Vehicle Software Update Integrity via Blockchain Hash Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle control systems are vulnerable to software hacks due to lack of secure and trustless verification mechanisms, particularly in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication networks, which can lead to unauthorized software modifications and compromised vehicle safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle authentication system utilizing a decentralized blockchain, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, to securely distribute software updates and verify software integrity through a vehicle blockchain manager and software controller, which generates public addresses, hashes software programs, and verifies updates against a blockchain network to ensure only authorized software is installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle control systems allow software updates through V2X communication networks, then system adaptability and functionality are improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized software modifications and cybersecurity threats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hashing of software programs before distribution and stores these hashes in a blockchain. When software updates are transmitted through V2X communication, the receiving vehicle controller verifies the software integrity by comparing the received software's hash against the pre-stored blockchain hash, preventing unauthorized modifications before execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary verification layer between software distribution and execution. The blockchain acts as a trusted mediator that stores and verifies software hashes, enabling secure software updates without requiring direct trust in the communication network or source
2Ease of operation
If vehicle controllers store and execute software programs accessible by service departments, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but security vulnerability to hacking and unauthorized modifications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-hashing software programs and storing these hashes in a blockchain before distribution. This creates a preventive security mechanism that blocks unauthorized software execution before it can cause harm, while still allowing legitimate service department access through proper verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/trust-based software verification with a cryptographic hash verification system anchored in blockchain technology. This substitution enables secure software distribution without requiring physical security measures or blind trust in service departments
3Reliability
If software verification mechanisms are implemented in vehicle controllers, then software integrity and cybersecurity are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex cryptographic verification logic from the vehicle controller and relocates it to the blockchain network. The controller only needs to perform simple hash comparison operations against blockchain-stored hashes, significantly reducing onboard computational requirements while maintaining strong verification capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a controller that is configured to include a memory, a verification module, and a software control module. The memory includes a software version repository to store a public address and one or more software hashes associated with the public address. The verification module is configured to verify a software upload request that includes a recommended software program to be uploaded. The verification module is configured to determine whether a contingent software hash that is indicative of the recommended software program matches a current software hash. The software control module is configured to acquire the recommended software program in response to the contingent software hash matching the current software hash.