Secure Network for Adaptive Computing Engine Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The electronics industry faces challenges in producing embedded systems that are high-volume, low-power, and cost-effective, while ensuring secure and convenient distribution that protects proprietary rights and allows for continued revenue generation.

Innovation Solution

A secure network is formed for distributing product digitization files that configure adaptive computing engines, with an agent server controlling licenses to separate distribution and licensing responsibilities, ensuring security and integrity while enabling multiple revenue opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a secure distribution system is implemented to protect proprietary rights, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates distribution and licensing into distinct functional modules: an agent server handles distribution of digitization files, while a separate licensing server manages license keys. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary components including the agent server that mediates between distributors and end users, and the licensing server that acts as a trusted third party. These intermediaries simplify the distribution architecture by centralizing security functions rather than embedding complex security logic in every device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If licensing control is implemented to protect proprietary rights, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelicensing controlVSAvoidproduct access convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary licensing actions by pre-generating and distributing license keys through the licensing server before actual product activation. This allows end users to obtain licenses conveniently without complex real-time authentication, while the licensing server maintains secure control in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The agent server enables self-service distribution where end users can automatically receive digitization files and license keys without manual intervention. The system automates the licensing workflow, allowing users to access products conveniently while proprietary rights remain protected through automated license verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If distribution and licensing are combined in one system, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases due to lack of separation of responsibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidcontrol separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent explicitly segments distribution and licensing into separate functional units with distinct responsibilities. The agent server is responsible solely for distributing digitization files, while the licensing server independently manages license key generation and verification. This segmentation prevents confusion of responsibilities and maintains clear audit trails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the licensing server provides license verification status back to the agent server and end users. This feedback loop ensures that distribution and licensing operations are independently trackable and verifiable, preventing information loss despite system separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7644279B2Consumer product distribution in the embedded system market
Publication Date: 2010.01.05 NVIDIA CORP
  • US7644279B2 patent drawing
  • US7644279B2 patent drawing
  • US7644279B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects for consumer product distribution in the embedded system market are described. The aspects include forming a secure network for distributing product digitation files capable of configuring operations of an adaptive computing engine (ACE), and providing an agent server within the secure network for controlling licenses of the product digitation files, wherein a separation of responsibility and control of the distributing and licensing exists.