Secure Element Connection Timing Control for Server Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks, especially in new generations like LTE, the management of Over-The-Air (OTA) connections between secure elements and servers is inefficient due to the inability of some host devices to modify their access intervals, leading to discrepancies between theoretical and actual connection times, which can cause server saturation.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the connection period between secure elements and servers using a function based on unique identification parameters ICCID, V, and I, allowing the secure element to establish connections at optimized times, even without server intervention, by modifying the access interval and using a trigger counter to initiate connections based on predetermined parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the secure element requests the host device to modify the access interval to a desired value, then the connection timing can be optimized, but some host devices do not respect the requested value and impose their own access interval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection timing controlVSAvoidaccess interval compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The server measures the actual time period between two consecutive connection moments and feeds back this information to the secure element. The secure element then uses this feedback to calculate a corrected access interval that accounts for the host device's non-compliance, ensuring accurate connection timing control despite the host device's tendency to impose its own access interval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The secure element dynamically adjusts the access interval parameter based on the measured actual time period. By changing the access interval parameter from the initially requested value to a corrected value derived from actual measurements, the system compensates for the host device's non-compliance and achieves reliable connection timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If connection times are staggered to prevent server overload, then server saturation is avoided, but the theoretical time period determined by the secure element and server differs from the actual time period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveserver load managementVSAvoidconnection period accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The server provides feedback about the actual connection timing to the secure element, enabling the secure element to measure the discrepancy between theoretical and actual time periods. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain accurate connection period tracking while implementing staggered connections for server load management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The secure element adjusts the access interval parameter based on the measured actual time period to correct the discrepancy between theoretical and actual connection periods. This parameter adjustment maintains measurement precision while preserving the staggered connection schedule that prevents server overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the secure element initiates connections based on a determined access interval, then connection timing can be controlled, but host devices may not respect the requested access interval value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection management efficiencyVSAvoidaccess interval adherence
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the server measures the actual time period between consecutive connection moments and communicates this information back to the secure element. This feedback enables the secure element to detect when the host device does not adhere to the requested access interval and to calculate corrective adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The secure element dynamically modifies the access interval parameter based on the feedback from actual measurements. By changing the access interval from the initially requested value to a corrected value that accounts for host device behavior, the system maintains both connection management efficiency and reliable adherence to the effective access interval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3391675B1Method of managing the connections between a secure element and a server
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 IDEMIA FRANCE SAS
  • EP3391675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3391675B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for managing the connections between a secure element and a server (30) of a communication network, said secure element (20) being incorporated in a host device (10). The method comprises the following steps: - determination (E300) of a theoretical time period between two consecutive instants of connection, - determination (E400) of a real time period between two consecutive instants of connection between said secure element and said server, - comparison (E500) of said determined theoretical time period with the determined real time period, and if the determined theoretical time period is different from the determined real time period: - determination of a new theoretical time period.