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Online Security in Embedded Systems

These days many gadgets with embedded systems are being used. Tablets, Netbooks and Desktop Clients. Many of these are used to make secure transactions like Banking. It is also used as a Security Device for Web Applications and Website Memberships.

The secure transaction process has improved. I know there is encryption and also the NIC number of Ethernet cards etc. I have some thought, i think i will note it here. In one sentence “Make Every CPU Chip Unique with a Unerasable ROM ID Code or Signature” this can also be tied to a QR Code.  A Firmware query spawned by a SSL TCP/IP action will return the CHIP ID which enables secure communication and device tracking overriding all user controls.

Online Security in Embedded Systems

Processor manufactures and Chip IP makers are standardized. The Secure CPU makers should obtain a license for secure CPU, which will be a CPU but with a Secure Transaction Chip with Unique Identification Code engraved within. Each Chip is unique and a replacement of CPU needs new authentication for all transactions. No two chips are made the same, the unique numbers are not on flash (like BIOS), but digitally etched-burnt with indelible e-ink. So when a person makes transaction his computer is more securely authorized. More security options like GPS in CPU for big transactions, these computers will be expensive too.

(First posted in delabs Notes 2006 – Then in Nomadic Computing 2007)

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Usability and Accessibility Enhancements

Tablets have tools for Communication, Browsing and Many Utilities. It needs to be usable by very old people and very young ones as well.  They need to be affordable and Robust too. Ability to survive falls, Grime, Water and Heat. It should be usable by people having Health issues too.

Usability and Accessibility Enhancements

Alert sounds likes chimes and rings are not enough, The Tablet must be able to yell and scream when it is far from the owner. The user needs to wear  a Bluetooth pendent with microphone .

When charge is low, it has to create a tantrum till it is fed…up. Some pricey models can have tiny wheels to move to the closest charging bunk. Some Vacuum Cleaners are able to move and recharge themselves.

When a SMS lands, it is able to read out loud and take a reply by voice and send it at once. Similarly the email could work on the tablets, all hands-free. The speakers and quality audio are on the tablet/pad and the pendent is just an additional microphone with bluetooth and vibrator with a titillate option.

Incoming  calls can move in tandem with an answering device and make loud Audio Visual Effects to get the attention of the Owner. The caller cannot wait, so the answering machine takes the call, says “please wait” and then rings the Alert Alarm Bells and even vibrates the Pendent. The Senior now can talk to the pendent and will get the caller’s voice loud on the Phone. The Phone Audio has to be very good and loud.

If the room has a connected HD Monitor, even that can be used for the communication purpose. The user just needs to click the pendent to answer a call or video chat with family friends. In Business too, Large monitors and Loud Speakers can improve communication.

Smart PowerPacks or PowerBanks+ can be the Charging Stations. The Power Packs with docks can have the wheels and intelligence to recharge the device on alert, they will also recharge themselves from the mains power, whenever required.

Expensive Phone or PowerPack Models can have Drone Mode. I say this emphatically because the Dilbert Dupey develops wings after the mutation, This indicates that quad-copters, drones were predicted. It could be that, One fine Day the Tablet+ may Fly!

Aug 2014 – delabs Technologies

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Wired Wi-Fi or WiGig for enhancing Range

You have a big office of 3 Floors or a Home which is not Wi-Fi Friendly and it does not have the provision for LAN or any other wiring. Even a distant room/garage or basement beyond the Wi-Fi range.

Wireless Gigabit Alliance – WiGig 60 GHz

If we could build a Wired interface for Wi-Fi and WiGig then such rooms can be brought within range. A wired interface without wires, then you think of optics, not even optic fiber …. that will build up the cost for home networks.

Wave Guide may be an answer, a wire that pretends to be a waveguide. Let us take a thin flexible plastic tube, 2-3 mm in dia, 1mm wall thickness of tube. The outer wall of the 3mm tube is coated with a suitable copper alloy. Above that a thick insulation to protect from mechanical damage. This may act as a waveguide if properly designed, probably the way or pattern in which the metal is coated.

Wired Wi-Fi or WiGig for enhancing Range

 

Fixed WiMAX SoC and RF Module – Fujitsu

If this works in theory, then Pump RF on one end with a little more juice, just like in Optic fibers. The other end may get enough signal strength for good speed connectivity. It will at least be still wi-fi on waveguide and easier to implement than RJ45, these LAN cables, connectors and switches include many components and modules, that make it very fussy and unreliable.

Wi-Fi seems to be very friendly and safety has also improved now. So a wired, one wire or waveguide to extend Wi-Fi can phase out the RJ45. I like RJ45 similar to the sentiments i have for the Printer Port and RS232. Then USB has just taken over. Change is inevitable, Find a way out of RJ45 for good.

delabs 2010