Control Panel Key Fob Pairing for Automatic Menu Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing engine control panels require manual use of a physical key and PIN entry for unlocking and authorization, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A user device, such as a smartphone, is paired with the control panel via Bluetooth, allowing automatic pairing and authorization based on a previously entered PIN, eliminating the need for manual key usage and PIN entry during subsequent uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual physical key and PIN entry is used for unlocking and authorization, then security and access control are maintained, but convenience and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system and manual PIN entry with an electronic wireless communication system. The mobile device communicates wirelessly with the control panel to automatically authenticate and authorize access, eliminating the need for physical key manipulation and manual typing of PIN codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary pairing between the mobile device and control panel where authentication credentials are pre-established. During subsequent access operations, the pre-paired mobile device automatically authenticates without requiring real-time PIN entry or manual key usage, as the authorization was prepared in advance during the pairing phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical keys are distributed to multiple users, then access to control panels is enabled, but key management complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universal by enabling it to serve as both a personal identification device and an authorization key simultaneously. The control panel is configured to recognize multiple pre-paired mobile devices, allowing a single system to handle authentication for multiple users without requiring separate physical keys for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of authorization credentials in the form of pre-paired mobile device identifiers and cryptographic keys. Instead of distributing physical keys, the system stores digital representations of user credentials in the control panel's memory, associated with each pre-paired mobile device, enabling easy replication and management of access rights.
3Productivity
If automatic pairing and authorization is implemented, then convenience and operational speed are improved, but system security and authorization control may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control panel continuously verifies the identity and authorization level of the mobile device through wireless communication. The system receives authentication data from the mobile device, validates it against pre-stored credentials, and provides feedback by granting or denying access based on the verification result, ensuring security is maintained throughout the automatic authorization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cryptographic authentication protocols as an intermediary layer between the mobile device and control panel. Instead of directly trusting the automatic connection, the system uses encrypted communication channels and digital signature verification to mediate the authorization process, ensuring that automatic pairing maintains security through cryptographic proof of identity and authorization rights.
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
Enables convenient and efficient operation of engine control panels by allowing automatic power-up, pairing, and authorization without the need for a physical key or repeated PIN entry.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless interface configured to establish a communication channel with a user device
Data Source
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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.