Private eLoran Signal Timing via Pseudo-Random Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Satellite-based navigation and timing systems are vulnerable to disruptions such as jamming and spoofing, necessitating a reliable terrestrial alternative for critical infrastructure and transportation systems.

Innovation Solution

A private Enhanced Loran (eLoran) service is provided using pseudo-random transmission times and randomized phase codes, ensuring only authorized users can decode and utilize the signals for navigation and timing, while appearing random to unauthorized users, thus enhancing resistance to interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fixed transmission times are used in eLoran, then synchronization and timing precision are improved, but vulnerability to jamming and spoofing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming precisionVSAvoidresistance to jamming and spoofing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed transmission times to pseudo-random transmission times. The transmitter uses a pseudo-random code generator to determine transmission times dynamically, making the signal unpredictable to unauthorized users while remaining synchronized for authorized receivers that possess the matching key. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining timing precision through synchronization protocols while enhancing security through dynamic, unpredictable transmission patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission time parameter from fixed to pseudo-random values. By modifying this critical parameter using cryptographic keys and pseudo-random code generators, the system maintains measurable precision for authorized users while becoming unpredictable to unauthorized users, thereby simultaneously achieving timing precision and resistance to jamming/s spoofing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pseudo-random transmission times are used, then resistance to jamming and spoofing is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to jamming and spoofingVSAvoidtransmitter and receiver complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by distributing identical pseudo-random code generators and cryptographic keys to both transmitters and authorized receivers. This allows receivers to generate local copies of the expected transmission times, enabling them to synchronize and validate signals without requiring complex decryption hardware. The copying approach maintains reliability through pseudo-random timing while managing complexity through standardized, replicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cryptographic keys and pseudo-random code generators as intermediaries between the transmitter and receiver. These intermediaries enable the system to achieve pseudo-random transmission timing without requiring direct complex coordination between transmitters and receivers. The intermediary layer handles the complexity of key management and code generation, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If private eLoran service with authentication is provided, then security and authorized access are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorized access controlVSAvoiduser setup and configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring cryptographic keys and pseudo-random code generators in both transmitters and authorized receivers before operation. This preliminary setup ensures that when the system operates, authorized users can seamlessly access the private eLoran service without real-time authentication complexity. The preliminary configuration maintains security through cryptographic protection while improving ease of operation during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11480642B2System and methods for a private eLoran service
Publication Date: 2022.10.25 URSANAV INC
  • US11480642B2 patent drawing
  • US11480642B2 patent drawing
  • US11480642B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for generating private eLoran signals includes receiving, by a transmitter that is configured to transmit a transmission at a fixed time, a transmission key; determining, by the transmitter, a pseudo-random transmission time for transmitting the transmission, where the pseudo-random transmission time is determined using the transmission key; and initiating transmission, by the transmitter, of the transmission at the pseudo-random transmission time. A receiving device includes a processor that is configured to obtain a pseudo-random time for receiving a transmission from a transmitter; receive the transmission at the pseudo-random time; and use the transmission to determine at least one of a time, a longitude, or a latitude at the receiving device.