Electrochromic Windshield Authentication for Vehicle Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle security systems, such as mechanical locks and sensor-controlled alarms, are inconvenient or ineffective in preventing unauthorized vehicle theft.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle security system utilizing an electrochromic film device on the windshield that switches between transparent and opaque states based on authentication signals, ensuring visibility is blocked when unauthorized access is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical locks and sensor-controlled alarms are used, then vehicle security is provided, but the systems are inconvenient or ineffective in preventing unauthorized vehicle theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking systems and sensor-controlled alarms with an electrochromic film-based security system. The electrochromic film transitions between transparent and opaque states based on authentication signals, eliminating the need for physical keys and complex sensor networks while providing more reliable theft prevention through multi-factor authentication and remote control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameter (transparency) of the windshield through electrochromic material properties. By controlling the electrochromic film's transition between transparent and opaque states via voltage application, the system provides dynamic security control that enhances both reliability and ease of operation compared to static mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If the electrochromic device is turned on to block visibility, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the driver's visibility is also blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic film's optical state is dynamically controlled based on authentication outcomes and driving conditions. The system transitions the film between transparent and opaque states in real-time, allowing it to block visibility when security threats are detected while maintaining driver visibility during normal operation. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the security measure adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through multi-factor authentication and monitoring of driving conditions. The electrochromic film state is adjusted based on feedback from authentication signals, remote device communications, and sensor inputs, ensuring that visibility blocking only occurs when genuinely needed for security while maintaining normal visibility for legitimate drivers.
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
Enhances vehicle security by preventing unauthorized driving and providing additional layers of protection against theft, including through multi-factor authentication and tamper-proof mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic device of a vehicle windshield to be in a turned-on state
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for receiving, by a receiver, a first signal sent from a remote access device; and, in response to the receiver receiving the first signal, causing, by a processor, an electrochromic device of a vehicle windshield to be in a turned-on state. A transmitter sends a second signal to a remote authenticator device, the second signal triggering a response signal from the remote authenticator device. The receiver receives the response signal. In response to the response signal indicating an authorization the processor causes the electrochromic device to be in the turned-on state. In response to the response signal indicating no authorization, the processor causes the electrochromic device to be in a turned-off state. Sometimes the electrochromic device is turned-on when, in addition to receiving the first signal, the receiver receives the response signal from the remote authenticator device indicating an authorization.