Smart Key Wireless Updating via In-Vehicle Mediated Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for updating smart key software in vehicles are inconvenient and costly, as they require physical visits to service centers and involve high labor and part costs, especially since wireless or wired reprogramming is not feasible due to quality issues or software changes.
Innovation Solution
A smart key wireless update control apparatus and method that enables wireless updates of smart key software based on wireless communication, allowing updates to be performed even when the vehicle is not in a stop condition, by using a communication device to receive update information from a server and a processor to manage the update process based on the presence and number of smart keys in the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless update method is developed for smart key like vehicle internal controller, then update convenience is improved, but battery capacity limitation and limited time inside vehicle make wireless updating difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading and storing update information in the vehicle's storage device before the smart key needs updating. The communication device receives update information from a server and stores it in advance, so that when the smart key is updated, the data is already available locally, reducing the time and energy required during the actual update process.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's communication device and storage device serve as intermediaries between the update server and the smart key. Instead of the smart key directly communicating with the server (which would drain its battery), the vehicle system handles the wireless communication and data storage, then transfers the update data to the smart key through a low-energy interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart key replacement is performed to improve quality and functionality, then software changes and function addition are achieved, but service center visit and high costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing smart key updates to be performed automatically by the vehicle's control system without requiring user intervention or service center visits. The processor detects when update information is available and automatically installs it on the smart key, making the maintenance process autonomous and convenient for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical replacement process with an electronic/software-based update process. Instead of physically replacing the smart key hardware at a service center, the system uses wireless communication to transfer and install software updates, eliminating the need for manual intervention and service center visits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless update is performed when vehicle is not in stop condition, then update flexibility is improved, but reliability of update process may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The processor continuously monitors vehicle status and provides feedback to determine appropriate update timing. It checks whether the vehicle is stopped or moving, and only initiates updates when conditions are favorable (vehicle stopped), ensuring reliability while maintaining flexibility by being ready to update whenever the opportunity arises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its update strategy based on real-time vehicle conditions. It can prepare update data when the vehicle is stationary and transfer it to the smart key during appropriate moments, adapting the update process to the vehicle's operational state rather than requiring a specific fixed condition.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart key wireless update control apparatus and method are disclosed. The smart key wireless update control apparatus includes a communication device configured to wirelessly receive information for a wireless update of smart key software from a server outside a vehicle. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to perform the wireless update of the smart key software according to presence or absence of a smart key in the vehicle and a number of smart keys present in the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a storage configured to store data and algorithms driven by the processor.