Vehicle Digital Key Pairing via Camera-Read Out-of-Band Bluetooth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital key systems for vehicles face security risks in Bluetooth pairing modes, such as man-in-the-middle attacks and passive monitoring, and out-of-band pairing methods require NFC or USB connections, compromising user experience.
Innovation Solution
A digital key pairing method using a digital key master module and security management center, employing encrypted secret keys and out-of-band Bluetooth communication through a camera-readable image, ensuring secure pairing without NFC or USB, utilizing AES-CCM encryption and SoftDevice pairing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If in-band Bluetooth pairing modes (Numeric Comparison, Just Works, Passkey Entry) are used, then pairing convenience is improved, but security risks increase due to vulnerability to man-in-the-middle attacks and passive monitoring attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary out-of-band communication channel (separate from the Bluetooth link layer) to transmit pairing information. This intermediary channel acts as a mediator that allows the pairing process to occur through a secure path independent of the main communication channel, preventing attackers from intercepting or manipulating pairing data through man-in-the-middle attacks on the Bluetooth connection alone.
2Reliability
If out-of-band pairing mode using NFC is used, then pairing security is improved, but device complexity increases as both vehicle end and mobile phone end require NFC modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the out-of-band communication capability universal by implementing it through the Bluetooth protocol stack itself rather than requiring specialized NFC hardware. The Bluetooth module performs multiple functions: both primary data communication and secure out-of-band pairing information exchange, eliminating the need for separate NFC modules while maintaining high security standards.
3Reliability
If out-of-band pairing mode using USB wired connection is used, then pairing security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of close contact and wired connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired USB connection system with a wireless Bluetooth-based out-of-band communication system. This substitution maintains the security benefits of out-of-band pairing (separate communication channel) while eliminating the operational drawbacks of wired connections, allowing users to pair devices wirelessly without requiring physical contact or cable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A digital key pairing method includes: initiating a pairing requirement to a digital key master module by means of a security management center in an in-vehicle infotainment system; after the security management center obtains a first digital secret key generated by the digital key master module, converting the first digital secret key into an identifiable image; reading the identifiable image by a digital key to obtain a second digital secret key, and decrypting the second digital secret key; and initiating, by the digital key, a verification requirement to the digital key master module based on the decrypted second digital secret key. The digital key pairing method achieves safe Bluetooth out-of-band pairing, and is high in security level, capable of achieving rapid pairing, and good in user experience.