Information Processing Apparatus Early Power Supply for Secure Boot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing secure boot techniques for information processing apparatuses, such as multi-function peripherals, require a lengthy waiting period before they are ready for use as they wait for program verification to complete, even if the verification fails initially, leading to increased user wait times.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a first processor for controlling devices and a second processor for verifying programs, where the second processor starts verification upon power-on and allows the first processor to execute the program only when valid, and a control circuit to supply power to devices before verification is complete, enabling early power supply to devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If program verification is performed before device activation, then security against unauthorized operations is maintained, but activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary actions by starting device operation before program verification completes. Specifically, the control circuit is configured to allow the device to operate in a limited capacity before the second processor finishes verifying the program, thus reducing activation time while maintaining security through post-verification control
2Reliability
If power is supplied to devices after program verification completes, then security is ensured, but user wait time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary power supply to devices before program verification completes. The control circuit is configured to supply power to devices before the second processor determines the program is valid, enabling devices to prepare or operate preliminarily while verification is ongoing, thus reducing user wait time
3Stability of the object's composition
If the system waits for successful program verification before starting device operation, then system stability is ensured, but activation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs preliminary device operation before verification completes by supplying power and enabling limited functionality before the second processor finishes program verification. This allows the system to appear more responsive while maintaining stability through the security check
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static sequential process (verification then operation) to a dynamic overlapping process where verification and operation occur concurrently. The control circuit dynamically adjusts device operation based on verification progress, allowing early operation while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes: at least one device; a first processor configured to control the at least one device; a second processor configured to verify validity of a program to be executed by the first processor, and to allow the first processor to execute the program when the program is determined to be valid; and a control circuit configured to control supply of power to the at least one device. The second processor starts the verification of the program in response to the information processing apparatus being powered on. The first processor starts the execution of the program at least based on a first control signal indicating that the program is determined to be valid. The control circuit starts the supply of the power to the at least one device before the determination that the program is valid.