Public Codeset Communication Format for Secure Microcontroller Interoperability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microcontroller manufacturers face challenges in securely sharing and utilizing codeset databases across different entities, as existing methods rely on proprietary formats and encryption to protect their competitive advantage, making it difficult for remote control device manufacturers to integrate microcontrollers from other suppliers without compromising proprietary information.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) allows for the description of codesets in a publicly decipherable format, enabling communication between entities, with the ability to encrypt and decrypt codeset information within the microcontroller, ensuring compatibility and maintaining proprietary database security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microcontroller manufacturers use proprietary codeset formats and encryption to protect their databases, then proprietary information security is improved, but codeset sharing and interoperability between different entities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments codeset information into two distinct formats: a proprietary internal format for secure storage and processing within the microcontroller, and a public communication format for external sharing. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously maintain security for proprietary data while enabling interoperability through standardized public interfaces. The rendering engine processes only the proprietary format, while external entities can exchange information using the public format without accessing sensitive internal representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a public codeset communication format as an intermediary layer between different entities. This intermediary format acts as a standardized interface that allows remote control device manufacturers to exchange codeset information with microcontroller manufacturers without exposing proprietary internal formats. The public format serves as a mediator that enables collaboration and interoperability while preserving the security boundaries of each entity's proprietary system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microcontroller manufacturers conceal the rendering engine format and processing methods, then competitive advantage is maintained, but integration difficulty with remote control devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the codeset information representation from the proprietary internal domain into a separate public communication domain. By taking out the essential codeset data and representing it in a public format, the system allows external entities to work with codeset information without needing to understand or access the proprietary rendering engine's internal format. This extraction reduces integration complexity while preserving competitive advantages tied to the rendering engine's implementation details.
3Loss of information
If proprietary codeset databases are encrypted and stored in mask-programmable ROM, then information confidentiality is improved, but accessibility and usability by external manufacturers deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a public copy or representation of codeset information in a standardized communication format that can be freely exchanged between entities. This public copy contains the essential codeset data needed for remote control operation but is distinct from the proprietary encrypted storage format. External manufacturers can obtain and use this public copy without needing to decrypt or access the proprietary database, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining confidentiality of the original encrypted storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A codeset is described in a Public Codeset Communication Format (PCCF) as a format block including a plurality of fields having readily decipherable values, such as ASCII character values. One field is a mark/space information field that includes a sequence of mark time indicators and space time indicators for an operational signal of the codeset. A second field is a signal characteristic information field for the operational signal. Signal characteristic information may include carrier on/off information, repeat frame information, toggle control information, and last frame information. The PCCF is a codeset interchange format of general applicability.