Vehicle Safety Device Authentication Using Distance-Based Mobile Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle keyless entry systems require separate ID transmitters for authentication, which are costly, energy-intensive, and insecure, as they need to carry additional devices for LF signal communication, and often mobile devices like smartphones cannot be used due to lack of LF transmitters and receivers.

Innovation Solution

A method using a remote control device with a radio unit that determines its position and the vehicle's position via GPS or mobile phone location, calculating the actual distance and activating vehicle functions when within a defined target distance, allowing contactless authentication and eliminating the need for a separate ID transmitter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate ID transmitter with LF communication interface is used for keyless entry, then authentication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile communication device is made multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a mobile communication device and as a keyless entry authentication device. The device uses its existing radio communication capabilities to perform authentication functions, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated ID transmitter with LF communication interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functionality of the separate ID transmitter is merged with the mobile communication device. Instead of requiring two separate devices (ID transmitter and mobile device), the patent combines the authentication functionality into the mobile device itself, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate ID transmitter is carried for keyless entry, then authentication is enabled, but additional space and cost are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication functionalityVSAvoidadditional hardware

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile communication device performs dual functions: mobile communication and keyless entry authentication. This eliminates the need to carry a separate ID transmitter, reducing the quantity of hardware the user must carry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication functionality of a dedicated ID transmitter is copied and implemented within the mobile communication device using its existing radio communication capabilities, eliminating the need for separate physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If LF signal transmission is used for keyless entry, then authentication communication is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication communicationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the dedicated LF radio communication system with the mobile device's existing radio communication capabilities (such as cellular or wireless communication protocols), which are already optimized for energy efficiency in mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device uses its existing radio communication infrastructure for both mobile communication and authentication purposes, avoiding the need for a separate energy-consuming LF transmission system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If active keyless entry is used requiring operator action, then security control is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is initiated automatically by the mobile communication device when it detects proximity to the vehicle, without requiring the operator to perform any active action such as pressing a button. The device preliminarily prepares and executes the authentication sequence automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile communication device performs the authentication function automatically itself when near the vehicle, without requiring active operator intervention. The system serves itself by detecting presence and initiating authentication autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3188937B1Method for remotely controlling at least a first function of a safety device of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.11.29 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for remotely controlling at least a first function of a safety device (1) of a vehicle (2), wherein a remote control device (10) has a first radio unit (12) whereby a connection to a mobile radio network (4) can be operated. According to the invention, the following steps are carried out: a) determining the position of the vehicle (2); b) determining the position of the remote control device (10); c) determining an actual distance (20) between the position of the vehicle (2) and the remote control device (10); d) comparing the actual distance (20) with at least one defined desired distance (21), wherein the first function is activated if the actual distance (20) is less than or equal to the desired distance (21).