Vehicle Locking Key Handover Using QR-Based Digital Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle locking systems face complexity when transferring access authorization using digital mobile keys, especially when a customer arrives without a physical key or a smart card, requiring a cumbersome digital key handling process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an optically detectable machine-readable code, such as a QR code, is used on a vehicle key that allows for the storage, transmission, and deletion of digital keys, enabling seamless access authorization through a smartphone, maintaining the simplicity of physical key processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a digital mobile key is used for vehicle access, then convenience and contactless access are improved, but key transfer and authorization processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a QR code (visual copy) to represent the digital key authorization. Instead of transferring complex digital credentials directly between devices, the system creates a visual representation (QR code) that can be scanned and processed, simplifying the transfer process while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a physical key apparatus as an intermediary carrier. The QR code is displayed on or associated with a physical key, which then serves as the medium for transferring authorization information to the vehicle system, bridging the gap between digital and physical access methods.
2Ease of operation
If a physical key is used for vehicle service, then simple handover process is maintained, but digital key transfer capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the physical key form factor with digital key capabilities. The QR code is integrated onto or associated with the physical key apparatus, merging the simplicity of physical key handover with the functionality of digital key transfer, allowing both modes to work together seamlessly.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical key apparatus is given multiple functions: it serves as a traditional physical key for mechanical access and simultaneously displays a QR code for digital authorization transfer. This multi-functional design allows the same object to handle both simple handover scenarios and digital key transfer scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If digital key transfer is enabled without physical key, then contactless access is improved, but key revocation and management become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the vehicle locking system can request and verify digital key authorization through the QR code. This creates a closed-loop system where key transfer, verification, and revocation can be tracked and managed, providing feedback control over the authorization process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for activating a vehicle locking system, an optically detectable machine-readable code is detected. At least one message that identifies the vehicle locking system and that includes or represents the code is transmitted. At least one message that identifies the vehicle locking system and that includes or represents the code is received. A digital key for the vehicle locking system is determined, in particular from a database that is assigned to the vehicle locking system by the at least one message. The digital key is transmitted to a transfer device that is identified by the code and that is arranged in a housing of the apparatus for activating the vehicle locking system. The digital key is stored in the memory, and the digital key is transmitted in response to a request by the vehicle locking system.