Digital Over-the-Air Keying System for Vehicle Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless communication systems in the trucking and equipment leasing industries lack effective access control measures to prevent theft and unauthorized use of vehicles or equipment, particularly those carrying hazardous freight.
Innovation Solution
A digital over-the-air keying system is deployed using wireless communications, where digital access keys are assigned to drivers or operators, verified through biometric means, and managed remotely to control access rights, including geographical and temporal restrictions, enabling secure and granular access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional physical key systems are used for vehicle access control, then drivers can physically access vehicles, but the system lacks remote access control capability and cannot prevent theft or unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-lock system with an electronic/digital access control system. Instead of using physical keys that require manual insertion into ignition locks, the system uses digital keys transmitted via wireless communication (GPS satellite, cellular, or radio frequency) to the vehicle's controller, which then authorizes engine startup and operation. This substitution eliminates the mechanical aspect while providing enhanced security through remote verification and control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central authority server as an intermediary between the key issuer and the vehicle controller. The server verifies the authenticity of digital keys, manages key distribution, and coordinates with both the issuer's mobile device and the vehicle's controller through wireless communication networks. This intermediary ensures secure authentication and enables remote access control without requiring direct physical presence at the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If digital access keys are transmitted wirelessly to drivers, then remote access control is enabled, but the system requires complex verification and communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle controller multi-functional by integrating multiple capabilities into a single device: it receives and verifies digital keys from wireless transmissions, authenticates drivers against the central authority server, controls engine startup and operation, tracks vehicle location via GPS, and communicates with various networks (satellite, cellular, radio). This consolidation reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, simplifying the overall infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service key transmission where the issuer's mobile device automatically transmits the digital key to the vehicle controller through wireless communication without requiring manual intervention. The vehicle controller autonomously verifies the key's authenticity through cryptographic validation and communicates with the central authority server to confirm authorization. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for physical key distribution or manual verification processes.
3Productivity
If physical keys are used for equipment access, then simple access is provided, but the system cannot track usage or enforce geographical and temporal restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where the vehicle controller constantly monitors and reports vehicle status, location, and operational data to the central authority server through GPS and wireless communication networks. The server processes this information to track usage patterns, verify geographical boundaries, enforce temporal restrictions, and generate billing information. This real-time feedback mechanism enables comprehensive usage tracking and automated enforcement of access policies without requiring manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of access restrictions before allowing vehicle operation. The vehicle controller checks the digital key against predefined geographical boundaries, temporal windows, and authorization conditions stored in the central authority server or locally cached. If any restriction would be violated, the controller prevents engine startup or operation before the violation occurs. This preliminary action ensures compliance with access policies without requiring continuous external verification during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing operational access to equipment or vehicles is disclosed wherein digital access codes are assigned and transported over-the-air governing a vehicle's or equipment's use. The access codes can be generated in connection with comparison of entered and stored biometric data and/or entered code from a keypad. Various security protocols can be used to ensure the secure dispatch and delivery of code information.