Authenticated Remote Reset for Networked Control Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for resetting devices, especially in networked systems, often require direct contact and lack secure authentication, leading to potential unauthorized or accidental resets.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a device transmitting an error signal to a control unit, receiving an acknowledgment signal, and then sending a request signal, which is authenticated using a shared password to trigger a reset mechanism, ensuring secure and remote resetting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct contact with the device is required for resetting, then the reset operation is simple and direct, but it is inconvenient for users and does not support remote operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset operation convenienceVSAvoidreset mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the user and the device. The control unit receives reset requests, generates authenticated response signals, and transmits them to the device. This mediator enables remote resetting operations while maintaining security through password verification, resolving the contradiction between operational convenience and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If reset is performed without authentication, then the reset operation is fast and simple, but unauthorized or accidental resets may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset authorization securityVSAvoidauthentication mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication before executing the reset operation. The control unit verifies the password in advance by comparing it with the stored password before generating the response signal. This preliminary verification ensures that only authorized users can reset the device, preventing unauthorized or accidental resets while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3788448B1Method for resetting a device, and device and control unit
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 TRUMA GERATETECHNIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3788448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3788448B1 patent drawingFigure 2a)~2d)

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for resetting a device (2). The device (2) transmits an error signal (99) to a control unit (1). The control unit (1) outputs an acknowledgement signal (100). In response, the device (2) outputs a query signal (101). On the basis of the received query signal (101) and a password, a response signal (102) is generated by the control unit (1). On the basis of the response signal (102), information of the query signal (101) and a password, the device generates a comparison result on the basis of which a reset mechanism in the device (2) is triggered. The invention further relates to a device (2) and a control unit (1).