Optical Signal Authentication for Vehicle Locking Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle locking systems face challenges in providing reliable contactless user authentication, as radio-based methods are susceptible to external disruptions and lack tamper-proof security.

Innovation Solution

The system employs optical signal exchange using a transmission unit and an external transceiver, where optical signals are detected and processed to generate a response, ensuring secure and tamper-proof authentication through the use of algorithms stored on both the motor vehicle and external devices, allowing for contactless authentication with high reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio-based identification methods are used for contactless authentication, then user convenience is improved, but communication can be disrupted by external influences reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless authenticationVSAvoidcommunication stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radio-based electromagnetic communication with optical signal transmission. The transmission unit emits optical signals that are detected by optical sensors on the external transceiver, creating a tamper-proof authentication channel that is not susceptible to radio frequency disruptions or external electronic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium for data transmission between the motor vehicle and external devices. This optical intermediary provides a secure communication channel that prevents direct electromagnetic interference while maintaining contactless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional key insertion methods are used, then authentication security is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates due to physical contact requirement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical key insertion with optical signal-based authentication. The transmission unit emits optical signals that contain authentication data, which are received and processed by the external transceiver, eliminating the need for physical contact while maintaining security through tamper-proof optical communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If radio-based communication is used for key exchange, then device complexity is reduced, but security against tampering deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system simplicityVSAvoidtamper-proof security
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical signals as an intermediary that inherently provides tamper-proof security. The optical communication channel is physically difficult to intercept or manipulate compared to radio frequencies, providing enhanced security without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential vulnerability of electromagnetic communication into a security advantage by using optical signals. Optical communication is inherently more secure against eavesdropping and tampering, turning what could be a complex security requirement into a natural property of the communication medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach provides a secure, reliable, and tamper-proof authentication method that is less susceptible to external influences, ensuring a high level of fail-safety and secure code exchange, enabling contactless user authentication in motor vehicle locking systems.

Implementation Method 1

the transmitting unit emits the request in the form of optical signals, which are transmitted by means of at least one optical sensor can be detected at the external transceiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3033738B1Authentication method for checking the authorisation of a user for a motor vehicle locking system
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3033738B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an authentication method for checking the authorisation of a user for a motor vehicle locking system, wherein a challenge is generated and sent by a transmission unit (2) of a motor vehicle (1) and is received by means of an external transmission/reception apparatus (3) for the purpose of authentication and wherein the external transmission/reception apparatus (3) is used to generate a response from the challenge by applying an algorithm and the response is transmitted back from the external transmission/reception apparatus to a reception unit of the motor vehicle (1) for the purpose of checking and is evaluated, wherein the transmission unit (2) sends the challenge in the form of optical signals (4) that are sensed by means of at least one optical sensor (5) on the external transmission/reception apparatus (3).