Secure Beacon Interface Using Dual Protocol Logic Gate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beacons with single communication protocols lack programmability and are vulnerable to hacking due to increased security risks when equipped with dual communication circuits for long and short distance protocols.

Innovation Solution

A communication beacon with a calculation unit, memory module, and dual interfaces using long and short distance protocols, where specific bits from messages received via each interface are compared using an AND logic gate to enable secure deactivation and reactivation of the communication circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a beacon is equipped with dual communication circuits (long distance and short distance protocols) to enable programmability, then the beacon's adaptability and programmability are improved, but the security risk increases due to higher vulnerability to hacking

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprogrammabilityVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication circuit is segmented into two distinct interfaces: a first interface for long distance communication (programming) and a second interface for short distance communication (standard operation). This segmentation allows each interface to operate independently with its own security protocols, reducing the overall security risk while maintaining programmability capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control unit acts as an intermediary between the two communication interfaces and the beacon's internal systems. This control unit manages the activation and deactivation of the first interface based on security conditions, mediating access control to prevent unauthorized hacking while allowing legitimate programming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the first interface (long distance protocol) is kept active for programming purposes, then the beacon's programmability is maintained, but the security risk of hacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprogrammabilityVSAvoidhacking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary security verification by receiving a second message through the secure second interface before allowing the first interface to be activated. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized programming operations can activate the long distance interface, preventing unauthorized hacking attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The activation state of the first interface is made dynamic rather than static. The interface can be activated or deactivated based on security conditions and authorization messages received through the second interface. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its security posture based on operational needs while maintaining programmability when authorized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3038396B1Beacon with multiple communication interfaces with secure deactivation/reactivation

Publication Date: 2021.10.13 EM MICROELECTRONIC-MARIN

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a communication beacon (100) comprising a computing unit (106) associated with a memory module (120) for data saving and a communication circuit (110), said beacon being powered by a power supply unit (104), said communication circuit comprising a first interface unit (112) using a first protocol (P1), a second interface unit (114) using a second protocol (P2), said memory module comprising a first memory unit (122) and a second memory unit (124), each memory unit being electrically connected to each interface unit.