Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W4/80—Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Definitions

• the field of the invention relates to wristwatch devices including a near field communications (NFC) system, to uses of such wristwatch devices, to NFC systems suitable for use in wristwatch devices, and to related methods and computer program products.
• NFC near field communications
• NFC Near field communication
• NFC includes a set of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a communication distance of zero cm to 10 cm or less.
• NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz on the international standard ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s.
• NFC may involve an initiator and a target; the initiator actively generates a radio frequency (RF) field that can power a passive target.
• RF radio frequency
• Near-field communication may use magnetic induction between two loop antennas located within each other's near field, effectively forming an air-core transformer.
• Near- field communication may operate within the globally available and unlicensed radio frequency industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band of 13.56 MHz. Typically, most of the RF energy is concentrated in the allowed ⁇ 7 kHz bandwidth range.
• ISM radio frequency industrial, scientific and medical
• WO2010138592A2 there are disclosed devices and methods for storing provisioning data for use in one or mobile devices within a subscriber identity module (SIM) card enclosed within a personal article, such as a wrist watch or item of jewelry.
• SIM subscriber identity module
• a close range communication link such as a near field communication (NFC) protocol link, is used to transmit the provisioning data from the personal article to one or more mobile devices.
• the close range communication link may also be used to transmit updated provisioning data received by a mobile device in an over the air updating procedure via a cellular communications network link to the personal item for storage in the SIM card housed within a personal article.
• the mobile device may authenticate itself to the personal article prior to the transmission of provisioning data between the devices.
• Prior art Figure 4 disclosed in WO2010138592A2 is a system diagram of a communication network 100 including a plurality of mobile devices 130, 140, 150, 160 in communication with a personal article 105 which is a wristwatch.
• a SIM card is housed within the personal article 105.
• the SIM card stores provisioning data which contains the necessary settings and information to enable any of the plurality of mobile devices 130, 140, 150, 160 to communicate over a wireless digital communications network, such as a cellular communications network 180.
• the personal article 105 further includes a close- range wireless transceiver capable of establishing a close range communications link with and transmitting the provisioning data stored in the internal SIM card to any of a plurality of mobile devices 130, 140, 150 and/or 160.
• the plurality of mobile devices include an internet enabled cellular telephone 130, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 140, a cellular telephone 150, and/or a laptop computer 160.
• PDA personal digital assistant
• Each of the plurality of mobile devices 130, 140, 150, 160 is configured with an antenna and close rage communications (CRC) transceiver for receiving provisioning data from the personal article 105.
• CRC close rage communications
• a problem with a device of WO2010138592A2 is that identification data provided by the device may not identify the device itself.
• a further problem with the devices of WO2010138592A2 is that a SIM card may be readily replaced during normal use of the device, which provides no protection against device theft followed by SIM card replacement.
• a wristwatch device including a near field communications (NFC) system, the near field communications system including a processor, a NFC transceiver coupled to the processor, and a processor-readable non-transient storage medium storing identification data, wherein the processor is configured to:
• NFC near field communications
• the wristwatch device provides identification data which can be obtained by another device using NFC communications; that identification data may uniquely identify the wristwatch device.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the processor-readable non-transient storage medium is a secure element.
• the processor-readable non-transient storage medium is therefore tamper-resistant.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein during normal use of the wristwatch device the NFC system is not removable as a whole from the wristwatch device, or the non- transient storage medium is not removable from the wristwatch device.
• An advantage is that identification data can be held securely in the device without being readily switched by an impostor or a thief.
• An example in which the NFC system is removed as a whole during non-normal use is if a skilled technician opens up the device for replacing the NFC system, using specialist tools.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the device is not operable to receive a SIM card.
• An advantage is that the device hardware is entirely self-contained.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the non-transient storage medium stores a first authentication credential, wherein the processor is configured to:
• An advantage is that the identification data cannot be obtained automatically by a NFC enabled other device, which makes the protection of the identification data more secure.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the processor is configured to request the second authentication credential from the other device.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the processor includes memory, wherein the processor is configured to delete the second authentication credential from memory after performing authentication verification.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the processor is configured to terminate the NFC link prior to transmitting identification data to the other device via the established NFC link if authentication of the other device is not verified.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system includes a GPS receiver coupled to the processor, wherein the GPS receiver is activated by the processor only when an NFC link has been established.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the other device is a smartphone, a mobile phone, an automated teller machine, a vehicle, or a controlled entry system of a premises.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system is situated directly behind a display face of the wristwatch. An advantage is that the NFC system may readily provide output to the display face.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system is a planar component of the wristwatch. An advantage is that planar components are well-suited to a wristwatch housing geometry.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system is a thin disc.
• An advantage is that a thin disc is well-suited to many wristwatch housing geometries.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system forms part of a display face component of the wristwatch.
• An advantage is that the NFC system may readily provide output to the display face.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein a display face component of the wristwatch includes a liquid crystal display, a bistable display or a low power display, for user interactions or notifications. Such displays have low power demands on a wristwatch device battery.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein messages and notifications are receivable by the wristwatch from a smartphone via short range wireless communications or Bluetooth.
• An advantage is that the wristwatch device is provided with smartphone-like functionality without the hardware requirements of a smartphone.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein a display face component of the wristwatch includes a LED for user notifications, such as flashing when a payment is taken.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the wristwatch includes a small digital display that shows value/ credits stored on watch.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system includes one or more additional components selected from the list of: an antenna for Bluetooth communications, a light emitting diode (LED), a graphical display.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the wristwatch further includes one or more additional components selected from the list of: a printed circuit board (PCB) with extended functionality, a further processor unit, a memory, a wireless interface (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), sensors for a user's pulse, a movement sensor, a reserve power source, or an inductive charging apparatus.
• PCB printed circuit board
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the wristwatch includes: a back and side covering; a layer including an accelerometer component, a chip and a battery; a further layer including a clock mechanism; a further layer comprising the NFC system; a clock face, and a glass cover.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the wristwatch includes a computer in connection with the NFC system, wherein the computer is operable to download and run an application which uses the NFC system.
• the wristwatch device acquires some of the programming versatility of a smartphone, but without the full hardware requirements of a smartphone.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the processor is configured to receive account data from the other device via the NFC link and to store the account data in the non- transient storage medium.
• the wristwatch device may top up credits, such as for use in a public transport system, for accessing a particular premises, for use in gaming activities, for use in a premises for paying for food and/ or drink, for use in a shop for payment, or for use in accessing exercise or sports facilities.
• user account data may be updated, such as with new payment card details, or with new security authorization details.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system includes data which are changeable through interaction via a NFC link with the other device.
• the wristwatch device may top up credits, such as for use in a public transport system, for accessing a particular premises, for use in gaming activities, for use in a premises for paying for food and/ or drink, for use in a shop for payment, or for use in accessing exercise or sports facilities.
• user account data may be updated, such as with new payment card details, or with new security authorization details.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the data are credit data, and the credit data are changeable through interaction via a NFC link with a smart phone running a banking application.
• a smartphone running a banking application can be used to pay for credits for the wristwatch device.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the data are loyalty points data, and the loyalty points data are changeable through interaction via a NFC link with a smart phone running a loyalty application.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system is operable to download an application program from the other device using the NFC link.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system provides a unique identity for the wristwatch.
• An advantage is that the wristwatch device may be used for identification purposes.
• the wristwatch device may be one wherein the NFC system is integral to the wristwatch during normal use of the wristwatch.
• NFC near field communications
• the near field communications apparatus including a processor, a NFC transceiver coupled to the processor, and a processor-readable non-transient storage medium storing identification data, wherein the processor is configured to:
• the apparatus can be retrofitted to a wristwatch device, such as within the wristwatch housing, on the outside of the wristwatch housing, or in or on a strap of the wristwatch.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the processor-readable non-transient storage medium is a secure element.
• An advantage is that the processor-readable non-transient storage medium is therefore tamper-resistant.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus is not removable as a whole from the wristwatch device, or the non- transient storage medium is not removable from the wristwatch device, during normal use of the wristwatch device.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus is not operable to receive a SIM card.
• An advantage is that the NFC apparatus hardware is entirely self-contained.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus is retrofittable to a wristwatch.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus includes a printed circuit board.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC transceiver includes a spiral antenna. Such an antenna is compact.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus has a maximum lateral extent between 1 cm and 5 cm.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus is a disc with a diameter of between 1 cm and 5 cm.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus includes a casing, and is retrofittable to an outside of a wristwatch case.
• the NFC apparatus may be such that the NFC apparatus includes a casing, and is retrofittable to a wristwatch strap, wherein the strap is in contact with a wristwatch case.
• a method of verifying authenticity between a wristwatch device and another device including a near field communications (NFC) system, the near field communications system including a processor, a NFC transceiver coupled to the processor, and a processor-readable non-transient storage medium storing identification data, the non- transient storage medium storing a first authentication credential, the method comprising the steps of:
• NFC near field communications
• the method may include the step of requesting the second authentication credential from the other device.
• the method may be one wherein the processor includes memory, the method including the step of deleting the second authentication credential from memory after performing authentication verification.
• the method may be one including the step of terminating the NFC link prior to transmitting identification data to the other device via the established NFC link if authenticity of the other device is not verified.
• a computer program product embodied on a non-transient storage medium, the computer program product operable to perform the method according to any statement according to the third aspect of the invention.
• a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided use of the wristwatch according to any statement according to the first aspect of the invention, as a NFC banking card.
• a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided use of the wristwatch according to statement according to the first aspect of the invention, as a vehicle key.
• a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided use of the wristwatch according to any statement according to the first aspect of the invention, in a controlled entry system to verify entry to premises.
• a system comprising the wristwatch device according to any statement according to the first aspect of the invention, and the other device.
• NFC near field communications
• An advantage is that a wristwatch can be readily upgraded with NFC functionality.
• a method of manufacturing a wristwatch comprising the steps of:
• An advantage is that a wristwatch can be readily redesigned and manufactured to incorporate NFC functionality.
• a method of modifying a design representation of a wristwatch comprising the steps of:
• An advantage of an implementation of the invention is that it can be included into an existing design of wristwatch, such as a conventional wristwatch with a mechanical movement, or a quartz movement, with no or very limited modifications to the design of the watch casing or the assembly or manufacturing processes. This is very important because conventional watch manufacturers face significant competitive threats from new players with entirely electronic watches, with functionality such as smartphone connectivity. It is very valuable for those conventional watch manufacturers to be able to update the functionality of their existing watches with NFC capability without having to discard the heritage and skills developed over many decades in conventional watch making.
• Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a wristwatch structure.
• Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an incorporation of a NFC module into an otherwise conventional watch.
• Figure 3 is an exploded view showing an example structure of a wristwatch device including a near field communications (NFC) system, wherein the NFC system is not removable as a whole or in part from the wristwatch device during normal use of the wristwatch device.
• NFC near field communications
• Figure 4 shows a system block diagram of a wireless network including a number of mobile devices according to prior art reference WO2010138592A2.
• the invention relates to bringing near field communication (NFC) functionality to the watches industry.
• NFC near field communication
• a purpose of this invention is to minimize NFC technology adaptation expenses and to shorten the project timeframe.
• Typical watches structure consists of Dial/Display and front-glass (1), Mechnical mechanism movement and/ or printed circuit board (PCB) and power source part (3) and bottom enclosure (5). Reference may be had to Figure 1, by way of example.
• PCB printed circuit board
• NFC functionality in part (2), which is very thin disk and can be combined with Dial (1), or can be a separate part.
• NFC functionality Part (2) can contain additional components, like antennas for Bluetooth communications, light emitting diode (LED) signal lighting for user iteration, graphical display.
• Part (4) is optional and can consist of additional printed circuit board (PCB) with extended functionality, like processor unit, memory, wireless interfaces (like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), sensors for pulse, movement, reserve power source, as well as inductive charging scheme. Part (4) can be bonded together with bottom enclosure (Part 5).
• PCB printed circuit board
• Part (4) can be linked electrically or mechanically with watches power source within Part (3).
• Parts (1) and (4) may be linked together with wired or inductive connection.
• Part (4) can be connected to existing watches controls, like rotary selectors or buttons.
• Part (1) when combined with (4) can have liquid crystal display (LCD) or Bi-Stable or low power display for user interactions or notifications. Display can be segmented or active matrix.
• Part (1) when combined with (4) can have LED for user notifications.
• LCD liquid crystal display
• Bi-Stable or low power display for user interactions or notifications.
• Display can be segmented or active matrix.
• Part (1) when combined with (4) can have LED for user notifications.
• Antennas for part (1) can be implemented as a part of cover glass, electrically contacting with wired connection with part (1).
• ⁇ Watch can include small digital display that shows value/ credits stored on watch; could double up as date display.
• Watch can include small LED that flashes once payment has been taken.
• FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an incorporation of a NFC module into an otherwise conventional watch.
• a watch in an example, includes a back and side covering, a layer including a gyroscope (or an accelerometer component), a chip and a battery, a further layer including a clock mechanism, a further layer including a NFC chip and antenna component, a clock face, and a glass cover.
• Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an incorporation of a NFC chip and antenna component into a watch.
• an NFC chip and antenna component is on a PCB which is watch-sized and includes the antenna.
• the NFC chip and antenna component is situated under the clockface.
• an NFC chip and antenna component includes a spiral antenna.
• NFC modules into existing (or slightly adapted) watch designs (even mechanical watches) and watch assembly methodologies. These NFC module designs are suitable for adding to conventional watches for example because they are really tiny and can go anywhere, as long as the antenna is not obstructed.
• the NFC/ smart module may be tiny and may be put under the clockface of mass-production models.
• a key, core idea is to make smart watches. Use of a watch as a NFC banking card is an example. Further use examples are: car keys, elite club keys, sensors (movement, etc.).
• a wristwatch as a NFC banking card
• the wristwatch is brought into close proximity to form a NFC connection with an automatic teller machine, and used to identify a user in the same way that insertion of a bank card into an automatic teller machine can be used to identify a user. Further security steps such as a user entering a PIN code into the automatic teller machine may be used.
• a wristwatch as a NFC banking card
• the wristwatch is brought into close proximity to form a NFC connection with a wireless payment device (such as, but not limited to, one operable to receive a credit card), and used to identify a user in the same way that insertion of a bank card into a wireless payment device can be used to identify a user.
• a wireless payment device such as, but not limited to, one operable to receive a credit card
• Further security steps such as a user entering a personal identity number (PIN) code into the wireless payment device may be used.
• PIN personal identity number
• a screen may be included in the clock face, to show messages and notifications sent from a connected smartphone, which may be connected by Bluetooth or by short range wireless communication.
• the NFC module includes an NFC chip, a secure element and an antenna.
• NFC functionality is to free some room under the clockface.
• Other ways to add NFC functionality to a conventional watch include retro-fitting to an outside of the case, adding to wrist strap or wristband, or adding to a clasp.
• the watch can run NFC enabled apps.
• Payment data is pre-installed in a factory. But there is factory-encoded data and there is other data which can be changed, for example through interaction with a mobile phone app.
• Examples of new use cases for a NFC-enabled watch include payment cards, car keys, elite club keys, or loyalty cards.
• the NFC-enabled watch can interact with NFC enabled smartphones by managing data on smartphone.
• the NFC-enabled watch can interact with an NFC enabled system extension by managing data on the NFC enabled system extension.
• the NFC-enabled watch can interact with an NFC enabled system extension by managing data on the NFC enabled system extension.
• How will the watch be loaded with credit ? In an example, it is done via a banking app on a connected smartphone. In another example, it is personalized after production. Regarding uploading a credit card into a watches, this may be done in a personalisation process after production. Regarding how to top-up the watch with credits, it may be performed just like a usual credit card: internet transfers, banks, cash-machines, etc.
• a NFC chip and antenna module is not removable from a watch during normal use.
• An advantage is that the NFC chip and antenna module may be used to provide a unique identity for the watch. This may make the watch less attractive to a thief because the thief risks being identified as a thief through possession of the watch.
• a NFC chip and antenna module is integral to a watch during normal use. An advantage is that the NFC chip and antenna module therefore cannot fall out of the watch, which could lead to inadvertent loss of functionality of the watch.
• a NFC chip and antenna module for use with a wristwatch has a maximum lateral extent between 1 cm and 5 cm; in an example a NFC chip and antenna module is disc-shaped and has a diameter between 1 cm and 5 cm.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Electric Clocks (AREA)
• Telephone Function (AREA)

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Cited By (10)

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• 2012
  • 2012-06-21 GB GBGB1210958.3A patent/GB201210958D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2013
  • 2013-06-21 WO PCT/EP2013/063060 patent/WO2013190119A2/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (1)

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