Key Delivery Manager for Adaptive Phone-Based Key Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phone-based key systems face challenges in managing key delivery and connectivity, particularly in scenarios where cellular connectivity is unavailable, leading to inefficiencies and additional user steps in accessing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a key delivery manager on the vehicle side that considers state knowledge and connectivity availability to dictate the delivery method, allowing for key redelivery, choosing the appropriate delivery type based on connectivity, and revoking keys accordingly, using both cellular and local connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system always uses cellular connection for key delivery, then key delivery reliability is improved, but user convenience deteriorates when cellular connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between cellular and local Wi-Fi connections based on real-time connectivity availability. The key delivery manager monitors network conditions and automatically selects the appropriate delivery channel, making the system adaptive to changing environmental conditions rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a key delivery manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the key management server and the vehicle controller. This manager evaluates connectivity conditions and routes key delivery through appropriate channels (cellular or local Wi-Fi), resolving the contradiction by adding an intelligent decision-making layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system implements multiple delivery methods, then adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the key delivery function into distinct modules: a key delivery manager, a key management server, and vehicle controllers. Each component has a specific responsibility, and the manager handles the complexity of multi-channel selection while keeping other components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The key delivery manager serves multiple functions: it monitors connectivity, selects delivery channels, manages key transmission, and handles failures. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single component rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
3Reliability
If the system checks connectivity status before key delivery, then key delivery success rate is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connectivity checks before initiating key delivery to ensure the selected channel is available. This preliminary action prevents failed delivery attempts and reduces overall time by avoiding retries and error handling later in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The key delivery manager continuously monitors connectivity status and uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about delivery channel selection. The system adjusts its behavior based on current network conditions, optimizing both success rate and time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller may implement a key delivery manager on the vehicle side to aid in control of consumer access key delivery. These controls may include, for example, key redelivery to a mobile device, choosing a type of key delivery according to availability of vehicle connectivity, and revoking keys according to availability of vehicle connectivity. By using the key delivery manager, the controller takes into account state knowledge as well as connectivity availability to dictate which delivery method (and subsequent user interactions) should be utilized.