NFC Electronic Key Storage for Dead Battery Vehicle Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in unlocking vehicles using remote computing devices, such as smartphones, when the device has a low or dead battery or when communication with the server is degraded, leading to unsafe and inconvenient situations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing near field communication (NFC) technology on remote computing devices to store and use electronic keys, even when the device is powered off, and providing time-limited electronic keys that can be used to unlock vehicles in areas with poor connectivity, ensuring secure and temporary access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a remote computing device requires power to communicate with and unlock the vehicle, then the device can transmit electronic keys reliably, but the device cannot unlock the vehicle when the battery is dead or depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces NFC technology as an intermediary communication method that enables key transmission without requiring the remote device to be powered on. The NFC tag on the remote device stores electronic key data that can be read by the vehicle's NFC reader, serving as a mediator between the user and the vehicle unlocking system when traditional powered communication fails
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-provisioning NFC tags with electronic key data while the device is still functional. This allows the key information to be stored in advance on the remote device's NFC tag, so that unlocking capability is preserved even after the battery dies, as the key data was prepared and stored beforehand
2Ease of operation
If electronic keys are provided without time limitations, then users can unlock the vehicle at any time, but unauthorized access cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key validity by making electronic keys time-limited rather than permanent. The system automatically invalidates keys after a predetermined time period, creating a dynamic security mechanism that adapts over time. This allows convenient access during the valid period while automatically preventing unauthorized use after expiration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of key validity by imposing time limitations on electronic keys. Keys are configured with expiration timestamps, and the system monitors and enforces these time parameters, automatically revoking access rights after the specified duration to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining convenience during the valid period
3Reliability
If the remote computing device loses communication with the server, then the device cannot receive new electronic keys, but the user may be locked out of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key distribution system into offline and online components. The NFC tag on the remote device stores electronic key data locally, enabling offline unlocking capability independent of server communication. This segmentation allows the system to maintain core functionality (vehicle unlocking) even when server connectivity is lost, while still providing secure key management when connected
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 vehicle unlocking even with a dead battery or in areas with poor communication, while preventing unauthorized access by limiting the key's validity, thus enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Implementing near field communication (NFC) technology on remote computing devices to store and use electronic keys
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for unlocking a vehicle. An example vehicle unlock system includes a remote computing device configured to determine that the remote computing device will enter a compromised status in which the remote computing device cannot communicate with a server, responsively request an electronic key, and unlock the vehicle using the electronic key. The system also includes a server configured to store and transmit the electronic key.