IC Card Patch Management via Section Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IC cards cannot reliably apply patch programs to fix software bugs during operation due to the risk of power interruptions disrupting the patching process.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system comprising an IC card, a terminal apparatus, and a host apparatus, where the terminal apparatus supplies a patch program to the IC card, which manages patch programs using a section management table to ensure reliable application and validation, even in the presence of power interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a patch program is applied to fix a bug in a software program during operation, then the software reliability is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to power interruption disturbances that may cause incorrect patch application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by validating the patch program data before actually applying it to the software. The validation process checks data integrity and confirms the patch is complete and correct before execution, ensuring that even if power interruption occurs during application, the system has already verified the patch's validity and can recover or rollback safely without compromising software reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a validation mechanism that acts as a protective buffer before patch application. This validation step prepares the system in advance by verifying patch integrity, so that if power interruption occurs during the subsequent application phase, the harm is minimized because the system knows the patch data is valid and can handle the interruption gracefully
2Device complexity
If conventional IC card technologies are used for adding or deleting application programs, then the device complexity is maintained at acceptable levels, but the ability to modify programs such as OS is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the program memory into distinct segments or sections that can be independently validated and modified. This allows the IC card to selectively apply patches to specific program segments (such as OS or application programs) while maintaining the overall structure and complexity management of the device, enabling program modification capability without overwhelming device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that mediates between the patch program and the target software. This intermediary validation layer enables program modification capability by verifying and managing the patch application process, while keeping the core IC card architecture and device complexity unchanged, thus allowing OS and program modification without increasing device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic apparatus has a communication unit, a first storage unit, a second storage unit, and a controller. The communication unit communicates with a terminal apparatus. The first storage unit stores a first program. The second storage unit stores a patch program for the first program received from the terminal apparatus via the communication unit for each section. When executing the first program, the controller applies the latest patch program stored in each section in the second storage unit.