Vehicle Authorization Using Approach Vectors and Biometrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional key fobs and keyless entry systems provide low security, are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, and lack personalization, making them inconvenient and insecure for vehicle access.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a computing device and a vehicle that communicates using ultra-wideband hardware to determine an approach vector and authenticate users through biometric data, providing multiple levels of security and personalized access based on a chain of trust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional key fobs or keyless entry systems are used, then vehicle access is provided, but security level remains low and vulnerability to attacks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system is divided into multiple independent components: approach vector determination module, biometric authentication module, and chain of trust verification module. Each component performs a specific security function, collectively providing multi-factor authentication that significantly enhances security without requiring a single complex security mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary between the user and the vehicle. This intermediary carries out biometric scanning, approach vector calculation, and authentication communication, thereby protecting the vehicle's core security systems while adding multiple verification layers through the intermediary device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional keys or key fobs are used, then vehicle access is enabled, but convenience decreases due to size and misplacement risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of accessVSAvoidsecurity level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical key systems and radio frequency key fobs with an optical and computational approach. The mobile device uses camera-based biometric scanning and computational geometry for approach vector determination, substituting mechanical authentication with optical-field and information-processing methods that are both more convenient and more secure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring a physical key object, the system creates a digital copy of the user's biometric characteristics (facial features, iris patterns, etc.) stored in the mobile device. This digital biometric copy serves as the authentication credential, eliminating the need for physical keys while providing enhanced security through unique biological identifiers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If single factor security systems are used, then access control is provided, but personalization and identification capabilities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization capabilityVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the approach vector and authentication context. The system can adjust authentication requirements, provide personalized welcome messages, and modify vehicle settings based on the identified user, transforming a static security system into a dynamic, personalized experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it acts as a biometric scanner, a computational unit for approach vector determination, a communication interface with the vehicle, and a personalization engine. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple capabilities into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing personalization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12049193B2System and method for vehicle authorization
Publication Date: 2024.07.30 APPLE INC
  • US12049193B2 patent drawing
  • US12049193B2 patent drawing
  • US12049193B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system provides a personalized and secure user experience to access a secured asset, such as a vehicle. A first communication is transmitted, and a second communication is received in response to the first communication. An approach vector is determined based on the first communication and the second communication. The approach vector is compared with a known approach vector, a request for authentication is transmitted based on the comparison. A response to the request for authentication is received, and access to an asset is granted based on the approach vector and the response to the request for authentication.