Dynamic Electronic Key Deactivation for Valet Parking Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

In autonomous valet parking systems, there is a need to prevent unauthorized access to vehicles using electronic keys, as existing methods do not effectively ensure that deactivated keys cannot be used to access vehicle components while the vehicle is parked.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling access to vehicles, where an electronic key is deactivated after the vehicle is switched off for parking, using a key management server and communication network to prevent access to vehicle components, and can be reactivated when necessary, with additional keys generated or sent via the network for access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic key remains activated during parking, then access to vehicle components is maintained for legitimate operations, but unauthorized access and security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle securityVSAvoidkey management flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic key's access rights are made dynamic rather than static. The key management server dynamically adjusts the key's activation status based on the vehicle's operational state. When the vehicle is parked, the key is automatically deactivated; when the vehicle is in operation, the key is reactivated. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting security levels to actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the vehicle's operational status continuously communicates with the key management server. The server receives feedback about whether the vehicle is parked or in operation and automatically adjusts the electronic key's activation state accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system maintains security while preserving operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the electronic key is deactivated after vehicle shutdown, then unauthorized access during parking is prevented, but legitimate access for authorized operations may be blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidaccess control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary deactivation of the electronic key before authorized personnel need access during parking. The key is deactivated automatically when the vehicle enters parking mode, and reactivated in advance when the vehicle transitions to operation mode or when authorized access is requested. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained while allowing legitimate access when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The key management server acts as an intermediary between the electronic key and the vehicle's access control system. Rather than directly blocking or allowing access, the server mediates by controlling the key's activation status based on vehicle state and authorization requests. This intermediary approach maintains both security and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple electronic keys are generated for parking operations, then access availability is improved, but system complexity and key management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey availabilityVSAvoidkey management system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key management server provides universal control for all electronic keys in the system. Rather than requiring separate management mechanisms for each key, the server centrally manages activation and deactivation of multiple keys based on a single criterion: the vehicle's operational state. This multi-functional approach simplifies key management while ensuring availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic keys are automatically managed through self-service mechanisms. The key management server automatically activates and deactivates keys based on vehicle status without requiring manual intervention for each key. This automated self-service approach reduces management complexity while maintaining key availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11305730B2Method for controlling access to a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US11305730B2 patent drawing
  • US11305730B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling access to a vehicle. An electronic key for accessing one or multiple vehicle components is deactivated after the vehicle is switched off in order to park the vehicle in a parking position, so that an attempt with the aid of the deactivated electronic key to access the one or multiple vehicle components of the vehicle parked in the parking position may be prevented. Moreover, a system for controlling access to a vehicle, a parking system for vehicles, an access control system for controlling access to a vehicle, a vehicle, a user for a communication network, a method for operating a user for a communication network, and a computer program, are described.