Vehicle Keyfob Location Sensing for Smartphone-Free Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional real-time location systems relying on smartphones for determining the location of objects face barriers when users do not carry a smartphone or prefer not to do so, particularly in scenarios where vehicles are adapted to operate with smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the location of a vehicle keyfob relative to an object using a vehicle keyfob that communicates wirelessly with the object, receiving parameter information from a primary device like a smartphone, and utilizing sensors and remote devices to determine the keyfob's location based on signal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a smartphone is used as the primary device for real-time location determination, then the location accuracy and system reliability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when users do not carry a smartphone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a keyfob as an intermediary device that carries authentication information and communicates with the object. The keyfob serves as a mediator between the user and the object, enabling location determination and authentication without requiring the user to carry a smartphone. The keyfob receives authentication information from the smartphone when available, and can independently communicate with the object to enable operations.
2Ease of operation
If a keyfob is used instead of a smartphone, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to authentication information transfer requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication by having the smartphone transfer authentication information to the keyfob in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the keyfob is pre-configured with necessary credentials before it needs to independently operate. The authentication information is transferred beforehand, so when the user needs to operate the object without a smartphone, the keyfob is already prepared and no additional complexity is introduced at the moment of use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary communication link is added for parameter transfer, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyfob is designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating in multiple modes: it can receive authentication information via a secondary communication link from a smartphone, store this information, and then communicate with the object via a primary communication link. This universal design allows the same device to function both as a standalone authentication device and as a device that can be configured by a smartphone, providing adaptability without requiring separate devices for different functions.
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 accurate and real-time location determination of the keyfob relative to the object, allowing authorization and authentication without requiring the user to carry a smartphone, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna system configured to communicate wirelessly with the object, where the vehicle keyfob and the object are configurable to communicate wirelessly via a primary communication link
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.