ASN.1 Query Interface for Fast Communication Protocol Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of a standardized query interface for ASN.1 encoded data structures in communication protocols leads to inefficiencies and performance penalties when testing protocols in industrial environments, requiring specific query interfaces for each programming language and library, and necessitating costly conversion operations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus with an ASN.1 query unit that directly extracts information from ASN.1 encoded data structures without conversion, using a dot-notation syntax and query expressions to facilitate automated testing across different programming languages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ASN.1 encoded data structures are transformed into XML or JSON for querying, then query operations can be performed using existing tools (XPath or Jq), but performance penalties occur due to conversion overhead and additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery capabilityVSAvoidprocessing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ASN.1 query unit as an intermediary component that provides query capabilities directly for ASN.1 encoded data structures. This mediator enables XPath-like querying operations without requiring conversion to XML or JSON formats, thus maintaining performance while achieving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The ASN.1 query unit implements a universal query interface that works with ASN.1 encoded data structures directly, eliminating the need for language-specific or library-specific query implementations. This multi-functional approach provides both ease of operation and maintained performance across different programming contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specific query interfaces are generated for each programming language and library, then ASN.1 encoded data can be queried, but device complexity increases due to diversity of APIs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelanguage compatibilityVSAvoidAPI diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal ASN.1 query unit that provides language-agnostic query capabilities. This single interface can query ASN.1 encoded data structures regardless of the programming language or library being used, eliminating the need for multiple specific query interfaces and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The query functionality is segmented into a独立的ASN.1 query unit that handles all query operations independently of the programming language or library context. This segmentation allows the query mechanism to be universal while maintaining adaptability to different languages through the standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If conversion operations are performed for ASN.1 encoded data structures, then querying can be achieved using existing tools, but analysis time increases due to additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequery capabilityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ASN.1 query unit acts as a mediator that enables direct querying of ASN.1 encoded data structures without time-consuming conversion operations. This intermediary approach maintains ease of operation through standardized query syntax while eliminating the time loss associated with format conversions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4650969A1Omputer-implemented method for automatically analyzing a communication protocol using abstract syntax notation one
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4650969A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4650969A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4650969A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Analyzing apparatus (10), ASN.1 query unit (20) and computer-implemented method for automatically analyzing a communication protocol implemented in a server (14), comprising the steps performed by an analyzing apparatus (10), - sending (S1) a request message according to a test case of the communication protocol to the server (14), - receiving (S2) a response message including a data structure (DS) encoded in ASN.1 scheme from the server (14), - querying (S3) the data structure for at least one information defined by the test case using an ASN.1 query unit, and automatically extracting the information (el) from the ASN.1 encoded data structure, - analyzing (S4) the extracted information (el) with respect to an expected information defined in the test case, and - outputting (S5) the analysis result to an output interface.