Method and system for authenticating and protecting vehicle services

Abstract

A method for authenticating and protecting vehicle services includes receiving an activation signal by a controller of a vehicle. The activation signal indicates that a vehicle user has requested vehicle services. The method also includes, in response to receiving the activation signal, determining whether a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle services. In addition, the method includes, in response to determining that the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is not the vehicle user requesting the vehicle services, sending a notification to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle that unauthorized entry of the vehicle has occurred. The method may also include authorization to others, contacting emergency services based on a hostile situation, family and friends pre-authentication, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for authenticating and securing vehicle services.

[0002] This introduction generally presents the context of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this introduction, the work of the presently named inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0003] Some vehicles can provide vehicle services, such as sending a radio signal to open a garage door. Although these services are very convenient, they require that only individually authorized vehicle users be allowed to use them. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure describes a method for authenticating and protecting vehicle services. The method includes receiving an activation signal by a controller of a vehicle. The activation signal indicates that a vehicle user has requested a vehicle service. The method also includes, in response to receiving the activation signal, determining whether a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is a vehicle user requesting the vehicle service. When the vehicle user is in the vehicle, a first level of authentication is performed by using a driver monitoring system, facial / fingerprint, voice recognition, etc., and then a second level of authentication is a 2-factor system. In response to determining that the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is not the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service, a notification is sent to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle that unauthorized entry of the vehicle has occurred. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatuses, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the method. The described method improves vehicle technology by limiting the use of vehicle services in the vehicle by unknown / unauthorized / new users, thereby enhancing security in the vehicle.

[0005] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The method may include requesting a pre-authentication code in response to determining that a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is a vehicle user requesting vehicle service. In addition, the method includes receiving the pre-authentication code by a controller of the vehicle, and providing vehicle service in response to receiving the pre-authentication code. The vehicle service includes sending a garage door signal to remotely open or close the garage door. Enabling a two-factor authentication agent includes identifying an agent authorized to use the vehicle service. The method includes generating a two-factor random code in response to determining that the two-factor authentication agent has been enabled, and sending the two-factor random code to the agent. The method may include: requesting the two-factor random code from the agent; receiving the two-factor random code from the agent; and providing the vehicle service in response to receiving the two-factor random code from the agent. The method may include requesting the two-factor random code from the agent. In addition, the method includes receiving input from a vehicle user in response to requesting the two-factor random code from the agent, and determining that the input does not match the two-factor random code. In addition, the method includes prohibiting the provision of vehicle service in response to determining that the input does not match the two-factor random code. The method may include counting the number of times a vehicle user has provided an input that matches a two-factor random code; and in response to determining that the vehicle user has provided an input that does not match the two-factor random code more than a predetermined number of times, sending a notification to a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle that unauthorized entry into the vehicle has occurred. The method may include using facial recognition, voice recognition, and / or fingerprint authentication to determine whether the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user requesting vehicle service. Implementations of the described technology may include hardware, methods or processes, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

[0006] The present disclosure also describes a system for authenticating and protecting vehicle services. The system includes a plurality of sensors, a communication transceiver, and a controller that communicates with the sensors and the communication transceiver. The controller is programmed to perform the above method.

[0007] In one aspect of the disclosure, the method includes receiving an activation signal by a controller of a vehicle. The activation signal indicates that a vehicle user has requested vehicle service. The method also includes determining, in response to receiving the activation signal, whether a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is a vehicle user requesting vehicle service. In addition, the method includes providing vehicle service in response to determining that a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is a vehicle user requesting vehicle service.

[0008] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] The above features and advantages of the systems and methods disclosed herein and other features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram depicting a vehicle.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for authenticating and protecting vehicle services.

[0013] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for authenticating and securing a vehicle service. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to several examples of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to represent the same or similar parts or steps.

[0015] See also Figure 1 , the vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels and rear wheels 17 and may be referred to as a vehicle system. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes two front wheels 17a and two rear wheels 17b. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and generally substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a vehicle frame. The wheels 17 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near a respective corner of the body 14. The vehicle 10 includes a front axle 19 coupled to the front wheels 17a and a rear axle 25 connected to the rear wheels 17b.

[0016] The vehicle 10 may be an autonomous vehicle, and the system 98 may be part of the vehicle 10 or work with the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle that is automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is depicted as a light truck, but it should be understood that other vehicles including trucks, sedans, walk-behind vehicles, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc. may also be used. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 may include a so-called Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 driving automation system. The Level 4 system represents "high automation" and refers to the driving mode-specific performance of the autonomous driving system in various aspects of the dynamic driving task even if the human driver does not respond appropriately to the intervention request. The Level 5 system represents "full automation" and refers to the full-time performance of the autonomous driving system in dynamic driving tasks under multiple road and environmental conditions that can be managed by the human driver. In a Level 3 vehicle, the system 98 performs the entire dynamic driving task (DDT) in the area where it is designed to do so. In a Level 2 vehicle, the system provides steering, braking / acceleration support, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control. However, even when these systems are activated, the vehicle operator at the wheel must steer and constantly supervise the automated features.

[0017] As shown, the vehicle 10 generally includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, at least one controller 34, and a communication system 36. The steering system 24 is a wire-controlled steering system. In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an electric motor, such as a traction motor and / or a fuel cell propulsion system. The vehicle 10 may also include a battery (or battery pack) 21 electrically connected to the propulsion system 20. Therefore, the battery 21 is configured to store electrical energy and provide electrical energy to the propulsion system 20. In certain embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an internal combustion engine. The transmission system 22 is configured to transfer power from the propulsion system 20 to the wheels 17 according to a selectable speed ratio. According to different embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the wheels 17. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include a friction brake, a wire brake, a regenerative braking system such as an electric motor, and / or other suitable braking systems. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 17 and may include a steering wheel 33. Although depicted as including a steering wheel 33 for purposes of illustration, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel 33.

[0018] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensors 40 (i.e., sensing devices) that sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the vehicle 10. The sensors 40 communicate with the controller 34 and may include, but are not limited to, one or more steering wheel sensors 40, one or more radars, one or more light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more odometers, one or more ground penetrating radar (GPR) sensors, one or more steering angle sensors, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) transceivers (e.g., one or more global positioning system (GPS) transceivers), one or more tire pressure sensors, one or more vehicle cameras 41, one or more gyroscopes, one or more accelerometers, one or more inclinometers, one or more speed sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more night vision devices, thermal imaging sensors, and / or other sensors. Each sensor 40 is configured to generate a signal indicating a sensed observable condition of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the vehicle 10. Because the sensor system 28 provides data to the controller 34, the sensor system 28 and its sensors 40 are information sources (or just sources). The vehicle 10 and / or the system 98 do not include a light sensor capable of detecting light inside the vehicle 10 .

[0019] The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuators 42 that control one or more vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system 20, the transmission system 22, the steering system 24, and the braking system 26. In various embodiments, the vehicle features may also include interior and / or exterior vehicle features, such as, but not limited to, doors 52, trunks, and cabin features, such as air, music, lighting, etc.

[0020] The data storage device 32 stores data for automatically controlling the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the data storage device 32 stores a defined map of the navigable environment. In various embodiments, the defined map may be predefined by a remote system and obtained from the remote system. For example, the defined map may be assembled by a remote system and transmitted (wirelessly and / or by wire) to the vehicle 10 and stored in the data storage device 32. The data storage device 32 may be part of the controller 34, separate from the controller 34, or part of the controller 34 and part of a separate system.

[0021] The vehicle 10 may also include one or more airbags 35 in communication with the controller 34 or another controller of the vehicle 10. The airbags 35 include inflatable airbags and are configured to switch between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration to buffer the external force applied to the vehicle 10. The sensor 40 may include an airbag sensor, such as an IMU, configured to detect external forces and generate a signal indicating the magnitude of such external forces. The controller 34 is configured to command the airbag 35 to deploy based on signals from one or more sensors 40 (such as airbag sensors). Therefore, the controller 34 is configured to determine when the airbag 35 is deployed.

[0022] The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a non-transitory computer readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 can be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor of several processors associated with the controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a combination thereof, or a device generally used to execute instructions. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage in, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using a plurality of known storage devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or another electrical, magnetic, optical or combination storage device capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions that can be used by the controller 34 to control the system 10. The controller 34 of the vehicle 10 may be referred to as a controller and may be programmed to perform the method 100 as described in detail below. Figure 3 ).

[0023] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to the actuator system 30 based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms to automatically control components of the vehicle 10. Although Figure 1, a single controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include multiple controllers 34 that communicate via a suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and cooperate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control features of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the controller 34 are included in the control system 98.

[0024] The vehicle 10 includes a user interface 23, which may be a touch screen in the dashboard. The user interface 23 may include, but is not limited to, an alarm, such as one or more speakers 27 providing audible sounds, tactile feedback in a vehicle seat or other object, one or more displays 29, one or more microphones 31, and / or other devices suitable for providing notifications to a vehicle user of the host vehicle 10. The user interface 23 is in electronic communication with a controller 34 and is configured to receive input from a vehicle user 11 (e.g., a vehicle driver or a vehicle passenger). For example, the user interface 23 may include a touch screen and / or buttons configured to receive input from a vehicle user 11. Thus, the controller 34 is configured to receive input from a user via the user interface 23. The vehicle 10 may include one or more displays 29 configured to display information to a vehicle user 11 (e.g., a vehicle operator or a passenger).

[0025] The communication system 36 communicates with the controller 34 and is configured to wirelessly communicate information with other remote entities 48, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems at a remote call center (e.g., ON-STAR by GENERAL MOTORS), and / or personal electronic devices such as mobile phones. In the present disclosure, the term "remote vehicle" refers to a vehicle, such as an automobile, that is configured to send one or more signals to the vehicle 10 without being physically connected to the vehicle 10. In certain exemplary embodiments, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communications. However, additional or alternate communication methods such as a specific short-range communication (DSRC) channel are also considered within the scope of the present disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channel specific to automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards. Thus, the vehicle communication system 36 may include one or more antennas and / or transceivers 37 for receiving and / or transmitting signals, such as cooperative sensing messages (CSM). The communication transceivers 37 may be considered sensors 40. The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate information between the vehicle 10 and another vehicle. In addition, the communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information between the vehicle 10 and infrastructure or other vehicles.

[0026] Figure 2 A system 98 configured for authenticating and securing vehicle services is shown. The system 98 includes a controller 34, one or more vehicle cameras 41, one or more fingerprint sensors 39, one or more microphones 31, a user interface 23, and / or one or more communication transceivers 37. The vehicle camera 41, microphone 31, fingerprint sensor 39, user interface 23, and communication transceiver 37 communicate with the controller 34.

[0027] The fingerprint sensor 39 may be a capacitive sensor (which uses the natural electrical conductivity of the finger to read the fingerprint), an optical sensor (which reads an image of the fingerprint by using a light source to illuminate the ridges in contact with the reader and read them through a prism), and / or an ultrasonic sensor (which emits ultrasonic pulses that generate echoes that are read by the sensor, with ridges and valleys registering different signatures). The fingerprint sensor 39 is used to perform fingerprint authentication by comparing an input fingerprint with a registered fingerprint.

[0028] The controller 34 is programmed to use voice recognition, fingerprint authentication, facial recognition and / or other biometrics to determine whether the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user 43 requesting vehicle service. To this end, the controller 34 may use sensor signals generated by the microphone 31, the vehicle camera 41 and / or the fingerprint sensor 39.

[0029] As described above, the controller 34 communicates with the communication transceiver 37 and the user interface 23. The controller 34 is programmed to provide notifications to registered vehicle operators through the user interface 23 and / or by sending notifications and / or messages to an application running on a mobile device 45 (such as a smart phone or smart tablet) through the communication transceiver 37. The controller 34 can also command the communication transceiver 37 to send a signal, such as a radio signal, to perform a vehicle service, such as opening a garage door 51 of the garage 47.

[0030] Figure 31 is a flow chart of a method 100 for authenticating and protecting vehicle services. The vehicle service may be requested by a user inside the vehicle (i.e., opening the garage door) or by a vehicle user outside the vehicle 10 (i.e., opening the door of the vehicle 10). The method 100 starts at box 102. Then, the method 100 continues to box 104. At box 104, the controller 34 first receives an activation signal. The activation signal indicates that the vehicle user 43 of the vehicle 10 has requested a vehicle service. The vehicle service may include remote start, enabling heated seats, enabling Wi-Fi, sending a signal to open the garage door 51, etc. The vehicle user 43 may select to perform the vehicle service by entering a selection in the user interface 23. In response to the selection, the user interface 23 sends an activation signal to the controller 34. Upon receiving the activation signal, the controller 34 determines whether the selected feature is enabled. For example, in some cases, the vehicle service is a vehicle service based on a reservation, such as a heated seat, and the vehicle service has not yet been paid for. In such cases, if the reservation has not yet been paid, the vehicle service based on the reservation is not enabled. If the reservation has been paid, the vehicle service based on the reservation is enabled. If the vehicle service requested by the vehicle user 43 has not been enabled, the method 100 continues to box 106 . At box 106 , the method 100 ends. If the vehicle service requested by the vehicle user 43 is enabled, the method 100 continues to box 108 .

[0031] At box 108, the controller 34 determines whether the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle 10 is the vehicle user 43 requesting the vehicle service. To this end, the controller 34 may use input from one or more sensors 40, such as the vehicle camera 41, the microphone 31, the fingerprint sensor 39, and / or other biometric sensors. Thus, the controller 34 may use voice recognition, fingerprint authentication, facial recognition, and / or other biometrics to determine whether the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user 43 requesting the vehicle service. If the controller 34 determines that the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user 43 requesting the vehicle service, the method 100 continues to box 110.

[0032] At box 110, the controller 34 checks the eligibility of the vehicle service. The eligibility of the vehicle service can depend on many factors. For example, if the vehicle service is opening the garage door 51, the controller 34 can determine whether there is a hostile situation. The camera 41 can use the input from the camera 41 to determine that a hostile situation has occurred (for example, a third party points a gun at (or otherwise threatens) the vehicle user 43). Then, the method 100 proceeds to box 112. In a hostile situation, opening the garage door 51 is unqualified. At box 112, the controller 34 evaluates the input from the sensor 40 to determine the eligibility of the vehicle service. If the controller 34 determines that the vehicle service is unqualified, the method 100 proceeds to box 114. At box 114, the controller 34 commands the user interface 23, the display 29 and / or the mobile device 45 to provide a notification to the vehicle user 43 that the vehicle service is unqualified. In a hostile situation, the controller 34 can notify the emergency service that a hostile situation has occurred. If the controller 34 determines that the vehicle service is qualified, the method 100 proceeds to box 116. At block 116 , the controller 34 provides vehicle services. For example, the controller 34 may command the communication transceiver to send a signal to open the garage door 51 of the garage 47 .

[0033] Returning to frame 108, if the controller 34 determines that the registered vehicle operator is not the vehicle user 43 requesting vehicle services, the method 100 continues to frame 118. At frame 118, the controller 34 determines whether the family and friends mode is enabled. Enabling the family and friends mode allows the family and friends of the registered vehicle operator to use vehicle services. If the family and friends mode is enabled, the method 100 continues to frame 120.

[0034] At box 120, the controller 34 requests a pre-authentication code from the vehicle user 43. Registered authorized users of the vehicle 10, such as friends and family members of a registered vehicle operator (e.g., vehicle owner), may have a pre-authentication code. The registered authorized user of the vehicle 10 may then enter the pre-authentication code through the user interface 23, and the controller 34 then receives the pre-authentication code or other input from the vehicle user 43. After box 120, the method 100 continues to box 122.

[0035] At box 122, the controller 34 counts the number of times the vehicle user has provided an input that matches the pre-authentication code. If the vehicle user 43 has provided an input that does not match the pre-authentication code more than a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times), the method 100 continues to box 124. At box 124, the controller 34 sends a notification to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the vehicle owner) that unauthorized entry into the vehicle 10 has occurred. For example, the notification can be sent to the mobile device 45 of the registered vehicle operator. In addition, at box 124, the controller 34 prohibits the provision of vehicle services. Returning to box 122, if the vehicle user 43 has provided an input that matches the pre-authentication code at any time equal to or less than a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times), the method 100 continues to box 116. At box 116, the controller 34 provides vehicle services. For example, the controller 34 can command the communication transceiver to send a signal to open the garage door 51 of the garage 47.

[0036] Returning to box 118, if the family and friends mode is not enabled, the method 100 continues to box 126. At box 126, the controller 34 determines whether the two-factor authentication agent has been enabled. Enabling the two-factor authentication agent includes identifying an agent that is authorized to use the vehicle services of the vehicle 10. If the two-factor authentication agent has not been enabled, the method 100 continues to box 124. As described above, at box 124, the controller 34 sends a notification to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the vehicle owner) that unauthorized entry of the vehicle 10 has occurred. For example, the notification can be sent to the mobile device 45 of the registered vehicle operator. In addition, at box 124, the controller 34 prohibits the provision of vehicle services. If the two-factor authentication agent is enabled, the method 100 continues to box 128. At box 128, the controller 34 generates a two-factor random code. In addition, the controller 34 sends the two-factor random code to the agent through, for example, the agent's mobile device 45. Then, the controller 34 requests the agent for the two-factor random code from the agent through, for example, the user interface 23 and / or the mobile device 45. The controller 34 then receives the two-factor random code from the agent, eg, to the agent's user interface 23 and / or mobile device 45. The method 100 then continues to block 122.

[0037] At box 122, the controller 34 counts the number of times the vehicle user has provided an input that matches the two-factor random code. If the vehicle user 43 has provided inputs that do not match the two-factor random code more than a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times), the method 100 continues to box 124. At box 124, the controller 34 sends a notification to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the vehicle owner) that unauthorized entry to the vehicle 10 has occurred. For example, the notification can be sent to the mobile device 45 of the registered vehicle operator. In addition, at box 124, the controller 34 prohibits the provision of vehicle services. Returning to box 122, if the vehicle user 43 has provided an input that matches the pre-authentication code at any time equal to or less than a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times), the method 100 continues to box 116. At box 116, the controller 34 provides vehicle services. For example, the controller 34 can command the communication transceiver to send a signal to open the garage door 51 of the garage 47.

[0038] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms covered by the claims. The words used in the specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the currently disclosed system and method, which may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or being preferred in terms of one or more desired characteristics relative to other embodiments or prior art implementations, it is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, maintainability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. Therefore, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more features are not outside the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for specific applications.

[0039] The drawings are in simplified form and are not to exact scale. Directional terms, such as top, bottom, left, right, upper, above, below, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings for convenience and clarity only. These directional terms and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show the details of a particular component. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the currently disclosed systems and methods in various ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features shown and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with the features shown in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments of typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desirable for specific applications or implementations.

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by a number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform a specified function. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., which may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with a plurality of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] For the sake of brevity, technologies related to signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (as well as the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] This specification is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because other modifications will become apparent after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for authenticating and protecting a vehicle service, comprising: receiving, by a controller of the vehicle, an activation signal, wherein the activation signal indicates that the vehicle service has been requested by a vehicle user; In response to receiving the activation signal, determining whether a registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service; and In response to determining that the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is not the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service, a notification is sent to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle that unauthorized access to the vehicle has occurred.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: requesting a pre-authentication code in response to determining that the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service; receiving, by the controller of the vehicle, the pre-authentication code; as well as In response to receiving the pre-authentication code, the vehicle service is provided.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The vehicle service includes sending a garage door signal to remotely open or close the garage door.

4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: responsive to determining that the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is not the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service, determining whether a two-factor authentication agent has been enabled, wherein enabling the two-factor authentication agent includes identifying an agent authorized to use the vehicle service; In response to determining that the two-factor authentication agent has been enabled, generating a two-factor random code; and The two-factor random code is sent to the agent.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: requesting the two-factor random code from the agent; receiving the two-factor random code from the agent; as well as In response to receiving the two-factor random code from the agent, the vehicle service is provided.

6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: requesting the two-factor random code from the agent; receiving entry from the vehicle user in response to requesting the two-factor random code from the agent; determining that the entry does not match the two-factor random code; as well as In response to determining that the entry does not match the two-factor random code, refraining from providing the vehicle service.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: counting a number of times the vehicle user has provided an input that matches the two-factor random code; as well as In response to determining that the vehicle user has provided the input that does not match the two-factor random code more than a predetermined number of times, a notification is sent to the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle that unauthorized access to the vehicle has occurred.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining whether the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service includes using facial recognition to determine whether the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining whether the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service includes using voice recognition to determine whether the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining whether the registered vehicle operator of the vehicle is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service includes using fingerprint authentication to determine whether the registered vehicle operator is the vehicle user requesting the vehicle service.

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