Descrambling Apparatus One-Time Programmable Module Region Locking

Solution Overview

Problem

Current descrambling chips can be maliciously modified after shipment, leading to economic losses as they may be used in regions where they were not intended, due to software-configured scrambling modes being cracked or modified.

Innovation Solution

A descrambling apparatus utilizing a one-time programmable e-fuse or OTP-ROM that sets and locks the descrambling mode, preventing post-manufacturing modifications by ensuring the status is irreversible, thus ensuring the chip operates only in the intended mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If software configuration is used to set descrambling modes in chips, then manufacturing flexibility and cost reduction are improved, but security against malicious modification deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity against modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the descrambling mode through software before the chip is shipped from the factory. The manufacturer sets the appropriate descrambling mode (single key or multiple keys) based on the destination region's requirements, and this configuration is locked in before deployment. This preliminary configuration allows the same chip hardware to be adapted to different regional scrambling mechanisms without requiring physical modification after shipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the software parameters within the chip to change its operational behavior. By altering software parameters, the same physical chip can operate in different descrambling modes (e.g., using one key or alternating between two keys) depending on the configuration. This allows flexible adaptation to different regional requirements while using identical hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the same chip is sold to multiple regions with different scrambling mechanisms, then production costs and inventory management are reduced, but vulnerability to economic loss from unauthorized use increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management complexityVSAvoideconomic loss from unauthorized use

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single chip architecture that can perform multiple descrambling functions. The chip is capable of supporting both single-key descrambling (for region A) and multi-key alternating descrambling (for region B) through software configuration. This multi-functional capability allows the manufacturer to use the same chip design for multiple regions with different scrambling mechanisms, eliminating the need to produce and manage separate chip inventories for each region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If software-configured chips are used, then adaptability to different regional requirements is improved, but susceptibility to cracking and unauthorized modification worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to regional requirementsVSAvoidsusceptibility to cracking

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the descrambling mode through software before the chip is shipped from the factory. The manufacturer sets the appropriate descrambling mode (single key or multiple keys) based on the destination region's requirements, and this configuration is locked in before deployment. This preliminary configuration allows the same chip hardware to be adapted to different regional scrambling mechanisms without requiring physical modification after shipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the software parameters within the chip to change its operational behavior. By altering software parameters, the same physical chip can operate in different descrambling modes (e.g., using one key or alternating between two keys) depending on the configuration. This allows flexible adaptation to different regional requirements while using identical hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8973085B2Descrambling apparatus and television system utilizing the same

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 XUESHAN TECH INC

AI summary

A descrambling apparatus includes a descrambling module and a one-time programmable module. The descrambling module descrambles an input data stream. When the one-time programmable module is in a first status, the descrambling module descrambles the input data stream by a first mode. When the one-time programmable module is in a second status, the descrambling module descrambles the input data stream by a second mode.