Vehicle Key Functions via Audio-Based Remote Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for remotely locking or unlocking vehicles via radio communication or packet-switched networks require the user to be within a short distance or have network connectivity, limiting remote control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a communication network capable of transferring audio data, where a remote unit sends a sound sequence to a vehicle to perform key-related functions, including authentication through challenge responses, allowing remote control without proximity or network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If radio communication is used for remote control, then key-related functions can be controlled remotely, but the user must be within a short distance range of the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoiddistance range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses audio data as an intermediary carrier to transmit control commands. Instead of direct radio communication between remote control and vehicle, the system converts control signals into audio data that can be transmitted through communication networks, enabling remote control beyond radio distance range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the radio wave-based communication system with an audio data transmission system. By substituting the communication medium from radio waves to audio data packets, the system overcomes the distance limitation of radio communication while maintaining remote control functionality.

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

2Length of stationary object

If packet-switched network communication is used for remote control, then remote control can be achieved beyond radio distance, but the vehicle must be capable of communicating over packet-switched networks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance rangeVSAvoidnetwork compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the audio data transmission system universally compatible with various communication networks. By using audio data as the communication medium, the system can operate over different network types (packet-switched, circuit-switched, VoIP networks) without requiring vehicle-specific network capabilities, thus enhancing versatility.

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

3Reliability

If sound sequences are used for authentication, then security is enhanced through challenge-response mechanism, but communication protocol complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoidcommunication protocol
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements authentication through periodic challenge-response exchanges using sound sequences. The vehicle sends a challenge sound sequence, the remote control processes it and returns a response sound sequence. This periodic interaction provides security while maintaining a relatively simple protocol structure based on standard audio data transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3813392B1Remote control of a system of key related functions of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RES & DEV CO LTD
  • EP3813392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3813392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3813392B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A method for remotely controlling a system of key related functions of a vehicle wherein the system is connectable with a remote unit over a communication network capable of transferring audio data is disclosed. The method comprises receiving (102) at the vehicle over the communication network a sequence for the system wherein the sequence comprises a first sound sequence, and performing (106) a key related function in the system in response to receiving the sequence. Corresponding computer program product and arrangements are also disclosed.