Patent Description:
The current Near Field Communication ("NFC") eco-system relies on a piece of hardware commonly referred to as a "secure element" installed on communication devices to provide a secure operation environment for financial transactions, transit ticketing, identification and authentication, physical security access, and other functions. A secure element generally includes its own operating environment with a tamper-proof microprocessor, memory, and operating system. A Trusted Service Manager (TSM), among other things, installs, provisions, and personalizes the secure element. The secure element has one or more keys that are typically installed at manufacture time. A corresponding key is shared by the TSM so that the TSM can establish a cryptographically secure channel to the secure element for installation, provisioning, and personalization of the secure element while the device having the secure element is in the possession of an end user. In this way, the secure element can remain secure even if the host CPU in the device has been compromised.

The problem with current NFC systems is that there is a tight coupling between the secure element and the TSM. For current deployments, only one TSM has access to the keys of a particular secure element. Therefore, the end user can choose to provision secure element features that are supplied by the one TSM only. This TSM is typically chosen by the manufacturer of the device. For example, a smart phone manufacturer may select the TSM for smart phones under guidance from a Mobile Network Operator ("MNO"), such as SPRINT or VERIZON, that purchases the smart phone rather than the end user. Thus, the TSM features available to the end user may not be in the end user's interest. As an example, the MNO may have a business relationship with one payment provider, such as MASTERCARD or BANK of AMERICA, only. That TSM may allow the secure element to be provisioned with payment instructions from the one payment provider only. Thus, the end user would not be able to access services from other payment providers, such as VISA.

<CIT> discloses a security system for managing security key assignment in a mobile communications terminal.

<CIT> discloses systems and methods that enable members of a secure transaction network to readily identify the appropriate trusted service manager (TSM) to support a particular transaction.

<CIT> discloses, in an infrastructure in which some of a plurality of entities provide cryptographically supported services, a method of registering a subscriber entity of a plurality of entities at a principal entity of a plurality of entities.

Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims. In certain exemplary embodiments, a method for providing secure services to a network device having a secure element includes a computer maintaining at least one cryptographic key for the secure element. The at least one cryptographic key is operable to provide secure access to the secure element via a secure communication channel. The computer receives from the network device a selection of a secure service provider. The computer transmits the at least one cryptographic key to the selected secure service provider in response to receiving the selection.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated exemplary embodiments, which include the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

The methods and systems described herein enable an end user of a communication device, such as a mobile phone, to select a secure service provider to use with a secure element stored on the communication device. In one embodiment, a system includes a key escrow service that manages cryptographic keys for one or more users and one or more secure service providers. Typically, the secure element and one or more cryptographic keys for the secure element are installed on each user communication device at the time that the communication devices are manufactured. These keys or corresponding keys are provided to the key escrow service. Each user device also includes a service provider selector ("SPS") module or software application that enables the users to select from available secure service providers. The SPS transmits, via a secure channel, information identifying the selected service provider to the key escrow service in response to a user selection. The key escrow service provides the key for the user's secure element to a Trusted Service Manager ("TSM") of the selected secure service provider. The key escrow service also revokes the key for the user's secure element from the TSM of the user's previous secure service provider. In addition, the SPS can prevent unauthorized secure service providers, such as the previous secure service provider, from accessing the secure element.

In another embodiment, a central TSM performs business logic and application provisioning on behalf of other secure service providers. Rather than distributing the cryptographic keys to selected secure service providers, the central TSM acts as a proxy between the selected secure service provider and the secure element installed on the communication device.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein overcome the deficiencies of conventional NFC systems that allow users to access services of one secure service provider only. Rather than being limited to the functionality and services provided by the one secure service provider, the user can select from multiple secure service providers. For example, if a secure service provider does not provide services that the user desires, such as making payments via a particular brand of credit card, the user can select a secure service provider that does provide these services.

One or more aspects of the exemplary embodiments may include a computer program that embodies the functions described and illustrated herein, wherein the computer program is implemented in a computer system that comprises instructions stored in a machine-readable medium and a processor that executes the instructions. However, it should be apparent that there could be many different ways of implementing the exemplary embodiments in computer programming, and the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to any one set of computer program instructions. Further, a skilled programmer would be able to write such a computer program to implement an embodiment based on the appended flow charts and associated description in the application text. Therefore, disclosure of a particular set of program code instructions is not considered necessary for an adequate understanding of how to make and use the exemplary embodiments. Moreover, any reference to an act being performed by a computer should not be construed as being performed by a single computer as the act may be performed by more than one computer. The functionality of the exemplary embodiments will be explained in more detail in the following description, read in conjunction with the figures illustrating the program flow.

Turning now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like (but not necessarily identical) elements throughout the figures, exemplary embodiments are described in detail.

<FIG> depicts a Near Field Communication ("NFC") system <NUM>, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. As depicted in <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes one or more end user network devices <NUM>, one or more application providers <NUM>, a key escrow service <NUM>, a mobile network operator ("MNO") <NUM>, and multiple secure service providers <NUM>. Each of the application providers <NUM>, key escrow service <NUM>, and secure service providers <NUM> include a network device configured to communicate via the Internet <NUM>. For example, each of the application providers <NUM>, key escrow service <NUM>, and secure service providers <NUM> may include a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, handheld computer, personal digital assistant ("PDA"), or any other wired or wireless, processor-driven device. In one embodiment, the key escrow service <NUM> includes (or is communicably coupled to) a first network communication module for receiving requests to change (or select) from available secure service providers <NUM> and a second network communication module for transmitting cryptographic keys <NUM> to secure service providers <NUM>. The first and second network communication modules may be the same or different network communication modules.

The end user network devices <NUM> may be mobile phones, smart phones, PDAs netbook computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, or any other wired or wireless, processor-driven device. As shown in <FIG>, the end user network devices <NUM> access the Internet <NUM> via the MNO <NUM>. Exemplary MNOs include VERIZON, SPRINT, and AT&T. The MNOs provide Internet access to the end user network devices <NUM> via a mobile network (not shown), such as a <NUM> or <NUM> mobile communication network. Of course, the end user network devices <NUM> can access the Internet <NUM> via other mechanisms, such as Wi-Fi in connection with an Internet provider.

The end user network devices <NUM> each include a secure element <NUM> having one or more cryptographic keys <NUM>, an NFC controller <NUM>, an NFC antenna <NUM>, an host CPU <NUM>, and an SPS <NUM>. The NFC controller <NUM> and the NFC antenna <NUM> enable the end user network device <NUM> to communicate with other NFC-enabled devices (not shown). For example, the end user network devices <NUM> can communicate with NFC-enabled merchant point of sale ("POS") devices, ticketing devices, security devices, and other end user network devices <NUM>.

The host CPU <NUM> executes applications stored on the end user network device <NUM>. For example, the host CPU <NUM> may execute applications that interact with the NFC controller <NUM>, such as NFC payment applications that enable the user operating the end user network device <NUM> to complete purchases via an NFC-enabled POS or a transit or event ticketing application that enables the user to enter a transit facility or event via an NFC-enabled ticketing POS. Other applications, including identification, authentication, security, and coupon clipping and redemption applications, also may be stored on the end user network device <NUM> for execution by the host CPU <NUM> in connection with the NFC controller <NUM> and the NFC antenna <NUM>.

Each of the applications may be provided by a respective application provider <NUM>. For example, a credit card company may provide a credit card payment application; a transit or other ticketing company may provide a ticket purchasing and redemption application; a manufacturer, retailer, or other entity that sells products or services may provide a coupon application; and an authentication company may provide a user authentication application.

NFC applications are typically stored in the secure element <NUM> of the end user network device <NUM> for security purposes. The secure element <NUM> provides a secure operating environment for the NFC (or other) applications. The secure element <NUM> typically includes its own operating environment with tamper-proof microprocessor, operating system, and memory for storing information, such as payment credentials. The secure element <NUM> may exist within a fixed chip of the end user network device <NUM>, a Subscriber Identification Module ("SIM") card, a Universal Integrated Circuit Card ("UICC"), a removable smart chip, or in a memory card, such as a microSD card. The secure element <NUM> also may include a memory controller for managing Read Only Memory ("ROM"), Ready Access Memory ("RAM"), and EEPROM flash memory of the card or chip in which the secure element <NUM> is installed.

In general, the secure service providers <NUM> serve as intermediaries that assist application providers <NUM> and other service providers in securely distributing and managing applications and services, such as NFC contactless applications services. A TSM <NUM> of the secure service provider <NUM> typically hosts the applications and installs and provisions the applications onto the secure element <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each TSM <NUM> can receive, store, and utilize the keys <NUM> for users' secure elements <NUM>. By having the keys <NUM>, the TSM <NUM> can access the secure elements <NUM> via a secure encrypted communication channel to install, provision, and customize applications within the secure elements <NUM>. Exemplary secure services providers <NUM> include GEMALTO and FIRST DATA.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the secure service providers <NUM> bypass the host CPU <NUM> and the NFC controller <NUM> when communicating with the secure element <NUM>. For example, in certain UICC/SIM secure elements, the secure service providers <NUM> communicate with the secure element <NUM> via a radio CPU (not shown) installed on the end user network device <NUM>. Thus, the involvement of the NFC controller <NUM> and the host CPU <NUM> may be optional during the provisioning of applications on the secure element <NUM> in certain exemplary embodiments. In certain exemplary embodiments, the host CPU <NUM> and the radio CPU interact with one another to coordinate access controls to the secure element <NUM>.

The key escrow service <NUM> maintains the keys <NUM> for the secure elements <NUM>. The key escrow service <NUM> also distributes the keys to the TSMs <NUM>, for example in response to a user selection. For instance, if a user elects to switch from a first secure service provider 160A to a second secure service provider 160B, the key escrow service <NUM> revokes the keys <NUM> from the first TSM 170A and provides the keys <NUM> to the second TSM 170B. The second TSM <NUM> can then access the secure element <NUM> of the user's network device <NUM>.

The SPS <NUM> is implemented in software and/or hardware and enables the user of the end user network device <NUM> to select or change secure service providers <NUM> via the key escrow service <NUM>. The SPS <NUM> provides a user interface that allows the user to make a selection of a secure service provider <NUM>. In response to a user selection, the SPS <NUM> transmits information regarding the selected secure service provider <NUM> to the key escrow service <NUM>. The key escrow service <NUM> also can confirm the selection via one or more off-path mechanisms. The SPS <NUM>, key escrow service <NUM>, and other components of the exemplary system <NUM> are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the method depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts another NFC system <NUM>, in accordance with certain alternative exemplary embodiments. The exemplary system <NUM> includes many of the same components as the system <NUM>, including one or more end user network devices <NUM>, one or more application providers <NUM>, an MNO <NUM>, and multiple secure service providers <NUM>. However, rather than a key escrow service <NUM>, the system <NUM> includes a central managed TSM <NUM>. The managed TSM <NUM> includes a network device configured to communicate with the Internet <NUM>, such as a server, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, handheld computer, PDA, or other wired or wireless, processor-driven device. Similar to the key escrow service <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> maintains the keys <NUM> for the secure elements <NUM> and enables the users operating the end user network devices <NUM> to select from multiple secure service providers <NUM>. Rather than distributing the keys <NUM> to the selected TSMs <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> can interact with the secure elements <NUM> on behalf of the selected secure service provider <NUM>. That is, the managed TSM <NUM> can install, provision, and interact with applications installed on the secure elements <NUM>. Or, the managed TSM <NUM> can establish (and terminate) a secure communication channel between the selected TSM <NUM> and the secure element <NUM> such that the selected TSM <NUM> can interact with the secure element <NUM>. This secure communication channel may be encrypted with a different key that is not associated with the secure element <NUM>, and may be specific to each secure service provider <NUM>. The managed TSM <NUM> also can perform business logic on behalf of the secure service providers <NUM>. The managed TSM <NUM> and other components of <FIG> are described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the method depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block flow diagram depicting a method <NUM> for changing secure service providers in the NFC system <NUM> of <FIG>. The method <NUM> is described with reference to the components illustrated in <FIG>.

In block <NUM>, one or more secure cryptographic keys <NUM> are provided for a secure element <NUM>. In certain exemplary embodiments, the secure element <NUM> and its keys <NUM> are installed on an end user network device <NUM> at manufacture time. In certain exemplary embodiments, the secure element <NUM> and its keys <NUM> are installed on a removable card or chip, such as a SIM card or microSD card, that is later installed on the end user network device <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the keys <NUM> for the secure element <NUM> or corresponding keys are provided to the key escrow service <NUM>. These keys <NUM> enable the key escrow service <NUM> (or another entity that receives the keys <NUM>) to create a secure communication channel with, and gain access to, the secure element <NUM>. Optionally, the keys <NUM> also are provided to a TSM <NUM> of a secure service provider <NUM>. Conventionally, the secure service provider <NUM> and the TSM <NUM> for the secure element <NUM> are selected by the manufacturer of the end user network device <NUM>, typically under guidance from the MNO <NUM> that purchases the end user network device <NUM>. In this case, the keys <NUM> may be provided to that TSM <NUM>. Alternatively, the keys <NUM> are provided to the key escrow service <NUM> only. In this case, the user operating the end user network device <NUM> (or another entity, such as the MNO <NUM>) can make an initial selection of secure service providers <NUM> using the SPS <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the user selects a secure service provider <NUM> and thus, a TSM <NUM>, using the SPS <NUM>. For example, the user may access the SPS <NUM> using the end user network device <NUM>. The SPS <NUM> may present a user interface that lists available secure service providers <NUM> and optionally the services supported by the secure service providers <NUM>. For example, the SPS <NUM> may display financial institutions for which contactless transactions are supported by each secure service provider <NUM>. In another example, the SPS <NUM> may display applications provisioned and supported by each available secure service provider <NUM>. In yet another example, the SPS <NUM> may provide a search function that enables users to search secure service providers <NUM> based on their features and services. When the user finds an appropriate secure service provider <NUM>, the user can select that secure service provider <NUM> using the SPS <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the SPS <NUM> transmits a request to use the selected service provider <NUM> to the key escrow service <NUM> in response to the user selection. The request typically includes information identifying the selected secure service provider <NUM>. In response to receiving the request, the key escrow service <NUM> processes the request.

In block <NUM>, the key escrow service <NUM> performs an off-path confirmation procedure to confirm that the user initiated the request to use the selected secure service provider <NUM>. This block <NUM> is optional and provides an additional level of security for the SPS <NUM> / key escrow service <NUM> system for example to prevent another person from accessing this feature in the event that the end user network device <NUM> is lost or stolen.

In one embodiment, the off-path confirmation procedure includes the key escrow service <NUM> communicating to the user that the request was made via a different communication channel than through the end user network device <NUM>. For example, the key escrow service <NUM> may transmit an SMS text message to a mobile phone of the user that indicates that the request was made. Or, key escrow service <NUM> may make a telephone call to the user with a message that the request was made. The text message or voice message may instruct the user to call a certain telephone number if the user did not make the request. The key escrow service <NUM> also may require that the user confirm the request. For example, the text message may instruct the user to respond to the text message, access a web site of the key escrow service <NUM>, or call the key escrow service <NUM> to confirm the request. Also, a code may be provided in the message to the user and the user may be required to enter the code via phone or via the web site to confirm the request.

In block <NUM>, if another TSM <NUM> possessed the keys <NUM> for the secure element <NUM>, the key escrow service <NUM> revokes the keys <NUM> from that previous TSM <NUM>. In one embodiment, the key escrow service <NUM> sends a message, for example an SMS text message, to the previous TSM <NUM> requesting that the TSM discard the keys <NUM>. The secure service providers <NUM> may be obligated under contract to discard the keys <NUM> in response to such a request.

In another embodiment, the key escrow service <NUM> revokes the keys <NUM> from the previous TSM <NUM> by instructing the secure element <NUM> to block the previous TSM <NUM>. The secure element <NUM> can include program code that identifies TSMs <NUM> attempting to access the secure element <NUM> and a list of allowed and/or blocked TSMs <NUM>. When a TSM <NUM> attempts to access the secure element <NUM>, the secure element <NUM> can compare information identifying that TSM <NUM> to the list(s) to determine whether to grant access. The key escrow service <NUM> also can send a request to the previous TSM <NUM> requesting that the previous TSM discard the keys <NUM>. Of course, the blocked TSM <NUM> can be unblocked in the event that the user reselects the secure service provider <NUM> for that TSM <NUM>. For example, the key escrow service <NUM> may send a message to the secure element <NUM> requesting that the secure element <NUM> unblock the TSM <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment, the key escrow service <NUM> revokes the keys <NUM> from the previous TSM <NUM> via the use of a master key and TSM specific keys. A TSM specific key may be provided to the secure element <NUM> for each available TSM or for a selected TSM <NUM>. The TSM specific keys also are distributed to the respective TSMs <NUM>. The TSM specific keys may be preloaded onto the secure element <NUM> at manufacture time, installed at a later date by the key escrow service <NUM>, or installed by the key escrow service <NUM> in response to the user selecting a TSM <NUM>. The secure element <NUM> can control which of the TSM specific keys are active and which TSM specific keys are inactive. For example, if a user requests to switch from secure service provider 160A to secure service provider 160B, the SPS <NUM> communicates this request (and information identifying the selected TSM 170B) to a key management applet or module (not shown) of the secure element <NUM>. The key management applet activates the TSM specific key for the TSM 170B and deactivates the TSM specific key for the TSM 170A in response to the request. At this point, the secure element <NUM> allows access to the TSM 170B while blocking access from the TSM 170A.

In block <NUM>, information stored on the secure element <NUM> related to the previous TSM <NUM> and/or previous secure service provider <NUM> is removed from the secure element <NUM>. For example, payment card credentials associated with the previous TSM <NUM> may be stored on the secure element <NUM> while that TSM <NUM> is being used in conjunction with the secure element <NUM>. These credentials are removed from the secure element <NUM> prior to enabling another TSM <NUM> access to the secure element <NUM>. In addition, any applications installed on the secure element <NUM> for the previous TSM <NUM> are uninstalled. In certain exemplary embodiments, the key escrow service <NUM> sends a command to an applet or module of the secure element <NUM>, such as a card manager applet, to remove the information related to the previous TSM <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the key escrow service <NUM> transmits the keys <NUM> to the TSM <NUM> of the selected secure service provider <NUM>. This transmission is typically made via a secure communication channel. For example, the key escrow service <NUM> may send the keys <NUM> to the selected TSM <NUM> via an encrypted communication channel. In block <NUM>, the selected TSM <NUM> receives the keys <NUM>.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the key escrow service <NUM> delays transmitting the keys <NUM> to the TSM <NUM> of the selected secure service provider <NUM> until receiving confirmation that the information and applications related to the previous TSM <NUM> are removed from the secure element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key escrow service <NUM> may not transmit the keys <NUM> to the TSM <NUM> of the selected secure service provider <NUM> without receiving off-path confirmation from the user that the user requested to use the selected secure service provider <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the TSM <NUM> of the selected secure service provider <NUM> attempts to create a secure communication channel with the secure element <NUM> using the received keys <NUM>. In one embodiment, the TSM <NUM> sends an encrypted message to the secure element <NUM> requesting access to the secure element <NUM>. The TSM <NUM> encrypts the message by performing a cryptographic algorithm on the message using the received keys <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the secure element <NUM> determines whether to grant access to the TSM <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor of the secure element <NUM> performs a cryptographic algorithm on the received message using the keys <NUM> stored on the secure element <NUM> to determine whether to grant access to the TSM <NUM>.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the SPS <NUM> makes an initial determination as to whether to grant access to a TSM <NUM> prior to the secure element <NUM> validating the TSM <NUM>. For example, when the end user network device <NUM> receives a request for access to the secure element <NUM>, the SPS <NUM> may evaluate the request to determine whether the TSM <NUM> that issued the request is the TSM <NUM> that the user selected prior to the request being passed to the secure element <NUM>. If the SPS <NUM> determines that the TSM <NUM> that issued the request is the selected TSM <NUM>, then the secure element <NUM> may validate the request in accordance with the acts of block <NUM>.

If the secure element <NUM> grants access to the TSM <NUM>, the method <NUM> follows the "Yes" branch to block <NUM>. Otherwise, if the secure element <NUM> determines that the TSM <NUM> should be blocked, the method <NUM> follows the "No" branch to block <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the secure elements <NUM> blocks the TSM <NUM> from accessing the secure element <NUM>. The secure element <NUM> also may send a message to the TSM <NUM> to notify the TSM <NUM> that the TSM <NUM> was not granted access.

In block <NUM> the TSM <NUM> provisions services at the secure element <NUM>. The TSM <NUM> may transmit to the secure element <NUM> one or more applications and credentials for use with those applications. The applications may be selected by the user. For example, the user may request an application from an application provider <NUM>. In response, the application provider <NUM> requests the TSM <NUM> to install the application onto the secure element <NUM> of the user. The application provider <NUM> also may provide information regarding the user or account information of the user to the TSM <NUM> for storing at the secure element <NUM>. For example, a credit card company may provide a payment application and information regarding a payment account of the user to the TSM <NUM> for installing/storing on the secure element <NUM>. In certain exemplary embodiments, the user may request the application from the key escrow service <NUM> or the secure service provider <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the user accesses services provided by the selected secure service provider <NUM> in connection with one or more application providers <NUM>. For example, if the application provider <NUM> is a credit card company, the user may complete purchases using the end user network device <NUM> at an NFC-enabled POS. The NFC controller <NUM> may interact securely with the secure element <NUM> to obtain payment credentials from the secure element <NUM> and provide those credentials to the NFC-enabled POS via the NFC antenna <NUM>.

After block <NUM>, the method <NUM> ends. Of course, the user can continue to access services provided by the selected secure service provider <NUM> or switch to another secure service provider <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block flow diagram depicting a method <NUM> for changing secure service providers in the NFC system <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The method <NUM> is described with reference to the components illustrated in <FIG>.

In block <NUM>, the keys <NUM> for the secure element <NUM> or corresponding keys are provided to the managed TSM <NUM>. These keys <NUM> enable the managed TSM <NUM> (or another entity that receives the keys <NUM>) to create a secure communication channel with and gain access to the secure element <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the user selects a secure service provider <NUM> using the SPS <NUM>. This block <NUM> can be the same as or similar to block <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and described above. In block <NUM>, the SPS <NUM> transmits a request to use the selected service provider <NUM> to the managed TSM <NUM> in response to the user selection. The request typically includes information identifying the selected secure service provider <NUM>. In response to receiving the request, the managed TSM <NUM> processes the request.

In block <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> performs an off-path confirmation procedure to confirm that the user initiated the request to use the selected secure service provider <NUM>. This block is optional and is substantially similar to block <NUM> of <FIG> described above. However, the managed TSM <NUM> performs the off-path confirmation in block <NUM> rather than the key escrow service <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, information stored on the secure element <NUM> related to the previous TSM <NUM> and/or previous secure service provider <NUM> is removed from the secure element <NUM>. For example, payment card credentials associated with the previous TSM <NUM> may be stored on the secure element <NUM> while that TSM <NUM> is being used in conjunction with the secure element <NUM>. These credentials are removed from the secure element <NUM> prior to enabling another TSM <NUM> access to the secure element <NUM>. In addition, any applications installed on the secure element <NUM> for the previous TSM <NUM> are uninstalled. In certain exemplary embodiments, the managed TSM <NUM> sends a command to an applet or module of the secure element <NUM>, such as a card manager applet, to remove the information related to the previous TSM <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> creates a secure communication channel with the secure service provider <NUM> that the user selected. This secure communication channel may be encrypted, for example using one or more cryptographic keys different than the keys <NUM>. Other encryption techniques may be used as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.

In block <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> notifies the selected secure service provider <NUM> that the user has requested to access the services of that secure service provider <NUM>. The managed TSM <NUM> also may request one or more applications from the secure service provider <NUM> on behalf of the user. Or, the user may request the one or more applications from the application provider <NUM> and the application provider <NUM>, in turn, transmits a request to the secure service provider <NUM> to provide the one or more applications to the user's secure element <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the selected secure service provider <NUM> transmits the requested application(s) and any other appropriate information to the managed TSM <NUM>. For example, this other appropriate information may include credential for accessing the secure service, such as payment card credentials.

In block <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> creates a secure communication channel with the secure element <NUM> using the one or more keys <NUM>. In block <NUM>, the managed TSM <NUM> provisions services at the secure element <NUM>. The managed TSM <NUM> may transmit to the secure element <NUM> one or more applications and credentials for use with those applications. The managed TSM <NUM> also may provide information regarding the user or an account of the user to the secure element <NUM>. For example, a credit card company may provide a payment application and information regarding a payment account of the user to the managed TSM <NUM> for installing/storing on the secure element <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, which is optional, the managed TSM <NUM> executes business logic for the selected secure service provider <NUM> and serves as a proxy or intermediary between the selected secure service provider <NUM>. Examples of business logic performed by the managed TSM <NUM> includes validating whether a user has a payment card with a partnered financial institution, validating credit card credentials provided by a user so that the credit card can be provisioned to the secure element <NUM>, validating whether the selected secure service provider <NUM> provides a requested service for the given end user network device <NUM> on the MNO <NUM> that the end user network device <NUM> communicates with, and receiving a provisioning request from the user and translating the provisioning instructions for the secure element <NUM>.

In block <NUM>, the user accesses services provided by the selected secure service provider <NUM> in connection with one or more application providers <NUM>. For example, if the application provider <NUM> is a credit card company, the user may redeem transit tickets using the end user network device <NUM> at an NFC-enabled POS. The NFC controller <NUM> may interact securely with the secure element <NUM> to obtain transit ticket credentials from the secure element <NUM> and provide those credentials to the NFC-enabled POS via the NFC antenna <NUM>.

The exemplary methods and blocks described in the embodiments presented previously are illustrative, and, in alternative embodiments, certain blocks can be performed in a different order, in parallel with one another, omitted entirely, and/or combined between different exemplary methods, and/or certain additional blocks can be performed, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, such alternative embodiments are included in the invention described herein.

The invention can be used with computer hardware and software that performs the methods and processing functions described above. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, the systems, methods, and procedures described herein can be embodied in a programmable computer, computer executable software, or digital circuitry. The software can be stored on computer readable media. For example, computer readable media can include a floppy disk, RAM, ROM, hard disk, removable media, flash memory, memory stick, optical media, magneto-optical media, CD-ROM, etc. Digital circuitry can include integrated circuits, gate arrays, building block logic, field programmable gate arrays ("FPGA"), etc..

Claim 1:
A computer-implemented method for providing secure services to a network device (<NUM>) comprising a secure element (<NUM>) in a system (<NUM>) comprising the network device (<NUM>), a computer (<NUM>) maintaining at least one cryptographic key (<NUM>) for the secure element (<NUM>), and secure service providers (160A, 160B) each having a trusted service manager, TSM (170A, 170B), the method comprising:
maintaining, by the computer (<NUM>), said at least one cryptographic key (<NUM>) for the secure element (<NUM>), the at least one cryptographic key (<NUM>) operable to provide secure access to the secure element (<NUM>) via a secure communication channel;
receiving from the network device (<NUM>), by the computer (<NUM>), a request to select a secure service provider (160A, 160B), among said secure server providers (160A, 160B), from available secure service providers (160A, 160B) each having said trusted service manager, TSM (170A, 170B), wherein the secure element (<NUM>) includes information related to a previous TSM (170A, 170B) that is different from the TSM (170A, 170B) of the selected service provider (160A, 160B), and wherein if the previous TSM (170A, 170B) possesses the at least one cryptographic key (<NUM>), the method further comprises revoking the at least one cryptographic key (<NUM>) from the previous TSM (170A, 170B) in response to receiving the request to select the secure service provider (160A, 160B); and
transmitting, by the computer (<NUM>), the at least one cryptographic key to the TSM (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the selected service provider (160A, 160B) in response to receiving the request to select the service provider (160A, (160B).