Cryptographic Circuit for Secure Device Disablement Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for verifying the disposal of electronic devices do not adequately ensure that devices have been disabled, leading to potential fraud in payment processing, as they rely on serial number validation without proof of actual device disablement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cryptographic circuit in electronic devices that generates a verification token only after the device is disabled, using a secure memory and cryptographic operations like hash functions, which are irreversible, to ensure that the device has been properly disabled and can be validated for payment purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If serial number validation is used to verify device disposal, then payment processing can be performed, but fraud cannot be prevented because there is no proof that devices were actually disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating the verification token at the moment of device disabling, before the disposal verification process begins. The cryptographic circuit generates a unique token that binds the device identity to its disabled state, ensuring that the proof of disabling is prepared in advance and can be immediately validated without requiring complex post-disposal verification procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The verification token serves as an intermediary that mediates between the device disabling event and the payment verification process. Instead of directly validating serial numbers or physically inspecting devices, the system uses this cryptographic token as an intermediate proof that bridges the gap between device disposal and payment authorization, simplifying the verification process while ensuring reliability
2Productivity
If per-device processing fees are charged to manufacturers, then disposal companies can be compensated, but fraud is encouraged where manufacturers are charged for devices not actually processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by requiring that a valid verification token be presented as proof of device disabling before payment is released. This creates a closed-loop verification system where the disposal company must demonstrate actual device processing through the cryptographic token, and the manufacturer can only be charged when this proof is provided, thereby preventing fraudulent billing while maintaining efficient processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by establishing a verification mechanism that prevents fraudulent claims before they can occur. The cryptographic verification token is designed to be impossible to forge or replicate without actual device disabling, so fraudulent billing attempts are blocked in advance rather than detected and corrected after the fact
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
This approach provides a secure and reliable method to verify that electronic devices have been disabled, preventing fraudulent claims by ensuring that the verification token can only be produced after the device's functionality has been permanently impaired, thus ensuring accurate payment processing.
Implementation Method 1
The cryptographic circuit is configured to calculate a verification token from the secret key, using a first cryptographic operation, such as a cryptographic hash function. The cryptographic circuit is further configured to calculate an identification token from the verification token, using a second cryptographic operation. The second cryptographic operation may in some embodiments be a cryptographic hash function.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for verifying that an electronic device has been disabled are disclosed. An exemplary electronic device includes a communications interface, a secure memory, storing a secret key, and a cryptographic circuit configured to calculate a verification token from the secret key, using a first cryptographic operation. The cryptographic circuit is further configured to calculate an identification token from the verification token, using a second cryptographic operation. The cryptographic circuit is further configured to output the identification token in response to a first command received via the communications interface. The verification token is output to the communications interface only if a predetermined functionality of the electronic device has been disabled. The electronic device may further comprise a disabling circuit configured to disable the predetermined functionality in response to a disable command.