Secure Programming System for Programmable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current device programming systems lack integration of secure programming environments for secure configuration and operation of programmable devices, such as flash memories and smart phones, which are often configured separately from circuit board assembly lines, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A secure programming system that individually encrypts and configures programmable devices with customized security keys, ensuring only authorized components can operate them, by integrating security features at the manufacturing stage and using cryptographic methods to validate and authenticate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate programming equipment is used for programmable devices, then device configuration can be performed, but integration with main production assembly lines is lost leading to manufacturing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the programming equipment with the main production assembly line by integrating programmable devices as components within the assembly system. The programming function is merged into the existing manufacturing flow, allowing devices to be programmed in-place during assembly rather than requiring separate programming stations. This eliminates the need for separate programming equipment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Productivity
If separate programming equipment is used for programmable devices, then device configuration can be performed, but manufacturing efficiency decreases due to disconnected production flow
Solution Approach 1:
The programming function is merged into the main production assembly line, creating a unified manufacturing system where devices are programmed during the assembly process. This integration eliminates interruptions and repositioning of devices between separate programming stations and assembly lines, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements programming as a preliminary action within the assembly flow, where devices are programmed before being integrated into final products. This allows configuration to be completed in advance during the manufacturing process, ensuring devices are ready for immediate use without delaying subsequent assembly operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized programming is used for bulk-manufactured devices, then manufacturing is simplified, but security customization for individual devices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing device-specific security configurations tailored to individual programmable devices within the bulk manufacturing process. Each device receives customized security parameters, authentication credentials, and encryption keys appropriate to its specific application and security requirements, rather than applying uniform standardized programming to all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes programming parameters during the manufacturing process to accommodate different security requirements. Configuration parameters such as security levels, authentication methods, and encryption algorithms are adjusted based on the specific device type and intended application, allowing both bulk manufacturing efficiency and individualized security customization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A secure programming system can receive a job control package having a security kernel and a target payload of content for programming into a pre-defined set of trusted devices. A device programmer can install a security kernel on the trusted devices and reboot the trusted devices using the security kernel to validate the proper operation of the security kernel. The target payload can then be securely installed on the trusted devices and validated.