Mobile Device Mediator for Secure NFC Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices without direct connectivity to a public land mobile network face challenges in provisioning confidential information for credit cards, transit cards, loyalty programs, access badges, and other secure services, as they rely on network-enabled devices for communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a network-enabled mobile device wirelessly requests and receives confidential information from a provisioning server, then uses near-field communication to transmit and store this information in a target device, which can be a non-networked device like a watch or accessory, enabling secure provisioning without direct network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a target device without PLMN network connectivity is used, then device simplicity and portability are improved, but the ability to provision confidential information securely is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the PLMN network and the target device. The mobile device has both PLMN connectivity and NFC capability, allowing it to act as a mediator that receives confidential information from the network and forwards it to the target device via NFC, thus enabling provisioning without requiring the target device to have PLMN connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the provisioning function into two separate devices: the mobile device handles network communication and confidential information management, while the target device focuses on storing and using the confidential information. This segmentation allows the target device to remain simple without PLMN hardware while still achieving secure provisioning through the mobile device's network capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If confidential information is transmitted via PLMN network to a target device, then provisioning capability is improved, but security risks increase due to network transmission vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as a secure intermediary that receives confidential information from the PLMN network in an encrypted form, stores it temporarily in its own secure element, and then transmits it to the target device via NFC. This intermediary approach prevents direct network-to-target-device transmission, thereby reducing security risks associated with network vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The confidential information is copied from the mobile device's secure element to the target device's secure element through NFC transmission. This copying mechanism allows the information to be transferred securely without exposing it during network transmission, as the actual confidential data never leaves the mobile device's secure storage during the network communication phase
3Reliability
If a dedicated secure element is implemented in each target device, then security is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a PLMN network communication device and as a secure element for storing and transmitting confidential information. This universal device can provision multiple target devices, eliminating the need for each target device to have full PLMN connectivity and associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The PLMN network connectivity function is extracted from the target device and placed in the mobile device. The target device only needs to implement NFC capability and a secure element for storage, while the mobile device handles all network communication and confidential information management, thereby reducing the target device's complexity
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
Enables secure and efficient provisioning of confidential information for various payment and access services on target devices without the need for them to have a radio transceiver for public land mobile network communication, enhancing convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the confidential information using near field communication technology to the target device
Data Source
AI summary
A method of provisioning confidential information to a target device is provided. The method comprises a mobile device wirelessly transmitting using a public land mobile network a message to request confidential information, wherein the confidential information is associated with at least one of a credit card, a transit card, a transit token, an electronic coupon, a loyalty program access code, an access badge, and an access code. The method also comprises the mobile device wirelessly receiving the confidential information from the public land mobile network and transmitting the confidential information using near field communication technology to the target device. The method also comprises the target device receiving the confidential information using near field communication technology and storing the confidential information.