Secure Element Applet APDU Channel Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile network systems face challenges in providing users with visibility and control over secure communication channels, particularly due to the unreliability of binary class 2 SMS messages for over-the-air operations, which can result in delayed or failed message delivery and lack of transparency in secure element operations.

Innovation Solution

The system employs APDU commands to establish and verify communication channels between secure elements and devices, allowing direct communication and feedback without relying on intermediary carriers, using a processor and memory-based applets to manage communications and ensure secure channel establishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If binary class 2 SMS messages are used for over-the-air operations, then communication can be established between mobile devices and service providers, but message delivery is unreliable and lacks transparency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that mediates between the SMS messaging system and the secure element operations. This intermediary layer provides acknowledgment messages and status reporting, transforming the unreliable direct SMS communication into a verified communication channel that ensures both delivery reliability and operational transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through acknowledgment messages that confirm whether secure element operations have been successfully executed. This feedback loop allows the system to verify message delivery and operational status, eliminating the uncertainty inherent in traditional SMS-based communications and providing both reliability and transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If traditional SMS-based communication is used, then system complexity is reduced, but user visibility and control over secure communication channels are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoiduser visibility and control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service capabilities by allowing the mobile device and secure element to autonomously verify communication channel establishment and operation status through acknowledgment messages. This self-verification mechanism provides users with visibility and control without requiring complex external monitoring systems, maintaining simplicity while enhancing user awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If APDU commands are used to establish communication channels, then user visibility and control are enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser visibility and controlVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication protocol into distinct, manageable components: APDU command transmission, acknowledgment message generation, and status verification. This segmentation allows each component to be independently implemented and verified, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining the enhanced visibility and control benefits of APDU-based communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3055978B1Systems, methods, and computer program products for managing communications
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3055978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3055978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3055978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System, methods, and computer program products are provided for managing communications. A first applet and a second applet are operable receive and transmit application protocol data unit messages. The application protocol data unit messages include command-response message pairs. An application protocol data unit message is transmitted from the first applet to a second applet to trigger and establish a communication channel with a first device. Thus, messages may be comprehensively managed post-issuance. User experience is improved.