Wireless Automobile Key Service via Mobile Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyless entry systems for automobiles are inconvenient due to the need to carry both electronic and mechanical keys, are costly to replace, and have limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A wireless automobile key system that allows users to control their vehicle using a mobile device, connecting via personal area networks and cellular networks to send commands to the vehicle's onboard systems, enabling functions like locking, unlocking, starting the engine, and monitoring vehicle health through a dedicated service server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional keyless entry systems are used, then remote door locking and unlocking is enabled, but the operator must carry both electronic and mechanical keys increasing the number of items to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical key function from the traditional key system and replaces it with a mobile device-based wireless communication system. The mobile device serves as the sole access credential, eliminating the need to carry separate mechanical keys while maintaining remote door locking and unlocking capabilities through wireless signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is utilized for multiple functions including door locking, door unlocking, and potentially other vehicle control functions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what previously required separate physical keys into a single device, reducing the total number of items the operator must carry.
2Ease of operation
If conventional keyless entry systems are used, then remote vehicle control is possible, but the system has limited functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device-based system provides universal access control for multiple vehicle functions including door locking, door unlocking, and can be extended to other vehicle control operations. This approach enables a single device to handle diverse functions that previously required different physical keys or access methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different operational requirements by using wireless communication protocols that can be flexibly configured for various functions. The mobile device can establish different communication modes and protocols depending on the specific function being accessed, enabling versatile functionality without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Reliability
If electronic key is lost, then keyless entry functionality is compromised, but replacement process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service key replacement by allowing the vehicle owner to register new mobile devices or replace lost keys through wireless communication without requiring visits to authorized service centers. The vehicle's control system can autonomously authenticate and pair with new mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual programming and reducing replacement time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service provider system that acts as an intermediary between the vehicle and the mobile device. This intermediary facilitates automated key registration and replacement processes, enabling remote provisioning and reducing the time and complexity associated with key replacement while maintaining system security and reliability.
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
Enhances convenience by eliminating the need to carry physical keys, reduces replacement costs, and expands functionality by allowing remote control and monitoring of vehicle systems through a mobile application.
Implementation Method 1
When a particular button is pressed, the electronic device emits a radio wave having a specific frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a wireless automobile key service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting whether the mobile device is connected to the automobile over a first network, launching a wireless automobile key service application on the mobile device when it is detected that the mobile device is connected to the automobile over the first network, and receiving, via the application from an operator of the automobile using the mobile device, a request to issue a command to the automobile. The method further includes determining whether the requested command is a first command or a second command. The method further includes when the requested command is a first command, sending, from the mobile device to a server over a second network, a request to issue the first command to the automobile. The method also includes when the requested command is a second command, sending, from the mobile device to the sever over the second network, a request to issue the second command to the automobile, and receiving, at the mobile device from the server over the second network, status information associated with the automobile.