Vehicle Authorization Using Spatial Signal Angle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for authorizing the use of motor vehicles lack effective protection against manipulation, particularly tampering with the signals used for authorization.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing two spatially separated antennas that emit and receive electromagnetic signals, with an identification transmitter determining the spatial components of these signals and only sending an authorization signal if the angle between them exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby detecting and preventing manipulation attempts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a portable ID transmitter is used for vehicle authorization, then the authorization process becomes more convenient, but the system becomes vulnerable to signal manipulation and tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization convenienceVSAvoidprotection against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the authorization verification into multiple independent components: multiple antennas (first and second antennas) are spatially separated to receive signals, and multiple spatial components (at least three components including direction of arrival) are independently determined. This segmentation allows the system to cross-validate signal characteristics and detect manipulations that would not affect all segments simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism by determining the spatial relationship between the ID transmitter and the vehicle. Instead of directly trusting the authorization signal, the system uses spatial component analysis (angle of arrival, direction vectors) as an intermediary check to verify the signal's authenticity before granting authorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If signal transmission is simplified for faster authorization, then the authorization speed increases, but the detection of manipulation attempts decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization speedVSAvoidmanipulation detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by determining spatial components (direction of arrival, spatial vectors) before final authorization is granted. This preliminary action of analyzing signal spatial characteristics allows the system to quickly identify and reject manipulated signals without compromising the overall authorization speed, as the spatial analysis is integrated into the signal reception process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple antennas are used to improve security, then protection against manipulation increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against manipulationVSAvoidantenna system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiple antennas in the system serve multiple functions: they act as signal receivers for authorization, spatial component analyzers for manipulation detection, and reference points for determining the ID transmitter's position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced security through multiple spatially separated signal reception points.

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

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

This method significantly enhances protection against signal manipulation by ensuring that only valid authorization signals are transmitted, making it more difficult for tampering to succeed and maintaining the integrity of the authorization process.

Implementation Method 1

the first vehicle antenna emits a first signal, which is received by the ID transmitter antenna... the second vehicle antenna emits a second signal, which is received by the ID transmitter antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the identification transmitter determines at least one of the spatial components of the first electromagnetic field of the received first signal, preferably using an angle-resolving magnetic field sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3433138B1Authorizing the use of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

The invention relates in particular to a method for authorizing the use of a motor vehicle comprising at least one first and one second antenna, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are spaced apart from each other, by means of a portable identification transmitter which has an identification transmitter antenna. In order to prevent manipulations, the method comprises the following steps: The first vehicle antenna transmits a first signal which is received by the identification transmitter antenna. The identification transmitter determines at least one of the spatial components of the first electromagnetic field of the received first signal. The second vehicle antenna transmits a second signal which is received by the identification transmitter antenna. The identification transmitter determines at least one of the spatial components of the second electromagnetic field of the received second signal. A first computer determines the angle at least between the determined spatial components.