Vehicle Key Allocation via Time Slot Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle opening systems are limited in the number of keys that can be registered, particularly in car sharing scenarios where multiple users require access, as allocating only one key per timeslot restricts the number of registered keys and lengthens the time to open the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The method allocates multiple keys to each timeslot, allowing for a higher number of keys to be registered by redistributing keys across timeslots in case of collisions, ensuring that only one key is used to open the vehicle within a maximum of three requests, thereby maintaining a short opening time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only one key is allocated per timeslot, then collision probability is reduced, but the number of registrable keys is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the key registration process into multiple timeslots (e.g., 8 timeslots), allowing keys to be distributed across different time segments. This segmentation enables more keys to be registered (512 keys with 8 timeslots) while maintaining collision avoidance within each timeslot, as only one key is allocated per timeslot during the opening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a time dimension to the key allocation problem by using multiple timeslots. Instead of allocating keys spatially (which would limit the number of keys), the system allocates keys temporally across different timeslots, expanding the solution space from a single-dimensional to a multi-dimensional approach.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple keys are allocated per timeslot, then more keys can be registered, but collision probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments both the key set and the timeslots such that while multiple keys can be registered in the system, only one key per timeslot is active during the opening process. This segmentation allows the system to support 512 registered keys across 8 timeslots without increasing collision probability, as the segmentation ensures mutual exclusion during actual key operation.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of timeslots is increased to accommodate more keys, then more keys can be registered, but the opening time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates only the necessary timeslots during the opening process. Even though multiple timeslots are configured in the system (e.g., 8 timeslots for 512 keys), the actual opening operation uses only one timeslot at a time, maintaining fast opening speed. The dynamics principle allows the system to have a large configuration space while operating efficiently in a reduced subspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The timeslots are segmented such that the system can quickly determine which timeslot contains the active key and process only that segment. This segmentation enables the system to support a large number of registered keys without proportionally increasing opening time, as the segmentation allows for efficient key search and activation.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple keys are allocated to each timeslot with redistribution, then more keys can be registered (512 keys), but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where keys automatically register themselves to timeslots without requiring complex manual allocation. The redistribution process is automated, with keys being reassigned to different timeslots based on collision detection, reducing the need for complex external management and simplifying the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor key collisions and automatically trigger redistribution when collisions occur. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain optimal key allocation without complex pre-planning, as the system self-corrects based on real-time collision detection, reducing the complexity of manual key management.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of keys are registered to the vehicle for opening the vehicle. A respective key must answer within a predetermined timeslot after a first request transmitted by the vehicle, in order to open the vehicle. Several such successive timeslots are provided and several keys are allocated to at least one of these timeslots.