Secure electronic element network

摘要

A secure network of electronic elements (“network”) ensures the electronic elements that implement an electronic device are functioning properly. The network selects at least one master electronic element to consistently check that each of the electronic elements are functioning properly. When the master electronic element identifies that an electronic element is not functioning properly, the network executes a predefined response, such as a counter measure that limits the functional capability of the improperly functioning electronic element or other electronic elements. Electronic elements can identify when a master electronic element is improperly functioning by observing that the master electronic element has ceased checking on the electronic elements. The secure network can then execute a response that includes the counter measure of limiting the functional capability of the improperly functioning master electronic element and assigning a new master electronic element.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
in an electronic device comprising a network of electronic elements in communication with one another:
assigning a primary electronic element from among the network of electronic elements, the primary electronic element configured to carry out health checks on other electronic elements in the network of electronic elements;determining, via a first secondary electronic element from among the network of electronic elements, when the primary electronic element functions improperly by:
receiving a number of improper communications from the primary electronic element; anddetermining when the number of improper communications meets at least a threshold number of improper communications;accessing hierarchy data via the first secondary electronic element, the hierarchy data indicating a selected secondary electronic element from among the network of electronic elements to replace the primary electronic element;responsive to the hierarchy data, configuring the selected secondary electronic element to carry out the health checks instead of the primary electronic element; anddisabling a transmission capability of a network adapter to prevent data from the primary electronic element from being transmitted outside of the electronic device,the selected secondary element configured to continue to carry out the health checks after the transmission capability is disabled.