Electronic Key Registration via Network ID Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic key registration systems lack robust security measures, making them vulnerable to unauthorized key registration and misuse.

Innovation Solution

An online electronic key registration system that utilizes a registration tool connected to an information center via a network, where an operator ID is verified to generate a registration permission signal, ensuring only authorized personnel can register electronic keys to a vehicle's controller, enhancing security through ID verification and location/time validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electronic key registration systems are used without operator ID verification, then the registration process is simple and fast, but security is compromised and wrongful key registrations can occur

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidregistration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an information center as an intermediary between the registration tool and the key registration process. The information center verifies operator IDs and issues registration permission signals, acting as a mediator that enhances security without requiring direct complex verification mechanisms in the registration tool itself. This resolves the contradiction by centralizing the security function while keeping the registration tool relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of the operator ID at the information center before allowing the key registration process to proceed. The registration permission signal is issued in advance after verification, ensuring that only authorized operators can perform registration. This preliminary action prevents wrongful registrations while maintaining a streamlined process for authorized users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If operator ID verification and location/time validation are implemented, then wrongful key registrations are reduced, but the registration process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration accuracyVSAvoidregistration process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated electronic verification systems. The information center automatically verifies operator IDs, checks location information, and validates time stamps through electronic communication networks. This substitution of mechanical/manual verification with automated electronic processes reduces the time penalty associated with enhanced security measures while maintaining high registration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a network-connected information center is used for verification, then security is enhanced through centralized control, but system complexity and network dependency increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information center is designed as a multi-functional system that handles operator ID verification, location validation, time stamping, and registration permission issuance through a single network interface. This universal approach consolidates multiple security functions into one centralized system, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate verification systems for each function. The registration tool itself remains relatively simple, communicating all verification requirements through the single information center intermediary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2657917B1Electronic key registration system and corresponding method
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 KK TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
  • EP2657917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2657917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2657917B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic key registration system (14) includes a controller (4) arranged in a communication subject (1) communicable with an electronic key (2). A registration tool (17) is in wired or wireless connection with the communication subject (1). The registration tool (17) registers the electronic key (2) to the controller (4) when receiving a registration permission signal (Sok). An information center (25) is connected to a network. The registration tool (17) includes an operator ID acquisition unit (29) that acquires an operator ID from a key registration operator. A communication unit (21) sends the operator ID to the information center (25) through the network. The information center (25) includes an operator ID verification unit (32) that verifies the operator ID received from the registration tool. A permission information notification unit (33) sends, when the operator ID is verified, a registration permission signal (Sok) to the registration tool (17) through the network to permit the registration tool to perform the registration process.