17956939. METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING SECURE COMMUNICATION IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH AVAILABILITY simplified abstract (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY)
Contents
- 1 METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING SECURE COMMUNICATION IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH AVAILABILITY
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING SECURE COMMUNICATION IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH AVAILABILITY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING SECURE COMMUNICATION IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH AVAILABILITY
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Jeffrey S. Gilton of Cincinnati OH (US)
Matthew B. Pfenninger of Cincinnati OH (US)
Douglas R. Nichols of Kentwood MI (US)
Russell Seidel of Endicott NY (US)
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING SECURE COMMUNICATION IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH AVAILABILITY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17956939 titled 'METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING SECURE COMMUNICATION IN SYSTEMS WITH HIGH AVAILABILITY
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a distributed control system that establishes secure communication between an electronic control unit and a distributed control module by negotiating and using session keys.
- Electronic control unit communicates securely with distributed control module
- Uses previously negotiated session key for encrypted communications
- Negotiates new session key with distributed control module if necessary
- Stores and uses new session key for future communications
Potential Applications
The technology described in this patent application could be applied in various industries where secure communication between control units is essential, such as:
- Industrial automation
- Automotive systems
- Home security systems
Problems Solved
This technology addresses the following problems:
- Ensuring secure communication between control units
- Preventing unauthorized access to control systems
- Protecting sensitive data transmitted between units
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include:
- Enhanced security for communication systems
- Efficient negotiation and use of session keys
- Protection of sensitive information from potential threats
Potential Commercial Applications
A potential commercial application for this technology could be in:
- Secure communication systems for industrial control processes
- Advanced automotive control systems
- Secure smart home automation systems
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be:
- Existing encryption protocols used in communication systems
- Previous patents related to secure communication between control units
Unanswered Questions
How does the electronic control unit determine if a previously negotiated session key is stored?
The abstract does not provide details on the specific method used by the electronic control unit to determine if a previously negotiated session key is stored. Further information on this process would be helpful.
What encryption algorithms are used for negotiating and transmitting session keys?
The abstract does not mention the specific encryption algorithms used for negotiating and transmitting session keys. Understanding the encryption methods employed in this technology would be important for assessing its security capabilities.
Original Abstract Submitted
A distributed control system includes an electronic control unit to establish secure communication with a distributed control module. Upon determination that a previously negotiated session key is stored on the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit transmits encrypted communications with the distributed control module using the previously negotiated session key, negotiates a new session key with the distributed control module, and stores the new session key. Upon determination that the previously negotiated session key is not stored on the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit negotiates the new session key with the distributed control module. After negotiating the new session key with the distributed control module, the electronic control unit ceases transmission of unencrypted communications with the distributed control module, transmits encrypted communications with the distributed control module using the new session key, and stores the new session key.
