Encryption Key Re-provisioning for Power State Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power state transitions in computing devices can cause encryption keys to be lost, leading to glitches during playback of encrypted media, such as missing, jumbled, or distorted frames, due to asynchronous transitions between hardware components.

Innovation Solution

A system that monitors power state transitions and re-provisions encryption keys when components return to an active state, ensuring continuous processing of encrypted media without significant interruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If components transition to lower power states for power efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but encryption keys are lost causing playback glitches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmedia playback continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by saving encryption key state information before power state transitions occur. The TEE stores indication information about whether encryption keys are provisioned to components, and this information is used to trigger key re-provisioning after the transition, preventing playback glitches before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by monitoring power state transition information and using it to determine when encryption keys need to be re-provisioned. The TEE receives feedback about component power states and automatically triggers key re-provisioning when needed, creating a closed-loop system that maintains playback continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous power state transitions are allowed for independent component control, then system flexibility is improved, but encryption key synchronization is lost causing media processing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent power state independenceVSAvoidencryption key availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The TEE acts as an intermediary that coordinates between independent components and the encryption key management system. It receives power state transition information from various components, determines which keys need re-provisioning, and manages the key distribution process, allowing components to operate independently while maintaining key synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The TEE performs multiple functions: it serves as a secure storage location for encryption keys, a monitor for power state transitions, a decision-maker for key re-provisioning needs, and a distributor of encryption keys to components. This multi-functionality enables the system to handle asynchronous transitions while maintaining security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10127406B2Digital rights management playback glitch avoidance

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Various embodiments are generally directed to the provision re-provision of encryption keys to access encrypted media. Encryption keys may be provisioned and re-provisioned to components, such as, processor elements, of a system based on power state transitions of the components. An encryption key may be provisioned to a component and then re-provisioned to the component before or after the component transitions from an active power state to another power state and back to the active power state.