Remote Device Cryptographic Authorization via Preliminary Action

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryptographic initialization systems for remote devices require devices to remain within range of a ground-based CIK-initialized device for authorization, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to potential loss of authorization from events like power surges or software faults.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remotely initializing devices using an asymmetric cryptographic authorization scheme, where a local host device initiates a cryptographic authorization sequence, encodes and sends encryption values using private keys, and verifies these values using public keys, allowing remote devices to transition to an active state for secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a remote device is initialized by a ground-based CIK-initialized device and requires remaining within range for authorization, then the device can be securely authorized, but the device must return to the initialization point after losing authorization due to power surges or software faults, resulting in loss of time and increased fuel costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization stabilityVSAvoidtime for re-initiation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the remote device with a stored authentication credential (such as a digital certificate or cryptographic key) during the initial authorization process. This stored credential enables the device to re-authenticate autonomously without returning to the ground-based device, thereby preventing the need for time-consuming re-initiation trips and eliminating fuel costs associated with returning to the initialization point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a remote device is initialized by a ground-based CIK-initialized device and requires remaining within range for authorization, then the device can be securely authorized, but the device must return to the initialization point after losing authorization due to power surges or software faults, increasing fuel costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization stabilityVSAvoidfuel cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the remote device with a stored authentication credential (such as a digital certificate or cryptographic key) during the initial authorization process. This stored credential enables the device to re-authenticate autonomously without returning to the ground-based device, thereby preventing the need for time-consuming re-initiation trips and eliminating fuel costs associated with returning to the initialization point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a remote device is initialized by a ground-based CIK-initialized device, then the device can be authorized, but the device loses authorization when out of range due to power surges or software faults, requiring return to the initialization point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitialization processVSAvoidauthorization continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the remote device with a stored authentication credential (such as a digital certificate or cryptographic key) during the initial authorization process. This stored credential enables the device to re-authenticate autonomously without returning to the ground-based device, thereby preventing the need for time-consuming re-initiation trips and eliminating fuel costs associated with returning to the initialization point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If a remote device is initialized by a ground-based CIK-initialized device, then the device can be authorized, but returning to the initialization point for re-initiation increases the potential for failing mission objectives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitialization processVSAvoidmission objective achievement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing the remote device with a stored authentication credential (such as a digital certificate or cryptographic key) during the initial authorization process. This stored credential enables the device to re-authenticate autonomously without returning to the ground-based device, thereby preventing the need for time-consuming re-initiation trips and eliminating fuel costs associated with returning to the initialization point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3961443B1System and method for authentication and cryptographic ignition of remote devices
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC
  • EP3961443B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3961443B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3961443B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method (500) of remotely initializing at least one device is disclosed. The method includes initializing (502) at a local host a cryptographic authorization sequence after receiving a secure input value. The method further includes receiving (504) at a local host cryptographic controller a first authorization request from a first remote device. After a challenge-response authentication protocol, the first remote device is authenticated and receives a public key infrastructure certificate. The method includes receiving (506) at a first remote cryptographic controller a second request from a second remote device. After a challenge-response authentication protocol, the first remote device is authenticated, but does not receive a public key infrastructure certificate. A system for remotely initiating at least one device is also disclosed.