NFC Token Delivery for Serverless Service Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face the challenge of accessing restricted goods or services from a server without knowing the server's address, requiring manual search or authentication processes.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing short-range wireless communication, such as NFC, between a terminal and a portable device to transmit a digital token, allowing users to access services without entering or searching for the server's address, where the token can be used multiple times and includes authentication data for secure delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users manually search for or enter server address to access restricted goods or services, then authentication and access control can be implemented, but user convenience and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidaccess control security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server address and authentication credentials are pre-configured in the terminal device before the user needs to access the service. When the user initiates access, the terminal automatically retrieves and transmits these pre-stored credentials to the server, eliminating the need for manual input while maintaining security through pre-established authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device automatically performs the authentication process without requiring user intervention. The system self-manages credential transmission, server communication, and authentication verification, allowing users to access services simply by being in proximity to the terminal rather than manually entering server addresses or credentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If server address is hardcoded or pre-configured in terminal devices, then user convenience is improved, but system flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic accessVSAvoidserver selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal device dynamically determines which server to access based on real-time conditions such as user location, service type, and terminal capabilities. Rather than being statically configured for a single server, the system adaptively selects appropriate servers from multiple available options, allowing both automatic access convenience and flexible adaptation to different service scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If authentication processes are implemented before service delivery, then security is improved, but access speed and user experience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidaccess speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Authentication credentials are pre-configured and stored in the terminal device before access is needed. When the user approaches the terminal, authentication data is immediately transmitted to the server without requiring real-time user input or complex authentication sequences, thereby maintaining security while significantly reducing access time and improving user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 seamless access to digital objects or services without requiring users to know the server's address, offering secure and convenient delivery through authentication, enhancing user experience and service accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

a terminal (800) comprising short-range wireless communication means capable of emitting a signal comprising a digital token

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC):

Implementation Method 2

a portable device (500) comprising short-range wireless communication means capable of receiving this signal, means for extracting the token from this signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2159763B1System and method for delivering a good or a service to a user
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP2159763B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2159763B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system (10) has a terminal (800) e.g. metro access device, comprising a near field communication (NFC) short-range wireless communication unit (82) to emit a signal (SIG) with a digital token (TOK). A portable device i.e. Universal serial bus (USB)key (500), has an NFC short-range wireless communication unit (52) to receive the signal. A terminal (600) e.g. personal computer, has a communication unit for sending the token to a server (700). The server has a delivery unit to deliver good i.e. digital object (OBJ), or service based on the reception of the token. An independent claim is also included for a method for delivering a good or service.