Atos has filed a patent for a computer implemented method to design firmware. The method involves writing the firmware version, providing it with version data, and including rollback data for comparison with other versions. The patent also covers authorizing and setting limits for downgrading to older firmware versions. GlobalData’s report on Atos gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Atos, access control systems was a key innovation area identified from patents. Atos's grant share as of September 2023 was 69%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method for designing firmware with version and rollback data
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230315432A1) describes a computer implemented method for designing a firmware version of a firmware. The method involves writing the firmware version and providing it with version data and rollback data. The rollback data is used to compare the firmware version to other versions of the firmware and authorize a limit for older firmware versions to which the firmware may be downgraded to.
In one embodiment, the rollback data is incorporated into the firmware version before signing it, specifically in the header of the firmware version. This ensures that the rollback data is part of the signed data of the firmware version.
The rollback data can include a version number indicating the firmware version number limit for the older firmware versions to which the firmware may be downgraded to. Alternatively, the rollback data can include a time data indicating a time limit for the older firmware versions.
The version data of the firmware version includes a version number of the firmware version and can also include a time data indicating the date of the firmware version.
The patent also describes a non-transitory firmware designed using the computer implemented method. This firmware version is provided with version data and rollback data, which are used to compare it to other versions of the firmware and authorize a limit for older firmware versions to which it may be downgraded to.
Additionally, the patent describes a computer implemented method for replacing a first firmware version with a second firmware version. This method involves writing both versions of the firmware, providing each version with version data and rollback data, and comparing them to other versions of the firmware. Based on the comparison, the installation of the second firmware version may be authorized or prevented.
The method can also include comparing the version data and rollback data of the second firmware version to generate warnings indicating a downgrade of the firmware to an older version or a relaxation of the downgrade. Furthermore, the rollback data of the second firmware version can be compared to a predetermined value to determine if an anti-downgrading feature is disabled, generating a warning if necessary.
Overall, this patent presents a computer implemented method for designing and replacing firmware versions, incorporating version data and rollback data to control the downgrade process and ensure the integrity of the firmware.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
