Digital Key Sharing for Vehicle Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current key sharing mechanisms for vehicle access control are vulnerable to theft, lack enforcement of restrictions, and require physical presence or server connectivity, making them inefficient and insecure.
Innovation Solution
A method using cryptographic operations to generate and manage digital permissions, allowing secure sharing and revocation of access without relying on physical keys or server connectivity, utilizing devices with certificates and private keys for secure communication and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys are used for key sharing, then access control is provided, but the key is vulnerable to theft and cannot be revoked without changing vehicle locks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical keys with digital key copies stored on electronic devices. These digital keys are cryptographic representations that can be securely copied and distributed without physical contact, eliminating the risk of physical theft while maintaining access control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic key management where digital keys can be remotely revoked, updated, and managed through a server. This allows the access control system to adapt in real-time, enabling immediate revocation of compromised keys without physical intervention or vehicle lock changes
2Reliability
If PIN or password entry is used, then access control is provided, but the password is vulnerable to eavesdropping and brute-force attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/password-based access systems with cryptographic authentication. Instead of relying on human-memorable passwords that can be eavesdropped or guessed, the system uses cryptographic key pairs and digital signatures that provide mathematically secure authentication resistant to eavesdropping and brute-force attacks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements asymmetric cryptography where the owner has a private key and the system verifies using a public key. This asymmetric relationship ensures that even if the public key is known, the private key remains secure, preventing eavesdropping and brute-force attacks that plague symmetric password systems
3Ease of operation
If server-based key sharing is used, then digital key distribution is enabled, but the vehicle needs continuous connection to the server to receive and verify keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cryptographic setup where the vehicle and owner device establish trusted relationships and store cryptographic credentials in advance. This preliminary action enables the vehicle to independently verify digital keys offline without needing continuous server connectivity, while still maintaining security through pre-established cryptographic trust
4Ease of operation
If physical keys are transferred, then access is granted, but the owner and other party must be co-located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables digital copying of keys through electronic devices, allowing key distribution to occur remotely via communication networks. This eliminates the need for physical co-location, as keys can be copied and transferred electronically to any location with network connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary that facilitates remote key distribution. The server acts as a trusted mediator that can securely distribute digital keys between the owner and other parties over communication networks, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction or co-location
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system involving an access point, a vehicle and a user is provided. The vehicle and user possess a registration code, the user possesses a public and private key pair, and the access point and vehicle possess certificates and associated private keys. The access point issues a certificate to the user associated with the user's public and private keys, and the certificate of the access point is known and trusted by the vehicle. The access point signs a message granting ownership of the vehicle to the user, and the identity of the user indicates the user's certificate. The vehicle conditionally accepts the ownership registration request of the user.