An unmanned aerial vehicle data transmission verification method based on MD5 algorithm
By calculating and comparing the fingerprint value of flight path data using the MD5 algorithm, the problems of easy exposure and long processing time in UAV flight path data verification are solved, achieving efficient and secure data verification and improving the flexibility and security of mission execution.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENYANG AIRCRAFT DESIGN INST AVIATION IND CORP OF CHINA
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for verifying UAV flight path data suffer from problems such as easy exposure due to stealth, easy data interception, and long closed-loop time, which affect flight safety and mission execution.
The fingerprint value of the flight route data is calculated using the MD5 algorithm and then transmitted to the ground via a wireless communication link for comparison, avoiding the transmission of the original flight route data. The irreversibility and avalanche effect of the MD5 algorithm are used to verify the accuracy.
It improves the security and verification efficiency of data transmission, reduces the risk of data exposure, shortens the verification time, and enhances the flexibility and response speed of task execution.
Smart Images
Figure CN122340482A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and data communication technology, and specifically relates to a UAV data transmission verification method based on the MD5 algorithm. Background Technology
[0002] A drone flight path refers to the pre-set or real-time planned flight route of a drone when performing a mission. It determines the drone's flight trajectory, altitude, speed, and key points of mission execution. The accuracy of the flight path data is crucial; errors in the flight path data may affect flight safety or mission execution.
[0003] Before or during a mission, the drone needs to load the planned flight path data into the drone. Considering special circumstances such as power failure and restart during flight, the drone needs to store the flight path in a non-volatile memory that does not lose data when power is off after receiving the flight path. This allows the drone to read the stored flight path and fly autonomously along the preset flight path and perform related tasks throughout the flight.
[0004] The amount of flight route data is relatively large (compared to a single control command). Errors can occur in various stages, such as loading via wireless communication links and writing data into non-volatile memory after receiving it on the air. For example, in previous engineering practices, there have been instances where flight route data written into non-volatile memory was corrupted due to hardware failures. Therefore, verifying the accuracy of flight route data is an essential step.
[0005] Previous engineering practices used a "query-download-compare" method to verify the accuracy of flight route data. This involved querying the flight route data stored onboard, downloading all flight route data to the ground via wireless communication, and comparing it with the flight route data stored on the ground. However, the "query-download-compare" method has the following problems:
[0006] 1. Stealth is easily exposed and data is easily intercepted: During the transmission of flight path data, the flight path data may be intercepted by other unknown parties, especially for stealth combat drones, where stealth also poses a risk of exposure;
[0007] 2. Long closed-loop time: When transmitting route data via wireless communication links, the instability of the wireless link, especially in complex electromagnetic environments, can easily cause errors in the transmitted route data, resulting in comparison failure. However, the comparison failure cannot pinpoint whether the erroneous data is due to errors in the onboard storage or the transmission process.
[0008] Therefore, multiple loading, multiple queries and downloads for comparison may occur, resulting in a long closed-loop time. This is especially true for replanning flight route data during task execution; if the closed-loop time is too long, it will affect task execution. Summary of the Invention
[0009] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a UAV data transmission verification method based on the MD5 algorithm, which solves the problems of long overall verification time and low efficiency in existing UAV data transmission technologies.
[0010] The technical solution of this application is: a method for verifying UAV data transmission based on the MD5 algorithm, comprising:
[0011] Before or during a mission, the drone can load its planned or replanned flight path data onto the drone via a wireless link as needed.
[0012] After receiving the flight path data, the UAV writes the flight path data to non-volatile memory;
[0013] Extract flight route data in the agreed order, calculate the MD5 "fingerprint" value of the flight route data, and transmit the MD5 "fingerprint" value to the ground.
[0014] The ground system calculates the MD5 fingerprint value of the ground flight path data in the same agreed order and compares it with the MD5 fingerprint value transmitted by the UAV. If the MD5 fingerprint values match, the flight path stored by the UAV is correct and can be used; if the MD5 fingerprint values do not match, it means that the flight path stored by the UAV is incorrect and needs to be reloaded.
[0015] Preferably, the agreed order includes:
[0016] The route data is sorted according to one or a combination of the storage address order, waypoint number order, and data block number order before the MD5 fingerprint value is calculated.
[0017] Preferably, the MD5 "fingerprint" value of the flight route data is calculated as follows:
[0018] Using complete flight route data written to non-volatile memory as input, the MD5 algorithm is used to generate a 128-bit fixed-length MD5 "fingerprint" value. Any change in any bit of the input data will cause the MD5 "fingerprint" value to change abruptly.
[0019] Preferably, the route data is divided into blocks of a fixed size, and the MD5 "fingerprint" value of each block is calculated. Then, the MD5 "fingerprint" values of all blocks are combined to calculate the total MD5 "fingerprint" value, and the total MD5 "fingerprint" value is transmitted to the ground.
[0020] Preferably, the comparison is performed with the MD5 "fingerprint" value transmitted by the drone, specifically as follows:
[0021] The ground unit compares the locally calculated MD5 fingerprint value with the MD5 fingerprint value transmitted by the drone byte by byte. If they match completely, the airborne flight path data is considered complete and valid; otherwise, the data is considered incorrect.
[0022] Preferably, the MD5 "fingerprint" value is transmitted to the ground, specifically as follows:
[0023] The UAV encapsulates the calculated MD5 "fingerprint" value into a single-frame message and transmits it to the ground terminal in one go via a wireless communication link. The single-frame message only contains the MD5 "fingerprint" value and the necessary frame header identifier, and does not carry the original flight path data.
[0024] The UAV data transmission verification method based on the MD5 algorithm in this application has the following advantages:
[0025] The data is not easily intercepted and is not easily exposed: The accuracy of the flight path data is verified by using the MD5 algorithm. It is not necessary to download all the flight path data, so there is no risk of data interception. Only one frame of data needs to be sent back. Especially for stealth aircraft, the risk of exposure is greatly reduced.
[0026] Verification time is significantly reduced: The original "query-download-compare" method for verifying flight routes is prone to errors during the route download process, potentially requiring multiple loading, querying, downloading, and comparisons. Secondly, download time is limited by the wireless communication link rate; at low rates, transmission time is long, especially for large amounts of flight route data, where download time can take tens of minutes. Multiple downloads further extend the verification time. Using the MD5 algorithm to verify the accuracy of flight route data primarily involves the onboard calculation of the MD5 "fingerprint" value. For small amounts of flight route data, the calculation time is in the seconds range, and for large amounts of flight route data, the calculation time is only in the minutes range, greatly reducing verification time.
[0027] It enables flexible replanning and execution during flight: Because the original verification method was time-consuming, it was only used before flights where time was not critical, and rarely used for replanning during flight, thus limiting the flexibility of replanning routes. Using the MD5 verification method significantly reduces verification time, and route replanning is no longer restricted. It is flexible in use, can respond to unexpected situations during mission execution, and improves mission response speed. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall process of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] The first aspect of this application provides a method for verifying UAV data transmission based on the MD5 algorithm. MD5 (Message-Digest Algorithm 5) is a widely used cryptographic hash function. Its main function is to compress and map input information (messages) of arbitrary length into a fixed-length (128 bits, i.e., 16 bytes) "fingerprint" output through a complex calculation process. The main characteristics of the MD5 algorithm include:
[0031] Irreversibility (one-wayness): It is almost impossible to deduce the original input information from the calculated MD5 "fingerprint" value;
[0032] Uniqueness (collision resistance): In theory, different input information should produce different MD5 "fingerprint" values. It is very difficult to find two different inputs that produce the same MD5 value (this is called a "collision").
[0033] Avalanche effect: Any tiny change to the input information (even just a single bit) can cause huge, unpredictable changes to the calculated MD5 "fingerprint" value.
[0034] Although the MD5 algorithm is currently considered cryptographically broken and has serious security vulnerabilities, this invention mainly utilizes the "avalanche effect" characteristic of MD5 to verify the accuracy of flight path data (whether the wireless data transmission has been maliciously tampered with is guaranteed by encrypted transmission). If data loss occurs during transmission or data errors occur during writing, the "fingerprint" value of the erroneous flight path data will be different from the "fingerprint" value of the correct flight path data, thus verifying whether the flight path currently stored by the UAV is correct.
[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the specific steps include the following:
[0036] In step S100, before or during a mission, the UAV loads the planned or replanned flight path data onto the UAV via a wireless link as needed.
[0037] In step S200, after receiving the flight path data, the UAV writes the flight path data to the non-volatile memory.
[0038] Step S300: Extract flight route data in the agreed order, calculate the MD5 "fingerprint" value of the flight route data, and transmit the MD5 "fingerprint" value to the ground.
[0039] Preferably, the agreed order includes:
[0040] The route data is sorted according to one or a combination of the storage address order, waypoint number order, and data block number order before the MD5 fingerprint value is calculated.
[0041] Preferably, the MD5 "fingerprint" value of the flight route data is calculated as follows:
[0042] Using complete flight route data written to non-volatile memory as input, the MD5 algorithm is used to generate a 128-bit fixed-length MD5 "fingerprint" value. Any change in any bit of the input data will cause the MD5 "fingerprint" value to change abruptly.
[0043] It limits the calculation to the route after complete storage, outputs a 128-bit fixed fingerprint, and utilizes the MD5 avalanche effect to accurately detect any tiny data errors, ensuring verification sensitivity and uniqueness, and improving error identification capabilities.
[0044] Preferably, the MD5 "fingerprint" value is transmitted to the ground, specifically as follows:
[0045] The UAV encapsulates the calculated MD5 "fingerprint" value into a single-frame message and transmits it to the ground in one go via a wireless communication link. The single-frame message only contains the MD5 "fingerprint" value and the necessary frame header identifier, and does not carry the original flight path data.
[0046] The flight route data is divided into blocks of fixed size, and the MD5 fingerprint value of each block is calculated. Then, the MD5 fingerprint values of all blocks are combined to calculate the total MD5 fingerprint value, and the total MD5 fingerprint value is transmitted to the ground.
[0047] Encapsulating fingerprints into single-frame short message transmissions eliminates the need to carry the original flight path, further reducing the amount of data transmitted and the risk of electromagnetic exposure. This approach is suitable for low-speed, weak-communication, and high-security scenarios, enhancing system security and link compatibility.
[0048] By adopting a block-based computing + overall fingerprint approach, the single-time computing pressure of large flight route data is reduced, and the processing efficiency of the airborne terminal is improved; at the same time, the overall verification capability is retained, taking into account both the adaptability to large data volumes and the accuracy of verification.
[0049] In step S400, the ground calculates the MD5 "fingerprint" value of the ground flight path data in the same agreed order and compares it with the MD5 "fingerprint" value transmitted by the UAV. If the MD5 "fingerprint" values match, the flight path stored by the UAV is correct and can be used; if the MD5 "fingerprint" values do not match, it means that the flight path stored by the UAV is incorrect and needs to be reloaded.
[0050] Preferably, the comparison is performed with the MD5 "fingerprint" value transmitted by the drone, specifically as follows:
[0051] The ground unit compares the locally calculated MD5 fingerprint value with the MD5 fingerprint value transmitted by the drone byte by byte. If they match completely, the airborne flight path data is considered complete and valid; otherwise, the data is considered incorrect.
[0052] It adopts a byte-by-byte comparison method, which has clear judgment logic, high execution efficiency, and can quickly output clear verification results, avoid fuzzy judgment, and improve verification reliability and response speed.
[0053] In summary, this application has the following advantages:
[0054] The data is not easily intercepted and is not easily exposed: The accuracy of the flight path data is verified by using the MD5 algorithm. It is not necessary to download all the flight path data, so there is no risk of data interception. Only one frame of data needs to be sent back. Especially for stealth aircraft, the risk of exposure is greatly reduced.
[0055] Verification time is significantly reduced: The original "query-download-compare" method for verifying flight routes is prone to errors during the route download process, potentially requiring multiple loading, querying, downloading, and comparisons. Secondly, download time is limited by the wireless communication link rate; at low rates, transmission time is long, especially for large amounts of flight route data, where download time can take tens of minutes. Multiple downloads further extend the verification time. Using the MD5 algorithm to verify the accuracy of flight route data primarily involves the onboard calculation of the MD5 "fingerprint" value. For small amounts of flight route data, the calculation time is in the seconds range, and for large amounts of flight route data, the calculation time is only in the minutes range, greatly reducing verification time.
[0056] It enables flexible replanning and execution during flight: Because the original verification method was time-consuming, it was only used before flights where time was not critical, and rarely used for replanning during flight, thus limiting the flexibility of replanning routes. Using the MD5 verification method significantly reduces verification time, and route replanning is no longer restricted. It is flexible in use, can respond to unexpected situations during mission execution, and improves mission response speed.
[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A method for verifying data transmission of an unmanned aerial vehicle based on an MD5 algorithm, characterized in that, include: Before or during a mission, the drone can load its planned or replanned flight path data onto the drone via a wireless link as needed. After receiving the flight path data, the UAV writes the flight path data to non-volatile memory; Extract flight route data in the agreed order, calculate the MD5 fingerprint value of the flight route data, and transmit the MD5 fingerprint value to the ground. The ground system calculates the MD5 fingerprint value of the ground flight path data in the same agreed order and compares it with the MD5 fingerprint value transmitted by the UAV. If the MD5 fingerprint values match, the flight path stored by the UAV is correct and can be used; if the MD5 fingerprint values do not match, it means that the flight path stored by the UAV is incorrect and needs to be reloaded.
2. The method for UAV data transmission verification based on MD5 algorithm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The agreed order includes: The route data is sorted according to one or a combination of the storage address order, waypoint number order, and data block number order before the MD5 "fingerprint" value is calculated.
3. The method for UAV data transmission verification based on MD5 algorithm according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MD5 "fingerprint" value of the flight route data is calculated as follows: Using complete flight route data written to non-volatile memory as input, the MD5 algorithm is used to generate a 128-bit fixed-length MD5 "fingerprint" value. Any change in any bit of the input data will cause the MD5 "fingerprint" value to change abruptly.
4. The UAV data transmission verification method based on the MD5 algorithm as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The flight route data is divided into blocks of fixed size, and the MD5 fingerprint value of each block is calculated. Then, the MD5 fingerprint values of all blocks are combined to calculate the total MD5 fingerprint value, and the total MD5 fingerprint value is transmitted to the ground.
5. The UAV data transmission verification method based on the MD5 algorithm as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The comparison is performed with the MD5 "fingerprint" value transmitted by the drone, specifically: The ground terminal compares the locally calculated MD5 fingerprint value with the MD5 fingerprint value transmitted by the drone byte by byte. If they match completely, the airborne flight path data is considered complete and valid; otherwise, the data is considered incorrect.
6. The UAV data transmission verification method based on the MD5 algorithm as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The MD5 "fingerprint" value is transmitted to the ground, specifically as follows: The UAV encapsulates the calculated MD5 "fingerprint" value into a single-frame message and transmits it to the ground terminal in one go via a wireless communication link. The single-frame message only contains the MD5 "fingerprint" value and the necessary frame header identifier, and does not carry the original flight path data.