Sensor Data Encryption for Single-Wire Vehicle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unauthorized access to vehicle communication networks poses a threat, allowing hackers to manipulate vehicle systems, potentially leading to loss of control and unsafe driving behavior, as existing security measures are inadequate once access is gained.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method for encrypting data transmitted from sensor devices to Electronic Control Units (ECUs) using a single-wire bi-directional communication protocol, where a key is provided to the sensor device by the ECU, ensuring secure communication and preventing data corruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If encryption is implemented to secure sensor data transmission, then security against unauthorized access and data manipulation is improved, but device complexity and communication protocol complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from unencrypted to encrypted data transmission, fundamentally changing the security parameter of the communication system. The encryption process transforms plaintext sensor data into ciphertext using cryptographic keys, thereby improving security while managing the associated complexity through standardized encryption algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces encryption algorithms and cryptographic keys as intermediary elements between the sensor device and ECU. These intermediaries enable secure communication by transforming the data format and adding security layers without requiring complete redesign of the underlying communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If encryption is implemented to prevent data corruption, then security is improved, but processing time and communication overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing cryptographic keys and encryption algorithms before data transmission occurs. The sensor device and ECU are pre-configured with security parameters, allowing encryption to be applied efficiently during normal operation without significant delays in the data transmission process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If existing single-wire communication protocols are maintained without changes, then ease of operation and wiring simplicity are preserved, but security against manipulation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring simplicityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the encryption layer protocol-agnostic, allowing it to work with existing single-wire communication protocols without requiring changes to the physical wiring or basic communication framework. The encryption functionality is added as a universal layer that can operate over various underlying communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional layers: the physical single-wire communication layer remains unchanged for simplicity, while the data layer is segmented into encrypted and unencrypted portions. This segmentation allows security enhancements without compromising the simplicity of the physical wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11245673B2Method for communicating data from a sensor device to an electronic control unit, a sensor device and an electronic control unit
Publication Date: 2022.02.08 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US11245673B2 patent drawing
  • US11245673B2 patent drawing
  • US11245673B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for communicating data from a sensor device to an Electronic Control Unit using a single-wire bi-directional communication protocol includes providing a first key of the Electronic Control Unit to the sensor device, encrypting sensor data of the sensor device using the first key to determine encrypted data, and transmitting the encrypted data from the sensor device to the Electronic Control Unit.