Autonomous Vehicle Compartment Access Using Proximity Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of last mile delivery, there is a need for a secure and efficient method for users to locate and access autonomous vehicles without human intervention, as existing systems are vulnerable to user error and opportunistic theft, and require a robust, tamperproof way to ensure only designated consignments are collected.
Innovation Solution
A consignment delivery method and system using control circuitry that allows users to securely locate and access autonomous vehicle compartments through a user device with GPS, providing one-click instructions for vehicle location, remote unlocking, and authentication-based access, ensuring only designated consignments are accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote vehicle unlock system is implemented without driver interaction, then user convenience and access speed are improved, but security against unauthorized access and theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is segmented into multiple independent verification layers: proximity detection (first threshold distance), authentication verification (second threshold distance), and physical barrier segmentation (vehicle barrier and compartment barrier). Each layer operates independently to provide cumulative security while maintaining user convenience through automated multi-factor verification.
2Productivity
If the vehicle load space is accessible to multiple users daily, then operational efficiency is improved, but the risk of user error and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user device proximity through feedback loops at two distance thresholds. When the user device enters the first threshold distance, the system prepares access protocols. When it enters the second threshold distance, authentication is triggered. The system provides real-time feedback on access status and maintains logs of all access events, enabling both efficient multi-user operation and security tracking.
3Reliability
If automatic locking mechanism linked to user location is implemented, then security against opportunistic theft is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic locking mechanism executes preliminary actions based on predicted user behavior patterns. The system pre-sets two distance thresholds and automatically initiates appropriate security protocols when users approach, eliminating the need for manual locking decisions. The vehicle barrier and compartment barrier are automatically engaged based on user location, providing enhanced security while maintaining simple user interaction through automated geofenced protocols.
4Ease of operation
If GPS location transmission is provided to users, then ease of locating vehicle is improved, but privacy and security against stalking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS location transmission system dynamically adjusts information disclosure based on user authentication status and proximity. When users are authenticated and within authorized distance thresholds, precise location information is transmitted to assist with vehicle location. When users are unauthenticated or outside authorized zones, location information is restricted or obscured. This dynamic information management enables both ease of vehicle location for legitimate users and protection against stalking by unauthorized individuals.
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 solution enables secure, efficient, and tamperproof access to autonomous vehicle compartments, reducing the risk of user error and theft by using proximity and authentication to ensure only the correct consignment is collected, enhancing security and convenience in last mile delivery.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using control circuitry, whether a user device is within a first threshold distance of a vehicle
Implementation Method 2
allow, with a 'one-click' instruction, a user to securely locate the vehicle (for example, using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar location means)
Data Source
AI summary
A consignment delivery method and a consignment delivery system comprising control circuitry is described. Control circuitry determines whether a user device is within a first threshold distance of a vehicle. A vehicle location is transmitted to the user device in response to determining that the user device is within the first threshold distance of the vehicle. Control circuitry determines whether the user device within a second threshold distance of the vehicle, wherein the second threshold distance is less than the first threshold distance. Control circuitry requests a user authentication from the user device in response to determining that the user device is within the second threshold distance of the vehicle. Control circuitry provides access to a compartment of the vehicle in response to receiving the user authentication.