Vehicle Key Fob BLE Pairing via NFC Key Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle key fob communication protocols, particularly Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), are time-consuming and complex, leading to reduced responsiveness of vehicle functions due to lengthy pairing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) to securely exchange a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) key between the key fob and the vehicle, enabling faster and simplified BLE pairing by storing the exchanged key in non-volatile memory, and subsequently establishing BLE communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex cryptographic pairing algorithms (such as ECDH key exchange) are used for BLE pairing, then security is improved, but pairing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-sharing the BLE key through NFC communication before BLE pairing is needed. The key is exchanged and stored in advance during a secure NFC interaction, so that when BLE pairing is required, the key is already available and no time-consuming cryptographic exchange is needed at that moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses NFC communication as an intermediary to transfer the BLE key securely. Instead of performing complex cryptographic exchanges directly over BLE, the NFC interface acts as a secure mediator that establishes the key exchange channel, combining the security of NFC with the connectivity benefits of BLE.
2Reliability
If BLE pairing is performed before BLE protocol is used, then secure communication is established, but responsiveness of subsequent functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the key exchange action in advance during NFC pairing, so that when BLE functions need to be executed, the security credentials are already in place. This preliminary key establishment eliminates the delay between function initiation and secure communication setup.
3Reliability
If NFC pairing is used for short-distance communication, then security risks are reduced, but communication distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication process into two distinct phases: NFC phase for secure key exchange (short distance) and BLE phase for data communication (longer distance). Each protocol is used for its optimal purpose, combining the security advantages of NFC with the range advantages of BLE.
Solution Approach 2:
NFC serves as an intermediary for the critical security function of key exchange, while BLE handles the actual communication needs. This division allows the system to leverage the short-range security of NFC without limiting the overall communication distance, as BLE takes over for extended range operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for communication between a vehicle remote key fob (110) and a vehicle (120) is proposed. The key fob (110) and the vehicle (120) are configured to communicate using the BLE and NFC communication protocols. The method includes an S10 pairing of the key fob (110) and the vehicle (120) for the NFC communication protocol. The method includes an S20 exchange, using the NFC communication protocol, of a BLE key (132) between the key fob (110) and the vehicle (120). The method includes an S30 establishment of BLE communication between the key fob (110) and the vehicle (120) using the exchanged BLE key (132). The method improves the establishment of BLE communication between the remote key fob (110) and the vehicle (120).