Wearable Virtual Keys With Two-Factor Vehicle Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Phone-as-a-key (PaaK) system for vehicle access is vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized use, as it relies solely on smartphone-based authentication, lacking robust security measures to prevent malicious access.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle access system that implements a two-factor authentication process using virtual keys in mobile and wearable devices, requiring approval from a registered owner's device before granting access to vehicle functions, including door unlocking and engine starting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smartphone-based PaaK system is used for vehicle access, then user convenience is enhanced, but the system becomes vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is segmented into two distinct factors: something the user possesses (smartphone with PaaK app) and something the user knows or verifies (biometric data or passcode). This segmentation ensures that neither factor alone can compromise security, while both together provide convenient yet robust protection against unauthorized access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary verification layer between the smartphone and vehicle access. The server acts as a mediator that receives authentication requests, verifies both authentication factors, and only then grants vehicle access. This intermediary process prevents direct unauthorized communication between the smartphone and vehicle, enhancing security while maintaining convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional key fob systems are replaced with PaaK systems, then mechanical key dependency is eliminated, but new vulnerability vectors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic smartphone-based authentication system. The physical key fob is substituted by a mobile device running the PaaK application, which communicates with the vehicle through wireless networks. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and loss issues while introducing cryptographic security measures including two-factor authentication to protect against electronic hacking attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication actions before granting vehicle access. The server pre- verifies both authentication factors (smartphone possession and biometric/passcode verification) before authorizing any vehicle functions. This preliminary verification ensures that even if the communication channel is compromised, the attacker cannot gain access without both factors, thus preventing hacking vulnerability while enabling versatile keyless access.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing vehicle access is disclosed. The method may include obtaining a request to access a vehicle from a first user device. The method may further include determining whether the first user device is a user device registered with the vehicle. Responsive to determining that the first user device is unregistered, the method may include transmitting a first authentication request to a second user device. The second user device may be a user device registered with the vehicle. The method may further include obtaining a first authentication response from the second user device in response to first authentication request transmission. The method may additionally include outputting a first control signal to a first vehicle unit based on the first authentication response.