Electronic VIN Retrieval via Vehicle Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Car thieves engage in 'VIN cloning' by replacing original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plaques, stickers, or etchings with new ones, making it difficult to distinguish stolen vehicles from non-stolen ones.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for obtaining an electronic VIN from a vehicle's electronic module, which involves receiving a request, querying the vehicle's electronic modules, and wirelessly transmitting the VIN to a call center for validation, reducing the risk of VIN cloning by verifying the vehicle's true identity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If VIN plaques, stickers, or etchings are affixed to vehicle parts for identification, then vehicle identification is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to VIN cloning by thieves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle identification reliabilityVSAvoidVIN cloning vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electronic module as an intermediary between the physical vehicle and the VIN identification system. This electronic module stores the VIN data electronically and provides it through authorized requests, creating a mediator layer that prevents direct access and cloning of VIN information while maintaining reliable vehicle identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical VIN plaques and stickers with an electronic storage and retrieval system. Instead of relying on physical affixation that can be copied, the system uses electronic modules with controlled access protocols to provide VIN information, substituting a vulnerable mechanical system with a secure electronic one

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple VIN plaques are placed on different vehicle parts for identification purposes, then identification coverage is improved, but the complexity of verifying authentic VINs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle identification coverageVSAvoidVIN verification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple VIN storage locations into a single centralized electronic module. Instead of distributing VIN information across multiple physical plaques that require individual verification, the system consolidates the VIN data in one secure electronic location that can be accessed through a unified protocol, reducing verification complexity while maintaining identification coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8321524B2Method for obtaining electronic vehicle identification number (VIN)

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 GENERAL MOTORS LLC

AI summary

A method for obtaining an electronic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from a vehicle. According to one embodiment, an electronic VIN request is generated at the vehicle through a vehicle user interface, such as a visual display, a microphone, a speaker, a keypad, or an electronic control or button. According to another embodiment, the electronic VIN request is generated at an entity, such as a remote call center, that is remotely located from the vehicle. In either case, the electronic VIN request causes the vehicle hardware to query one or more vehicle electronic module(s) for electronic VIN(s) stored therein, so that output related to the electronic VIN(s) can be provided.