Replacement Vehicle Key Copying From Smartphone Key Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high cost of replacing vehicle remote keyless entry (RKE) systems, combined with the difficulty in finding compatible replacement keys and remotes, especially for older vehicles, create a challenging experience for consumers, often requiring specialized tools and dealership involvement, leading to high costs and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating replacement vehicle keys through image capture and processing, allowing users to order and receive a copy of their master key without needing to visit a physical location, using a handheld device or kiosk to capture key images, which are then processed to determine the necessary key bitting information for cutting a duplicate key blade, and optionally including transponder and rolling code information for pairing with the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional vehicle key replacement methods are used (visiting dealership or locksmith), then key replacement can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and expensive requiring specialized tools and services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing images of the master key with a digital camera or smartphone. The system creates a digital replica of the key's physical features (cuts, grooves, dimensions) and uses this copy to generate cutting instructions for manufacturing the replacement key, eliminating the need for physical key copying machines or locksmith expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key copying methods (physical key cutting machines, locksmith tools) with an optical-digital system. Instead of using mechanical measuring and cutting tools, the system uses image capture, computer vision algorithms, and digital processing to extract key features and control the cutting process, simplifying the user's required equipment to just a smartphone or camera
2Manufacturing precision
If professional key replacement services are used, then accurate key copying is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates multiple digital copies of the key from different angles and lighting conditions, then processes these copies through algorithms that identify and correct imaging errors. This digital copying approach maintains high precision by using redundant data and computational correction, achieving accuracy comparable to professional services without their premium pricing
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the captured key images are processed and validated against expected key feature patterns. The system can identify imaging errors, request additional photos, or automatically correct detected defects before finalizing the cutting instructions, ensuring high accuracy through iterative validation rather than relying solely on expensive professional equipment
3Ease of operation
If users capture key images remotely, then convenience is improved, but image quality and processing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system requests multiple key images from the user rather than accepting a single photo. By capturing excessive redundant data (multiple angles, multiple shots of the same features), the system ensures that even if some images are poor quality due to remote capture conditions, sufficient usable data exists to create an accurate key copy
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to users during the image capture process, guiding them on proper lighting, angle, and focus requirements. The system can immediately analyze captured images and request additional photos if quality is insufficient, maintaining measurement precision despite the convenience of remote capture by actively managing the imaging process through feedback loops
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to the field of replicating or copying keys. More specifically, the present invention relates to creating a copy of a master key based on a captured image of the master key. The present invention identifies a set of target key information based on the image of the master key to provide for the cutting of a duplicate key blade copy to be shipped to a user. Additional key information may also be captured along with the image of the master key.