NFC Credential Provisioning With Proximity Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital credentials are vulnerable to unauthorized provisioning when physically handed over, posing a risk of fraudulent duplication.
Innovation Solution
A proximity-based mechanism that utilizes NFC technology to securely transfer and validate digital credentials by tapping a physical credential to an electronic device, incorporating PIN entry and cryptographic validation to enhance security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical credentials are handed over for digital credential provisioning, then credential transfer is convenient, but security is compromised due to unauthorized duplication risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handover of physical credentials with an NFC-based wireless communication system. The NFC reader electronically communicates with the physical credential through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for direct physical contact and manual information transfer, thereby maintaining convenience while enhancing security through cryptographic validation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an NFC reader as an intermediary device between the user and the credential provisioning system. The reader acts as a trusted mediator that validates the physical credential through NFC communication and cryptographic verification before allowing digital credential provisioning, preventing unauthorized duplication while maintaining ease of transfer
2Reliability
If NFC tapping is implemented for credential validation, then security is enhanced through proximity-based verification, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC reader is designed to perform multiple functions: it reads physical credential information, validates cryptographic signatures, verifies proximity through NFC field detection, and provisions digital credentials. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional device, the system enhances security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated cryptographic validation and proximity verification. The NFC reader automatically detects the physical credential, validates its authenticity through cryptographic checks, and provisions the digital credential without requiring manual intervention for each security check, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high security
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
Enhances the security and convenience of digital credential provisioning by ensuring authenticity and preventing unauthorized access, while maintaining data integrity through cryptographic validation and PIN entry.
Implementation Method 1
A proximity-based mechanism that utilizes NFC technology to securely transfer and validate digital credentials by tapping a physical credential to an electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
The subject system may be implemented by a processor circuit configured to receive, by an NFC component, credential information associated with a physical credential, transmit to a provider server via an intermediate server a request for a digital credential, receive from the provider server via the intermediate server the digital credential generated by the provider server based on the request, and provision the digital credential on a secure element of the user device.