Ubiquitous Device Access Control for Vehicle Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users who own multiple vehicles with incompatible access control systems must carry multiple key fobs, which are inconvenient and bulky due to their size and the need to carry them along with other portable electronics.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing ubiquitous electronic devices such as cell phones, which often possess short-range wireless interfaces like Bluetooth, to provide access control to vehicles and secured areas by transmitting signals for unlocking or locking, eliminating the need for proprietary key fobs and reducing the number of items to carry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proprietary key fobs are carried for different vehicles, then access control functionality is maintained for each vehicle, but the device quantity and portability become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single ubiquitous device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop with wireless capability) to perform access control functions for multiple vehicles with different proprietary systems. The system achieves this by allowing the ubiquitous device to emulate different key fob protocols and communicate with various vehicle access systems, thereby eliminating the need to carry multiple specialized key fobs while maintaining compatibility with diverse vehicle systems
2Ease of operation
If multiple key fobs are carried along with other portable electronics, then access control is available, but the overall size and bulk in pockets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the access control functionality with ubiquitous devices that users already carry (smartphones, tablets, laptops). Instead of adding separate key fobs to the collection of portable electronics, the system integrates vehicle access control into devices users already have in their pockets or bags, thereby eliminating additional bulk while maintaining ease of operation
3Reliability
If dedicated key fobs are used for each vehicle, then reliable access control is achieved, but device complexity and incompatibility between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the ubiquitous device as a mediator between the user and multiple proprietary vehicle access systems. The ubiquitous device contains or can access multiple protocol implementations and acts as an intermediate layer that translates between different vehicle system protocols and the user interface, thereby maintaining reliable access control while hiding the underlying system incompatibilities from the user
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
Enables convenient and unified access control to vehicles and secured areas without the need for additional devices, leveraging existing wireless protocols and hardware in vehicles, while enhancing security through authentication and proximity-based access management.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver hardware capable of transmitting a limited range signal
Data Source
AI summary
A first device for use to gain access to a vehicle or to a controlled access item or area, wherein access is controlled by a second device. The first device for carrying on a person of a user and paired with the second device. The first device comprises components having a primary function not related to gaining access; a limited range transmitter for transmitting a signal to the second device, the second device receiving the signal and determining whether the signal was transmitted from the first device; responsive to determining that the signal was transmitted from the first device, the second device for issuing a control signal permitting the user to gain access to the vehicle or to the controlled access item or area.