In-vehicle bus authentication module that detects spoofed
This technology embeds invisible digital watermarks directly onto vehicle or device communication buses — the internal wiring networks that components use to talk to each other. It works by layering a secondary signal on top of normal data transmissions using a separate modulation method, so the watermark doesn't interfere with regular operation. Each successive message carries a slightly different watermark signature, and the system can adapt that signature based on detected electrical noise on the wire. The result is a stream of authenticated, traceable messages that can prove whether data came from a legitimate source and hasn't been tampered with.
What you could build
A hardware/firmware security module embedded in automotive ECUs or industrial controllers that authenticates bus traffic in real time without adding latency; automakers, Tier 1 suppliers, and industrial OEMs requiring functional safety compliance would be the buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense primes and autonomous vehicle programs (e.g., AV testing corridors, naval electronics suppliers) would have direct use for authenticated embedded bus communications.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Alan J. Michaels, Venkata N. Sai Srikar Palukuru, John Moore, Michael Fletcher, Christopher Henshaw
- Granted
- December 30, 2025
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12512987
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.