Vehicle Entropy for Secure Random Number Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing random number generation methods for secure vehicle communications face challenges due to potential biases in entropic sources and the lack of real-time clock in certain vehicles, leading to pseudo-random number generation issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining unique entropy data from dynamically changing, transient vehicle variables during operation to seed a random number generator, generating cryptographic keys for secure communication exchanges between vehicle units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If quantum mechanical entropy sources (radioactive decay, thermal noise, radio noise) are used for random number generation, then true randomness can be achieved, but measurement biases affect the true randomness and require additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vehicle operational parameters (speed, acceleration, steering angle, brake pressure) as intermediary variables to generate entropy. These parameters serve as mediators that translate physical vehicle dynamics into random number seeds, avoiding direct measurement of quantum effects while still achieving true randomness through the inherent unpredictability of vehicle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces quantum mechanical entropy sources with mechanical/operational vehicle parameters. Instead of measuring radioactive decay or thermal noise, the system uses mechanically generated data from vehicle sensors (speed, acceleration, steering) to create entropy, substituting a mechanical system for a quantum system
2Ease of manufacture
If computational methods (linear congruential generator) are used for random number generation, then implementation is simple, but only pseudo-random numbers are produced and real-time clock may not be present in certain vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own operational parameters (speed, acceleration, steering angle, brake pressure) as entropy sources. The vehicle essentially services itself by using its normal operational data to generate cryptographic randomness, eliminating the need for external real-time clocks or separate entropy generation hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for random number generation from traditional time-based or algorithmic sources to vehicle operational parameters. By using dynamically changing parameters like speed, acceleration, and steering angle that vary with vehicle operation, the system achieves true randomness without requiring real-time clocks
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional entropy sources are used, then random number generation can proceed, but the system lacks adaptability to vehicles without real-time clocks and cannot leverage vehicle-specific operational data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal random number generation system that works across different vehicle types and configurations. By using operational parameters from standard vehicle sensors (speed, acceleration, steering angle, brake pressure) that are commonly present in modern vehicles, the system achieves broad compatibility without requiring specific hardware like real-time clocks
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the vehicle's own operational data as the entropy source. Rather than relying on external or generic entropy sources, the vehicle uses its own operational characteristics (driving patterns, sensor data) to generate randomness, making the system adaptable to any vehicle that produces operational data
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for producing cryptographic keys, while a vehicle is in operation, for use in secure vehicle communications. The method may include obtaining unique entropy data from an entropy source based on dynamically changing, transient variables related to the operation of the vehicle, optionally in a driving mode. The method may include seeding a random number generator with the unique entropy data to generate at least one random number. A plurality of cryptographic keys are generated based on the at least one random number. A secure communication exchange may be established using the plurality of cryptographic keys. A non-transitory computer-readable medium is also provided having instructions embodied thereon that, when executed by a processor, perform the above operations as an algorithm in a vehicle.