Embedded Gear Interface Isolation Against Infotainment Tampering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face security risks from malicious actors tampering with software-controlled vehicle functions due to processors being accessible from outside networks, which can compromise driving functions like gear changes and propulsion control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure embedded controller isolated from external networks to receive user input and control gear changes, while a separate infotainment system handles non-driving functions, ensuring the embedded controller provides static images for accurate gear indication, thus preventing unauthorized manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If processors are made accessible from outside networks for infotainment functionality, then user interface flexibility and connectivity are improved, but security risk from malicious tampering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate processors: an embedded controller for secure gear change control and a vehicle processor for infotainment functions. This segmentation isolates critical driving functions from network-accessible infotainment systems, allowing each to operate independently with appropriate security levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller acts as an intermediary between the infotainment system and the transmission control unit. Even though the infotainment system can present gear selection interfaces, the embedded controller verifies and mediates all gear change commands, preventing direct unauthorized access to transmission control.
2Device complexity
If a single processor controls both infotainment and driving functions, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability against malicious attacks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates control functions into two distinct processors: the embedded controller handles critical gear change operations with high security, while the vehicle processor manages infotainment functions. This segmentation increases system reliability by ensuring that compromises in the infotainment system cannot directly affect driving functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different security levels are applied to different parts of the system. The embedded controller implementing the gear change interface is designed with high-security measures including isolation from external networks and verification of all commands, while the vehicle processor accessible from infotainment systems uses standard security protocols appropriate for non-critical functions.
3Measurement precision
If the embedded controller directly controls the display for gear indication, then accuracy of gear display is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller serves as an intermediary that directly controls the display elements showing gear selection status. By having the embedded controller write directly to the display timing controller, the system ensures that gear indication information comes directly from the secure gear change control logic, preventing display tampering while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Systems and methods for intrusion protected user interface and functionality for vehicles using embedded controller. An example system includes an embedded controller, the embedded controller configured to receive touch input information from the display, the touch input information reflecting interactions with the display by a person in the vehicle; and an infotainment system, the infotainment system being in communication with the embedded controller and configured to receive the touch input information from the embedded controller, wherein the infotainment system is configured to render a dynamic user interface for presentation via the display, wherein the embedded controller is configured to cause presentation of a static image reflecting a currently selected gear of the vehicle, and wherein the embedded controller provides information associated with the static image to a timing controller of the display.