Secure Data Communication in Distributed Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for establishing secure data communication between computer-controlled devices in a distributed control system of passenger transportation arrangements require manual intervention, rely on physical security, and are prone to human errors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of an encryption key, creation of credentials in the form of a certificate, preparation and dispatch of a certificate signing request to a certificate authority via a secured data communication path, and verification of the signature of the credentials using a public key infrastructure to establish secure data communication between computer-controlled devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pairing procedures are used to establish secure data communication between devices, then authorization and authentication can be achieved, but the process requires manual intervention and is prone to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically establish secure communication through self-service mechanisms. Each device generates its own cryptographic key pair and obtains digital certificates from a certificate authority without human intervention. The automatic certificate verification and authentication processes eliminate the need for manual pairing while maintaining security, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pairing procedures with automated cryptographic mechanisms. Instead of technicians physically pairing devices through manual input of passwords or codes, the system uses automated key generation, certificate exchange, and cryptographic verification processes. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining authorization security.
2Reliability
If manual pairing procedures are used for device authorization, then authentication can be established, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cryptographic setup actions during device manufacturing or initial configuration. Each device is pre-configured with unique identifiers and cryptographic key pairs before deployment. When devices need to communicate, they can immediately exchange certificates and establish secure connections without requiring time-consuming manual pairing procedures, thus improving productivity while maintaining authorization assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices automatically perform authentication and authorization operations without requiring technician intervention. The automated certificate verification and key exchange processes enable rapid device onboarding and communication establishment, significantly increasing productivity compared to manual pairing while ensuring proper authorization through cryptographic verification.
3Reliability
If conventional pairing methods are used, then device communication can be secured, but the system relies on physical security which may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical security dependencies with cryptographic security mechanisms. Instead of relying on physical protection of pairing interfaces or manual credential storage, the system uses digitally signed certificates and public key infrastructure. These cryptographic mechanisms provide security that is independent of physical access controls, eliminating the vulnerability to physical security compromises while maintaining communication security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a certificate authority as a trusted intermediary that issues and verifies digital certificates. This intermediary enables devices to authenticate each other through cryptographic verification rather than relying on physical security measures. The certificate authority mediates the trust relationship, allowing devices to verify each other's authenticity through digital signatures without requiring physical security or manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a computer-controlled first device for establishing a secure data communication with a computer-controlled second device in a passenger transportation arrangement distributed control system includes: generating an encryption key including a public and private key pair; creating credentials (e.g. X.509 certificate) based on the generated encryption key; preparing a certificate signing request CSR and dispatching the CSR via a secured data communication path to a certificate authority CA that is based on a public key infrastructure PKI operated by the passenger transportation arrangement operator; receiving the certificate from the CA with a signature using a private key held secret by the operator; establishing the secure data communication with the second device by transmitting the credentials to the second device, wherein the second device accepts establishing the secure data communication upon verification of the signature of the credentials executed using a public key of the operator.