GNSS Spoofing Detection Using C-V2X Reference Location Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

GNSS systems are vulnerable to spoofing attacks, which can lead to incorrect location determination and pose a significant security and safety threat, especially in autonomous systems, as current technologies lack effective mitigation methods.

Innovation Solution

Mobile devices equipped with GNSS receivers utilize CV2X infrastructure and RSUs to verify the authenticity of location data by comparing it with known reference points and sensor inputs, employing techniques such as time and location difference analysis and sensor corroborations to detect and mitigate spoofing signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GNSS receivers are used to determine location, then positioning capability is provided, but vulnerability to spoofing attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation determination reliabilityVSAvoidspoofing attack vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification system that acts as a mediator between the GNSS receiver and the location determination process. This verification system cross-checks GNSS signals against multiple independent sources including cellular tower triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) data. By introducing these intermediary verification layers, the system can detect inconsistencies that indicate spoofing attacks without eliminating the beneficial GNSS positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by monitoring multiple variables simultaneously to detect spoofing: signal strength variations, time synchronization discrepancies, Doppler shift anomalies, and geometric dilution of precision (GDOP) metrics. When these parameters deviate from expected ranges or show inconsistent patterns, the system flags potential spoofing. This multi-parameter approach maintains GNSS functionality while adding robust detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If spoofing detection methods are implemented, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespoofing detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves spoofing detection using existing multi-functional components already present in modern mobile devices. The cellular modem, Wi-Fi radio, GPS chip, and sensor suite are designed for primary functions but are leveraged additionally for spoofing detection. For example, the cellular radio serves both communication and positioning verification purposes. This universal utilization of existing components provides robust spoofing detection without adding dedicated hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification by using its own existing sensors and communication capabilities to validate GNSS data integrity. The inertial measurement unit (accelerometers, gyroscopes) independently tracks device motion and compares it against GNSS-derived position changes. The cellular and Wi-Fi subsystems independently determine location and cross-validate against GNSS readings. This self-service approach enables comprehensive spoofing detection using the device's own resources without requiring external verification infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4320464B1GNSS spoofing detection and recovery
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 QUALCOMM INC
  • EP4320464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4320464B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4320464B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method includes, by a mobile device, receiving a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal, and receiving, from a wireless device, via a PC5 interface, a message including a location of a reference structure, a calculated location of the mobile device, or a combination thereof. The method also includes determine whether the GNSS signal is a spoofing signal based on: a spoof indication of the GNSS signal, and whether a difference between a location of the mobile device determined based on the GNSS signal and one of the location of the reference structure, the calculated location of the mobile device, or a location of the mobile device determined based on the location of the reference structure is greater than a threshold value.