Mobile Device Access Card Provisioning via Automated Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process of adding new access cards to mobile devices is time-consuming and user-unfriendly, requiring manual input of information and remote server approval, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a mobile device with an automated data capture device, such as an imager and NFC module, to obtain card data from access cards without manual entry, and interfaces with a remote system to provision the device with necessary account information, enabling faster and more convenient card addition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual input of access card information is used, then data accuracy can be ensured, but the time required to add a new access card increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime required to add access cardVSAvoiduser effort for data entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical scanning and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. The imager captures card information optically, and the NFC module wirelessly retrieves data from the access card, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing errors while significantly decreasing the time required to provision a new card.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service provisioning where the mobile device automatically captures card data through the imager and NFC module, and the remote system automatically processes and approves the card addition. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and speeds up the entire card addition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If complete card information is sent to remote server for approval, then security is maintained, but the provisioning process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard provisioning securityVSAvoidcard approval time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of card information locally on the mobile device before transmitting data to the remote server. The imager and NFC module capture and pre-process card data, and the mobile device verifies basic format and authenticity, so that when information is sent to the remote system, minimal additional processing is needed, reducing overall approval time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated data capture devices are used, then card addition speed increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecard addition speedVSAvoidmobile device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device leverages existing multi-functional components - the camera/imager is already present for photos and videos, and the NFC module is already integrated for contactless payments and communications. By repurposing these existing components for access card provisioning, the system achieves automated data capture without adding significant hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution significantly reduces the time required to add new access cards to mobile devices, enhancing user experience by automating the data capture and approval process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

a near field communication (NFC) module that obtains card data from the access card using the NFC communication capability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an imager that captures an image of the access card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS9585006B2Express mobile device access provisioning methods, systems, and apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 CELLCO PARTNERSHIP INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus enable provisioning of a mobile device with access information for an account. A secure element within a subscriber identity module (SIM) or universal integrated circuit card (UICC) of the mobile device may be provisioned to enable account access. Provisioning may be performed by obtaining card data for a card associated with an account using an automated data capture device, confirming validity of the account by exchanging the card data with a user authentication server, confirming validity of the mobile device by exchanging mobile device information with a device authentication server, sending a request from the mobile device to provision the mobile device after confirming validity of the account and the mobile device, receiving provisioning instructions to provision the mobile device with the access information for the account, and provisioning the mobile device with the access information for the account based on the provisioning instructions.