Solid-State Image Sensor Encryption Using High-Frequency Noise

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid-state imaging devices face security risks due to leakage of unique sensor information when generating encryption keys externally, compromising image integrity and security.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state imaging device with a unique information generation unit, a unique value generation unit, and an encryption processing unit that securely generates and uses unique values internally, incorporating a high-pass filter to process analog and digital information, ensuring enhanced security through internal encryption processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unique information is generated externally using image sensor output signals, then encryption keys can be created, but the unique information may leak through signal monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidinformation leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary unique characteristics (such as noise components) from the image sensor output signals while excluding the actual image content and other identifiable information. This extraction process obtains encryption key material without exposing sensitive information that could be monitored or leaked through the output signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that transforms the raw image sensor output signals into unique information suitable for encryption key generation. This intermediary process uses statistical analysis and signal processing to derive unique characteristics without directly exposing the original sensor data, thereby preventing information leakage while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high-pass filter is applied to extract unique information, then encryption security is enhanced, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencryption securityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency domain parameters of the image sensor output signals by applying a high-pass filter. This parameter transformation extracts high-frequency noise components that are unique to each sensor while removing low-frequency signal components, thereby enhancing encryption security through a well-established signal processing technique.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a secure method for generating and using unique information within the device, preventing leakage and enhancing the security of encryption processing, thereby safeguarding image data and preventing tampering.

Implementation Method 1

a high-pass filter that passes a high-frequency signal for at least one of the analog information or the digital information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3742717B1Solid-state imaging device and information processing method of solid-state imaging device
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP
  • EP3742717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742717B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A solid-state imaging device capable of performing encryption processing with enhanced security by quite extremely safely generating unique information and performing encryption processing based on the generated unique information. There is provided a solid-state imaging device including a unique information generation unit that generates predetermined analog information, a unique value generation unit that generates a predetermined unique value based on the predetermined analog information, and an encryption processing unit that performs encryption processing using the predetermined unique value, in which the unique value generation unit includes a detection unit that converts the predetermined analog information into digital information, and a unique value calculation unit that calculates the predetermined unique value using the digital information, in which the solid-state imaging device further includes a high-pass filter that passes a high-frequency signal for at least one of the analog information or the digital information.