NFC Subsystem for Subscriber Identity Data Transfer Between Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication devices lack efficient methods to share and utilize subscriber identity data between devices, especially when one device is powered off or in a low power mode, limiting seamless network access and data communication.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using NFC technology to establish a communication link between two mobile devices, allowing one device to act as an initiator and the other as a target, enabling the transfer of encrypted subscriber identity data and shared secrets, even when the target device is in a passive communication mode, thereby allowing secure access to wireless networks on the borrowing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFC technology is used to transfer subscriber identity data between devices, then network access capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC subsystem is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a contactless communication interface for data transfer and as a secure element for storing subscriber identity data. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve network access capability enhancement without adding separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a borrowing device as an intermediary that temporarily holds and utilizes the subscriber identity data from another device. This intermediary approach enables network access on the borrowing device without permanently modifying either device's core architecture, thus improving network access capability while maintaining relatively simple device structures.
2Reliability
If subscriber identity data is stored in NFC subsystem persistent memory, then data security is improved, but access flexibility when device is powered off worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The subscriber identity data is pre-stored in the NFC subsystem's persistent memory of the borrowing device before the lending device powers off. This preliminary action ensures that the data is already available in a secure location, enabling immediate access flexibility when needed without requiring the lending device to be powered on or actively connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the subscriber identity data from the lending device's NFC subsystem to the borrowing device's NFC subsystem. This copying mechanism maintains data security through encrypted storage in persistent memory while simultaneously improving access flexibility, as the borrowing device can independently access the copied data without needing the original device to be powered on or in communication range.
3Reliability
If encrypted subscriber identity data is transferred via NFC, then security is improved, but communication speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transfers only the essential subscriber identity data elements required for network access through the NFC subsystem, rather than transferring complete device profiles or excessive data. This partial action approach maintains security through encryption while minimizing the total data transfer time, thus mitigating the speed deterioration that would result from secure encrypted transmission.
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 enables users to access wireless voice and data services on a borrowed device, maintaining security and convenience by mimicking a physical SIM card functionality, allowing calls and data access even when the primary device is dead or has poor reception, and providing better network access on another device.
Implementation Method 1
NFC technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication system may include a pair of mobile wireless communications each including a contactless short-range communication subsystem. The first mobile wireless communications obtains subscriber identity data from the second mobile wireless communication when input matching a shared secret is provided on the second mobile wireless communication. The subscriber identity data from the first mobile wireless communication is subsequently used by the second mobile wireless communication to establish a wireless voice and/or data communication session on the second mobile wireless communication using the subscriber identity data of the first mobile wireless communication.