Vehicle Private-Key Messaging for Secure Autonomous Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous vehicles are susceptible to malicious attacks and data breaches during the transfer of critical updates and training data between the vehicle and the host computing device, which can lead to unsafe operations and loss of control.

Innovation Solution

A secure message system using a vehicle private key is implemented, where a control unit generates and transmits secure messages with authentication codes, ensuring the integrity of data transfer between the autonomous vehicle and the host computing device, preventing unauthorized modifications and ensuring secure communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous vehicles use sensors and cameras to determine operating parameters, then the vehicle can operate autonomously, but the system becomes vulnerable to malicious attacks and data breaches during data transfer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoiddata transfer security

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing authentication protocols and encryption mechanisms before data transfer occurs. The host computing device and autonomous vehicle establish secure communication channels in advance, verifying each other's identities and encrypting data before transmission to prevent malicious attacks and data breaches during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary security layer in the form of authentication protocols and encrypted communication channels between the host computing device and the autonomous vehicle. This intermediary mechanism ensures that data transfers are protected without compromising the autonomous operation capability, resolving the contradiction between automation and security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle transfers critical updates and training data to the host computing device, then the system can be updated and improved, but the vehicle becomes susceptible to malicious attacks and data breaches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem update capabilityVSAvoidmalicious attacks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing authentication and encryption measures before the transfer of critical updates and training data. The system establishes secure communication protocols in advance, verifying the integrity and authenticity of data before transmission to the host computing device, thereby enabling system updates while protecting against malicious attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of data transfer into a benefit by using encryption and authentication protocols. These security mechanisms transform the vulnerable data transfer process into a secure communication channel, allowing the system to receive updates and improvements while actively defending against malicious attacks and data breaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Extent of automation

If the autonomous vehicle relies on external information from the host computing device, then the vehicle can function autonomously, but the system may fail to provide adequate obstacle and hazard recognition if information is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous vehicle operationVSAvoidobstacle and hazard recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the autonomous vehicle continuously monitors the quality and sufficiency of information received from the host computing device. When information is insufficient for safe autonomous operation, the system can request additional data or switch to fallback procedures, ensuring that obstacle and hazard recognition remains reliable while maintaining autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11757851B2Secure message including a vehicle private key

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

An example apparatus comprises a memory resource configured to store a private key associated with a vehicle and store a data matrix comprising data corresponding to operation of the vehicle. The apparatus may further include a processing resource configured to generate a first secure message comprising data corresponding to the vehicle, transmit the first secure message, receive a second secure message comprising an updated data matrix, and update the data matrix based, at least in part, on the updated data matrix.