NFC Control Device for Keyless Vehicle Unlocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating motor vehicles require users to actively interact with keys or mobile devices to unlock or lock vehicles, which can be inconvenient, especially when multiple users need different settings for various vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
A method using an NFC-enabled mobile terminal device to communicate with an NFC control device integrated into the vehicle, allowing users to change the locking state and configure vehicle functions by proximity, eliminating the need for physical keys and enabling seamless operation through authentication and encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional radio key or keyless entry function is used, then the vehicle locking system can be operated, but the user must actively perform actions (pressing buttons or touching sensor surfaces) which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal device automatically performs authentication and vehicle control functions without requiring the user to actively press buttons or touch sensors. The system detects the mobile device's presence, initiates NFC authentication automatically, and executes the predetermined function (locking/unlocking) without user intervention, making the system serve itself rather than requiring active user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical key insertion and physical button pressing with contactless NFC (Near Field Communication) technology. The mechanical interaction between key and lock, or finger and button, is substituted by electromagnetic field-based NFC communication between the mobile terminal and vehicle control unit, eliminating the need for physical contact and reducing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active user action is required to unlock/lock the vehicle, then security can be maintained, but the operation becomes inconvenient especially for multiple users with different settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal mobile terminal device that all users already possess (smartphone, tablet, or wearable device with NFC) instead of requiring individual physical keys or programmed remote controls for each user. The single NFC-based system serves multiple users by automatically identifying them through their mobile devices and applying their predetermined settings, making the system universally applicable while maintaining user-specific adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures different vehicle settings and authentication parameters for multiple users in advance. When a user approaches the vehicle, the system automatically retrieves the appropriate predetermined settings associated with that user's mobile device and applies them without requiring the user to manually select or configure options during the locking/unlocking operation.
3Ease of operation
If physical keys are eliminated in favor of mobile devices, then convenience is improved, but the system requires NFC authentication infrastructure adding technical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC control unit acts as an intermediary between the mobile terminal device and the vehicle's central control unit. It handles the complex NFC authentication protocol, cryptographic verification, and communication protocols, shielding the user from these technical complexities. The intermediary absorbs the technical complexity while presenting a simple user experience of merely bringing the mobile device near the vehicle.
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 simple and secure operation of motor vehicles without physical keys, allowing users to unlock, lock, and configure vehicle settings using a mobile device, enhancing convenience and usability for multiple users.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission and reception area of a NFC control device integrated in an outer door handle of the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle (10) in which a locking state (S1, S3) of a locking system of the motor vehicle (10) is changed as soon as a mobile terminal (18) having an NFC chip and a predetermined code in a storage device is detected in a transmitting and receiving region of an NFC control device integrated in the motor vehicle (10). The invention also relates to a control device (16) for operating a motor vehicle (10).