Electronic device having essential hardware authentication

Abstract

An electronic device having an embedded computer system is provided. The device has a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode. The code portion directly controlling essential hardware communicates with at least one authentication chip in the device before an operation of the hardware, the authentication chip authorizing the operation

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a Continuation of Ser. No. 11 / 482,967 filed Jul. 10, 2006 all of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an electronic device having an embedded computer system. It has been developed primarily for improving security and protecting the computer system from malicious software tampering, whilst still allowing flexibility in software design downstream of the device manufacturer.CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS[0003]The following applications have been filed by the Applicant with the present application:7,637,5887,648,2227,669,9587,607,7557,699,4337,658,4637,530,6637,467,8467,669,95711 / 482,96311 / 482,9567,695,12311 / 482,9747,604,33411 / 482,9877,708,3757,695,0937,695,0987,722,1567,703,8827,510,2617,722,1537,658,7927,709,63311 / 482,9857,733,53511 / 482,96611 / 482,9887,681,0007,530,4467,654,64511 / 482,9777,571,9067,703,9037,645,0347,637,6027,645,033The disclosures of these co-pending appl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0046]A major advantage of the present invention is its simplicity for the user. Insertion of a memory stick into a USB port of a PictBridge printer requires no computer skills. Therefore, firmware upgrades of a printer may be confidently performed by anyone without risk or fear of upgrading the printer incorrectly.

[0047]As used herein, the term “memory stick” is used to mean any portable non-volatile digital memory device.

[0048]The memory stick or camera may communicate with the embedded computer system via standard USB connectors.

[0049]Optionally, the memory stick or camera is configured to download automatically a firmware upgrade to the printer if it detects that the printer does not already have that upgrade.

[0050]Optionally, the portable non-volatile digital memory device is a memory stick.

[0051]The camera may be sold with the firmware upgrade already programmed into its memory. Alternatively, the camera may receive the firmware upgrade from an external source. For example, a memory stick may be used to download the firmware upgrade to the camera so that the camera can upgrade the printer when it is next connected.

Problems solved by technology

In terms of manufacturing, it is relatively expensive to have one production line dedicated to a first product and another production line dedicated to a second product.

However, an inherent problem with embedded firmware is that it is susceptible to malicious attack from hackers or willful copyright infringers offering unauthorized firmware upgrades.

Moreover, since the QA chip stores its data in a secure, authenticated fashion, it can only be upgraded or replaced by an authentic source.

In this scenario, the security provided by the QA chip would be compromised.

In the above example, unauthorized refills of ink cartridges would be possible, irrespective of the presence of a QA chip on the ink cartridge.

However, in the printer market, sales of unauthorized ink refills is becoming a multimillion dollar industry and provides considerable motivation for a malicious attack on any security systems built in to a printer.

From the point of view of a printer manufacturer, the use of low quality ink in its printers, resulting in poor print quality and shortened printhead lifetime, has the potential to do incalculable damage to its goodwill and reputation in the printer market.

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