Digital-mechanical access system with dynamic usage control for motor vehicles

Abstract

(Main claim): Digital-mechanical access system for motor vehicles, characterized in that a digital authentication unit is provided for generating and transmitting an access code, a mechanical input unit on the vehicle serves for entering the code or identification data, a control unit compares the entered code with stored reference data and, if there is a match, controls an electric actuator to unlock the vehicle doors and to activate the driving authorization.

Description

State of the art

[0001] Common vehicle access systems include keys, keyless entry systems, digital smartphone keys, and PIN keypads. While these systems allow access to and activation of the vehicle, a combined solution that integrates both digital and mechanical input elements and simultaneously enables dynamic usage control based on driver profile, time, route, and driver condition is lacking. Furthermore, no widely available system utilizes two-factor authentication via external storage media such as USB drives. Object of the invention

[0002] The task is to provide a digital-mechanical access system for motor vehicles that: • enables secure user identification, • prevents unauthorized use, • dynamically adjusts driving authorization (speed, duration, route), • Additional security features such as camera surveillance and failed attempt detection are integrated, • and allows USB-based authentication with encrypted codes. Solution

[0003] The invention solves the problem through a modular access system comprising the following components: 1. Keyboard module • Capacitive numeric keypad integrated directly into the driver's window. • Activation via proximity sensor or mobile phone (Bluetooth / NFC). • Entry of PIN, name, service number, year of birth or other identification data. 2. Mechanical cylinder lock • Available as a redundant security option. • Electrically coupled to the control unit, so that mechanical input is combined with digital control. 3. Control and monitoring module • Compares entered data with stored profiles in a cloud or vehicle database. • Enables or denies access and driving authorization. • Detects incorrect entries and locks the system after several failed attempts. 4. Identification module • Camera in the driver's window captures the user's face when entering the code. • Image data is compared with saved profiles. • Access is granted only if the match is agreed. 5. Usage Restriction Module • Dynamic adjustment of driving privileges: ◯ Speed: younger drivers max. 90 km / h. ◯ Time limit: e.g. 2 hours travel time. ◯ Route: only certain geographical zones are allowed. • Activation depends on age, time of day, weather conditions and driver condition. 6. Driver safety module • Sensors in the vehicle (steering wheel, seat) detect signs of fatigue or alcohol. • If driving impairment is suspected, the vehicle will be refused entry or the speed will be reduced. 7. Camera and surveillance module • Documents every access process (code entry + face). • Data can be stored in the vehicle or in a cloud. • Serves as evidence against unauthorized use. 8. USB authentication module • The vehicle has a special USB port that is connected to the control unit. • A USB stick contains part of an encryption code. • The other part of the code is stored in the vehicle. • Only the combination of both parts allows the doors to be unlocked and the engine to be activated. • Invalid or manipulated USB sticks are detected and blocked. Advantages of the invention • Multi-factor authentication: keyboard + mechanical lock + camera + USB stick. • High security through shared encryption. • Flexibility through different profiles with individual driving rights. • Car-sharing compatible through temporary codes or USB tokens. • Dynamic adjustment of driving privileges. • Securing evidence through camera recordings.

Claims

[1] (Main claim): Digital-mechanical access system for motor vehicles, characterized by , that a digital authentication unit is provided for generating and transmitting an access code, a mechanical input unit on the vehicle serves for entering the code or identification data, a control unit compares the entered code with stored reference data and, if there is a match, controls an electric actuator to unlock the vehicle doors and to activate the driving authorization. [2] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the input unit is designed as a capacitive keyboard in the driver's window and is activated by a proximity sensor or mobile device. [3] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by , that an additional mechanical cylinder lock is provided, which is electrically coupled to the control unit and serves as a redundant safety option. [4] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by , that a camera is attached to the vehicle which captures the user's face during code entry and compares it with stored image data, granting access only if there is a match. [5] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control unit activates dynamic usage restrictions depending on age, time of day, route or driver profile, in particular speed limits, time limits or geographical driving zones. [6] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by , that sensors in the vehicle detect the driver's condition and, in case of signs of fatigue or alcohol, refuse driving privileges or reduce speed. [7] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by, that a USB authentication module is provided, wherein a USB storage medium contains part of an encryption code and the other part is stored in the vehicle, and only the combination of both parts enables access to and activation of the vehicle. [8] Access system according to claim 1, characterized by that all access processes are documented by camera recordings and stored in the vehicle or in a cloud in order to make unauthorized use detectable.

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