Cellular Electronic Key for Secure Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic keys in the automotive sector are limited by short-distance radio functionality and lack secure, flexible authentication methods, making them vulnerable to misuse and replication, especially when using open mobile phone platforms.
Innovation Solution
An electronic key with cellular capability, equipped with a mobile radio unit, processing unit, memory, and short-range radio, enabling communication with central servers via mobile networks for authentication, access control, and additional functions like payment, remote control, and emergency calls, while ensuring high security through restricted communication paths and closed operating system software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic keys use open mobile phone platforms for communication, then ease of operation and versatility are improved, but security deteriorates because hardware and rights can be easily replicated with technical knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates authentication functions into two distinct components: a mobile communication unit for long-range server communication and a short-range radio unit for local vehicle authentication. This segmentation allows the key to use open mobile platforms for versatility while maintaining security through dedicated authentication hardware that cannot be easily replicated
Solution Approach 2:
A central server acts as an intermediary between the electronic key and the vehicle. The server manages authentication information and validates keys remotely, providing a secure layer that prevents direct replication attacks on the vehicle system while maintaining ease of operation through centralized management
2Reliability
If electronic keys are limited to short-range radio communication, then security is improved by restricting communication paths, but adaptability and remote functionality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic key is designed with multi-functionality, combining both short-range radio communication for secure local authentication and a mobile communication unit for long-range remote operations. This allows the same device to perform both secure proximity access and remote functions such as payment, emergency calls, and remote control without compromising security
3Ease of operation
If authentication information is stored locally in the key, then ease of operation is improved by enabling local authentication, but security deteriorates because the key can be misused without centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through continuous communication with the central server. The server can monitor authentication events, update authentication information, and revoke access rights remotely. This feedback mechanism ensures that while local authentication provides ease of operation, centralized control maintains security through real-time oversight and management
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electronic key for a motor vehicle, comprising a mobile radio unit (6) which permits the electronic key to receive authentication information from a central server (20) via a mobile radio network, a processor unit (2) which is configured to process authentication information received from the central server, a memory unit (9) which is configured to store authentication information received from the central server, and a short-distance radio unit (7, 11) which permits the electronic key to transmit authentication information to the motor vehicle, in order to release a lock or a function of a device.