Credential Sharing via Contactless Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for sharing user credentials in mobile phones require manual transfer of SIM cards and involve complex CPU mediation, limiting convenience and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows physical engagement between a primary and secondary appliance, enabling the secondary appliance to access the credentials module of the primary appliance through a conductive or contactless interface, such as ISO 14443, NFC, Bluetooth, or infrared technology, without removing the SIM card from the primary appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual transfer of SIM card is used for credential sharing, then credential sharing is achieved, but operational convenience deteriorates and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual transfer of SIM card with contactless communication technology. The primary appliance uses a contactless interface (such as NFC, Bluetooth, or infrared) to transmit credentials to the secondary appliance, eliminating the need for physical removal and insertion of the SIM card, thereby improving convenience and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a contactless communication interface as an intermediary between the primary and secondary appliances. This intermediary enables credential sharing without direct physical contact or manual intervention, allowing the secondary appliance to access credentials remotely through the established communication channel.
2Reliability
If CPU mediation is used for credential exchange, then credential security is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the credential storage function from the CPU and places it in a dedicated credentials module (such as a secure element or U2F token). This separation allows the CPU to mediate security protocols without handling the actual credentials, reducing CPU complexity while maintaining security. The credentials module operates independently with minimal CPU involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The credentials module performs self-contained operations for credential validation and exchange. It has its own processing capabilities to verify authentication tokens, manage key pairs, and communicate with the remote appliance directly, reducing the burden on the main CPU and simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SIM card is removed from primary appliance for sharing, then credential access is enabled, but appliance functionality is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous credential access by establishing a persistent contactless communication channel between the primary and secondary appliances. The secondary appliance can access credentials in real-time without interrupting the primary appliance's operation, maintaining continuous functionality for both devices throughout the credential sharing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic credential access where the secondary appliance can request and receive credentials on-demand through the contactless interface. The system adapts to different access scenarios, allowing temporary or permanent credential sharing based on user needs without requiring physical removal of the SIM card, thus maintaining appliance operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A primary appliance, reversibly engageable with a secondary appliance for sharing credentials, including: a credentials module configured to enable the primary appliance to make/receive phone calls; and an interface with the secondary appliance, the interface including: a physical interface for physically reversibly engaging the primary appliance and the secondary appliance; and a conductive interface for enabling the secondary appliance to communicate with the module upon being physically engaged. A secondary appliance, reversibly engageable with a primary appliance having a credentials module enabling the primary appliance to make/receive phone calls, including: a service module configured to be enabled by the credentials module; and an interface, for the primary appliance, including: an interface for physically reversibly engaging the secondary appliance with the primary appliance; and a conductive interface for enabling communication of the secondary appliance with the credentials module upon the secondary appliance being physically engaged with the primary appliance.