Certificate-Based Program Version Enforcement for Electronic Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in managing program version enforcement across electronic devices, specifically in ensuring that electronic parts are updated to the specific version of the program, which can cause errors or unexpected operations or physical damage in the electronic device, and the new version of the program is not the same as the program, which can lead to a device, and the new version of the program is not the same as the program, which can cause errors or unexpected operations or physical damage in the electronic device.
Innovation Solution
The use of a certificate issued by a certificate authority to enforce specific program versions for electronic parts, ensuring that the correct version of the program is installed and applied in the correct order, using a target program representation that includes version information and settings for electronic parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic parts are updated to the latest version of the program, then the device benefits from new features and improvements, but the electronic part may no longer function as expected causing errors or physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by checking the baseline imprint of the electronic part before attempting to update the program. The system retrieves the baseline imprint from secure storage, compares it with the imprint of the new program version, and only allows installation if they match. This pre-check prevents incompatible updates from being applied, thus maintaining reliability while enabling legitimate updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a baseline imprint as an intermediary element that mediates between the electronic part and the program update process. The baseline imprint serves as a cryptographic proof of the expected program version, acting as a mediator that verifies compatibility before allowing the update to proceed. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only authorized and compatible program versions can be installed.
2Productivity
If a new version of the program is installed, then the device gains updated functionality, but the program may not be the same as originally designed causing unexpected operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing a baseline imprint (a cryptographic copy) of the original program during manufacturing. This baseline imprint is stored in secure, read-only memory and serves as a reference copy against which all future program versions are verified. The copying mechanism ensures that the original program's integrity is preserved and can be used to validate subsequent updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing the imprint of the installed program with the stored baseline imprint after program installation. This feedback mechanism verifies whether the installed program matches the expected version and has not been tampered with. If the imprints do not match, the system prevents operation, providing feedback that ensures program integrity before allowing the device to function.
3Reliability
If program version enforcement is implemented, then device integrity is maintained, but the complexity of program installation and verification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies taking out by extracting the complex verification logic from the main program installation process and implementing it as a separate, dedicated baseline checking mechanism. The baseline imprint verification is performed as a distinct step that isolates the complexity of cryptographic comparison from the general program update workflow. This extraction makes the system more manageable and the verification process more transparent.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device stores a target program representation containing information of a program for an electronic part of the electronic device. A controller obtains a certificate issued by a certificate authority, the certificate including a program version enforcement information element to indicate whether program version enforcement is to be applied using the target program representation. The controller checks the program version enforcement information element in the certificate to determine whether the program version enforcement is to be applied, and based on determining from the certificate that the program version enforcement is to be applied, the controller enforces application of a version of the program indicated by the target program representation to the electronic part.