Secure Vehicle Communication Interface Device Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles' diagnostic ports, such as OBD interfaces, are vulnerable to security exploits, allowing unauthorized access and control of vehicle systems, posing risks to manual and autonomous vehicle operations.

Innovation Solution

A secure vehicle communication interface device that authenticates communication through diagnostic ports using a service device with a time-based, vehicle-specific certificate, preventing unauthorized access by acting as a secure gateway.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If diagnostic ports are made accessible for communication, then ease of operation is improved, but security vulnerability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to diagnostic portVSAvoidsecurity exploit vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A service device is introduced as an intermediary between external devices and the vehicle's diagnostic port. The service device establishes a secure communication channel and performs authentication, preventing direct unauthorized access to vehicle systems while still allowing legitimate diagnostic communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization checks before allowing any communication through the diagnostic port. The service device verifies the identity and permissions of connecting devices in advance, blocking potential security exploits before they can affect vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If authentication mechanisms are added to secure communication, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The service device handles authentication and security management autonomously without requiring complex user intervention. The device automatically establishes secure channels, performs verification, and manages communication permissions, simplifying the user experience while maintaining strong security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The service device performs multiple functions including authentication, authorization, encryption, and communication management within a single unified system. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate complex components into one integrated device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10812469B2Secure vehicle communication interface device

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 NIO TECH ANHUI CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a secure vehicle communication interface device that authorizes communication to one or more systems of a vehicle through a diagnostic, or other, communication port. A service device used to access the secure communication channel may be configured as a small apparatus that is connected to a port to authenticate communications across the port. Without the device, the port would remain locked and prevent access to any systems or subsystems of the vehicle.