Appliance Customization via Self-Service Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The OEM/ODM business model for manufacturing information products, such as computers and appliances, is costly and time-consuming for small-entity vendors due to the need for manufacturer-led customization, which also poses issues with trade secret protection and requires engineering resources.
Innovation Solution
A method allowing vendors to customize appliances independently using a portable storage device with a pre-stored public key for authentication and digital signature verification, enabling them to manage and restrict customization without manufacturer involvement, including the option to prevent further customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer performs customization under OEM/ODM model, then the appliance can be customized for vendors, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vendors to perform customization independently using self-service mechanisms. The appliance automatically detects and executes customization instructions from external storage devices without requiring manufacturer intervention, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual customization process while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing public keys and authentication mechanisms in the appliance during manufacturing. This allows the appliance to be ready for autonomous customization execution, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-manufacturing customization processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer performs customization under OEM/ODM model, then the appliance can be customized for vendors, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vendors to perform customization independently using self-service mechanisms. The appliance automatically detects and executes customization instructions from external storage devices without requiring manufacturer intervention, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual customization process while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable external storage devices (such as USB flash drives) to carry customization instructions. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, reusable customization infrastructure and reduces costs associated with repeated manufacturer involvement in the customization process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer performs customization, then all customization details are known to the manufacturer, but vendor trade secrets are exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of encrypted customization instructions stored on external storage devices. The appliance's authentication system acts as a mediator that verifies vendor authority without exposing trade secrets to the manufacturer, thereby protecting confidential information while enabling customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables vendors to perform customization independently using self-service mechanisms. The appliance automatically detects and executes customization instructions from external storage devices without requiring manufacturer intervention, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual customization process while maintaining adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer performs customization, then engineering resources of the manufacturer are required, but this reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables vendors to perform customization independently using self-service mechanisms. The appliance automatically detects and executes customization instructions from external storage devices without requiring manufacturer intervention, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual customization process while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual manufacturer-led customization with an automated electronic system. The appliance automatically detects external storage devices, authenticates them using pre-stored public keys, and executes customization instructions without human intervention, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of customizing an appliance. The method includes steps of pre-storing a public key in the appliance; connecting the appliance to an external storage device; and booting up the appliance to automatically proceed with the following customization process: obtaining a customization file from the external storage device; authenticating the customization file with the public key; and executing customization with the customization file if the authentication succeeds.