Vehicle Locking System with Biometric Verification for Private Space Security

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle locking systems for private spaces like trunks and glove compartments are cumbersome to manage, especially when temporary third-party access is required, as they often require carrying a sub-key or using the main key, which compromises security and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A locking system incorporating a communication unit, smart key with unique information, mobile device with unique information, biometric information acquisition units, and verification units that wirelessly connect and verify information to control locking and unlocking of private spaces, ensuring only registered individuals can access these areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a main key is given to a third party agent for temporary tasks, then the agent can access the vehicle, but private spaces become vulnerable to unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConvenience of temporary key transferVSAvoidSecurity of private spaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides key functions into two separate keys: a main key with full vehicle access and a sub key with limited access to only driving functions. This segmentation allows the main key to be given to agents for temporary tasks while the sub key retains full security capabilities for the owner, resolving the contradiction between convenience and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sub key is designed with differentiated access rights - it can unlock the vehicle doors for driving purposes but cannot access private spaces like the trunk or glove compartment. This local quality approach grants appropriate permissions for temporary agents while maintaining security for sensitive areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a sub key is carried for secure access control, then private spaces remain secure, but user convenience deteriorates due to the burden of carrying multiple keys

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecurity of private spacesVSAvoidConvenience of key management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the functionality of multiple keys into a single smart key unit that contains both main key and sub key capabilities. The biometric authentication system further consolidates security verification into one integrated process, eliminating the need for users to physically carry and manage separate keys while maintaining security levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical key system with a biometric authentication system using fingerprint recognition. This substitution eliminates the need for physical key cards or fobs, providing contactless authentication that maintains security while significantly improving convenience and eliminating the burden of carrying multiple keys.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If biometric verification is implemented for all access, then security is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecurity verification accuracyVSAvoidComplexity of authentication system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements biometric verification selectively rather than universally - it is applied only when a sub key is detected or when access to private spaces is attempted. For main key operations, traditional authentication methods suffice. This partial application of biometric verification maintains high security where needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity in routine operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10049518B2Locking system
Publication Date: 2018.08.14 DENSO CORP
  • US10049518B2 patent drawing
  • US10049518B2 patent drawing
  • US10049518B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locking system includes a communication unit, a key including a first unique information, the key being capable of wirelessly connecting to the communication unit, a mobile device including a second unique information, the mobile device being capable of wirelessly connecting to the communication unit, a first verification unit that verifies the first unique information, a locking device configured to lock and unlock the space, a locking device controller that controls the locking device, a biometric information acquisition unit that acquires biometric information capable of identifying an individual, and a second verification unit that verifies the second unique information and the biometric information. After the first unique information and the second unique information are verified, the biometric information is verified, the space is unlocked when the acquired biometric information matches, and the space is locked or maintained in a locked state when the acquired biometric information does not match.