Vehicle Antenna Triangulation for Relay Attack Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive entry/passive start (PEPS) systems in vehicles face reduced theft protection due to vulnerability to relay attacks, where a thief can intercept and relay communication between the UID-transponder and the vehicle, allowing unauthorized access and engine start.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses triangulation of the UID-transponder's location relative to the vehicle using multiple antennas to verify its proximity and authenticity, combined with signal strength prediction and measurement to ensure the third authorization condition is met, thereby distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized access attempts without requiring additional hardware like ultrasonic modules or accelerometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication between UID-transponder and car is enabled for convenient access, then ease of operation is improved, but theft protection deteriorates due to relay attack vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical proximity verification with electromagnetic signal analysis. Instead of relying on mechanical key insertion or simple wireless presence detection, the system uses signal strength measurement and triangulation mathematical models to verify the UID-transponder's location, substituting physical verification with field-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal strength measurement as an intermediary verification layer between the UID-transponder and the car's authorization system. This intermediary parameter (signal strength) acts as a mediator that provides additional authentication information without requiring direct physical contact or additional hardware modules.
2Reliability
If signal strength based proximity verification is used, then theft protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing antennas serve multiple functions: their primary function for wireless communication is combined with a secondary function for signal strength measurement and triangulation. This multi-functionality approach allows proximity verification without adding dedicated measurement hardware, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own communication infrastructure (existing antennas and signal transmission capability) to perform the verification function. The antennas self-service by providing both communication and measurement capabilities, eliminating the need for separate verification hardware modules.
3Measurement precision
If triangulation using multiple antennas is implemented, then measurement precision of UID location is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs existing communication antennas for dual purposes: maintaining wireless communication and performing triangulation calculations. By making the antennas multi-functional, the system achieves precise location measurement without adding dedicated sensor arrays or measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function and location verification function into a single integrated process. The same antenna signals used for data transmission are simultaneously used for triangulation, combining two functions into one unified system rather than separating them into independent subsystems.
4Reliability
If relay attack protection mechanisms are added, then theft protection is improved, but cost increases due to additional hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing communication infrastructure (antennas and signal processing capability) to provide relay attack protection. Rather than requiring external verification hardware or additional modules, the system self-services by leveraging its inherent communication capabilities for security verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing antennas are made multi-functional, serving both communication and security verification purposes. This eliminates the need for separate ultrasonic modules, accelerometers, or other dedicated anti-relay-hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining protection capabilities.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances theft protection by effectively preventing relay attacks at a reduced cost, as the method leverages existing vehicle antennas to determine the UID-transponder's location and signal strength, making it difficult for a relay to simulate the correct signal strengths and positions, thereby ensuring secure vehicle access.
Implementation Method 1
a remote communicater with the vehicle (or more precisely with a controller) including a controller, typically a micro controller being configured for controlling the communication
Implementation Method 2
at least one second estimate value of the distance between the UID-transponder and the at least one first second antenna may be determined. This at least one second estimate value is preferably based on a signal strength measurement of a signal being exchanged between the UID-transponder and the at least one second antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A method for wirelessly accessing a vehicle including the steps of: exchanging data between a UID-transponder and the vehicle to verify authorization of the UID-transponder, triangulating a location of UID-transponder relative to the vehicle using at least three first antennas being positioned at three different first positions of the vehicle and providing access to the vehicle under the first authorization condition that the UID-transponder is identified as an authorized UID-transponder and if the location meets a second authorization condition as well, to recognize a relay attack.