Digital Friend Key Alcohol Interlock With Custom BAC Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alcohol interlock systems in vehicles are rigid and do not allow owners to set personalized alcohol test thresholds beyond legal requirements, posing a challenge in effectively preventing driving under the influence.
Innovation Solution
A digital key system utilizing a digital owner key and a digital friend key, integrated with a breathalyzer function, allows owners to set personalized blood alcohol level limits and automatically locks or unlocks the vehicle based on the test results, ensuring flexible implementation of alcohol tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional alcohol interlock system is used, then the vehicle can prevent driving under the influence, but the system does not allow owners to set personalized alcohol test thresholds beyond legal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alcohol interlock functionality by introducing separate digital key types (owner key vs. friend key) with different authorization levels. The owner key allows configuration of personalized alcohol thresholds, while the friend key operates with predefined or inherited settings. This segmentation enables personalized alcohol limits for different users without requiring complete system redesign, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts alcohol threshold settings based on the type of digital key used. When an owner key is detected, the system enables customizable threshold configuration; when a friend key is used, the system applies predefined or inherited thresholds. This dynamic behavior allows the same hardware to adapt to different user roles and requirements, achieving personalization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Reliability
If an alcohol test function is integrated into the digital key system, then owners can enforce stricter alcohol limits, but the system requires secure communication protocols to prevent manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a secure communication layer as an intermediary between the alcohol testing device and the vehicle's control systems. This intermediary layer implements encrypted data transmission and authentication protocols that verify the integrity of alcohol test results. By placing this security intermediary in the communication path, the system ensures test accuracy and prevents manipulation without requiring complex security measures throughout the entire system architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vehicle is locked based on alcohol test results, then intoxicated users are prevented from driving, but the user loses access to comfort features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by allowing selective access to vehicle features based on alcohol test results. Instead of completely locking the vehicle, the system can restrict specific functions (such as engine start or driving modes) while potentially allowing access to comfort features like climate control or infotainment. This localized restriction approach prevents driving under influence while maintaining ease of operation for permitted features.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for implementing an alcohol test for a user of a vehicle 5, wherein a digital friend key 7 with key supplement data is generated on the basis of a digital owner key 4 of the vehicle 5, wherein the key supplement data of the digital friend key 7 describe or reference the activation of an alcohol test function 10, wherein when the vehicle 5 is used with the digital friend key 7 the alcohol test function 10 is activated, wherein when the alcohol test function 10 is activated an alcohol test of the user with the friend key 7 is carried out, wherein the vehicle 5 is put into a release state or into a lock state depending on the alcohol test.