Apparatus and method for secure field upgradability with unpredictable ciphertext
First Claim
1. An apparatus for enabling functionality of a component, said apparatus comprising:
- a random number generating module for generating a random number;
a hash function module in communication with said random number generating module;
a host in communication with said random number generating module, said host being configured to receive a guess passcode from a manufacturer of the component;
at least one memory in communication with said host;
an encryption module in communication with said at least one memory; and
a comparing device in communication with said encryption module and said hash function module,wherein said at least one memory further comprises a public key module in communication with said encryption module, said public key module being configured to store a public key therein,wherein said comparing device compares a ciphertext bit string generated by the encryption module to a hash value generated by the hash function module to generate a function enable output to the component, which enables functionality of the component.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for enabling functionality of a component, wherein the apparatus includes a random number generating module for generating a random number, and a hash function module in communication with the random number generating module. A host is provided in communication with the random number generating module, and at least one memory in communication with the host is included. An encryption module in communication with the at least one memory is provided, and a comparing device in communication with the encryption module and the hash function module is included. The comparing device of the apparatus compares a first bit string to a second bit string to generate a function enable output for the component.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. An apparatus for enabling functionality of a component, said apparatus comprising:
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a random number generating module for generating a random number; a hash function module in communication with said random number generating module; a host in communication with said random number generating module, said host being configured to receive a guess passcode from a manufacturer of the component; at least one memory in communication with said host; an encryption module in communication with said at least one memory; and a comparing device in communication with said encryption module and said hash function module, wherein said at least one memory further comprises a public key module in communication with said encryption module, said public key module being configured to store a public key therein, wherein said comparing device compares a ciphertext bit string generated by the encryption module to a hash value generated by the hash function module to generate a function enable output to the component, which enables functionality of the component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A component for selectively enabling functionality of an electronic device, said component comprising:
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means for generating a random bit string; a hash function module in communication with said means for generating; means for acquiring a guess passcode in communication with said means for generating; an encryption module in communication with said means for acquiring, said encryption module comprising a public key encryption module and a public key module in communication with said public key encryption module, wherein said public key encryption module is configured to receive a public key from said public key module and a guess passcode from said means for acquiring, and generate a ciphertext bit string therefrom; and a comparing device in communication with said encryption module and said hash function module, said comparing device having an output for transmitting a functionality enable signal, which causes functionality of the electronic device to be enabled. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for enabling functionality of an electronic component, said method comprising the steps of:
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generating a random number; calculating a first bit string from the random number; determining a second bit string corresponding to the random number; encrypting the second bit string with a public key to generate a third bit string; comparing the third bit string to the first bit string to determine a match; and outputting a function enable signal in accordance with the comparison, the function enable signal enabling the functionality of the electronic component, wherein said encrypting comprises receiving a guess passcode from a host, receiving a public key, and encrypting the guess passcode with the public key to generate a ciphertext bit string. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification