Secure Module Application Synchronization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of secure element applications into mobile devices, such as contactless payment and ticketing systems, often results in synchronization issues between the secure element application and the user interface application, leading to disabled functionality when the required counterpart application is missing or outdated.
Innovation Solution
A processing module and communication module are used to obtain information about secure module applications and check for compatible counterpart applications, with the ability to fetch and install or update these applications from outside sources, ensuring synchronization and maintaining proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two distinct applications (secure element application and user interface application) are used to provide total functionality, then user interface control capability is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates due to potential mismatch between the two applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the secure element application provides information to the user interface application about its presence, version, and compatibility. The user interface application checks this information and can request updates or notify the user of incompatibility, ensuring the two applications remain synchronized while maintaining separate functional roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information exchange mechanism between the secure element application and user interface application. This intermediary layer allows the two applications to communicate compatibility status and coordinate their operations without direct coupling, maintaining both independence and synchronization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the secure element is changed from one mobile device to another, then device adaptability is improved, but functionality reliability deteriorates when the new device lacks the required counterpart application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the user interface application check for the presence and compatibility of the secure element application before attempting to use it. If the secure element application is missing or incompatible, the system proactively notifies the user or automatically initiates update procedures, preventing functionality failures after device migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service functionality where the system automatically detects compatibility issues and can autonomously download and install required applications or updates from external sources, reducing manual user intervention when migrating secure elements between devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If software updates are performed on the mobile device, then software currency is improved, but synchronization reliability deteriorates when the counterpart application becomes outdated or incompatible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where both the secure element application and user interface application report their version status to each other. When software updates occur, the system detects version changes and triggers compatibility verification, notifying users or automatically coordinating updates to maintain synchronization between the two applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability where the system can adjust its behavior based on the compatibility status of the two applications. When updates create incompatibility, the system dynamically modifies operation modes, disables conflicting features, or guides users through coordinated updates to restore synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is capable of hosting a secure module, which secure module includes at least one secure module application. The apparatus is configured to provide connectivity to the secure module. A processing module is configured to obtain from the secure module information concerning the at least one secure module application. The processing module is, based on the obtained information, configured to check whether a compatible counterpart application is present in the apparatus. A communication module is configured to obtain the compatible counterpart application from an outside source in case no compatible counterpart application is present in the apparatus.