Tamper-Proof Scale Memory Segmentation for Calibration Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales used in dosing and filling processes lack the necessary calibration and security features to ensure accurate and tamper-proof weight measurements, failing to meet legal requirements for trade scales and pre-packaging regulations.
Innovation Solution
A scale design with an evaluation device that can switch between calibration and working modes, featuring a tamper-proof memory for secure data storage, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring high resolution and accuracy in weight measurements, while allowing faster and more precise weight determination in working mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a scale uses a standard memory for storing weight values, then the scale can operate in working mode with fast and high-resolution weight determination, but the stored data can be manipulated and does not meet legal calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The memory is divided into two separate memories: a first memory for storing weight values during working mode with fast access, and a second tamper-proof memory for storing weight values during calibration mode with protection against manipulation. This segmentation allows the scale to achieve both high productivity in working mode and guaranteed data integrity in calibration mode.
2Ease of operation
If the scale allows full access to memory for calibration operations, then calibration can be performed, but unauthorized access and manipulation of weight values becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The scale dynamically switches between working mode and calibration mode, with access rights to the memory changing accordingly. In working mode, the first memory is accessible for fast weighing operations. In calibration mode, the system switches to the second tamper-proof memory with controlled access, allowing calibration operations while preventing unauthorized manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation device acts as an intermediary that controls and mediates access to the memory based on the operational mode. It determines whether to allow access to the first or second memory based on whether the scale is in working mode or calibration mode, thus preventing unauthorized access while enabling legitimate calibration operations.
3Device complexity
If the scale uses a single memory system, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot simultaneously provide fast weighing and legally compliant tamper-proof storage
Solution Approach 1:
The memory system is segmented into two distinct memories with different access characteristics: the first memory optimized for fast reading in working mode, and the second tamper-proof memory for secure storage in calibration mode. This segmentation enables the scale to meet both performance requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A scale (1) is proposed, comprising a load cell (21) for detecting the weight of the object being weighed and an evaluation device (30) connected to the load cell (21), which determines a weight value based on the weight signal measured by the load cell (21). Furthermore, a storage device (32) is provided, which includes a tamper-proof memory (32a). The scale (1) is characterized in that the evaluation device (30) can be switched between a calibration mode and an operating mode, and that in the calibration mode, the evaluation device (30) stores a weight value in the tamper-proof memory (32a), while in the operating mode, no write access and/or no erase access to the tamper-proof memory (32a) is possible.