Feature Access Control Register for Secure Device Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customizing industrial devices during manufacturing can be inefficient and costly, and existing access control methods are susceptible to unauthorized access to features.
Innovation Solution
A system with a feature access component that uses an access control register and authentication algorithm to securely enable or disable access to device features based on authentication keys and parameters, allowing users to purchase and activate specific features as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individually customizing devices during manufacture, then device features can be customized, but manufacturing efficiency decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device functionality is segmented into basic features and additional features. Basic features are included in all devices by default, while additional features are disabled by default and can be individually enabled through authentication. This segmentation allows standardized manufacturing while enabling post-manufacturing customization without affecting production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication mechanism and feature access control are pre-configured in the device during manufacture. The access control register and authentication algorithms are built-in beforehand, allowing users to securely enable features after purchase without requiring custom manufacturing processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If enabling additional features after manufacture, then device versatility improves, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An authentication key acts as an intermediary between the user and the additional features. The key is required to modify the access control register and enable features. This intermediary mechanism ensures that only authorized users with valid authentication keys can access additional features, maintaining security while enabling versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control parameter in the access control register is changed from disabled to enabled state through authentication. This parameter change mechanism allows dynamic control of feature accessibility without compromising the underlying security architecture. The authentication algorithm validates the authentication key before allowing the parameter change.
3Adaptability or versatility
If providing basic functionality and additional paid features, then device adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication requirement is applied partially - only for accessing additional features, not for basic functionality. Users can operate basic features without authentication, while authentication is only required when enabling or accessing paid additional features. This partial application minimizes the impact on ease of operation while maintaining security for premium features.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and associated method for controlling access to features of a device are provided. The system includes a feature access component that maintains an access control register configured to store an access control parameter indicating whether a user has access to a feature of the device. Responsive to receiving a request to modify the access control register to enable or disable access to the feature, an access authentication parameter is set to an authentication key of the request and an access parameter is set to a value of the request (e.g., 1 “Enable”). The access authentication parameter and access parameter are evaluated utilizing an authentication algorithm. Responsive to successfully authenticating the request, the access control register is modified based upon the value of the access parameter, such as to indicate that the user is now authorized to read and/or modify a parameter and/or invoke a service to execute.