Vehicle Digital Key Interface Using Local Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many vehicles still rely on legacy systems that require a physical key for access and operation, limiting access to those in possession of the key and not leveraging mobile technology for enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a physical key with a digital interface, enabling control via mobile devices using a real-time clock for synchronization and cryptographic keys to authorize access and operation, allowing access and operation without the physical key through mobile applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a physical key system is used for vehicle access, then the system is simple and reliable, but access is limited to only those in possession of the physical key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a key interface as an intermediary component that bridges the physical key system and digital devices. This interface receives commands from mobile devices and translates them into actions that control vehicle access and operation, enabling digital access without directly modifying the core physical key system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical physical key system with a hybrid system that incorporates digital communication protocols. Mobile devices communicate wirelessly with the key interface, substituting the need for physical key contact while maintaining compatibility with existing mechanical locking mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a digital key interface is added to enable mobile device access, then access versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the access control system into separate functional modules: a key interface module that handles digital communications, a clock module that provides timing synchronization, and a control module that executes access commands. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the integration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The key interface is designed to handle multiple functions including receiving access commands, verifying cryptographic signatures, synchronizing timestamps, and controlling various vehicle operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby limiting overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If cryptographic verification is implemented for secure access, then access security is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of timestamps between the mobile device and the vehicle's clock before cryptographic verification. This preliminary action ensures that both parties operate from a common time reference, simplifying the cryptographic protocol by pre-establishing trust parameters and reducing the complexity of real-time verification.
4Measurement precision
If timestamp synchronization is used to control access timing, then access control precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's clock system serves itself by providing timestamp information to both the key interface and mobile devices without requiring external time sources. This self-service approach to time synchronization eliminates the need for complex network time protocols or external GPS timing, reducing system complexity while maintaining precise time control.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems and methods are presented regarding controlling access to a vehicle. Access of the vehicle, by a second device, can be controlled by a first device utilizing authentication keys, access duration, and/or generation of access confirmations and access revocations. Respective timing of operations can be based on one or more timings generated by a real-time clock located on the vehicle. Further, in the event of an access confirmation not being received from the first device at a defined time, access of the second vehicle can be revoked. Communications between the respective devices can utilize short-range wireless communications. Access to the vehicle can be via controlling a digital/electronic interface, which can be further connected to a smart key configured to control operation of a vehicle door, engine/motor, and suchlike. The first device and the second device can be portable/mobile devices (e.g., one or more cellphones).