Vehicle Key Module Motion-Based State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keyless entry systems in vehicles are susceptible to relay attacks, where the distance between the vehicle and the key is bridged by two transmission/reception units, allowing unauthorized access and starting of the vehicle even when the key is outside the range.
Innovation Solution
A key module and key partner system with multiple operating states, including an active, pre-shutdown, and shutdown state, using a motion sensor and communication interface to manage these states based on motion detection, transmitting a shutdown request to the key partner for authorization, and shutting down the key module to prevent relay attacks while maintaining convenience during breaks in driving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the key module remains continuously active to maintain keyless entry functionality, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases and security against relay attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The key module dynamically transitions between operating states (active, pre-shutdown, shutdown) based on motion detection. The control module adjusts the operational state in real-time: fully active when motion is detected, pre-shutdown when motionless for a first threshold time, and shutdown when motionless for a second, longer threshold time. This dynamic state management reduces power consumption while maintaining convenience when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic motion detection checks to determine whether to maintain active state or transition to shutdown. Instead of continuous operation, the key module periodically assesses motion status and adjusts its operational state accordingly, creating a rhythm of active/idle cycles that conserves energy while ensuring availability when the user approaches.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the key module shuts down completely to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to impaired functionality during breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions to a pre-shutdown state before complete shutdown, serving as a preparatory phase. In this intermediate state, the key module maintains limited functionality and can still communicate with the vehicle. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare for shutdown while ensuring that if the user approaches during this transition period, the key can be quickly reactivated without full functionality loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The key module dynamically adjusts its operational state based on motion detection thresholds. When motionless for a first threshold time but not yet a second, longer threshold time, the system enters pre-shutdown state with reduced but not eliminated functionality. This dynamic adjustment ensures power savings while maintaining operational capability during brief interruptions.
3Reliability
If the key module remains active to maintain security readiness, then security is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key module dynamically adjusts its security monitoring level based on motion detection. In active state, full security monitoring is enabled. In pre-shutdown state, limited monitoring continues. In shutdown state, minimal monitoring persists. This dynamic security posture maintains reliability when needed while reducing power consumption during inactivity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The key module uses its own motion sensor to autonomously determine when to reduce security monitoring and enter lower-power states. The system self-regulates its security readiness level based on detected motion patterns, eliminating the need for continuous high-level security monitoring when the key is stationary, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining adequate security.
4Ease of operation
If motion detection threshold is set low to detect subtle movements, then ease of operation is improved, but false activation increases leading to unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a two-stage threshold approach with preliminary action. First, a lower threshold detects potential motion and triggers a transition to active state. Then, a confirmation period is required to verify sustained motion before maintaining the active state. This preliminary detection followed by verification reduces false activations while maintaining sensitivity to genuine user approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module continuously monitors motion sensor output and provides feedback to adjust system state. When motion exceeds the threshold, the system activates and continues monitoring to confirm sustained motion. If motion ceases during the confirmation period, the system can revert to lower-power states. This feedback mechanism filters out transient false activations while responding to genuine user presence.
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 security by preventing relay attacks and reducing power consumption, allowing secure shutdown of the key module without impairing its functionality during breaks or long inactivity periods.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor (14), configured for determining information about a motion of the key module (100)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a key partner, methods and computer programs for a key module of a vehicle and a vehicle. The apparatus for the key module includes a communication interface for radio communication with a key partner of the vehicle, a motion sensor, and a control module for controlling an operating state from operating states of the key module based on the information about the motion of the key module. The operating states include at least a first operating state, a pre-shutdown operating state and a shutdown state. The control module activates the first operating state if the motion of the key module is above a motion limit value and activates the pre-shutdown operating state if the motion of the key module is below the motion limit value over a period of time.