Self-Masking Receiver System for Secure Remote Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current remote access systems are vulnerable to eavesdropping and replay attacks, particularly in one-way wireless communication, which compromises security in applications like secured asset access, as they rely on simple Transmit-Receive systems that can be easily intercepted and replayed.
Innovation Solution
The Self-Masking Receiver System employs a Base unit with both receive and transmit functionality, generating a self-masking signal known only to the Base, making it difficult for eavesdroppers to intercept the access code by using a Remote Key Fob that transmits only, with advanced modulation schemes like OOK, FSK, and CDMA, and periodic self-calibration to maintain alignment and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple Transmit-Receive system is used for remote access, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to vulnerability to eavesdropping and replay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of the Base's transmit signal (which masks the access code) into a beneficial security feature. By having the Base transmit a known signal during the access code transmission window, the system creates a composite signal that masks the access code from eavesdroppers while allowing the Base to easily extract it through subtraction of its own known transmit signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the Base's transmit signal as an intermediary element that mediates between the Remote Key's access code transmission and the security requirement. This intermediary signal acts as a masking layer that protects the access code during transmission while maintaining the simplicity of the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If encrypted signals or rolling codes are used in remote units, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to considerable processing power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the Base generate and manage its own transmit signal that serves as the masking mechanism. The Base uses its own known transmit signal to mask the access code and then uses the same signal to unmask it through subtraction, eliminating the need for complex encryption algorithms in the Remote Key while maintaining high security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex encryption to protect the access code, the patent inverts the approach by using a known, unencrypted transmit signal from the Base to mask the access code. The security relies on the eavesdropper's inability to separate the two signals, rather than on cryptographic complexity.
3Reliability
If rolling codes are used in remote units, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex look-ahead algorithms required for re-establishing alignment when out of range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of code management and alignment from the Remote Key by placing it entirely in the Base. The Base maintains the access code window alignment and handles any re-synchronization needs, while the Remote Key simply transmits the access code without needing to manage rolling code sequences or perform look-ahead algorithms.
4Reliability
If the Base generates a self-masking signal, then security is improved by making interception difficult, but device complexity increases due to requiring both receive and transmit functionality in the Base
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the Base both a transmitter and a receiver. The Base transmits the masking signal and simultaneously receives the composite signal containing both its own transmit signal and the Remote Key's access code. This dual functionality is simplified by the fact that the Base already knows its own transmit signal, making signal separation straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
A security access system that uses a masking signal transmitted simultaneously with a transmission from a remote Fob or smartphone to mask the transmitted code signal. The remote unit acts in the classical way, as a transmitter only. However, the Base has both receive and transmit functionality. The added transmitter within the Base is used to create a self-generated masking signal. This signal, while fully known to the base, is unknown to any other receiver (including that of an eavesdropper) in the area. Thus only the Base Receiver can subtract out this added signal from the composite signal it receives to recover the access code.