Vehicle Key Access Management System Using Remote Static Identifier Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In shared or rental vehicle setups, distributing and managing physical keys can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when multiple users need access to vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A key access management system that communicates with a remote database to read and verify static identifiers, such as NFC chips, biometric data, or other unique objects/personal characteristics, allowing secure and convenient access to vehicles without the need for multiple keys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical keys are distributed to multiple users for shared or rental vehicles, then access control is achieved, but key management becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey managementVSAvoidnumber of keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces multiple physical keys with a single universal remote server that manages access for all users. The remote server communicates with the vehicle's key access management system to authenticate users and grant access, eliminating the need for multiple physical keys while maintaining secure access control.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of distributing physical copies of keys to multiple users, the system creates digital copies of access credentials stored in a database on the remote server. Each user receives a digital key representation that can be transmitted to their device, allowing multiple users to have access without requiring multiple physical key copies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple physical keys are distributed for vehicle access, then multiple users can access the vehicle, but security management and key distribution become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser access capabilityVSAvoidkey distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the key management functionality from the physical keys themselves and relocates it to a remote server. The remote server stores all access credentials and user information, communicating with the vehicle to authenticate users. This centralizes the complexity in one location rather than distributing it across multiple physical keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote server acts as an intermediary between users and the vehicle. Instead of users directly interacting with physical keys or the vehicle's locking mechanism, all access requests are routed through the remote server, which authenticates users and coordinates with the vehicle's key access management system to grant or deny access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If static identifiers are stored in a remote database and communicated to the vehicle, then access management is simplified, but communication infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess managementVSAvoidcommunication system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing all user credentials and vehicle access information in a database on the remote server before access is needed. When a user attempts to access the vehicle, the remote server quickly retrieves the stored credentials and communicates them to the vehicle's key access management system, enabling fast authentication without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4141825A1A method for allowing access to a vehicle and a fleet of vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD
  • EP4141825A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4141825A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4141825A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for allowing access to a vehicle (1), wherein the vehicle comprises a key access management (2) system in communication with a remote key access database (4); and at least one sensor for reading a static identifier (5-14); wherein the remote key access database (4) comprises identification information of static identifiers and a user profile associated with each static identifier, the method comprising: receiving (S1) identification information for at least one static identifier and the associated user profile from the remote key access database (4); storing (S2) the received identification information of the static identifier and the associated user profile in the key access management system (2) of the vehicle (1); reading (S3) identification information of a static identifier by the at least one sensor (5-14); comparing (S4) the read identification information with identification information in the key access management system (2); in response to finding a match of the read identification information in the key access management system (2), providing (S5) access to at least part of the vehicle. The disclosure further relates to a fleet of vehicles (30).