Patent Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for sending an encrypted command message from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. The method comprises defining a key generating key within the remote keyless entry device, and using that key generating key to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. The working key is modified each time the remote keyless entry device is placed in the training mode. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver where the encrypted message is decrypted with the working key.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to motor vehicle remote keyless entry systems, and more particularly relates to secure motor vehicle remote keyless entry systems that prevent an unauthorized entity from accessing an encryption key. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Remote keyless entry systems are widely used in connection with motor vehicles. The owner of the motor vehicle or another authorized person can, for example, unlock one or more of the vehicle doors, lock the vehicle doors, unlock the vehicle trunk, or sound an alarm by pressing one of a plurality of buttons on a remote keyless entry device, often referred to as a key fob or remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter. The key fob or RKE transmitter transmits a command signal, by some form of modulated electromagnetic radiation, to a receiver in the motor vehicle. The signal includes the command (e.g., unlock the driver door) and, at least, an identifier that identifies to the receiver that this particular RKE transmitter is authorized to send such a command to this particular motor vehicle. Although the RKE transmitter provides a great convenience to the vehicle owner, it also presents various security issues. In order to overcome these security issues, it is common to encrypt the transmission from the RKE transmitter to the receiver. Initial attempts at security used a fixed encryption key for the transmission. Unauthorized persons could monitor and record a transmission from the RKE transmitter and could use the recorded transmission to gain unauthorized access to the vehicle at some later time. 
     To improve security, motor vehicle manufacturers adopted a “rolling code” method of encryption. The rolling code is base on some type of transmitter specific “secret” that is shared between the transmitter and the receiver. That secret information is used as an encryption key, or as the key to a message authentication code (i.e., a code that can only be generated by one in possession of the key). Some input to the encryption/authentication process is incremented in a manner known to both the transmitter and the receiver with the transmission of each message. That is, each time a command is transmitted from the RKE transmitter to the receiver in the motor vehicle, some input is incremented to insure that the encrypted message or authenticator changes with each transmission. By using the rolling code, the system cannot be defeated by simply intercepting a transmission and repeating it later. There are many ways to implement rolling code encryption. In one form of the rolling code both the RKE transmitter and the receiver are set to an initial code seed and rolling algorithm. Every time a command message is sent from the RKE transmitter to the receiver, both the RKE transmitter and the receiver update the code according to the rolling algorithm. Because the receiver will not always receive a transmission from the RKE transmitter (a blind transmission), for example when the receiver is beyond the range of the RKE transmitter, the receiver must be able to look ahead and react to codes that are within an acceptable future code window. Some mechanism must be provided to resynchronize the RKE transmitter and the receiver if the transmitted code is not within the acceptable window. The need for resynchronization can occur, for example, when a lost RKE transmitter is replaced or when for any other reason the transmitted code is outside the window. Such need for resynchronization is met by placing the RKE transmitter and the receiver in a training or program mode. The necessity for providing for a training mode, however, creates an additional security issue. During the training, the RKE transmitter must transmit the code secret, such as an encryption key, to the receiver. An unauthorized person in possession of the RKE transmitter could place the RKE transmitter in the training mode and cause the RKE transmitter to transmit the secret information. The unauthorized person could record the secret information and use it to gain access to the motor vehicle at a later time. Although there are a multitude of methods for implementing a rolling code encryption method for a motor vehicle remote keyless entry system, all of those methods are susceptible to the security issues presented by the necessity for a training mode. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide remote keyless entry devices, systems and methods that overcome the security issues attendant with prior devices, systems, and methods. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A remote keyless entry device is provided for sending secure commands such as for locking and unlocking a motor vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the remote keyless entry device comprises a key generating key, encryption means, and a transmitter. The key generating key is stored in and never transmitted from the remote keyless entry device. The encryption means uses the key generating key to generate a working key. The transmitter is configured to send a command encrypted with the working key. 
     A secure method is provided for sending an encrypted command from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. A key generating key is defined within the remote keyless entry device, and that key generating key is used to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver. Decryption means within the receiver decrypt the transmitted message using the working key. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a secure remote keyless entry system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a working key generator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates, in flow chart format, a method for generating a working key in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a secure remote keyless entry system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. System  10  includes a remote keyless entry device (RKE transmitter)  12  configured to transmit a secure command to a receiver  14  in a motor vehicle  16 . 
     RKE transmitter  12  includes, in accordance with the invention, a working key generator  17  for generating a working key for encrypting a command transmitted from the RKE transmitter to receiver  14 . As illustrated schematically in  FIG. 2 , the working key generator includes a key generating key  18  that is RKE transmitter specific. That is, key generating key  18  is unique to a particular RKE transmitter. Key generating key  18  provides one input to encryption circuitry  20 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an incrementable counter  22  provides a second input to encryption circuitry  20 . Preferably counter  22  is a non volatile counter. The encryption circuitry can be any circuit that implements an encryption algorithm such as a block encryption algorithm. Other encryption algorithms can also be employed. Although described as encryption circuitry, the function can be embodied in hardware or software in known manner. Regardless of how embodied, the functional embodiment will be referred to herein, without limitation, as a circuit. Similarly, counter  22  can be a circuit or software that incrementally generates numbers in known manner. Regardless of form, each of the sources of incremented numbers will be referred to herein, without limitation, as a counter, and more specifically as an incrementable counter. Encryption circuitry  20  combines key generating key  18  with the output of counter  22  to generate a working key  24 . As will be explained more fully below, a different working key is generated each time the remote keyless entry system is configured in the training mode. In the embodiment described above, different working keys are generated by incrementing counter  22 . A different working key is generated for each output of the incrementable counter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the key generating key and the encryption circuitry together are configured as a pseudorandom number generator and the working key is a pseudorandom number. The pseudorandom number that is generated changes with each training session because the output of incrementable counter  22  is changed with each training session. Other mechanisms can be used to cause the pseudorandom number generator to generate a different pseudorandom number and hence a different working key each time a training session is enabled. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the encryption circuitry and the key generating key are configured as a random number generator and the resulting working key is a random number. Again, as above, the random number that is generated changes with each training session because the output of incrementable counter  22  is changed with each training session. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the generation of a random number is more difficult than the generation of a pseudorandom number, but provides a greater degree of security. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the RKE transmitter also includes a transmitter  26  and an antenna  28 . Transmitter  26  can be, for example, a low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter. Transmitter  26  can also be an infrared (IR) transmitter or other form of transmitter capable of transmitting information by the modulation of electromagnetic radiation. Antenna  28  must be compatible with the form of transmitter selected. For example, if transmitter  26  is an IR transmitter, antenna  28  might be a lens or other optical device for steering the IR radiation. For ease of description, transmitter  26  will hereinafter be referred to, without limitation, as an RF transmitter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, RKE transmitter further includes a plurality of buttons  30 – 33  or other mechanisms for selecting a command to be transmitted to the motor vehicle. The commands with which the buttons are associated can be, for example, unlock the driver door, unlock all doors, lock all doors, unlock the trunk, and the like. Buttons  30 – 33  are coupled to provide input to a command assembler  36  within which the message that is to be transmitted is assembled. Command assembler  36  can be embodied in hardware or software. Also provided as an input to command assembler  36  is working key  24  generated by working key generator  17 . RKE transmitter  12  encrypts the command message assembled in command assembler  36  using working key  24  and any of the known rolling code encryption techniques. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a rolling code encryption can be accomplished as follows. The output of an incrementable counter  38  configured to provide an incremented number output is provided as a further input to the command assembler. Incrementable counter  38  can be similar to incrementable counter  22  described above. The output of counter  38  and the selected command are used to make up a plaintext message that is to be encrypted and then transmitted. The plaintext message is encrypted using the working key in an encryption algorithm  40  within command assembler  36 . Encryption algorithm  40  can be, for example, a block encryption algorithm or other know algorithm. Encryption algorithm  40  is preferably a nonlinear algorithm. A device identifier  42  such as a serial number may also be used as an input to the command assembler and as such becomes part of the plaintext message. Any part or all of the command message can be encrypted using encryption algorithm  40 . The encrypted message is coupled to transmitter  26  and is transmitted to receiver  14 . 
     Receiver  14  includes an antenna  44  coupled to an RF receiver  46  (or other type of receiver corresponding to the type of transmitter used in RKE transmitter  12 ) for receiving the encrypted command message from the RKE transmitter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a two step reception process is carried out within receiver  14 . The two step process includes decryption and verification. First the working key is used to decrypt the received message to recover the plaintext and then the received message is verified. Coupled to receive the output of RF receiver  46  is decryption circuitry  48 . The decryption circuitry can be embodied in either hardware or software. Included in decryption circuitry  48  is a decryption algorithm  50  that reversed the encryption done by encryption algorithm  40 . Inputs to the decryption circuitry are the encrypted command message received by RF receiver  46  and working key  24 . The output of the encryption algorithm is used as one input to verification circuitry  51 . A second input to the verification circuitry is the output of an incrementable counter  52  that is synchronized with incrementable counter  38 . Incrementable counter  52  can be similar to incrementable counters  22  and  38  described above. The verification circuitry checks to see if the recovered counter value from the transmitted message is within an acceptable window defined by the value of the output of counter  52  plus some acceptable incremental count. If the counter outputs match, the received message is verified to be a valid message from a valid transmitter, and is outputted as a plaintext command message  53  corresponding to the plaintext message originally encrypted by encryption algorithm  40 . Command message  53  generates appropriate signals that are transmitted, for example by a local area network or by a wiring harness illustrated by numeral  54 , to door locks  56 , and the like. 
     The transmission of a message from the RKE transmitter to the motor vehicle can be accomplished by the following method, explained with continued reference to  FIG. 1 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the plaintext command message created in an RKE transmitter  12  is based on a command generated in response to input from the individual possessing the RKE transmitter and the output of an incrementable counter  38 . The individual possessing the RKE transmitter is usually the owner of the motor vehicle or other authorized user. The input from that individual is generated, for example, by pushing one of buttons  30 – 33  on the RKE transmitter. The plaintext command message may also include an identifier  42  identifying the particular RKE transmitter. Part or all of the command message is encrypted by an encryption algorithm  40  using a working key  24 . The output of the encryption algorithm, a ciphertext version of the command message, is transmitted by transmitter  26  to a receiver  14  in motor vehicle  16 . Each time a message is transmitted by transmitter  26 , incrementable counter  38  is incremented so that the next command message encrypted by the working key and transmitted by transmitter  26  will include a different incrementable counter output. That is, the encrypted message changes for each subsequent command message transmission. Upon receipt by receiver  14  of a cipher message transmitted by transmitter  26 , decryption circuitry  48  decrypts the message to retrieve the plaintext command message. The decryption circuitry is configured with decryption algorithm  50  to reverse the encryption process of encryption algorithm  40  and to recover the output of incrementable counter  38  which has been included in the transmitted message. Incrementable counter  52  is initially synchronized to incrementable counter  38 . Each time a message is received by receiver  14 , decrypted by decryption circuitry  48 , and verified as a valid message from a valid transmitter by verification circuitry  51 , incrementable counter  52  is resynchronized to the value of incrementable counter  38  that was received in the encrypted message. The inputs to decryption circuitry  48  are the working key  24 , and the ciphertext command message received by receiver  14 . The manner in which decryption algorithm  50  receives the correct working key is described below. By incrementing incrementable counter  38  each time a message is transmitted by transmitter  26  and by resynchronizing incrementable counter  52  each time a message is received by receiver  14 , decrypted by decryption circuitry  48 , and verified to be a valid message, the two incrementable counters  38  and  52  stay substantially synchronized. Because incrementable counter  38  may be incremented without a corresponding incrementing of incrementable counter  52 , for example by a blind transmission by transmitter  26 , verification circuitry  51  is configured to accept messages based upon the current output of incrementable counter  52  as well as a predetermined window of future counts. Each time a message is successfully verified by verification circuitry  51 , incrementable counters  38  and  52  are resynchronized. 
     The working key is used by and hence must be known by both the encryption circuitry and the decryption circuitry. The working key must be transmitted from the RKE transmitter to the receiver in the motor vehicle during a programming or training session. An effective remote keyless entry system must allow for multiple training sessions, for example to eliminate the need to replace transmitters if the receiver needs to be replaced. In prior art systems, the training process is a potential security issue. If an unauthorized individual gains temporary possession of the RKE transmitter (for example a valet at a valet parking facility), that individual might cause the RKE transmitter to go into its training mode and cause the prior art RKE transmitter to transmit its secret information including the encryption key. If this information was recorded by the unauthorized user, the information could be used at a later time to generate a valid keyless entry message to gain unauthorized access to the motor vehicle. The remote keyless entry system and method of the present invention overcome such a security issue while still allowing multiple training sessions. 
     The method for generating a working key in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in flow chart format in  FIG. 3  with continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . A cryptographic process is used to generate a stream of secure pseudorandom numbers which are then used as the shared information, i.e., the working keys, for the secure remote keyless entry system. Working key generator  17  includes a key generating key  18  such as an n-bit number that is loaded at the time of assembly at the factory or that can be selected and installed by the owner. The key generating key is unique and specific to one particular RKE transmitter. The key generating key, in accordance with the invention, is never transmitted, even during a training session. Working key generator  17  also includes a non volatile incrementable counter  22  that is configured to generate a series of incremented numbers. The list of incremented numbers produced by the counter is sufficiently long to prevent an unauthorized possessor of the RKE transmitter from recycling the counter within a reasonable period of time. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the process of training the transmitter and receiver in accordance with one embodiment of the invention begins at step  100 . The non volatile counter is incremented to output an incremented number (step  102 ), i.e., a number unique to this training session. The key generating key and the incremental number output from non volatile counter  22  are combined (step  104 ) in encryption circuitry  20  using the encryption algorithm embodied therein to produce a working key  24 . The output of the working key generator can be coupled directly to transmitter  26  for transmission (step  106 ) to receiver  14 . The receiver incorporates the working key into the decryption algorithm embodied in the decryption circuitry (step  108 ). The output of the working key generator, working key  24 , is also incorporated into encryption algorithm  40  in the RKE transmitter (step  110 ). The training session is then terminated (step  112 ). During the training session, only the working key is transmitted, not the key generating key. Each training process results in a new working key because the non volatile counter increments during each training session, outputting a new incremented number used in the generation of the new working key. Even if an unauthorized user has a complete description of the encryption algorithm, gains possession of the RKE transmitter, and is able to put it into the training mode, the information that can be gained will not provide access to the motor vehicle either currently (because the receiver would still be using the previous working key) or in the future (because any reprogramming undertaken by an authorized user would also result in the use of a different working key). The unauthorized user will be unable to generate either past or future keys because the ability to generate working keys depends on the key generating key which is kept secret and never transmitted. 
     Although not illustrated, the training session can also be used to synchronize incrementable counters  38  and  52 . Such synchronization can also be accomplished in other know methods. 
     In the foregoing, various elements have been described as “circuitry” and certain functions have been described as being implementable in either hardware or software. The various elements and functions can be implemented, for example, with a general purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) programmed in a known manner. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. For example, only one method has been described for implementing a rolling code encryption system. The invention is equally applicable to other rolling code systems that use a shared secret between a transmitter and a receiver. Further, those of skill in the art will recognize that other encryption algorithms can be used in implementing the inventive system and method.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1