Vehicle Encryption Communication Using Instruction Structure Key

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle systems face security issues due to exposure of data during communication between electronic control units and Smart Key Systems, primarily using the Controller Area Network (CAN) method, which lacks effective encryption.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system employing encryption communication using a processor-generated Instruction Structure Key (ISK) based on a pin code, with hashing through Secure Hash Algorithm 256, and involving multiple processors for secure data transmission and reception, ensuring that only matching random numbers determine the encryption key for secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If CAN communication method is used for data transmission between ECUs and Smart Key System, then communication simplicity and ease of operation are improved, but data security and protection against exposure are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an encryption intermediary layer that mediates between the CAN communication bus and the data being transmitted. The encryption module encrypts data before transmission and decrypts received data, acting as a security mediator that maintains communication simplicity while ensuring data protection. This resolves the contradiction by adding security without complicating the communication protocol itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of data representation by applying encryption algorithms to transform plaintext into ciphertext. This parameter change occurs at the data level rather than the communication protocol level, maintaining CAN bus simplicity while fundamentally altering the data state to provide security. The encryption/decryption process changes data parameters without affecting communication structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If encryption communication is implemented using multiple processors and key generation algorithms, then data security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata securityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal encryption module that can be integrated into existing ECU architectures without requiring completely separate security systems. The same encryption framework is applied across multiple ECUs and communication channels, allowing a single security solution to serve multiple functions and reduce overall system complexity despite the added security capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automatic key generation and management. The ECUs automatically generate encryption keys and manage cryptographic operations without requiring external security infrastructure or manual configuration. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional external security devices and simplifies deployment despite the cryptographic complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If power consumption is reduced during momentary power supply shortages, then energy efficiency is improved, but communication capability and system functionality are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic communication cycles with active and dormant phases. During normal operation, communication occurs at regular intervals. During power supply shortages, the system transitions to a dormant phase with reduced or suspended communication, consuming minimal power. This periodic action allows the system to balance communication needs with power conservation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system dynamically adjusts its operation based on power availability. When power supply is sufficient, full communication functionality is maintained. When power shortages occur, the system dynamically reduces communication activity to minimal essential operations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between communication capability and power consumption in real-time based on power conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11599335B2Vehicle and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2023.03.07 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11599335B2 patent drawing
  • US11599335B2 patent drawing
  • US11599335B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle includes: at least one memory configured to store at least one default Instruction Structure Key (ISK), a generated ISK, and a pin code of the vehicle; and at least one processor. The at least one default ISK may include a first default ISK and a second default ISK. The processor may generate a random number using the first default ISK, receive the second default ISK encrypted with the generated ISK generated based on the pin code, and determine the generated ISK as an encryption key for encryption communication of the vehicle when the generated random number and the random number corresponding to the second default ISK are the same.