Vehicle Wireless Network Isolation for Safe Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles are vulnerable to cyberattacks on their wireless networks, which can compromise vehicle functionality and pose risks to occupants, and existing systems lack effective mechanisms for users to disconnect from compromised networks and navigate to safety.
Innovation Solution
A user-initiated mechanism allows vehicles to disconnect from compromised wireless networks and perform remedial actions, such as autonomous navigation to a safe location, using locally stored data and alternative communication networks, and optionally involving external devices for assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle remains connected to the wireless network to maintain normal functionality, then network connectivity and feature access are preserved, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks and remote takeover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vehicle from the compromised wireless network environment by initiating a disconnect action. When a cyberattack is detected or user-initiated, the vehicle disconnects from the external wireless network while maintaining internal system operations, effectively removing the attack vector while preserving core functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network connection into external and internal components. The external wireless network connection can be independently disconnected while internal vehicle systems continue to operate. This segmentation allows selective isolation of the compromised communication channel while preserving essential vehicle functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle disconnects from the wireless network to prevent cyberattacks, then security is improved, but the vehicle loses access to navigation data and external assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by caching navigation data and critical information in local memory before potential disconnection. The vehicle proactively stores essential navigation routes, maps, and safety information locally, ensuring these resources remain accessible even when disconnected from external networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local cached data as an intermediary between the vehicle and external navigation services. When disconnected from the wireless network, the vehicle accesses navigation information through this local intermediary rather than direct external connection, maintaining functionality while isolated from compromised networks.
3Loss of time
If the system automatically detects network compromise, then response time is reduced, but the system may lack user awareness and confirmation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by notifying the user when a cyberattack is detected or when disconnection occurs. The system provides alerts and status information to keep the user informed about network security status and actions taken, ensuring user awareness while maintaining automated response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides preliminary notification to the user before disconnection occurs. The system alerts the user of the detected compromise and intended disconnection action, allowing user confirmation or awareness of the security measure being taken, thus combining automated response with user awareness.
4Reliability
If the vehicle navigates autonomously to a safe location, then safety is enhanced, but the navigation system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-caching navigation routes and safe location data before disconnection. The vehicle stores multiple predetermined routes and safe location information in local memory, enabling autonomous navigation without requiring complex real-time external navigation processing during the compromised state.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for receiving a user selection indicating that a wireless network of a vehicle has been compromised; in response to receiving the user selection, causing the vehicle to be disconnected from the compromised wireless network; and while the vehicle is disconnected from the compromised wireless network performing a remedial action to enable the vehicle to navigate from a current location of the vehicle to a safe location.