Mobile Unlocking Device Position Verification via Cellular Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle keyless entry systems are vulnerable to relay attacks, which allow unauthorized access by third parties, as they do not effectively verify the authorization of mobile unlocking devices, such as smartphones or transponders, within the normal operational range.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the position of a mobile unlocking device via a cellular network signal, specifically using the NB-IoT standard, and compares it with the object's position to verify authorization, including determining a movement trajectory if initial positioning is unclear, to prevent unauthorized access by detecting relay attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyless entry system is used for convenient vehicle access, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to relay attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the mobile device using cellular network signals (NB-IoT, LTE-M) before authorizing the keyless entry. By determining the device position in advance and comparing it with the vehicle position, the system verifies that the device is within a valid proximity range, thereby preventing relay attacks that attempt to extend the communication range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning verification mechanism between the mobile device and the vehicle. Instead of directly authorizing access based on cryptographic authentication alone, the system uses cellular network positioning as an intermediary check to confirm the device's physical location, adding a layer of security against relay attacks while maintaining convenient access for authorized users.
2Reliability
If cellular network positioning is used to verify device proximity, then security against relay attacks is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the communication parameters by using power-saving cellular network modes (NB-IoT, LTE-M) specifically designed for low-power operation. These modes allow the mobile device to transmit positioning information periodically or on-demand with minimal energy consumption, enabling continuous security verification without significantly impacting the device's battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous communication, the system uses periodic positioning updates through the cellular network. The mobile device transmits its position at intervals or only when triggered by specific events (approach to vehicle, unlocking attempt), reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate security monitoring to detect and prevent relay attacks.
3Measurement precision
If position determination via cellular network is implemented, then authorization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal cellular network infrastructure (NB-IoT, LTE-M) that already exists in mobile devices for communication purposes. By reusing this existing multi-functional communication capability for positioning verification, the system achieves accurate authorization without adding dedicated positioning hardware, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments relate to methods for verifying the authorization of a mobile unlocking device. The method involves determining the position of the mobile unlocking device based on a signal transmitted by the device via a cellular network. Furthermore, the method includes comparing the position of the mobile unlocking device with the position of the object to be unlocked.