Vehicle User Device Authentication Using FOB-Based Access Roles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle key systems are inconvenient for multiple users to access and control vehicles, especially in shared or family settings, as they require multiple physical smart keys and lack efficient registration and authentication processes for user devices.
Innovation Solution
A device registration and authentication apparatus within the vehicle that allows user devices to register and authenticate without a server, using a processor to detect the presence of a smart key (FOB) and classify user devices as master, general, or temporary based on FOB possession, enabling different control authorities and authentication processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple physical smart keys are distributed to multiple users, then each user can access and control the vehicle, but the complexity of key management increases and it becomes inconvenient for shared or family vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical smart keys with digital copies stored in user devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.). The vehicle control apparatus stores authentication information and control authority data in the user device, eliminating the need for multiple physical keys. When a user wants to access the vehicle, the control apparatus transmits control signals to the user device, which then communicates with the vehicle via Bluetooth or other wireless methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical key insertion system with an electronic authentication and control system. Instead of physically inserting a key into the ignition or door lock, the system uses wireless communication between the vehicle control apparatus and the user device to authenticate and grant control authority, completely eliminating mechanical key interactions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a limited number of smart keys are used in a vehicle, then the system remains simple to manage, but it becomes inconvenient for multiple users in shared or family vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic registration system where the vehicle control apparatus can flexibly register new user devices and adjust control authority levels based on user needs. The system allows the owner device to register other user devices and grant appropriate control authorities, enabling the system to adapt to changing user requirements without requiring physical key distribution. The control authority can be dynamically adjusted for different users and even for different vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication system where a single user device can serve multiple purposes: it can authenticate the user to the vehicle, transmit control signals, and even register new users. The owner device has the capability to register other user devices and grant control authorities, making the system universally applicable to any user without requiring separate physical keys for each user.
3Reliability
If user devices are registered with different control authorities, then secure and appropriate access control is achieved, but the authentication and registration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments control authority into different levels: owner authority and user authority. The owner device can register new users, grant control authorities, and manage access to specific vehicles. User devices have more limited authorities such as starting the engine, locking/unlocking doors, or accessing specific functions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain security while providing appropriate access levels to different users without requiring complex authentication for every action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary registration and authentication where the owner device pre-registers user devices and grants control authorities before the users need to access the vehicle. The authentication information and control authority are stored in advance in the user device, so when the user needs to access the vehicle, the process is already simplified. The system performs the complex authentication setup beforehand, making actual vehicle access straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for registering and authenticating a user device for vehicle control includes: a communication unit connected to the user device to receive an authentication request from the user device; an interface configured to communicatively connect with at least one antenna included in the vehicle and communicating with a FOB of the vehicle; and a processor configured to detect whether the user device is registered based on at least one of user information and device information included in the received authentication request, to detect whether a user of the user device has the FOB by using the at least one antenna, and to control a registration process of the user device which is set differently depending on whether the user has the FOB when the user device is not registered.