Terminal-Vehicle Linking With Expiring Authentication Credentials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing terminal-vehicle linking methods face security issues as portable terminal apparatuses can be misused due to outdated passwords or unauthorized access, allowing non-permitted individuals to control vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A terminal-vehicle linking apparatus that securely registers and authenticates portable terminal apparatuses with in-vehicle apparatuses using expiration-dated authentication information, ensuring only authorized users can operate or instruct vehicles by linking terminal apparatus IDs with in-vehicle apparatus IDs through a central control device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If portable terminal apparatuses are used as electronic keys for vehicles, then convenience and accessibility are improved, but security vulnerabilities arise from outdated passwords and unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of vehicle accessVSAvoidsecurity of vehicle control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication by verifying the portable terminal apparatus against the in-vehicle apparatus before allowing vehicle operation. This advance verification ensures that only authorized terminals can establish a linkage, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining convenience for legitimate users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism where the in-vehicle apparatus acts as a mediator between the portable terminal and the vehicle control system. This intermediary layer verifies authentication information and manages linkage establishment, adding a security buffer that prevents direct unauthorized access while preserving user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If authentication information is transmitted to in-vehicle apparatus in advance, then authentication speed is improved, but security risk increases from potential interception or misuse

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication speedVSAvoidsecurity risk from information interception
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of authentication information by using expiration-dated credentials that are valid only for specific time windows. This temporal parameter change allows fast authentication during the valid period while mitigating security risks, as intercepted or stolen authentication data becomes useless after expiration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic authentication where linkage establishment requires valid, non-expired authentication information. This periodic validation ensures that even if authentication data is transmitted in advance, it remains secure through time-based expiration, allowing fast authentication when credentials are valid while preventing misuse of intercepted data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3471069B1Terminal-vehicle linking method, terminal-vehicle linking apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing terminal-vehicle linking program
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 HITACHI LTD
  • EP3471069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471069B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3471069B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal-vehicle linking method includes: receiving registration of a portable terminal apparatus to be used to drive a vehicle or instruct the vehicle; receiving registration of an in-vehicle apparatus mounted in the vehicle; and when authentication information received from the portable terminal apparatus of which the registration has been received coincides with authentication information transmitted in advance to the in-vehicle apparatus of which the registration has been received, determining that it is possible to drive the vehicle or instruct the vehicle on operation by using the portable terminal apparatus.