Vehicle Authentication Using Rotatable Throttle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional user authentication systems for vehicles, such as physical keys and radio frequency fobs, can be compromised if lost, leading to potential unauthorized access or theft.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes existing vehicle components, like a rotatable throttle-control handle, to create a passcode by operating these components in predetermined ways, which is compared to a reference passcode stored in the vehicle's memory to grant access, offering an additional or standalone security mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional authentication systems (physical keys or radio frequency fobs) are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because security can be easily compromised by losing keys or fobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using existing vehicle components (throttle-control handle, brake levers, clutch lever) for dual purposes: their original functions and as input devices for authentication. The throttle-control handle can both control vehicle speed and serve as a passcode input device by rotating to specific positions, eliminating the need for separate authentication devices and improving reliability without sacrificing ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If existing vehicle components are used as input devices for passcode authentication, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication function with existing vehicle control operations. Instead of adding separate authentication devices or procedures, the system combines passcode input with normal vehicle component operations. For example, rotating the throttle-control handle to specific positions during normal operation serves dual purposes: controlling vehicle speed and inputting passcode digits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple authentication mechanisms are required (security boost feature), then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the passcode into multiple digits that can be input through different operations on existing vehicle components. The authentication process is segmented into discrete steps (rotating throttle to specific positions, operating brake levers) that correspond to individual passcode digits. This segmentation allows for multiple authentication mechanisms (security boost) while utilizing already-complex vehicle control systems, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and associated systems for unlocking a vehicle. The vehicle has a first input device and a second input device. The method includes (1) receiving a passcode from the first input device; (2) receiving a confirmation of the passcode from the second input device; and (3) in response to the confirmation, storing the passcode in a storage device associated with the vehicle. The passcode is input by operating the first input device in a first predetermined way, and, the confirmation is input by operating the second input device in a second predetermined way.