Certificate Expiration Switching for Secure Communication Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices require cumbersome and complicated procedures for updating electronic certificates, particularly for users unfamiliar with the process.
Innovation Solution
A communication device and system that enables secure communication with a higher security level by managing electronic certificate expiration dates, switching between HTTP and HTTPS communication based on certificate validity, and allowing updates through non-encrypted communication when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the communication device automatically switches between first and second communication modes based on certificate expiration status, then the ease of operation is improved and user effort is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to the need for certificate management and communication mode switching logic
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device performs self-service by automatically managing its own electronic certificate expiration status and switching communication modes without requiring user intervention. The control circuitry monitors the expiration date and autonomously determines whether to use first or second communication mode, eliminating the need for users to manually check or configure certificate status.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary action by proactively monitoring the expiration date of the electronic certificate and preparing to switch communication modes before the certificate actually expires. This advance preparation ensures continuous operation without interruption and eliminates the need for users to react to expiration warnings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the communication device maintains both first and second communication modes with different security levels, then the adaptability is improved to handle various communication scenarios, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage multiple communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device implements dynamics by making its communication mode flexible and adaptable rather than fixed. The control circuitry dynamically switches between first and second communication modes based on the current certificate expiration status, allowing the device to adapt to different security requirements and communication scenarios automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves universality by incorporating multiple communication modes (first and second modes with different security levels) that can be used depending on the situation. This multi-functionality allows the same device to handle various communication scenarios, from low-security environments to high-security requirements, without needing separate devices for each mode.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device is capable of communicating with an external device in first communication and second communication with a higher security level than first communication, and includes: a storage that stores a current certificate to be used in second communication; management circuitry that manage an expiration date of a certificate; a communication interface that communicate with the external device in first communication or second communication; and control circuitry that controls operation of the communication device. In a state where communication with the external device in second communication is set, the control circuitry causes the external device and the communication interface to communicate with each other in second communication if the current certificate is within the expiration date, whereas the control circuitry causes the external device and the communication interface to communicate with each other in communication other than second communication if the current certificate is out of the expiration date.