Secure Clock Synchronization Using Average Adjusted Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
In scenarios where a continuous connection to a secure external clock is unavailable, maintaining synchronization and accuracy of multiple free-running secure clocks without compromising security and using an external clock is challenging, especially in environments like D-Cinema multiplex installations where secure clocks are subject to significant drift due to temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing secure clocks within a system by determining an average adjusted time that falls within a predetermined limit intersection of their adjustment constraints, allowing synchronization to this average time or a substitute time if it exceeds the constraints, ensuring all clocks remain within their allowed adjustment ranges without external clock reliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free-running secure clocks are used without external clock connection, then system independence and security are improved, but clock synchronization accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own internal secure clocks to synchronize with each other without requiring external clock services. Each clock unit contributes its time information and collectively determines an average adjusted time that all units adopt, making the system self-sufficient while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple secure clocks are merged into a collective synchronization system where their time information is combined to calculate an average adjusted time. This pooling of clock resources improves overall synchronization reliability while maintaining system independence from external sources.
2Measurement precision
If clock adjustment is allowed to correct drift, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but security is worsened due to potential unauthorized adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where clock adjustment requests are evaluated against predetermined limits before being applied. The synchronization process continuously monitors drift and makes corrective adjustments only when within authorized boundaries, balancing accuracy improvement with security maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of clock adjustment from completely restricted to conditionally permitted based on drift magnitude. By introducing adjustable parameters (drift thresholds, adjustment limits), the system can adaptively correct synchronization errors while maintaining security through predefined constraints.
3Reliability
If multiple secure clocks are synchronized using average adjusted time, then synchronization is improved, but complexity increases due to limit intersection calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of limit intersections and adjustment boundaries before executing clock synchronization. By pre-determining valid adjustment ranges and intersection limits, the system simplifies the actual synchronization process and reduces computational complexity during runtime operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for synchronizing secure clocks in a system without using any external clock, a system configured to perform the method, and a computer medium storing system code. Each secure clock is adjustable subject to a set of predetermined adjustment constraints. The intersection of the adjustment constraints of all the clocks is a limit intersection. The clocks may be synchronized to an average adjusted time of the secure clocks (if the average adjusted time is within the limit intersection) or to a substitute average adjusted time within the limit intersection if the average adjusted time is outside the limit intersection. Synchronization can occur in response to a request to adjust at least one of the clocks by a proposed clock adjustment value or to synchronize at least one of them without otherwise adjusting them.