Vehicle Keyfob Location Authentication Without a Smartphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time location systems (RTLS) for objects, such as vehicles, rely on smartphones for location determination, which creates a barrier when users do not carry a smartphone, as they are not universally available and may not be carried at all times.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a vehicle keyfob with an antenna system to communicate wirelessly with an object, allowing for location determination based on received parameter information, enabling authentication and authorization without the need for a primary device like a smartphone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smartphone is used as the primary device for location determination and authentication, then the system can provide accurate real-time location tracking and secure access control, but the system becomes inaccessible to users who do not carry a smartphone
Solution Approach 1:
A keyfob serves as an intermediary device between the user and the object. The keyfob receives authentication parameters from a smartphone (when available) and stores them locally, enabling the keyfob to independently authenticate with the object without requiring the smartphone to be present. This mediator approach allows users to access objects using a simple keyfob while still leveraging smartphone authentication capabilities when the smartphone is available.
Solution Approach 2:
Authentication parameters are transferred from the smartphone to the keyfob in advance through a preliminary pairing process. The keyfob stores these parameters locally, so that when the user needs to access an object, the authentication can proceed using only the keyfob without requiring the smartphone to be present or operational at the moment of access.
2Device complexity
If a keyfob is designed without a display to simplify the device and reduce cost, then the device becomes more portable and affordable, but the user cannot visually verify information or interact with the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The keyfob operates autonomously without requiring visual feedback or user input through a display. Authentication parameters are automatically transmitted when the keyfob enters the proximity of the object, and the authentication process occurs without user intervention beyond simply carrying or holding the keyfob. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a display while maintaining ease of use through automatic operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the keyfob stores authentication parameters locally to enable independent operation, then the device can function without a smartphone, but the device size and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keyfob is designed as a simple, low-cost device with minimal processing power and small memory capacity. Rather than attempting to store large amounts of data or perform complex computations, the keyfob stores only essential authentication parameters and relies on the object's system for heavy processing. This approach enables independent operation while keeping the device small and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyfob serves as a lightweight intermediary that stores minimal authentication credentials and delegates complex authentication processing to the object's system. This mediator role allows the keyfob to enable independent operation without requiring significant processing power or memory, keeping the device small and simple.
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
Enables location determination and authorization of a keyfob relative to an object, such as a vehicle, even when a smartphone is not present, facilitating secure and convenient access or control of the object.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna system configured to communicate wirelessly with the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for determining location information of a vehicle keyfob relative to an object. The system and method may include communicating with a primary device (e.g., a smartphone) having primary device authentication information with respect to the object, and receiving parameter information, such as keyfob authentication information, from the primary device.