In-Vehicle Charging Device for Portable Terminal Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle control systems require multiple keys or dedicated devices for multiple users, and existing solutions for remote vehicle operation are complex and lack ease of use, especially when wireless communication is disabled.

Innovation Solution

An in-vehicle system that uses a general-purpose portable terminal for vehicle control, including a charging device with power supply and communication capabilities, and a control device with authentication and vehicle control functions, allowing easy operation of the vehicle through near-field wireless communication and authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple keys or dedicated portable devices are prepared for multiple users, then vehicle access and control are enabled for each user, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle access capabilityVSAvoidnumber of keys or dedicated devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling general-purpose portable terminals (smartphones, tablets) to function as vehicle keys through a charging device with communication capabilities. Instead of requiring separate dedicated key fobs for each user, any portable terminal can authenticate and control the vehicle by placing it on the charging device, which establishes near-field wireless communication. This multi-functional approach allows a single charging device to replace multiple dedicated key devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements copying by transmitting authentication information from the portable terminal to the vehicle control device through the charging device. The authentication data is copied and verified by the control device, allowing the portable terminal to assume the role of a traditional key without requiring physical duplication of key fobs. This enables multiple users to access the vehicle using their own portable terminals rather than requiring multiple physical keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If existing remote vehicle control solutions are implemented, then vehicle operation is enabled remotely, but the system becomes complex and difficult to use, especially when wireless communication is disabled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote vehicle controlVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the charging device as an intermediary between the portable terminal and the vehicle control device. When wireless communication between the portable terminal and vehicle is unavailable, the charging device mediates the authentication process by establishing near-field wireless communication with the portable terminal and relaying authentication information to the vehicle. This intermediary approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining security, as users only need to place their terminal on the charging device without needing to understand complex communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically performing authentication and control operations once the portable terminal is placed on the charging device. The charging device automatically establishes communication, transmits authentication information, and the vehicle control device automatically verifies credentials and executes control commands. Users do not need to manually configure settings or understand the underlying complex processes, making the system easy to operate despite its technical sophistication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If general-purpose portable terminals are used for vehicle control, then user convenience is improved, but security risks from unauthorized access increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle control accessibilityVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing authentication verification at the vehicle control device side rather than relying solely on the portable terminal. The charging device establishes near-field wireless communication that is inherently limited to close proximity, and the vehicle control device independently verifies authentication information before executing control commands. This localized verification ensures that even if a portable terminal is compromised, unauthorized vehicles cannot be controlled without valid authentication credentials verified by the vehicle's own control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication actions before allowing vehicle control operations. The charging device must first establish near-field wireless communication with the portable terminal, then transmit and verify authentication information before the vehicle control device will respond to control commands. This preliminary verification step ensures that only authenticated portable terminals can control the vehicle, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of use for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables easy starting and locking/unlocking of vehicles using a general-purpose portable terminal, improving user convenience and security by limiting access and preventing unauthorized use.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply part that supplies power to the portable terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power supply part that supplies power to the portable terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

communication with the portable terminal is performed when the portable terminal is installed on the charging device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field wireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9134956B2In-vehicle system, vehicle control method, and vehicle control system
Publication Date: 2015.09.15 OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9134956B2 patent drawing
  • US9134956B2 patent drawing
  • US9134956B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An in-vehicle system has a control device that controls a vehicle, and a charging device provided in the vehicle, in which a portable terminal is chargeable. The charging device has a power supply part that supplies power to the portable terminal, and a communication part that communicates with the portable terminal when the portable terminal is installed on the charging device. The control device has an authentication part that authenticates first authentication information received by the communication part from the portable terminal, and a vehicle control part that controls whether to permit starting of the vehicle based on an authentication result of the first authentication information.