On-Demand Driver Softkey Generation and Proximity Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face challenges in having their vehicles transported from one location to another, especially when they are incapacitated or unable to drive, and existing solutions lack efficient and secure methods for vehicle access and monitoring during on-demand driver services.
Innovation Solution
An on-demand driver system that generates softkeys for vehicle access, allows for secure unlocking and starting without physical keys, and monitors vehicle location and route adherence, ensuring safe and authorized transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical keys are used for vehicle access, then vehicle security is maintained, but access efficiency and convenience are reduced for on-demand drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical keys with softkeys (digital copies) that are transmitted electronically to authorized on-demand drivers. The softkey system creates a virtual replica of the key function without using the physical key itself, enabling contactless and efficient vehicle access while maintaining security through encrypted transmission and authorization protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical key insertion and turning system with an electronic authentication system. The softkey is transmitted via wireless communication and executed through electronic controls, replacing the mechanical interaction between physical key and ignition switch with an electronic signal-based access method.
2Productivity
If on-demand drivers can access vehicles without physical keys, then service speed is improved, but risk of unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vehicle system communicates with the authorization server to verify softkey validity before granting access. The system receives confirmation that the softkey is authorized and active, providing real-time feedback that prevents unauthorized access while enabling rapid authenticated access for legitimate on-demand drivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an authorization server as an intermediary between the vehicle and the on-demand driver. The server mediates the authentication process by verifying credentials and issuing softkeys, acting as a trusted third party that enables fast access for authorized users while blocking unauthorized access attempts.
3Ease of operation
If softkeys are transmitted to on-demand drivers, then vehicle access convenience is improved, but potential for key theft or misuse increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic softkeys that are time-limited and single-use or limited-use. The softkey parameters change based on time, location, and usage conditions, making stolen or intercepted softkeys invalid after their authorized window expires. This dynamic特性 prevents long-term misuse even if a softkey is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary authorization verification before transmitting the softkey. The system checks the on-demand driver's credentials, vehicle ownership, and service authorization in advance, and only issues softkeys to verified users. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized individuals from obtaining softkeys in the first place.
Data Source
AI summary
Example on-demand driver (ODD) systems and methods are described herein. An example method includes generating, with an ODD system, a softkey for a vehicle associated with an agreement between a driver-in-need (DIN) and an ODD, monitoring, with the ODD system, a location of an ODD device carried by the ODD, and transmitting, with the ODD system, the softkey to the ODD device when the ODD device is detected as being within a proximity of the vehicle. In the example method, the softkey is used to unlock the vehicle.