Bluetooth Key Fob Pairing for Control Panel Menu Authorization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional engine control panels require a physical key for manual unlocking and subsequent manual entry of a PIN for menu access, which is inconvenient and requires each user to have their own key and PIN.

Innovation Solution

A user device, such as a smartphone, is paired with the control panel via Bluetooth, allowing the device to function as a key fob. The initial pairing requires a physical key and PIN entry, but subsequent access allows automatic pairing and authorization based on the previously entered PIN, eliminating the need for manual key and PIN entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a physical key and manual PIN entry system is used for control panel access, then security and authorization control are maintained, but user convenience and access speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess convenienceVSAvoidauthorization security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key insertion system with a wireless Bluetooth communication system. The mobile device communicates with the control panel via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation while maintaining secure access through encrypted wireless communication and digital authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the authentication system where the mobile device stores and transmits digital credentials that replicate the security function of the physical key and PIN combination. The mobile device acts as a digital key fob, copying the authorization functionality in a more convenient form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If each user requires their own physical key and PIN, then individual authorization control is achieved, but the complexity of key management and distribution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-specific authorizationVSAvoidkey management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the mobile device universal by enabling it to function as a key fob for multiple different control panels. A single mobile device can store multiple Bluetooth pairings and authorization credentials, allowing users to access various equipment without carrying multiple physical keys. The control panel system also becomes universal by accepting Bluetooth connections from any authorized mobile device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the authorization credentials from the physical key and stores them digitally in the mobile device. This separation allows the credentials to be managed independently - they can be copied, transferred, or revoked without affecting the physical control panel hardware, simplifying key management and distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If manual key insertion and PIN entry is required each time, then security control is maintained, but access time and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidaccess control security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary pairing and authentication setup during an initial configuration phase. The mobile device and control panel establish Bluetooth connectivity and exchange cryptographic credentials in advance. This preliminary action stores the security parameters in both devices, enabling rapid automatic authentication on subsequent accesses without requiring manual PIN entry each time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service authentication where the mobile device and control panel automatically perform the authentication exchange without user intervention. The system autonomously retrieves stored credentials, verifies authorization, and grants access, eliminating the need for manual key insertion and PIN entry while maintaining security through pre-configured cryptographic verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the access process by eliminating the need for manual key and PIN entry each time the control panel is used, enhancing convenience and reducing the risk of lost or misplaced keys and PINs.

Implementation Method 1

a Bluetooth module configured to pair with a user device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS12204617B2Key fobs and menu access level authorization for control panels via Bluetooth pairing with user devices

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 CATTRON NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to key fobs and menu access authorization for control panels via pairing with user devices. In exemplary embodiments, a method generally includes pairing a user device (e.g., smartphone, Bluetooth-enabled device, etc.) to a control panel (e.g., engine control panel, etc.) such that the user device is operable as or similar to a key fob for the control panel. After the initial pairing and entry of the user's menu access level PIN into the control panel, the control panel will thereafter automatically power up or wake up, pair with the user device, and grant menu access level rights based on the previously entered user's menu access level PIN when the user device is within range of the control panel and/or the user device manually connects with the control panel.