Vehicle Key Module Proximity Monitoring and Blinding Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security access devices, such as vehicle keys, lack effective solutions for preventing unauthorized use when lost or stolen, leading to potential theft and stress for owners, with no satisfactory method to prevent thieves from unlocking and driving away vehicles equipped with modern remote opening functions.
Innovation Solution
A key module that monitors proximity to an authorized user's mobile device, transmitting alerts and initiating a 'vehicle blinding' mode if the key is out of range, disabling ignition or unlocking functions, and allowing tracking and communication to recover or secure the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If modern remote opening functions are added to vehicle keys, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unauthorized use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the proximity between the key module and the authorized user's mobile device. When the key is detected outside a predetermined threshold distance, the system automatically triggers a security response (blinding mode) without requiring user intervention, thus maintaining both convenience and security
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively activates blinding mode before unauthorized use can occur by detecting loss of proximity in advance. This preliminary security action prevents thieves from unlocking or starting the vehicle, addressing the security vulnerability before it can be exploited
2Reliability
If proximity monitoring and blinding functions are added to the key module, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key module integrates multiple functions (proximity monitoring via Bluetooth, communication with mobile device, blinding mode activation) into a single device. This multi-functional approach consolidates security features that would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The key module autonomously performs security monitoring and automatically activates blinding mode when threats are detected, without requiring external security systems or user intervention. The mobile device serves as both the authorization source and the control interface, simplifying the overall system architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
Measures for use in operating a key module (100) associated with a vehicle. The proximity of the vehicle key module to a mobile telephony device (102) associated with an authorised user of the vehicle is monitored at the vehicle key module (100). In response to the monitoring indicating that the distance between the vehicle key module and the mobile telephony device (102) has exceeded a predetermined threshold distance, the vehicle key module transmits a lack of proximity alert message to the mobile telephony device. An operational status change code associated with one or more of the vehicle and the vehicle key module (100) is received by the vehicle key module (100) from the mobile telephony device (102). On the basis of the received operational status change code, an operational status change in relation to one or more of the vehicle and the vehicle key module is initiated.