The Boeing Company
SPATIAL WEB OF TRUST KEY INITIALIZATION METHOD FOR SENSOR PLATFORM ARRAY USING DIRECTED CLOSE-FIELD COMMUNICATION

Abstract:

A method initializes a spatial web of trust for a sensor platform array by positioning multiple sensor groups within a restricted workspace, such that adjacent sensor platform pairs are formed from corresponding platforms of the groups within a close-field range. Sensor-specific identification keys are exchanged between respective adjacent sensor platforms, with the groups progressively repositioned to form unique adjacent sensor platform pairs within the close-field range. The method includes progressively exchanging the keys until each platform has exchanged a respective key with every other platform in the array, thereby initializing the spatial web of trust. A system for initializing the spatial web of trust for a UAV swarm includes the UAV swarm in communication with a base station over an encrypted communications link. Each UAV includes a CPU, a sensor suite, and memory on which is recorded instructions for the method.