Vehicle Electrical Fingerprinting for Device Relocation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard devices for vehicle surveillance lack the ability to determine if the device has been removed from its associated vehicle or installed on a different vehicle, leading to uncertainty about the validity of monitored events.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies and recognizes vehicles based on the profile of voltage values from the onboard electrical system by detecting and comparing characteristic voltage and current elements with a database, using sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS to create and match reference profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If onboard devices continuously record every driving event without distinction, then complete surveillance data is obtained, but the ability to determine device removal or unauthorized installation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the vehicle's electrical system by detecting and storing reference voltage profiles for multiple pre-established conditions (engine running, accessories on, ignition on/off transitions) before surveillance begins. This preliminary action creates a unique electrical fingerprint that enables later verification of device location without compromising ongoing surveillance continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage profile analysis as an intermediary mechanism between the device and the vehicle. By measuring voltage variations across different operational conditions and comparing them against stored reference profiles, the system indirectly identifies the vehicle without requiring direct physical coupling or additional sensors, thus maintaining surveillance while enabling location verification
2Adaptability or versatility
If the onboard device is removed and installed on a different vehicle, then device relocation occurs, but the monitored events no longer correspond to the intended vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors voltage parameters and compares real-time measurements against stored reference profiles. When a mismatch is detected, the system generates feedback indicating potential device relocation. This feedback mechanism enables ongoing verification of device-vehicle correspondence without interrupting surveillance operations
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-storing reference voltage profiles specific to each vehicle's electrical characteristics, the system creates a preventive barrier against unauthorized relocation. The comparison between reference and actual voltage profiles acts as an anti-action that counteracts potential device theft or misinstallation before it can compromise data integrity
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for the identification and recognition of a motor vehicle based on the profile of the voltage values from the onboard electrical system and a corresponding identification method implemented by the system are described. The system comprises a voltage and/or current detecting device (2) connected to a vehicle's electrical system (4). The system is configured to create a database (8) comprising at least one reference voltage value and/or absorbed current associated with at least one predetermined condition of the vehicle, detecting at least one value of voltage and/or current absorbed in operation associated with at least one predetermined vehicle condition and comparing the at least one reference value with the at least one operating value. In the case where at least one operating value coincides with at least one reference value, it is determined that the identification system is installed on the vehicle or, if not, if at least one operating value does not coincide with at least one reference value, it is determined that the identification system is not installed on the vehicle.