Signed Radio Position Data for Spoofing-Resistant Indoor Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-GNSS based radio positioning systems are vulnerable to manipulation techniques such as spoofing and jamming, which threaten the accuracy and trustworthiness of positioning data, particularly in indoor environments where satellite signals are unreliable.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented on mobile devices to establish a secure communication path with a remote device for receiving signature parameter data sets, estimating position based on radio signal parameters, determining a digital signature of the position data, and providing this data to application programs, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the positioning information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-GNSS based radio positioning systems are used for indoor positioning, then positioning capability indoors is improved, but vulnerability to spoofing and jamming increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidspoofing and jamming

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing secure communication paths and obtaining signature parameter data sets before position estimation. The mobile device obtains digital signatures of position data through secure channels in advance, creating a foundation for later verification that prevents spoofing and jamming attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces signature parameter data sets and digital signature mechanisms as intermediaries between the positioning system and application programs. These intermediaries verify the authenticity of position data, acting as a mediator that blocks harmful spoofing and jamming effects while maintaining reliable positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If digital signature verification is implemented for position data, then security against manipulation is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the security functionality into distinct components: signature parameter data sets stored in secure storage, separate verification processes, and modular integration with positioning programs. This segmentation allows security features to be added without overwhelming complexity, as each component can be independently managed and verified.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device performs self-service by verifying digital signatures of position data using stored signature parameters. The device autonomously checks the authenticity of position data without requiring external verification services, reducing ongoing system complexity while maintaining high security standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If secure communication path is established for receiving signature parameters, then data integrity is improved, but communication overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidcommunication overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by establishing secure communication paths and obtaining signature parameter data sets before actual positioning operations. This preliminary setup ensures data integrity is protected from the start, and the one-time establishment of secure channels minimizes ongoing communication overhead during position estimations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing secure communication specifically for transmitting signature parameter data sets, rather than securing all communications uniformly. This targeted approach ensures data integrity where most critical while minimizing communication overhead in other less sensitive data transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3672305B1Enabling flexible provision of signature data of position data representing an estimated position

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 HERE GLOBAL BV

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AI summary

It is inter-alia disclosed a method performed by a mobile device (2-1) at least partially under control of a positioning program (602), the method comprising: - establishing or initiating establishing (501) a secure communication path (10-12) to a remote device (3) for receiving one or more signature parameter data sets (6041, 6042); - receiving (502) said one or more signature parameter data sets (6041, 6042) via said secure communication path (10-12) from said remote device (3); - estimating (503) a position of said mobile device (2-1) at least partially based on one or more radio signal parameters obtained by said mobile device (2-1), wherein position data representing said estimated position of said mobile device (2-1) are obtained as a result of said estimating; - determining (504) a digital signature of said position data at least partially based on at least one of said one or more signature parameter data sets (6041, 6042), wherein signature data representing said digital signature of said position data are obtained as a result of said determining; - providing (505) said position data and said signature data to one or more application programs (605,606).