Encrypted Virtual Key Management for Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle rental and sharing systems face challenges in securely and efficiently managing access to multiple vehicles, as they often rely on proxy connections and QR codes, which can be cumbersome and insecure.
Innovation Solution
The system generates and manages virtual keys for vehicles, encrypted with unique encryption keys, allowing mobile devices to control access by decrypting and executing commands such as unlocking, locking, and changing reservation states, ensuring secure and efficient access management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If QR codes and proxy connections are used for vehicle access, then user convenience is maintained, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/scannable QR code system with a wireless cryptographic authentication system. Instead of scanning physical codes, the mobile device performs cryptographic handshakes with the vehicle using wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical QR codes while maintaining contactless convenience and significantly improving security through encrypted authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an enterprise server as a trusted intermediary that facilitates secure authentication between the mobile device and vehicle. The server acts as a mediator that verifies credentials, manages cryptographic keys, and coordinates the authentication process, enabling secure access without requiring direct peer-to-peer cryptographic infrastructure in each vehicle.
2Reliability
If enterprise mobile applications are used to proxy connections, then vehicle access control is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the enterprise server perform multiple functions: it acts as an authentication authority, a key distribution center, a communication relay, and an access control manager. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional server platform, the system reduces the need for separate specialized components in each vehicle and mobile device, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable access control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual keys are generated for multiple vehicles, then user flexibility is improved, but key management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the enterprise server continuously monitors which virtual keys are active, which vehicles they access, and when they expire. The server automatically revokes unused keys, refreshes expiring keys, and notifies users of their current access permissions. This automated feedback loop manages the complexity of multiple virtual keys without burdening the user, maintaining flexibility while reducing manual management overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for controlling access to vehicles in rental, loaner, shared-use, and other vehicle fleets. Some of the present systems, devices, and methods use encrypted virtual keys that can be relayed to a vehicle computing device via a user's mobile device. Such virtual keys can be command-specific such that successful use of a virtual key results execution of a predetermined command or group of commands, and further commands require one or more additional virtual keys with the additional commands. Others of the present systems, devices, and methods provide tools: for provisioning or initial pairing of vehicle computing devices with corresponding vehicles, identifying and permitting a user to select locally available vehicles, prompting vehicle computing devices to retrieve pending commands from a server, and/or various other functions described in this disclosure.