Vehicle Door Lock Release Using GPS and Smartphone Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle locking systems lack secure access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access and ensure reliable operation, especially in remote or offline conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system combining mechanical and electronic components, including a smartphone app, Bluetooth, HTTPS, and GPS, to control lock access based on predefined conditions and user authentication, with emergency release codes for offline scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical lock system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it lacks secure access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mechanical lock system with an electronic control system featuring GPS localization, Bluetooth communication, and a smartphone application. The electronic circuit integrates multiple functions including geofencing, authentication, and lock control into a unified system that works together with the mechanical components to provide secure access control while maintaining structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit serves multiple functions: it acts as a GPS receiver for location tracking, a Bluetooth module for wireless communication with the smartphone, a control system for the lock mechanism, and a geofencing engine for defining virtual boundaries. This multi-functional design enhances security without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Reliability
If GPS and Bluetooth systems are integrated for access control, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system requires internet connection and cloud communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes geofenced virtual boundaries and stores the necessary GPS coordinates and access parameters in the electronic circuit before the vehicle is moved. The smartphone application pre-configures the geofencing parameters and communicates them to the lock system in advance, allowing the system to operate autonomously based on pre-set conditions even when offline.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit independently processes GPS location data and compares it against stored geofencing parameters to determine whether to unlock or lock the vehicle. The system self-activates based on its own location data without requiring real-time cloud verification, enabling autonomous operation based on pre-configured security zones.
3Reliability
If geofencing and multiple authentication conditions are implemented, then only authorized persons can access the vehicle, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smartphone application serves as an intermediary between the user and the lock system. It handles the complex tasks of configuring geofenced areas, setting authentication parameters, and communicating with the electronic circuit via Bluetooth. This intermediary approach allows complex security logic to be implemented in the software layer without complicating the hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors GPS location data and provides feedback by automatically comparing the current position against stored geofencing boundaries. When the vehicle enters or exits a defined zone, the system receives feedback from the GPS module and automatically triggers the appropriate lock or unlock action based on the pre-configured security rules, creating a closed-loop control system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If emergency release codes are provided for offline scenarios, then the system remains operational without internet, but security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores multiple emergency release codes in the electronic circuit in advance, prepared for scenarios where internet connectivity is unavailable. These pre-stored codes provide a backup authentication mechanism that ensures the vehicle can still be accessed in emergency situations, cushioning against the potential security risk of offline operation by having pre-validated access methods available.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking and release system of a lock fitted on a vehicle comprising: a mechanical lock (10, 70) which is fixed on a door of a vehicle; an electronic circuit (11) associated with said lock (10, 70); said electronic circuit (11) comprises a Bluetooth communication device (13); an Internet communication device (14); a GPS localization device (15); said system further comprises: a cloud (30) containing the data for the management of said system; a management centre (35) of said system; said management centre (35) is adapted to communicate with said cloud (30); a smartphone (21); said smartphone (21) comprises a Bluetooth communication device (22); an HTTPS communication device (23); and a GPS localization device (24); said electronic circuit (11) and said smartphone (21) are adapted to communicate with said cloud (30); said smartphone (21) is adapted to communicate with said electronic circuit (11); said lock (10, 70) opens if the following conditions are met: the GPS position of the lock (10, 70) coincides with the delivery position; the GPS position of the smartphone (21) coincides with the delivery position; said smartphone (21) is recognized by the system; said lock comprises coupling means (56, 74), located on a first door adapted to close against closing means (59, 71) located on a second door and locking means (60, 78) adapted to lock said coupling means (56, 74) in the closed position.