Virtual Vehicle Key Wireless Transmission for Shared Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle access control methods using physical keys are inconvenient for shared vehicle usage, as they require physical possession and limited location-based key management, restricting access and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing virtual vehicle keys, where a central facility generates and wirelessly transmits a virtual key to a handheld device, allowing secure access to vehicles without prior pairing, enabling flexible access and location-independent usage within a specified time window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical keys are used for vehicle access control, then reliability of access control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience of delivering physical keys to multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of vehicle keys in the form of digital data that can be transmitted to multiple users. Instead of physically distributing identical key copies, the system generates digital key representations that can be delivered electronically to any number of authorized users, maintaining security while eliminating physical distribution constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical key system with an electronic/digital key system. The virtual key operates through wireless communication protocols rather than mechanical insertion, substituting the physical mechanical interaction with electromagnetic field-based authentication, thereby eliminating the need for physical key handling and delivery
2Device complexity
If physical keys are used for vehicle access, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to location-based access restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual key system provides universal access capability across multiple locations and devices. A single virtual key can be used on multiple handheld devices and can grant access to vehicles regardless of geographic location, making the access system versatile and location-independent while maintaining relatively simple operation
3Ease of operation
If virtual vehicle keys are transmitted wirelessly to multiple devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security risk increases due to potential key leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization checks before transmitting virtual keys. The central facility verifies user credentials and vehicle availability in advance, establishing secure communication channels before key distribution, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining convenient key delivery to authenticated users
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the central facility monitors key usage, device authentication status, and vehicle access events. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to detect and respond to potential security threats, revoke compromised keys, and maintain security while enabling convenient multi-device access
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 convenient, secure, and flexible vehicle access for multiple users without physical keys, allowing vehicle sharing without location restrictions and 24/7 access management, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a handheld wireless device at the vehicle via a short-range wireless communications signal
Implementation Method 2
wirelessly transmitting the virtual vehicle key to the handheld wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of managing virtual vehicle keys includes: receiving at a central facility a request to use a vehicle; receiving an identifier of a handheld wireless device at the central facility; generating at the central facility a virtual vehicle key that permits vehicle access using the handheld wireless device; and wirelessly transmitting the virtual vehicle key to the handheld wireless device and a vehicle the handheld wireless device has authorization to access.