NFC Transponder Self-Provisioning for Connectable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing device provisioning process for connecting devices to communication networks is tedious, error-prone, and inefficient, requiring manual input of extensive user and device information, often leading to user frustration and potential mistakes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device equipped with a near field communication (NFC) transceiver and processor facilitates the provisioning of connectable devices by obtaining necessary information from an NFC transponder and transmitting it to a provisioning server, automating the provisioning process and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual provisioning process is used, then user can provide device information, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service provisioning by allowing the device to automatically provide its own information through NFC communication. The device reads its identifiers and details from an NFC transponder and transmits them to the provisioning server without requiring manual user input, making the system serve itself rather than relying on user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of typing and form-filling with an automated electronic system. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology substitutes the manual input mechanism with wireless electromagnetic communication, allowing the device to automatically transmit its information to the provisioning server.
2Loss of information
If extensive information is collected manually, then complete provisioning data is obtained, but the process becomes lengthy and frustrating
Solution Approach 1:
The device information is pre-stored in the NFC transponder attached to or inside the device. This preliminary action of pre-populating the transponder with device identifiers and details eliminates the need for lengthy manual data collection during provisioning, as all necessary information is already prepared and readily available for automatic transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the device information by reading data from the NFC transponder. This copy of the device identifiers and details is then transmitted to the provisioning server, replacing the need for manual data entry and significantly reducing the time required while maintaining complete information accuracy.
3Productivity
If automated NFC provisioning is implemented, then provisioning time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC transponder serves as an intermediary component that bridges the device and the provisioning server. It contains the device information and facilitates automatic communication between them, enabling fast provisioning without requiring the main device to have complex provisioning logic. The transponder handles the data storage and transmission functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning system is segmented into separate functional components: the NFC transponder that stores and transmits device information, the mobile device that initiates communication, and the provisioning server that processes the information. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while achieving automated, high-speed provisioning through their coordinated interaction.
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 streamlines the provisioning process, reducing errors and enhancing security, allowing devices to efficiently connect to networks and access services without lengthy manual setups, thereby improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication (NFC) transceiver of the mobile device processor obtains via the NFC transceiver, provisioning information related to a connectable device from an NFC transponder associated with the connectable device
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed that facilitate using a mobile device to provision of a connectable device to a user account. The disclosed examples provide for provisioning a connected device by a mobile device that uses a near field communication (NFC) transceiver in the mobile device to obtain information identifying a connectable device. The information identifying the connectable device is obtained from a NFC transponder associated with the connectable device. The mobile device processor accesses user account-related information to retrieve user authenticating information. The user authenticating information and the information identifying the connectable device is transmitted via a wireless communication transceiver to a provisioning server for provisioning the connectable device in a network. A confirmation of the provisioning of the connectable device to the user account associated with the mobile device is presented in a user interface element of the mobile device.