WO1982003717A1

WO1982003717A1 - Ciphering electronic circuit/mechanical-spatial combinative toy

Info

Publication number: WO1982003717A1
Application number: PCT/DE1982/000085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ewald Schwoegler
Original assignee: Ewald Schwoegler
Priority date: 1981-04-22
Filing date: 1982-04-14
Publication date: 1982-10-28
Also published as: DE3116048A1; EP0077784A1

Abstract

(Functional electronic arrangement and functional mechanical assembly, allowing to permute electronically, respectively mechanically, informations). The functional electronic arrangement comprises annular shifting registers (annular counters) interconnected in a crossing configuration by means of inverters (2), AND gates (3, 6), OR gates (5) and RC circuits (4) (as buffer memory). Each shifting register may be controlled individually by means of a separate clock line (7). By means of this arrangement and simple programs, it is possible to obtain electronically the desired and reproducible permutations of informations and therefore the ciphering of data. Application fields: electronic protection of data/cryptology/entertainement electronics/research (evolution, respectively optimization processors). The functional mechanical-spatial assembly is comprised of a base body (9) wherein annular closed circulation channels (15) are formed and cross with each other at right angles, and of a plurality of moving elements (16) intended to be inserted in the channels so as to be moved by translation. The arrangement of those moving elements may be modified by permutation by moving them manually. Utilization field: as a combinative toy.

Description

Electronic encryption circuit / spatial-mechanical combination toy.

(Spatial-mechanical or purely electronic circuitry functional arrangement (functional unit), which contains an arbitrarily selectable number (n) tread blocks or "individual elements" (eg consisting of D-egg flops), the tread blocks being moved manually by moving them into the " Individual elements "storable information must be electronically permuted (up to one another) in up to n! (N faculty) complexions (combination arrangements).

Technical field

In this application, two inventions are summarized, which achieved at two different technical fields a ^'single general inventive idea. The technical field of the first invention: electronics / electrical engineering / electronic data processing / electronic data protection / cryptology.

The technical field of the dual invention: mechanics / mechanical toys. The two inventions are presented separately in the following description.

On the electronic functional arrangement: state of the art

All components that are used in the circuit belong to the prior art. Only the inventive principle of the crossed connection of ring shift registers (ring counters) and the possible applications that result from this are claimed as new.

Representation of the invention With the invention, the task is to be solved to enable the encryption or the targeted and reproducible permutation (scrambling) of any information that is in digital or. binary coding is present. This problem is solved here using ring shift registers (ring counters) which are interconnected in a crossed manner. For example, positive flank-triggered D flip-flops (delay flip-flops, bistable cultivators with D input, bistable flip-flops with D input) are used as “individual elements”.

The crossed interconnection of ring shift registers is accomplished in the invention through the use of certain gates (electronic components for the construction of logic circuits) and the installation of RC elements (electronic buffer stores, consisting of a resistor and a capacitor).

A separate clock line is assigned to each ring shift register. E.g. If three ring shift registers are interconnected, this results in an arrangement with three clock lines. The control of the clock lines and thus the transfer of the circuit into a functional state takes place according to variable program instructions which simultaneously represent or contain the key code. (If the

Circuit in the entertainment electronics is of course also possible to control the clock lines and, above that, to push the individual ring shift registers manually via a keyboard). The program instructions contain primarily shift commands for the individual registers of a functional arrangement. As a result, the information stored in the "individual elements" (D flip-flops) of the encryption circuit is continuously changed (permuted) during the program run. Like the numbers produced by a mathematical random generator, the output signals of the flip-flops of such an arrangement, which change in a long period for outsiders in a manner that is imperceptible to others, can also be used here for encrypting data. In a simple embodiment, the output signals directly require the substitution of, for example, byte code characters by being passed to the one input of EXCLUSIVE-OR-GATTERN (one gate each assigned a flip-flop), the other second inputs are connected to a data bus (encryption). If the key characters appearing at the outputs of the EX-OR-GATTER are themselves given unchanged output signals of the flip-flops to the second inputs of the EX-OR-GATTER, plain text characters (deciphering) appear again at their outputs. The encryption mode does not differ from the decryption mode, there only have to be switchover options in the area of the incoming and outgoing data bus, for example in the case of encryption: typewriter keyboard (keyboard), encryption processor - data transmission. When deciphering: data input (via cable or radio) - encryption processor - interfaces.

In an overall arrangement consisting of several identical functional arrangements to be operated in parallel (complex, cross-linked ring shift registers), the storage and permutation of higher-value information is possible. As information e.g. Program instructions are stored in the form of data bytes, about which the arrangement in cooperation with corresponding

Programs are able to control themselves and also other, additionally used encryption circuits. The individual high-value information (data bytes) are retained during the program run. In arrangements that do not run in parallel, higher-value information is also changed in itself.

How many ring shift registers are used and how often they are interconnected with each other can be freely selected - hence the respective connection pattern of a functional arrangement. The decisive principle is the inventive principle according to which the registers are to be interconnected.

Advantages: The circuit presented here is intended to represent a hardware alternative to the encryption systems that are almost exclusively offered as software programs today. The programs additionally required for this circuit have a comparatively small scope. The basic principle of the connection is simple and therefore easy to implement. For each coding step, an encryption processor that works with the circuit only has to go through a short command cycle - its working speed is therefore high. The achievable period and thus also the number of randomly distributed permutation patterns that a system can deliver is large, can be achieved with relatively few program instructions and can be increased as desired by expanding the scope of the circuit. Through the integration of the variable element of time (e.g. numbers of date, hour, minute) in the key code and the use of counters, the counter readings of which are called up as additional shift commands at the latest before reaching a period, the passage through a full period is completely uncomplicated prevent. The handling of a cipher device using the presented circuit is simple.

With a double design, it allows simultaneous coding and decoding. The cipher method is secure and superior to many pure software systems.

Due to its high variability, the system shown is particularly suitable for use in the military sector.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1: Basic wiring principle. Two ring shift registers interconnected via a flip-flop.

When using positive edge-triggered flip-flops, there are two variants for the circuit structure - depending on whether the clock lines should be at HIGH potential in idle state (no shift clock is running) or at LOW potential (actlve low / active high). The circuit of FIG. 1 works when the clock lines are at HIGH potential in the idle state. Fig. 2: Change of Fig. 1, as a consequence if the clock lines are to be at LOW potential in the idle state. Fig. 3: A somewhat more extensive wiring pattern with the same wiring principle. It shows that it is possible to connect more than just two registers to one another via a flip-flop: three registers connected to each other twice by a flip-flop. Clock lines in the idle state at HIGH potential.

Best way to carry out the invention

The following applies to the circuits in FIGS. 1 and 3: by actuating the corresponding clock line as required

(7: T1 or T2, or T1 or T2 or T3) only to be able to shift the information of the respective addressed register via the flip-flop to an intersection (1), the negative edge or the respectively inverse logic level of the shift clock must be used. This is possible by combining an INVERTER (2) with an AND-GATTER (3) (the NAND-GATTER (8) has the function of two inverters). Provided that a shift clock never runs in several clock lines (7) at the same time, this ensures that the information (the signal) at the output (Q) of the flip-flop upstream of a crossing position after passing through the negative edge of the shift clock at the D input of the Flip flops on the crossing position (1). However, since this information can only be stored in said flip-flop (1) when the next positive shift clock edge is passed through, it must be temporarily stored for a few nanoseconds. This is done in an RC element (4). The information of the respectively controlled register is forwarded via the OR gate (5), which may be connected upstream of the RC element (4). The OR-GATTER (5) is required if more than two registers are crossed with each other via a flip-flop, otherwise the function of the RC element (4) will be impaired. The flip-flop at the crossing position (1) must respond to clock pulses from all of the registers which are cross-connected to one another via it. For this logic function an AND-GATTER (6) is installed, the inputs of which match the corresponding clock lines (7) are connected. Flip-flops at intersection positions (l) therefore always belong to several registers in which their stored information can optionally be moved.

Symbols additionally used in the drawings:

D = delay input, T = clock input

S = input for setting (preset)

R = input for reset (clear)

Q = Q output,

= Q-transverse output (inverse to Q) T1, T2, T3 = clock lines.

Commercial usability

Commercial exploitation is possible above all in the field of civil and military data protection. For this purpose complex register arrangements, simple arrangements in connection with EX-OR-GATTERN as well as counters are intended as integral parts of data encryption processors.

There are also many possible applications in consumer electronics when the components presented are installed in electronic game chips. A utilization of the circuit in the field of research is conceivable - for example for the construction of automatically working evolution or optimization processors.

About the spatial-mechanical combination toy:

The development of the spatial-mechanical functional unit was based on the task of searching for a demonstration model with which the function of the electronic arrangement can be modeled manually and which is suitable for commercial use as a toy. As an inventive solution to the underlying problem in this way, ring-shaped closed and intersecting running channels are incorporated into a base body analogous to the cross-connected ring shift registers. They are used to hold blocks that can be moved in them and that are comparable to the "individual elements" (flip-flops) or the information that can be stored in them. The basic body emerges from a cube or square, in which the edges have been rounded. There remain 6 flat surfaces, in the area of which the incorporated running channels each intersect at right angles. The running channels are shaped in such a way that running blocks which have been slidably inserted into them, in particular also at the crossing points, are kept clean and guided. In each run channel, a fixed number of blocks can be used, which then stand abutting and form a closed block ring, which can be moved overall in the direction of the run channel. Running blocks that come to a crossing position each belong to two running block rings and can be moved both in one and in the running channel crossing at right angles. The number of running channels that a basic body is supposed to carry is also the number of running blocks of a model - can be selected as desired. The simplest version is a basic body (without flat surfaces) with 3 times only one running channel. According to the same construction principle, however, base bodies can be designed, which have, for example, 1 x 1, 1 x 3 and 1 x A channels, etc. Such base bodies would have a rather elongated shape. To insert and remove the blocks possible, a basic body consists of two or more parts that can be taken apart and connected again by means of plug-in, screw or screw closures. After the parts have been assembled, the inserted blocks can be moved in the channels, but can no longer be removed from them. So that blocks that are at intersection positions can be easily moved in two channels, a locking ball is inserted at the bottom of each channel that jumps up between two block feet as soon as the blocks are correctly positioned on the intersection. Models that are intended as toys for toddlers contain a cavity inside for receiving rattle objects. For them, threads are machined into the triangular surfaces of the base body between the running channels for screwing in various accessories. The fact that the components of the combination toy can be disassembled and its accessories are interchangeable increases the play value. An exemplary embodiment is described in more detail with reference to drawings. It shows:

Fig.4: Top view in a flat representation with one of the

6 crossing areas of the basic body. Drawn blocks. Fig.5: Part of a section that goes through the center of the base body along a line (10) designated in Fig.4. Drawn block.

6: Section through the entire base body along the line (11) designated in FIG. Drawn block.

Fig. 7: Perspective view of a section (12) of Fig. 4 on an enlarged scale (10: 1), to clarify the manner in which the guide surfaces (13) are to be combined along a diagonal (14). Fig. 8: Section and perspective view of a tread block. As an exemplary embodiment, the drawings show an approximately spherical base body (9) in which 3 times 2 running channels (15) are incorporated. Running blocks (16) can be slidably inserted into the running channels in such a way that their running surfaces (17) rest on the sliding surfaces (18, 22) of the base body, their leg (19) and their foot (20) in the running channel (15) being held. When moving, the foot is guided through guide surfaces (13, 23) of the running channel. The guide surfaces are located above the foot (20) - this is in contact with them from below. Wherever two curved guide surfaces (13) meet at right angles when crossing running channels (with all hatched corners of FIG. 4), they are joined together along a diagonal (14). The curvature of each guide surface (13) extends in this direction up to this diagonal (14) and breaks off there. In the same way, curved sliding surfaces (18) are joined together along a diagonal (21). In the area where the running channels intersect, the curved sliding surfaces (18) and the curved guide surfaces (13) merge into flat sliding surfaces (22) and flat guide surfaces (23) (not required for models with only one running channel per circumference).

Each tread block (16) has laterally oblique abutting surfaces (24) and vertical abutting surfaces (25). All Lauriclötze, which find place in a run channel, have contact with each other via these abutting surfaces (24, 25) in the direction of the run channel and form a closed block ring, which can be pushed in a run channel vers, with a smooth, low-friction transition from the curved on the flat surfaces. A locking ball (28) seated on a helical spring (27) is embedded in the eoden (26) of each running channel (15). Triangular surfaces (29) remain between the sliding surfaces (18, 22) of the base body (9) and can be designed as desired. For example, threads can be worked into them for screwing in accessories.

Claims

1. Electronic encryption circuit - especially for installation in microprocessors - consisting of ring shift registers (ring counters) with positive edge-triggered D flip-flops (delay flip-flops), characterized in that the ring shift registers are interconnected in a crossed manner. For this purpose, the Q outputs of the flip-flops, which are upstream of an intersection, are each connected to the one input of an AND-GATE (3), the second input of which is connected to the associated clock line (7) via an INVERIER (2) (or via a NAND -GATTER (8) the associated clock lines). The outputs of the AND-GATTER (3) are connected to the inputs of an OR-GATTERS (5). The output of the OR gate (5) is connected via an RC element (4) (electronic buffer, consisting of a resistor and a capacitor) to the D input of the flip-flop (1) that is at the crossing position of two or more Ring shift registers is arranged. A separate clock line (7) is assigned to each ring shift register. The clock inputs (T) from flip-flops at intersection positions (1) are connected via AND-GATTER (6) to the clock lines (7) of all the ring shift registers, which are interconnected via these flip-flops (1).

2. Electronic circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that outputs of D flip-flops of this circuit are connected to inputs of EXCLUSIVE-OR- GATTERN, the second inputs of the EX-OR-GATTER applied to a data bus.

3. Arrangement consisting of several identical circuits according to claim 1, characterized in that in this arrangement each clock line (7) is assigned to several registers (parallel registers).

4. Independent claim:

Spatial-mechanical combination toy, consisting of a base body (9), which arises from rounding off the edges of a cube or cuboid, and associated walking blocks (16), the base body (9) consisting of two or more parts, which are , Twist or screw closures are connected to one another, characterized in that in the base body (9) annularly closed and intersecting at right angles running channels (15) are machined, which (in cross section) have the profile of a walking leg (19) and walking foot (20) are molded. In the running channels (15) there is a fixed number of running blocks (16), which slide with their running surfaces (17), the sliding surfaces (18, 22) of the base body (9), while their

Legs (19) lie laterally against the walls of the running channels (15) and their feet (20) touch the guide surfaces (13, 23) of the running channels (15) at the top.

In each of the running channels (15), all the tread blocks (16) used have contact with one another in the direction of the running channel via oblique abutting surfaces (24) and vertical abutting surfaces (25) and form a closed tread ring that can be displaced overall in the running channel. Wherever two (circular) curved guide surfaces (13) or two (circular) curved sliding surfaces (18) meet at right angles when crossing running channels, they are joined together along a diagonal (14, 21), i.e. the curvatures of the guiding or sliding surfaces extend in the direction of the running channels up to this diagonal (14, 21) and break off there.

In the area of the crossing of running channels (15), the curved guide surfaces (13) and the curved sliding surfaces (18) merge into flat guide surfaces (23) and flat sliding surfaces (22) (not required for codes with only one running channel per circumference).

A locking ball (28) seated on a helical spring (27) is embedded in the eoden (26) of each running channel (15).