Part Authentication via Unique Code Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providers of hardware components face challenges in authenticating 'passive' parts without internal memory, leading to revenue loss and inability to track usage, especially when customers acquire parts from third-party suppliers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation and use of unique codes based on identification information using a stored algorithm, which is applied to authenticate parts and activate associated features, allowing for efficient authentication without requiring network connectivity or internal memory in parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If authentication information is stored in internal memory of parts, then part authentication reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication information from the part itself and stores it externally on a server. The part only contains identification information (like a serial number), while the authentication algorithm and verification data are removed and stored remotely, allowing authentication without internal memory in the part.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication server that stores the authentication information and algorithms. This mediator enables the authentication process by holding the verification data externally, allowing parts to be authenticated without having internal memory while maintaining security and reliability.
2Reliability
If network connectivity is required for part authentication, then authentication security is improved, but ease of operation and system availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing authentication algorithms and verification data on the authentication server during system setup. This allows the authentication process to proceed efficiently without requiring real-time network connectivity for data retrieval, improving operational convenience while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication system is designed to be self-sufficient by storing all necessary authentication data and algorithms on the server. Once configured, the system can perform authentication operations independently without requiring continuous network connectivity, making the operation more convenient while maintaining security.
3Measurement precision
If unique codes are generated using complex algorithms, then authentication precision is improved, but computational resources and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication system into two parts: a simple identification component in the part and a complex verification algorithm on the server. This segmentation allows the complex computational work to be performed only during the authentication verification phase on the server, while the part itself requires minimal computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication algorithm and verification data are copied to the authentication server, where they can be executed with full computational resources. This allows complex algorithms to be used for high precision authentication without the energy constraints of embedded part systems, as the computation occurs on powerful server infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described herein generally relate to improved part authentication. In one implementation, a method includes acquiring information related to a part. The information may include identification information of the part and a unique code. The method further includes determining, using a stored algorithm, whether the unique code comprises a result of applying the stored algorithm to the identification information. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the unique code comprises the result of applying the stored algorithm to the identification information, activating a feature of the part or a feature of process equipment associated with the part.