Boot Code Verification Using LED Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting falsification of boot code in image forming apparatuses lead to increased power consumption due to continuous operation of the sub-CPU for verification, which affects system reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a control unit, storage unit, verification unit, and light-emitting unit that verifies the boot code by comparing hash values and uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to indicate normal or abnormal operation, reducing power consumption by switching between lighting and non-lighting states based on verification results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sub-CPU continuously operates to verify boot code integrity, then system reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification unit performs boot code verification at specific periodic intervals (e.g., at startup or at predetermined time intervals during operation) rather than continuously. This allows the sub-CPU to enter low-power states between verification cycles, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining system reliability through regular integrity checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting unit (LED) provides self-service notification by automatically indicating verification results without requiring continuous sub-CPU operation. The LED visually communicates system status (normal/abnormal operation) to users, allowing the system to maintain reliability monitoring with minimal active processing.
2Reliability
If the sub-CPU operates continuously to notify normal operation, then reliability notification is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting unit uses color changes or light state changes (on/off, different colors) to communicate verification results and system status. This visual notification method provides reliable status indication without requiring continuous computational operation, as the LED can be controlled in low-power states while still effectively communicating system health to users.
3Reliability
If the LED is continuously lit to indicate normal operation, then notification reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting unit operates periodically or event-driven rather than continuously. It illuminates to indicate verification results (e.g., lights up when verification succeeds or fails) and remains off during normal operation between verification events. This provides reliable notification of system status while consuming minimal power by being off during non-critical periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively verifies the integrity of boot code while minimizing power consumption by using the LED to indicate normal or abnormal states, reducing overall energy usage and maintaining system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting unit configured to be changed to a predetermined light-emitting state or to be changed from the predetermined light-emitting state based on a result of the verification of the program by the verification unit
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a control unit, a storage unit configured to store a program to be executed by the control unit, a verification unit configured to read the program from the storage unit and to verify the read program, and a light-emitting unit configured to be changed to a predetermined light-emitting state or to be changed from the predetermined light-emitting state based on a result of the verification of the program by the verification unit.