MEMS Sensor Attack Detection via Time-Series Waveform Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing countermeasures against acoustic wave attacks on MEMS sensors require hardware modifications, increased costs, and potential adverse effects on measurement performance, while software-based solutions are limited in applicability.

Innovation Solution

An attack detection device that processes sensor data as time-series waveforms to detect specific characteristics indicative of attacks, using a combination of detection units to determine the presence of attacks without modifying the sensor hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hardware countermeasures such as physically shielding the sensor or changing the resonance frequency are implemented, then protection against acoustic wave attacks is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against acoustic wave attacksVSAvoidhardware modification requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/hardware protection methods with a software-based detection system. The attack detection device uses signal processing algorithms to analyze sensor output data and detect acoustic wave attacks without requiring any physical shielding or hardware modifications to the MEMS sensor itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary attack detection device that sits between the sensor and the system using the sensor data. This intermediary device processes the sensor output data through multiple detection units that analyze different characteristics (amplitude, frequency, time-series patterns) to detect attacks, thereby protecting the system without modifying the original sensor hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If hardware countermeasures such as providing multiple sensors or modifying sensor parts are implemented, then protection against acoustic wave attacks is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against acoustic wave attacksVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for multiple physical sensors or modified sensor parts by using software-based detection algorithms. The attack detection device processes data from a single sensor through multiple detection units that analyze different characteristics, achieving the same protective effect without additional hardware manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The attack detection device serves multiple functions: it detects acoustic wave attacks, analyzes different signal characteristics (amplitude, frequency, time-series), and works with various types of sensors (acceleration sensors, gyroscopic sensors). This multi-functional software solution replaces the need for multiple specialized hardware components.

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

3Reliability

If physical shielding of the sensor is implemented, then protection against acoustic wave attacks is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to adverse effects on measurement performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against acoustic wave attacksVSAvoidmeasurement performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical shielding with software-based signal processing. The detection units analyze the sensor output data to detect attack patterns without physically interfering with the sensor's measurement process, thereby maintaining measurement precision while providing protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The attack detection device continuously monitors sensor output data and provides feedback about detected attacks. The detection units analyze signal characteristics and determine whether acoustic wave attacks are present, allowing the system to respond to attacks without physically interfering with the sensor's normal measurement function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If software-based countermeasures such as changing the sampling interval are implemented, then protection against acoustic wave attacks is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the solution is limited to specific sensor types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against acoustic wave attacksVSAvoidapplicability to different sensor types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attack detection device is designed to work with multiple types of sensors including acceleration sensors and gyroscopic sensors. The detection units analyze different characteristics (amplitude, frequency, time-series patterns) that are common to various sensor types, making the solution broadly applicable without requiring sensor-specific customization.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The detection units can adjust their analysis parameters based on the sensor type and operating conditions. The system analyzes different characteristics (amplitude for acceleration sensors, frequency for gyroscopic sensors) and can modify detection thresholds and time-series analysis parameters to optimize performance for different sensor types and attack scenarios.

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

Enables effective detection of attacks on MEMS sensors within normal usage conditions without altering the sensor, reducing false positives and accommodating various sensor types.

Implementation Method 1

An acoustic wave attack focuses on the fact that a MEMS sensor is composed of a spring and a weight. That is, it leverages the property that an object composed of a spring and a weight has a resonance frequency.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3767245B1Attack detection device, attack detection method, and attack detection program
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3767245B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3767245B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3767245B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(h)

AI summary

A characteristic detection unit (110) treats sensor data detected by a MEMS sensor (200) as a waveform of time-series data, and from the waveform of the sensor data of the sensor, generates detection results (11) to (16) of respectively different six types as characteristics of the waveform. An attack determination unit (120) determines the presence or absence of an attack on the MEMS sensor (200) based on the detection results (11) to (16).