JPS60171536A - Function secrecy system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain the secrecy of function by securing a common functional equation for both upper and lower data processings, comparing the arithmetic results of random number data between both processings and opening the own function only when the coincidence is obtained from said comparison. CONSTITUTION:In case the privacy is needed for a function D among those functions A-D of a slave station 1, the station 1 transmits the data (x) which is delivered and not prescribed by a random number generating means set within the station 1 to a master station 2. The station 2 supplies the received data (x) to a functional equation y=f(x) of its own to obtain (y). The station 2 sends the (y) back to the station 1. The station 1 supplies the received (y) and the data (x) sent to the station 2 to obtain (y'). If y=y' is obtained from a comparison, the function D is opened. While the function D is not opened in the case of ynot equal to y'.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a method for concealing the functions of a data processing device.

For more information, see Factory Automation.
The functions of a control device equipped with a microprocessor (referred to as an FA controller) used in
This relates to a method for performing data processing.

However, the present invention is not limited to this field;
It will be clear from the following description that this method is generally applicable as a method for causing data communication between a higher-level data processing device and a lower-level data processing device to be performed only under certain conditions.

[Background Art J Conventionally, various industrial control devices have been composed of various module groups.

Therefore, from the perspective of the industrial control device, these modules are a single part, but it is necessary to produce a wide variety of modules with various functions.

However, in order to realize an FA controller for factory automation at low cost and efficiently, each module,
- Equipped with a CPU to make it intelligent,
It is necessary to implement various functions using CPU software. (Incidentally, the inventor calls this intelligent module a "functional module.") This makes it possible to organize the various modules that were previously required, which in turn makes it possible to reduce manufacturing costs. .

However, as intelligent technology advances and a single module has a wide variety of functions, there are functions that manufacturing companies cannot use internally (in-house functions) and functions that are used by module purchasers (externally sold functions). functions) will be mixed.

If this happens, it will be a big loss for the Vi manufacturing company, as the module purchaser will be able to freely use functions that it has invested and developed for internal use.

Therefore, functions that are used internally by a manufacturing company or functions that are only available to specific users need to be kept secret and not made available to purchasers.

An easy way to think of this is to prepare two types of FROM in which software is stored, one for internal use and one for external sales, but this would only make the manufacturing process more complicated, and also avoid parts being used internally. This is not a good idea from a quality control point of view as it will be different for external sales.

In addition, using jumper wires, switches, etc. to switch between in-house use and external use allows easy oversight and theft (copying of programs) by unscrupulous people.

[Disclosure of Prior Applications] To prevent copying or unauthorized use of programs, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-86964. Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-11179
2 etc. have been proposed.

However, the former restricts users of general-purpose large-sized computers, and the latter prevents copying from NC tape cassettes for NO machine tools, but a predetermined "key" (recitation number) must be set in advance. It requires time and effort to maintain it.

Furthermore, for those who don't have one mouth, it is not very difficult to find the "key", and the functions are not completely hidden.

[Object of the invention] The present invention was made in view of the above problems, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method in which it is impossible for a third party to insert a key to open the functions of a module.

[Summary of the Invention] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides that both upper and lower data processing devices have a common function formula, one transmits random number data to the other, and the random number data is transmitted to the function formula. It is unique in that it compares the answer obtained by inputting it to the calculation result sent back from the other side, and only opens its own functions when they are the same.

[Embodiments of the invention]

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the concept of the present invention, in which a slave station 1 is slaved to a master station 2. In FIG. This slave station 1 means a single unit (single block) of the above-mentioned functional module, and the master station 2 is a device mainly in charge of communication control.
supervise.

- As an example, here it is assumed that the slave station 1 has four functions A, B, C, and D, and among these, D is an in-house function and needs to be kept secret from outside the company.

In other words, slave station 1 is intended for both internal and external sales, and is planned to be sold separately.

The main station 2 is divided into those for internal use and those for external sales, and as will be explained below, those equipped with a means for opening the above functions are those for internal use.

Now, in order to release the above-mentioned functions, in the present invention, the main station and the slave station are provided with the function of calculating according to the same functional formula y=f(x), and at the initial time, communication according to the flow shown in FIG. 2 is performed. .

A step-by-step explanation will be given below.

(al) First, the slave station 1 transmits to the master station 2 unspecified data X (for example, data output by a random number generation means provided within the slave station).

(l) The master station 2 inputs the received data X into the functional formula y='f(x) in its own station, and transmits the requested y to the slave station I.

(C1 slave station 1 uses the received y and the function formula y'=
Compare f(x) with y/, which was obtained by inputting the data X sent in (al), and if y=y', the function is released.

Note that if y'=y', the communication ends without the function of D being released.

If the function equations of the master station and slave station do not match, the 0 function of the functional module will not operate.

[Effect of the Invention J As described above, according to the present invention, even if a function module sold externally includes a function for internal use, a third party who is not familiar with the predetermined function The functions cannot be opened and the manufacturer's secrets can be completely protected.

Furthermore, since the products for internal use and those for external sales are the same, the manufacturing process is simplified and the product can be manufactured at low cost.

Furthermore, even if an unscrupulous third party monitors data X and data y in an attempt to find a key, the attempt will completely fail because data X is a non-constant value such as a random number.

Although the functional modules have been described above, it is clear that the present invention can be easily applied as a system for concealing communication between a large-sized computer and a hand belt computer, and other functions of a data processing device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the present invention. l: slave station, 2: master station

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a system consisting of a slave station with multiple functions and a master station that controls the slave stations through communication control, the slave station is equipped with a means for performing calculations based on a function formula common to the slave station and the master station, and the slave station is connected to the master station. At the same time as transmitting arbitrary data to the slave station, this arbitrary data is substituted into the above-mentioned function formula in the slave station and calculated, and the master station substitutes the received arbitrary data into the above-mentioned function formula in the main station and calculates the result. is returned to the slave station, and the slave station compares the returned calculation result with the calculation result in the slave station, and only when they match, allows the slave station to use a predetermined function. Functional concealment method. (2) The function concealment system according to claim 1, wherein the arbitrary data is random number data generated by a random number generating means provided in the slave station.