Vehicle Authentication via Localization Secret Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with Bluetooth low energy systems face security threats due to unauthorized mobile devices intercepting wireless communications, leading to power consumption issues in constantly distinguishing between trusted and untrusted users, especially in scenarios like car rentals or car sharing where multiple users need managed access.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a localization secret to authenticate mobile devices, where a derived localization secret is cryptographically generated and used to supply power to the vehicle control module only when the mobile device is within a specific proximity zone, updating a white list with device IDs of known devices and validating localization frames to establish secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle constantly monitors Bluetooth signals to distinguish between trusted and untrusted mobile devices, then security is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure authenticator operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sleep mode and active authentication mode. Instead of continuously monitoring Bluetooth signals, the system periodically wakes up to perform authentication checks and then returns to sleep mode, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism using localized secrets and derived secrets that act as mediators between the mobile device and vehicle system. This intermediary layer allows the vehicle to authenticate devices without requiring continuous active monitoring, as the cryptographic protocol enables secure verification during periodic wake-up cycles
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle system remains active to authenticate multiple users, then access control is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions during periodic wake-up cycles. The secure authenticator wakes up, performs authentication checks for multiple potential users, and updates the white list of trusted devices before returning to sleep mode. This preliminary action during brief active periods enables multi-user access control without requiring continuous system operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the secure authenticator, transitioning it between different power states (active and sleep modes). By adjusting the duty cycle and wake-up frequency, the system adapts to multi-user authentication requirements while optimizing energy consumption through parameter-based control of the authenticator's active time
Data Source
AI summary
A method of car access includes receiving a localization secret at data processing hardware. The localization secret defines a portion of vehicle authentication information for a vehicle. The method also includes receiving at least one localization frame from a mobile device at the data processing hardware. The at least one localization frame includes identification information for the mobile device. The method further includes determining, by the data processing hardware, whether the at least one localization frame includes a derived localization secret. The derived localization is defined by the localization secret. The method further includes, when the at least one localization frame includes the derived localization secret, supplying, by the data processing hardware, power to a vehicle control module of the vehicle and authentication information to the vehicle control module of the vehicle.