Imaging Device PUF-Based Image Encryption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices lack robust encryption mechanisms to secure image data against hacking and unauthorized access, particularly in networks where data security is compromised.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a physical unclonable function (PUF) generator within the imaging device to produce unique noise patterns (FPN and RTN data) used to generate a private key for encrypting image data, ensuring high-security encryption through unique physical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If image data is transmitted in networks, then image data can be displayed and processed, but data security is compromised and vulnerable to hacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating encryption keys from physical unclonable function (PUF) characteristics before image data transmission. The PUF generator creates unique noise patterns (fixed pattern noise and random telegraph noise) from the imaging device's physical characteristics, which are then used to generate encryption keys in advance, ensuring data security before any transmission occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device performs self-service by using its own inherent physical characteristics (transistor noise patterns) to generate encryption keys. The PUF generator utilizes the device's own fixed pattern noise and random telegraph noise from its transistors to create unique cryptographic identifiers, eliminating the need for external key distribution systems
2Reliability
If encryption mechanisms are added to imaging devices, then data security is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encryption key generation function directly into the imaging device's existing transistor structure. The PUF generator is implemented using the same transistors that are already present in the image sensing device, combining image capture and cryptographic key generation into a single integrated system without requiring separate encryption hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The transistor in the imaging device serves multiple functions: it acts as both an image sensing element and a physical unclonable function generator. The same transistor structure that converts light to electrical signals also generates unique noise patterns used for cryptographic key generation, making the device multi-functional without adding separate components
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 effectively encrypts image data using unique physical characteristics, enhancing data security and preventing unauthorized access by leveraging fixed and random noise patterns inherent to the imaging device's transistors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one fixed pattern noise (FPN) data value corresponding to a fixed pattern noise of the image sensing device
Implementation Method 2
at least one random telegraph noise (RTN) data value corresponding to a random telegraph noise of the image sensing device
Implementation Method 3
generate image data by converting incident light carrying an image into electric signals indicative of the image
Implementation Method 4
physical unclonable function (PUF) data associated with unique physical characteristics of the image sensing device
Implementation Method 5
encrypt the image data using the private key
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an image sensing device, a private key generation unit, and an image encryption unit. The image sensing device includes an image generator configured to generate image data acquired by capturing as image, and a physical unclonable function (PUF) generator configured to generate physical unclonable function (PUF) data including information about at least one fixed pattern noise (FPN) data value and at least one random telegraph noise (RTN) data value. The private key (KEY) generation unit generates a private key based on the at least one FPN data value and the at least one RTN data value that are acquired from the PUF data. The image encryption unit encrypts the image data using the private key. A first transistor included in the PUF generator exhibits different properties from a second transistor that is included in the image generator and corresponds to the first transistor.