NFC Transceiver Provisioning for Mobile Carrier Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices often come pre-configured for a single carrier's network and cannot be easily adapted for use on other networks, limiting their versatility and requiring complex over-the-air provisioning processes that may not function in areas with poor network coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing near field communication (NFC) to provision mobile devices by powering an NFC transceiver with an energizing field, allowing for the communication and storage of provisioning data without the need for a battery, enabling the device to be configured for different service providers and settings, even in areas with insufficient network coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mobile device is manufactured and customized for a specific carrier network, then the device operates reliably on that network, but the device cannot be easily adapted to other networks, reducing its versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the mobile device with carrier-specific settings, profiles, and network parameters during manufacturing or activation. This preliminary configuration enables the device to operate reliably on the intended carrier network while storing the capability to receive and apply alternative carrier configurations through NFC, thus maintaining both reliability for the primary carrier and adaptability for carrier switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If over-the-air provisioning is used to enable device activation, then the device can be configured for different carriers, but the process becomes complex and may not function in areas with poor network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile device and the provisioning server. Instead of requiring direct over-the-air communication for provisioning, the NFC transceiver acts as a mediator that can establish a secure connection with the server even when cellular network coverage is insufficient. This intermediary approach simplifies the provisioning process by providing a reliable alternative communication path that works in areas with poor network coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional over-the-air provisioning mechanism with an NFC-based communication system. This replacement involves using near field communication technology to transfer provisioning data between the device and server, eliminating the dependency on cellular network coverage for the provisioning process. The substitution of communication mechanisms enables carrier configuration without requiring strong cellular signal.
3Productivity
If immediate over-the-air access is required for device activation, then the provisioning process can be completed quickly, but the device cannot be activated in areas with insufficient network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NFC as an intermediary communication channel that enables provisioning and activation even when cellular network coverage is insufficient. The NFC transceiver establishes a direct connection with the provisioning server, ensuring reliable activation without dependency on cellular signal strength. This intermediary approach maintains both productivity through efficient data transfer and reliability through alternative communication paths.
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
Facilitates efficient and secure provisioning of mobile devices for various networks, reducing network load and enabling device activation without immediate over-the-air access, allowing for seamless switching between carriers and maintenance updates.
Implementation Method 1
powering a near field communication transceiver on the mobile device with an energizing field, wherein the mobile device is not powered by any other source
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for customizing the service for a mobile device via near field communication (NFC). A mobile device may comprise an activation application operable to complete a provisioning process on the mobile device to enable the device for service. The activation application may require provisioning data to be input by a user or operator of the mobile device, where provisioning data may comprise service provider information, service preference information, branding information, technical parameters, user credentials, and/or other parameters needed to customize service enablement of the mobile device, and may be communicated to the mobile device via near field communication.