Electronic Key Re-registration via AES Encryption and SEED Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic key registration systems face challenges in securely transferring and re-registering electronic keys when a controller malfunctions, requiring a method to seamlessly transition registered keys to new controllers while maintaining security and convenience.

Innovation Solution

An electronic key registration system that utilizes a combination of factory registration, online registration, and offline registration methods, along with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for secure key management, allowing for seamless re-registration of electronic keys to new controllers using SEED codes and encryption algorithms, ensuring security and convenience across different communication scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic keys are re-registered to a new controller after controller replacement, then the system can continue to function with the same electronic keys, but the security level may be compromised during the re-registration process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to use same electronic keys with new controllerVSAvoidSecurity level during re-registration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating encryption keys and authentication credentials for the new controller before it is installed. The new controller is pre-provisioned with necessary security parameters, so that when electronic keys are re-registered, the security level is maintained without requiring high-security communication channels during the actual re-registration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A server acts as an intermediary between the new controller and electronic keys during re-registration. The server securely manages the exchange of authentication data, generating and distributing encryption keys to both the controller and electronic keys through secure communication channels, thereby maintaining security without requiring direct high-security communication between the controller and electronic keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional re-registration methods are used after controller replacement, then security can be maintained, but the process requires complex procedures and multiple deliveries

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecurity during re-registrationVSAvoidConvenience of re-registration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The new controller performs self-service by automatically generating its own authentication credentials and securely storing encryption keys without requiring manual configuration or physical delivery of security materials. The controller autonomously completes the security setup process, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures and multiple deliveries while maintaining security standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The server provides universal re-registration services that can handle multiple electronic keys and different controller types through a standardized process. The system supports various re-registration scenarios (full re-registration, partial re-registration, bulk re-registration) through a single unified interface, simplifying the operation for users while maintaining security through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple electronic keys are re-registered simultaneously to a new controller, then efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the registration process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpeed of re-registering multiple electronic keysVSAvoidComplexity of batch registration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple individual re-registration operations into a single batch processing operation. The server receives multiple electronic key identification signals simultaneously, processes all re-registration requests in one unified sequence, and completes all key associations in a single transaction, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through centralized batch processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The batch re-registration process maintains continuous useful action by processing multiple electronic keys in an unbroken sequence without requiring intermediate pauses or manual interventions between keys. The server continuously processes each key's authentication and registration until all keys in the batch are successfully registered, maximizing productivity while keeping the process automated and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2767956B1Electronic key registration method and electronic key registration system
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
  • EP2767956B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2767956B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2767956B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for registering an electronic key (2a) to a controller (4) of a communication subject (1) includes locating an electronic key ID (ID-1) of a registered electronic key (2a), which is registered to a first controller (4) that was previously installed in the communication subject (1), based on a communication subject ID (α) unique to the communication subject (1), and reregistering the registered electronic key (2a) to a second controller (4s,4t) installed in the communication subject (1) in lieu of the first controller (4) by storing the electronic key ID (ID-1) of the registered electronic key (2a) and an encryption code (K-1) corresponding to the electronic key ID (ID-1) in the second controller (4s,4t).