Secure Element Update Agent for Independent Software Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure elements lack a flexible and independent mechanism for efficiently loading software images, such as operating systems, outside a certified environment, relying on external connectivity and user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A secure element equipped with a standalone update agent having a communication interface, authentication and personalization memories, and wireless connectivity to directly download and authenticate software images from a storage module, enabling secure and flexible loading of software at any time during the element's lifecycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a secure element relies on external connectivity and user intervention for loading software images, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to lack of independent software loading capability
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element is equipped with a communication interface that enables it to independently download software images from a storage module without requiring external aid or user intervention. The secure element autonomously performs the software loading process, initiating downloads, receiving images, and installing updates without external control, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and productivity.
2Device complexity
If a secure element lacks standalone connectivity capability, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to dependency on host device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element integrates a communication interface that provides standalone connectivity capability, enabling it to directly communicate with storage modules and download software images independently of the host device's connectivity capabilities. This multi-functional design allows the secure element to operate autonomously while maintaining compatibility with various host devices, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If software loading requires certified environment and external intervention, then security is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted loading locations
Solution Approach 1:
The secure element's communication interface acts as an intermediary that enables secure software downloads directly from storage modules without requiring a certified environment or external intervention. The interface implements security protocols to authenticate and verify software images during the download process, maintaining security while allowing flexible loading at any location where the secure element can establish communication, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An update agent, a secure element containing the update agent, and a method for retrieving a software image to be stored onto the secure element includes a communication interface for providing connectivity to a storage module for downloading software images onto the SE. The update agent has a first memory storing authentication data for authenticating software images, and a second memory storing credentials for personalizing software images.