Vehicle Remote Starter Emulator Bypasses Immobilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with serial data networks and immobilizer systems pose challenges for remote engine starters, as they require direct data modification and a dedicated cryptographic controller, which is costly and creates security risks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic ignition module emulator is installed on the vehicle network to route and modify data between the ignition module and other modules, allowing remote starting without a separate cryptographic controller by periodically requesting keycodes from the owner's key and storing them for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate cryptographic controller is installed in the vehicle to bypass the immobilizer system, then the vehicle can be remotely started, but the system complexity increases and security risks arise from exposing the controller location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cryptographic controller functionality directly into the remote starter module itself, eliminating the need for a separate cryptographic controller in the vehicle. This merging approach reduces system complexity while maintaining remote starting capability and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote starter module acts as an intermediary that communicates with the vehicle's existing cryptographic controller through the serial data network. It periodically requests and stores keycodes, then uses these stored keycodes to authenticate and enable remote starting without requiring a separate physical cryptographic controller in the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If a separate cryptographic controller is installed in the vehicle, then the immobilizer can be bypassed for remote starting, but additional cost is incurred and security is compromised by exposing controller location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cryptographic controller functionality from the vehicle and relocates it to the remote starter module. By taking out the cryptographic controller from the vehicle environment, it eliminates the security risk associated with exposing the controller location while maintaining the ability to bypass the immobilizer for remote starting.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote starter module creates a copy of the cryptographic authentication process by periodically requesting and storing keycodes from the vehicle's existing cryptographic controller. This copied authentication mechanism allows the remote starter to verify immobilizer status and enable remote starting without requiring a separate physical cryptographic controller in the vehicle.
3Ease of manufacture
If discrete wiring is used to control vehicle functions, then installation is straightforward, but modern vehicles with serial data networks cannot be controlled by traditional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/discrete wiring approach with an electronic communication approach using the vehicle's existing serial data network. The remote starter module communicates with vehicle controllers through digital data protocols, enabling compatibility with modern vehicles while maintaining installation simplicity by utilizing existing wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote starter module is designed to interface with the vehicle's serial data network, which is a universal communication infrastructure present in modern vehicles. This allows the device to control multiple vehicle functions (engine starting, climate control, etc.) through a single modular interface that adapts to different vehicle makes and models, enhancing versatility while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote starter system for a vehicle having an electronic ignition module connected to vehicle controller modules by a serial data interface. The electronic ignition module is capable of receiving at least one keycode from a cryptographic controller vehicle key for verification before changing the state of at least one vehicle controller module. The remote starter system is defined in one embodiment to include a remote starter module having at least a memory for storing at least one keycode and having the ability to send the at least one keycode for verification and the ability to request modification of a state of at least one vehicle controller module. Wherein when the at least one keycode is verified, the state of at least one vehicle controller module is modified as requested by the remote starter module.