Vehicle Digital Key Authentication Under Antenna Malfunction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital key systems fail to confirm the presence of a digital key within a vehicle cabin when communication interfaces, such as antennas, malfunction, preventing engine start.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system that determines communication interface malfunction and, if detected, enables engine start based on authentication results from the digital key device, using biometric or other authentication methods to ensure user verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If communication interface (antenna) is used to confirm digital key presence in vehicle cabin, then security is improved, but system reliability deteriorates when communication interface malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcommunication interface malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a malfunction determination process before relying on communication interface results. The processor determines whether the communication interface is malfunctioning based on communication status, and prepares alternative authentication pathways in advance. This cushioning mechanism ensures that communication failures do not directly cause system failure, thereby improving reliability while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that operates between the communication interface and the final authentication decision. When the communication interface status is uncertain or malfunctioning, the system uses alternative authentication methods (such as analyzing authentication request patterns, device characteristics, or other non-communication-based verification) as an intermediary to reach a secure authentication decision without being blocked by communication failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If authentication based on communication confirmation is required, then security is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates when communication fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidengine start operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system dynamically adjusts its requirements based on communication interface status. When communication is normal, the system operates in a standard mode with communication-based confirmation. When communication fails or malfunctions, the system automatically transitions to an alternative authentication mode that does not depend on communication interface functionality. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation while preserving security through multiple authentication pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12430972B2Vehicle, judging method, and non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium on which computer program is recorded

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to determine whether or not a communication interface is malfunctioning, the communication interface being configured to perform communication for confirming that a device, which holds a digital key for activation, is inside a vehicle cabin, and in a case in which it is determined that the communication interface is malfunctioning, perform processing that enables activation based on a result of authentication of the device.