Hearing Instrument Authentication Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a broadcasting scheme that authenticates broadcasted messages in public places to prevent spoofing and ensure the messages are from authentic sources, particularly for hearing instruments that receive audio signals from various sources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that encrypts messages with a first key, which is then encrypted with a second key, and broadcasted together with the message, allowing the hearing instrument to decrypt and authenticate the message using a third key, converting it into an acoustic signal for the user, while reducing power consumption by broadcasting the encrypted key at a reduced rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If messages are encrypted with authentication protocols, then message authenticity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication key is pre-shared between the broadcasting system and the hearing instrument before actual message transmission. This preliminary establishment of trust allows rapid authentication without repeated key exchange, reducing power consumption during message reception while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective authentication where only critical messages require full authentication verification, while less critical messages use simplified verification. This partial application of authentication reduces overall computational load and power consumption while maintaining security for important communications
2Reliability
If authentication verification is performed for all messages, then spoofing risk is reduced, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Authentication keys and verification algorithms are pre-loaded into the hearing instrument during manufacturing or initial setup. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming key distribution and algorithm negotiation during message reception, enabling rapid authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication process is segmented into hierarchical levels: quick verification of message integrity using simple checksums, followed by full cryptographic authentication only when needed. This segmentation reduces average processing time while maintaining security
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a radio for reception of a broadcasted signal having a message, at least a part of the message has been encrypted with a first key, wherein the first key has been encrypted with a second key to result in an encrypted first key; an authenticator configured for authentication of the message by decrypting the encrypted first key with a third key, and decrypting the at least a part of the message with the first key; and a processing unit coupled to the radio; wherein the second key has a value that is different from a value of the third key; and wherein the message comprises (1) a first payload broadcasted with the encrypted first key, and (2) a second payload broadcasted without the encrypted first key.