Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Multiple computer communication using cryptography – Security kernel or utility
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-22
2001-04-17
Swann, Tod R. (Department: 2132)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Multiple computer communication using cryptography
Security kernel or utility
C713S165000, C713S176000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219787
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates in general to mobile electronic devices and, more particularly, to a hardware and software platform for mobile electronic devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Handheld portable devices are gaining popularity as the power and, hence, functionality of the devices increases. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are currently in widespread use and Smartphones, which combine the some of the capabilities of a cellular phone and a PDA, are expected to have a significant impact on communications in the near future.
Some devices currently incorporate one or more DSPs (digital signal processor) or other coprocessors for providing certain discrete features, such as voice recognition, and a general purpose processor for the other data processing functions. The code for the DSP and the code for the general purpose processor is generally stored in ROMs or other non-volatile memories, which are not easily modified. Thus, as improvements and new features become available, it is often not possible to upgrade the capabilities of the device. In particular, it is not possible to maximize the use of the DSPs or other coprocessor which may be present in the device.
Therefore, a need exists for a data processing architecture which can be upgraded and optimizes use of multiple processors and coprocessors.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first embodiment of the present invention, a file of native code within a software program including source code is stored in an external device, which encrypts both the source code and the native code in the software program. The encrypted software program is downloaded to the electronic device, where the software program is decrypted and the native code is retrieved. The native code is installed on a target processor where it is executed.
In a second embodiment of the present invention, a file of native code within a software program including source code is stored in an external device, which applies a digital signature to the software program. The software program is downloaded to the electronic device, where the signature is verified. Responsive to the verification, the native code is retrieved and installed on a target processor where it is executed.
The present invention provides significant advantages. Where the native code is encrypted during transmission along with the code of the software program, unauthorized modification of the code is prevented. Where a digital signature is applied to the software program, the authenticity of the code can be verified. Because the native code is secure and comes from a trusted source, the attributes of the native code can also be trusted as accurate. Where the software program is a JAVA Bean, the built in security processes of JAVA can be used to encrypt and sign the Bean and, hence, the native code.
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“Java Cryptography Architecture, API Specification & Reference,” http://www.javasoft.com/products/jdk/1.1/docs/guide/security/CryptoSpec.html [internet] Dec. 1997.
Kabakoff Steve
Neerings Ronald O.
Swann Tod R.
Telecky , Jr. Frederick J.
Texas Instruments Incorporated
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