Vehicle Chassis Sensor Safety System with Tracking Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles rely heavily on accurate sensor data from chassis sensors, which are vulnerable to attacks, malfunctions, or replacement, compromising safety in autonomous or semi-autonomous driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that integrates a tracking unit with chassis sensors to detect inconsistencies in sensor data by comparing it with trusted data from a tracking unit, using a computing unit to identify discrepancies in driving parameters and locations, and includes an interface to block or filter inconsistent data, thereby enhancing safety without significant modifications to the vehicle's digital architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If chassis sensors are located at the periphery of the vehicle for functional purposes, then sensor coverage and functionality are improved, but vulnerability to attacks, shocks, and replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a tracking unit and computing unit that mediates between the chassis sensors and the embedded computer. This intermediary continuously tracks the physical location and state of sensors, verifying sensor data against expected values based on tracking information, thereby detecting tampering or attacks without changing sensor locations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring sensor data and comparing it with trusted data from the tracking unit. When inconsistencies are detected, the system provides feedback to block suspicious data or alert operators, creating a closed-loop security mechanism that responds to potential threats in real-time
2Measurement precision
If multiple chassis sensors are used for accurate autonomous driving decisions, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to attacks and malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline of trusted sensor data through the tracking unit before processing autonomous driving decisions. The tracking unit pre- validates sensor locations and states, creating a trusted reference framework that enables subsequent detection of anomalies without requiring additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensor validation function into a separate tracking unit and computing unit, distinct from the main autonomous driving computer. This segmentation isolates the security validation logic, allowing multiple sensors to operate while their data is independently verified, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing the attack surface on the core decision-making system
3Reliability
If a safety system is added to detect sensor inconsistencies, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking unit and computing unit are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as location tracking devices and as sensor validation systems. By making these components universal, the patent avoids adding dedicated separate systems for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor validation functionality with the existing tracking unit and gateway infrastructure. The computing unit combines tracking data processing with sensor data verification in a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity compared to implementing separate independent validation systems
4Speed
If continuous monitoring of sensor data is performed, then detection speed is improved, but computing resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial monitoring by focusing computational resources on verifying only the critical aspects of sensor data against tracking information, rather than analyzing every sensor reading in full detail. This selective verification approach enables continuous monitoring at acceptable computing resource levels by prioritizing safety-critical checks
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety system for a vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) having a tracking unit (130) and at least one chassis sensor (161, 162, 163), the safety system: - receives sensor data from the chassis sensor (161, 162, 163), - receives trusted data from the tracking unit (130), - detects an inconsistency between the sensor data and the trusted data.