Logic Circuit Package Authentication Using Embedded Certificates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logic circuitry in print apparatus components, such as microcontrollers in consumable cartridges, rely on inefficient symmetric authentication, making them vulnerable to reverse engineering and emulation, and public key systems require separate certificate validation and external libraries for parsing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a logic circuitry package with both symmetric and asymmetric authentication, where asymmetric device-specific private keys are stored, and intertwining asymmetric authentication within symmetric sessions, along with secure memory arrangements to protect keys and certificates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If symmetric authentication is used in logic circuitry, then communication can be established, but the system becomes vulnerable to reverse engineering and emulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines symmetric and asymmetric authentication methods into a unified authentication protocol. The logic circuitry package uses both symmetric keys (for efficient communication) and asymmetric keys with certificate validation (for enhanced security against reverse engineering), merging the advantages of both approaches while mitigating their individual weaknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication mechanism employs a composite structure with multiple layers of security: symmetric key authentication, asymmetric key authentication, and certificate validation. This multi-layered composite approach creates a more robust security system that is resistant to reverse engineering while maintaining communication efficiency.
2Reliability
If public key systems are implemented, then authentication security is improved, but separate certificate validation and external libraries are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges certificate validation functionality directly into the logic circuitry package, eliminating the need for external libraries and separate validation processes. The certificate validation is integrated into the authentication protocol, allowing asymmetric authentication to proceed without requiring additional external components or complex separate validation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic circuitry package performs its own certificate validation internally using integrated functionality. The system is self-sufficient in validating certificates and asymmetric keys, without requiring external libraries or additional validation infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If asymmetric authentication is integrated within symmetric sessions, then security is enhanced, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric authentication periodically or selectively within symmetric communication sessions, rather than continuously. The system uses symmetric authentication for routine efficient communication and invokes asymmetric authentication with certificate validation at appropriate intervals or when security requirements demand, thereby balancing security enhancement with computational energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A logic circuitry package includes a logic circuit and an interface to communicate with a host logic circuit. The logic circuit includes a memory arrangement storing an asymmetric key, and/or a certificate corresponding to the asymmetric key. The logic circuit is configured to transmit, to the host logic circuit, the certificate; receive, from the host logic circuit, a static signature request comprising challenge data; and/or, transmit, to the host logic circuit, a signature computed based on the challenge data and the asymmetric key in response to the static signature request.