Mobile Smart Key Access for Self-Rental Vehicle Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rental vehicle transaction processes are inefficient and inconvenient, particularly in the use of mobile devices for supporting rental vehicle transactions, as they lack automation and require physical keys or direct interaction with rental service providers.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing mobile devices to streamline rental vehicle transactions by enabling automated self-rental capabilities, where mobile devices act as smart keys for door lock/unlock and ignition functions, eliminating the need for physical keys and allowing customers to manage transactions, including reservations and vehicle access, through a mobile application and communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys are distributed to renters for vehicle access, then reliable vehicle access control is achieved, but device complexity and key management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical keys with digital copies stored on mobile devices. The key fob contains a copy of the vehicle's encryption key, allowing the mobile device to authenticate with the vehicle's control unit without requiring physical key distribution or management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical key-ignition system with an electronic authentication system. The mobile device communicates with the vehicle's control unit via radio frequency, replacing the mechanical insertion and turning of physical keys with wireless digital authentication.
2Productivity
If automated self-rental systems are implemented, then transaction efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device perform multiple functions: it serves as identification, stores encryption keys, communicates with the vehicle, and enables both door unlocking and engine starting. This consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single universal device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables renters to independently complete the entire rental transaction process using their mobile devices - from authentication to vehicle access to engine starting - without requiring rental staff intervention. The system serves itself by leveraging the renter's existing mobile device rather than requiring specialized rental equipment.
3Ease of operation
If mobile devices replace physical keys, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of access control may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital copies of encryption keys stored securely in the mobile device's memory. These digital copies provide the same security function as physical keys but with the convenience of electronic storage and transmission, maintaining security while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical key insertion mechanism with wireless radio frequency communication between the mobile device and the vehicle's control unit. This substitution maintains security through cryptographic authentication while eliminating the mechanical limitations of physical keys.
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
This system enhances the efficiency and convenience of rental vehicle transactions by enabling automated self-rental processes, reducing the need for physical key distribution and minimizing customer interaction with rental service providers, while ensuring secure and authorized access to vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor in the rental vehicle to detect information from a mobile device... A sensor installed in the self-rent rental vehicle can detect the customer's mobile device (or a code stored by the RFID chip on a fob)
Implementation Method 2
The control hardware is configured to unlock a door of the self-rent rental vehicle in response to determination that the customer is entitled to access to the self-rent rental vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3~4(c)
AI summary
A number of techniques are disclosed for rendering making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.