Mobile Device Operating Environment Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices face security threats due to system bugs and malware, which can simulate operating environments to steal user information, despite the use of secure operating systems, necessitating a method to inform users of their device's operating environment and application credibility levels.

Innovation Solution

A method and mobile device configuration that generates personalized information accessible only by the secure operating system, displaying it on the screen to inform users of the secure mode and credibility levels of applications, with credibility levels based on verification by the secure system and the type of carrier element, whether physical or virtual.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secure operating system is used to prevent malware from stealing information, then security is improved, but users cannot distinguish between secure and non-secure modes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser awareness of operating environment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-coded visual indicators (e.g., green for secure mode, red for non-secure mode) to represent different operating environments. This allows users to immediately distinguish between secure and non-secure states without compromising security, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and providing user awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator mechanism that mediates between the secure operating system and the user. This indicator system communicates security status information to users without exposing sensitive system details, thus maintaining security while improving user awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If malware simulation of operating environment is allowed, then application compatibility is improved, but security is compromised as malware can steal user information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification of application credibility before allowing execution. Applications are pre-verified and assigned credibility levels, which are then displayed to users. This preliminary action prevents malware from successfully simulating secure environments, as the credibility indicator provides users with advance warning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors and displays the credibility level of running applications. This feedback loop allows users to make informed decisions about application execution, preventing malware from stealing information while maintaining application compatibility through transparent credibility indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If credibility verification of applications is implemented, then security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the credibility verification process into distinct components: application identification, credibility level determination, and visual indication. This segmentation allows the complex verification process to be implemented in a modular fashion, managing system complexity while maintaining enhanced security through credibility verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3016015B1Method for indicating operating environment of mobile device and mobile device capable of indicating operating environment
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 CHINA UNIONPAY
  • EP3016015B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention discloses a method for indicating an operating environment of a mobile device and a mobile device capable of indicating an operating environment. The method comprises the following steps: generating personalized information and storing the personalized information in a storage area that can be only accessed by a secure operating system, and displaying the personalized information on a display area of the mobile device when the mobile device enters the secure operating system so as to inform the user of the currently running operating system