Signal Processing System Date-Based Device Pairing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices face challenges in identifying and pairing with signal transmitting devices to prevent unauthorized copying, while maintaining manufacturing and inventory management convenience.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing system with a processor and memory devices that read and compare date information stored in both the signal processing device and signal transmitting device, determining if the signal transmitting device is authorized by checking if its date is within a threshold date margin, and operating in a limited mode if unauthorized, thereby restricting functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If date information is stored and compared in memory devices to identify authorized signal transmitting devices, then prevention of malicious copying is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of malicious copyingVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses date information stored in memory devices as a form of digital copy or identifier. By comparing dates between the signal processing device and signal transmitting device, the system creates a verifiable record of authorization without requiring complex physical security measures. This allows prevention of malicious copying through information replication and comparison rather than physical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces date information as an intermediary element between the signal processing device and signal transmitting device. This intermediary date data serves as the basis for authorization verification, mediating the trust relationship between devices. The processor uses this intermediate date information to determine whether to allow signal transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If signal processing device operates in limited mode for unauthorized devices, then prevention of malicious copying is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of malicious copyingVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of unauthorized device operation into a beneficial authentication mechanism. By implementing limited mode that restricts functionality of unauthorized devices, the system actually benefits by clearly identifying and preventing malicious copying. The limitation itself becomes the security feature, transforming what would be a user inconvenience into a protective measure against piracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing limited mode that provides only restricted functionality to unauthorized devices rather than complete denial. This partial restriction maintains basic operation while preventing malicious copying, balancing security needs with user experience. The system doesn't completely block unauthorized devices but limits their capabilities sufficiently to prevent piracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If date comparison authentication is implemented, then identification accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing date information in memory devices during manufacturing. The authorization status is determined in advance through date comparison, so that when a device is connected, the authentication can proceed quickly using pre-prepared data. This preliminary preparation reduces the time needed for actual authentication operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or physical authentication systems with a simple date comparison mechanism. Instead of using physical security features, biometric verification, or complex cryptographic protocols, the system uses straightforward date information storage and comparison to achieve accurate identification. This substitution dramatically reduces processing time while maintaining identification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11716115B2Signal processing system and method for identifying and pairing a signal transmitting device

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 REALTEK SEMICON CORP

AI summary

A signal processing system includes a signal processing device including a processor and a memory device storing first information and a signal transmitting device including a memory device storing second information. The processor reads the memory devices to obtain the first information and the second information, determines a threshold date according to a first date indicated by the first information and a margin, and determines whether a second date indicated by the second information is earlier than the threshold date. When the second date is earlier than the threshold date, the processor controls the signal processing device to operate in a limited mode. In the limited mode, the signal processing device does not output any signal to the signal transmitting device or ignores any signal from the signal transmitting device, or the signal processing device only outputs a limited signal to the signal transmitting device.