Companion Device Temporary Profile Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Companion devices, such as smartwatches, often lose connectivity when separated from their mobile phones due to the lack of a SIM card and limited Bluetooth range, preventing access to communication services when the user is far away.
Innovation Solution
A method where the subscriber device delivers a temporary profile and authentication response to the companion device, allowing it to configure a second wireless communication interface for authentication with the server, even when not in direct communication via the first interface, enabling continued connectivity over longer distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the companion device uses Bluetooth to connect to the mobile phone, then the connection is secure and low-power, but the connection range is limited to short distance only
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two distinct interfaces: a first short-range interface (Bluetooth) for initial authentication and profile delivery, and a second long-range interface (WiFi or cellular) for extended connectivity. This segmentation allows each interface to operate in its optimal range, resolving the contradiction between short-range reliability and long-range coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile phone performs preliminary authentication with the authentication server and delivers the temporary profile and authentication response to the companion device via Bluetooth before the user moves away. This preliminary action ensures that the companion device has all necessary credentials to independently authenticate and maintain connectivity over longer distances.
2Reliability
If the companion device is equipped with a SIM card for independent network access, then the device can maintain connectivity independently, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equipping the companion device with a permanent SIM card, the system creates a temporary copy of the authentication profile (temporary IMSI, authentication response) from the mobile phone and transfers it to the companion device. This copied profile enables the companion device to authenticate independently with the network without requiring expensive permanent SIM card hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a temporary, disposable authentication profile that is valid for a limited period and can be discarded after use. This temporary profile approach replaces the need for expensive permanent SIM cards while maintaining independent connectivity capability during the temporary validity period.
3Ease of operation
If the user moves away from the mobile phone, then the mobile phone can be left in a safe place, but the companion device loses connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication credentials (temporary profile and authentication response) are extracted from the mobile phone and transferred to the companion device. This extraction allows the companion device to operate independently without requiring the mobile phone to remain nearby, resolving the contradiction between leaving the phone safe and maintaining connectivity.
4Length of stationary object
If the companion device switches to WiFi interface when Bluetooth is unavailable, then the connection range is extended to tens of meters, but the solution cannot work when the user moves several kilometers away
Solution Approach 1:
The companion device is configured with multi-functionality to support multiple communication interfaces (Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular). The temporary profile enables the device to authenticate with the cellular network via the second interface, providing universal adaptability across different communication technologies and extending range from tens of meters to several kilometers.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to an authentication method for a system including a subscriber device and a companion device. The authentication method includes the issuing (E21) by the subscriber device (10) to the companion device (20) of a temporary profile and of an authentication reply signed by the subscriber device and sent to the server (41), the installation (E31) of the temporary profile to configure a second wireless communication interface of the companion device (20), the request for a second authentication (E41) with the server (41) via the second interface using the authentication reply issued so as to authorize the second interface when the companion (20) and subscriber (10) devices are not communicating via the first communication interface. The invention applies to systems including subscriber and companion devices, such as watches and connected objects.