Vehicle Key Casing BLE Setup via NFC Key Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method for setting up Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication between a vehicle remote control key casing and a vehicle is time-consuming and complex due to the use of complex pairing algorithms, which diminishes the responsiveness of vehicle functions.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) to securely exchange a BLE key between the key casing and the vehicle, allowing for a faster and simplified setup of BLE communication by storing the BLE key in a non-volatile memory and using it for subsequent BLE exchanges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex pairing algorithms (such as ECDH) are used for BLE protocol to ensure security at longer distances, then security is improved, but the pairing time increases and setup becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidpairing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the complex BLE pairing operation in advance during vehicle initialization or setup phase, before the user needs to use the key casing. The pairing result (encrypted shared key) is stored in the key casing's non-volatile memory, so that when the user later approaches the vehicle, the BLE connection can be established quickly without repeating the complex pairing algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces NFC communication as an intermediary mechanism to facilitate the BLE key exchange. The NFC interface provides a secure, short-range communication channel that enables the transfer of pairing information between the key casing and vehicle, simplifying the overall pairing process while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex pairing algorithms are executed before use of BLE protocol, then security is ensured, but the responsiveness of vehicle functions is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidresponsiveness of vehicle functions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex pairing operation is performed in advance during vehicle initialization or setup phase, before the user needs to use the key casing. The pairing result (encrypted shared key) is stored in the key casing's non-volatile memory, so that when the user later approaches the vehicle, the BLE connection can be established quickly without repeating the complex pairing algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the pairing operation from the functional operation. The pairing phase (complex, time-consuming) is distinct from the usage phase (quick, responsive). By segmenting these operations in time, the system ensures security is established beforehand without impacting the responsiveness of subsequent vehicle functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If BLE pairing is carried out prior to use of BLE protocol, then secure communication is established, but the time required for setting up communication increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure communicationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The complex pairing operation is performed in advance during vehicle initialization or setup phase, before the user needs to use the key casing. The pairing result (encrypted shared key) is stored in the key casing's non-volatile memory, so that when the user later approaches the vehicle, the BLE connection can be established quickly without repeating the complex pairing algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a copy of the paired state by storing the encrypted shared key in the key casing's non-volatile memory. This copied authentication information allows the key casing to re-establish the secure BLE connection quickly without performing the full pairing algorithm again, thus reducing setup time while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20250358613A1Set-up of BLE communication between a remote control key casing and a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 VALEO COMFORT & DRIVING ASSISTANCE
  • US20250358613A1 patent drawing
  • US20250358613A1 patent drawing
  • US20250358613A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for communication between a vehicle remote control key casing and a vehicle. The key casing and the vehicle are configured to communicate using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC) communication protocols. The method includes a pairing of the key casing and the vehicle for the NFC communication protocol. The method includes an exchange, using the NFC communication protocol, of a BLE key between the key casing and the vehicle. The method includes a set-up of a BLE communication between the key casing and the vehicle using the exchanged BLE key.