Battery-Free Digital Key Sharing via Local Protocol Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital key sharing processes require internet connectivity for the sharee device, which can be inconvenient and limit the functionality of battery-free devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus, such as a smart card or key fob, is designed to operate without internet connectivity by using interface circuitry to receive digital key protocol information from a device, allowing it to function as a digital key according to standards like the Car Connectivity Consortium's (CCC) standard, without the need for internet connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharee device uses internet connectivity for key sharing, then the key sharing process can be completed, but the convenience and functionality are reduced due to network requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the internet connectivity requirement from the sharee device by implementing a battery-free sharee that performs key sharing operations locally without network access. The sharee device extracts and stores necessary key material and protocol information locally, eliminating the need for continuous internet connectivity during the key sharing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a battery-powered sharer device as an intermediary that initiates the key sharing process and provides necessary information to the battery-free sharee. The sharer acts as a mediator that bridges the capability gap between devices with and without internet connectivity, enabling the battery-free sharee to participate in key sharing without requiring its own network connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If a battery-free apparatus is used for key sharing, then production costs are reduced and convenience is improved, but the ability to perform key sharing operations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key sharing solution where the battery-free apparatus can function with multiple different sharer devices and communication protocols. The apparatus stores protocol information and key material in a universal manner that allows it to interact with various sharer devices, maintaining versatility despite the battery-free constraint and reduced functionality compared to network-connected devices.
3Device complexity
If the apparatus stores all necessary information locally, then internet connectivity is eliminated, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by storing only the necessary key material and essential protocol information locally in the battery-free apparatus, rather than all possible data. The apparatus stores sufficient information to perform the key sharing operation but not excessive data, balancing the need for connectivity elimination with reasonable storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a vehicle includes interface circuitry and storage circuitry. The interface circuitry is configured to receive, from a device, a signal comprising information indicative of a digital key protocol to enable a key sharing flow between the apparatus and a device. The storage circuitry is configured to store the information.