Remote Key Injection Controller for Secure Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturers face challenges in ensuring the secure and reliable injection of sensitive data into devices, particularly when outsourcing production, as existing methods rely on off-site servers that may not guarantee service availability or confidentiality, leading to risks of grey market production and revenue loss due to overproduction or theft of keys.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely controlling and protecting the injection of sensitive data into devices, using a controller with a secure module to cryptographically protect and transmit data to a server, which then provides the data for injection, allowing for real-time monitoring and metering of key usage to prevent unauthorized access and overproduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If key injection is outsourced to external manufacturers, then manufacturing efficiency and productivity are improved, but security and reliability of key protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure key management system that acts as an intermediary between the key owner and the manufacturing process. The system uses a key injection apparatus that securely receives keys from a key owner, processes them through a controlled interface, and injects them into devices during manufacturing. This intermediary structure enables outsourcing of manufacturing while maintaining centralized control and security oversight of the key distribution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the key management process into distinct functional components: key storage, key transmission, key verification, and key injection. Each component operates independently with defined security protocols, allowing the manufacturing process to be outsourced while maintaining security through modular architecture. The key injection apparatus separates the sensitive key handling functions from the general manufacturing operations.
2Reliability
If remote server is used for key distribution, then service availability is improved, but confidentiality and control over key usage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the key injection apparatus communicates with the key owner to report key usage status, device identification, and injection results. The system receives verification requests from the key owner and provides real-time feedback on key distribution. This feedback loop maintains confidentiality by requiring authentication and authorization before allowing key access, while still enabling remote service availability through automated key distribution processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts key distribution based on real-time conditions, authentication status, and usage policies. The key injection apparatus can modify its behavior based on incoming verification requests, device credentials, and usage limits. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain confidentiality by restricting access when conditions are not met, while providing service availability when proper authorization is presented.
3Reliability
If cryptographic keys are protected through manufacturing process control, then security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The key injection apparatus is designed to autonomously handle key reception, verification, and injection processes without requiring complex external security infrastructure. The system self-manages cryptographic operations, device authentication, and key distribution through integrated security protocols. This self-service capability reduces overall system complexity by consolidating security functions within the manufacturing apparatus itself, while maintaining high security standards for key protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remote device registration, to monitor and meter the injection of keying or other confidential information onto a device, is provided. A producer who utilizes one or more separate manufacturers, operates a remote module that communicates over forward and backward channels with a local module at the manufacturer. Encrypted data transmissions are sent by producer to the manufacturer and are decrypted to obtain sensitive data used in the devices. As data transmissions are decrypted, credits from a credit pool are depleted and can be replenished by the producer through credit instructions. As distribution images are decrypted, usage records are created and eventually concatenated, and sent as usage reports back to the producer, to enable the producer to monitor and meter production at the manufacturer.