Cryptography – Key management – Key distribution
Reexamination Certificate
2006-08-22
2006-08-22
Peeso, Thomas R. (Department: 2132)
Cryptography
Key management
Key distribution
C380S282000, C380S283000, C380S285000, C380S044000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07095858
ABSTRACT:
Upgraded firmware for a microcontroller is created and encrypted to construct a file (116) that can be distributed and installed by technicians in the field. The encryption includes character encryption (210) of the data as well as a second level of block encryption (216). Within the encrypted file (116), information about the firmware and the target microcontroller (104) is included. The distributed firmware file (116) is stored on a portable device, such as a PDA, that can communicate with the target microcontroller (104) to effect a firmware transfer from the PDA (112) to the microcontroller (104). The microcontroller (104) includes a programming routine that receives the encrypted data stream from the PDA and decrypts the data before storing the new firmware image. The programming routine also identifies when updating the firmware has left the firmware in an unusable condition and prevents operation of the microcontroller until the firmware is restored. Accordingly, the security of the firmware is maintained throughout the distribution and upgrade process and the integrity of the upgrade process is maintained as well.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6049612 (2000-04-01), Fielder et al.
patent: 0801478 (1997-10-01), None
patent: WO 99/08411 (1999-02-01), None
European Search Report dated Aug. 1, 2002.
Chapman, Jr. John Gilman
Wagner Phillip Ryan
Peeso Thomas R.
Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C.
LandOfFree
System and method for securely upgrading firmware does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for securely upgrading firmware, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for securely upgrading firmware will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3640952