Real-Time Task Scheduling with Adaptive Security Services

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Solution Overview

Problem

Real-time computing systems face challenges in meeting temporal constraints while ensuring security, as security mechanisms introduce time overhead and are not adequately addressed in existing technologies, particularly in critical applications like nuclear power and aircraft control.

Innovation Solution

A method for scheduling task instances in real-time systems that assigns parameters including scheduled times and security services based on time differences, using MAC functions for integrity and authentication, and employing the Earliest Deadline First rule to prioritize tasks, thereby balancing security and time constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If security mechanisms are implemented in real-time systems, then security level is improved, but time overhead increases and temporal constraints may not be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidtime overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the security service level adaptive rather than static. The scheduling method dynamically adjusts the security service applied to each task instance based on the calculated time difference between scheduled completion and current time. When time is充裕, higher security services are applied; when time is tight, security services are reduced to meet temporal constraints. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high security and meeting time deadlines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of security service level from a fixed value to a variable that depends on time constraints. By calculating the time difference and using it to determine the appropriate security service, the system transforms security from a static requirement into a flexible parameter that can be adjusted based on real-time conditions, thereby balancing security needs with temporal constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If computing resources are increased to meet temporal constraints, then productivity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemporal constraint fulfillmentVSAvoidcomputing resources
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing security services selectively rather than uniformly to all task instances. Based on the time difference calculation, the system applies appropriate security services only when time permits, rather than applying maximum security to every task. This partial application of security services reduces the overall computational burden and resource requirements while still maintaining adequate security where time allows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If security services are applied to all task instances, then security level is improved, but time overhead increases and may cause deadline violations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity coverageVSAvoidcumulative time overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making security service application non-uniform across different task instances. Instead of applying the same security level to all tasks, the system calculates the time difference for each task instance and applies security services locally based on individual time availability. This allows some tasks to receive enhanced security while others receive minimal or no security, optimizing the balance between security coverage and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3702952A1Scheduling method ensuring security service for real-time system
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 INGENICO BELGIUM
  • EP3702952A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3702952A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c
  • EP3702952A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This invention relates to a method for scheduling a sequence of task instances in a real-time computing system, comprising assigning parameters to each instance, said parameters comprising a scheduled time; and, for each current instance to be scheduled (S1); - determining (S2) a time difference between the scheduled time assigned to said current instance and a current time; - assigning (S3) a security service to at least one instance of said sequence from said current instance, based on said time difference.