Remote Secure Element Activation via Wallet Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current secure elements in mobile devices require physical proximity to activate, limiting their ability to handle online financial and payment activities securely.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remotely activating a secure element in a mobile station using a preloaded client on a computing station, allowing online access and configuration through a wallet application server, enabling online financial transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical proximity activation is used for secure elements, then security of information storage is improved, but online accessibility and versatility of financial transactions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of information storageVSAvoidonline accessibility for financial transactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the mobile station's secure element and the user. The server receives authentication credentials from the user, validates them against the secure element's stored information, and enables online transactions without requiring physical proximity. This mediator allows the secure element to maintain its security function while enabling remote access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical activation mechanism (requiring physical proximity to a reader) with an electronic/digital authentication system. Instead of using physical card insertion or near-field communication, the system uses credential verification through a remote server to activate the secure element for online transactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If physical activation process is used, then security measures are improved, but ease of operation for online transactions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity measuresVSAvoidease of online transaction operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service activation where the user can remotely activate the secure element without requiring physical interaction with a reader or specialized equipment. The user simply provides authentication credentials through the remote server, and the system automatically verifies and activates the secure element for online transactions, making the process as easy as entering credentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote activation is implemented, then online accessibility is improved, but device complexity and security vulnerability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote activation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity for remote activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the activation system into distinct functional components: a remote server for authentication and activation, a mobile station for credential entry and secure element storage, and a communication network for data exchange. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall architecture by dividing complex functions across separate entities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The remote server acts as an intermediary that handles the complex authentication and activation logic remotely, preventing these complex operations from being implemented directly in the mobile station's secure element. This mediator approach reduces the complexity burden on the mobile device while enabling remote activation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11501285B2Remote activation of hardware secure element/secure environment

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A method is provided for managing an activation process of a secure element of a mobile station. The method includes detecting access by a computing device to an online service for managing an activation process of a secure element of a mobile station, receiving information confirming that a user of the computing device has permission to access the mobile station to confirm that the user of the computing device has permission to access the mobile station, triggering instantiation of a wallet application on the mobile station, the wallet application configured to access the secure element, triggering the wallet application to initiate activation and programming of the secure element, receiving a confirmation that activation and programming of the secure element are complete, and providing, to at least one of the computing device and the mobile station, a visual output representing that activation and programming of the secure element are complete.