Vehicle Network Security via Time-Synchronized Counter Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encryption and decryption algorithms in vehicle network security face challenges due to difficulties in precise time synchronization and data security, particularly in maintaining synchronization between network devices in varying vehicle environments.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle network security system utilizing a counter mode encryption and decryption algorithm based on precise time synchronization, where hardware clock configurations in electronic control units (ECUs) are used to synchronize counters for key stream generation and encryption/decryption operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate hardware counter is introduced for precise synchronization, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidhardware configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses software-based virtual counters that replicate the functionality of hardware counters, eliminating the need for separate physical hardware counter components while maintaining synchronization accuracy through software implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical hardware counter systems with software-based counter implementations, substituting physical components with programmable software solutions that achieve the same synchronization function without additional hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If hardware clocks are used for time synchronization, then time synchronization reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsystem deployment difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing hardware clocks serve multiple functions - both their original timing functions and the additional function of providing time synchronization for the counter mode encryption system, eliminating the need for separate dedicated synchronization hardware

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables existing hardware clocks to automatically provide time synchronization services to the encryption system without requiring separate synchronization mechanisms or additional manual configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If precise time synchronization is implemented, then security function reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity function reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual counters in software that replicate hardware counter behavior, providing the necessary security synchronization functionality without requiring additional physical hardware components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical hardware counter systems with software-based implementations, replacing physical synchronization mechanisms with programmable software solutions that maintain security reliability while reducing hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250202682A1Vehicle network security system using time synchronization-based counter mode
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 HYUNDAI AUTOEVER
  • US20250202682A1 patent drawing
  • US20250202682A1 patent drawing
  • US20250202682A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A vehicle network security system using a time synchronization-based counter mode includes an encryption unit that obtains a key stream through a first counter (CTR) and obtains cipher text by performing an operation on plain text to be encrypted and the key stream. The vehicle network security system also includes a decryption unit that obtains the key stream through a second counter and obtains the plain text by performing the operation on the cipher text and the key stream. The first counter and the second counter use a factor synchronized with time data transferred from hardware clocks (HCs) included in electronic control units (ECUs) in a vehicle network.