DE102020114160A1 - WEARABLE CHIP STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF OPERATING A WEARABLE CHIP STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Abstract

A wearable chip structure (100) is provided. The wearable chip structure (100) may have a chip, a barometric pressure sensor chip for detecting the atmospheric pressure, an interface for supplying the detected atmospheric pressure to processing logic, and a chip access authorization circuit which is configured to allow access to the chip based on an authentication process using the to allow detected atmospheric pressure.

Description

Technical area

Various embodiments generally relate to a chip structure and a method of operating a wearable chip structure.

background

Smart devices, in particular wearable devices such as chip cards, rings for near field communication (NFC), smart wristwatches and the like, can be hacked in private, hidden laboratories / facilities.

Currently, many such smart devices, such as smart cards, may have additional biometric and / or two-factor authentication, such as fingerprint-based verification.

However, there is no validation of any particular environmental condition while the smart device is in use.

Brief description

A wearable chip structure is provided. The wearable chip structure can include the following: a chip, a barometric pressure sensor chip for detecting the atmospheric pressure, an interface for supplying the detected atmospheric pressure to processing logic, and a chip access authorization circuit which is configured to allow access to the chip based on an authentication process using the to allow detected atmospheric pressure.

Figure list

• 1A bis 1C zeigen jeweils eine schematische Ansicht einer Wearable-Chipstruktur gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsformen;
• 2 zeigt eine Wearable-Chipstruktur-Vorrichtung einschließlich einer Wearable-Chipstruktur gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsformen;
• 3 zeigt ein Chipsystem einschließlich einer Wearable-Chipstruktur gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsformen; und
• 4 zeigt ein Flussdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Wearable-Chipstruktur gemäß verschiedenen Ausführungsformen.

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed generally on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

• 1A until 1C each show a schematic view of a wearable chip structure according to various embodiments;
• 2 shows a wearable chip structure device including a wearable chip structure according to various embodiments;
• 3 shows a chip system including a wearable chip structure according to various embodiments; and
• 4th FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating a wearable chip structure in accordance with various embodiments.

description

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention can be practiced.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or configuration described herein as “exemplary” need not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or configurations.

The word "over" used in connection with a deposited material formed "over" a side or surface may be used herein to mean that the deposited material is "directly on", for example in direct contact with , the relevant side or surface can be formed. The word “over”, used in connection with a deposited material formed “over” a side or surface, may be used herein to mean that the deposited material is “indirectly on” the relevant side or surface with a or a plurality of additional layers arranged between the respective side or surface and the deposited material can be formed.

In various embodiments, a wearable chip structure is provided which makes it possible to determine a barometric pressure at an operating point and to compare it with a stored reference pressure that is intended to be present at a location of a reading device that is used for the operation. The wearable chip structure can be set up to continue operation only in the event of a match and to refuse continued operation and / or certain transactions in the event of a discrepancy.

This means that an attacker who wants to gain access to the wearable chip structure, for example a chip card, replicates the environmental conditions of a certified reading device, for example a card terminal (which has a fixed location) would have to. This may be too much of a hassle for many potential attackers.

1A until 1C each show a schematic view of a wearable chip structure 100 according to different embodiments, 2 shows a wearable chip structure device 200 including a wearable chip structure 100 according to various embodiments, and 3 shows a chip system 300 including a wearable chip structure 100 according to various embodiments.

The wearable chip structure 100 can have a chip 106 , a barometric pressure sensor chip 108 for detecting the atmospheric pressure, an interface 112 for providing the detected atmospheric pressure to processing logic, and a chip access authorization circuit 110 that is set up to have access to the chip 106 based on an authentication process using the detected atmospheric pressure.

With the symbolically in 1A until 1C illustrated embodiments are the chip 106 , the barometric pressure sensor chip 108 (which also works as a sensor chip 108 is called), the interface 112 and the chip access authorization circuit 110 (which is also called the authorization circuit 110 is shown as linearly arranged and connected elements. However, their physical location can be on or within the wearable chip structure 100 and their position in an electrical circuit can be chosen as required. For example, all elements can be integrated into a single chip module, which for example can contain a circuit board or the like, and / or one or more of the chips 106 , 108 , the interface 112 and the authorization circuit 110 can be integrated into a single chip.

The chip 106 can be a security controller, also referred to as a secure element, which can, for example, provide cryptographically secured transactions, for example payments or access control.

The barometric pressure sensor chip 108 For example, it may be implemented as a microelectromechanical system (MEMS), such as is known in the art for barometric pressure sensors in electronic systems. The barometric pressure sensor chip 108 can with the interface 112 be connected to provide the detected atmospheric pressure to the processing logic.

In various embodiments, the processing logic can be part of the wearable chip structure 100 be. the interface 112 can be a (e.g. wired) interface that supports the barometric pressure sensor 108 connects with the processing logic.

In various embodiments, the processing logic may be external to the wearable chip structure 100 be. the interface 112 can use the barometric pressure sensor 108 with an external processing logic 228 associate. the interface 112 can for example be a wireless or contact-based interface that uses the sensor chip 108 with a smartphone or with a processor cloud architecture (also referred to as “cloud”), which can be set up to serve as the processing logic and the processing result, for example via the interface 112 back to the wearable chip structure 100 transferred to. The wearable chip structure 100 and the structure-external processing logic 228 can put together the wearable chip structure device 200 form.

In various embodiments, the wearable chip structure 100 a communication interface 120 to access the chip 106 with an external communication device 330 include. The wearable chip structure 100 and the external communication device 330 can as the chip system 300 to be considered educational. The external communication device 330 can be set up to carry out an action after authentication by the wearable chip structure, for example a payment, granting access, issuing a ticket or the like.

In various embodiments, the interface 112 and the communication interface 120 be identical to one another or combined with one another. In various embodiments, the interface 112 and the communication interface 120 be separate devices. A communication signal between the communication interface 120 and the external communication device 330 is as a signal 114 shown. The communication interface 120 can be a contact-based interface, for example a contact-based interface or the like for a chip card, or a contactless interface, for example a near field communication (NFC) interface.

In various embodiments, if the processing logic is not in the wearable chip structure 100 is integrated, the interface 112 and the communication interface 120 be a single device. In other words, a single interface can be used to establish communication between the sensor chip 108 and the processing logic and between the chip 106 and the external communication device 330 to enable.

The chip access authorization circuit 110 can be arranged to receive a result from the processing logic. The authorization circuit 110 may in different embodiments with the processing logic and / or with the interface 112 be connected to receive the processing result.

The chip access authorization circuit 110 can be set up to allow access to the chip 106 (e.g. the secure element) only in the event that the detected atmospheric pressure coincides with an atmospheric pressure which is expected for a given reading device.

In various embodiments, the chip access authorization circuit 110 for receiving a device identification from the external communication device 330 via the communication interface 120 be set up. The received device identification can be used to determine the expected atmospheric pressure.

Determining the expected atmospheric pressure may include identifying the received device identification in a database, the device information of approved external communication devices 330 matches with information indicative of an atmospheric pressure at a location of the external communication device 330 are relevant, for example, reference atmospheric pressure values, tolerances for the reference atmospheric pressure values, position coordinates (which can include a height specification) of the external communication device 330 etc. The database can be stored in memory that is part of a wearable chip structure 100 (this one is called the store 122 in 1C and 2 specified) or be part of the device that controls the processing logic outside the structure 228 houses.

In various embodiments, determining the expected atmospheric pressure can include using the atmospheric pressure value determined from the database unchanged, for example if a lower limit and an upper limit are provided for the expected atmospheric pressure value. In various embodiments, the expected atmospheric pressure value may be calculated using values from the database that the identified external communication device 330 correspond. For example, a value of the current atmospheric pressure at the location of the external communication device 330 as by their position coordinates (including an altitude) via the interface 112 or via the communication interface 120 for example, can be accessed from the Internet. As another example, the expected atmospheric pressure can be calculated from the reference atmospheric pressure values by calculating a minimum expected atmospheric pressure value and a maximum expected atmospheric pressure value in consideration of the tolerance obtained from the database. The tolerance can for example be provided according to theoretical considerations and / or from measurements, for example from atmospheric pressure measurements at or near the external communication device 330 , and their variations can be calculated. As a further example, the expected atmospheric pressure value can be calculated from the reference atmospheric pressure values by additionally taking into account parameters such as a temperature, a humidity, a date and / or a time of day. Relationships between such parameters can be applied as is known in meteorology. The wearable chip structure 100 can add another sensor 124 , for example a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a clock, and / or can call up relevant parameters via the Internet, as described above.

The database entries can be permanent (for example, not modifiable after their initial installation) or can be changed via the interface 112 or via the communication interface 120 be modifiable, for example updated occasionally or regularly, for example after authentication by the user. Although the permanent database can offer better fraud protection, the modifiable database can offer better long-term usability, for example by adding new approved external communication devices 330 and / or by adjusting the reference atmospheric pressure and / or other parameters, such as the tolerances, according to experience gained between the initial installation of the database and a time of use.

The matching of the expected atmospheric pressure and the determined atmospheric pressure can work best if the external communication device 330 inside, e.g. on a constant floor / floor, where the atmospheric pressure can be relatively constant.

In various embodiments, the wearable chip structure 100 as a chip card (see the embodiment from 1A) , as a smart wristwatch (see the exemplary embodiments from 1C and 2 ) or a smart ring (see the exemplary embodiment from 1B) be set up.

In various embodiments, a typical transaction can essentially take place as follows: The wearable chip structure 100 (for example a chip card) can through the external communication device 330 (also known as a reader or terminal). The wearable chip structure 100 can receive the device identification from the external communication device 330 request and receive.

Then the wearable chip structure 100 the atmospheric pressure at an altitude (position including an altitude) of a position at which the wearable chip structure 100 for communication is to be placed, for example in an NFC field or within a slot of a contact-based reader interface, using the barometric pressure sensor chip 108 determine.

After that, the wearable chip structure can 100 compare the determined (e.g. measured) atmospheric pressure with an expected atmospheric pressure obtained from the database for the external communication device 330 is removed or determined with the device identification provided.

If the comparison is successful, in other words if the determined pressure matches the expected atmospheric pressure, a requested transaction can be carried out through the wearable chip structure 100 be authorized. Otherwise, a predetermined action can be taken. For example, the connection between the wearable chip structure 100 and the external communication device 330 interrupted, an alarm can be triggered, etc.

4th shows a flow chart 400 of a method for operating a wearable chip structure with a chip and a barometric pressure sensor chip for detecting the atmospheric pressure according to various embodiments.

The method may include detecting atmospheric pressure (at 410) and allowing access to the chip based on an authentication process using the detected atmospheric pressure (at 420).

Various examples are described below:

Example 1 is a wearable chip structure. The wearable chip structure can have a chip, a barometric pressure sensor chip for detecting the atmospheric pressure, an interface for supplying the detected atmospheric pressure to a processing logic, and a chip access authorization circuit which is configured to access the chip based on an authentication process using the detected atmospheric pressure allow to include.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally further include: a communication interface for accessing the chip with an external communication device.

In example 3, the subject matter from example 2 can optionally include that the communication interface is a contact-based interface or a contactless interface.

In example 4, the subject matter of example 2 or 3 can optionally include that the chip access authorization circuit is configured to receive a device identification from the external communication device via the communication interface.

In Example 5, the subject matter from any of Examples 1 to 4 can further optionally include: a memory that stores a database with reference atmospheric pressure values and / or parameters that have an influence on the atmospheric pressure for at least one external communication device.

In example 6, the subject matter of examples 4 and 5 can optionally include that the chip access authorization circuit is set up to compare the reference atmospheric pressure value or an expected atmospheric pressure value derived from the reference atmospheric pressure value and / or the parameter corresponding to the received device identification with the detected atmospheric pressure .

In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 can optionally include that the chip access authorization circuit is configured to take into account an accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance.

In Example 8, the subject matter of Example 7 can optionally include that the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance is based on an evaluation of previous pressure variations.

In Example 9, the article of any of Examples 1 to 8 can further optionally include: a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 7 and 9 can optionally include that the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance is calculated taking into account a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and / or a humidity measured by the humidity sensor.

In Example 11, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 10 can optionally include the chip access authorization circuit being part of the chip.

In example 12, the object from one of examples 1 to 11 can optionally be set up as a chip card, a smart wristwatch or a smart ring.

Example 13 is a method of operating a wearable chip structure having a chip and a barometric pressure sensor chip to detect atmospheric pressure. The method may include detecting an atmospheric pressure and allowing access to the chip based on an authentication process using the detected atmospheric pressure.

In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally further include: accessing the chip with an external communication device.

In example 15, the subject matter of example 14 can optionally include that the communication interface is a contact-based interface or a contactless interface.

In Example 16, the subject matter of any of Examples 13-15 can further optionally include: receiving a device identification from the external communication device via the communication interface.

In example 17, the subject matter of any of examples 13 to 16 can further optionally include: providing a database with reference atmospheric pressure values for at least one external communication device.

In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 16 and 17 may further optionally include: comparing the reference atmospheric pressure value corresponding to the received device identification with the detected atmospheric pressure value.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example 18 can optionally include the comparing taking into account an accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance.

In Example 20, the subject matter of Example 19 can optionally include that the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance is based on an evaluation of previous pressure variations.

In Example 21, the subject matter of any of Examples 13 to 20 can optionally include that the wearable chip structure further includes a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor, and that the method further calculates the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance by taking into account a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and / or or a humidity measured by the humidity sensor.

In example 22, the subject matter from one of examples 13 to 21 can optionally include that the wearable chip structure is set up as a chip card, a smart wristwatch or a smart ring.

While the invention has been shown and described with particular reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims (20)

A wearable chip structure (100) comprising: a chip (106); a barometric pressure sensor chip (108) for detecting atmospheric pressure; an interface (112) for providing the detected atmospheric pressure to processing logic; and a chip access authorization circuit (110) which is configured to allow access to the chip (106) based on an authentication process using the detected atmospheric pressure. Wearable chip structure (100) according to Claim 1 further comprising: a communication interface (120) for accessing the chip with an external communication device (330). Wearable chip structure (100) according to Claim 2 , wherein the communication interface (120) is a contact-based interface or a contactless interface. Wearable chip structure (100) according to Claim 2 or 3 wherein the chip access authorization circuit (110) is adapted to receive a device identification from the external Communication device (330) is set up via the communication interface (120). Wearable chip structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a memory (122) which stores a database with reference atmospheric pressure values and / or parameters which have an influence on the atmospheric pressure for at least one external communication device (330). Wearable chip structure (100) according to Claims 4 and 5 wherein the chip access authorization circuit (110) is configured to compare the reference atmospheric pressure value or an expected atmospheric pressure value derived from the reference atmospheric pressure value and / or the parameter corresponding to the received device identification with the detected atmospheric pressure. Wearable chip structure (100) according to Claim 6 wherein the chip access authorization circuit (110) is arranged to take into account an accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance. Wearable chip structure (100) according to Claim 7 where the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance is based on an evaluation of previous pressure variations. Wearable chip structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor (124), the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance optionally being calculated taking into account a temperature measured by the temperature sensor (124) and / or a humidity measured by the humidity sensor (124). Wearable chip structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the chip access authorization circuit (110) is part of the chip (106). Wearable chip structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, which is set up as a chip card, a smart wrist watch or a smart ring. A method for operating a wearable chip structure with a chip and a barometric pressure sensor chip for detecting the atmospheric pressure, which has the following: Detecting an atmospheric pressure (410); Allowing access to the chip based on an authentication process using the detected atmospheric pressure (420). Procedure according to Claim 12 further comprising: accessing the chip with an external communication device. Procedure according to Claim 13 , wherein the communication interface is a contact-based interface or a contactless interface. Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14th Receiving a device identification from the external communication device via the communication interface. Method according to one of the Claims 12 until 15th Further comprising: providing a database of reference atmospheric pressure values for at least one external communication device. Procedure according to Claims 15 and 16 further comprising: comparing the reference atmospheric pressure value corresponding to the received device identification with the detected atmospheric pressure value. Procedure according to Claim 17 wherein the comparison takes into account an accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance, the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance optionally being based on an evaluation of previous pressure variations. Method according to one of the Claims 12 until 18th , wherein the wearable chip structure further comprises a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor, wherein the method further comprises: calculating the accepted atmospheric pressure tolerance by taking into account a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and / or a humidity measured by the humidity sensor. Method according to one of the Claims 12 until 19th , wherein the wearable chip structure is set up as a chip card, a smart wrist watch or a smart ring.

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