Firmware Distribution System for IoT Technology Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The risk of technology leaks is prevalent in embedded apparatuses like IoT equipment due to the copying and analysis of firmware, with existing technologies failing to provide effective solutions for preventing such leaks.
Innovation Solution
A firmware distribution system that sends a firmware acquisition request and installation location information, allowing a distribution apparatus to determine whether to distribute standard firmware or alternative firmware based on the location, with the alternative firmware excluding certain processes to mitigate technology leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard firmware is distributed to all embedded apparatuses, then the firmware functionality and performance are maintained, but the risk of technology leaks increases in regions where copying and analysis of firmware occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing different versions of firmware based on the installation location of the embedded apparatus. Specifically, standard firmware is distributed to apparatuses in regions with low technology leak risk, while alternative firmware with certain processes removed is distributed to apparatuses in regions with high technology leak risk. This location-based differentiation resolves the contradiction by maintaining full functionality where safe while reducing technology exposure where risky.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the firmware configuration parameter based on the installation location. The determination unit modifies the firmware version parameter (standard vs. alternative) according to the geographical or regional parameter of the embedded apparatus. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt firmware distribution to local security conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining functionality and preventing technology leaks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative firmware with removed processes is distributed to prevent technology leaks, then the risk of technology leaks is reduced, but the firmware functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that alternative firmware with removed processes is only distributed to embedded apparatuses in regions with high technology leak risk, while standard firmware with full functionality is distributed to regions with low risk. This localized application resolves the contradiction by preserving full functionality where it is safe to do so while applying functionality restrictions only where necessary for security.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination unit acts as an intermediary that decides which firmware version to distribute based on installation location analysis. It mediates between the conflicting requirements of full functionality and technology leak prevention by selecting the appropriate firmware version for each specific case, thus resolving the contradiction on a case-by-case basis.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If firmware distribution is customized based on installation location, then technology leak risk is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the determination unit pre-assess the installation location and pre-determine the appropriate firmware version before distribution. The system performs location analysis and firmware selection in advance, which simplifies the overall distribution process despite the added customization. This preliminary determination resolves the contradiction by automating the complexity rather than increasing manual system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a firmware distribution system etc, including a first apparatus configured to send a firmware acquisition request and information regarding the installation location of the first apparatus; and a distribution apparatus configured to, when receiving the firmware acquisition request and the information regarding a installation location from the first apparatus via a network, distribute first firmware or second firmware depending on the information regarding the installation location to the first apparatus, the second firmware including the first firmware except a predetermined process of the first firmware.