Shared Vehicle Virtual Key Access for Secure User Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing shared vehicle access lack efficient methods for authenticating and managing user privileges, leading to potential unauthorized access and inconvenience in vehicle usage.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a reservation management device to generate and manage virtual keys for vehicles, allowing authentication through verification of user credentials via identification devices, enabling secure and flexible access control by providing virtual keys to both vehicle and user devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional access control systems are used for shared vehicles, then security against unauthorized access is maintained, but user convenience and access flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual copies of physical access keys in the form of digital credentials stored on user devices. These virtual keys replicate the authentication function of traditional physical keys while enabling remote provisioning, transfer, and management capabilities that enhance user convenience without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical key-based access control systems with electronic/digital authentication mechanisms. The system substitutes physical key insertion and turning actions with electronic credential verification through communication interfaces, enabling features like remote access granting, automated authentication, and digital credential management.

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

2Ease of operation

If physical keys are used for vehicle access, then simple authentication is achieved, but key management and security control become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication simplicityVSAvoidkey management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a key management server as an intermediary between users and vehicles. This centralized system handles all key provisioning, storage, transfer, and revocation operations, thereby simplifying the user experience while managing the inherent complexity of secure key management infrastructure in the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to perform key management operations themselves through automated processes. Users can request, receive, transfer, and manage their own access credentials through the system interface without requiring manual intervention from administrators, thereby simplifying key management while maintaining security controls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If centralized key management is implemented, then security control is improved, but system complexity and communication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the key management system into distinct functional modules: a key management server for centralized control, vehicle devices for local authentication, and user devices for credential storage. This segmentation allows each component to have specialized, simplified functionality while maintaining overall system security through their coordinated interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11787367B1Systems for shared vehicle access
Publication Date: 2023.10.17 GEOTAB INC
  • US11787367B1 patent drawing
  • US11787367B1 patent drawing

AI summary

To utilize a shared vehicle, a user can request access to the vehicle, which results in the generation of a virtual key. The virtual key is provided to a plurality of different devices, such as a vehicle device at the vehicle, and a user device in the possession of the user. Access to the vehicle can be granted and maintained by verification of the virtual key against data from an identification device at the vehicle, or from the user device. In this way, multiple options for vehicle access are available to the user, which increases flexibility and user-friendliness.