Smartphone as Vehicle Key Using NFC Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle key systems require manual intervention to unlock doors or activate the ignition, which can be inconvenient and may lead to forgotten keys.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a short-range communication module, such as NFC, is used to send unlock or ignition signals to a vehicle, allowing it to perform these functions without further user intervention, and includes authentication mechanisms to ensure only authorized users can control the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smart vehicle key system is implemented, then convenience is improved by allowing users to leave keys in pockets or bags, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional communication modules and authentication mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) is designed to serve multiple purposes: it functions as both a general-purpose computing device and a vehicle key. The device uses existing communication capabilities (short-range wireless communication) to perform vehicle access functions, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated key device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle key system leverages the computing device's own existing resources (processor, communication module, authentication capabilities) to perform key functions. The device uses its built-in short-range communication module to communicate with the vehicle and its existing authentication mechanisms to verify user identity, without requiring additional external components.
2Reliability
If manual intervention is required to unlock doors or activate ignition, then security is improved through user control, but productivity deteriorates due to inconvenience and potential forgotten keys
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and authorization actions in advance. The computing device authenticates the user and obtains authorization to control vehicle functions before the actual access operation is needed. This preliminary authentication ensures security is maintained while enabling quick subsequent access operations without requiring manual intervention at the moment of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle system provides feedback to the computing device regarding authentication status and authorization levels. The computing device receives confirmation that the user is authenticated and what vehicle functions are authorized, allowing the system to automatically determine the appropriate access actions without requiring additional user input or manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If short-range communication is used for keyless operation, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating physical keys, but reliability may worsen due to potential communication failures or unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device acts as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle system. It receives user authentication inputs, processes authorization requests, and mediates the communication between the user and vehicle. This intermediary role adds a layer of security by verifying user identity and authorization before transmitting control signals to the vehicle, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining keyless operation convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, aspects of this disclosure are directed towards techniques for using a computing device to perform the functionality of a vehicle key, so that the computing device may be used to automatically unlock the doors of a vehicle and/or to activate a previously-deactivated keyless ignition system. The computing device may be associated with a vehicle, including sending an identifier associated with the computing device to the vehicle via short-range communication. The computing device may also send to the vehicle, via short-range communication, at least one unlock door signal including an access code verifiable by the vehicle, and wherein receipt of the at least one unlock door signal by the vehicle enables the vehicle to unlock one or more of its doors without further user intervention.