Offline Vehicle Access via Rolling Code Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing keyless vehicle access systems, such as those used in car-sharing services, require an internet connection for mobile devices to open vehicles, limiting their use in areas without constant connectivity and increasing energy consumption and administrative costs.

Innovation Solution

A method allowing vehicles to be opened via a mobile device using a direct connection or ad hoc network, where the mobile device receives an identifier, generates a remote code, and transmits it to the vehicle for comparison with a locally generated code, enabling vehicle access without an internet connection, and utilizing rolling codes to prevent replay attacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an internet connection is required for mobile device to open vehicle, then security and centralized control are improved, but accessibility in areas without connectivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the access control functionality into two segments: offline capability (direct vehicle-mobile device communication) and online capability (server-mediated communication). This segmentation allows the system to operate in both connected and disconnected states, resolving the contradiction between security (improved by server connection) and accessibility (improved by offline capability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing direct communication channels and exchanging cryptographic materials between the vehicle and mobile device before internet connectivity is needed. This preliminary setup enables offline access while maintaining security, as the vehicle can verify mobile device credentials without requiring real-time server connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If internet connection is required for vehicle access, then centralized control is improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by allowing the vehicle to communicate with the mobile device independently of continuous internet connectivity. The vehicle can perform access control operations periodically using stored credentials, only connecting to the server when needed for credential updates or centralized management tasks, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining centralized control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If seed key is hard-programmed into vehicle or key, then security is improved, but adaptability to car-sharing services deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transforms the static, hard-programmed seed key into a dynamic credential system. Instead of a fixed seed key, the vehicle and mobile device exchange cryptographic materials that can be updated, revoked, and reissued through the server. This dynamic approach maintains security through cryptographic verification while enabling adaptability for car-sharing services where credentials need to be frequently updated and shared among multiple users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of credential storage from static (hard-programmed seed key) to dynamic (exchangeable cryptographic materials). By changing how credentials are stored and managed - using public-key cryptography and server-mediated credential distribution - the system achieves both security (through cryptographic verification) and adaptability (through flexible credential management for multiple users and vehicles).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3504677B1Method and system for opening and/or using at least one vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 IPGATE CAPITAL HLDG AG
  • EP3504677B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504677B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3504677B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Until now, the problem of allowing the interaction between mobile terminals and vehicles in the event of a lost internet connection has not been sufficiently solved. According to the invention, the problem is solved by a method for opening and/or using at least one vehicle (10), having the following steps: a) receiving an identifier (15), which is assigned to a target vehicle (10), by means of a mobile terminal (20); b) transmitting the identifier (15) to a server (30), in particular via a mobile network (5); c) receiving a key data set (40) from the server (30); d) transmitting the key data set (40) and/or a code (41) generated on the basis of the key data set (40) as a remote code (43) to the target vehicle (20); e) receiving the remote code (43) by means of the target vehicle (10); f) generating at least one local code (42) by means of the target vehicle (10); g) comparing the remote code (43) with the at least one local code (42) by means of the target vehicle (10); and h) opening and/or releasing the target vehicle (10) and/or executing a vehicle command (51) on the target vehicle (10) if at least one of the local codes (42) matches the remote code (43).