Digital Key Authentication via Signed Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying the owner of a vehicle, such as using multiple physical keys or visiting a dealer, can be cumbersome and detract from the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A device with an interface for communication with a user terminal and a control module that generates signed information for owner identification, which can be used to prove ownership without the need for physical keys or dealer verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple physical keys are used for owner identification, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical keys with a digital copy/representation stored on a user terminal (smartphone, tablet, or computer). The vehicle contains a reader that can authenticate the digital key through wireless communication (NFC, Bluetooth, or other protocols), eliminating the need for multiple physical key fobs while maintaining security through cryptographic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical physical key system with an electronic/digital key system. Instead of physically inserting or presenting a key fob, the authentication is performed through wireless electronic communication between the user terminal and the vehicle's reader, replacing mechanical interaction with electronic data exchange.
2Reliability
If multiple physical keys are used for owner identification, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The digital key stored on the user terminal serves as a virtual copy of the physical key, accessible through the device's operating system and key management application. Users can present the key by simply bringing their smartphone near the vehicle or activating the key through the app, eliminating the need to physically handle multiple key fobs.
Solution Approach 2:
The user terminal (smartphone, tablet, or computer) serves multiple functions: it stores the digital key, communicates with the vehicle via wireless protocols, and provides the user interface for key management. This single device replaces multiple specialized physical keys, improving ease of operation through consolidation.
3Reliability
If dealer verification with vehicle documents is used for owner identification, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The owner's identity and ownership are verified in advance during the vehicle purchase or registration process, and the digital key is provisioned to the user terminal before the owner needs to access the vehicle. This preliminary authentication eliminates the need for time-consuming dealer verification at the point of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual document verification process at the dealer with an automated electronic authentication system. The reader in the vehicle directly verifies the digital key through wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical document inspection and manual verification procedures.
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 secure and convenient owner identification using a user terminal and a hardware token, reducing costs associated with multiple vehicle keys and improving the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
communication between the device and the user terminal can be carried out by means of near-field communication (NFC)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for identification of an owner includes an interface and a control module. The interface is configured to communicate with a user terminal. The control module is configured to control the interface. The control module is further configured to receive information about an intended identification of the user terminal. The control module is also configured to generate signed information based on the information about an intended identification, wherein the signed information can be used for identification of the owner, and send the signed information to the user terminal.