Vehicle Odometer Data Integrity Verification via Cross-ECU Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems face issues with odometer data synchronization and tampering, particularly due to differences in calculation methodologies between engine and cab-mounted electronic control units, and the inability to manage odometer data accurately across multiple engines.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to securely calculate and store odometer data by comparing engine odometer values, checking for tampering, and adjusting the official vehicle odometer value to account for any discrepancies, using a system architecture that includes an engine control unit and a cab-mounted electronic control unit connected via a vehicle-wide network, with secure storage in non-volatile memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If odometer data is calculated using different methodologies by engine and cab-mounted electronic control units, then each system can operate independently with standardized protocols, but odometer data becomes unsynchronized and discrepancies accumulate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that receives odometer data from multiple electronic control units and reconciles discrepancies between them. This intermediary acts as a mediator that harmonizes the different calculation methodologies while maintaining the independence and adaptability of individual components from different manufacturers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal odometer management system that can handle data from multiple sources using different methodologies. This universal system provides a common framework that accommodates various manufacturers' protocols while ensuring synchronized and accurate odometer data across the entire vehicle system.
2Extent of automation
If traditional mechanical odometers are replaced with electronic components in the engine, then automation and sophistication of vehicle systems increase, but electronic odometer data becomes vulnerable to tampering and rollback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by establishing verification mechanisms before odometer data can be modified or used. The system performs preliminary checks to detect tampering attempts and prevents rollback by validating odometer readings against multiple sources and maintaining a history of readings that can expose fraudulent modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where odometer data from multiple electronic control units is continuously monitored and compared. The system provides feedback when discrepancies or tampering are detected, allowing for real-time detection and correction of integrity issues while maintaining automated operation.
3Device complexity
If odometer data is stored in electronic control units without verification, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the inability to verify accuracy prevents reliable multi-engine odometer management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing verification checks before storing or finalizing odometer data. The system pre-validates data from multiple engines against established criteria and maintains verification records, ensuring accuracy is confirmed before the data is committed to storage, thereby enabling reliable multi-engine management.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention are directed at securely calculating and storing odometer data associated with a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that checks the integrity of odometer data being received from a vehicle's engine. More specifically, the method includes receiving a first and second engine odometer values for an engine. Then, these odometer values are compared to determine whether data indicative of tampering was received. In this regard, if data indicative of tampering was received, aspects of the present invention adjust the official vehicle odometer value to account for the tampering.