Hardware Component Signature Validation for Limited Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication protocols for hardware components in computing systems are not well-suited for components with limited memory and processing power, such as those found in widely distributed computers, leading to inconsistent user experiences due to unreliable components.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates and validates a signature for hardware components using parameter values and a key, allowing the operating system to determine the component's origin and quality, with the signature being stored in non-volatile memory and retrieved efficiently, enabling conditional interaction based on validation results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing authentication protocols are used for hardware components, then component validation can be performed, but the protocols are not suitable for components with limited memory and processing power, leading to unreliable validation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cryptographic key from the hardware component and stores it in the host device's secure memory. The component only stores a reference or identifier to the key, not the full key itself. This extraction allows the component to have minimal storage requirements while still enabling secure authentication, as the host device performs the actual cryptographic validation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The host device acts as an intermediary between the hardware component and the authentication system. The host device's secure memory and processing units perform the complex cryptographic validation operations, while the component with limited resources only needs to provide its identifier and access the key reference. This intermediary approach allows components with limited capabilities to be validated securely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware components from multiple manufacturers are used, then device versatility is improved, but component quality and reliability become unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism that works across hardware components from different manufacturers. The host device's secure memory stores authentication keys that can validate components regardless of their manufacturer or specific model. This universal approach allows the system to maintain consistent quality and reliability standards across diverse components while preserving device versatility.
3Volume of moving object
If components are integrated within the device enclosure, then device compactness is improved, but users cannot identify hardware components as the cause of performance problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a diagnostic feature that allows the system to identify and report the status of integrated hardware components. When a component fails validation or exhibits poor performance, the system can detect this condition and provide feedback to the user about which specific component is problematic. This diagnostic capability maintains device compactness while enabling users to identify hardware issues.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing environment in which devices interoperate with a plurality of hardware components. Inconsistencies in user experience when operating devices that may use different components are avoided by generating a signature for the components. The signature may be computed as a function of a first key and one or more parameter values obtainable from the component. The signature and parameter values may be stored in the component's memory, and may be obtainable while the component is in operation as part of the computing device. The device may validate the component by performing at least one function based on the signature, the one or more parameter values obtainable from the component, and a second key, which may or may not be identical to the first key. The device may change its interaction with the component, depending on whether the component was successfully validated.