GNSS Spoofing Detection via Optical Signal Cross-Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS receivers are vulnerable to spoofing attacks, which can lead to inaccurate positioning and pose safety risks, especially in autonomous vehicles and critical applications, as existing detection methods are not reliable in urban environments and can be easily circumvented.
Innovation Solution
A two-factor validation system that compares positioning information from GNSS signals with secondary non-GNSS signals, such as optical or RF signals, to detect spoofing by calculating and comparing pseudo ranges, ephemeris, spatial coordinates, and temporal coordinates, using a processing logic to flag discrepancies above a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GNSS receivers use traditional single-source positioning, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to vulnerability to spoofing attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning validation process into two independent parts: GNSS signal reception and secondary signal reception. By dividing the positioning source into multiple independent segments (GNSS satellites and secondary transmitters), the system can cross-validate position data from each segment to detect spoofing, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secondary signals (optical or RF) as intermediary validation sources. These secondary signals act as mediators that provide an independent reference for position verification. The receiver compares position data from GNSS signals with position data from secondary signals, using the intermediary to detect discrepancies that indicate spoofing attacks
2Reliability
If the system uses multiple signal sources for validation, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with multi-functionality to handle both GNSS signals and secondary signals (optical or RF) through a unified processing architecture. The same receiver unit can process different signal types by switching between signal sources, allowing position validation without requiring completely separate dedicated receivers for each signal type, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of signal source diversity by incorporating both GNSS and secondary signals. This parameter change enables cross-validation of position data through comparison of pseudo ranges, spatial coordinates, and temporal coordinates from different sources, improving reliability while managing complexity through parameter-based signal differentiation
3Measurement precision
If high-accuracy secondary signal transmission equipment is used, then the measurement precision improves, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs secondary signals with relaxed accuracy requirements compared to primary GNSS signals. The secondary transmitters can use simpler, more cost-effective equipment that provides sufficient but not high-precision position information. The key insight is that the secondary signals only need to provide coarse position verification to detect spoofing, not to serve as the primary positioning source, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining spoofing detection capability
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal to calculate a position and detect spoofing, the terminal includes a receiver of first signals, notably signals of a GNSS type, from first sources, to compute a first information relative to its position, as for instance a pseudo range measurement, an ephemeris, a navigation message, spatial coordinates or temporal coordinates, and to calculate a position; a receiver of a second signal of a non-RF and non-GNSS type from a second source, notably from an optical display, the second signal comprising a second information transmitted using a predetermined encoding format to retrieve said second information; a processing logic configured to detect spoofing by comparing the first and second information. The associated transmitters, authentication server and spoofing detection methods are also provided.