According to a new patent released by Sony (can be found HERE), it would seem Sony may be planning to increase the power of the PS3′s power with an external processor. Now it would be an interesting move by Sony and it would definitely increase the PS3 lifecycle, but to many it really wouldn’t be a “new console” – not to mention it would be terribly confusing in the market (certain games requiring, or not requiring that external processor). But then again, it would be great for current owners as you wouldn’t have to shell out for a brand new console only for an “upgrade”.

The reasoning behind it (according to Sony):

In recent years, there has been an insatiable desire for faster computer processing data throughputs because cutting-edge computer applications involve real-time, multimedia functionality. Graphics applications are among those that place the highest demands on a processing system because they require such vast numbers of data accesses, data computations, and data manipulations in relatively short periods of time to achieve desirable visual results. These applications require extremely fast processing speeds, such as many thousands of megabits of data per second. While some processing systems employ a single processor to achieve fast processing speeds, others are implemented utilizing multi-processor architectures. In multi-processor systems, a plurality of sub-processors can operate in parallel (or at least in concert) to achieve desired processing results.

And:

Accordingly, there are needs in the art for new methods and apparatus for interconnecting one or more multiprocessor systems with one or more external devices to achieve higher processing capabilities.

Pictures from the patent:

Explanation of the image (to quote):

The dotted area 500, is the external processor, with the patent explaining that the memory it shares (514) with the internal processor could be DRAM, MRAM or SRAM, among others:

PE 500 is closely associated with a shared (main) memory 514 through a high bandwidth memory connection 516. Although the memory 514 preferably is a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), the memory 514 could be implemented using other means, e.g., as a static random access memory (SRAM), a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), an optical memory, a holographic memory, etc.

The patent expressly states that several external processors may be used:

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, two processor elements may be cascaded by each employing its respective BIC in a coherent symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) interface (or BIF) configuration. The coherent SMP interface (BIF) of each processing element is coupled to one another to set up a coherent interface there between.

What do you guys make of all this? Would you be interesting in buying a hardware to upgrade your PS3 versus a new console?

[VIA Playstation LifeStyle]

Thanks to Riplay for news tip

SKFU has stumbled across a new patent for a method to protect against encrypted section attacks

To quote from SKFU blog and patent below:

Recently a new patent by a SONY employee was published on the patent site at faqs.org. It seems it is SONY’s answer for Geohot’s progress. Take a look here:

“A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for controlling unauthorized access to encrypted application program code. Predetermined program code is encrypted with a first key. The hash value of an application verification certificate associated with a second key is calculated by performing a one-way hash function. Binding operations are then performed with the first key and the calculated hash value to generate a third key, which is a binding key. The binding key is encrypted with a fourth key to generate an encrypted binding key, which is then embedded in the application. The application is digitally signed with a fifth key to generate an encrypted and signed program code image. To decrypt the encrypted program code, the application verification key certificate is verified and in turn is used to verify the authenticity of the encrypted and signed program code image. The encrypted binding key is then decrypted with a sixth key to extract the binding key. The hash value of the application verification certificate associated with the second key is then calculated and used with the extracted binding key to extract the first key. The extracted first key is then used to decrypt the encrypted application code.”

You can read the full patent here.

[VIA]