Secure Element Device for IoT Authentication and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connected devices in IoT networks face security breaches and physical tampering due to their remote and unmanned locations, requiring secure operation and data transmission while also being small, low in power consumption, and cost-efficient.
Innovation Solution
A secure element device with multiple communication interfaces and a processor that authenticates connected devices, encrypts data, and controls action modules, eliminating the need for a separate application processor, thus enhancing security and reducing size, power consumption, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate application processor is used to control connected devices and authenticate on the network, then the device can perform complex operations, but the device size, power consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the authentication functions and device control functions into a single secure element device. The secure element device includes a processor that executes authentication instructions to authenticate the connected device on the network, and simultaneously executes application instructions to control the connected device's operations. This merging eliminates the need for a separate application processor, thereby reducing device size, power consumption, and cost while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element device is designed to perform multiple functions: it authenticates the connected device on the network, controls the connected device's operations, and manages data transmission. By making the secure element device universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated processors, thus reducing overall device complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Reliability
If security features are enhanced to protect against breaches and tampering, then security is improved, but device size and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates authentication and control functions within the secure element device, which is specifically designed for security operations. By combining these functions in a dedicated secure element rather than adding separate security modules to an existing system, the patent achieves enhanced security without proportionally increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure element device autonomously performs authentication and control operations using its own processor and stored instructions. It self-manages the security functions without requiring external processing power, thereby providing robust security features while minimizing the additional hardware needed.
3Reliability
If multiple communication interfaces are used for authentication and data transmission, then security is enhanced through interface separation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element device incorporates multiple communication interfaces (first communication interface for authentication, second for control, and third for data transmission) within a single multi-functional unit. This allows the secure element device to handle diverse communication tasks independently, enhancing security through interface separation while managing complexity internally within the secure element boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
A secure element device for use in a connected device includes a first interface configured to enable communication with a communication module and a second interface configured to enable communication with an action module of the connected device. A processor coupled to the first interface and the second interface, executes a first set of computer-readable instructions, stored in a memory of the secure element device, to authenticate, via the first interface, the connected device on the communication network. The processor also executes a second set of computer-readable instructions, stored in the memory, to perform one or both of (i) obtaining, via the second interface, data from the action module, the data to be transmitted over the communication network and (ii) controlling, via the second interface, the action module to cause the action module to perform one or more operations based on an instruction received over the communication network.