US Patent No. 12,197,893 B2  ·  Issued January 14, 2025

A Structured Framework for Safety-Critical Software Development

A patented method for systematically defining and verifying computing system software based on fundamental data properties — with direct relevance to safety-critical systems developed under ISO 26262, AUTOSAR, IEC 61508, and related standards.

Broad
Industry outreach across automotive and industrial sectors
Active
Engagements initiated with multiple companies and outside counsel
6
Standards-related declarations filed (IEC, ISO, AUTOSAR, NHTSA)
FRAND
Early engagement options available with preferential commercial terms

Data Driven Computing System Development

U.S. Patent 12,197,893 B2 describes a structured method for constructing computing system software based on a foundational concept: software behavior can be systematically defined through a limited set of data types and systematic attributes. This framework provides a consistent basis for software design, verification, and safety analysis across complex systems.

The Three Types of Data
The framework organizes data into three primary categories, each with a distinct role in the system.
Input
Input Data — Imported from outside Data received by the system from external sources: sensor readings, network signals, user commands, bus messages (CAN, LIN, Ethernet). Defined by the input transmission protocol.
Middle
Middle Data — Stored internally Configuration, calibration, and state data generated during calculations and stored in memory devices (NVM, RAM, Flash). Persists across operations and power cycles.
Output
Output Data — Exported to outside Data derived from calculations and transmitted out of the system to actuators, displays, or communication networks via the output transmission protocol.
"Consisting only of three types of data: input, middle and output." — Claim 1[b][ii]
The Two Systematic Attributes
Each data type is characterized by two key attributes relevant to safety analysis and system verification.

Data Value Attribute

Defines the content of the data — what it represents. Safety considerations include correctness, plausibility, and integrity of the computed or received value.

Data Timing Attribute

Defines when data is available or processed. Safety considerations include timing constraints, deadlines, synchronization, and worst-case delay bounds.

"Wherein each said data consists of only two systematic attributes consisting of data value attribute and data timing attribute." — Claim 1[b][i]

This structured approach provides a consistent way to analyze and implement software behavior, particularly in environments where correctness and timing are critical — including systems developed under ISO 26262, AUTOSAR, IEC 61508, and related standards.

Relevant Industries

The patented framework is relevant to organizations developing safety-critical or real-time software systems. Organizations working within standards such as ISO 26262, AUTOSAR, IEC 61508, and related frameworks may find alignment between their development approaches and the patented methodology.

🚗

Automotive

Electronic Control Units (ECUs), ADAS, braking, steering, and powertrain systems developed under ISO 26262 and AUTOSAR frameworks.

ISO 26262 · AUTOSAR CP/AP · AEB
🏭

Industrial Automation

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, and process control systems developed under functional safety standards.

IEC 61508 · IEC 62061
🚜

Agricultural Machinery

Safety-critical control systems for tractors, harvesters, and autonomous farm equipment developed under ISO 25119.

ISO 25119 · IEC 61508
✈️

Aerospace & Defense

Flight control systems and embedded avionics software implementing real-time safety architectures.

DO-178C · IEC 61508
🏥

Medical Devices

Software for life-critical monitoring and control systems where data value integrity and timing reliability are required.

IEC 62304 · FDA 21 CFR

Energy & Infrastructure

Grid control systems and safety-critical monitoring platforms requiring structured data handling and formal timing analysis.

IEC 61508 · IEC 61511

Industry Engagement

DDSE Consulting has initiated a structured licensing and outreach effort across leading companies in automotive and industrial sectors.

Broad
Outreach conducted to a broad group of industry participants across automotive and industrial sectors
Active
Multiple companies have engaged through internal teams and external counsel
3
Technical analyses and claim charts prepared for ISO 26262, AUTOSAR Classic Platform, and AUTOSAR Adaptive Platform
Notice Considerations: Companies that have received formal correspondence may wish to evaluate their technical and legal positions and consider engaging in licensing discussions where appropriate. We welcome confidential discussions with any interested party.

Standards Alignment & FRAND Licensing

The patent has been evaluated in the context of multiple industry standards. Declarations have been submitted to relevant organizations, and the patent is offered under FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) licensing principles.

IEC 61508 Declaration filed — IEC Patent Database (public record)
ISO 26262 Declaration filed — ISO Patent Database (public record)
IEC 62061 Declaration submitted to IEC
ISO 25119 Declaration submitted to ISO
AUTOSAR Declaration submitted to AUTOSAR Patent Disclosure
NHTSA AEB Declaration submitted to NHTSA & VSSA stakeholders

Organizations implementing these standards are generally expected to assess relevant intellectual property and determine whether licensing may be appropriate. DDSE Consulting is available to provide information and conduct a technical review on a confidential basis.

Obtain a License

DDSE Consulting offers non-exclusive licenses to organizations that may benefit from or implement aspects of the patented framework. Licensing discussions are structured to be confidential, efficient, and technically supported.

STANDARD

Standard FRAND License

Available to all implementers under Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory terms consistent with industry practice and SEP licensing obligations under ISO/IEC Patent Policy.

  • Non-exclusive, worldwide license
  • Covers all implementations of the patented method
  • Applies across all platforms: automotive, industrial, medical, aerospace
  • Royalty structure based on FRAND principles
  • Available to all parties regardless of jurisdiction

All licensing discussions are conducted under NDA and without obligation. We welcome inquiries from any interested party.

Licensing FAQ

Common questions from companies evaluating the relevance of U.S. Patent 12,197,893 B2 to their products and operations.

Does compliance with AUTOSAR or ISO 26262 relate to this patent?+
Technical analysis indicates that certain aspects of these standards may correspond to elements of the patented framework. The degree of alignment depends on how a particular system is implemented. A detailed technical evaluation is recommended to determine relevance to your specific products.
The standards predate the patent — how is that addressed?+
The patent relates to a specific structured methodology for implementing computing system software. Its scope and validity depend on the claimed invention as examined and granted by the USPTO. A prior art publication does not automatically invalidate a patent — the relevant question is whether the specific claims were taught or made obvious by prior disclosures, which is a detailed technical and legal assessment.
We received correspondence from DDSE Consulting — what should we do?+
It is advisable to consult your internal or external IP counsel and consider engaging in a technical and licensing discussion. We welcome confidential dialogue and are prepared to provide detailed technical materials under NDA to support your evaluation.
What does a non-exclusive license provide?+
A non-exclusive license grants your organization the right to use the patented method in your products, while allowing the patent owner to also license the same rights to other parties. You are obtaining legal authorization to practice the invention — not exclusivity over the technology.
Which industries and products may be relevant?+
Any system involving structured data processing and safety or timing requirements may be relevant, depending on implementation details. This includes automotive ECUs, industrial PLCs, medical device software, aerospace avionics, and any safety-critical embedded system. A technical review can help determine whether your specific products fall within scope.
How are licensing terms determined?+
Licensing is offered under FRAND principles, with terms reflecting the scope of use and industry context. We approach all discussions collaboratively, with the goal of reaching commercially reasonable terms. Organizations that engage proactively may be eligible for preferential terms.

The Inventor & DDSE Consulting

JW

Jin Ming Wen

Inventor & Founder, DDSE Consulting LLC
Clarkston, Michigan, USA
DDSE Consulting, LLC
US Patent 12,197,893 B2

Background & Expertise

Jin Ming Wen is the sole inventor of U.S. Patent No. 12,197,893 B2 and the founder of DDSE Consulting, LLC, the patent owner; the author of book "Data Driven System Engineering" [DDSE] - ISBN: 9798985624908. With deep expertise in automotive ECU software development, functional safety engineering, and embedded systems architecture, the invention emerged from firsthand experience with the practical challenges of constructing safety-critical software across multiple industries.

The '893 Patent represents a fundamental insight: that the complexity of safety-critical software development can be systematically addressed by reducing all data in a computing system to exactly three types — Input, Middle, and Output — each characterized by exactly two attributes — Data Value and Data Timing. This first-principle approach enables complete, consistent, accurate, and efficient software construction and safety analysis.

DDSE Consulting, LLC is the sole owner of the patent. DDSE Operation, LLC serves as the exclusive licensing agent, managing all licensing discussions and commercial arrangements on behalf of the patent owner.

The patent is assigned to DDSE Consulting, LLC — Reel/Frame 070067/0444, recorded January 30, 2025.

Begin a Licensing Conversation

Ready to Discuss Licensing?

Whether you have received a pre-suit notice, are evaluating your compliance obligations, or wish to proactively secure a license, we welcome your inquiry. All discussions are confidential and conducted under NDA.

Email Us to Inquire
contact@ddseconsulting.com

All inquiries are treated with strict confidentiality under mutual NDA. Early adopters may qualify for up to 50% discount off standard FRAND rates.