Vehicle Key Imaging and Remote Code Extraction for Replacement Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of remote keyless entry systems in vehicles makes it difficult and expensive for car owners to find and obtain replacement keys, especially for older vehicles that are no longer supported by manufacturers or dealerships.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for duplicating house and vehicle keys using a key duplication device with a touch screen display, an integrated transponder reader, a camera, and communications interface to capture images of a master key, determine key bitting information, and send this data to a remote server for processing, allowing for the creation and delivery of replacement keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional key duplication methods are used (locksmith or dealership), then key replacement can be obtained, but the process becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying technology to capture images of the master key blade and transponder data, then creates a digital replica that can be used to manufacture duplicate keys. This eliminates the need for physical key cutting equipment at retail locations and simplifies the duplication process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the key code information and transponder data from the master key using an imaging device and reader, separating these critical elements from the physical key. This allows the essential duplication data to be captured and transmitted electronically without requiring the entire key manufacturing process to occur at the service location.
2Reliability
If manufacturer or dealership services are used for key replacement, then authentic keys can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires locating specific service providers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary that receives key imaging data from retail locations, processes the information, and returns authentication codes for key manufacturing. This mediator enables authentic key production at distributed locations without requiring customers to travel to manufacturer or dealership service centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary key authentication and code generation remotely before the actual key manufacturing process. By pre-processing the key data and generating authentication codes in advance at the retail location, the system eliminates the need for customers to wait at dealerships or locksmiths, significantly reducing the time to obtain replacement keys.
3Reliability
If remote keyless entry systems incorporate advanced security features (rolling codes, encryption), then vehicle security is improved, but key duplication becomes more difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical key cutting and programming systems with optical imaging and digital data transmission. By using cameras to capture key blade geometry and readers to extract transponder information, then transmitting this data electronically to generate authentication codes, the system simplifies the duplication process while maintaining support for advanced security features like rolling codes and encryption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to automatically extract bitting information, such as keycode information, for replicating original/master key. System comprises an imaging device that scans the key blade of the original key and sends images to the server where the keycode gets extracted using an iterative software algorithm based on maximum likelihood principle. In one example a system comprises a kiosk which includes SBC (Single Board Computer), imaging device, touch screen and transponder identification module determines compatible SKU (from internal SKU database) if needed, and a compatible key with a matched cut key blade gets delivered to the location of Kiosk to get paired to the car. Another type system comprises a Smartphone/tablet with CKE application instead of KIOSK to scan the original keyblade. The application sends images to a central server for decoding and cutting a duplicate key, and a compatible duplicate key with matched cut key blade is delivered to the associated customer.