Endoscope Locking Function With Processor Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes are not bound to specific processors, allowing them to be used with any compatible series, which can lead to unauthorized use and potential theft.
Innovation Solution
A locking function is implemented in the endoscope to restrict its operation to specific stationary devices by authenticating them using cryptographic methods and storing device-specific identifications or keys, ensuring only authorized devices can activate critical functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the endoscope is designed to cooperate with any compatible processor, then the adaptability and versatility of the endoscope is improved, but the security and prevention of unauthorized use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The endoscope stores authorized processor identifiers in advance during manufacturing. Before operation, the endoscope proactively checks the processor ID against the stored authorized list, preventing unauthorized use before it can occur. This preliminary authentication action resolves the contradiction by maintaining broad compatibility with authorized processors while blocking unauthorized ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between the endoscope and processor connection. The endoscope compares processor identifiers through this intermediary check, allowing it to maintain versatility with authorized devices while ensuring security by blocking unauthorized connections. This intermediary verification layer resolves the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking function with authentication is implemented, then the security and prevention of unauthorized use is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or physical locking mechanisms with a software-based authentication system using processor identifiers and comparison logic. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while maintaining security, as the authentication is performed through software checks rather than physical constraints. The mechanism uses simple identifier comparison rather than complex cryptographic protocols, resolving the contradiction between security improvement and device complexity.
3Reliability
If the endoscope is locked to specific processors, then the prevention of stolen device use is improved, but the ease of operation and flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication mechanism operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The endoscope automatically compares processor identifiers and enforces locking rules without user input or configuration. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation for authorized users while preventing stolen device use, as the system handles security checks automatically rather than requiring complex user actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope performs preliminary authentication automatically upon connection, before allowing operation. This automated preliminary check prevents stolen device use without affecting the ease of operation for authorized users, as the verification happens transparently in the background. The system maintains flexibility for authorized processors while blocking unauthorized ones through this automatic preliminary action.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile device comprises a functional arrangement for performing a function of the mobile device, a coupling device for connecting the mobile device to a stationary device, an authentication device for authenticating the stationary device and an activation device. The authentication device authenticates the stationary device based on information on the stationary device. The activation device activates the functional arrangement when the mobile device is connected to the stationary device by the coupling device, and when the stationary device has been authenticated by the authentication device.