Vehicle Locking System Optical ID Unlocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle locking systems are often perceived as uncomfortable and inflexible due to their geometric dimensions and require a convenient and flexible method for unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an electronically readable identification document with an optically detectable identifier to establish communication links with the vehicle locking system and an identification server, allowing for secure and convenient unlocking by matching the read electronic identification with a pre-stored one.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a vehicle key is used to unlock the vehicle locking system, then the locking system can be securely opened, but the key is perceived as uncomfortable and unwieldy due to its geometric dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of unlocking operationVSAvoidgeometric dimensions of key
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vehicle key system with an optical identification system. Instead of inserting a physical key into a lock cylinder, the system uses an optically detectable identifier (such as a barcode or QR code) on an identification document that can be scanned by a vehicle locking system equipped with an optical sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for manual key manipulation and removes the discomfort associated with key geometry.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or representation of identification information that can be remotely detected. The identification document contains an optically detectable identifier that serves as a copy of the user's authorization data, allowing the vehicle locking system to verify identity without physical contact. This copying approach replaces the need for a physical key with a visual/optical equivalent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If smart cards or NFC stickers are used to unlock vehicle locking systems, then unlocking becomes more convenient, but these require special vehicle locking systems and are produced and set up separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of unlockingVSAvoidspecialized system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal unlocking system that can work with various types of identification documents (passports, driver's licenses, ID cards) that already contain optically detectable identifiers. Instead of requiring specialized smart cards or NFC stickers, the system can read standard optical codes from commonly available identification documents, making the solution broadly applicable without requiring users to obtain special accessories.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical identifier as an intermediary between the user's identification and the vehicle locking system. This intermediary (the optically detectable code) can be placed on existing identification documents, serving as a bridge that allows standard ID documents to communicate authorization information to the vehicle system without requiring specialized cards or electronic components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If optical detection is used to read the identifier, then communication link can be established without physical contact, but secure verification of the identification document is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless unlockingVSAvoidauthentication security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vehicle locking system optically detects the identifier, verifies it against stored authorization data, and provides feedback by either unlocking or maintaining the locked state. This closed-loop verification process ensures that only authorized identification documents can trigger the unlocking action, maintaining security while enabling contactless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables a convenient and flexible unlocking mechanism for vehicle locking systems, ensuring secure access while maintaining system integrity through encrypted and authenticated communication links.

Implementation Method 1

optical detection of the optically detectable identifier of the electronically readable identification document

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2881289B1Method for unlocking a vehicle locking assembly
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP2881289B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2881289B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2881289B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for unlocking a vehicle locking system of a vehicle using an electronically readable identification document, wherein the electronically readable identification document has an optically detectable identification identifier, comprising optically detecting (101) the optically detectable identification identifier of the electronically readable identification document, establishing (103) a first communication connection between the electronically readable identification document and the vehicle locking system based on the optically detected identification identifier, establishing (105) a second communication connection between the vehicle locking system and an identification server, and reading (107) an electronic identification from the identification document by the identification server via the first communication connection and the second communication connection.and unlocking (109) the vehicle locking system when the read electronic identification matches a pre-stored electronic identification.