Embedded Secure Element for Mobile PayTV DRM Key Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing mobile pay TV services in mobile devices are cost-prohibitive and complex, as they require integrating a secure processor into the mobile processor, and SIM card-based implementations are difficult due to operator control and fragmentation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an embedded secure element (eSE) in mobile devices, which performs key handling for DRM schemes and provides a secure processing system that is integral to the device, allowing for carrier-agnostic applications and avoiding the need for re-certification when untrusted applets are added, while maintaining secure application storage and data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure processor is integrated into the mobile processor for securing mobile pay TV services, then security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the secure processing functionality from the main mobile processor by utilizing the SIM card's secure element. This separation allows the SIM card to handle DRM key storage and cryptographic operations independently, improving security without requiring integration into the mobile processor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SIM card multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional telecommunication functions and DRM secure processing functions. The SIM card's secure element is utilized for key storage and cryptographic operations, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple security-related roles.
2Reliability
If SIM card-based implementations are used for DRM key handling, then security is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability worsen due to operator control and fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the SIM card to perform multiple functions including traditional telecommunication services and DRM secure processing. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware component to serve different purposes across different service providers and applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the DRM system into distinct functional components: the SIM card handles key storage and cryptographic operations, while the mobile device handles content delivery and playback. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier integration with different service providers.
3Reliability
If conventional DRM key handling methods are used in mobile devices, then security is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the SIM card's existing secure element and cryptographic capabilities to perform DRM key handling. The SIM card's hardware security features are utilized without requiring additional secure processing components in the mobile device, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SIM card multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its traditional telecommunication functions and DRM secure processing functions. The SIM card's secure element is utilized for key storage and cryptographic operations, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple security-related roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure element operating in conjunction with a secure partition of a system-on-a-chip (SoC) having set top box (STB) functionality allows for digital rights management (DRM) key handling in a mobile platform. The secure element can include a secure processing system (SPS) to be implemented as a hard macro, thereby isolating the SPS from a peripheral processing system (PPS). The secure element and the secure partition of the SoC may be operatively connected by a secure cryptographic channel.