TPMS Signal Authentication via Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with unencrypted tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors are vulnerable to radio interference and spoofing attacks, which can lead to false tire pressure alerts, and the encryption of communication to mitigate these issues consumes more battery power.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows switching between unencrypted and encrypted communication modes between TPMS sensors and the vehicle receiver, using a processor to authenticate signals and determine authenticity based on encrypted follow-up tire pressure data, thereby balancing radio interference, spoofing concerns, and system power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If unencrypted communication mode is used, then battery power consumption is reduced, but the system becomes vulnerable to radio interference and spoofing attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between unencrypted and encrypted communication modes based on detected conditions. When abnormal tire pressure is detected, the system transitions from unencrypted mode (lower power consumption) to encrypted mode (higher security), allowing adaptive optimization of both power efficiency and security
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption parameter is changed conditionally based on the state of the TPMS system. Normally the system operates with encryption disabled (parameter state: unencrypted), but when abnormal pressure conditions are detected, the encryption parameter is activated (parameter state: encrypted) to verify signal authenticity
2Reliability
If encrypted communication mode is used, then signal authenticity is verified, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption mode is dynamically activated only when needed for verification purposes. The system switches to encrypted mode temporarily to authenticate signals during abnormal conditions, then returns to unencrypted mode to conserve battery power during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic authentication checks using encrypted communication when abnormal conditions are detected, rather than maintaining continuous encrypted communication. This periodic verification approach balances security needs with power conservation
3Reliability
If continuous encrypted communication is used, then spoofing attacks are prevented, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous encrypted communication, the system implements periodic authentication checks triggered by abnormal conditions. Encrypted communication is activated temporarily to verify signal authenticity, then deactivated to preserve battery life during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares authentication mechanisms in advance but only activates them when abnormal tire pressure conditions are detected. This preliminary preparation without continuous activation prevents spoofing attacks while minimizing impact on battery life
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are disclosed to facilitate TPMS broadcast mode selection. An example vehicle comprises sensors, a processor, and memory. The processor is in communication with the memory and with the sensors. The processor is configured to: receive an unencrypted signal indicating an abnormal tire pressure, enter an encrypted mode with the sensors, receive an encrypted follow up tire pressure status from the sensors, and determine whether the unencrypted signal is authentic based on the encrypted follow up tire pressure status.