Vehicle Service Authorization Through Context-Based Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a challenge in determining whether there is authorization for specific automotive services on a vehicle, as impersonation or unauthorized repair facilities can perform services without proper verification, leading to issues with warranty claims and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A context-based authentication system using a vehicle controller, server system, and second factor authentication to verify the authorization of automotive services by checking location, timing, and identity, ensuring that only authorized entities can access vehicle components for repairs or updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If verbal agreement or signature on physical document is used for authorization, then the authorization process is simple and quick, but there is risk of impersonation and unauthorized repair facilities performing services

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization processVSAvoidauthorization verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server system as an intermediary between the vehicle operator and repair facility. The server receives authorization requests from the repair facility, verifies them against authorization data stored there, and provides verification responses. This intermediary layer maintains the simplicity of the authorization process while adding reliable verification to prevent impersonation and unauthorized services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If traditional authorization methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but fraud detection and authorization verification are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization systemVSAvoidfraud detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server system provides verification responses to repair facilities based on authorization data. The system continuously monitors authorization requests, compares them against stored authorization information, and provides real-time feedback on whether authorization is valid. This feedback loop enables effective fraud detection without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual verification of authorization is performed, then the process is straightforward, but it increases time consumption and reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification processVSAvoidservice authorization speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated electronic communication between the repair facility, server system, and vehicle controller. Instead of manual checking of physical documents or verbal agreements, the system uses electronic authorization requests and verification responses transmitted through the server, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3951671B1Vehicle service authorization
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP3951671B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3951671B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3951671B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In some examples, a system determines a context relating to a requested service of a vehicle, the context comprising information of a location related to the vehicle. The system authorizes the requested service based on the determined context.