Digital License Plate Secure Communication Against Unauthorized Reprogramming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital license plates lack secure communication systems and antitheft features, making them vulnerable to unauthorized reprogramming and data manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A digital license plate system with a secure communication system that includes a processor, sensor, and display, capable of operating in multiple power modes and securely initializing, transmitting, and receiving data, while incorporating antitheft features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a digital license plate uses a communication system for data transmission and updates, then the updateability and functionality of the license plate is improved, but the vulnerability to unauthorized access and reprogramming increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdateability of license plate informationVSAvoidunauthorized access and reprogramming

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a secure boot process that verifies cryptographic signatures before executing any software or allowing any communication. This pre-emptive security measure prevents unauthorized code from executing and blocks unauthorized communication attempts before they can compromise the license plate system, thus allowing updateability while preventing unauthorized access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a secure communication module that acts as a mediator between the license plate control unit and external systems. This module verifies cryptographic signatures and authenticates all communication attempts, allowing legitimate data transmission and updates while blocking unauthorized access attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the digital license plate incorporates security verification systems, then the protection against theft and unauthorized modification is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against theft and unauthorized modificationVSAvoidsecurity system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the security system into distinct modular components: a secure boot module that verifies signatures, a secure communication module that handles authenticated data exchange, and a license plate control unit that executes verified code. This modular architecture provides comprehensive security while keeping each component's complexity manageable and well-defined.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading cryptographic signature verification capabilities into the license plate control unit during manufacturing. This pre-configured security infrastructure is established before deployment, allowing the system to reliably verify security credentials without adding operational complexity during actual use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Use of energy by moving object

If the digital license plate operates in multiple power modes, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the reliability of secure communication during low-power states may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsecure communication functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic power management system that adjusts the operational state of the license plate control unit based on vehicle conditions. The system can transition between full-power mode (when vehicle is running), reduced-power mode (when vehicle is off but security monitoring is needed), and deep-sleep mode (when maximum energy conservation is required). The secure communication module is designed to maintain cryptographic verification capabilities across all power states, ensuring security reliability while optimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12505222B2Secure communication system and software architecture for a digital license plate

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 REVIVERMX

AI summary

A secure communication system according to the present disclosure includes a digital license plate installed on a vehicle and a server wirelessly connected to the digital license plate. The server includes one or more server processors and a non-transitory computer-readable server storage medium storing with one or more programmed instructions which, when executed by one or more server processors, cause the server processors to perform: receiving an image and a request to display the image at the digital license plate, verifying whether the image is digitally signed by an authorized party, refusing the request if the image is not digitally signed by the authorized party, and requiring the digital license plate to be unable to display the image.