Wireless Sensor Node Encryption Key Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless sensor networks, frequent two-way communication is difficult due to power consumption restrictions, and there is a need to minimize data traffic and communication frequency while ensuring reliable operation and data security, especially with unstable power supplies and potential unauthorized data interception.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system that includes a sensor node with a stand-alone power system using energy harvesting and a data collection apparatus that generates and transmits an encryption key and measurement parameter to the sensor node, allowing the node to encrypt and transmit data securely, with the apparatus decrypting and verifying the data to ensure correct parameter settings and discarding incorrect data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frequent two-way communication is implemented between sensor node and data collection apparatus, then reliable operation verification and parameter setting can be achieved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation verification reliabilityVSAvoidsensor node power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic one-way communication where the sensor node transmits measurement data at predetermined intervals without requiring frequent two-way communication. This reduces power consumption while maintaining operational reliability through periodic verification of decryption success.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor node autonomously encrypts measurement data using encryption keys and measurement parameters stored in its memory, then transmits the encrypted data without requiring real-time verification or adjustment from the data collection apparatus. The node serves itself by independently managing encryption and transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If data encryption is implemented using encryption keys and measurement parameters, then data security is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidencryption system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data collection apparatus pre-generates encryption keys and measurement parameters, then transmits them to the sensor node for storage in memory. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time key generation and management at the sensor node, reducing device complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Measurement parameters serve as an intermediary element that links the encryption key to the encrypted data. The parameters are stored alongside the encryption key in the sensor node's memory, enabling secure encryption without requiring complex key management protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If measurement parameter updates are transmitted frequently to ensure correct operation, then operational accuracy is improved, but communication traffic and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter setting accuracyVSAvoidcommunication traffic volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Measurement parameters are updated periodically rather than frequently, with the sensor node transmitting encrypted measurement data at predetermined intervals. This periodic communication maintains parameter accuracy while significantly reducing communication traffic volume and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Use of energy by moving object

If one-way communication is used to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but verification of command execution and parameter setting becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidcommand execution verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through periodic transmission of encrypted measurement data from the sensor node to the data collection apparatus. The decryption of this data serves as implicit feedback that confirms the sensor node is operating correctly with the transmitted parameters and encryption keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor node autonomously verifies operation correctness by successfully encrypting measurement data using stored parameters and keys. This self-verification eliminates the need for explicit two-way communication while maintaining reliability through the encryption process itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10979987B2Sensor system for collecting data using an encryption key

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a sensor system includes a sensor node that collects data; and a data collection apparatus that is wirelessly connected to the sensor node. The sensor node encrypts the sensor data measured by the sensor device using the received encryption key according to the received measurement parameter and transmits the encrypted sensor data to the data collection apparatus. The data collection apparatus decrypts the sensor data received from the sensor node, stores the decrypted sensor data in a storage unit when the sensor data is normally decrypted, and discards non-decrypted sensor data and transmits the measurement parameter and the encryption key to the sensor node when the sensor data is not normally decrypted.