Mobile Digital Key Control With Continuous Vehicle Authorization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Digital car key technologies face security vulnerabilities, allowing unauthorized access and use of vehicles even if the device is stolen or if account takeover occurs, necessitating enhanced security measures beyond biometric and credential verification.

Innovation Solution

A mobile apparatus connected to and disconnected from a vehicle via a communication interface, which authenticates the user and controls vehicle functions after the vehicle is powered up, providing an additional layer of security by enabling specific vehicle operations and continuously verifying user authorization, including location-based access control and alert signals for unauthorized use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If digital car key technologies are used with biometric verification, then user convenience is improved, but security against unauthorized access is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the authentication process into multiple independent verification stages: initial digital key authentication, continuous sensor-based monitoring (seat presence, steering wheel detection, pedal position), and periodic re-verification. This multi-layered segmentation ensures that even if one authentication layer is compromised, other layers remain to prevent unauthorized access, thereby resolving the contradiction between convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If account-based digital keys are implemented, then key sharing functionality is improved, but vulnerability to account takeover increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey sharing functionalityVSAvoidaccount takeover vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor user presence and vehicle operation parameters in real-time. If discrepancies are detected (e.g., unauthorized pedal pressing, unusual driving patterns), the system immediately terminates control and alerts authorities. This real-time feedback mechanism prevents account takeover exploitation while maintaining legitimate key sharing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If digital keys provide keyless entry and start, then ease of operation is improved, but theft risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekeyless entry and startVSAvoidtheft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification actions before granting full vehicle control. The system pre-authenticates the user through multiple sensors (seat presence detection, steering wheel grip detection, pedal position verification) before allowing engine start or vehicle movement. This preliminary action sequence ensures that even with keyless technology, unauthorized theft attempts are prevented through layered verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240367660A1Methods, mobile apparatus, and electronic device for controlling vehicle, computer program, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 IDEMIA IDENTITY & SECURITY USA LLC
  • US20240367660A1 patent drawing
  • US20240367660A1 patent drawing
  • US20240367660A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a vehicle is provided. The method is implemented by a mobile apparatus configured to be connected to and disconnected from the vehicle through a communication interface. The method includes: connecting to the vehicle via the communication interface; determining that a user associated with the apparatus is authorized to operate the vehicle; and controlling the vehicle via the communication interface to enable the vehicle to perform a function that affects the operation of the vehicle.