Pseudo-random Memory Testing for Data Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing data in storage devices, particularly in motor vehicle control systems, face challenges in efficiently detecting changes or manipulations within memory areas without covering the entire memory space, which is resource-intensive and vulnerable to manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a pseudo-randomly formed test pattern that characterizes a subset of the memory area, allowing for the detection of changes by comparing a test variable with a reference variable, using cryptographic hash functions and message authentication codes, to ensure data integrity without covering the entire memory area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire memory area is tested for data manipulation detection, then the detection reliability is improved, but the resource consumption and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The memory area is divided into multiple sub-areas, and only selected sub-areas are tested using a test pattern. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection reliability for critical regions while reducing overall resource consumption by not testing the entire memory space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of testing the entire memory area, the system performs partial testing on selected sub-areas. This partial action approach provides sufficient security for critical data regions while significantly reducing the computational resources and time required compared to complete memory testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If the entire memory area is tested for data manipulation detection, then the detection reliability is improved, but the processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The memory area is segmented into sub-areas, and testing is performed only on selected sub-areas. This reduces the total processing time while maintaining detection reliability for the most critical memory regions where data manipulation is most likely to occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial testing on essential sub-areas rather than complete memory testing. This partial action approach achieves adequate security with significantly reduced processing time, allowing the system to balance security requirements with real-time operational constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If fixed test areas are used for manipulation detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against prediction by attackers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The test pattern dynamically selects different sub-areas for testing, rather than using fixed predetermined areas. This dynamic selection process maintains ease of operation through automated random selection while preventing attackers from predicting which areas will be tested, thereby enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the test pattern, specifically the selected sub-areas, between different testing operations. This parameter variation ensures that while the testing mechanism remains operationally simple, the actual test locations are unpredictable to attackers, maintaining high security against manipulation attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3924807B1Method and apparatus for processing data stored in a storage device
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3924807B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3924807B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3924807B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

Method for processing data stored in a storage device, having the following steps of: determining a randomly or pseudo-randomly formed test pattern which characterizes at least one first section of a storage area of the storage device, and forming, on the basis of the test pattern, a test variable associated with data stored in the at least one first section.