Secure Time of Flight Measurement Using Zero-Padded Random Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless communication systems using predictable structures are vulnerable to attacks that disrupt secure time of flight measurements, especially at higher frequency bands and in non-line of sight scenarios, leading to inaccurate range calculations and security issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible protocol for secure time of flight measurements using zero-padded random sequence waveforms, phase tracking, and various antenna weight vector modes to mitigate phase noise and ensure secure channel estimation, thereby protecting against adversarial attacks and improving precision in range measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predictable and repetitive structures (e.g., CP-OFDM, CP-SC, Golay sequences) are used for wireless communication, then ease of operation and device compatibility are improved, but security against adversarial attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the communication waveform from predictable/repetitive structures to random sequences with zero-padding. This parameter change eliminates the vulnerability to replay attacks while maintaining communication functionality through proper random sequence generation and processing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by using random sequences that change for each transmission rather than static repetitive structures. The zero-padding length and position vary dynamically, making each transmission unique and resistant to adversarial manipulation while maintaining system operability.
2Productivity
If higher frequency bands (e.g., 60 GHz) are used for wireless communication, then data transmission capacity is improved, but phase noise and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces zero-padding as an intermediary element between the random sequence and the channel. This zero-padding acts as a buffer that allows for better separation of the transmitted signal from phase noise effects, enabling more accurate time of flight measurements even at higher frequencies where phase noise is prevalent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary processing to the random sequences before transmission, including zero-padding and specific modulation schemes. This preliminary action prepares the signal to be more resilient to phase noise effects that will occur during transmission at higher frequencies, thereby maintaining measurement precision.
3Area of stationary object
If non-line of sight (NLOS) conditions are encountered, then wireless communication coverage is improved, but time of flight measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional channel estimation methods that rely on repetitive pilot structures with a random sequence-based approach. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to multi-path interference and NLOS conditions that plague traditional systems, enabling accurate range measurements even when direct line of sight is blocked by using the unique properties of zero-padded random sequences for timing detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include an electronic device, method, and computer program product for enabling secure time of flight (SToF) measurements for wireless communication packets that include ranging packets with zero padded random sequence waveforms, especially at higher frequency bands (e.g., 60 GHz) and in non-line of sight (NLOS) scenarios. Some embodiments provide a flexible protocol to allow negotiation of various security parameters and SToF operation parameters. For example, some embodiments employ: phase tracking and signaling to support devices with phase noise constraints to mitigate phase noise at higher frequencies; determining a number of random sequences (RSs) used for SToF to support consistency checks and channel verification; additional rules supporting sub-phases of the SToF operation; and/or determining First Path (FP), Sub-Optimal, and/or Hybrid path AWV modes and the pre-conditioning usage of these modes.