Proxy Module for SIM-Toolkit Enriched Display Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication mechanisms between secure elements and terminal modules in communication terminals, such as SIM cards, lack the ability to effectively utilize terminal resources for enhanced command processing, resulting in limited functionality and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A Proxy-type software module acts as an interface between a secure element and terminal modules, checking for the presence of enriched applications capable of processing commands, and sends commands to either the enriched application or the standard module based on availability, allowing for enhanced processing and resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If commands are sent to the standard terminal module, then basic functionality is maintained, but the user interface remains limited and lacks enriched display capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidsoftware architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Proxy software module as an intermediary between the secure element and the terminal. This proxy intercepts commands from the secure element, determines whether enriched applications are available, and routes commands accordingly - either to enriched applications for enhanced UI or to the standard STK module for basic functionality. This mediator approach enables enriched display capabilities without requiring complete architectural restructuring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If enriched applications are always activated, then enhanced user interface is always available, but terminal resources are wasted when such applications are not needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidterminal resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic command routing mechanism where the system adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions. The proxy module dynamically determines whether enriched applications are available and activates them only when needed for specific commands. This dynamic approach ensures enhanced UI functionality is available when required while avoiding unnecessary resource consumption when standard functionality suffices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system checks for enriched applications for every command, then optimal routing is achieved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommand routing efficiencyVSAvoidcommand processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a presence detection mechanism that determines in advance whether enriched applications are installed on the terminal. This preliminary information is stored and reused for subsequent command routing decisions, avoiding the need to check for enriched application presence with every single command. This approach maintains optimal routing efficiency while minimizing processing time overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2733967B1Method for improving the user interface for SIM-Toolkit applications
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP2733967B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2733967B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP2733967B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

The method involves executing a command received from first SIM-tool kit (STK) application (26) in order to obtain a result by a STK module (16) of a communication terminal, and verifying (E6) whether the terminal comprises an enriched display application (17) to execute the command to obtain second enriched result with respect to the result by using resources of the terminal. The command is sent (E2j) to the display application if the terminal comprises the display application, and the command is sent to the module of the terminal if the terminal does not comprise the application. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a proxy software module (2) a secured element (3) a terminal.