakened signal transmission, which can lead to unauthorized transactions and eavesdropping.
Innovation Solution
A wristwatch design incorporating a short distance communication module with a security element and coil for secure electronic payments, featuring a controller to switch on/off payments based on user operation, an amplifier to adjust signal strength, and magnetic isolation layers to mitigate signal interference, along with a transparent conductive film for user input, ensuring secure and directional signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic payment technology (RFID/NFC) is integrated into existing wristwatches, then payment functionality is achieved, but security vulnerabilities arise due to ease of password recording and signal interception
Solution Approach 1:
The wristwatch is divided into distinct functional modules: a security element module containing secure storage for payment credentials, a communication module with coil for NFC/RFID transactions, and a controller module. This segmentation isolates sensitive security functions from general communication functions, reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to payment credentials.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated security element acts as an intermediary between the user's payment credentials and the external payment terminal. This security element securely stores cryptographic keys and credentials, performing authentication operations without exposing sensitive data to the main processor or external interfaces, thereby preventing credential extraction and replay attacks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic payment module is added to wristwatch, then payment capability is provided, but signal transmission is weakened and communication with reader fails
Solution Approach 1:
The communication portal is extracted as a separate functional component, implemented as an opening or transparent region in the wristwatch housing that allows electromagnetic signals to pass through. This dedicated signal transmission path is optimized for NFC/RFID frequencies, ensuring strong signal coupling with external readers while maintaining the protective housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the security element for encrypted communication and the antenna for electromagnetic signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, minimizing interference between different modules while maintaining both security and signal transmission performance.
3Ease of operation
If continuous electronic payment transmission is enabled, then payment readiness is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic payment module operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The controller periodically activates the communication module to check for nearby payment terminals and maintains readiness states only when needed. During idle periods, the module enters low-power sleep mode, significantly reducing power consumption while still providing timely payment capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback-based power management where the controller monitors the presence of external readers and adjusts the communication module's power state accordingly. When a reader is detected or payment is initiated, the module transitions to active state; when no payment activity is detected for a predetermined period, it transitions to sleep mode, optimizing power usage based on actual payment needs.
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 allowing users to manually enable/disable electronic payments, reduces eavesdropping risks, and compensates for signal attenuation, ensuring reliable and secure transactions while conserving power.
Implementation Method 1
a coil, coupled to the security element, configured to transmit electromagnetic signals carrying the security information
Implementation Method 2
a transparent conductive film including a plurality of conductive wires that are interlaced with each other to construct a plurality of conductive units, the detecting signal corresponding to an integral effect of electrical signal changes of all of the conductive units
Implementation Method 3
an amplifier, disposed between the coil and the security element, configured to increase or adjust magnitude of the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the coil to adjust a signal transmission distance
Data Source
AI summary
A wristwatch and a method for improving security in electronic payment for a wristwatch are provided. The wristwatch includes a short distance communication module having a security element. The security element provides security information required in implementing the electronic payment. The wristwatch further includes a controller coupled to the short distance communication module for enabling or disabling the electronic payment executed by the short distance communication module, based on a user operation. In the wristwatch, the electronic payment function can be manually launched or terminated by a user, thereby reducing a risk of being stolen for security data.