Connected Control Device Deployment With Location-Based Secure-Ware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems face challenges such as hardware-intensive deployment models requiring multiple variants for different regions, maintaining numerous firmware sources for various sensors and panels, and converging physical and cyber security in a hardware-intensive and fixed firmware deployment model, which increases operational costs and decreases efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A secure botnet system is created for centralized command and control, allowing packaged firmware to be downloaded and executed on demand, using machine learning algorithms in a cloud environment to deploy secure-ware to devices, standardizing hardware platforms and minimizing firmware and hardware variants, enabling flexible scaling of deployment models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hardware-intensive deployment model is used to support various sensors and panels in different regions, then device compatibility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal hardware platform that can support multiple sensor and panel types through software configuration rather than hardware variation. The control panel system uses a standardized hardware architecture that can be adapted to different regions and sensor types via firmware updates and software settings, eliminating the need for multiple hardware variants for the same functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes hardware parameters dynamically through software configuration. Instead of manufacturing different hardware variants for different regions, the patent uses software to modify operational parameters, communication protocols, and sensor integration settings to accommodate regional variations and different sensor types on a single hardware platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple firmware sources are maintained to support a variety of sensors and panels, then system functionality and adaptability are improved, but maintenance complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple firmware sources into a single integrated firmware repository. The control panel system consolidates firmware for different sensor and panel types into one unified source, allowing centralized management and distribution. This eliminates the need to maintain separate firmware sources for different regions and device types, reducing maintenance time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified firmware source provides multi-functional support for various sensor and panel types through a single firmware image. The firmware is designed to be configurable and adaptable, supporting multiple device types and regional variations without requiring separate firmware versions, thus reducing maintenance burden.
3Reliability
If hardware-intensive deployment models are used, then reliability and security are improved, but operational efficiency and scalability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-intensive security measures with software-based security mechanisms. Instead of relying on different hardware variants for security, the system uses encrypted communication protocols, authentication mechanisms, and secure firmware updates implemented in software. This maintains security and reliability while improving operational efficiency and reducing hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for deploying connected devices for control systems are provided. An example method may include receiving location data associated with at least one Type-1 device and at least one Type-2 device, generating at least one Type-1 secure-ware for the at least one Type-1 device and at least one Type-2 secure-ware for the at least one Type-2 device based at least in part on the location data, transmitting the at least one Type-1 secure-ware and the at least one Type-2 secure-ware to the at least one Type-1 device, and causing the at least one Type-1 device to execute the at least one Type-1 secure-ware. Example methods, apparatuses, and systems may be implemented in, including but is not limited to, cyber security and/or converged physical and cyber security risk analysis in control systems and/or intrusion detection systems.