Antidote-Based Failsafe for Networkable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Networkable devices that are removed from a network or unable to communicate with it pose a risk of data compromise and potential harm to users or other network devices, as they cannot be securely disabled or have their data erased.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a processor and computer-readable medium executes a method to receive antidote messages, continuing normal operation if the messages are received within specified intervals. If not, it implements failsafe actions such as pausing operations, resetting, disabling features, or initiating self-destruct sequences to prevent further harm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If networkable devices are disconnected from the network, then device autonomy and operational independence are improved, but security risk and potential harm to users increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice autonomyVSAvoidsecurity risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by implementing a failsafe mechanism that automatically executes predetermined security actions (such as erasing data or disabling functionality) when network disconnection is detected, before the device can be compromised or cause harm. This preliminary preparedness resolves the contradiction by enabling autonomous operation while pre-preparing security responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring network connectivity status and adjusting device operations accordingly. When disconnection is detected, the system receives feedback about the changed state and automatically triggers appropriate security measures, thus maintaining security awareness while allowing operational autonomy during connected states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If failsafe actions are implemented automatically, then security response effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity responseVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The failsafe mechanism uses preliminary action by pre-defining security actions and thresholds before disconnection occurs. The system monitors connectivity and automatically executes predetermined responses, reducing the need for complex real-time decision-making algorithms and minimizing operational intervention requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by autonomously detecting network disconnection and executing security failsafe actions without requiring external intervention or complex user input. This self-autonomous operation simplifies the user experience while maintaining strong security responses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If data is not erased on disconnected devices, then data accessibility and operational continuity are improved, but risk of data breach and unauthorized access increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoiddata breach risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary action by establishing a failsafe mechanism that automatically executes data erasure or functional disablement when network disconnection is detected, preventing potential data breaches while allowing normal operations to continue during connected states. This pre-prepared security response resolves the contradiction between operational continuity and data security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11190546B2Secure failsafe apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.11.30 QDROID INC
  • US11190546B2 patent drawing
  • US11190546B2 patent drawing
  • US11190546B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to some embodiments, an electronic device can implement a failsafe action. The system comprises a processor and a computer-readable medium comprising processor executable instructions, that when executed by the processor, performs a method, the method comprises receiving a first antidote message within a first time interval. Based on receiving the first antidote message, continuing normal operation of the electronic device is continued. The electronic device waits for reception of a second antidote message within a second time interval. A determination is made that the second antidote message was not received within the second time interval. In response to determining that the second antidote message was not received, implementing a first failsafe action.