Secure Element Application Management via Dynamic Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing applications in secure elements require users to manually uninstall and reinstall applications for implicit selection, which is cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when multiple applications of the same type need to be accessed in different contexts, such as switching between urban transport networks.
Innovation Solution
A secure element with an operating system that manages multiple applications for simultaneous installation and implicit selection on a communication interface, allowing individual activation control and preventing activation conflicts by denying requests if another application is already activated, while supporting the installation and configuration of new applications for implicit selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If only one application is configured for implicit selection on a communication interface according to GP 2.2 standards, then the system maintains compliance with existing specifications, but users cannot conveniently access multiple applications of the same type without manual uninstall/reinstall operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application management system into two independent parts: (1) multiple applications can be installed with implicit selection configuration, and (2) only one application is activated at a time. This segmentation allows users to have multiple transport applications installed simultaneously without conflict, while maintaining the one-active-application rule that ensures proper communication interface behavior. Users can switch between applications by activating different ones without uninstalling, thus resolving the contradiction between having multiple applications and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic activation and deactivation of applications. Instead of static installation/uninstallation operations, the system allows dynamic switching between activated states of multiple installed applications. The operating system manages the activation state of each application, enabling users to activate a different application when needed. This dynamic approach transforms the cumbersome manual uninstall/reinstall process into a simple activation switch, improving ease of operation while maintaining compatibility with implicit selection requirements.
2Reliability
If manual uninstall and reinstall operations are performed to switch between transport applications, then the secure element maintains proper application configuration, but the process becomes long and complex for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing multiple applications with implicit selection configuration before they are needed. Instead of uninstalling and reinstalling applications when switching between transport networks, the system pre-configures multiple transport applications (e.g., for different cities) in advance. When a user needs to switch from City A to City B, both applications are already installed and configured; the user simply activates the appropriate one. This eliminates the time-consuming uninstall/reinstall process while maintaining proper configuration, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameter of applications from binary (installed/not installed) to multi-state (installed and activated, installed but not activated). By introducing the activation state parameter, the system allows users to switch between applications by changing this parameter rather than performing installation/uninstallation operations. This parameter change approach maintains the reliability of implicit selection configuration while dramatically reducing the time required for application switching, as users only need to change the activation state rather than perform full install/uninstall cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications are activated simultaneously on a communication interface, then users have access to multiple services, but conflicts arise in implicit selection behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application lifecycle into two independent dimensions: installation/configuration and activation. Multiple applications can be installed and configured with implicit selection parameters simultaneously without conflict. However, only one application can be activated at a time on the communication interface. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing multi-service access through multiple installed applications while ensuring reliable implicit selection behavior through single activation. The operating system enforces this segmentation by managing activation states independently from installation states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the operating system as an intermediary between multiple applications and the communication interface. The OS manages the activation states of multiple applications and ensures that only one activated application communicates through the interface at a time. This intermediary role prevents conflicts in implicit selection behavior by controlling which application is actually active, while still allowing users to have multiple services available through the ability to activate different applications as needed. The OS mediates between the desire for multiple services and the requirement for reliable implicit selection.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention is a method for managing applications in a secure element comprising a communication interface. An application is installed in the secure element and configured to be implicitly selected on the communication interface. The method comprises the following steps: - the secure element receives a command requesting the installation of a new application configured to be implicitly selected on the communication interface, - upon receipt of the command, the secure element installs the new application, configures the new application to be implicitly selected on the communication interface and keeps the previous application unchanged.