NFC Bootstrap via SIM Credential Pre-Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing NFC service configuration process for mobile handsets is cumbersome for users and costly for service providers, requiring multiple steps for downloading and setting up applications, and necessitating a secure identification system that can be expensive to establish and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A network system that uses a bootstrap controller and server to dynamically establish user credentials on both the mobile handset and server, allowing for easy configuration and authentication, eliminating the need for complex user procedures and reducing the burden on service providers to develop secure identification systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the existing NFC service configuration process is used, then secure identification and authentication are achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome for users and costly for service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring authentication credentials and service parameters on the SIM card before the user needs them. The bootstrap application leverages pre-stored authentication data and pre-configured service profiles to automatically establish NFC services without requiring users to manually configure security settings or download authentication certificates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic authentication and service configuration. The bootstrap application on the mobile device automatically retrieves service profiles from the SIM card, authenticates with NFC readers/writers using pre-configured credentials, and configures services without user intervention. The network system also automatically provisions services based on user profiles stored on the SIM card.
2Reliability
If a secure identification system is implemented for NFC services, then user authentication is ensured, but the cost for service providers to establish and maintain the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the SIM card serve multiple functions: it acts as an authentication credential storage, a service profile repository, a device identifier holder, and a network access point. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate secure identification systems, as the existing SIM card infrastructure is leveraged to provide all authentication and service management functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The SIM card functions as an intermediary between the user, the mobile network, and the NFC service infrastructure. It mediates authentication by providing credentials to NFC readers/writers, mediates service provisioning by storing and distributing service profiles, and mediates device identification by containing unique device identifiers. This intermediary role eliminates the need for service providers to build separate authentication infrastructure.
3Reliability
If IC cards are issued for NFC services, then secure access is provided, but the complexity of distribution and management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IC card functionality with the existing SIM card. Instead of issuing separate IC cards for NFC services, the service credentials, authentication data, and device identifiers are integrated into the SIM card that users already possess. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate card issuance, distribution, and management infrastructure while maintaining secure access capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a bootstrap system comprising a network system and a mobile handset where the mobile handset can easily receive services of NFC bootstrap application. The handset is effectively authenticated after a bootstrap controller in the network verifies whether a user credential derived in the mobile handset and a user credential separately received from a network server are equal. The application setting is sent to a handset from a bootstrap controller via ad-hoc near field communication (NFC) between the mobile handset and the bootstrap controller. Then the user of the mobile handset can receive various services of the NFC application after the network server delivers the user credential to the service devices with NFC interface.