Vehicle Access Control via Virtual Key Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sharing systems face challenges in efficiently managing vehicle availability, user access, cost settlement, and security, particularly in preventing unauthorized starting and theft due to the physical presence of transponder keys.
Innovation Solution
A management system incorporating a central data processing file, a control module in each vehicle with wireless communication, and an intelligent key part that uses virtual keys transmitted via smartphones for access, starting, and stopping, eliminating the need for physical key presence and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transponder key is physically present in the vehicle for starting, then the vehicle can be easily started by authorized users, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to theft and unauthorized starting through burglary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transponder key functionality from the physical key and relocates it to a remote control device (smartphone). The control module in the vehicle communicates wirelessly with the smartphone, which contains the authentication code, eliminating the need for physical key presence in the vehicle while maintaining authorized starting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transponder key system with an electronic wireless communication system. Instead of using a physical key with embedded transponder that must be inserted into the ignition, the system uses wireless signals between the control module and smartphone to authenticate and enable vehicle starting, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic communication.
2Reliability
If a chip card system is used for vehicle access and starting, then security is improved through authentication, but the system becomes complex and requires additional hardware installation in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the smartphone serve multiple functions: it acts as both the authentication credential holder and the remote control device for vehicle operations. The control module in the vehicle communicates with the smartphone's existing wireless communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate chip card readers or additional authentication hardware in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's motor management system and the user's smartphone. It receives authentication requests from the smartphone, verifies credentials through wireless communication, and relays commands to the motor management system, simplifying the overall system architecture by consolidating control functions in a single module.
3Ease of operation
If multiple access methods (chip card, remote control) are provided for vehicle sharing, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of unauthorized access through lost or stolen physical keys increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the authentication credential in the smartphone instead of using a physical key or chip card. The virtual key stored in the smartphone application can be remotely revoked and reissued by the service provider through the central server, allowing convenient access for multiple users while eliminating the security risks associated with physical key duplication and loss.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a management system and method for the shared use of vehicles by key virtualisation on a wireless electronic device, comprising a central data processing file, an apparatus for wireless communication (preferably a smartphone) with the central data processing file and a control module present in each vehicle managed by the system, whereby through a data exchange between the apparatus for wireless communication and the control module of the vehicle, the vehicle is made ready for use characterised in that the control module comprises means for wireless communication that is operatively connected to the steering electronics of a transponder key of the vehicle.