Vehicle Key Authentication Sequence Against Relay Theft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for authenticating portable remote control devices for motor vehicles are insufficient in preventing vehicle theft, as they can be easily misused by malicious individuals who can remain discreetly near a vehicle for an extended period.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that authenticate a portable remote control device by requiring a set of specific steps to be performed three times within predetermined time intervals, ensuring the presence and cooperation of at least two operators and verifying the device's ability to operate vehicle locks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an elongated registration step is performed to authenticate a new portable remote control device, then the authentication reliability is improved, but the vulnerability to theft increases as thieves can remain discreetly near the vehicle for a long time without attracting attention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication reliabilityVSAvoidtheft risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is divided into multiple distinct steps (first step: locking control interface operation; second step: lock operation with remote device; third step: opening all openings) that must be performed in sequence. This segmentation transforms a single long vulnerable registration step into multiple discrete actions with different security requirements, reducing the window of opportunity for theft while maintaining authentication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic authentication steps with predetermined time intervals between them. The system determines whether a set of steps has been performed three times during a time interval, with each performance separated by a time interval. This periodic structure prevents continuous surveillance-based theft while ensuring proper device authentication through repeated verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple steps are required to be performed three times with predetermined time intervals, then the security against theft is improved, but the authentication process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidauthentication process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication system automatically monitors and determines whether the required steps have been performed the correct number of times within the specified time intervals. The computer system on board the motor vehicle self-manages the authentication process without requiring external intervention or complex manual procedures, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a set of steps including locking control interface operation and lock operation is required, then the authentication security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication securityVSAvoiddevice operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The portable remote control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a traditional key (with retractable key capability) and a remote control device (with radio frequency signal transmitter). This multi-functionality allows the device to operate both the locking control interface inside the vehicle and the external locks, simplifying the authentication process while maintaining security through versatile device capabilities.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4347325B1Method and system for authenticating a portable remote-control device that is able to be used for starting a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4347325B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4347325B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for authenticating a portable remote-control device that is able to be used for starting a motor vehicle, to a system implementing such a method and to a motor vehicle comprising such a system.