Secure Element API for Trusted Command Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex electronic devices face challenges in protecting secret and critical data exchanged between different modules and software layers without adequate security measures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a secure element and an application programming interface that verifies the reliability of commands directed to applications, ensuring secure data exchange by authenticating the sender and validating the communication channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If secret data and critical data are exchanged between modules and software layers, then device functionality is enhanced, but security is compromised due to lack of protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the software architecture into distinct layers: a secure element layer that handles sensitive operations and a higher-level application layer. The secure element is segmented as a separate trusted computing environment that isolates critical data processing from the rest of the system, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary secure element that acts as a mediator between the application layer and the hardware layer. This secure element receives commands from applications, verifies their authenticity, and executes sensitive operations only from trusted sources, thereby protecting secret data while enabling controlled data exchange.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If security verification is implemented for commands, then data protection is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secure element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: storing secret data, verifying command authenticity, executing sensitive operations, and managing security policies. This multi-functional approach consolidates security mechanisms into a single component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive data protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The secure element implements self-service mechanisms by automatically verifying the authenticity of commands received from applications and independently deciding whether to execute them based on embedded security rules. This self-verification capability eliminates the need for complex external verification systems, simplifying the overall architecture while ensuring robust data protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12585752B2Protection of an electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.24 STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS
  • US12585752B2 patent drawing
  • US12585752B2 patent drawing
  • US12585752B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a secure element and an application programming interface. The secure element, in operation, executes a first application. The application programming interface, in operation, verifies a reliability of a received command directed to the first application, and transmits the command and a result of the verification to the first application.