Discussion:
missing source-code for ion action-cam
wiebittewas
2013-07-06 00:31:25 UTC
Permalink
Hi!

first - sorry, but currently I've got no time to really follow this
list, so if there're any further questions it may take some time, before
I can reply.

and I hope I took the right address, else please give me a short note.

if you go to http://iontheaction.de/ion/Firmware-Updates.html and
download the firmware-file, which is named "burn.bin" and then have a
look at the file with a hex-editor or with strings, then you will
notice, that there's an linux-kernel in it, but there's no source-code
at all, but - as far as I understand gpl - it has to be.

maybe this vendor/product could be added to the toDo-list.

best regards

wiebittewas
Nils Faerber
2013-07-06 12:36:39 UTC
Permalink
Post by wiebittewas
Hi!
Hello!
Post by wiebittewas
first - sorry, but currently I've got no time to really follow this
list, so if there're any further questions it may take some time, before
I can reply.
and I hope I took the right address, else please give me a short note.
I think you are right on this list ;)
Post by wiebittewas
if you go to http://iontheaction.de/ion/Firmware-Updates.html and
download the firmware-file, which is named "burn.bin" and then have a
look at the file with a hex-editor or with strings, then you will
notice, that there's an linux-kernel in it, but there's no source-code
at all, but - as far as I understand gpl - it has to be.
maybe this vendor/product could be added to the toDo-list.
The website of this company is a pure nightmare - Everything is moving!

But aside of this - yes, you are right, this is a pretty clear
infringement of the GPL. A quick binwalk of the update file shows that
it is a uImage format file with a Linux kernel and squashfs inside -
though I have not yet been able to unsquashfs it.

According to the extracted Kernel we have:

kernel.img: u-boot legacy uImage, Linux Kernel Image, Linux/MIPS, OS
Kernel Image (lzma), 897857 bytes, Fri Jul 20 08:15:24 2012, Load
Address: 0x80002000, Entry Point: 0x801BF0F0, Header CRC: 0x71003854,
Data CRC: 0x02A440F4

So at least we have to suspect that U-Boot and Linux Kernel, both GPL,
are used in this device.

The website does not mention the use of GPL/LGPL in the device at all
and the online available manual does not do so either.

So this indeed seems like a pretty clear case...

If you do not have the time to struggle with them and if you agree I
would try to contact them since this seems to be a German company
(though I think the device is made in China/Asia) and I am a copyright
holder on the Linux kernel.
Post by wiebittewas
best regards
wiebittewas
Cheers
nils
Nils Faerber
2013-07-06 12:43:45 UTC
Permalink
Small correction - the company is located in Austria, not Germany.
Post by Nils Faerber
Post by wiebittewas
Hi!
Hello!
Post by wiebittewas
first - sorry, but currently I've got no time to really follow this
list, so if there're any further questions it may take some time, before
I can reply.
and I hope I took the right address, else please give me a short note.
I think you are right on this list ;)
Post by wiebittewas
if you go to http://iontheaction.de/ion/Firmware-Updates.html and
download the firmware-file, which is named "burn.bin" and then have a
look at the file with a hex-editor or with strings, then you will
notice, that there's an linux-kernel in it, but there's no source-code
at all, but - as far as I understand gpl - it has to be.
maybe this vendor/product could be added to the toDo-list.
The website of this company is a pure nightmare - Everything is moving!
But aside of this - yes, you are right, this is a pretty clear
infringement of the GPL. A quick binwalk of the update file shows that
it is a uImage format file with a Linux kernel and squashfs inside -
though I have not yet been able to unsquashfs it.
kernel.img: u-boot legacy uImage, Linux Kernel Image, Linux/MIPS, OS
Kernel Image (lzma), 897857 bytes, Fri Jul 20 08:15:24 2012, Load
Address: 0x80002000, Entry Point: 0x801BF0F0, Header CRC: 0x71003854,
Data CRC: 0x02A440F4
So at least we have to suspect that U-Boot and Linux Kernel, both GPL,
are used in this device.
The website does not mention the use of GPL/LGPL in the device at all
and the online available manual does not do so either.
So this indeed seems like a pretty clear case...
If you do not have the time to struggle with them and if you agree I
would try to contact them since this seems to be a German company
(though I think the device is made in China/Asia) and I am a copyright
holder on the Linux kernel.
Post by wiebittewas
best regards
wiebittewas
Cheers
nils
Viele GrÌße
nils
--
Nils Faerber
Buehlstr. 156
57080 Siegen
https://www.fpresso.de
Nils Faerber
2013-07-06 20:30:22 UTC
Permalink
Am 06.07.2013 14:43 schrieb "Nils Faerber" bzgl. "Re: missing
Post by Nils Faerber
If you do not have the time to struggle with them and if you agree I
would try to contact them since this seems to be a German company
(though I think the device is made in China/Asia) and I am a copyright
holder on the Linux kernel.
yes, of course, I do agree.
OK, then let's do it ;)

I'll keep you posted about its outcome.
and I think, you're right, that device is made in Asia, because two
other companies sell nearly identical cams, but neither one offers
firmware online, so it's currently not easy, to also check these
devices, even it's very unlikely, that they have completely another
firmware, even the ion actioncam has a few additional features the
http://www.polaroidstore.com/products/sport-and-action-video-cameras/hd-1080p-16mp-waterproof-sports-action-camera-with-mounting-kit-xs100.htm
http://www.easypix.eu/de/Xtasy-Full-HD-Action-Camera?xf6530=lfj0th9v0hptt3orj021neic5c49alvn
but I think that such a device has to be first disassembled to try to
get the firmware directly from it, to have a chance that these companies
comply with the GPL
Well, so far my experience is not that bad. Of course you are right
concerning compliance from day-1, i.e. day of release of the device.
This really must be improved.
But once made aware of the infringement and their possible implications
most companies act pretty promptly. Of course there are bad examples too
- as always in life, where is light there is also shadow.

So let's see what kind of company Ion is - light or shadow :)
best regards
wiebittewas
Cheers
nils
wiebittewas
2013-07-06 17:53:32 UTC
Permalink
Am 06.07.2013 14:43 schrieb "Nils Faerber" bzgl. "Re: missing
Post by Nils Faerber
If you do not have the time to struggle with them and if you agree I
would try to contact them since this seems to be a German company
(though I think the device is made in China/Asia) and I am a copyright
holder on the Linux kernel.
yes, of course, I do agree.

and I think, you're right, that device is made in Asia, because two
other companies sell nearly identical cams, but neither one offers
firmware online, so it's currently not easy, to also check these
devices, even it's very unlikely, that they have completely another
firmware, even the ion actioncam has a few additional features the
technical data matches:

http://www.polaroidstore.com/products/sport-and-action-video-cameras/hd-1080p-16mp-waterproof-sports-action-camera-with-mounting-kit-xs100.htm

http://www.easypix.eu/de/Xtasy-Full-HD-Action-Camera?xf6530=lfj0th9v0hptt3orj021neic5c49alvn

but I think that such a device has to be first disassembled to try to
get the firmware directly from it, to have a chance that these companies
comply with the GPL

best regards

wiebittewas

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